Chapter 11: The Court of the Sidhe

The mist of the portal parted like a curtain, revealing a realm that took Kael's breath away. The Otherworld stretched before him, a tapestry of ethereal beauty and primal magic. Rolling hills shimmered with a silver-green glow, dotted with ancient trees whose leaves sparkled like emeralds in a sun that never fully set. Streams of liquid light flowed through the landscape, their currents humming with a melody that seemed to whisper secrets. In the distance, a palace of white stone rose, its spires twisting like living vines, adorned with banners that shifted colors with the wind. The air itself felt alive, charged with Sidhe magic that made Kael's skin tingle and the Gáe Bolg's runes glow brighter than ever.

"Whoa," Kael said, his voice barely a whisper as he took it all in. "This place makes Narnia look like a backyard."

Aífe, standing beside him, gripped her spear tightly, her blue eyes wide but wary. "It's beautiful, but don't let it fool you. The Sidhe are masters of illusion—and trickery. Keep your wits, Kael."

Brigid, her fiery red hair glowing in the strange light, smiled softly, her hands shimmering with a faint healing aura. "There's a warmth here, beneath the magic," she said, her voice a soothing melody. "But Aífe's right. The Otherworld tests all who enter."

Morrígan's crows circled overhead, their caws echoing through the shimmering hills, and her crimson eyes scanned the landscape with a predator's caution. "Stay close, spear-bearer," she said, her tone sharp. "Ériu's court is a place of power—and danger."

Líadan, the Sidhe emissary, led the way, her silver hair flowing like a river as she glided toward the palace. "My queen awaits," she said, her voice carrying a weight that made Kael's stomach tighten. "She has watched you, Kael Lughson, and she sees the threads of fate that bind you to Ériu. But you must prove your worth to stand before her."

Kael adjusted his grip on the Gáe Bolg, its runes pulsing in time with his heartbeat. "Another test? I'm starting to think that's all you magical types do—throw pop quizzes at me."

Líadan's lips curved in a faint, enigmatic smile, but she said nothing, leading them through the palace gates. The interior was even more breathtaking—halls of polished crystal reflected endless fractals of light, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter, like distant bells. Sidhe nobles, tall and elegant with eyes that glowed like gemstones, watched from the sidelines, their whispers a soft hum that made Kael feel like he was on display.

At the hall's center stood a throne of woven branches and starlight, and on it sat Queen Ériu. She was a vision of timeless beauty, her golden hair cascading like a sunrise, her eyes a deep violet that seemed to hold the weight of the land itself. Her gown shimmered with the colors of Ériu's landscapes—green for the hills, blue for the rivers, gold for the sun—and a crown of living flowers rested on her brow. Her presence was overwhelming, a mix of regal authority and primal power, and Kael felt the urge to bow before he even realized he was doing it.

"Welcome, spear-bearer," Ériu said, her voice a symphony of nature itself, both gentle and commanding. "I am Ériu, spirit of this land, queen of the Aos Sí. You bear Lugh's power, and the prophecy speaks of you as Ériu's savior—or its destroyer."

Kael straightened, meeting her gaze, though his heart pounded. "I'm here to help, Your Majesty. I've fought Fomorians, blinded Balor's eye—I'm not here to destroy anything. But I need answers. What's this darkness you mentioned?"

Ériu's violet eyes softened, but a shadow crossed her face. "Patience, Kael Lughson. The darkness I speak of is older than Balor, older than the Fomorians. It stirs in the deep places, awakened by the chaos of this war. But before I share such knowledge, you must prove your heart is true. The Otherworld demands a trial of all who seek its secrets."

Kael sighed, glancing at his harem. "Told you. Pop quiz." Aífe smirked, Brigid stifled a laugh, and Morrígan's crows cawed as if in agreement.

Ériu raised a hand, and the hall shimmered, the crystal walls parting to reveal a circular arena of moss and stone, surrounded by a ring of glowing mushrooms. "Face the Trial of Echoes," she said. "A challenge of the mind and spirit. You will confront the echoes of your past, your fears, and your destiny. Succeed, and I will grant you my allegiance—and my knowledge. Fail, and you will be lost to the Otherworld's mists."

Kael gripped the Gáe Bolg, its runes flaring with the Sidhe's blessing. "Alright, let's do this. But I'm bringing my team." He nodded to Morrígan, Aífe, and Brigid, who stepped forward without hesitation.

Ériu's smile was faint but approving. "Your bonds are your strength, spear-bearer. They may join you—but the trial will test you most of all."

The arena's center glowed, and a spectral figure emerged—a towering warrior clad in ancient armor, its face hidden behind a helm shaped like a stag's skull. Its voice echoed, a haunting blend of Kael's own and something older, darker. "I am the Echo of Fate," it said. "Face me, spear-bearer, and prove you are more than a pawn of prophecy."

The Echo lunged, its spectral spear striking with a force that shook the arena. Kael dodged, his superhuman speed a blur, and countered with the Gáe Bolg, the spear's curse erupting in thorny light. But the Echo was unfazed, its form flickering as it struck again, its voice whispering doubts in Kael's mind. "You're a fraud, a modern boy playing hero. You'll fail them all."

Kael gritted his teeth, the words hitting harder than the spear. Aífe charged in, her spear flashing as she struck the Echo's side, her voice fierce. "Don't listen, Kael! You're stronger than it thinks!"

Brigid's hands glowed, her healing light countering the Echo's dark whispers, her voice a soothing chant. "You are enough, Kael. Believe in yourself."

Morrígan's crows swarmed the Echo, obscuring its vision, and she struck with her longsword, her crimson eyes blazing. "Fight, spear-bearer! You are Lugh's heir—act like it!"

Their support steadied Kael, and he focused, using Scáthach's lessons to anticipate the Echo's moves. He dodged a sweeping strike, then channeled his Sidhe magic, summoning a gust of wind that pushed the Echo back. "I'm not a fraud," he growled, his voice steady. "I'm Kael Lughson, and I choose my fate!"

He thrust the Gáe Bolg, the spear's curse spiraling through the Echo, shattering its form into fragments of light. The arena stilled, the mushrooms glowing brighter, and Ériu rose from her throne, her violet eyes filled with approval.

"You have passed the Trial of Echoes," she said. "Your heart is true, and your bonds are strong. I pledge my allegiance to you, Kael Lughson, and I join your cause to protect Ériu."

Kael panted, leaning on his spear, as his harem gathered around him. Aífe's grin was fierce, Brigid's touch gentle as she healed a bruise on his arm, and Morrígan's nod was one of respect. Ériu descended, her presence warm now, and Kael felt a new connection—a bond of trust and destiny.

But her next words sent a chill through him. "The darkness I spoke of is a rogue god, one who seeks to unmake Ériu's magic. Balor is but its pawn. We must prepare—for the true battle is yet to come."