by HR Mason
“I make a habit of keeping my opinions to myself. I’m a firm believer that people always show their true colors in the end.” Tawney shrugged noncommittally.
“You two really are a pair, aren’t you?” Runa asked, irritation filling her words.
“What do you mean?” Tawney asked.
“Never mind.”
“All I will say, Runa, is that you need to listen to your instincts. Don’t ignore them. They’re there for a reason.”
Tawney touched Runa’s shoulder, and as she did, her eyes lit up like light bulbs. She stared at Runa for a couple moments without looking away. Runa squirmed nervously.
“What is it? Why are you staring at me like that, Tawney?”
“May I hold your hands for a moment, Runa?”
Runa shifted from one foot to another. She wasn’t sure why, but Tawney made her feel unsettled, as if the woman knew too much.
“I know it’s an odd request, but I feel compelled to do it. I always follow my intuition,” Tawney explained.
Not wanting to be rude, Runa pushed her uneasiness aside.
“I suppose,” she agreed as she joined her hands with Tawney’s.
Runa watched as Tawney closed her eyes. Her hold on Runa’s hands tightened, and her forehead creased as a look of concern passed over her lovely face. Runa’s heart pounded as Tawney continued squeezing her hands.
After what seemed like a lifetime, Tawney’s eyes fluttered open and she released her grip. Glancing back and forth between Asta and Runa, Tawney paused a few moments before speaking.
“Runa, do you believe in magic?”
“No.” Runa chuckled, rolling her eyes. “That’s my mom’s department.”
“Whether or not you believe doesn’t change its existence. You have magic in your blood, Runa.”
“I don’t think so, Tawney.” Runa waved her hand, shooing away the woman’s words.
“But you’ve experienced things you can’t explain.” Tawney spoke the words as a fact, not a question.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Runa tried to avoid the woman’s eyes but found she couldn’t look away.
“I know strange things have been happening to you since your arrival.”
“How could you possibly know that?”
“I saw it when I held your hands,” Tawney answered nonchalantly.
“You saw it?”
“I see things. I’m a very observant woman. I’m a bit like your mother but in my own way.”
“No wonder the two of you are friends.” Runa shook her head as she tried to figure out how to extricate herself from the uncomfortable situation.
“I can see you’re anxious to leave, Runa, but before you go, may I give you a gift?”
“A gift? Why would you want to give me a gift?”
“You are the daughter of my oldest and dearest friend. Consider it an engagement gift.”
Tawney smiled mysteriously as she turned on her heels and walked across the room toward a glass case filled with crystals. She grabbed one and returned to where Runa was standing. Tawney held her palm out flat, revealing a necklace, glinting as the facets of the crystal picked up flecks of light.
“It’s beautiful,” Runa breathed as she ran her finger across the jewelry.
“It’s a black tourmaline,” Tawney explained.
“For protection,” Asta chimed in as her eyes locked on to Tawney’s.
“Protection from what?” Runa asked.
“I’ve told you for months now that your aura is red,” Asta said quietly.
“Mom—”
“Your mother is right, Runa. I don’t see auras, but the picture I saw when I held your hands told me you’re going to need all the protection you can get,” Tawney replied, her eyes holding Runa captive.
“If the two of you are conspiring to scare me out of marrying Chase, it’s not going to work,” Runa warned, looking away.
“That’s not what this is about,” Tawney answered as she hooked the necklace around Runa’s neck.
“Good. Because I’m marrying him,” Runa said stubbornly.
“Chase is part of the picture I saw, but I’m not sure what role he plays, if any,” Tawney admitted.
“I don’t buy into this, but just out of curiosity, will you tell me what you saw?”
“The pictures I see aren’t always clear. I get snippets of a scenario but not the entire thing.”
“Okay, then tell me the snippets,” Runa demanded.
“Are you sure you want to know? Sometimes it’s best not to,” Tawney warned.
“Yes, I want to know.”
“Tell her, Tawney. Maybe it’ll help,” Asta suggested.
“Very well. I wasn’t able to see any faces, but I saw a blonde woman. She was crying. She was locked in a prison, and she wanted very badly to be free. But her path made freedom impossible.”
