The Greener Shore
Authors: Morgan Llywelyn
Tags: #History, #Scotland, #Historical Fiction, #Ireland, #Druids, #Gaul
Contents
for Sonia
P
HONETIC
G
LOSSARY
Ainvar:
AYN-varAislinn:
ASH-linAnicius Bellator:
An-ICK-ee-us Bell-AYT-orAnluan:
AN-luahBean Sídhe:
Ban-SHEEBriga:
BREE-gaCairbre:
KAR-brehCaman:
Cam-AWNCarnutes:
Kar-NOO-taysCas:
KoshCathal:
KA-hulCohern:
KO-ernCormiac Ru:
KOR-mick RooDamona:
DAH-monaDara:
DAH-raDeisi:
DAY-shaDian Cet:
DEEN KetEoin:
OH-inEriu:
AYR-yooFíachu:
FEE-ah-kooFilidh:
Fil-EEEFír Bolg:
Feer BohlgGlas:
GLAHSGoban Saor:
GO-bawn SearGobnat:
GOB-nitGoulvan:
GOOL-vanGrannus:
GRAN-usÉber Finn:
EEB-ar FinÉremon:
EE-re-monKeryth:
KER-ithLabraid Loingseach:
LOW-ree LOYNG-shaLakutu:
La-KOO-tooLorcán:
LOR-kawnMac Coille:
Mok-KIL-ehMaia:
MY-uhMahon:
MAH-hunMorand:
MUR-anNiav:
NEE-uhvOngus:
AHNG-usOnuava:
On-you-AY-vahProbus Seggo:
PRO-bus SEGG-ohRígan:
REE-gawnSeanchán:
SIN-chawnSenta:
SIN-tuhSlea Leathan:
Slay LOWuhnSulis:
SOO-lissTarvos:
TAHR-vosTeyrnon:
TEAR-nunTúatha Dé Danann:
TOO-ah deh DAN-uhnVercingetorix:
Ver-kin-GET-o-rix
P
ROLOGUE
E
VERYTHING IS LOST.
The sea is so wide. There is no end to it and no beginning. Strange gods rule the waves. From time to time Ainvar thinks he hears their voices, but they speak a language he does not know. He cannot impress them with magic, he cannot placate them with sacrifice. He can do nothing but wait.
ONCE AINVAR’S EXTENDED FAMILY HAD NUMBERED IN THE HUNDREDS
, yet theirs had been but one clan among many in the tribe of the Carnutes. The Carnutes of Gaul were part of the vast Celtic world that stretched from the river Danube to the edge of the Great Cold Sea. The far-flung tribes spoke many versions of their mother tongue and practiced a variety of customs, but all had two things in common. Every tribe was ruled by a warrior aristocracy led by a chieftain. And every tribe treasured its druids.
From his seat in the stern of the boat, Ainvar the druid frequently turns to look back. Every time he does this his heart breaks anew, but he cannot help it. The land he loved is far behind him now. He sees only an endless army of waves rolling on, rank after rank.
Like the Romans. The relentless, remorseless, rapacious Romans, against whom the power of the druids had proved insufficient.
DRUIDS COMPRISED THE INTELLECTUAL CLASS OF THE CELTIC PEOPLE
. Although some came from humble origins, in tribal society the druids were equal in rank with the nobility.
In every generation a few boys and girls were born with special talents. These gifts usually revealed themselves early in life. At that point the chief druid of the tribe began training the youngsters in the disciplines necessary for acceptance into the Order of the Wise. Neophytes were apprenticed to other druids whose gifts were similar to their own. After being fully trained, a druid was supported by the tribe in return for the free gift of his or her abilities.
Druids served in a number of capacities. Their principal obligation was to maintain the harmony between the visible and invisible worlds. They also kept the laws of their race and were the only members of a tribe exempt from battle.