A Witch's Quest

by Leigh Ann Edwards

  She feared for all of them and her heart was heavy for the searcher had surely met with death, but as she dwelled upon the image, she allowed her mind to go backward in order to determine what had transpired. Although it was only a brief vision, she felt her heart soar for she saw the searcher stood before a glowing portal. Needing to know more even though time was limited, she forced her mind to go back further still.

  It appeared all hell had broken loose for the coven, Alainn saw walls of fire encircling the stones. She caught the briefest of images and saw the air dragon swoop down to ensnare the searcher and surely lift him to safety, although she couldn’t see that for certain. Thirteen hellhounds held the thirteen witches in the coven at bay as the fire dragon flew in to breathe his flames and trap the coven. Their terrified shrieks filled her ears. Alainn was relieved to see the hellhounds disappear before they fell victim to the fire. As quickly as it had come, the vision was gone and she knew she had no time to conjure another to further discover the eventual outcome, the fate of the coven or the searcher. Killian lightly shook her and she was finally back with the others in the dark corridor. Although she still questioned what was real and what imagined or placed within her mind by the gods, she reasoned they were presently detained with their own tribulations in their realm so surely they wouldn’t have time to continue with their irksome tests. She had to believe this was real, that the searcher had escaped and Ciara and the coven had been disposed of, one way or another.

  “I am mostly certain Ciara and the coven won’t pose a threat at this time, though I have no absolute certitude in this manner, lest my powers of premonition fail me, I sense the immediate threat they posed has been capably eliminated.”

  His fears temporarily eased, Killian quickly embraced her, and Danhoul who had touched her arm must have seen some of the vision as well for he heaved an audible sigh of relief.

  “And the demon?” Killian dared to ask.

  “As for the demon, I sense he is near and many others do, indeed, side with him...surely more each day. Cromwell willingly aids him and he knows I possess unnatural powers, but thus far has told no one. I think he hesitates tellin’ the king for he does not wish to draw suspicion of evil and cause panic, for he is united with a far darker power than I could ever lay claim to. I must somehow dissuade the king from allowing Cromwell to gain any further control or he will devastate this land and Ireland as well. I sense one day someone of his blood, will be inherently evil, for the dark demon seems able to attach himself to Cromwell’s bloodline. For now, I’ll go to the king, do what must be done, and then I will come to you. Please tell me you’ll trust me to find my way to you!”

  The anguished look upon Killian’s face, clearly revealed by the light of the lantern, tore at Alainn’s heart and she knew he struggled with this decision.

  “I promised you when you returned from the realm of the gods soon after we were wed, that we would never be parted, then again after you were struck by the poisoned dart and I thought I’d lost you forever. When we were separated after we lost Cian, I avowed I would never again see you left alone or put in danger without me to protect you with my very life.”

  “I know you have always felt the need to protect me, my love, and I have been ever grateful for that. Yet I ask you now to trust in me and in my powers...please, my husband; you must for if you should attempt to come after me, I believe you shall die this day! The guards and soldiers of the king’s army are immeasurable. My magic is the only solution. I implore you to believe me...trust in me and my powers, Killian.”

  He hastily pulled her to him and kissed her. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and she could feel his heart racing wildly through his tunic. He stared down at her with torment and indecision on his face.

  Danhoul and Conner had come back to see what was detaining them, and Danhoul stared at Alainn well aware of her intentions, yet unable to devise any other way to confront the undesirable situation.

  “I must go see for myself young Lily is well. She followed me into the city so I bear responsibility for her recent fearfulness. I thank you, Lady Alainn for seeing she wasn’t harmed. But I must go see she is well. I will meet you at the ship as soon as I am able.” Conner announced.

  “You needed to protect, Lily? She was here at the castle?” Killian’s face filled with uncertainty at what that might indicate.

  Danhoul also seemed unclear as to what they were discussing.

  “We must get out of here now. All of you get to the end of the tunnel. And Danhoul, get Killian safe to the ship even if you must employ your magic as well!”

  “You know I cannot actually board the ship and leave you here, not if I don’t want the din of a thousand drums in my head poundin’ all at once and rendering me helpless to move or benefit anyone,” Danhoul proclaimed.

  Alainn cussed aloud at the gods for they had placed a condition on Danhoul ensuring that as her guardian, he would not be capable of being distanced from her without suffering much physical pain. As soon as they were parted by any distance, his head was filled with a sharp pain and his stomach became putrid. Alainn stared at him uncertain how to contend with that damnable condition.

  “If he is stayin’ then so am I!” Killian offered in a voice filled with conviction and resolve.

  “Then meet me at the docks the two of you!”

  “The ship will be leavin’ in little time. Can you truly accomplish it before it sails?” Danhoul questioned.

  “Aye! I will do what I’m able.”

  “And what if you should meet up with the demon?” Danhoul pushed.

  Alainn was growing ever impatient.

  “If I meet with the demon then it’s doubtful I will get to the docks this day, but neither will I get there if we stand discussing this for an insufferable amount of time. Wait outside the exit of the tunnel for a time and I will do what I am able to be there directly. But, if I am not soon there, go to the docks, Killian O’Brien. I give you my word, I will find a way to you, no matter what should transpire!”

