The Ark of Dun Ruah, Book 1 (13 page)

CHAPTER 20

The Troglodyte Village

Simon, Kerry and the swiftails slipped through the cave entrance that was hidden high in the cliff face. They found themselves walking through a narrow tunnel that descended into the rock and opened into a long succession of caves and passages. After the last trace of moonlight faded, Simon lit a match. He stopped to examine the walls. They gazed at the banded white and orange rock embedded in the high walls and ceiling of the vast cavern in which they stood.

‘What beautiful colours,' Kerry exclaimed. ‘It looks like this whole place is on fire.'

‘Salt and iron oxide,' replied Simon. He was scraping the walls with his pocket knife and putting fistfuls of dust into his pockets.

‘What are you doing?' Dot asked.

‘This is perfect material for making explosives. It's an absolute goldmine for a pyrotechnic.'

‘Is that all you can think about?' snapped Kerry. ‘We're miles from home on this terrible island where Pod has been abducted and you're at it again … gathering salt and iron oxide for your crazy experiments!'

‘Hey, there's no need to snap at me,' replied Simon. ‘This stuff could come in very useful against those very same eagles who abducted Pod and—'

‘Calm down you two,' soothed Dot. ‘We're all tired and hungry from our long day of travelling.'

‘But we need some kind of weapon to use against Red Beak and his hordes,' said Simon.

‘Look!' interrupted Timmy. ‘There's light ahead.'

A tiny sliver of light shimmered at the end of the next passage. The swiftails flew towards the light followed by Kerry and Simon. They found themselves at the entrance of an enormous cavern which was almost the size of a football pitch. Moonlight poured down from a huge opening in the roof. In the centre of the cavern a small lake reflected the light of bright, silver moonbeams throughout the giant cave.

A wide, grass verge swept around the edge of the lake. Cave dwellings were carved into the white marble walls of the cavern. Women stood outside brightly-painted doors that opened into their cave homes, chatting among themselves. Twinkling lights flickered through rounded windows that were cut out of the rock. The children were playing and laughing at the lake side in a little playground filled with wooden swings and slides.

Browdan emerged from one of the cave homes with a flock of birds at his shoulders and feet. He spotted the travellers and came with outstretched arms to welcome the visitors to his underground village.

‘We have been waiting for you,' said Browdan as he wrapped his arms around them all. ‘We're so sorry to hear that your friend Pod didn't make it here. He is a very brave owl to risk being captured by the eagle army to save his friends. We have sent word to all the freebirds on the island to search for him. If he is still hiding out in the forest they will track him down.'

‘And what about Niamh?' said Simon.

‘We think Niamh escaped but we have no details about where she is at the moment. She knows the Abbey like the back of her hand. I'm sure she'll be back here before long. But enough talk. Now it's time for you to eat and rest. The villagers have prepared a great meal for you. Come and make yourselves at home.'

Kerry, Simon and the birds were treated to a troglodyte's feast. They sat at a long table by the lakeside, eating and talking late into the evening.

‘This is a magnificent cave,' Kerry told Browdan. ‘It is so beautiful and yet it's all hidden underground.'

‘The opening up in the roof of the cavern isn't entirely natural,' said Browdan. ‘We have doubled its original size by hacking away at it. But it does let in lots of light, by day, which is healthy for the children.'

‘But why haven't the eagles spotted this large hole from above?'

‘They have. But there's a very strong air current coming down here. It's like a chimney with a downdraught. Some of the eagles have got caught in it and dashed into the lake where they were drowned. So they call it ‘the black hole' and keep well clear of it. We also have some tricks of our own to scare them off. When the children see a nosey eagle looking down they start hissing like snakes. That scares most of them away. Red Beak knows there are some people living in the caves but he doesn't see us as a threat. He probably thinks that most of us have died of hunger over the past few years. We keep ourselves very well hidden.'

Late into the night Kerry, Simon and the swiftails sat by the lakeside. They shared their stories with the children and their parents and listened to the fasc inating folklore and history of the ancient island of Dun Ruah. With all the islanders had been through, Kerry was amazed at how contented they were. Their lives were simple and they survived on the support of close friends and family bonds.

