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

Bel set the sword aside and scooped Oisin up in his arms. “Let us remedy that, then.” He carried Oisin into the house, giving orders to the sprites as he went. Oisin found he couldn’t stop shivering. Bel’s arms around him were strong, but cool, as he always was, there was no warmth to be had from him. He strode swiftly through the halls and once more took him to the bathing room, where the tub was filling with warm water. Oisin was nearly ready to jump in clothes and all. His teeth were chattering now. He let Bel help him strip, for he found his fingers felt numb and nerveless.


The enfolding warmth as he climbed into the tub was wonderful, and he sighed deeply as he sank into it. Bel knelt beside the tub and stroked his hair. “Thank you,” said Oisin, looking up at him with a soft smile.


“It is you who should be thanked. If you hadn’t put your will into summoning me, I could never have been there in time.”


Chapter 48