Dark Faery III: The Celestials

by Bridget McGowan

  “I have had to think like wind and sea these past months. Malevolent Faery isn’t so different after that.”

  “I will see what I can discover. I will put Bran on his guard.”

  “Shall I –” he began, but hesitated. “Shall I try to contact Zoe? Might she know anything helpful?”

  Aoife’s face became angry. “What could she know? She left us.”

  He shrugged. “I thought she might know some of the people.”

  “I know all of them. I will seek answers.”

  When he left his mother, he went to his aunt’s house. Jessica, as always, was delighted to see him.

  “What a shame you couldn’t be here tomorrow. Bran is coming to visit.”

  “Yes, indeed, it is,” he said to be polite. Bran was a few years older, and they had little in common beyond being sons.

  “Aunt Jessica, something has been brought to my attention, and I wondered what you’d think of my plan.”

  He told her of his suspicions about her mother and all that had transpired between him and his mother.

  “I wondered if Zoe could be of assistance.”

  She studied him. “Are you in contact?”

  “No. But I’m sure I could find a way if I needed to.”

  “They do have discernment,” Teilo offered. “They can compel truth or find a lie. But I can’t imagine someone of the priestesses lying.”

  “Murder, lying, does it make any difference?” Hugh asked.

  “What does your mother say? I’m sure you mentioned it,” Teilo commented.

  “She didn’t forbid it.”

  “But she didn’t endorse it,” Jessica said with a crooked smile. “You are devious, Hugh. I say nothing. Follow your own judgement.”

  “You won’t run off to tell my mother?”

  “It’s not my business what goes on between mothers and sons.”

  With what he took as permission, he went on his way.

  VIII

  Tomas had no idea how to find anyone from Shauna Faun. He asked a few friends, but no one knew. Hugh was approached one day by someone he’d seen at the concert, Aleitha. She had led some of them to the cave.

  “I’ve heard you’re anxious to meet with someone from Shauna Faun,” she said. She was pale, blonde and serious-looking.

  “Yes. Do you know how to do that?”

  “Go to the concert hill tomorrow at sunset.”

  “Wait, who are you?”

  “I am no one. If you wish to contact Shauna Faun, do as I say.”

  She flitted off.

  As the sun was setting the next day, Hugh sat on the ground staring at the place where the stage usually was, as if staring would make someone appear. The day was warm, but beneath the trees the breeze was cool. Leaves swayed softly, making a dappled blanket of the grasses.

  Simon fluttered down from the trees just as full darkness enclosed the hill. Hugh was startled, as if awakened from sleep. Simon hadn’t come from the expected direction.

  Hugh watched Simon settle onto the ground. Simon said nothing at first, but watched Hugh. The Vampyre, paying a formal visit, wore black trousers, a pale yellow shirt with a knee-length black coat that had an upright collar one would expect on a cape.

  “You wish something of us, Hugh Holly, son of Aoife?”

  Hugh was startled yet again. He was seldom addressed as Hugh Holly. He’d never thought about it, but he supposed that was his surname, although he usually gave his father’s as his own. Simon used all of the formalities.

  “I wish to speak with Zoe, my kinswoman,” he replied. “No disrespect to you.”

  Simon inclined his head in acknowledgement.

  “You, who disdain Vampyres acknowledge kinship? It must be important.”

  “It concerns Moira Holly.”

  “Indeed? Has she not been dead some time now?”

  “She has. Do you not think it odd that her life ended in less than 100 years? Can anyone believe the cause was natural?”

  Simon considered for several moments.

  “We of the Vampyre lose track of light time. Counting years is tedious in the face of eternity. Why would Zoe have any insight on Moira’s death?”

  “Not on her death, but I thought she might remember some who were there when she became High Priestess who might not have been happy about her becoming so.”

  Simon thought for several moments. “So, you think someone harboring a grudge all these years finally decided to end Moira’s life?”

