The Oak King and The Holly King Page 3

sex of the babies?"

  "No, we haven't...wait, what did you say?" Nola leaned forward and Owen grabbed her around the waist, afraid she would fall off his lap. Then he realized what Gilly had said also.

  "Did you think that with you and Hugh as twins and Finn and Conn twins also that the chances of you having twin babes would be low?" Gilly was laughing now.

  Nola's mouth hung open and Owen was sure that his must be the same. Gilly patted Nola's hand. "The doctor would tell you this tomorrow, but I thought it fitting that you know tonight. It is the night of the Oak King and the Holly King after all."

  Everyone else had stopped talking and looked just as shocked as Owen felt. Then they all started talking at once. Nola was pulled off his lap to hugs and kisses from Taisie and Jane. The men were pounding him on the back again and Finn was pumping his hand up and down. He responded as best he could, but all he felt was overwhelming happiness.

  He noticed that Gilly had moved away from the fire and was looking up the hill towards the dark woods. Owen moved over to stand next to her.

  "Do you see?" she said quietly. "Up there where the path starts over to Applegate Farm?"

  Owen looked up to see sparks flying like a cascade of fireflies set loose in the area. "What is that?"

  "It is the echo of the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King reflected through the portal. The divisions between the worlds thin on nights such as this."

  Her hand reached out and slipped into his. "You are blessed, Owen Campbell. I am happy for you."

  "Thank you, Gilly. We could not have made it here without your help."

  He looked over to where Nola was sitting back down in her chair laughing at something Finn said to her. She hid a yawn behind her hand, but continued to listen to her brother.

  "Take her home, Owen. She must get her rest now." Gilly let go of his hand.

  She watched as he walked down and put out a hand to help Nola out of her chair. There were happy tears in her eyes. "Brighid, watch over them and bless them."

  It was starting to snow. The Holly King had won the battle once more and it was time for the Oak King to rest until Midsummer came again. By then there were be two more babies to love in Antrim, but for now it was Yuletide and a time for celebration and family.

  All blessings be upon you

  And all those you hold dear

  As the Yule log burns

  And friends gather near.

  About the Author

  N.W. Moors lives in Portland, Maine, the land of lobster and pine trees. She grew up in Connecticut and retired north (it's nice along the coast in winter). She's a voracious reader and avid traveler - she loves to visit Great Britain and Ireland. Researching trips meant that she tries to learn as much about the area as possible and listen to great Celtic music. She's also a knitter and hiker/walker with two cats (the cats don't walk).

  She truly appreciates you sharing this adventure with her. She will continue to write about magic, love, and the small town of Antrim, Maine. Please leave reviews and like her Facebook page or follow her blog or twitter feed for further updates. 

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWMoors

  Twitter: twitter.com/AntrimCycle

  Blog: antrimcycle.blogspot.com/ 

  Books in the Antrim Cycle

  The Story of Gilly Flowers: A Short Story of the Antrim Cycle

  Isabella MacDonnell lives in the small town of Antrim, Maine. Will she find mystery and magic when she visits her neighbor, Gilly Flowers, one summer morning?

  The Black Swans: A Tale of the Antrim Cycle

  Taisie MacDonnell is a quiet girl who loves knitting and Celtic music. When a traditional Irish group moves to her small town of Antrim, Maine, she's thrilled. And that the handsome pipe player she met at a fair is one of the band members makes it all the more exciting. 

  Conn McLaren and his siblings that make up the band, The Black Swans, are wanderers, moving from place to place. They have a secret that they must hide, a curse they have been under for many years, placed on them by the Fae at the behest of their step-mother, Aoife. 

  Taisie has no idea that becoming involved with Conn, the handsome pipe player, will enmesh her in magic, a centuries-old enchantment and pursuit by the Fae. 

  This book is a modern retelling of the old Irish story "The Children of Lir".

  The Oak King and The Holly King: A Christmas Short Story in the Antrim Cycle

  Nola McLaren and Owen Campell are ready to celebrate their first real Winter Solstice together along with other friends and family in the small town of Antrim, Maine. An old Celtic legend will be the foundation for a big surprise for Owen.

  Applegate Farm: A Tale of the Antrim Cycle (coming soon)

  Jane Baxter has come to the small town of Antrim, Maine to visit her mother’s family. There are strange things going on at the farm. Jane investigates with the help of the cute farmhand, Henry Maxwell.