Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite

Eternal: More Love Stories with Bite Page 25

Brighid didn't want to dream. Not in Guardian Castle, home to too much ugly history. As she made herself comfortable within the pelts that were still warm from Cuchulainn's body...still smelled of him...the Huntress took firm rein of her mind.

Not tonight,she ordered herself. She took three cleansing breaths and focused.Not tonight! She powered the thought with every bit of innate Shaman instinct in her blood and sent it hurtling out into the Otherworld - aimed directly at Cuchulainn's shattered soul. Tomorrow, under the open skies of Partholon she would be better prepared to deal with the charismatic missing part of Cu. Tonight the story of Brenna's tragic life was too fresh, and the castle surrounding her too filled with ghosts.

She fell asleep hoping the happiness Brenna had found at the end of her life had made up for the pain and tragedy of her youth.

At first Brighid didn't realize she was dreaming. She was just happy to be back at MacCallan Castle.

Home! And everything was heartbreakingly real. It was early, not yet dawn, so the Main Courtyard was deserted. The statue of the famous MacCallan ancestor, Rhiannon, poured musical water into a graceful marble fountain surrounded by benches and potted ferns. The ceiling - newly restored by MacCallan hands - had been left partially open to the sky so that predawn light mixed harmoniously with the wall sconces creating a soft, rose-colored glow.

The scene was familiar and dear. Normally Brighid woke before most of the castle, broke her fast, and hunted early. She smiled at the beauty of the mighty marble columns of the courtyard, marveling anew at the delicate knot work that meshed the plunging MacCallan mare with animals of the surrounding forest.

From habit, she made her way through the spacious heart of the castle to the Main Hall.

The enticing fragrance of freshly baked bread wafted from the hall that served as both dining room and general meeting chamber. The room was usually empty this early - unlike the kitchen. But Brighid was used to breaking her fast alone. She enjoyed the solitude and the chance to order her thoughts for the hunt that day. Through the wall of etched beveled glass between the Great Hall and the Main Courtyard, Brighid was surprised to glimpse someone already seated for breakfast. Probably one of the cooks taking a much needed break. No matter, she liked the cook staff and wouldn't mind the company.

The Huntress entered the chamber and stumbled to a shocked halt. Brenna sat at what had been her usual place at the Chieftain's smooth pine table. Brighid had the sudden urge to blink and rub her eyes, but there was no mistaking the Healer. Her thick dark hair hung over her right shoulder, partially obscuring the latticework of deep scars that covered the right side of her body.

"I am dreaming," was what blurted from Brighid's numbed lips.

"You are, my friend."

Brenna looked up at the centaur and smiled, and Brighid felt her heart squeeze. That dear, familiar lopsided smile! Tears filled the Huntress's eyes, spilling over and running down her cheeks.

"Oh, Brighid, no! Please don't do that."

Brighid wiped quickly at her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Brenna. I didn't expect...I didn't even realize that I was dreaming until now. And I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too, Brighid."

The Huntress wiped at her face again and drew a deep breath before approaching the spirit of the little Healer. Brenna looked so much the same! So real! Brighid mentally shook herself. Brenna was real - she was just spirit instead of body.

"No more tears?" Brenna said.

"No more tears."

"Good. Our time is too short to waste." Brenna sighed and let her gaze roam wistfully around the Great Hall. "It turned out so beautiful - just as I pictured it would when Elphame was describing it to us."

"You haven't - " Brighid hesitated, unsure how to frame the question " - been here since..." She trailed off awkwardly.

"You mean have I been haunting MacCallan Castle?" Brenna laughed, a shy, sweet sound. "No. Tonight is a special night. I felt compelled to come here...and to talk with you..." Her eyes took on a faraway look, as if she could see something beautiful through the stone walls. Then Brenna laughed again, and her eyes turned back to her friend. "MacCallan Castle already has one ghost. It doesn't need another."

"I didn't know there was a limit," Brighid said.

"There isn't. But it wouldn't be good for me, or for Clan MacCallan, if I lingered here. It's important for all of us to move on."

"You mean Cuchulainn."

"Yes, I mean Cuchulainn." When Brenna spoke his name her voice softened to a verbal caress. "But not just him. El, you, me - we all have our destinies. I met mine, and it would not be just if I stood in the way of the rest of you meeting yours."

Brenna's words chilled Brighid.

"Is there something I should know, Brenna?"

"I didn't come to your dreams as a harbinger of doom. You are fated to live a long life, my Huntress friend. I just want to make sure it is a long and happy one."

Brighid blinked in surprise.

Brenna smiled. "You didn't expect that, did you?"

"I thought you were here because of Cuchulainn."

"I am, in a way. What I want you to know will help both of you."

"What is it, Brenna?"

