The Fixed Stars

October Daye #8.1

by Seanan McGuire

"The Fixed Stars" was originally published in the anthology Shattered Shields, released in November 2014. Also available separately.

Long, long ago, when the worlds of Faerie and Man had not yet fully separated, a battle was fought to determine the shapes those two worlds would take. Firstborn against merlin; strongest against least. And between those two stood Antigone of Albany, who would later be known as the Luidaeg, and whose loyalty would inevitably sway the fortunes of war...

There was a time when things were different. This is the story of the battlefield where it all began to change.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, Fae, Magic, Paranormal

20 pages, ebook

First published November 4, 2014

About the author

Hi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.

Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).

I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ludaieg remains one of my favorite characters. This is a brief tale of part of her ancient history.

[Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd little story. Set in 572 in Albion, the Luidaeg is in her Lady of the Lake incarnation, and she’s playing both sides of the field. Something about a vision and doom, blah something blah. Basically she’s trying to prevent the extermination of all less-than-100%-Fae, present and future.

Does she succeed?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Read it for yourself here:

https://www.baen.com/Chapters/A978147...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fixed Stars is a Luidaeg short story that was initially published in the Shattered Shields anthology and is also currently available to read on the Baen website here. Set in 572 I believe it's actually the earliest story set in this world but I think you'll appreciate it more when you're familiar with the Luidaeg's character so I wouldn't recommend reading it as a prequel.

This is the story of a battle between the Firstborn and their distant relatives the merlin, it's an important battle that helped to shape the way faerie and the mortal world interact throughout history and into the present. I'm not 100% sure how it all ties together but I definitely think Seanan McGuire is leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that will all start to make sense as the main series continues to unfold.

Either way it was interesting to see another side to the sea witch, especially the interactions between her and Blind Michael. I also love the way she manages to use her curses (like never being able to tell a lie) to her own advantage. We've already seen how tricky the Luidaeg can be but this proves that she is the only one of the Firstborn to see the full picture about certain things and shows that she is willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good.

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

This short was less weird than the last, and I thought for sure I would love it as much as every other Sea Witch short, but I'm mostly just left.. wondering. I am a bit intrigued, yes, but also perplexed. Sometimes I wonder if McGuire makes her world, and her history, just too complicated. I hope this gets expanded on at some point.

[Dev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always love seeing more of the Luidaeg and it's interesting to get some historical context of the interactions between the fae and their more human relatives [spoiler alert: the fae have always been assholes lol]. At this point I'm not entirely sure how this will connect back to the main series but I'm definitely excited to find out.

[Sharon L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, not sweet, barely a glimpse but an interesting look into some of the things that compose our favourite monster

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions) · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this story isn't precisely bad, it's the first of these October Daye shorts to do absolutely nothing for me. It didn't expand my understanding of the Luidaeg significantly, nor my knowledge of history. There's one cool fact, but there's not enough set-up for me to thoroughly comprehend what's going on. This one needed more context imo.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A free short story, 8.5 in the October Daye paranormal fantasy series, revolving around Sir October Daye, a changeling knight. This tale is set well before October's time in 572 in fair Albion.

This short story is also part of an anthology, Shattered Shields by Jennifer Brozek and Bryan Thomas Schmidt.

My Take
A rather unsatisfying short story about Antigone's betrayal of her own and all in first person protagonist point-of-view from Antigone's perspective.

Antigone, a.k.a. the Luidaeg, is already cursed and still "blessed" with foresight. A gift that carries its own burdens. She's also honest with herself, besides the curse that forces honesty with others.

And talk about family quarrels...!!! Oy! It's a case of eating your cake and wanting to throw it away. I know, it's a weird twist on the real quote, but weirdly reflects the conflict within "The Fixed Stars".

Antigone's thoughts on these current events are so sad, they made me cry against the prejudices and bigotries of such selfish people.

It took a moment for me to realize that brother Michael is the Blind Michael of An Artificial Night , 3.

This is where my niggles come in. It feels like an unfinisherd short story — McGuire "needs" more! "The Fixed Stars" is so annoying as I want to know when Michael becomes the wicked Blind Michael. What happens after this battle? What is Emrys' fate?!? I have to know!

I'm also confused about merlins and Roane, as McGuire talks of both and yet it seems as though they're separate, somehow.

It's a story that starts with quite the poetic touch, so sad for the topic within.

The Story
There was a time when things were different, long, long ago, when the worlds of Faerie and Man had not yet fully separated, a battle was fought to determine the shapes those two worlds would take.

Firstborn against merlin; strongest against least. And between those two stood Antigone of Albany, who would later be known as the Luidaeg, and whose loyalty would inevitably sway the fortunes of war...