“And you’re saying the blonde woman is me?”
“I’m saying there was a blonde woman and I couldn’t see her face. Nothing more, nothing less,” Tawney answered evenly.
Runa fiddled with the black tourmaline necklace. Was it her imagination, or did the crystal feel hot beneath her touch?
“Thank you for the necklace, Tawney. It was nice to meet you. Should we go now, Mom?” Runa was suddenly anxious to leave.
“Of course,” Asta agreed. She turned toward Tawney and embraced her. “This time we won’t lose touch.”
“We certainly won’t. We’re going to need each other,” Tawney answered enigmatically.
Ignoring the undercurrent of mystery between the women, Runa cleared her throat. “I’ll see you again soon, Tawney. I hope you’ll consider coming to my wedding. I’ll be sure to bring over the invitation as soon as they arrive.”
“I’ll be there. You can count on it. Our paths are connected now.”
Tawney’s all-seeing eyes locked on to Runa’s, and a shiver slithered down Runa’s spine. Glancing at her hands, Runa saw the strange flecks of blue light emanating from her fingertips. Shoving her hands into her pockets, she made her way out the door.
Fifteen
Vardø, Norway, 1898
“Brynja, will you join me in my study, please?”
“Of course,” she called. “I’ll be right there.”
Fifteen-year-old Brynja walked quickly down the hallway toward Captain Ingebjorg’s office. Taking a deep breath, she went inside.
“Sit down, my dear,” Captain Ingebjorg instructed.
“Of course, sir,” Brynja answered as she sank slowly into the richly upholstered armchair.
“You’ve lived with us for six months, Brynja. I’ve told you that ‘sir’ is a bit formal.” The kind man chuckled.
“I’m sorry, sir—I mean Captain Ingebjorg,” Brynja corrected.
“Perhaps in time you’ll feel more comfortable.” He smiled.
“You and your wife have been so kind, taking me in after my parents and my sister….” Her voice trailed off as tears filled her eyes.
“Your mother was a highly respected woman in our village. Her knowledge of the wind saved my ships on more than one occasion. It has been our honor to take you in and care for you,” he answered.
“I know I’ll never be able to repay your kindness.” Brynja wiped her eyes and tried to compose herself.
“Perhaps there is a way.”
“I am indebted to you, sir, and I will help you however I can.”
“I’ve observed that you have a great many abilities. Did your mother teach you?”
“My mother taught me from as far back as I can remember. My sister and I spent our lives honing our craft. Mother always said we were much more powerful than she ever was. I’m not sure whether I believe that or not.” Brynja shrugged.
“You have knowledge of wind knots?” Captain Ingebjorg steepled his fingers and leaned forward.
“I have constructed many.”
“Do you have an affinity for the wind as your mother had?”
“I can call upon t
he wind and communicate with it. I can feel it before it ever arrives,” Brynja explained.
“What else can you do?”
“I can make tinctures to heal sickness, but mostly I heal with the touch of my hands. I see colors surrounding people, and those colors tell me the path that person will walk. I have visions, often very vivid, that foretell the future. I can control objects with my mind. I understand many languages that I have never spoken, which makes it easy for me to communicate. These are just a few of the things I can do.”
“Your mother couldn’t do all of that.” Captain Ingebjorg’s eyes widened with surprise.
“No, she couldn’t. I think that’s why she believed me to be more powerful.”
“Well, your abilities are truly extraordinary, my dear,” he replied.
“Thank you. Is that what you wished to speak with me about?”
“Indeed. I’m setting off on a long voyage, and I’m in need of your service.”
“How can I help?”
“Mrs. Ingebjorg and I are leaving Vardø. This is to be a long journey to a place I’ve never been. I’m worried for the safety of my wife and my crew.”
“You would like for me to make a wind knot?” Brynja asked.
“More than that, my dear. I’m asking you to accompany us on our voyage. Your knowledge and abilities will ensure our safety.”
“What is the name of the place?” Brynja’s forehead crinkled.
“Oregon. It’s in America.”