"The turquoise stone was my gift to you. Use it to heal Cu."

"I will, Brenna. He's already better. He visited your parents' grave today after Master Fagan told him what had happened to your family. He vowed that he would not - " Brighid broke off, horrified by what she had almost blurted. Where was her mind? Would she never get control of her habitually too-honest tongue!

The Healer's spirit form reached out and laid a cool, almost weightless hand on Brighid's arm. "You can say it, my friend. Death has healed that old wound. The past cannot cause me pain."

"Cu vowed that he would recover so that you would not be responsible for the death of another man you love," Brighid said softly.

"Good. If learning of my past did that for him I only wish that he had known it earlier. Perhaps he could have begun healing sooner."

She straightened her shoulders and pushed back her hair. Brighid could only stare. The terrible scars that had given the right side of her face a melted appearance had faded, leaving her skin whole and astonishingly beautiful.

"Oh." Brenna lifted her hand to her smooth cheek. "They're gone. It's odd. I don't take a physical form often, and when I do sometimes the scars are there, sometimes they are not. I find that it matters little."

"That's how Danann carved your image, without scars," Brighid said. "He said he didn't even realize he was doing it, he just did as his memory directed him."

Brenna's smile was bright. "I always thought that old centaur was more spirit than body." Then the little Healer's eyes took on a faraway look and her body wavered and became less substantial.

"Brenna?"

The spirit blinked and pulled her attention back to the Huntress. "I don't have much more time. The most important thing I came to tell you is that I want your oath that you will keep an open mind."

"About what?"

"About everything that may seem impossible."

"Brenna, can't you be a little more specific?"

"I can, but you're not ready for that. Yet. And anyway, it's something you're going to have to discover on your own. I can't help you any more than I already have. So, just give me your oath, please."

Brighid frowned. "All right. You have my oath."

Brenna looked relieved. "Thank you, Brighid."

"Do you want me to tell Cuchulainn anything for you?" Brighid said quickly, concerned that, like a beautiful sketch slowly being erased, her friend's form was fading.

"You can tell him about this visit, but not now. It's not the right time." Brenna's voice was taking on the breezy quality of an echo.

"Wait! When will it be the right time?"

"You'll know. Freely, and without any hesitation, I leave him to you, my friend. Remember that...freely... Sleep now, Brighid, and may your future be richly blessed..." The spirit faded into nothingness.

Brighid slept deeply. For the rest of the night she dreamed only of the fresh scent of pine trees on an early morning hunt.

The children had eaten a morning meal of venison sandwiches and hunks of goat cheese and, with the help of the Guardian Warriors, had broken camp before the sun had seen fit to peek above the horizon.

Brighid couldn't blame them. She was in a hurry to be on her way, too. Not that Guardian Castle hadn't been hospitable, but she was more than ready to exchange the thick gray walls for the ancient forest that covered the northeastern part of Partholon. The Huntress needed to think through her dream, and ponder the message from her unexpected visitor.

The New Fomorians were lined up like little warriors behind Cuchulainn and Brighid, waiting semipatiently as they finished the business of thanking their hosts.

"We do so appreciate the loan of the cart," Ciara was saying to the four Masters, who shrugged off her thanks.

As well they should. It was their fault the boy needs to be carried in it,Brighid thought, glancing over at Liam who reclined comfortably on pelts and down-filled pillows - all gifts from the Guardian Warrior who had wounded him. The boy's face was pale, but he was wide-awake, and when he caught Brighid looking his way he grinned cheekily at her. She smiled back at him but mouthed the word,rest. Liam nodded, but the happy smile stayed on his face and his wide, curious eyes took in everything around them. As they had anticipated, the boy had been completely annoyed that he had missed what he called

"all the fun" with the Guardian Warriors, and was only slightly mollified by the news that Brighid had formally proclaimed him her apprentice.

Brighid snorted softly to herself. The young imp had said he'd known all along he was supposed to be a Huntress; he had just been waiting for Brighid to admit it. By the Goddess, what was she going to do with the boy!

"Your apprentice looks well this morning," Cu said, following her gaze and nodding in response to Liam's grin and wave.

"Don't remind me," Brighid grumbled.

"Don't remind you that he looks well?" Cuchulainn raised his brows.

"No, don't remind me that he's my apprentice. The boy thinks he's a centaur Huntress."

Cuchulainn tilted his head to the side, and scratched his chin with an exaggerated, considering gesture.

"Would that make him gender or species confused?"

"Both," Brighid grumped.

Cuchulainn laughed, a full, heartfelt, joyous sound. If taking on such an unusual apprentice had prompted Cu's open, infectious laughter to return, Brighid thought it might very well be worth it.

"The Masters would like to join us for our morning blessing ceremony," Ciara said. Her beautiful dark eyes sparkled as she smiled sweetly up at the laughing Cuchulainn.

