A Witch's Destiny

by Leigh Ann Edwards

  “Aye, well, Mary is lookin’ most weary. Alainn, are you certain she should be ridin’ a horse in her advancing term?” It was Killian who posed the question as he rode next to Alainn and out of earshot of the others, but as Alainn glanced back at Conner’s face as he rode beside Mary, his concern for her evident.

  “Mary has been much accustomed to riding during her entire term so it shouldn’t be a concern, but you are correct. It has been known to cause babes to arrive earlier than anticipated. We might suggest she remain at an inn in the next village while we will continue on.”

  “Sure it’s doubtful she will stay behind if it means she’ll be parted from Conner.”

  “Perhaps Conner isn’t needed now. There are fewer and fewer settlements as we ride northward. Sure we could manage without him to guide us the remainder of our journey. In two days’ time, we will undoubtedly reach the sea, and then I am uncertain what we will do if we’ve no more leads to follow. Conner will be of no use as a guide if we run out of land to search. I must use my magical intuition no matter what the gods have warned.”

  Although Killian was usually undoubtedly confident in her magical abilities, ever since the fairies had acted so oddly toward her in the glade, she sensed he well knew something was amiss with her.

  “So you’re thinking to have Conner stay back at the inn with Mary?” he questioned.

  Alainn shrugged for she was uncertain of the wisdom in that consideration as well.

  “If Riley has followed Mary and should find her and Conner together, he will not take it well, and that’s perhaps putting it mildly. They would both be in danger, I am certain. Adultery is a crime, Alainn. No matter the circumstances, it is considered a crime in the eyes of many and in the eyes of the laws of the chieftains and the clans.”

  Alainn turned from Killian’s gaze and momentarily wondered if he might suspect her condition and that she had spent time with the king and carried the man’s child. But when he dismounted and came to lift her from her horse, and took her in his arms, she pulled his lips down to hers to share a passionate kiss.

  “If by tomorrow’s dusk we have had no success in finding any sign of your father, we will insist Mary stay put with a guard at the door. Conner will remain with us, so that if Riley should follow, he’ll see Mary is protected from harm, but it will not implicate Conner in any way.”

  “Aye, that would be best,” she agreed.

  *

  As they rode up the hillside and looked over the crest, Alainn was stunned by the beauty of the sight before her. It was a large blue loch that stretched nearly as far as the eye could see. By the dark blue color, it was easily determined the water was very deep. It was surrounded by tree-covered hills and rocky, mountainous undulations. Killian, Conner, Danhoul, and she had ridden ahead and left Mary and a handful of Killian’s most-trusted clansman to watch over her at the last village.

  Alainn had also been relieved when Shylie had agreed to stay behind with Mary. Danhoul had managed with little persuasion on his part to convince Shylie she would be vital to keeping Mary safe. It never hurt to have the spirit of a magical witch watching over Mary in her advancing condition.

  Although she hadn’t been entirely pleased with the arrangement, with staying behind or with Shylie remaining with her, Mary could not actually see Shylie so it wasn’t as unnerving or eerie for the woman. When Alainn left her friend Mary resting comfortably on a large feather bed at an inn with a promise they would soon return, her large brown eyes, obviously weary, had glanced at Alainn with some relief and appreciation.

  “Do ye see the castle there on the edge of the loch?” Conner pointed and Alainn was stirred from her memory of Mary.

  They had nodded. “Well, that belongs to the very MacDonalds we made acquaintance with the other night. So I’d not suggest we dare move any closer.”

  “Why would their clansmen have been so far away from their home when we met up with them?” Killian desired to learn more.

  “They were possibly on a raid of another clan’s castle for I tell you plain the MacDonalds are ruthless and best avoided.”

  “Could we not just venture down to the edge of the loch and allow the horses to drink? This side of the loch is nowhere near the castle,” Alainn questioned.