  He glanced into her eyes once more and then gently touched her hand.

  “I can’t leave you here, Alainn. I do trust in you and in your powers, but I will not leave you to deal with the damnable king on your own, much less a detestable demon!”

  He attempted to grasp her hand, but she stepped back and dubiously stared up at the tunnel walls with regret in her eyes. Killian saw the dirt begin to loosen above them. The ground rumbled and earth scattered and began to fall around them.

  Alainn moved steadily backward and held her hands in the air preventing the earthen walls of the tunnel from falling upon them and killing them all.

  “Go now, Killian, before I am unable to prevent the collapse of the tunnel. Hurry, my only love. I promise you, I’ll meet you at the docks,” she whispered as she turned and fled as the tunnel filled with falling earth capably separating them.

  Killian looked on in horror as he saw the earth falling dangerously behind him now so that he could no longer see Alainn. He knew he couldn’t get to her and he needed to hasten through the tunnel before they were all buried alive. George had rushed toward the tunnel’s entrance as soon as the earth had begun to fall. Danhoul, Conner, and Edward called back to Killian as they raced ahead and the earth fell and the passageway collapsed behind him.

  “We must get out of here now!”

  They finally made their way up the ancient steps and thankfully came up into daylight. They brushed the dirt from their hair and the soil from their clothes as they contemplated what they must now do.

  “I can’t simply leave Alainn in the castle with the king!” Killian declared as he breathed hard and stared back toward the castle.

  Danhoul’s face was also filled with unmasked concern.

  “You clearly can’t go back the way we came. Alainn has surely risked all to see us saved and as much as you fear for her, I suggest we do as she has asked. We will wait here for a time, but if she isn’t soon here then we will meet her at the doc
ks. If you don’t leave this day, you may be forced to remain here for a lengthy time. When the king orders the termination of all ships sailing to Ireland, there will be no hope of returning to our homeland. Alainn recognizes how important and influential you are to the council of the clans. You are often the voice of reason and may be capable of dissuading them from beginning an impossible battle with the English. It is to be hoped Alainn can accomplish the same with the king.”

  Conner did not stand by to hear any of the discussion but instead broke into a run in the direction of the inn calling over his shoulder his intent of meeting them as he sped away.

  Killian stubbornly stared ahead unwilling to make a move to put further distance between him and Alainn although they’d been standing there for some time.

  “She asked you to trust in her, Killian, and in my opinion, it is simply what you must do.”

  Killian glanced, yet again, toward the direction of the king’s castle and scowled as he felt his brow grow furrowed.

  “She’ll not thank you in any manner, if she knows you do not make it to safety when you have the chance!”

  Killian stood stock still, filled entirely with indecision. How could he possibly leave her behind, and with the king, a man he had grown to despise in little time? But she had asked him to trust in her powers and in her, and she had never before asked that of him. He stood there unable to move when he saw Collum O’Neill and a handful of his clansmen heading toward him and the chieftain bore a distressed look upon his face.

  “Why have you altered the details of the plan?” Collum asked suspiciously as he stared at Killian who still wore the garments of an English guard and looked after the Scot who had left in such a hurry.

  “We had no choice in the matter. The king apparently has learned Alainn is my wife. I have a decree stating I am free to leave the country. As I’ve previously informed you Edward is a trusted friend, as is his cousin George. They have risked their lives to see me safe. In return Edward and his family and George will all sail with us when we set off this day.”

  The other chieftain nodded at Killian in acceptance and then at the other two men, never doubting Killian’s word or his judgement.

  “We’ll need to send some of our men with them to assist in safely seeing Edward’s entire family to the docks.”

  “Aye, I’ll see it done,” Collum motioned for a group of soldiers from his clan and from Clan O’Donnel to go off with Edward and George.

  “I thank you, my friends,” Killian called after them. “I will see you again soon and we will all set off for Ireland and to freedom.”

  Although there was some uncertainty on the Englishmen’s faces and not a little fear, they both nodded to Killian and set off with the Irish soldiers.

  “What is it, Collum?” Killian questioned after the others had left, for he could distinctly see the man was gravely troubled.

  “How did you actually manage to set yourself free?” Collum asked a question of his own.

  “I have a decree!” he simply said again, not willing to discuss the details in their limited time, and his mind once more went to Alainn who remained within the Tudor castle.

  “Ah well, that’s a stroke of good news and it’s certain we could use some of that, for I’ve come to report a most disturbin’ occurrence. The inn where we so recently stayed was ransacked; both the innkeeper, Giles Andrews and his wife, Maisie, were killed. Some English soldiers came while we were preparin’ to head for the docks. They’ve attacked our soldiers as well. Well over half are dead. We thought perhaps you had escaped and been discovered, presumed that was what set the king to seekin’ revenge for it!”

  “Christ, Collum. Did the king order the attack on the Irish then?”

  “Sure, it must have been the king or someone high enough to order such drastic deeds done!”