"Excellent." Cu returned the winged woman's smile. "I think it would do them good to witness one of your rituals to Epona."

Brighid watched their friendly exchange with a quiver of irritation. Of course Ciara would materialize the instant Cu laughed. The two of them obviously had some kind of connection. But watching them beam foolishly back and forth at each other was damned annoying. It also made Brighid feel more than a little invisible.

"I would like to offer our thanks to the Goddess outside of the walls of Guardian Castle - on the soil of Partholon," Ciara said.

"Excellent idea. You lead, and we will be close behind."

Ciara smiled again, this time at both of them, before hurrying back to bring the Masters with her to the front of the castle. Cuchulainn clucked to his gelding and kneed him forward. Brighid moved with him.

"You don't think a ceremony outside the castle walls is a good idea?" Cu asked.

Brighid slanted a quick, sideways look at him. "It's fine."

"Then what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"I wish you wouldn't do that," he said quietly.

"Do what?"

"Shut down like that. You've chastised me for it often enough, but now you're doing the same thing."

This time she let his gaze catch hers. His turquoise eyes were warm and concerned. "Sorry," she mumbled.

"Not a problem. That's why we make such a good team. Neither of us is perfect."

He squeezed her shoulder, and suddenly something besides irritation quivered through her. It felt hot and slick, and it lodged low in her gut, making her draw in a quick, surprised breath.

"Now, want to tell me what's wrong?"

"I was thinking about the trip," she lied. "It's maddening that it's going to take us at least four or five more days, when if we had wagons and horses we could get there in half that time."

"Well, we discussed it with Fagan. They had a couple wagons they could spare, but they aren't a typical castle. Partholon gives them provisions in payment for their vigilance. The castle doesn't trade goods, so they don't keep wagons for hauling." He shrugged. "You know they offered to send word to Laragon Castle and ask them to bring enough wagons for us."

She shook her head, wishing she could rattle back into place whatever part of her mind had suddenly come loose. "By the time the wagons got here we would be halfway to MacCallan Castle," she answered him absently.

"So we travel as we are. Keep your chin up, Brighid. You might be surprised at how quickly the next days pass. And I don't mind admitting that I am damned glad we're finished with the Wastelands - " he lowered his voice " - and Guardian Castle. I find it no less oppressive than it was during my school days, and the ghosts of the past feel too..." He hesitated, searching for the right word.

"Alive?"

"Yes, alive," he said.

She nodded and mumbled a vague affirmative. Goddess knows she'd been too immersed in ghostly visits of her own lately.

"This should be interesting." Abruptly Cu changed the subject, pointing his chin in the direction of Ciara and the four Masters. "She was pretty subdued last night when she said the evening prayer and lit the campfire. I don't expect such a tame performance for the first time she enters Partholon."

"Uh-huh," Brighid said, wondering just how much Cuchulainn had come to care for the Shaman. Could he be falling in love with her, or was he just infatuated with her exotic allure? Was accepting their relationship what Brenna had meant last night when she had made Brighid swear an oath to keep an open mind about the future? No...it didn't fit. Brenna had said to keep an open mind regarding theimpossible.

Once the warrior was healed, Cuchulainn falling in love with Ciara didn't seem impossible at all. Actually it was logical. His sister had been handfasted with the leader of Ciara's people. The New Fomorians were going to settle at MacCallan Castle, which is where Cuchulainn had chosen to live, too. It would make for a cozy little arrangement.

Then why did the thought of it make Brighid feel so damn annoyed? It was almost as if she was jealous of the Shaman. Ridiculous. Completely, utterly, ridiculous. Why should she feel jealous? He was her friend. It wasn't like he was a centaur male and she and Ciara were vying for his affection.

The sudden inhalation of awe behind her broke into Brighid's tumbling thoughts. The great iron gates of Guardian Castle had been pulled completely open, and Partholon stretched before them, green and magical in the soft light of the blush-colored morning sky.

Ciara rushed down the wide, well-trodden road until she came to the tree line. She stood very still then walked purposefully to the east until she stood before a lone oak whose mighty branches were covered with the slick green of spring leaves. She sank to her knees, pressing her palms against the earth and bowing her head. The children didn't wait for her cue. With a glad cry, they surged forward forming a familiar circle around their kneeling Shaman. Brighid and Cuchulainn moved to join the four Masters, who stood a little way apart from the circle. With a slight movement, Cu motioned back to the castle. Brighid glanced over her shoulder. The wide walls were filled with dark warriors, all silently watching. Then Ciara began to speak and all eyes were riveted to her winged form.

Magnificent, loving Goddess

today Your people have been richly blessed.

