“Before I could respond, you galloped in and they scattered. As you raised your sword to them, the moon’s light reflected brilliantly off it and momentarily blinded me. By the time my vision returned, you had raced off over the hills. I am the Scroll-Bearer. Your Sword and abilities have been named. I need both you and Brigid. Will you go with me?”
Treena was livid. “Why, in the name of the Monarch, would you carry that precious scroll through the countryside, without even a member of the Guard to protect you?”
Brigid had thought Evander’s actions strange, but Treena just blurted it out.
“You picked up on that,” said Evander, nodding. “You’re not only strong with your sword but astute also. That quality will be needed.”
Treena continued to glare at him.
Evander hurriedly continued. “There were instructions appended to the prophecy. The first was very specific: The Scroll-Bearer was to travel alone, carrying the prophecy to the Healer. We made copies of it, of course, but the second instruction was clear in stating that the original was to be read before the Healer. These instructions make sense to me now. The white glow was a sign of confirmation. Brigid, you are the Healer of the prophecy.”
Evander’s gaze pierced Brigid again. “This sign hasn’t occurred at previous readings of the prophecy, which we tried with two healers who were present at the Academy. I wouldn’t have met you, Treena, if another guard had accompanied me. All is unfolding as it needs to.”
The Council members eagerly watched the drama unfold, their gazes shifting from Evander to Brigid to Treena.
Treena stood up. “I’ve travelled the Realm. I know the risks. I want a few minutes to talk with Brigid alone before we give you our responses.”
Evander nodded his agreement.
Chatter broke out amongst the Council members as Treena dragged Brigid to a corner of the room as far away from the others as she could manage.
“You called one of Azran’s priests a nitwit. Really, Treena,” Brigid chuckled.
“Well, circumstances pointed to his being one,” replied Treena.
“What do you think of all this? You obviously know more than I do,” said Brigid.
Suddenly, Brigid gasped and grabbed Treena’s arm. “Were you specially assigned to me all those years ago? Are you truly my friend or have you been working for the Protector’s Force all this time?”
Treena looked stunned and hurt. She answered, stiffly, “My family moved to this area because my father wanted to work here. It had nothing to do with you.” Treena paused. A look of confusion passed over her face. “At least, I don’t think it did. I never really thought about it. Dad had a good job where we lived before, yet I didn’t question when he and Mom said they’d decided to move. It was Mom who encouraged me to make friends with you. She just said, there’s a girl who looks as lonely as you are. Looking back, was something more going on? I honestly don’t know Brigid. But this is truth: You’ve always been—first and foremost—my friend.”
“I’m sorry,” said Brigid as a flush swept over her face. “It’s all a bit much to take in, for both of us. Just tonight, sitting at my table, I was thinking, is this all there is? I felt like there had to be more than the day-to-day demands of people coming to me for healing. I never dreamed this was the more I was going to have to face!”
“For a long time, I’ve felt this passion pulsing inside me, longing to do more,” said Treena. “I was afraid it reflected my disappointment with other areas of my life, but there’s something about this that tugs at me. It feels right, somehow.”
“My feeling exactly! I don’t know where we’re going or what I’ll say to my family, but I’m in,” said Brigid.
Treena placed a cautioning hand on Brigid’s arm. “This sounds like it could get dangerous. With all my years of training, I’ll do what I can to protect you, but that might not be enough. Are you regularly practicing the defensive moves I taught you?”
“I rise early every morning to meditate and go through the routine you showed me. Despite my size, you always thought I was too vulnerable and nagged me about it. Somehow, the routine became a part of my day. Every time I did it, I thought of you on the road and felt like I shared a tiny part of what you were doing.”
Brigid could sense that Treena was touched by her confession.
“Come on. Let’s go tell them, yes,” said Treena.
They walked back to the table and the conversations fell into silence. They stood before Evander and spoke together.
“We’ll go with you.”