  “Perhaps Cromwell!” Killian thought aloud remembering Alainn’s deep distrust of the man. “But what of Lily, the innkeepers’ young daughter? You said her parents were killed, but where is the girl? Was she killed as well, or worse?” He recalled how terrified she was of men because of her past experiences, and he dearly hoped she had not met with another similar fate.

  “No, we haven’t found her. We looked throughout the inn and the nearby forest, but to no avail. It’s to be hoped she’s hiding somewhere.”

  “Aye, I am hopeful she hasn’t been harmed.”

  “But the ship will soon set sail and I fear it may be the last for some time. There is much panic and melee at the docks. There are riotous crowds gatherin’ and fires burning throughout the city. I had to bribe the captain to agree to take us at all, for he said the guards had already declared that no ship be taken to Ireland after this day. Not for some time!” Collum declared.

  “Then I must see to it Alainn is on that ship as well!”

  “Your wife is still held in the castle?” the man asked sympathetically.

  “Aye, but I am confident she will soon join us; she will surely find a way out!”

  Killian knew Collum was much aware of Alainn’s abilities, and he was grateful he did not need to explain further.

  “We must make haste, Killian, for if we don’t make it to the sea soon, we’ll be made to stay here and it would appear anyone of Irish-blood may be in grave danger for a lengthy time!”

  “Can you sense where she is, and if she is well?” Killian asked Danhoul in a fretful tone.

  “She is well, she remains unharmed, and she is at this very moment telling me to insist you go to the wharf!”

  “Then I will go and hope I will not live to regret this decision,” Killian spoke solemnly as he looked at the chaotic situation developing around him.

  There were many English soldiers gathering together and even the growing crowd seemed to have sensed the unrest and panic in the air. There was much pushing and shoving as the strengthening horde of people moved through the city. Killian wasn’t clear what had caused the clatter and pandemonium, but he feared the demon may be to blame. Alainn had explained that wherever there was chaos, fear and hatred present, demons and those associated with darkness, gladly fed on it all and it enabled their dark powers to grow stronger. She had admitted to him, her unwavering belief this particular demon was most astute in gaining power from others’ panic and fear. Killian reasoned the demon would be gaining much power this day.

  He observed in disgust, as several of the guards used their weapons in attempt to control the escalating panic, frightening some, beating some, and killing others. He was loathe to admit ending this vexation at its peak would be an impossible task to consider. It would only see them dead or imprisoned once more. Smoke filled the air from the many fires that had been started and it was beginning to make moving through the streets even more delayed.

  Killian glanced once more toward the distant castle, whispered a hasty prayer which he hadn’t even considered doing since their son had died, and then Collum, Danhoul and himself started out pushing their way through the unruly mob toward the docks and the waiting ship.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Alainn stared into the vapid eyes of the man before her. She’d made it through the tunnel by way of her magic and then back here to the king. She desperately attempted to capably control his mind, and she believed she was beginning to make headway in accomplishing the challenging feat. She saw him look toward her with profound confusion.

  “You have given all Irishmen their freedom!” she drew closer and whispered in his ear though she despised being anywhere near the loathsome man.

  He nodded to her. His eyes remained open, but she saw his mouth fall open as if he were in a deep sleep or a hypnotic trance.

  “You will now sign a decree allowing me to walk freely from this room, and to leave this country. From this day forward you shall never think of me again. You will remember none of what we shared, and you shall be lenient in all dealings you have with Ireland from this day till the day you draw your last breath.”

  He nodded once more as he s
igned her name as she whispered each letter to him as though he wasn’t at all capable of thinking for himself at the moment. She knew she must hasten with the remainder of her words for soon he may be lifted from the trance. And surely someone would come to see what had kept the king in his chambers for such a lengthy time this day. She wondered that Cromwell and the other advisors and guards had left him unattended as long as they had, but it led her to become fretful in believing they must be off wreaking havoc elsewhere. He finally inked her name upon the decree and with a vacant stare held it out before him. She quickly snatched it from his hand and placed it in her pocket.

  When she saw his eyes once more flicker with life and clear thought, she looked at him with utter loathing in her own eyes.

  “Do I know you?” he asked in a muddled voice.

  “I am merely a servant, Your Majesty, come to tidy your chambers, but I will do so later, when I’ll not be disturbing you,” she said in a thick English accent.

  “You’re very lovely!” he smiled a wickedly seductive smile. “I might enjoy a time of getting to know you more intimately.”

  He drew near to her again and she peered deeply into his eyes.

  “Not this day, Your Majesty, for I must make a hasty departure. I am a married woman and I am to be off to meet my husband, for he is expecting me even now.”

  “You would dare to deny me; do you not maintain obedience and hold respect for me as your king?”

  She held out her hand toward him and saw the man become incapable of moving. This was not how she usually managed it where she froze time and people as well. For in this instance she had made him completely incapable of moving, but he remained coherent and his eyes filled with distinct fear at his inability to move. She continued to speak as a person of English birth.

  “You are not my king, nor shall I ever consider you to be my king, Henry VIII of England. And even though you will one day declare yourself sole King of all Ireland, it will be in title alone, for no Irishman will ever actually accept it or truly bend to yours or any other Englishman’s will. Always, they shall oppose you and despise you and the likes of you, for centuries and beyond.