Manannan's Magic

Manannan McLir flees from a blood feud with his wolfhound, Shea. He is observed by a young Celtic girl, Renny. Her father, Oshin, searches for the stranger but McLir vanishes. Rumours circulate about McLir’s magical healing powers. Renny is caught in a storm on the top of a cliff, which collapses. She lies until McLir finds her and takes her to his sea cave. He treats her injuries, but she cannot be moved until she is better. One night, McLir goes into a trance and predicts the future. His life and Renny’s are interlinked. Renny returns home to find her mother ill. She wants McLir to help her, but everyone is terrified of Oshin. McLir leaves. When her mother is dying, Renny sends a friend to McLir. He comes and shows them how to make a cure using a crude form of penicillin. Lughnasa approaches, a traditional time for marriages. Keir, a man Renny hates, asks for her. When Renny refuses, Keir takes it badly. He follows her and says that he will have her through rape, a recognised type of bonding in their society. As he tries to rape her, McLir arrives and intervenes. Keir vows vengeance on them both. Renny begs McLir to take her away with him. She is frightened to go back to the village because she knows Keir will try again. Reluctantly McLir takes her with him. Renny loves McLir, but he will not sleep with her when she offers herself to him. She is hurt and humiliated.McLir enables Renny to look into the future for herself. She sees a scarred man, her father’s death in battle and a fiery wheel. The scarred man is Edan, the son of a Viking and a Celtic mother. Posing as a metal worker, he is spying for his father, who needs land to settle. Renny’s home is fertile and sparsely defended, ideal for the Vikings. Edan knows about McLir’s blood feud and sends a message to McLir’s enemy, Sétanta. Edan injures his ankle and Renny finds him helpless on the mountain. McLir and Renny care for him. Edan is grateful and regrets sending his message. Renny and Edan become attracted to each other but, one day, he vanishes. Shea tracks him to the shore, where he is meeting the invading Vikings.Will they be able to warn the people? What will happen to Renny's family. Will Manannan escape again? Will Renny and Edan find each other again?