"Calm, my little goddess. The pain will pass and all will be well," the voice whispered to me.
Her words were a medicine that lifted the weight off my chest. I took deep breaths and slipped into a dreamless sleep.
The next waking moment I knew was in the early morning hours. My eyes fluttered open and I gazed around at my bed chambers. The weak light from the young sun streamed through the windows and cast a soft warmth over the room. I caught a shape to my right, and I turned my head. My blurry vision imagined that the Lady Campbell, Tristan's mother, sat nearby with her smiling face looking kindly at me.
The image, however, was a mirage, and in a moment the smiling face vanished. I started when I recognized the shriveled form of the moor witch.
She chuckled at my response. "And a good morning to you, as well," she teased.
I opened my mouth, but my dry lips didn't allow words to pass. The old witch took a glass of water from the nightstand close beside her and stood. She shuffled over to me and raised me to a sitting position so she could tilt my head back and give me a drink of water. I greedily gulped down the precious water, but she removed the glass before I was satiated. I whimpered, but she shook her head and set me back down on the pillows.
"That's enough for you at this time," she scolded me as she resumed her seat in the chair close by. I noticed there was an empty chair beside her own.
"Did. . .you. . .save me?" I croaked.
The witch chuckled. "It was partly my doing, but some credit is due to the necklace around your neck. There's a very powerful magic there granted to you." She leaned forward and smiled at me with her toothy grin. "And I have noticed you have changed much, as well" she commented. I blushed under her knowing gaze, and she cackled and pulled away from me. "I see I've hit on something, but no matter. What is important is your health, and I will see to it that it stays well. I, and the Lady MacLaren."
"Lady MacLaren?" I repeated.
The witch nodded. "Aye. She assisted me much in reviving you from near-death. The gods wished to have your soul among them, but I knew a trick or two against the poison that that vile fiend gave to you and you were saved."
My eyes widened and I tried to sit up. "Tristan! The others! Were they-" She stood and pressed me back onto the bed.
"None within these walls suffers as greatly as yourself," she assured me.
I sighed and a smile slipped onto my lips. "I am glad to hear that."
The witch sat on her chair and studied my face. "You are a rare creature. One so full of innocence that concern for yourself is second to the concern of others."
"I can only be who I am," I countered.
The old woman closed her eyes and chuckled. "Sage advice for one so young, and yet I see that you hold something very ancient within you." My eyes widened and my heart quickened. I feared my secret and the secrets that Tristan held were at the whims of the witch. She opened her eyes and held up a hand towards me. "You needn't have any fear from me, little one. I am an outcast, and the norms of the village and castle are not my own."
"Then you will not tell anyone?" I asked her.
She bowed her head. "Not a soul."
I relaxed and smiled. "You are a rare creature yourself to protect such a secret."
The old witch chuckled. "Aye, but secrets are a great specialty of mine."
I tilted my head to one side and studied the wizened woman before me. "May I. . .may I know your name?" I requested.
She raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask? Do you seek power over me?" she wondered.
I weakly shook my head. "I did not-" She chuckled and shook her head
"A mere tease, little one. If you must know, I go by the name of Ciardha," she answered.
Our attentions turned to the door where there came a knock. The entrance opened and Lady MacLaren entered with bowl of warm soup on tray. She walked over to the bed and smiled at both of us.
"I thought you were not long in awakening, and brought some soup to ease your tired body," she told me. She set the tray on the nightstand beside Ciardha and knelt beside the bed. Her kind eyes looked me over and one of her hands clasped mine. "You had us very worried, but I have assured everyone the danger is past."
"How long was I asleep?" I asked them.
"Two days, and they were very long for your loved ones," Lady MacLaren told me. "Your mother and husband-to-be were especially worried."
My eyes widened and I tried to raise myself, but Lady MacLaren pressed me against the bed. "Mother? Is she here?"