  “Nay, it isna a wise consideration either, Lady O’Brien for there are terrors even more threatening than the MacDonalds in this bottomless loch. Dinna allow the beauty of this place to set you wrong, for there’s many a tale and various accounts of the huge beast that dwells deep within the waters of Loch Ness. It is said to be a monstrous creature so large it can swallow a man whole. It is said many a boat has gone missing on this loch.”

  “’Tis surely folklore and superstition,” Killian reasoned though he stared at the loch, intently searching the water even as he spoke.

  “Well, that may very well be, but I tell ye with no uncertainty there’s been any number of sightings and not by men who’ve been at the drink. It has been a legend in these parts for centuries and it said to be a mighty sea serpent or a dragon.”

  “A dragon?” Alainn beamed, now even more enthralled at the possibility.

  “Well, surely not like the dragons you’ve seen before?” Danhoul claimed possibly longing to see Conner’s reaction to that revelation.

  Conner’s usual rosy face paled at that statement. “You’ve actually seen dragons? I ken you are a magical witch and I’ve been to a fairy glade myself so I shouldna be surprised by hearing you’ve seen dragons, but… but… dragons!” he exclaimed in astonishment.

  “Aye, you never get entirely accustomed to the complete absurdity and spellbinding fascination of magic, Conner,” Killian admitted not with malice but surely with wonder.

  Alainn quickly turned her head at the loud familiar trumpeting sound coming from somewhere below them. She stared at the loch for a long while and was soon rewarded when she espied a long dark streak of blue, and the sizeable ripples that formed around the creature as it moved through the water.

  Alainn looked toward the three men who were with her and smiled widely. “Sure, ’tis the water dragon I met in the realm of the gods.” She did not wait for the others or to see their reaction, but headed her horse toward the water before they had a chance to dissuade her.

  *

  Killian was about to follow Alainn when Danhoul advised against it. “I believe it would be best if you allow Alainn to approach the dragon on her own, for sure it will remember her.”

  Killian was not convinced and he nudged his horse forward.

  “You may put her at risk if the dragon is displeased with our presence.”

  “Some guardians we are, Danhoul, for not only do we seem incapable of protecting her or averting her from most peril she encounters, it seems we tend to put her in further endangerment!” Killian declared.

  Conner MacLain’s eyes were surely as wide as shields and his already pale face grew three shades paler as he looked down at the enormous creature who was now nearly at the shoreline.

  “O’Brien, do you think your sword would actually harm that sprawling beast, for I dinna think it would even begin to pierce its skin.”

  Killian glowered at both the men who now attempted to discourage him from following Alainn and for the briefest of times he considered it might be simpler to be married to a woman and not a witch, a quiet, submissive woman who might actually welcome his protection.

  *

  Alainn left her horse grazing and walked the remaining distance to the loch. Drawing nearer to the water, she lifted her skirts and quickened her pace for it was obvious the creature was heading straight toward her.

  She sensed Killian’s great need to come to her, but she turned, smiled, and waved to him to reassure him.

  Alainn went to the water’s edge and waited for the creature to approach her. It did indeed resemble what was often portrayed in paintings as a sea serpent with a massive rounded head and an unbelievably long neck. Sure enough, upon that lengthy neck was a noticeable s
car from where Alainn had once removed a tooth that had been imbedded within its neck when she had been in the realm of the gods.

  “Water dragon, ’tis good to see you again.” She smiled as the creature came nearly to the shore and stretched its long neck toward Alainn. She reached out and stroked the beast affectionately as it rubbed against her hand. The water beast was incapable of speech yet Alainn found she was able to hear the creature’s thoughts.

  “I am pleased to see you again, as well, young witch.”

  “How is it possible you are able to come to the human realm?”

  “When I slip through a portal in the realm of the gods, I am able to swim through a long cavern and then through a rocky expanse below the water and it leads to this fine location. It is quiet here, and now with the great turmoil in the realm of the gods, I am relieved after being trapped within that cave for such a lengthy time to be able to once more seek solace here as I have through the centuries.”

