Goddess Kindled, page 19
As the women with their heads hung low stopped to stand in front of them, many in the crowd started shouting, and cursing them. It was very clear whose side they were on. Again Harlow had endured more people to her, and her well being. People she hadn’t even met yet. However when the accused finally looked up, squaring their shoulders in a superior prideful way, they sneered at those before them.
He was expecting shock from Harlow at their appearance, not for her to move in closer to him in a tremble of fear. Squeezing her hand gently in his was all the reassurance he could give her at the moment. Her reaction however just affirmed to him his final decision was justified. Raising his other hand he called for the proceedings to continue. First to present were the investigation findings followed by the clans verdict. After which he would announce this for all to hear. Sadly for these two their fates were sealed, no appeal would be heard.
He noticed as each of the findings were presented, most of which Aidan had told to them already, Harlow had placed her other hand on her middle. The more time that passed, she started to rub in circles as if to calm. Was this upsetting her or was she unwell? Turning back to the gathering he needed to at least appear to be paying attention. His concern for his Mate was growing. Just as the clan finished their verdict Harlow bent forward clutching her head, releasing an ear piercing scream.
With lightning speed he caught her as she collapsed just as Aidan, Corrina, and Cormac rushed to her side. Other members of Ravens Night quickly took up possessions at all entrances. One of the clan's elders came to stand in his place till he could get Harlow to safety.
With a gentle hand on his arm Corrina instructed.
“Bring her this way, Kieran. It’s not safe to leave this place. Let Cormac, and myself look after her.”
Nudging her head in Aidan’s direction.
“Aidan will stand watch as we focus on her care. You mustn’t let this sway you from your verdict. Give it, and return.”
Regrettably he agreed with her. If this was an attempt to distract them or weaken his rule. It would not work. Even if all his instincts were screaming at him to stay by her side. He was comforted by the fact she would be here in the hall still surrounded by friends, family, and Ravens Night members. Placing her gently on the cot laid out, Harlow was still moaning in pain, and mumbling. Without taking his eyes from her he swept aside some curls.
“She has a tendency to mumble revealing information when unawares.”
Before bending, and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Standing he looked to each one of his friends before turning, and going back to his formal position.
Now however he was angry, had someone intentionally tried to hurt his Mate to sabotage a verdict? If so it wouldn’t work. Without waiting for formalities he announced his verdict. He was in full agreement, and supported the clan's decision. The deed would be done in the wee hours of the day of the festival. The horrified looks on the faces of the guilty had him smiling with a wicked grin. No one would cross him, and get away with it. The resulting gasp followed by a rising cheer within the crowd added to the women’s shock. Had they really thought he would side with them.
With the clan leaving in whoops, and cheers around the guilty, he was grateful for the silence left behind. Checking to reassure himself that members still stood guard at the doors he returned to where he left his woman. Shocked to first only see Corrina, and Aidan still with her.
“Where is Cormac?”
Looking between the two.
Both shook their heads unawares. Aidan spoke first.
“Harlow was mumbling like you said. Even with our advanced hearing we couldn’t understand her.”
Corrina continued.
“Something she said though, sent a wave of shock through Cormac. Then like a bolt of lightning, he shot out of here. He clearly understood everything she was saying.”
They shared a look, and Aidan continued.
“After he left she stopped. She’s been calm ever since.”
Chapter Eighteen
Once again she was in a vortex of swirling rainbows. In an attempt to move, and balance herself, she tried to splay her limbs out, fear consumed her when she couldn’t. Something or someone was holding her in a vice grip. As her panic grew so too did the pressure within her head. Shutting her eyes, squeezing them tight in a useless attempt to relive some of the tension. As nauseousness enveloped her the bonds restraining her suddenly lifted, just as an ear piercing pitch vibrated through her. Reaching up to cover her ears in vain, to abruptly in a whoosh be tossed from the whirlwind.
Shocked by the instant change she chanced opening her eyes. Revealing a crisp sunny blue sky with the song of birds singing their tune. The clean, crisp, and fresh smelling air wafting around her as she free falls. Realizing she was dropping downward her fear spiked once again. With her limbs flailing about in an attempt to do who knows what she landed with a thud. One that forced all the air from her lungs in a single whoosh. Laying there limp in the tall grass it took her some time, and energy to refill her lungs. Blinking rapidly she attempted to look around, but the blackness was calling to her. Just before she embraced it with open arms she recognized this place, it was Kieran’s world.
Slowly she became aware of soft murmuring voices. Where was she? Her entire body aches just like it had just over a week ago. Fighting the call to sleep, she cracked her eyes open just a little. Things were a little blurry, thankfully no bright lights. Still it took blinking a few more times for her eyes to adjust. Standing beside her huddled together were Kieran, Aidan, and Cora whispering away. They hadn’t seemed to notice she was staring at them. Sitting up slowly there was still a rush to her head. Groaning, she rubbed her head as Kieran rushed to her side concerned.
