“Zoe.”
“Yes. Is it true?”
“It is. She was my mother’s sister.”
She explained how Zoe was forced to be a priestess, and how she rebelled. Ultimately, she had begged Simon to change her because she saw no other way out of her life as a priestess. When the High Priestess discovered she’d been in contact with Vampyres, she declared Zoe a heretic to the goddess and sentenced her to death. Moira had taken down the protective medallions from the grove so that when Zoe was offered Simon was able to rescue her after a fashion by turning her.
“She would’ve died otherwise,” Jessica said.
“And Moira wasn’t punished?”
“Her part was unknown, and the old High Priestess died before any inquiries were made. Once she was elected High Priestess, no investigation was ever made.”
“Grandmother willingly let the Vampyres have her sister?”
“It’s what Zoe wanted. My mother thought it was better than actual death. Zoe is happy about it.”
“You’ve met her?”
“Yes, once.”
“Do you like her?”
“I don’t know her well enough. She was pleasant.”
“Do you agree with what your mother did?” Hugh asked.
Jessica paused a moment. “Hugh I wasn’t in the circumstance. I’m sure I don’t know all of the details. But you and I were both in circumstances where we could’ve been forced into the priesthood as Zoe was. I would have been miserable. It surprised me that Bran wished to join. You would have been more miserable than I. Think how you’d be if Aoife had forced you.”
“Men are not generally forced. But I begin to see your point.”
“I don’t mean to suggest a friendship between you and Zoe. She made her choice. She is a Vampyre, and therefore dangerous, as she herself would tell you.”
“Simon knew right away that I was her relative.”
Jessica sighed and stood. She walked to the window and looked out for a moment before turning back to her nephew.
“Simon watches Zoe’s family. He knows all about Moira and her children. He wanted to make Teilo a Vampyre. I imagine if anything happened to me he’d make the offer again.”
“That’s not true,” Teilo protested. She arched her eyebrow as she looked at him. “I no longer hold his attention.”
“He knows of our children,” Jessica said, since she didn’t wish to argue with Teilo. “I imagine he knew of Aoife’s life. He would’ve known who you were.”
“So, his seeming surprise at seeing me at the concert was a ruse?”
“No, that was probably genuine. He wouldn’t expect the son of a priestess – or my children, either – to attend a Shauna Faun concert. He’d of course be curious to see your turn of mind.”
“Would he try to turn me?”
She struggled with what she wanted to believe versus what she knew was true.
“Simon is an odd character for a Vampyre,” Jessica said. “He does not change a person against his will. He believes it makes a poor Vampyre.”
“What of the others?”
“They have all sworn a blood oath to Simon,” Teilo said, to Jessica’s surprise. “Only he may create a Vampyre for their coven. It keeps others from wanting Faery blood. They feed on Humans to protect our society. I do remember that much.”
Hugh was stunned. He’d thought nothing good could be said of Vampyres, yet here both his aunt and uncle spoke of rules and considerations. His own meeting with the Vampyres had shown their courtesy and friendliness. Could it be that Vampyres were not as evil a breed after all?
“Aunt Jessica, you hate them, don’t you?” Hugh asked.
“Hate is a harsh word. I don’t want to be in their presence. I don’t trust them. They are not safe. But I must admit they once did me a good turn. Simon helped Teilo rescue me from someone more evil than a Vampyre, and it was not to his advantage to do so. Still, they are not safe, as he would tell you himself.”
Satisfied on the score of Vampyres, they moved on to other things and spent a lovely afternoon catching up.
VI
Gareth paced the floor of the solarium. Hugh waited, his hands clasped behind his back. This would not be good, but he didn’t know what he’d done wrong.
“Hugh, I know you are an honest fellow. You are diligent in your studies. But you don’t have much gift for astronomy. You do understand some of it and are quite good at finding your way by the stars. I daresay you’d make a fine navigator. Have you ever given any thought to sailing the seas?”
“The seas? I – I never thought of it.”
“You’d be very good. Your sky training for that is nearly complete, and I could find you a willing captain to take you on and teach you what you need to know.”
“I never knew our kind sailed the seas.”
“Not the seas, but the smaller bodies. We stow away on Human ships for long voyages.”
Hugh was surprised. “Isn’t that dishonest?”
Gareth started, and then laughed. “We eat none of their food. We occupy no space they’re using. We are as air to them. Besides, they no longer believe in us, so we can do no traffic with them.”
“So then, when would I start with the captain?”
“First I must speak with your mother. Your contract is with me. She wouldn’t take kindly to my making her decisions. She may wish you to consider other options.”
Hugh nodded. He had failed, he thought. His mother would be disappointed again.
“You’re quiet, Hugh. Have you nothing to say?”
“I’m sorry I’m such a disappointment.”
“Disappointment? No. This was not the goddess’s gift to you. We must find what that gift is. I think it may be navigation. But if you don’t wish to do that, speak up. I cannot live your life for you.”
“I have thought of nothing beyond astronomy. I will speak with my mother.”
Gareth clapped the young man on the back. “Nay, that is my job. It has been good working with you, Hugh. You have a quick mind and are lively company.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Hugh said.