  “Perhaps it was a slow process meant not to attract attention. I would hate to think my mother and my cousin might be in danger.”

  “Your cousin?”

  “Teilo’s son Bran is a druid.”

  “I wish you and your family no ill. Why would Zoe involve herself?”

  “Moira, as I understand it, was always kind, or at least tolerant of your kind. Teilo still remembers some of his time with you fondly. And not to put too fine a point on it, Zoe does owe a debt of gratitude to Moira for helping her escape death.”

  Simon looked annoyed. “Is it the intention of your kind to play on that debt whenever you want something?”

  Hugh was startled. “I only meant –”

  “Your aunt received the full benefit of Zoe’s gratitude when she was rescued from her abductor. And as a consequence, I lost –” He stopped his shouting suddenly, aware that he was about to give away more than any light Faery had a right to know about him.

  Hugh hung his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I only hoped Zoë could give us the benefit of her insight.”

  “He’s right,” came a feminine voice, and Zoe appeared over the hill. “Simon, you needn’t be stingy with my time. I’m sure Hugh, for as much as he dislikes us –” Here she put up a finger to stop the protest Hugh was about to make, “ – would wish no harm to us. He knows, I’m sure, that if he intended any treachery toward us it would cost him his life. But we needn’t appear inhospitable.”

  “Very well, Zoë. If you wish to assist him, I won’t stand in your way.”

  Hugh looked relieved.

  “Before I help you, Hugh, understand that this will put you in our debt.”

  “What will you require of me?”

  “It depends on the way our task turns out.” Simon replied. “If Zoe is destroyed, it will cost you your life. Otherwise, we will keep your debt as a retainer, and if ever we have need of you we will call you.”

  “Let it be so. My only need is a list of names of those who were there when Moira became High Priestess, and who didn’t like her – or you.”

  Zoe sat with Hugh, and they made a list of the priestesses she knew. Several of them had died, since they were old even then. Of those left, four or five were enemies of Zoe’s, and she thought there might be some resentment on their part against Moira.

  When they finished, Hugh thanked her, and then noticed that Simon had gone.

  A few days later Hugh visited his mother. He asked her to come out with him. She understood that what he had to say needed to be said away from any prying ears. They traveled to the concert mound and sat on a tree branch high up.

  Aoife was incensed at his announcement that he’d gone to see Zoe.

  “She has nothing to do with us!” she said.

  “She was once a priestess. She gave me a list of people who hated her or Moira.”

  “Moira had no enemies!”

  He handed her the list. “She did,” he said.

  Aoife gave it a cursory glance, and something caught her eye. She scanned the list again, running a finger down the page.

  “Five of these are still with us. Two were close to my mother. I can’t believe –”

  “Start there, then. Are any on the list in close contact with Bran or you?”

  “What would that –”

  “You are her heir. Bran –”

  “Bran is in no danger.”

  “We don’t know that. He has her look stamped on his face.”

  She considered f
or several moments.

  “You think he may be in danger?”

  “We don’t know that he isn’t. Zoe thinks a slow-acting poison was used to eliminate suspicion of murder. I would say eat only what you have seen prepared.”

  “Why would anyone target Bran or me?”

  “You are Moira’s heir. They all know what Zoe is. They may wish to deny our family access to the priesthood. Once all are gone they can plan treachery to make our family forever banned from participation. Having a Vampyre in the family may be enough. We would be practically outlawed.”

  “I will send Bran on a pilgrimage. That will keep him away and out of harm.”

  “Perhaps study with the Cerebrals. The goddess knows he has a brilliant mind.”

  “That’s kind of you to say, Hugh. I know he isn’t your favorite.”

  “I give credit where it is due. But be sure he has no amulets or potions with him. They may have been given to him by the malevolent priestesses.”

  “Thank you, Hugh. Although I don’t trust Zoe, please thank her for me.”

  “Oh they have already told me they will someday exact my indebtedness.”