That night some of the families invited them inside to stay in the cave houses. The people had chiselled out beautiful rooms in the white rock and moulded themselves very cosy homes, all brightly-decorated and reflecting the light from the glittering lake. Grateful for the luxury of comfortable beds, the travellers slept soundly through the night.

The next morning Browdan and the people of the cave village gathered together to offer their little group of visitors one of their boats to escape on.

‘We can't leave here until we find Pod and Niamh,' said Simon.

‘Malachy will find them,' said Browdan. ‘We should have news from him shortly.'

‘I'm not sure that I trust that man,' said Simon. ‘I know you all speak of him with great respect and I haven't met him myself, but why is he being so secret ive? Kerry says that he looks like the man who was creeping around the cathedral at Kilbeggin the night the eagle attacked him. Then he appeared on the Ark of Dun Ruah and every time I tried to talk to him he got away! It was very annoying! I think his behaviour is very suspicious. He could be one of Red Beak's spies. Did you ever think of that?'

‘But look how he helped us escape from the Abbey,' said Kerry.

‘Pod didn't escape, did he?' Simon remarked.

‘Did someone mention my name?' said a voice behind them.

It was the Messenger. And nobody had noticed his arrival.

‘Malachy,' cried Kerry. ‘You're here. And we were just talking about you.'

‘Good things I hope,' he said, fixing a smile on Simon. ‘I'm sorry this is not a social visit. I've come to bring you disappointing news. Red Beak has capt ured your friend Pod. His guards found him in the trees near the river. He was unable to fly with the weight of his feathers. There's bedlam up in the Abbey since you all escaped. Red Beak wants to murder all around him. You must all stay here for the moment until I discover more of what his plans are. I've also come to tell you some good news. Two of your friends are arriving at the old chapel in the village of Coracle. Perhaps you would go to meet them, Browdan?'

‘It must be Niamh,' cried Dot and Timmy together, swooping up into the air in delight. Everyone laughed to see them rejoicing.

‘But who is the other friend?' said Browdan. ‘Malachy where are you?'

But there was no answer. The Messenger had already vanished into the shadows.

CHAPTER 21

Preparing for Battle

Niamh and Coleman reached the chapel at the ruined village of Coracle early in the morning. They had been walking through the Pilgrim's Way all night. True to his word, Malachy the Messenger was waiting for them in the chapel. He had already opened a secret trapdoor on the flagstone floor, hidden under the altar. Here they emerged tired and hungry. Malachy offered them some water and fruit as refreshment. Then the prophet was on his way again. He left them with a warning.

‘Stay here until the cave people arrive to fetch you. And whatever happens, do not leave this chapel before they arrive.'

As Niamh and Coleman waited for the cave people, streams of morning light beamed down in shafts onto the walls of the chapel. The beautiful stained-glass windows of the church gave it a warm glow. They heard a tapping on the chapel door. Niamh looked through a small window to see who was outside.

‘Take a look, Coleman,' she said.

Niamh watched him strain to look through the glass. A big smile spread over his thin face.

A voice came from outside, ‘Niamh, if you are in there please open the door. Malachy has sent us to look for you. Hurry or we'll be seen.'

Niamh opened the door and Browdan stepped in.

Browdan gasped when he saw his brother Coleman.

‘Oh thank God you're alive,' he cried. They both laughed and embraced and then searched one another's faces.

‘I can't believe you are alive and looking so well,' said Brow-dan. ‘Red Beak told us you were dead.'

‘Red Beak is the master of lies,' said Coleman. ‘His entire regime is based on fabrication.'

‘Well, his regime is beginning to crumble,' said Browdan. ‘But I have so much to tell you. Let's talk on our way to the cave village. We have five years of catching up to do, brother. It's time to get you home.'

The next morning Browdan called the villagers together in the large cavern. He had received news from the freebirds.