Evander inclined his head gravely. “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll share more details with you once we’re on the road.”
His blue eyes sank into Brigid’s green gaze. She felt a slight tug along her nerves but put it down to the excitement of the moment and the power he held.
The next portion of the meeting focused on helping the Council organize replacements for both Brigid and Treena. They developed a plausible story to share with their families and the community. It was agreed that creating something mostly truthful was the best choice. They’d say Brigid had been invited by Azran’s priest to travel and consult with other healers to further her education. Treena would accompany them for safety. It was a simple truth, albeit not the whole truth.
Merridan rose to close the meeting. “Council Members, to your promises keep true. Brigid, Treena, Evander, may your journey bring the answers that are needed. Be safe.” She paused a moment, looking upon them solemnly. “I declare this meeting adjourned.”
Several Council members stepped over to wish them well on their journey.
Evander turned to Brigid and Treena as the others dispersed. “We’ll leave at dawn the day after tomorrow,” he said. “I’ll meet you in front of the Council House. Take time to say your goodbyes. I don’t know how long this journey will take.
“Pack only what you can carry; at times we may have to proceed on foot. Choose clothing you can layer and that’ll dry quickly. I have lightweight, specially treated sleeping bags and blankets we can use. We’ll purchase food and drink along the way. Bring whatever healing items you feel are important and can easily carry. Any questions?”
Brigid shook her head. Her mind was buzzing with excitement. Her thoughts leapt this way and that, as she sorted and listed what she thought would be necessary.
Treena spoke up. “How dangerous will it be? Do I need other weapons?”
Evander shrugged his shoulders. “Danger…most likely,” he said. “How much? I can’t predict. Bring what you can comfortably carry.”
Treena nodded and extended her hand. “Until we meet again.”
“Until we meet again, Treena,” Evander said.
He extended his hand to Brigid and, as their palms met, she saw golden light flicker and felt it tingle in her hand. She glanced into his eyes and saw the curious look within them.
“Until we meet again,” they spoke to each other.
Treena dragged Brigid out the door and down the hallway. As they exited the building, she eagerly listed what she planned to pack. Brigid listened with half an ear, while the rest of her pondered what had just happened. What was the strange connection that kept occurring between her and Evander?
Then, the reality of it all began to sink in. Brigid stopped to take a deep breath, then another. Gradually, her muscles began to unclench. She wasn’t exactly relaxed, but she wasn’t on full alert either.
“Hey, come on,” said Treena, looking back. “We need to break the news to our parents. If we stick together, they won’t ask as many questions. Mine are used to me going away, so they won’t think it too unusual. Let’s tell them first.”
Brigid nodded as they took a right turn and then a left toward a captivating, large house. Treena’s father had a magical gift for shaping wood. The shutters, the edgework, lattices, and fencing were beautifully crafted. Treena’s mother offered lodging to travelers, so the house was well used. They traipsed up the front steps and could see both her parents th
rough the parlor window. They were seated in front of the fireplace, reading. No one else was with them, so it was easy to share their news. No suspicion crossed their faces as they listened. They were sincerely delighted for Brigid and Treena.
Brigid’s parents had significantly more to say. The questions poured forth.
“Who are you travelling with? Where are you going? For how long? Who’s going to cover your practice while you’re gone?”
Brigid assured them that the Council had vouched for Evander, and she glossed over the details of time and place. She dived into her proposal for Asa to housesit for her and heard a loud whoop from the kitchen where he was listening in. At twenty, he was more than eager to venture out on his own. They’d been talking recently about that, so this arrangement fell into place nicely. Brigid also indicated the Council was bringing in a temporary healer for her practice, so they wouldn’t have to worry about covering her work as well as their own. As she edged out the door, she started making lists out loud to put off further questions.
When the door closed behind them, Treena hip-checked her with a grin. “Brilliant move, Brigid.”