The Characters
Antigone of Albany, a.k.a. Nimue and the Luidaeg, who was cursed to only tell the truth, is the oldest of Maeve's daughters. Aoife is another daughter. Michael is the youngest of her brothers, blind.

Emrys is Antigone's great-grandson. a Roane who leads the army.

The nasty Eira is one of their cousins, her mother, the fair Titania. Oberon is their father.

Brocéliande, one of Titania’s palaces, is beautiful with fewer defenses than it should have.

The Title
The title is what informs Antigone, "The Fixed Stars" that speak the future.

[Sana Zameer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insight in Fae politics and the dynamics of the First Borns. It also helps in understanding faerie prejudice for the changelings.
Set in 572, Albion, Antigone of Albany also known as Luidaeg, Nimue, the Sea Witch is he oldest daughter of Maeve and already cursed to tell only the truth. She sees a vision about the outcome of the war between First Borns and Merlins and played both sides for the greater good. Faerie is ruthless and bloody hard on its denizens.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before the Luidwaeg was the Luidwaeg.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

With this one you see more of The Ludaieg and Blind Michael. I know it should make me like him more, but it didn't.

[Susana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief peak into Luideag/Antigone/Nimue o_O role throughout the ages.
And yes, she has been busy...

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

So short! But nice background.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I have many names, and I cannot tell you which of them is true, [...] But your leader calls me 'Nimue,' and so that is my name, to you."

The more Seanan McGuire grants me time to spend in the Luidaeg's company, the sheer vastness of her heart becomes apparent.
While her siblings, the Firstborn fae, lavish in their infamous cruelty, gleefully epitomising the creatures whispered down the centuries as warnings to humans to never step in a fairy ring, take fruit from goblin men at their own peril, and for the love of Maeve, never, ever, give the fae their true name, the Luidaeg stands apart.


She's just as ethereally powerful, just as formidable, and likes to riddle with the best of them for her own enjoyment, but her capacity for love far outweighs her brethren, defies her natural maliciousness, and makes her an entirely different beast altogether. Her love for Toby alone casts her in a separate shade of light, not even her own mother loves Toby the way the Luidaeg seems to, and thus why Luidaeg/Antigone/Viviane/Nimue, whichever of her monikers, is such a compelling character.
You never know entirely where you stand with her, not because she's evil or intent on doing harm (she could, though, if the mood struck her), but because she's this impossibly powerful creature who holds herself apart in nature and physicality, never giving whole truths but cursedly honest, who'll never turn Toby way, or anyone in need of help. She'll make a show of it, hex you for bothering her and send you way with a threat and a glare, but she'll dismiss you with a solution, whereas her siblings would enslave you merely for breathing.
It's not normal Fae behaviour, and I've always wondered why she's like this.
Why she birthed a whole species of her own, loved and parented them with no remittance other than honouring the life they were given, instead of breaking her bloodline apart for amusement.
Why she lives in supposed squalor and hides herself away from the tangled webs of fae society.
Why she dampens her power when she's arguably the most powerful of all.


Why, why, why?
As of yet, I have very few answers, but these snippets of her past that Seanan keeps leaving like mermaid scale breadcrumbs are painting a clearer picture of the burdens the Luidaeg keeps, the future she's preparing Toby for, and why family means so much to her.
Why she'd betray her fellow Firstborns and defy her parents to save the merlins, humans with a tiny percentage of fae blood.
Why this holds so much significance for what happens next.
And why, she may act the curmudgeonly, heartless sea witch, but really she's the softest of the bunch.
It breaks my heart how soft she is, how much she's willing to sacrifice, and what that might mean for her future in the series.
Please don't take her from me, Seanan, I beg of you.


Or if you have to, at the very least, can we explore her connections with the Arthur myth before it happens?
The moment I saw Brocéliande (is this were she, Evening, and Luidaeg ended up a the end of The Winter Long ?), my brain spasmed slightly, I haven't seen that word since reading Robert Holdstock's, Mythago Wood series - one I'll eternally be annoyed at myself for reading out of order, and that I really need to finish some day. Being a series hopper is both a comfort and a pain in the ass.
And the idea that it's home to the Luidaeg, or Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, is something that makes so much sense and brings me unquantifiable joy.
Of course the Fae are speckled amidst the old folk tales spoken down history, from greek myths, to norse gods, to campfire stories.
Of course the Luidaeg would be Nimue, great grandmother to Emrys, aka. Merlin, where the merlins take their namesake.
Of course it's all connected.
And it makes me wonder: what if Toby, my Toby, coffee-slugging, eye-rolling, lovable squish bear with a penchant for bleeding everywhere Toby, is the once and future king? Or the fae equivalent?
I'm vibrating with the need to know, and for the Arthurian aspect of Seanan's narrative twisting to come more into play.
And for us to finally know what significance the Hope Chests truly hold.
...