As spoke softly as he tried to nudge her back.
“Little one you should lay back down.”
Shaking her head.
“No Kieran, I'm fine.”
Swinging her legs over the edge she sat there. Not willing to test standing up yet. Sighing she looked up to the others as Kieran wedged his way in to sit beside her.
A smirk on Aidan’s face said he wasn’t convinced, commenting
“Sure you are Red.”
Confused, she asked.
“Red?”
Taking advantage of her man's warmth she snuggled into his side. Closing her eyes in comfort as he wrapped his big strong arms around her. Sighing in the pleasure, and security she felt. Opening her eyes watched as Aiden got some more chairs. Offering one to Cora, and taking the other for himself.
“Ya Red. It’s a nickname, as good as any.”
Shrugging his shoulders. Before tapping his finger on his chin as if ponding an idea.
“Plus I think it suits.”
Nodding his head as if decision made, he crossed an ankle over his knee resting both hands atop it. Tilting his head with a thoughtful expression.
“Yes Red will do. How you really doing Red?”
Feeling Kieran physically relax behind her. She rested her head on his shoulder, and started talking.
“I really am doing ok, just a little tired. It was weird is all. Suddenly I had a strange feeling in my belly.”
At their concerned looks she sat up, raising her hands and shaking them. Attempting to reassure them.
“No, no, nothing ill, just like something was going to happen. It kept getting bigger, and stronger. Until, well it was gone. How did I end up here? And where is here? Are we still in the hall”
Looking around she answered some of her own questions. Yes they were still in the hall.
Cora answered her, still speaking softly.
“As you can tell, yes we’re in the hall still. You blacked out Harlow, only just coming to a few moments ago.”
Ok well, that would explain a few things. Licking her lips before asking
“How long was I out?”
She could tell the men were both unsure of the answer to her question. Smiling her eyes at Cora’s nonchalant answer.
“Only about ten minutes or so. Kieran caught you when you collapsed. So no need to worry. You’re perfectly safe.”
Aidan suddenly became serious.
“So this wasn’t something done to you. It was you reacting to something else.”
Rubbing his chin she could see his brows furrowed, and eyes glazed over deep in thought.
Harlow blurted out.
“Who is Neera? Her name has been mentioned before but I don’t know who she is. I assume she is of some importance.”
When she said her name, all three of them hissed. Confused, she looked between them.
“Well, who is she then?”
Each displayed an odd look on their faces. It was like hurt, anger, disbelief, and shock all rolled into one. What had this one woman done to them? This time Cora chastised as Aidan seemed to sink into the floor.
“Kieran, you didn’t tell her. She has a right to know, you know.”
With a humf she crossed her arms turning to look anywhere else but at them. At the same time Kieran stiffened behind her only to relax a moment later in seeming defeat. In a hushed voice he agreed she was right he should have told her. It was just other things that had gotten in the way, and well stuff kept happening. So he had held off. Something pinged in the back of her mind, causing a shiver head to toe. Just then warm strong arms surrounded her, holding her close.
Resting his chin on her head he complained in a grumpy tone. As if to reassure her he started drawing circles on the backs of her hands with his fingers. Before threading his fingers through hers. Then using their joined hands to hug her close.
“See now she’s all worried, Corrina. Look what you did.”
Snapping her head in his direction, her face displayed hurt, and a touch of anger.
“Nice try Kieran.”
Harlow shaking her head had Caroa relaxing into her once again. Still she was quick to assure otherwise.
“No nothing like that. I was just cold.”
Why had she just lied to them? She couldn’t be sure. Looking between Aidan, and Cora she all but begged.
“Will one of you please tell me? I feel as if I’m missing something major.”
Aidan spoke first, a little hesitant. Relaxing his posture, his eyes looked as if he was seeing something in the past. Why he suddenly seemed so sad as he spoke she didn’t quite understand.
“For the one to see the future’s past,
Is trice blessed to conquer light fast.
Fire be true,
With leadership firm,
Changing destiny right.”
He rubbed a hand over his face, when he was finished. A habit she had seen him do when either frustrated or deep in thought. Kieran’s tell was running his hands through his hair. It was interesting what you could learn while watching someone. After releasing a long held breath, he continued.
“This is the prophecy handed down through the generations of our people, and taught to us all. At one point in time we all believed this to be about Neera. Eons ago Cormac had a vision in reference to the prophecy.”
Pausing he stood, and began to pace, before continuing.
“Neera, Kieran, and myself were all born around the same time. As we grew she started to resemble the woman from the vision. With everyone knowing the description of her it was assumed she was the one. From an early age she had that burden thrust upon her. Maybe it was from the pressure or she really was just all about herself. Neera never really had powerful gifts from birth, and always struggled in lessons with the two of us. She began to look elsewhere for ways to gain more. Feeling it was her right to do so in order to fulfill the prophecy.”
