She heard the other woman swallow hard. ‘I’ll just sit here.’
‘Listen to me! Just a few more steps –’ and she suddenly stopped talking. ‘You feel that? It’s the wind, Tirs, I felt the wind! It’s not long now; the outside world is close, the trees and the grass, smell it! I can even smell the ocean! That’s right, the ocean, Tirs! The ocean no one has ever seen from inland! We’ll be the first humans after Sempervirens to see it, Tirs. Come on, that surely is worth telling your brother!’
‘I’m no longer needed, Artride. I should have had to protect and encourage you … not the other way around,’ she said, drunk with tiredness and defeat.
‘Oh, but you are mistaken, I still need you.’ Her voice suddenly became a whisper and then a sob. Was it possible she was crying?
‘If … you give up now … it will feel like losing the battle. Perhaps the most important battle in your life.’
‘My life … is yet to begin,’ Tirsa muttered, panting heavily. She leaned on the queen for comfort as she heaved herself up, limping on her left leg.
‘Good!’
A few more feet away the scent of the evening mixed with that of the sea filled the air of the cave corridor. It gave them the strength to carry on. It was getting windy in the corridor and that scented breeze of fresh air filtered through their heads. The Windchildren are near.
A beam of light blinded them, and only after several blinks did they realize it was the light of the full moon they bathed in, reflected on the cave wall. A few more steps and they saw the edge of the cave’s mouth and the dark evening sky littered with stars. The moon smiling down on them.
A strong breeze welcomed them and lifted up a few strands of both women’s hair, and dried the tears on their stone-white faces. Fresh air, finally. They stood a few moments just breathing it in, frozen at the spot, overwhelmed with mixed emotions of joy and disbelief, sorrow and happiness, before Tirsa collapsed. Artride grabbed her under her armpits just in time, otherwise she would have hit the ground hard.
Outside, the queen gently laid Tirsa on the grass a couple of inches away from the cave and knelled down by her. She stared at the moon and the sea, breathing in the scented purifying air and glow. Closing her eyes, she concentrated and meditated to regain herself before she started chanting, placing her healing hands on the right broken leg of her partner.
It took some time, but she felt power radiating from within, through her hands, which were glowing with an inner heat by now; restoring and mending the bone and damaged veins and skin. Tirsa had not woken up yet, but she decided not to stir her. Her breathing was steady and her pulse even. She had slipped into a normal sleep. Her body and mind needed the welcome, healing sleep.
‘I could use some too,’ she said looking at Tirsa, who appeared serene and peaceful in her sleep. The waves of the sea roared and thundered as the white horses crashed upon the shores of the sandy beach.
‘An ocean no human had ever seen,’ she whispered, and stared at the dark ocean not very far from her, embodying glitters and sparkles; reflecting the moon and stars.
Looking back at the dark cave’s mouth, which lay open and unhidden underneath the grass covered dunes, knowing the treacherous path through the mountains to reach this side of the cave to be almost impossible, and from the sea magically protected, she sighed. From this side it looked like a normal cave and she guessed now it was again, but still it was hard to fathom the passing few days, weeks? She hoped they were still in time. It all seemed so surreal; the only reminder being the stained and torn white nightgowns they still wore. Not to mention the bruises and scars they both had over their entire bodies; but she was too tired to heal them all right now. She curled herself up beside Tirsa, spooning her, putting an arm around her for warmth and comfort. It was a little chilly, but not all too cold to sleep. There was some dried grass and she covered them both with it as much as possible and that was surprisingly warm; even from underneath them came a warmth.
Soon Artride fell asleep, with the sound of the surf in the background; feeling safe and sound, alive and utterly complete for the first time in days, no … weeks.
~ ~ ~
Warm beams of sunlight glowed on two sleeping beings. Their eyes were closed and their breathing was steady and soft. Cuddled closely together one would assume they were lovers or sisters; not divided by rank. Just two human beings asleep.