[Karina Webster]

Ooh that was so good! Some excellent writing & a deeper look into Antigone of Albany's life.

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weird little tale, taking us all the way back in history to when even the Luidaeg was young. Telling the story of the Luidaeg's impact on the long ago war between the fae and the Merlins, this was an interesting look at a far earlier incarnation of the Sea Witch but also needed more bulk and context to really put it into context.

[Titus Fortner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Luidaeg, but this story doesn't do much for me.

[Brok3n · Rating 4 out of 5]

Background reading on the Luidaeg.

I'm reviewing two stories here from Seanan McGuire's October Daye series, Never Shines The Sun and The Fixed Stars. Never Shines The Sun appears at the end of the print edition of Chimes at Midnight; The Fixed Stars appeared in the collection Shattered Shields.

The Luidaeg, AKA the Sea-Witch, Antigone of Albany, Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, is Toby's most powerful ally in the October Daye series. She is one of the oldest of the firstborn, a daughter of faery progenitors Oberon and Maeve. She inspires deep fear in all those who know her. She has a reputation of being not only very powerful, but also extremely dangerous. In point of fact, it is obvious that she has cultivated the reputation of danger in order not to have to be dangerous. (There is exactly one story I know of in which the Luidaeg actually shows how dangerous an opponent she is in battle, the Patreon story Sun Sets Weeping.)

The Fixed Stars takes place many, many years ago and concerns a battle between Fae purebloods and merlins. In the October Daye world, pureblood fae can have children with humans. These children are called changelings, and they may remain magical if they choose to. (This is not what the word "changeling" usually means in fairy stories.) They may have children, and after multiple generations of breeding with humans give rise to almost entirely human children with magical powers -- there are called merlins, and it is implied that Arthur's famous wizard was one such. The Fixed Stars concerns a battle between purebloods and merlins in which the Luidaeg intervenes decisively.

Never Shines The Sun occurs much more recently, 1959 and is about the Luidaeg's first meeting with Toby. Toby's mother is the Luidaeg's half-sister, the firstborn Amandine, progenitor of the fae race known as the Dochas Sidhe. That makes the Luidaeg Toby's aunt. The Luidaeg, knowing that Toby and the Dochas Sidhe have some terribly necessary purpose, intervenes, to Amandine's deep displeasure, to make sure that Toby is treated fairly. Not much is made clear, but we do learn how the relationship between Toby and the Luidaeg came to be.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Fixed Stars" is a short story from the October Daye series written by Seanan McGuire, which was included in the anthology Shattered Shields (November 2014) and was later provided for free from her website. It is a historical tale that takes place in the year 572, but best read when the readers gets to know Luidaeg's character better.

This is the story of a battle between the Firstborn and their distant relatives the Merlin. It is an important battle that helped to shape the way faerie and the mortal world interact throughout history and into the present. It is rather interesting to read about the backstory of the Faerie World – itself. How it was before this particular war and how it is currently in the present.

It is also rather interesting to see another side of the Luidaeg – especially the interactions between her and Blind Michael. It is clever how she manages to use her curses – like never being about to tell a lie, to her own advantage. The reader already seen how tricky the Luidaeg can be but this proves that she is the only one of the Firstborn to see the full picture about certain things and shows that she is willing to make difficult decisions for the greater good.

"The Fixed Stars" is a quaint short story about the history of the Faerie World and how it came to be in the state that they are. It is an intriguing short story that reveals much about the current state of the Faerie World, but I wonder if what happened in this short story would reveal itself in future installments of the series.

All in all, "The Fixed Stars" is a well written short story about the birth and backstory of the Faerie World and how it is seen today. It is a worthy and wonderful addition to the October Daye universe – enriching it just a tad more.

[Leann Lane]

A Delightful Discovery


Stumbling upon a complementary short story in Seanan McGuire's October Daye series is always a treat, and this particular find is a gem. "The Fixed Stars" offers a refreshing departure from the usual focus on Toby and her inner circle, instead delving into the rich history of Faerie's complex world.


Uncovering the Past


As I immersed myself in the story, I found myself piecing together the puzzle of Faerie's ancient past. The narrative masterfully unfolds the tale of a pivotal battle between Faerie's firstborns and their changeling descendants, known as merlins. The introduction of Emrys, a powerful and revered warrior, serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold.


A Complex Web of Loyalties


The story is expertly told from the perspective of a firstborn, Nimue, who finds herself caught in the midst of a bloody conflict. Her inner turmoil is palpable as she grapples with the moral implications of her actions. The tension builds as she navigates the treacherous landscape, aware that her decisions will have far-reaching consequences.