  Aoife tensed. “They will take you?”

  “No, the gift wasn’t that great.”

  “A life for a life.”

  “They haven’t saved a life. I think Simon meant to scare me.”

  They parted company, and Hugh felt better knowing his mother was now armed with the information she needed.

  “What will you do with the boy?” Zoe asked Simon a few evenings later.

  “I have no plan to do anything with him. A good scare is always helpful. If we ever have need of something he can offer, I’ll call on him. Otherwise, he can wonder. Did you give him enough information?”

  “I hope so. I don’t wish them ill. I would not see my kinsmen killed. And if what I’ve done helps, perhaps he’ll lose his animosity.”

  “You would have fans clamoring?”

  “I would have some trust from my family, even my sister’s grandchildren.”

  “And gratitude is no small thing,” Simon replied.

  She smiled. “No, indeed, it isn’t.”

  The evenings were becoming warmer. Simon enjoyed the smell of the new foliage, even if he didn’t like the shortening of the evenings. On nights like this, he remembered his life as a light Faery.

  He wasn’t so very different then from what Hugh was now. He’d been curious about things his friends didn’t think about. He had a mischievous streak that endeared him to his classmates. The girls had thought him daring, and because he was courteous, most of the parents found him harmless.

  His friendship – and that’s all it had ever been – with the chief druid’s daughter was the only one that had ever caused trouble. Simon had always been particularly courteous to the girl. He’d always suspected she had a crush on him. For his part, he had no similar feelings for her.

  Her father hated Simon, believing him to be an inappropriate choice for his daughter. When she became ill of a plague that had swept the clans at that time, the druid blamed Simon, despite the impossibility of Simon causing a plague. Nothing less than blood would have satisfied the druid. He was on the point of murdering Simon when a dark Faery saved him.

  For a long while Simon hadn’t quite accepted it as a saving. But now, flitting to his feeding with Zoe, he couldn’t imagine his life any other way. After all these years they were still a couple. Her quirky ways had calmed somewhat, but she was still the novice priestess who had enticed him all those years ago.

  He couldn’t imagine having to suffer as Kele now suffered. He would have to realize Fiona wasn’t coming back before he could move on. As they chose a likely Human house, Simon hoped he would never have to come to those terms with Zoe.

  IX

  “Why must I go?” Bran asked.

  Aoife had just explained a journey she wished him to make. She had spent the three days since her meeting with Hugh making arrangements. No one wishing to hurt Bran would get the better of her.

  “Because I am your High Priestess and I have so ordered it,” Aoife replied. It wasn’t like Bran to question her decisions. “You need some philosophical studies. You accept blindly what you are taught by the druids. You need a deeper understanding of nature. I have high hopes for you one day. Take nothing with you. One change of clothes only. Leave your medallions here.”

  He looked at her, stunned.

  “Are you stripping me of my priestly office?”

  “No. But you are going as a student, not a priest.”

  She bade him tell no one that he was leaving. On the day he was to depart he dined with her.

  “May I ask why this is secret?” he asked.

  “I have reason to believe my mother did not die of natural causes. You and I may both be in danger. It is better to be away from it until I can discover the truth.”

  “I would not run from danger.”

  “I know you would not. But I will not bear your parents’ wrath for failing to protect you.”

  “Why would anyone wish me harm?”

  “You are one of Moira’s heirs. Hugh thinks anyone trying to kill me might also want you gone to discredit our whole family.”

  “Hugh? Hugh has no great love for me,” Bran said.

  “Hugh may not feel friendship for you, but he does have family loyalty, and he bears you no ill will.”

  “How will you protect yourself?”

  “I know ways others do not. And there are those wise in the ways that can help.”

  “How long will I be away?”

  “Perhaps six months. Do not worry. Your time there will not be wasted.”

  When they finished their meal, Bran grabbed his small satchel and they were off. Aoife took him to Master Chicory, and introduced them. He was ready for Bran, having spoken to Aoife a few days earlier.

