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

“Gods can have apprentices?” Nuadu looked as if he were trying to decide if Bel was serious.


“Perhaps.” Bel smiled. “He has some skill at healing already.”


Nuadu regarded Oisin with a curious expression, his eyes seeming to stare through him. He smiled after a moment and said, “He does well, then. I always approve of those who seek to heal.” He gave Oisin a small nod, and Oisin returned it, feeling suddenly strangely proud. “But whatever he is, Alitius is not fond of him, and is less fond of you. He’s been breathing threats about you to anyone who will listen. That a god of death could kill even another god is among them, with much hinting that he knows your secrets and weaknesses.”


Chapter 26