Tales From Avator
The Birth of the Grandson of the Dagda
Fergus' Tale, page 1
It was less than four days after Samhain when Joseph awoke worried that his daughter had not returned yet from the previous weeks celebrations. With his second son, Cain, leading the chariot, he proceeded to where they had last seen Mary. They drove for five days without a sign of her. On the morning of the tenth day Joseph was awoke by the sound of a flock of the most beautiful green feathered birds he had ever seen. As he looked out of his window the birds stopped eating and looked at him, waiting for him to respond. Fifty pairs of birds, feathers the colour of emeralds, their feet and beaks the whitest shiniest gold, around their necks were chains of gold and silver intertwined with a single braid of gold linking each pair. Never before had Joseph seen birds such as these. He ran to his sons, awaking them. The first son ran to the window, staring in disbelief, but the second simply sat up in his bed, looking into his father's eyes.
"There are birds outside."
"Yes. Fifty pairs of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen."
"They are the property of Lugh. They are here to lead us to Mary. You are not to kill any of these birds."
"Son, they have eaten our fields clean. I must have something in return for their appetite. I shall only take two birds for our suffering."
Joseph opened the door and with one swift strike killed the two birds nearest the door. As soon as the birds touched the ground, all the animals in the surrounding countryside screamed in anger. As the sound filled Joseph's ears, his sons were transformed into two emerald birds.
"You were warned against killing any of my birds," came a voice from behind.
Joseph turned to the voice. In front of him stood a man twice his size and girth. He was clothed in a green cloak which seemed to be made from living plants. The cloak was fastened around his waist by a belt of what seemed to be mere water, yet it held the cloak tight. In his left hand was a golden spear that reflected the cloak almost blindingly. Joseph tried to see his face but it was hidden in a large green hood that shimmered like liquid crystal. The strangers eyes, however, were not to be hidden. They shown out of the hood like stars suspended in a universe all their own.
"I have taken your sons in payment for your treacherous actions. They will serve me now. These birds were sent here for a purpose, not for your own indulgence. Do not attempt to harm any more of them. You have been warned. If you allow the birds to guide you, they will lead you to where your daughter is."