Lady MacLaren smiled and nodded. "She is, and she is very anxious to see you. Would you like to see her?"
"Yes, if I may," I pleaded.
"Then I will call her in," Lady MacLaren promised.
Lady MacLaren strode from my bedside, and I watched her without blinking as she reached the door and opened the entrance. She stepped out and whispered a few words, and in a moment the door flew open. My mother with one edge of her dress in hand hurried inside and over to my bed. Lagging behind her came Tristan with Lady MacLaren by his side.
My mother and I clasped hands, and warm tears streamed down her face as she smiled down at me. I hadn't seen her in such distress since my father died. She took a seat beside me and brushed some of my wet hairs from my face.
"H-how are you feeling?" she choked out.
"Much better," I assured her.
Tristan came up beside her and gestured to the empty chair beside Ciardha. "You may sit and stay with her a while, if her caretakers grant you the time."
"I would advise it," Lady MacLaren spoke up. Her soft eyes flitted between my mother and me. "Love and time are the best healers."
"And a great deal of blessing," Ciardha added.
Mother squeezed my hands in hers and nodded. "And we are truly blessed," she agreed.
"Then let us give mother and daughter some time together," Tristan requested.
Ciardha rose and shuffled to the door while Tristan and Lady MacLaren followed. The door shut behind them and my mother leaned over and pressed her forehead against mine.
"Oh my little daughter, why has God sent such terrible enemies against you?" she whispered.
I reached up and pressed a quivering hand against her cheek. "I am fine, Mother. Our laird and my friends protects me."
She pulled away and pressed her lips together. "But what a terrible war you have come into, and to be poisoned by such a fiend! And one who was in a servant of our departed laird!"
I furrowed my brow. "How much has our laird told you?" I asked her.
"He has announced to all that one loyal to his father tried to kill you, and that she is found to be a witch named Sheehy," she informed me. "You were saved only by the kindness of Lady MacLaren and the witch of the moors."
"A witch. . ." I repeated. I sank down into my pillows and pursed my lips. "Then she had tried to kill me before."
My mother caught my eyes and searched my face. "Muira, I know you are of strong will like your father, but I fear for you against sorcery."
I smiled and squeezed her hands. "Her attempts have failed many times because of my friends and our laird. Now that she has shown her true self no one will give her sanctuary, and I hope she will do no one any further harm."
My mother sighed, but a smile slipped onto her lips. "You have such faith in you, Muira. I have sometimes wondered if you were perhaps destined for another, more beautiful world than the one we inhabit."
"I would rather remain here and make this one better," I countered.
There came a soft rap on the door. I looked to my mother, and she gave a nod.
"Come in," I called.
The entrance opened and Tristan stepped inside. My mother stood, and he bowed to us.
"Bean Keith, I hate to intrude but the nurses wish for her to rest soon and I would like just a moment alone with Muira," he pleaded.
My mother bowed her head. "As you wish, my laird."
She hurried from the bed and he to it, but he grasped her hands when she tri
ed to pass him.
"I would not have this be a command, but a mere request," he insisted. A playful smile danced across his lips as he studied her face. "You are, after all, soon to be my only mother, and I would not have us in such an awkward relationship."
"You do us a great honor, my laird," Mother replied.
"Then do me the honor of raising your head, Lady Keith," he insisted.
My mother's head snapped up and her eyes widened. "My laird, I am no-"
"You are a lady now, one who is so dearest to my love," he told her. "And I will ensure you and yours that none will know want."
My mother smiled and bowed her head. "Thank you, my laird, but my needs are very little. Only-"
"Your home and your children?" he guessed.
She gave a nod. "Aye, my laird."
"Then I will grant you as much food as you ever desire, and I will care for your son in any way you wish," he promised.
My mother's smile faltered and she looked past him at me. "And my daughter? Is she still in danger?"
Tristan shook his head. "No longer, and the witch who deceived us will not do so again. The witch of the moor will ensure that, and my soldiers will ensure other dangers."