“Whatever do you mean?” drawled a wide-eyed Brigid, and then she burst into laughter as they went their separate ways to start packing for real.
***
The next day flew by as Brigid packed and then repacked her possessions; they wouldn’t all fit into her backpack. She culled her items again because the pack was too heavy. Finally, she was satisfied that she had what was most important and manageable to carry. She took time to meditate and ventured into the backyard where the sun was beaming through the clouds. Unfurling her wings, she opened herself to the energy caressing her and let it begin to refresh her power stores. She made lists of instructions and posted them everywhere for Asa, knowing his tendency to get lost in his work and to forget simple things, like keeping wood in the furnace. She went over it all with Asa, who playfully rolled his eyes at her careful instructions.
At midnight, she lay down on her bed; she wondered what adventures were in store for her and when she’d sleep in her bed again. She doubted she would ever fall asleep with her racing thoughts.
Brigid was surprised to find herself startled awake as the first waves of dawn called to her.
She brewed a strong pot of coffee and ate a hearty breakfast. A knock sounded on the door. She looked through the little side window to see her family gathered on the step. Even her grandmother was there. Brigid quickly ushered them inside.
“Come in. It’s cold out there. What are you doing here? It’s barely dawn!” She took the kettle off the back burner to make additional coffee.
Galena stepped over to her and gently brushed her hand down Brigid’s hair. “Sit down, dear girl, our time is short,” she said.
Brigid eased back into her chair while her family sat around her table.
Iason cleared his throat. “We understand there’s much you’re not telling us about this journey, but we won’t ask any more questions. We trust you.”
Brigid could sense the tight rein he was keeping on his emotions.
“We each wanted to give you something to feel our support and presence.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a tiny silver owl which he passed to her. “I hope this little creature will remind you of all you’ve learned from us and encourage you to trust your own wisdom. The metal in the owl carries a special residue that, when rubbed, you can dab on your forehead. It will help you to see more clearly both outside yourself and inside your heart.”
Brigid carefully tucked the tiny owl into an inner pocket of her jacket.
Galena passed her a small vial of lavender liquid. “Asa and I worked on this yesterday,” she said. “He chose oils that will strengthen your healing power and I infused them with all the calm and peace I could muster. Be calm and strong, dear heart.”
Brigid set the vial aside to place in her healing kit where it would be protected.
Asa lifted his hand under which he’d been hiding a golden-handled knife. The blade was in a tooled leather sheath with healing symbols trailing down its length. “I made this for your birthday, but it seems now’s the time to give it to you. I found the antler for the handle last fall. The blade is strong and sharp—good for harvesting herbs or offering protection. Keep safe, big sis.”
Finally, Gilda lifted the topaz waterfall necklace from around her neck. She had worn it ever since Brigid could remember. “This necklace was given to me by your grandfather when we married. It has brought me joy, love, good health, good fortune, and self-control. Over the years, the stones of the necklace have absorbed my energies and have acted as an extra power source when needed. May you always remember that our love surrounds you, Brigid.”
Gilda stepped behind her and lifted the gold wheat chain around Brigid’s neck. The warm waterfall of stones nestled against her skin and fell to the top of her sternum.
Gilda patted Brigid’s shoulder and said to the others, “It’s time to go.”
They offered warm hugs and then hustled out the door as Brigid’s eyes filled with tears. She loved them all so much.
A few minutes later, she jumped as another knock sounded. It was Treena, eager to be on time for their meeting with Evander. Brigid told her about the family’s gifts while she quickly packed the vial in her healing kit and fixed the knife sheath to her belt. Treena’s father had given her extra money, as he usually did when she was heading off for a longer journey. Her mother must have picked up on something because she gave Treena a locket with their pictures in it. With one last look around to be sure everything was in its place, Brigid hefted her pack onto her back, and they were on their way.