A soft breeze of the spring wind tenderly caressed the two women; their skin, their long hair and thin torn dresses. But the wind was warm and comfortable; all the elements ensured these two beings would never again experienc discomfort on their behalf. .
From now on these children of Talamh would be spoiled by the rain, the sun, the moon, the wind and all the other creatures which would be their brothers and sisters.
They didn’t know yet, as they lay sleeping a dreamless sleep.
The long dune grass waved in the wind, dancing in joyous glory and freedom. Nature had its way again and no longer would it be affected by the tight unnatural grip of the human sorceress.
A young rabbit, which had been nibbling herbs and grass, spotted the two sleeping humans and curiously sniffed their faces.
Tirsa felt the soft nose and whiskers on her face and moved her hand to itch her nose. The rabbit jumped away and Tirsa followed it with her eyes. Sitting up, she saw the deep blue of the sea and smelled its fresh salty air. The sun stood high in its orbit and reflected on the water like gold waiting to be found beneath the surface of the sea. She narrowed her eyes against the sudden brightness. Little did she remember how she got here and she tried to search her clouded mind. Oh yes, the cave, her leg …
Quickly she glanced at it; but already knew it to be healed, for she felt no pain or spotted any sign of the broken bone. Peeking at a sleeping Artride she smiled. She must have carried her here; as exhausted as she must have been herself, and she glared over to the cave opening not far away. She removed the dried grass which had proven to be warm and stood. She felt achy and battered all over, and she took a few deep breaths, stretching her stiff limbs. But it didn’t matter, her body would heal; she was free again.
Walking over to the beach, she enjoyed the feeling of the warm sand underneath her bare feet and between her toes. She kneeled and scooped a handful of it, to let it slip between her fingers and be softly blown away by the breeze, and then she remembered the sorceress’s ashes … mournfully, but with triumph.
It felt good to get in touch with the outside world again and she realized she’d missed it. All of it; the wind on her face, through her hair, along her skin, the scents it brought. The warmth of the sun, the horizon, and to be able to see as far as the eye could reach. Her freedom …
The ocean looked enormous and she spotted no islands or other indication of land. Seabirds dotted the sky, soaring in flight and in the water. She thought she spotted a grey seal, poking his head above before diving. The sky was greenish blue and the sun bright and warm on her skin. She stood staring for a long time, marvelling in it, letting go of the past memories and taking in the sound of the waves and the fresh cleansing air, clearing her mind. Her world was different now …
Artride woke up, not long after and as she joined Tirsa they greeted each other with a simple nod and smile. Both were silent. It’s over now. Artride thought. All over.
While Tirsa thought, My life begins …
After some time they felt a presence behind them and both looked over their shoulder to see a couple of small fragile children standing on the lowest dune near the beach. They smiled and waved at the women, gesturing them to come, which they did after exchanging a surprised glance.
There were five of them, and as they came closer they saw their skin was green and blue, as were their clothes. And they recognised one of them.
‘Shanta,’ Artride said with mixed emotions.
Shanta bowed deeply; her long dark blue hair touching the grass. She shoved it behind her long ears; her skin deeply forest green under the sun. Her eyes sho
ne bright and she smiled at them warmly.
‘Hello again fair ladies. We thought it to be nicer to have you welcomed by someone you know.’
‘Well, the last time we met was rather awkward and embarrassing, Shanta,’ Artride said.
‘Could you explain to us where you went all of a sudden; leaving us confused and –’
‘I am most sorry for that, I am!’ she honestly answered. The other four TalamhClann children were silent and listening.
‘As you probably guessed I was under a spell. As I was reading your minds, the Dominator as I now know she was, listened and ordered me to mess things up. She was in my mind! It was entirely against my will. All I cared for was my Green Valley and my waterfall; to save it, and she preyed on that desire, as she used to prey on my brothers’ desires to be with her.’
‘It’s alright, we understand now,’ The queen soothed her. ‘Is your valley completely restored again, now that she’s gone?’
