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

“Tinder burn, tinder light, fire illuminate the night.” He pictured flame as he spoke, but nothing happened. “Tinder burn, tinder light, fire illuminate the night.” He desired, hoped for, wished for flame. Still nothing. “Tinder burn, tinder light, fire illuminate the night.” He couldn’t disappoint Bel by failing. He could not fail. He wouldnot fail.


A tongue of flame licked up from the center of the pile.


“You did indeed.” Bel smiled. “I hoped you would have the gift for it.”


Oisin smiled back, feeling excited. “What else can I do this way? You said this is how you use the door between worlds, didn’t you?”


“I did. And yes. The door is a spell that would be incredibly difficult, but the stones make it easier, and then will and word are sufficient. But if your will is strong enough, then you can do anything you have words for.”


Chapter 33