‘The eagles have attacked the people of the lake and some of the sea cliff settlements. They are trying to break down their defences. At present the cave people are holding them back. But it's only a matter of time before they come here and try to attack us. There are no reports of casualties yet but Cian, chief of the Lake People, says that his community are very vulnerable, living so close to the Abbey. They can only hold out for a short time.'

‘It's time to stop that eagle,' interrupted Simon. ‘How can such a crazy psychopath have everyone here under his control?'

‘But he's a very clever psychopath,' said Browdan. ‘Yes, it is time we faced Red Beak. And in the near future we will. The Messenger has sent word to me that Red Beak's camp is divided. Many of the eagles are tired of his tyranny. They might take the opportunity to join us if they see our show of strength.'

‘What are you planning to do?' asked Coleman.

‘I want to put an army together and march on the Abbey.'

‘Have you told the Messenger about this?' Coleman asked.

‘I'm not sure that I trust that Messenger,' said Simon. ‘He keeps disappearing and never tells us what he's up to. He could be leading us into a trap.'

‘So you don't trust me,' said a voice beside Simon.

Simon jumped when he saw Malachy looking at him with an impenetrable expression on his face.

‘How do you keep appearing like that?' Simon asked.

The Messenger looked thoughtful.

‘A wise man watches and listens,' said Malachy. ‘When he opens his mouth he speaks words of wisdom and truth. If you paid more attention to what was going on around you, you'd know a lot more about me.'

‘Yes, but then you go and disappear again out of the blue. How on earth do you do it?'

‘Watch and listen, Simon, and find out for yourself. A good apprentice always observes his master.'

Simon looked puzzled.

‘Are you saying that I should be your apprentice?'

‘If your courage and dedication to your scientific experiments are anything to go by, I think you have the potential to be anything you want to be. And by the way, some of those shipwrecks you were looking at yesterday are full of explosives. Browdan has salvaged some from them already and hidden it in the caves. Fortunately, the munitions are dry and mostly intact. You will need to go onto the wrecks again to salvage whatever's left. There are plenty of old swords and daggers in there too.'

‘Explosives on the shipwrecks … so you were watching us yesterday. I can't believe it. What kind of power do you have? Are you really a prophet?'

‘You don't know me yet, Simon. And unfortunately you're still a boy with a lot of growing up to do. You have much to learn. It's time to lose your pride. Open your eyes, my boy. Stop hiding from the truth.'

Simon felt the green eyes of the prophet questioning him deep inside. It made him feel uneasy.

‘But I came here about another matter,' said Malachy turning to Browdan. ‘You plan to form an army and then march on the Abbey?'

‘Yes,' said Browdan.

‘You must wait until Grinwick and the birds of the forest have had time to influence more of Red Beak's eagles. Many of them are on the verge of fleeing from him. Red Beak has been punishing his guards with great cruelty. They are terrified. We need a little more time to persuade them to leave him. I'm asking you to trust me. But maybe that is too difficult for some of you.'

‘I trust you, Malachy,' said Br Coleman. ‘And I know who you are. You've always protected the monks of the Ark of Dun Ruah and the inhabitants of this island. You are a prophet of the highest order. We are blessed to have you with us.'

The villagers nodded their heads to show their support.

‘I must warn you that you may not be safe here for long,' said Malachy. ‘This is what I suggest you do to keep yourselves safe. The strongest among you should go back to the village of Coracle, set up camp there and take your old homes back. Try to build up some form of protection for the village. Make it your stronghold. It will be the fortress from which you can defeat Red Beak. It will also divert the eagles away from here. The children and the older folk can stay here under the protection of the caves.'

‘It's not going to be easy,' said Browdan. ‘We need everyone to support this.'

‘Yes you will need the support of all the islanders. Cian and the lake people are with you. The good eagles and the freebirds of the forests are also willing to help in any way they can. Get them to spread the news of what you are doing to the other villages on the island.'

‘And the monks on the Ark of Dun Ruah, will they support us?'

