Work in Progress: The White Raven, week 4 (and two days)

I realized last night, after I’d shut down the computer, that I never posted my weekly words on Sunday night. I blame Disney (no, really. We were at Disney Springs on Saturday, and that leaves me in a Disney Coma for a day or two afterwards). Add to that we stopped at Ikea on the way home and… yeah. The one-two punch.

I did make my words last week, though, even with the Disney coma. And as of Sunday night, I’m just short of a quarter done with the book.

The White Raven
Week Four Total Wordcount

 

This week’s excerpt marks the first time in the Princes universe that we actually hear from the Morrigan herself. About the names she uses for Lorcan and Cormac. They’re descriptive names, one of which was supposed to be an insult. We have Lorcan Lachtna,   “Lorcan The-Color-of-Milk”, so dubbed by his cousin Cormac. Lorcan deflected the insult and took it as a use-name.

The other name is Cormac an Bratach. “Cormac the Betrayer.” You’ll see why.

Excerpt:

“What about your mother?” Turlach asked. “Have you asked her?”

Diarmuid stared at Turlach for a moment, then at Petran. Petran bit his lip.

“When’s the last time she spoke to you?” he asked.

“Just after Lorcan was born, to congratulate us,” Diarmuid answered. “She’s never been communicative. You know that.”

“I think it might be time for her to start,” Petran answered. “See if she answers you.”

Diarmuid frowned. He closed his eyes and silently called, Mother? I need you.

Almost immediately, he felt her overwhelming presence in his mind. My darling. Even if I don’t speak to you, I am always here.

You know what happened?

I am aware. There is nothing more you can do.

Mother!

He is beyond your reach. He is no longer in Eire. His fate is in his own hands.

But he’s only a boy!

He is a man, and he has a man’s fate. He has a man’s skill, and he has had your teachings and those of your brothers. They will serve him well.

You’ve looked into his future? Will he come home?

There are too many choices. Too many possible paths. I cannot see clearly where his road lies or if it returns to Eire. I can tell you that it will not be easy. But I have been watching this grandson of mine. He intrigues me.

You can’t bring him home, Mother?

I heard Petran’s comment about what Oscar could do. Tell him that Oscar could not have done that. Just as I cannot. No more than I could save my other sons. Especially since he is no longer under my wings. Outside of Eire, in the lands where I am not known, my powers are diminished. But I trust that he will survive his trials. And you must trust in him as well.

Diarmuid sighed. Very well. And what of Cormac? What can be done?

He has renounced his blood, save where it serves him to call himself a child of a goddess. Renounce him, call him outcast, and be free of him.

I meant what should I do about him?

As with Lorcan Lachtna, Cormac an Bratach has his own fate. He can still save himself, if he wishes. There is a chance that he will choose wisely. But I think not. So guard yourself and your flock, my son. There is nothing more you can do. Her mental voice started to fade. I will watch, my son. But I will not speak again. Not for some time. Trust me, and guard your flock.