My mother smiled and clasped his hands in hers. "Then I will rest easy and be glad for the title you give me that will allow my children a good life."
Tristan studied her face and chuckled. "I need not ask where my bride finds her innocence and lack of selfishness."
"You do my honor, my laird, and now I will leave you two alone," Mother promised.
She pulled herself away, gave me one last smile, and left so my husband-to-be could speak with me alone.
CHAPTER 39
Tristan walked over and took a seat in the chair recently occupied by Ciardha. He leaned forward and set his chin on his entwined hands. His elbows lay on his spread legs, and he furrowed his brow. He sat there for many moments neither moving nor speaking, but merely studying me.
"I am sorry for the trouble I have caused," I apologized
He started, and smiled and shook his head. "You could never cause me trouble, my goddess, but trouble does brew. The words of the witch Sheehy, the former Bean Lyel, has brought forth many questions that I sought to bury with my father."
"Your mother's murder," I guessed.
He nodded. "That, and my father's dealings in witchcraft. The topic has unsettled many in my household and the village."
I reached over and clasped one of his hands in mine. "I am sorry."
Tristan patted my hand and shook his head. "It is none of your doing, my goddess, but I fear you bear the worst of the consequences."
"I feel fine," I replied. He raised an eyebrow. "I feel better," I amended.
He chuckled. "That is good to hear as Lady MacLaren must depart soon. The laird is eager to return home before the first snow."
My face fell and I sighed. "I see. . ." I murmured.
"She has promised to return when the first flowers bloom," he added. "And your mother is to be a guest in our home until she is assured you are quite well."
I straightened and smiled. "I am glad. What of Ciardha. Will she remain here?" I asked him.
Tristan furrowed his brow and shook his head. "No. She has already returned to her home."
I tilted my head to one side and blinked at him. "Is something the matter?"
My laird shook himself and smiled. "She is a very strange creature. I knew only of her powers, but not of her oddities."
"Oddities?" I wondered.
"She has a persistent habit in watching my every movement," he told me. "It would be alarming coming from an enemy such as my cousin or Laird MacNaughton, but from her it only perplexes me."
I furrowed my brow. "Then they are truly our enemies?"
He chuckled, and there was no mirth in the sound. "Even your innocence could not blot out their dark hearts. Aye, they are enemies are surely as the sun will rise tomorrow. They both seek power, and my cousin seeks my castle and all my wealth."
"Can you not banish them both?" I suggested.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Without due cause I would merely be starting a rebellion from those lesser lairds under my authority. No, I would need proof of betrayal, or worse, the attempt on your life."
I blinked at him. "What have they to do with the attempt on my life?"
"Perhaps nothing, perhaps everything, but I would not underestimate my foes so much that I would refuse to believe they would not join forces," he commented.
"Then what are we to do?" I asked him.
"I shall see what spies I can gather and proceed quickly with my coronation to ensure my rightful place as my father's successor," he informed me. His eyes flickered up to mine and his demeanor changed. A smile danced across his lips and he set one of his hands over mine. "And there is the matter of our wedding."
I blushed, but set my hand atop his. "Whenever you wish it, Tristan," I told him.
A devilish look slipped into his sly eyes. "Would tomorrow be too soon?"
My eyes widened. "Tomorrow? Why then?"
"Laird MacLaren and his wonderful wife will remain until my coronation and that is scheduled for the coming days," he explained. "I thought the best thank-you you could gift to our friends would be to allow them to attend our wedding. Then there is the matter of expense."
I smiled at his last remark. "I am sure there will be a coin or two left in the treasury," I quipped.
"Or perhaps three," he added. He slipped his hand from mine and leaned back in his chair. "However, all these plans depend on your agreeing to them, and to me. Will you still have me, my goddess, knowing what you know of me?"
I chuckled and gestured down at my pale, sickly self. "If you will have me," I returned.