Aoife was surprised by the request for an interview from Gareth. She hoped Hugh hadn’t disgraced himself. She’d throttle him if he’d ruined this opportunity. Time he grew up and took some responsibility. Well, if she found him another apprenticeship he’d have to succeed or go into the priesthood.
She smoothed her hair and went to the parlor where he waited nervously.
Gareth stood, fingering his hat. “Lady Aoife,” he said.
“Master Gareth,” she replied, nodding. “Sit, please.”
She sat across from him, and Hugh sat in a chair in the corner.
“I must say I’m surprised to see you so soon,” Aoife said. “I hope my son hasn’t been up to anything –”
“Nay. He’s an able student. I feel he’s not suited to astronomy. There are facets to it that he simply doesn’t comprehend. He is quite good at navigating using the stars. But astronomy does not sit well on his shoulders. I think he would come to hate it, and he wouldn’t excel. What I do think he has a talent for is ship navigation. I would recommend he study with a ship’s captain in our clan. All fees would, of course, transfer to him.”
“You have spoken with the ship captain?”
“Aye. I wanted to be prepared before I came. It wouldn’t do to suggest something only to find out it couldn’t be done.”
“I didn’t expect this at all. I am glad to hear Hugh hasn’t been out of line.”
“Oh, no. He knows what is demanded.”
Aoife turned to Hugh. “What do you say, Hugh? Is this your wish?”
“I hadn’t thought of it before Master Gareth mentioned it, but I would like to try.”
“Good, good,” Gareth said. “I will speak with Captain Osprey to settle the matter. Before I spoke with Hugh I sought the captain’s advice; he offered a position.”
“I would wish to speak with him, also,” Aoife said.
“Of course. I wi
ll arrange it.”
After Aoife thanked Gareth for his efforts on Hugh’s behalf, Gareth left.
Hugh was quiet, waiting for a rebuke from his mother, but none came.
“Are you very disappointed in me?” Hugh asked.
“Of course not. You cannot perform where you have no talent. This is a good choice for you. It must have been difficult for Gareth to give me this news.”
“He is a master, and he knows when someone has insufficient skill.”
“You have lived among the priestesses all of your life and don’t understand how difficult it is for most Faeries to face a priestess, much less the Chief High Priestess. To you I am simply mother.”
Hugh smiled. “And your predecessor was simply Granny. I thought it was only the children who were in awe of you.”
They spent a pleasant afternoon talking about what he hoped to do when he finished his apprenticeship, and what he knew of Captain Osprey. As darkness approached, Hugh returned to his quarters amongst the Celestials.
Simon watched the others. Kele and Luke spent their free time together. Odd, they didn’t look like two who would have much in common. He’d never noticed, with his preoccupation with Zoe, Teilo and Flynn, needing to destroy Ethan and Fiona’s leaving. In the last twenty years more had happened in his little band than in the 50 preceding it.
“What are you so pensive about?” Calana asked, flitting up behind where Simon perched on a tree branch.
“Oh, just thinking about our folk and the changes we’ve had.”
“I thought perhaps you were considering turning the High Priestess’s boy.”
Simon laughed. “You wish for war? Because it would surely come from that. No, he has no more love for us than his mother. Moira was more forgiving.”
“Do you think he ever asked his mother about Zoe?”
“I’m sure he did – or perhaps paid a visit to Teilo.”
“Do you miss Teilo?”
Simon smiled sadly. “He was a great friend. But Flynn is the better choice.”
“He is a fine musician. Teilo, I think, reminded you a bit of yourself when you were a light Faery. Flynn is closer to your talent. And he keeps you on your toes.”
“He’s a fine song writer.”
Dawn approached and the Vampyres returned to their lairs.
VII
Hugh had already learned the reading of the skies necessary for sailing the seas. Captain Osprey was pleased that Gareth had completed so much of his work for him. It remained only for Hugh to learn the parts of the ship and its rigging, handling of the various parts and practice, all of which would only take another six months or so.
Learning was not a classroom job. Osprey had Hugh on board the day after he examined his knowledge of the sky.
They had a three-day crossing during which Hugh shadowed various journeymen to watch and learn and eventually perform the tasks acceptably. Hugh learned quickly, but wasn’t beyond being teased by the others as was the lot of apprentices.
The others quickly took to him and his easygoing ways. When they spoke of love conquests, he was able to make his own boasts, and they were impressed that the son of a priestess was so worldly.
Osprey was pleased with Hugh’s performance. Of course, he couldn’t let on to a new apprentice or his authority would be gone. His crew had to be tough to fight storms and survive pirate attacks. Some of the Browns, the name given to bands of outlaws who were no longer allowed to live with decent Faeries, thought themselves seafarers and attacked honest ships bearing cargo.
Once they had returned to their home shore, Sands, one of the journeymen, was given the task of training Hugh to fight and survive a pirate attack. Hugh found it great fun at first. His clan’s children didn’t play at pirates as the Celestial children did. It quickly became less of a game and more skillful work. He was taught to always carry a dagger, and later trained in the art of the sword and axe.