‘Oh, yes, thanks to you. I have no words to thank you for that, but come.’ And she clutched both their hands, which reminded them of the last time she did that. But they’d forgiven her in their hearts.
‘We have arranged a big celebration to show our gratitude to you. We would like to thank you properly in our own way.’
‘Are all the Wind – and Woodchildren there?’ Tirsa asked.
‘As many as possible! As soon as we felt the strings released we knew you did it and then the ancient God of Insight explained it to the wind and the Windchildren carried the joyous message; we are free! We have never been so happy!’ and she jumped up and down, and the other children giggled and danced as well.
‘We are glad for you, but really we have to return home, and Eolas said he would meet us here,’ Artride interrupted.
Shanta stopped dancing. ‘Yes, we know, but the party is just one night and you’ll be tremendously generously rewarded.’
‘That is very kind of your people, but we really do not have much time.’
‘Yes, I remember, don’t worry about that now, Lady Moonlight.’
‘Lady Moonlight?’ Artride said with raised eyebrows.
‘That’s what we call you.’ And she smiled a big smile.
‘Why?’ she asked smiling, her eyes glowing, sparkling bright.
‘Because you resemble our moon goddess a great deal; your looks and your wisdom. It’s really meant as a big compliment.’
‘And how do you call me?’
Shanta stared at Tirsa in reply and smiled with naughty eyes. ‘Snake Eyes.’
Tirsa’s green eyes grew bigger and she shrugged her shoulders in slight disappointment.
‘Right.’ She said a bit annoyed.
‘Snakes are very witty and quick like you, and your eyes are remarkably green; almost inhuman.’
Tirsa cleared her throat. ‘Thank you,’ she nodded gratefully, feeling a little better at that.
‘Looks like you might have found your animal guiding spirit,’ Artride whispered. ‘The soldiers call you‘The Snake’ and now they do; why, it must be true then!’ and she laughed, touching Tirsa’s arm tenderly. She, at first, was somewhat offended, but as everyone was laughing she found it hard not to join in. She could not remember having laughed in a long time and it felt good.
As they were walking through the grassy dunes towards an oak wood, Tirsa asked Shanta: ‘How long have we been in the cave anyway? We’ve lost track of time you see.’
‘Well, all together we counted seven days and seven nights.’
‘A whole week!’ Artride spoke devastated and stared at Tirsa. ‘But, at least it means that Elimar is alive still. How more days have we got left to be in time?’
‘Since we’ve left the castle it’s been a little over two weeks, Artride. On foot we’re never going to be on time! And how are we going to travel anyway through these treacherous mountains?’
‘Sweet ladies, easy now. I promise on behalf of all of us you’ll be on time. We know everything about the three weeks sentence of your brother, Snake Eyes. You do not have to worry about the journey home.’
‘Oh.’ Tirsa could see herself floating back in on of those drifting solid clouds in which Kasching brought them to the cave. She told Artride they probably had that in mind for them.
‘Alright, just one day and night and then we’ll have to leave.’ And she was rather curious about the celebration. ‘Is Eolas going to be there?’ she said looking around.
‘Of course.’
They passed a small lake which buzzed with life. They spotted frogs, dragonflies looking for a mate and … water lilies. ‘These look real,’ Tirsa mentioned surprised.
‘That’s because they are,’ Shanta added not understanding.
They still had to adapt to the fact that everything from now on would be real again; even if they still were in the Magical Land; from now on it would be natural magic.
The oak wood was ancient and the last wood before the great mountain range began. A high natural wall cut this part off from the rest of the world. Birds were singing in the canopy overhead and flowers decorated the grassy floor and butterflies danced in the air.
‘It feels great being outside again,’ Tirsa sighed.
Going deeper into the wood they spotted round tree huts. ‘So this is where Woodchildren live?’ Artride said in wonder.