The instant Ciara said the wordGoddess the air around her shimmered. Not with the tame, earthy light Elphame evoked, or even the golden, flame-kissed glow of Ciara's other blessing ceremonies. This morning the winged Shaman blazed with a vibrant, powerful light that crackled and pulsed like fire. As she continued to speak, the brilliance of the light grew, and Ciara brought her hands out, away from her sides, palms open, rapturously embracing the living presence of her Goddess.

Mother of animals, She who listens to our pleas

Epona, Great Goddess, I call to Thee.

Guardian of horses strong and free,

Epona, Great Goddess, I worship Thee.

Thine are the blessings of liberty and peace,

Thine are the gifts of happiness and grace,

And whenever I ask a blessing of Thee,

its burdens I do fully embrace.

Unexpectedly Brighid felt a chill run over her skin that contrasted sharply with the flamelike warmth radiating from Ciara.The Goddess's gifts all come with a cost... whispered the memory of her mother.

She knew that - she did not take Epona's gifts for granted.Remember, she told herself, thinking of how power had corrupted and changed her mother,remember that with great blessings come great responsibility.

Epona, Mother Goddess, today we celebrate with Thee,

through Thy power we return to Partholon, finally free.

For long, cold years You guarded us as if we were a rich treasure, through our exile You kept alive within us a joy beyond measure.

Ciara stood and the New Fomorians rose with her. They did not obstruct the sight of the shining winged Shaman, if anything they were like a frame that accentuated the beauty of a master's piece. Ciara's wings unfurled and her graceful hands and delicately rounded arms lifted to trace mythical patterns in the magic that licked like tendrils of flame through the air surrounding her.

Epona was present. The power of the Goddess was thick and tangible and unforgettable. No one who witnessed the New Fomorians' entry into Partholon would ever say otherwise. Brighid tore her eyes from Ciara to look at Cuchulainn. He stared unblinking at the Shaman. The Huntress looked from him to the four Masters. They, too, were staring at the winged woman. The Horsemaster, Glenna, had one hand pressed against her mouth, as if to hold back a startled cry. The pessimistic Master of Combat, Bain, had fallen to his knees. Tears streamed unheeded from his eyes. Brighid glanced over her shoulder at the wall of the castle. Many of the warriors were kneeling and reverently bowing their heads.

Shining Goddess, Thy promise has been fulfilled.

Never again shall Your children roam outcast.

With Thy loving hand a new home we shall build.

And by Thy flame of love our frozen years are past.

Ciara flung her arms up over her head and, as if she had called it into the sky, the sun burst over the eastern tree line, blazing with a fierce, joyful glory that spoke eloquently of Epona's presence among them.

"Hail Epona!" Ciara cried.

"Hail Epona!" The New Fomorians echoed their Shaman.

"Hail Epona!" Brighid joined Cuchulainn and the warriors of Guardian Castle in the joyous shout.

And then, miraculously, a voice was heard above theirs as, over the rise in the wide road poured wagon after wagon led by a stunning redheaded woman on a prancing silver mare. The same fire crackled in the air around the pair, except it was smoother. No less powerful, it was more focused and controlled, with an aura of maturity and experience.

"Hail Epona!"the woman cried again, her voice magically magnified by the Goddess.

With a loud cry of gladness, Ciara ran to the woman and knelt before her. The woman slid gracefully from the mare and without hesitation, lifted the Shaman into her arms.

Brighid could hear the murmurs of the warriors and the Masters, murmurs that turned into shouts of welcome as they recognized their new visitor. Cuchulainn clucked to his big gelding. "Will you join me in greeting my mother?" he asked Brighid.

Brighid gave him a surprised look, and he shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't you know her? I assumed she visited MacCallan Castle shortly after I left."

"She did, and, yes I have had the honor of meeting your mother," Brighid said.

"Well, then come with me," he said, kneeing his gelding forward.

The Huntress jogged at his side. "I thought you might like to present Ciara to your mother alone."

The warrior's brows drew together. "Why would you think that? This isn't exactly a private setting." He waved a hand at the group of children descending upon his mother, Epona's Beloved Incarnate Goddess, and the silver Chosen mare.

Feeling more than foolish, Brighid clamped her lips together. She sounded like a petulant schoolgirl.

"Anyway, I'll need your help rescuing her," Cu said.

Brighid looked from the shining Beloved of Epona to the long line of wagons that stretched down the road behind her.

"How did she know we were here and that we needed the wagons? There was no way a message could have arrived at Epona's Temple in the space of one night," Brighid said.

"There's one thing you should learn about my mother - between her, that mare and their Goddess, she literally knows everything. Or at least, as she has often told me, she knows everything that is important."

As they pushed their way through the group of laughing, talking, singing children, Brighid sent silent and semiblasphemous thanks to Epona that her own mother didn't know everything - whether it was important or not.