***
Journey to the Academy
When they arrived at the Council House, Evander was waiting for them. Three powerful horses stood nearby. Brigid realized the first challenge of the journey lay before her. She knew how to ride, but rarely had time for it. Her muscles were not conditioned the way Treena’s were. She hoped the first leg of the journey wouldn’t be too long, or else the first healing she’d have to work on would be for herself!
Evander introduced them to the horses and they each gravitated to the one that best suited their personalities. They took a moment to get acquainted with their mounts before arranging their packs. Brigid smoothed her hand over a white star-shaped marking on her otherwise black horse’s forehead. Star had quiet eyes but a determined strength about her that Brigid appreciated. Treena’s pick was Fleetfoot, a bay gelding with a frisky air about him. Evander was riding a rich chestnut stallion called Blaze. One by one, they swung into their saddles; Evander led the way out of town as the sun slowly appeared before them to the east. The golden sky, with only a few streaks of crimson skimming across the horizon, promised a fine day. Brigid adjusted her woolen cloak around her, to guard against the chill that still lay on the air.
They rode eastward for two hours, passing by small villages and farms. Conversation was sparse as they focused on putting miles behind them.
Evander called a halt as they neared a modest-looking inn. Brigid carefully lifted herself down from her saddle and hoped her rubbery legs would hold her upright. Treena chuckled as she noted Brigid’s predicament. She offered her arm in support as Brigid staggered into the inn. Evander took care of securing their horses. With each step, Brigid’s legs began to supple out, while her eyes desperately sought a sign for a restroom. Two hours was a long wait after the amount of coffee she had drunk at dawn. Sighting the symbol on the back wall, Brigid hastened to the back of the inn’s large taproom. When she returned, refreshments had been ordered and she let herself drop into a chair with a sigh.
“Don’t ride much?” Evander grinned.
“No. My weekdays are filled with appointments, often into early evening,” said Brigid. “On weekends, I catch up on chores and visit my family. Occasionally, I ride out to far-lying homes. Mostly, I get around on foot.”
“We’ll try not to push you too much this first
day,” Evander said.
“I’d appreciate that,” said Brigid.
As refreshments were placed on the table, Brigid realized how hungry she was from the morning’s exertions. They all dived in and satiated their appetites. Evander paid for their food and encouraged them to walk around for a bit, to warm up by the fire before they got back on the road.
Brigid’s buttocks protested as she lifted her leg over Star’s back. She tried to keep her quiet moan to herself, but out of the corner of her eye she could see Treena and Evander trying to squelch their smiles. They trotted to the edge of town and then eased into a canter.
Treena edged Fleetfoot up beside Evander. “Okay Evander. We’ve been patient. When are you going to spill the details of this mission?”
Brigid leaned forward over Star’s shoulder to be able to hear more clearly.
Evander scanned all around them to be sure they were alone. “My initial instructions were to find Brigid, to share the prophecy, and to invite her to the Assembly at the Priests’ Academy. After the encounter with you, Treena, I realized I needed to engage your services as well.”
Evander glanced at a flock of birds lifting off from a nearby field, then looked back to the women.
“I know I’m an essential part of this prophecy, but I know little else. When I left the Academy, the Monarch, the Head of the Elite Guard, and the High Priest were meeting. The meaning of the prophecy has been debated by our priests since it was discovered. As centuries passed, it became more of a theoretical exercise than a real one. Now, they need to choose an interpretation and make decisions. When we arrive, more will be revealed.”
“The Academy is usually four days hard riding from Muirstead,” stated Treena, “but we’ll need to shorten our riding time each day so that Brigid can adjust.”
Brigid felt indignant, but she wasn’t going to protest because already the stiffness and soreness of riding was causing her discomfort. She couldn’t imagine how she was going to feel after a full day in the saddle. She didn’t want to expend a lot of energy healing her own mundane hurts when she might need that energy for greater things ahead. She would rely on some of her healing oils and massage them into her muscles to bring some relief.
The Prophecy Page 3