Sitting in his chair again, he bent, holding his head in his hands.
She watched as Cora, no Corrina, she really needed to remember the difference in names. Even if she was positive this was the same woman. How that could be was still a mystery. She gently extended her arm to rub her hand up, and down Aidan’s back in reassurance, and support. As she did so she continued on.
“This is difficult for these two……. I have a little distance being a little bit older. But in the end the three of them were really good friends, or so they thought. Neera was deceitful, and selfish. If it didn’t gain her favor or benefit her in any way she didn’t do it. We were unknowing, as she gathered her own followers in a plea to gain more power. She made unmake able promises to anyone she thought would be of use to her.”
Making a face of distaste before continuing.
“The same time some of us started to suspect the actions she displayed were not entirely true, her true colors also started to emerge.”
Pointing with her head in Kieran’s, and Aidan’s direction as she spoke.
“It was these to who first suspected, and confronted her. Only, once you sting the cat does she scratch. Oh boy did she ever.”
Rolling her eyes, and shaking her head a small laugh escaped.
“That woman put on a show that the gullible among us took it hook , line, and sinker. These two didn’t stand a chance at convincing them of her true intentions. They were shunned for years, and blamed for her leaving. Thus jeopardizing the result desired in the prophecy.”
Before she could continue, Kieran spoke up finally.
“It wasn’t as bad as she makes it sound, but it is true. The way in which we were proven right however, is one I wish we could go back, and change. For the result was an all out war. The cost of which was too many lives shed.”
She could feel him shaking his head. As slowly as she could, turning to look up at him. She asked.
“Is that how your father died? With her beheading him, and she from his power bolt of light?”
Before she could blink he maneuvered her to sit on his lap facing him. With a finger under her chin he demanded.
“How do you know that little one?”
Opening his eyes larger, staring her down, waiting for an answer.
Behind her she heard the question repeated in unison. Opening her mouth a few times, she wasn’t sure how to answer.
“Well I have dreams. One of them was of a battle. Most thoughts were of you two, and her.”
Glancing over her shoulder to Aidan then back to Kieran.
“We’re in it. I saw a leader taken down in the like by the woman who looks like me.”
Shrugging her shoulders, before looking down at her fingers, trying desperately not to fidget. All three of them made a noise of understanding in unison. Feeling his finger once again under her chin, she glanced up into his eyes, fearing judgment or ridicule. Instead there was understanding with a sense of pride displayed on his face. Smiling, she wrapped her arms around his neck kissing his cheek before pulling back, and asking.
“You believe me? Really?”
From behind her Aidan spoke.
“Of course we believe you Red. It’s just a bit of a surprise.”
She could hear him shrug his shoulders. As he started to laugh.
“Every time we think we have your gifts figured out, you go, and surprise us with one more. It’s starting to get hard keeping track of them all.”
Relaxing, she began biting her lip.
“So the woman that looks like me, her name is Neera? Is that right.”
Kieran closed his eyes, and nodded. Putting the pieces together it felt like finally something was clicking.
“And it’s her posse that is after me. Possibly for all her said promises? Or just because I look like her? Have I got that right?”
Glancing between the three, who suddenly seemed more interested in the floor. Using Kierans shoulders for support, she stretched her leg around to turn, and sat beside him. Rolling her eyes at them, and putting a hand on her hip for effect.
“Oh come on guys just answer.”
With his brows scrunched Aidan looked at her asking. Tilling his head.
“What does posse mean?”
Trying very hard not to laugh at the way he said posse.
“It means a group of people or followers.”
As she answered another question popped into her head. This time it was her turn to scrunch her brows.
“How is it I can talk to you all, and understand you? I mean I have always had a knack for languages, and could figure out most of the forgotten ones. Like the one picture language on the arch, and such. But I don’t remember learning this one.”
Rubbing her head trying to answer her own question. After a moment she felt Kieran’s hand on her back as he rubbed up, and down.
“No idea, little one. We had always assumed you were just from a place distant from here. Then when we learned you were from here but in a different time, it was just assumed the same was spoken. You’ve never questioned till now. Plus we wouldn’t have suspected otherwise.”
He was right. Her situation just kept getting stranger, and stranger. She liked it here, and hoped beyond hope her family found her clues, and would come through like her. Caden had been there when she passed through, maybe he was here. That thought made her perk up. Just the thought of Rowan left behind filled her with sadness. Maybe she could go, and get him? Perking up a bit she asked.
“How does the arch work? I mean it’s a portal right?”
Giddy with the possibilities, she waited anxiously.
Corrina’s expression turned to sadness.
“We’re not sure. Many have guessed. It was created before our time. Before our elders time even. Though they may know something about it. To us it is sacred, and to be protected. Twice a year offerings are given along with building upon the spells of protection. Sadly its creators are long since gone.”
