"Maeve, come here!" King Ardan yelled.
"Yes, father," a young Maeve answered.
"How old are you now? Fourteen? Fifteen?" he asked, an odd glint in his eye.
"I'm sixteen now," she answered warily. 'Oh, no, please don't let him have arranged a marriage for me,' she thought.
He smiled. Maeve took a step back when she saw it. If her father was smiling, it was not a good sign. She still hadn't recovered from the last time he did...
"Something has come up. This... something could lead us to victory against Kells and defeat for their bold child they call 'King' Conchobar. You will help." He didn't ask if she wanted to help, or even say that he needed her help, just "You will help." 'Men,' she thought. 'Always taking without asking. That will change when I am queen. No man will ever boss me around again.'
'"It's not a marriage is it?" she asked.
King Ardan laughed. "Marriage?! To you? What man would want you for marriage?" he laughed even harder at the hurt look on her face. "No, what I am proposing is a different kind of union. Nemain!"
An older woman came out carrying a book in one hand and a whip in the other. A key hung down from her neck. "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied bowing her head in respect.
"I would like you to meet my daughter Maeve. Maeve, Nemain will spend the next few years teaching you magic beyond those simple spells you have learned from the castle's healer. Nemain is also going to be in charge of the... union."
"So she has agreed my lord?" Nemain asked.
"Yes, of course," he said dismissively. "I would like this done at the earliest possible time."
"Of course, my lord."
"Wait a minute! What have I agreed to?" Maeve cried out.
Nemain turned to Maeve with an evil grin. "Why, Maeve, you are going to give birth to the warrior to save Temra." A horrified look came over Maeve. She took a step backwards as Nemain called out "Donall!"
The thing that walked into the throne room was too horrible for words. Maeve tried to scream but no sound came out of her mouth. He was at least 9 ft. tall with bright yellow skin. Slime dripped down from his skin, leaving little puddles on the floor as he walked towards her. His eyes were two black balls, reflecting nothing beneath the surface.
"Is she the one?" Donall asked, referring to Maeve. He had a low, raspy voice that sounded as if unused to talking.
"Yes," King Ardan said. "Now could you please finish this soon? I wish to be done with it and my new warrior consummated."
Maeve turned and ran. Donall easily caught up with her and forced her to the ground. "There is no better time than right now," he said and proceeded to rape her right there in the throne room while her father and Nemain watched.