‘The Abbot is with you. I believe he'll be here when you need him. Now I must make a request. I need you to provide me with your best boat for a voyage I have to make.'

‘What voyage?' Browdan asked.

‘I'm leaving the island,' said Malachy.

‘What?' cried Simon. ‘How could you leave us now? You can't go off like this just when Red Beak is about to attack. Are you mad?'

The Messenger turned once more to Simon.

‘Red Beak is preparing to attack,' he said, ‘but he is clever enough to wait for the right moment. It will take some time for him to rally his troops and make an effective impact. I can be more useful by leaving the island. You must trust my judgement.'

‘But what's all the secrecy about?' probed Simon. ‘At least tell us where you're going.'

Malachy took a deep breath. ‘I'm going to speak to the Abbot on board the Ark of Dun Ruah. He is very keen to be kept up to date on the events that are occurring on the island. And he is very upset about the fact that Pod was kidnapped on his own ship. He wants to do everything in his power to help him.'

‘But it's not the Abbot's fault that Pod was kidnapped,' said Kerry.

‘I know,' said Malachy. ‘But he feels responsible for the passengers on his ship. Also many of the monks would like to come back to live on the island. They've had enough of floating around the ocean. They want to be monks not sailors, cleaners and cooks. Some of them are trying to put pressure on the Abbot to lend his support to the battle against Red Beak. I hear he's on the point of giving in to the wishes of the younger monks. They have asked me to lend my influence.'

‘You have my blessing, Malachy,' said Browdan. ‘Come with me and I'll find a good boat for you.'

‘Can I come with you, Malachy?' Br Coleman asked. ‘I might be able to help you persuade the Abbot.'

‘But why do you need a boat?' Simon asked. ‘You are a prophet of the highest order. Surely you don't need a boat to get there. Why don't you use your magical powers?'

Malachy laughed. ‘Don't you know that strong magic is like strong alcohol, Simon? An overdose can leave you with a hangover that lasts for days, sometimes months. I don't use magic.'

‘But what about all the times you escaped me?'

‘Maybe you're not as observant as you should be,' said Malachy. ‘A master of discretion can fade into the background when he wants to. I use the elements of nature like the wind to help me travel faster, or shadows to hide in. But I have been blessed with gifts from one much greater than me. And these gifts I only use in times of great need. Red Beak is quite a formidable opponent. I need to keep my strength to deal with him.'

Kerry sat on the sea wall watching the islanders prepare the boat for Malachy and Coleman. Malachy was already on board. He waved at Kerry and she waved back. He studied her for a moment. Then before she knew it, he was out of the boat and at her side.

‘Something is troubling you Kerry. What is it?'

‘Oh, I'm sorry for looking so sad, Malachy. But I feel that I have put everyone in danger by taking them on this trip. If I had taken Pod's advice we would still be back in Kilbeggin. And Pod would be safe. But I do need to make a living. How am I going to save our home and take care of Simon without a decent income?'

‘You are carrying a heavy burden right now, my child. But in time this will grow lighter and turn to great good. Your experiences here will strengthen both you and Simon and draw you closer together. I can offer you and Simon a passage on this boat with me right now back to the Ark of Dun Ruah and onwards to the Land of Fire. You can trust Browdan and the islanders to find your friend Pod. Do you want to come with me now?'

‘And leave Pod on the island? I'd never do that. No, I want to stay here and help the islanders too. In the last few days I've really grown to love those people. But, you know, I miss my mother right now. I feel so alone at times like this. I wish I had someone like you to guide me.'

‘I'm glad you have chosen to stay Kerry. Sometimes we have to face our enemy and fight. And it can be very lonely. But remember that this too will pass away. All struggles and sorrows pass eventually. They make us better people.'

‘Do you have to leave us, Malachy?'

‘I will never leave you, Kerry. I will always be your friend. All you have to do is call my name and I will be with you. I promise you that.'

Malachy boarded the little sailing boat the islanders had prepared for himself and Br Coleman. Kerry looked out to sea and watched them sail away. She hoped that they would return safely with help.