‘This is a village,’ Shanta explained to them. ‘But most live in the woods, valleys and mountains. We need not much shelter really; other than what nature has to offer us. But here we gather and stay over longer periods and share information,’ Shanta explained.
‘Very close to the sorceress’ cave, though,’ Artride mentioned.
‘I know, but we were here first, we left once we understood the danger. It stood empty for centuries. At last we occupy it again,’ she said joyfully.
The other children ran off to join the rest of the group, chanting the names of their saviours.
Woodchildren were gathered in small groups talking to each other, but as the women appeared they stopped and stared at them in wonder. Soon they started to cheer, laugh and cry at the same time, but the two women did not experience this as noise of any kind; but as music to their ears, for that was what it was. They clasped hands together as they soon were singing to them in their own tongue, a lovely heartbreaking, welcome song. Men, women and children all joined in.
Their voices were pure, high and harmonious; straight from the heart. It touched their own hearts and warmed them all over. Tears were building up in the eyes of the heroes and it was impossible not to weep.
A dark, tall man separated from the group after the song and came to greet them.
‘Welcome, you’re the first humans ever to see this secret place,’ Eolas said, his arms widely spread; side-glancing at an approaching woman left of him.
‘Roalda!’ Artride called out and covered her mouth in disbelief.
‘My, you two have become thinner!’ The white lady said sliding closer. She looked less transparent than when they’d last seen her.
‘That’s the first thing you say to us?’ Tirsa asked her with one eyebrow up.
‘Just to let you know now that you have reached a heroic status, you will have to live up to your statuesque,’ she said quite seriously.
Artride looked down at herself; at the stained torn dress and her dirty arms and legs. ‘Yes, well, I suppose we do need to shape ourselves up a bit.’
‘A bit? You two look like you’ve had a journey through the insides of a mountain troll!’
She looked up to see Roalda laughing. ‘Very nearly,’ she answered smiling.
Roalda embraced them closely so that the three of them were standing head to head.
‘Thank you so much,’ she whispered in their hair. ‘I have regained my powers now and everyone is free again.’ Roalda embraced them both tightly as she would have with her own children. She looked very proud.
‘Do you hear that music?’ Eolas interrupted. They sharpened their ears and heard a faint drum and
a number of flute tones deeper in the woods.
‘They haven’t stopped playing ever since it was clear The Dominator is gone and won’t be back. Come and eat with us,’ he said as he touched their fingertips lightly.
‘Eolas,’ Artride said thankfully, ‘we are more than honoured, but where were you? Tirsa broke her leg near the cave exit and it was so dark!’
‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ he said looking at Tirsa’s leg.
‘I have healed her, but still. I thought you left us.’
‘Now, now, I wouldn’t do that!’ and he beckoned them to follow him.
They came closer to the tree huts and on the meadow a long table stood, covered with good food from the woods; berries, mushrooms, salads, honey, nuts and roots and bread. It was hard not to taste all of it and eat fast; but they reminded themselves to eat slow and not to stuff themselves, since their stomachs had shrunken during the journey, even if they did have a little food in the cave.
The rest of the TalamhClann joined and ate as well. The Woodchildren talked quietly with one another, leaving the two women at peace as they ate; knowing that they would get to hear the entire story sooner or later. The atmosphere was peaceful and cheerful and laughs and giggles were to be heard all over the table. They felt accepted and respected; something Artride had never experienced in this fashion. She told Tirsa so and she replied in a matter of fact voice, ‘Well of course, people could learn a lot from these children of nature. No one judges and there is never strife or battle between them. They fight their inner demons at a young age so that they unite their shadows with their bright side. Balance is their secret.’
‘Well spoken, Tirsa,’ Eolas said, sitting opposite them, who had been listening. ‘It sounds you hold a great respect for them.’
‘Of course. I used to encounter Woodchildren during my strolls and during these short wonderful meetings I’ve gained a huge respect. They’re always giving and never asking anything back, but now that I’ve done something for them I guess they’ll let us into their hearts?’
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