  “I am much regretful there has been such unrest in your realm, but I had been led to believe there have been some improvements.”

  “Ah, well, the state of the realm changes from day-to-day, and on the contrary, it is exciting to be released from that dismal cave. My brothers and sister and I are taking great pleasure in our vengeance in dealing with the Fomorians. Do not be fretful for us. The gods are surely taking some enjoyment in the battles as well.”

  “I would not suggest that all the gods would consider it to be enjoyable.” Alainn grimaced as she recalled Lugh telling her of the bloody battles that had been fought and the great destruction that had fallen over their realm.

  “Gods have been battling and waging wars for millennia and that will not soon change. But, young Alainn, I am not here to speak of the gods. I am to inform you will soon meet an unlikely creature who will ably assist you in leading you to the keeper of the portals. The keeper will know something of where to find your father. But you must be cautious, for magic reigns wild here in this location. There is benevolent magic, but also the much darker variety.”

  “Could you perhaps be more specific, water dragon?”

  “Not entirely specific for it could be any number of beings you might encounter. I do not possess the precise information, only you will happen upon magical creatures.”

  “Are you not a magical creature, water dragon?” She smirked as she said it.

  “It is true, but I did say you would meet magical creatures. Once you find the keeper of the portals, you will find your father soon after.”

  Alainn’s thoughts must have immediately gone to the possibility she might not live long enough to find the keeper or her father if the gods were unable to terminate the darkness growing within her, they would be forced to terminate her life.

  “Dark thoughts will do nothing to assist you, young witch. You must have faith, but keep your wits about you. You may need to convince the keeper you are who you are for he can be a difficult sort, a shape-shifter with many uncommon capabilities and peculiarities. Once you befriend him, he will not seem so fractious.”

  Although grateful for the dragon’s insight to this person or creature Alainn would apparently need to encounter, Alainn became filled with some unease and apprehension.

  “Simply rely upon your magical intuitiveness and some magical alliances as well, and then you’re sure to aptly charm or outwit, Bulwark. You did manage to free us when no one in many millennia could accomplish it. Keep tight to that thought whenever you should meet with discouragement, dear young witch! But remember to use caution when dealing with all magical creatures. Perhaps it might be best if you allow your mind to rule your heart for a time.”

  She wasn’t certain the dragon’s attempt at consoling her or her ancient wisdom had actually taken away any of her uncertainty, but Alainn nodded to her in appreciation nonetheless. Seeing the dragon had gladdened her heart.

  “I thank you, water dragon. Farewell then.”

  “We shall meet again, Alainn. It is certain.”

  Alainn smiled at the creature clearly aware the dragon knew more than her words portrayed. The dragon bowed down to her, nudged her hand once more, and then turned and dove beneath the water. Alainn watched it glide gracefully until it disappeared within the depths, all the while wishing she could simply go into the cool water with the dragon. But remembering the seagull and all that had transpired, wishing was something she could ill afford to do.

  Chapter Eleven

  “So, we are searching for some form of difficult, uncooperative creature that apparently can change shapes and does not wish to be found?” Killian assessed the unlikely situation as the four of them rode on leaving the loch far behind them.

  “He is allegedly a keeper of magical portals and his name is Bulwark?” Conner repeated the information Alainn had related, though he was still filled with disbelief even though he’d clearly seen the water beast.

  “Aptly named, I suppose,” Danhoul dryly declared.

  They were all exhausted. Alainn sensed it in their voices and in their irritability. She was much distracted with the dull ache within her belly and fraught with displeasure in attempting to cope with the sensation of the child’s repulsive movements within her. Still they rode on for some time in silence.

  They had been traveling since before daybreak and darkness would soon be upon them. It was apparent they would not find an inn this night. As they started out across a large open moor, Alainn was startled by the distinct sounds of battle. Oftentimes, she would hear echoes of events that had taken place at certain locations. It was always most disturbing to hear the torturous moans and painful wails, and even now her mind filled with despair at hearing the agonizing cries of dying men.

