Gaia Gods

Angharad the much-loved one was the youngest acolyte

Angharad the much-loved one was the youngest acolyte. Her mother believed that herself barren, and was therefore overjoyed when she fell pregnant. Hence, she named her daughter Angharad, meaning much-loved one.

Angharad lived up to her name, and all the gods loved her and doted upon her, as unlike her contemporaries, she was of pure heart and kind to all. She never fought, hunted, gambled, competed or gorged and always remained sober.

She tended her small garden every day, and it gave her joy, like all life’s simple pleasures . This garden was the source of Rigantona’s and Belenus’ inspiration for the Creation.

Something Rotten

Angharad loved all her fellow gods, but only had two lovers; the Amazon Merlyn revered as the Star Reader and Aodh the younger brother of Rigantona. Her heart belonged to the brooding, Aodh; a love so pure, blind and overwhelming that ultimately she would do anything for him. Meanwhile something rotten wormed its way into Gaia’s core. Aodh’s jealousy of his sister and her creation grew and festered.

Merlyn wept as she read the stars, yet again, in the forlorn hope that her previous readings were wrong. It was the Creation’s greatest paradox that a pure heart, filled with overwhelming love, would spread evil throughout Gaia. The stars foretold it, and Merlyn could do nothing to stop it. Therefore, she made regular visits to Mangaia, and instigated plans to counteract the forthcoming evil.

In desperation, Merlyn warned Rigantona of the growing darkness in Aodh’s heart, but no avail. She did not care to save him, but dreaded his corruption infecting Angharad, whose pure heart knew no defence. Merlyn continued to travel Mangaia , perfecting her radical plans to save her doomed lover. The prophecy became self-fulfilling ; the gods interference on Mangaia began.

This is 3rd chapter of the web edition of Roads of Destiny . The 1st edition is available on Amazon in both kindle and printed format.

© 2019 Russell Chapman

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