A Glimpse into Nimue's True Nature


As the story progresses, subtle hints reveal Nimue's true identity, and her connection to a certain changeling becomes increasingly clear. Her leanings and motivations are skillfully woven throughout the narrative, providing a deeper understanding of her character and actions in later times.


A Haunting and Beautiful Tale


"The Fixed Stars" is a poignant and captivating story that expertly balances action, suspense, and emotional depth. McGuire's masterful storytelling has crafted a narrative that not only enriches the October Daye series but also stands on its own as a haunting and beautiful tale. I feel fortunate to have discovered this hidden gem, and I highly recommend it to fans of the series.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are there any fans of the Luidaeg here? If so, then be sure to check out The Fixed Stars. Originally published in the Shattered Shields anthology, this short is set long before the events of the main October Daye plot.

Instead, this tale focuses on Luidaeg's past. Back when she was known by a different name. Her heart weighs heavy, and yet there is little she wouldn't do when it comes to protecting what is hers, even if all that is left is a memory in the blood.

“What I was doing…it was unforgivable, and yet I had been given no choice in the matter by the people who claimed to love me best. They would not listen to reason. They wanted blood.”

I don't know why – but I had never dared to hope or dream for a Luidaeg story. Now that I've read one, I couldn't be happier! More than that, I'm even more desperate to sort through the rest of the October Daye shorts and find the rest of her stories (where there's one, there will be more!).

I adore seeing Luidaeg's history unfold, even if it is just a tiny piece at a time. Her background is such a beautiful mystery to me. Each detail revealed further meshes her with the history of fairytales, and I love it so much.

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks>

[Beth Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really cannot laud Seanan McGuire's talent enough. Her October Daye series appears on the surface to the casual reader as yet another in a multitude of fluffy urban fantasy series.

One would be dead-wrong in going with that assumption, as this dark and richly crafted tale affirms.

I have only read through Book 4 of the series, and I really would not recommend reading this short story, found in the compilation "Shattered Shields" any sooner than that. This is the story of the Luideag, here referred to as both Antigone and Nimue, with an appearance by her great-grandson, Emerys and her brother, Blind Michael, in a time-almost-before-time. Blind Michael is not yet the monster he will become in An Artificial Night, October Daye #3.

The Luideag remains one of my favorite McGuire characters. This story is but one of many reasons why. I look forward to continuing her history and the burdens she bears. I hope there is much more to come.

[Nirkatze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this short little scene from Luideag's past after The Winter Long, and it fits pretty well there. No real revelations in this one, but a good solid establishment of history and motives--and I feel like I have a better handle on the Luideag's character and the forces in opposition to each other in this series after reading this story.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was able to find this short Toby Daye story # 8.2 on the website Baen.com.

It’s about one of my favorite characters Antigone of Albany. It’s set during a battle between her fae siblings and her grandson Emrys, leader of their changeling children. She wants to remain neutral, but she can’t let the changelings be slaughtered. So, she secretly changes the outcome.

Fave scene: Ninue’s riddle.

[Eric Mesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story takes place before anything else in the timeline (at least so far). It explains a lot, but should definitely not be read until this point in the narrative (that is, don't read it until after October Daye #8).

If it sets up any new plot points, I couldn't see them, but it does provide backstories for a few of the histories we've heard until now. SO FAR, of all the short stories this one seems the most skippable. We'll see if time proves me wrong.

[Ivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

McGuire has a pattern of writing side stories that seem unconnected but tie in later. While I understand some reviewers' lack of enjoyment in this story, I think it tells us something we just don't have context for yet at this point in the story. And even if it doesn't, it shows us part of the Luidaeg's back story, and helps to fill in the picture of all the things she's done.

[Laurla2]

-free short story from anthology posted here https://www.baen.com/Chapters/A978147...

a story from long long ago before the worlds of fae and man had split, the luidaeg/antigone works to save the mortal changelings from being killed off entirely.

"no one wants a fortune teller who will not pretend that tomorrow will always be better than today."

[J.A. Ironside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short dealing with the back story of the Ludeig back when she was Antigone of Albany. This looks at the big war between Faerie and the changelings, and the price of precognition. Really enjoyed this - though as with all October Daye short stories, read the books first!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Antigone of Albany (aka the Luidaeg) is faced with a choice: betray her Family or betray her children, grandchildren, and all changelings. I read this for my 2020 Reading Challenge (52 wks "part of a series").

[Ik · Rating 1 out of 5]

I waslooking forward to this piece of Luidaeg-history. It was very disappointing. It wasn't a full (mini) story, it wasn't even complete enough to count as a chapter. It's missing so much information that it becomes confusing.