  This was particularly disturbing to her for not only did she hear the familiar sounds of swords and battle-axes, but also the noise coming from some form of fire weapons. It was perhaps liken to the harquebus she had heard the day their wee son had died when the Irish had battled the English and she had thankfully been able to prevent many lives from being lost. Even though some time had passed, it was a stark reminder of that tortuous day when she had given birth to their son knowing he wouldn’t survive.

  Now these shots rang out rapidly and although they were not as loud as the ones caused by the harquebus, the sounds were repetitious. She sensed the smell of smoke filling her nostrils and burning as though it was happening even now.

  Much death surrounded them and she stopped the horse in the middle of the moor and allowed herself to envision the battle in its entirety, the death and devastation. Sometimes the only way she could actually rid herself of the terrifying sounds was to allow herself to view the battle and be done with it. She was never certain if it was the spirits of those who had fallen who simply wanted to be validated and remembered, or if she was to take some lesson from the violent battles and pass it on to those who would choose to follow the same path.

  Each of the men looked at her through the evening shadows, clearly wondering why she had stopped. She heard their mingled thoughts at discerning what had caused the look of heart-wrenching terror on her wan face and even in the approaching darkness it was apparent she continued to grow paler the longer they remained.

  “What is it, Alainn? What do you sense?” Killian needed to know.

  “A fierce and bloody battle.” She alerted them.

  “And when did it take place, then?” Conner asked, growing more aware of the many supernatural abilities Alainn possessed.

  Alainn shook her head and glanced at Danhoul. “It has not yet taken place, aye? It is a vision of what is to come, I’d suggest in two centuries time.”

  “Aye, you’re correct, Alainn, here on Culloden Moor there will be a gruesome battle with many lives lost.” Danhoul revealed, no longer keeping his vast knowledge of the future secretive. He surely reasoned the others knowing would change nothing when the four of them wouldn’t be alive to see the battle fought two centuries in the future.

  “Nearly two thousand Sco
ts, all highland clansmen will fall dead or injured that day,” Alainn lowly whispered as more information seemed to come to her from the very air around them. She looked at Conner as she spoke.

  “In battle with the English?” he questioned.

  “Aye.” She and Danhoul nodded.

  “Well, it is hoped my countrymen take out a good number of the damnable English with them when they fall.”

  “Not so many as you would derive satisfaction from, Conner. Although there will be Scots that side with the English as well for the division and dissention amongst the clans will be wide, and always the English appear to have massive numbers and superior weaponry.”

  The eeriness of the bleak open moor as the shadows of night began to fall, and the ominous cold wind that blew through on this October evening caused them all to shiver. Alainn shuddered, having clearly seen the vision of the impending distant, ill-fated battle.

  “We’ll not be sleeping here this night!” Conner vehemently stated and he nudged his horse to gallop away from the dismal moor.

  “I do not envy you this prophetic ability.” Killian empathetically looked at Alainn as he spoke. “Nor you, Danhoul, with having been to the future and now back here in the past when you well know what tragedies will one day befall so many poor souls.” He cast a sullen glance at Danhoul, and then urged them to follow Conner and be gone from this disheartening location.

  *

  Killian’s arms tightened around Alainn as they slept. The night air was unusually cool here in the highlands even though the day had been pleasantly warm for this time of year. She settled closer to him in attempt to keep away the chill. She felt the now frequent painful movements within her belly, this time a sturdy blow. She jumped and was certain Killian would be capable of feeling it as well if he were to waken. She thought perhaps she should move, and yet they touched so little recently. They’d had little time alone together and even when they were alone, Killian had kept his distance from her. He had embraced her on occasion, kissed her gently upon rising and before they slept, but they had shared no intimacy beyond that.