“With a leap of faith, Gwen ran toward a high-stepping mare whose golden-brown colouring was the same as her own.
‘You are for me!’ she cried.
The horse reared up in response, but as soon as the hooves touched the earth again Gwen took her chance. She jumped forward to grasp the long mane and flung one leg over the shining bare back. The mare bucked ferociously to toss her away. Half-up, half-down, Gwen flapped like a paper bag in the wind. But she refused to let go and gritted her teeth, determined to hold on even if she were trampled to death.
Sensing the iron will of her hapless rider, the fairy steed went suddenly quiet. In that moment of sweet stillness, Gwen righted herself.
She patted the mare’s neck with relief and respect. ‘Thank you lady,’ she whispered into an elegant ear.
The mare whinnied in reply.
A jubilant shout rose form the fairy troop, all seated now. ‘Ride fast! Ride fast! The spell is cast!”
-Chapter 9, page 65
Gwen comes to Ireland to visit her cousin Findabhair with plans of setting out on an adventure in search fantasy. Their journey starts off at Tara, the high court of ancient kings, but after they sleep in the Mound of Hostages the two find a way into the world of fairies, and a lot more than they could ever have bargained for. Findabhair is taken as a bride for the King of the Fairies and only Gwen can rescue her.
With the help of wind horses, leprechauns, and taking animals, Gwen sets out on a journey to rescue her cousin only to discover that things are worse they they first seemed; Findabhair’s life is in danger as it is the time of the Hunter’s Moon and Crom Cruac demands his sacrifice.
This amusing tale of two girls’ adventures in and out of the Land of Faerie is fantastically written, by far Orla Meilings best, and I recommend it to people of all ages. 10/10
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