Twixt Firelight and Water Page 7

  ‘Here,’ says Aisha, holding out the cup. ‘Tomorrow is a new day. A new dawn.’

  I can barely speak, but I must. ‘This is a gift beyond measure,’ I say, taking the cup. She knows I’m not talking about the mead. ‘I’m not up to much just now, and I may never match it. But I’ll do my best.’

  Raven no more, I came to rest

  Then set forth on another quest.

  What might I be before the end?

  Brother, husband, father, friend!

  My brother’s patience shielded me

  And Aisha’s courage set me free.

  “Twas hope that saw me come at last

  Out of the shadows of the past.

  As I take up my harp again

  I do not sing of death and pain.

  In my song, love and courage rise.

  These are the gifts that make us wise.

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  AFTERWORD

  ‘’Twixt Firelight and Water’ ties in with my Sevenwaters series, of which the fifth novel, Seer of Sevenwaters, will be published in December 2010. Thanks to the remarkable longevity of the Tuatha de Danann, the story of Conri and Ciarán spans almost the entire time frame of the Sevenwaters books, which cover three generations of the (human) family. Two of the most commonly asked questions about the series are: What exactly is Fiacha? and: What happened to Padriac? This story answers both those questions. I was finishing “Twixt Firelight and Water’ when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The story’s triumphant happy ending reflects my vow to stay positive in the face of challenge. It’s a tale brimful with courage, hope and love. The story’s title comes from a folk song, ‘The Tinkerman’s Daughter’, written by Mickey McConnell.

  — Juliet Marillier

  About the Author

  Juliet Marillier was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and now lives in Western Australia. A graduate of Otago University, she worked as a teacher and public servant before becoming a full-time writer.

  Juliet has written ten historical fantasy novels for adults and two books for young adults. Her books have won a number of awards including the Aurealis (three times), the Sir Julius Vogel Award and the American Library Association Alex Award. Her most recent novel is Heart’s Blood, published in November 2009.

  Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD. She shares her home with a small pack of needy dogs and a sweet-tempered cat.

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