  “So, this is your –”

  “This is Bran. He has a good mind. I’m sure you can teach him a great deal.”

  “As much as he can take in while he’s here,” Chicory said.

  She dropped a bag of coins on the table. “This should be sufficient until I return.”

  “Indeed, generous, lady, whatever you see fit will serve.”

  She left Bran with his new tutor and Aoife went on her way.

  She stopped at Hawthorne’s shop with a bag of medallions. These were Bran’s and her own, as well as those of her mother. While most priestesses were sent to the goddess wearing a medallion, Moira had asked Aoife to keep hers when she knew she was dying, and one from childhood replaced it into the fire. Aoife wondered if Moira knew, or at least suspected treachery. Was this a clue? Did she expect Aoife to have them examined? And if so, why hadn’t she been more blatant about her suspicion? Aoife would consider later those who were at Moira’s bedside.

  For now she asked Mr. Hawthorne to test the medallions for poison and also for metals used to make them.

  “Poison, is it? He asked.

  “Perhaps. I depend upon your confidentiality in the matter. I wouldn’t want it known anywhere that there might be a problem in the House of the Priestesses.”

  “My honor on it, Lady Aoife. I will have answers for you in a week’s time, and if I finish sooner, I’ll send a discrete messenger.”

  She left, satisfied that he would make a special effort on her behalf – and a bag of larger teeth, those of high value, didn’t hurt to speed him on his way.

  She next went to visit an herbalist of the Mercifuls, Pandora Hyssop. She had many years mixing potions, and Aoife trusted her.

  “How is the infestation coming along?” Pandora asked.

  “Infestation?”

  “The fleas that have been bothering your sisters. Are you fortunate enough to have escaped it yourself?”

  “Ah. They are gone. What was your remedy so I may ask for it next time?”

  “A decoction of elder flower and yarrow.”

  “Eugenia couldn’t recall what it was to tell me.”


  “Eugenia? I doubt she’d know. Only Hester and Siobhan ever came.”

  “Ah, yes. How silly of me to say Eugenia. I had her on my mind over another matter. They did not tell me they needed more than one decoction.”

  “Oh, no, they did not. Your mother sent Siobhan while she was alive. Hester, whom you sent, came last week. You must indeed be busy if your mind falters so.”

  “I have not supervised in this instance, and did not have my facts aright. Until I come to you personally to make a change, I would ask that only things that come in my hand or with my nephew, Bran, be sent to the House of the Priestesses.”

  “Is there a problem?”

  “Only of a disciplinary nature. Bran has been too coddled by the high druid and needs some lessons in humility,” she said, adding a mental prayer to the goddess to forgive her falsehood as it was meant to keep alarm from the rest of the Faeries.

  “I shall obey, of course, and I thank you for your custom. What about the order I was to have ready for the morrow?”

  “Remind me which that was?”

  “The arsenic for the pests that seem to plague your house.”

  “Alas, that was a mistake. The decoction actually rid us of all pests. Was Hester to have picked it up?”

  “Yes.”

  “I will see that she doesn’t waste the journey. Still, I will pay you for your trouble,” she said and handed a small bag of coins to the herbalist.

  “Oh, that is unnecessary.”

  “Still, you have gone to great trouble over our house, and I have cancelled at the last minute. It is my pleasure to pay.”

  “In that case,” Pandora said, failing to look indifferent to the offer. She swiftly put the bag out of sight.

  If any bribe might be offered by the others, Aoife wanted to be sure Pandora did not take it. Pandora bowed her head and Aoife gave her a blessing of the goddess.

  Aoife’s next stop was to the herbalists working for the Mercifuls. There were several, since there were many doctors in need of them. They did not know Bran, but they did know her son. She told each of them that only Hugh would order for the priestesses until she said otherwise. So far none of the priestesses had gone so far afield since they were able to have their needs met in their own village.