The days were hard, but Hugh gained strength and skill. He had barely recovered from the aching muscles from weapons training when Osprey ordered him out on the ship again. This time they’d be a month out to sea, stopping at various ports along their own coast and that of the nearest isle across the sea. Having had his initiation in the ways of a ship, he was expected to do his part well.
Hugh began to wish they’d be attacked by pirates. But the voyage was more mundane than that, with every day the same as the one before.
“You have to know every splinter of the ship,” Sands told him. “She’s your mistress while you’re on the water. “You owe her more loyalty than your own wife. Sometimes you have to feel what she needs. And she can be willful.”
Hugh stifled a smile at Sands’ words. He indeed spoke of the ship as he would a lover – or as he imagined a man would. He didn’t have quite as much experience at love as most of them supposed.
They had barely returned from their coastal job, off-loading one shipment and picking up another at each port when they were out on another. Hugh had a scant three days on land to see to his needs before he was off again. And so went the summer and autumn from Beltane until well past Samhain. While he enjoyed it – indeed, he forgot what his before life had been – nothing as exciting as pirates ever happened. Still, Sands and the others kept him busy maintaining his weapons skills when the ship’s duties permitted. All was not drudgery, and from time to time in calm weather they played glimmer off the stern of the ship on a Saturday night.
A year passed quickly, and Hugh had already become a journeyman navigator. In winter the seas were too rough, so the journeys ended until spring.
Hugh finally had the leisure and pay to look about him. He found a home near the coast and took an interest in the young ladies of the Celestial clan.
He met Meleri Morningstar at the Winter Solstice festival. He had been looking for Aurora Mercury, the girl he’d met when he first arrived, but when he did see her, she had a young man in tow who looked like he’d break Hugh in two if he looked too long.
Meleri wasn’t shy, although she was modest. She could trade banter with any of the men, but she set them limits. She reminded him a bit of his cousin, Dawn, but Meleri was auburn-haired where Dawn was blonde.
“Do I have scales covering my face?” she asked him. He hadn’t realized she’d noticed him.
“Sorry?”
“You’re staring as if I were a troll.”
“Trolls are far larger,” Hugh said, startled at her way of starting a conversation.
She laughed. “Then why were you staring? Or do you have the visual ability to create trolls out of mere Faeries?”
Thus their first conversation began. Hugh knew there was something different about her. He was pleased enough that she took an interest, and he was relieved and even a bit proud to answer her question about what he did with the fact that he was a journeyman navigator.
“You’re not of our clan, are you?” she asked.
“No. I’m a – well, I was raised with Benevolents, which my grandmother was, but my mother’s father was a Merciful, as was mine. I suppose I should say I’m a Merciful.”
“Was?”
“I don’t know him. Mother never introduced us. She’s Chief High Priestess.”
Meleri started. “Shouldn’t you be a druid?”
He laughed. “We aren’t forced. I leave the druid formalities to my cousin, Bran.”
“Is his mother a priestess?”
“No,” he said, “although his mother was the daughter of a priestess.”
“And yet she married?”
“My Aunt Jessica had no calling for being a priestess, and my grandmother, Moira Holly, was wise enough not to force the issue. I guess after –”
He stopped, not wishing to tell anyone that he was related to a Vampyre. Whether she believed him or thought him mad, it would ruin any chance of progress with her.
“After?”
“Moira’s sister was forced to be a priestess against her will. It destroyed her.”
�
��Oh. But you’re related to Moira Holly.”
“Yes,” he replied.
“She died young.”
“She did. I don’t know why.”
“No one knows?”
“I’ve heard nothing since her death. It was some rare illness.”
It hadn’t occurred to him to question his grandmother’s death. He blandly accepted that the goddess had called her. Now he wondered if that was the truth.
He went to visit his mother on his next free day, to her delight and surprise. She was interested in his work and how he was getting on. She noticed with some pride how he had become lean and strong through his work.
He studied her as she spoke. She was just 50 now, and his grandmother would be 70 if she were alive. For folk who lived to 150 yeas and more, even his grandmother would still be considered young.
“What thoughts give your face such a serious look?” Aoife asked.
“I was thinking of Grandmother.” She looked at him curiously. “She was quite young to die.”
“She was, indeed. The path of the High Priestess takes a toll.”
“Her worries never seemed great. Nor do yours.”
“My worries are light.”
“Was it only the weariness of life? Is there any reason to suppose that her death wasn’t innocent?”
“Hugh, why do you ask this now, after more than two years?”
“It never occurred to me before. Someone I met asked.”
Aoife looked distraught and ran her fingers through her hair. He’d never seen her do that before.
“No one would have been able to do anything to her but another priestess. No one else had access.”
“To what? Grandmother was always out with folk. She had her own home.”
“If it was untimely death, it had to be poison. She did not eat or drink in the homes of others. If it was a priestess, she may be jealous of our family. Bran could be at risk.”
“Or you,” Hugh said.
“I was elected fairly.”
“So was Grandmother. The guilty party would hide the fact by voting for you.”
She studied him. “You have too devious a mind, Hugh.”
Dark Faery III: The Celestials Page 3