He clasped my hands in his and gazed into my eyes. His voice was soft and sincere. "More than all the world."
"Then the day cannot come soon enough for your crowning," I replied.
Tristan chuckled. "It will come as soon as you will it. The preparations are finished and we need only the bride."
"Then on the morrow," I suggested.
He furrowed his brow and studied my body. "I thought perhaps we might wait a week for your health."
"But I would dearly love to have Lady MacLaren in attendance," I pleaded.
Tristan smiled and bowed his head. "As you wish, my goddess, and as you wish it so shall it be done." He stood and my hands slipped from his. "I will attend to the final matters and we shall be married and crowned on the morrow eve. Then we shall see to protecting our small kingdom."
"With the gift of the goddess?" I guessed.
He gave a nod. "Aye, and with some help from my soldiers. Your powers are wonderful, but they have their limit in distance and cannot be in two places at once."
"What else might I do?" I asked him.
Tristan stepped around the bed to the foot and shook his head. His eyes were teasing as he moved to the door. "Those are wonderful secrets you will learn in time, but rest. On the morrow you will be a bride, and I a very lucky man."
Tristan slipped from the room, but I was not long with my thoughts. Ciardha shuffled inside and took her customary chair by my bedside. She scrutinized me with her wizened old eyes and smiled a toothy smile.
"You are pleased with him," she commented.
I smiled and nodded. "Aye, and we are to be married tomorrow," I informed her.
She chuckled, and I was surprised to find the sound held a pleasant ring in its mirth. "And I suppose you will only allow a few to be present, hmm? Not those like old Ciardha?"
I reached over and grasped her hand in mine. "We would be honored to have you present, and all who live in the village and countryside. The coronation will happen at the same time, and I would have none miss the chance to see a great laird ascend the title of his ancestors."
"If it pleased you then I will come," she promised.
I smiled and gave a nod. "It would please me very much, and you shall be a
guest of honor."
Ciardha shook her head. "No. I will not ruin the affair with such honor. Many fear me and would not be pleased to see the son take up with witches as the father had. I will come, but only to watch."
"Then we will be satisfied," I agreed.
Ciardha pulled her hand from mine and looked me over. "Now away with these gibbering words. You're to rest or there'll be no wedding for you."
My eyes widened as I recalled important details to a wedding. "But what of my dress? And the food and-" Ciardha held up her hand.
"What of your health?" she reminded me. She stood and pushed me onto the pillows at my back. "You will stay here and your chamber maids will do the work. The tailor has your measurements and the cook seems to be a smart woman. She will handle the food. Now rest or I will order it all called off on account of your health," she warned me.
I smiled and bowed my head. "I will obey."
"And rest," she insisted.
Ciardha shuffled away from the bed and towards the door. I studied her back with a furrowed brow.
"Ciardha?" I called to her.
She paused at the door and turned to me with her hand on the handle. "Aye?" she replied.
"Have you. . .do you know of the wolf goddess? Or one who worships her?" I asked her.
She raised an eyebrow. "And what perchance makes you think that?"
"There is something about you which reminds me of our laird. That is all," I replied.
She chuckled and opened the door. "I have dabbled in the worship of the wolf, but not for a very long time. Now rest, little one."
Ciardha slipped from the room, and I was left with the feeling that her explanation lacked a great deal of information.
CHAPTER 40
I rested until the morrow when the mid-morning sun shone brightly through the windows. The castle was decked with streamers and white curtains, and the smell of all good foods wafted through the halls. Everyone laughed and talked as they worked, and I received a visitor in the form of my old friend Maher.
Maher slipped into my chambers with a smile on his face and a large bag in his hands. He walked up and bowed low to me.
"My dear lady, must I say it was an honor to complete this dress for one so beautiful," he teased.
I smiled and raised his head. "You must be very proud of it," I commented.
He winked. "You are very observant today, but yes, I have a little bit of sinful pride in this dress."