For years now the harvest has been less than it should be. Last year the people of Oisin's village sacrificed a goat, but their god did not come. Now, in desperation, a human sacrifice has been suggested, and Oisin, recently orphaned and feeling life is not worth living, volunteers. But the god Belinos is not quite what he seems, and Oisin's sacrifice will not be what he expects, for Belinos first came out of the darkness to drink the sacrificial blood not because he was a god, but because he was a vampire. This is just the beginning of the changes to Oisin's life, as he is drawn further and further into a world of gods and magic, where the most unexpected thing is not even his own blossoming talent, but the blossoming feelings he has for Belinos. Love between mortal and immortal is not without its difficulties, though. As outright war among the gods threatens, Oisin will end up making a far greater difference in the conflict than he could ever have dreamed possible.

The Sacrifice

There was a chorus of laughter, and something just on the edge of hearing, a voice in another room, a chiming of distant bells, followed it. Bel stood still, waiting as the almost-sound finished, then said, “I care not. He is mine. I will raze your world to the foundations if you bring him harm.”


There was a chorus of bell-sounds and rustling whispers that reminded Oisin of the shocked whispers of the villagers when Bel had first appeared. Then suddenly the lights all winked out, and the shimmer across the cave mouth vanished.


Oisin felt as much as heard when Bel let out a long sigh. “Tell me if you see them again,” he said, still holding Oisin as he turned away from the cave.


“Will o’ the wisps. Wild sprites that lure humans to their doom. They are not powerful, but they can be very dangerous.”


“I will not forbid you from exploring here, but there are many dangers. Be wary as you go.”


Chapter 9