Her eyes widened. “I’ve dreamed of that name.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ever since Sigrid died, I’ve been dreaming of a place called Oregon. I’ve seen it so vividly and have felt compelled to go there, but I had no idea it would ever come to pass. I didn’t even know if it was a real place.”
“I assure you, it’s very real. Many Norwegians have settled there. Seafaring is a big industry, especially where we’re heading,” Captain Ingebjorg explained.
“I’ve seen the town in great detail,” Brynja confessed. “I dream about it every night.”
“Then perhaps you should tell me the name of the town where we’re headed.” Captain Ingebjorg chuckled with delight at his young ward.
“Departure Cove.”
“You are indeed a wonder, my dear. That is the name of the place.” The captain nodded and smiled widely. Brynja’s inexplicable knowledge of the town was the confirmation he needed.
“Sigrid was right. My path will lead me on a journey to a faraway place,” Brynja said quietly.
Captain Ingebjorg rose from his desk and stood in front of Brynja. Crouching down to her level, he clasped her tiny hands inside his large calloused and weather-beaten ones.
“So you’ll join us on the ship? You’ll speak to the wind on our behalf?”
She nodded solemnly. “I will. I believe it’s my destiny.”
Sixteen
“September 21 is the day we’re getting married, Mother.” Chase ran frustrated hands through his hair and sighed loudly.
“Summer weddings are best. Mark my words, you’ll regret having a wedding in September.”
Camille’s voice lashed like a whip, and Runa wished she could hide under the large table in the Everwines’ opulent drawing room. Chase and his mother had been fleshing out wedding details for what seemed like years.
Runa tried to be compliant and go along with whatever Camille wanted in an effort to keep the peace. Chase, on the other hand, had definite opinions on their wedding, most of which did not align with Camille’s.
“Once again, Mother, this is not your wedding. Runa and I will be married on September 21,” Chase retorted. “It’s the first day of fall. I’ve always loved autumn.”
“I don’t think you understand the consequences of such a choice. That date is less than a month away. Do you have any idea how long it takes to plan a proper wedding? Why such a rush?” Camille tapped her red nails on the table in irritation. Suddenly, a strange look washed over her face. “She’s pregnant, isn’t she?”
“What? No!” Runa interjected, her face flushing with embarrassment.
“Mother!” Chase admonished.
“Well, it’s a legitimate question. You barely know the girl, and now you want to be married in less than a month. What am I supposed to think?” Camille insisted.
“You’re supposed to think that I’ve found the woman I love and I can’t wait to begin my life with her. You’re supposed to be happy for me. That’s what mothers do, I hear. Not that I would know.” Chase glared at Camille.
Runa’s stomach flipped. She hated conflict, and it was difficult to listen to Chase and Camille go at one another, especially since they were fighting about her. Honestly, she understood Camille’s concern. Their wedding was rushed. They hadn’t been together very long. Of course she had reason to be suspicious. But Chase wanted her, and she loved him. She loved him with a fierceness she didn’t even fully understand. Perhaps she was caught up in the romance and whirlwind of it all, but she was happy, and all she wanted was to be Chase’s wife. The sooner the better.
“Fine,” Camille said after a couple minutes of uncomfortable silence. “But you do know that most people plan their weddings at least a year in advance. Everyone will think the girl is pregnant.”
“I don’t care what most people do, or what they think. Our wedding will be in three weeks, and it will happen with or without your help.”
“But, Chase—”
“I’ve only included you in this discussion to be polite, but if you continue to be impossible, I will rescind the invitation and take care of the details myself.” Chase straightened his backbone and glared at his mother.
“But what about caterers, florists, wedding planners—”
“You have connections, Mother, and wealth beyond measure. Surely you can use those things to your advantage. Or are you not up to the task?”
Runa watched as the woman latched on to the challenge, hook, line, and sinker. Chase certainly knew how to bend Camille to his will.
“Of course I’m up to the task. Don’t be silly. If a wedding in three weeks is what you want, then that’s what you’ll get.”
Camille patted her son’s hand indulgently, and Chase smiled smugly.
“I need to marry this lovely woman before she changes her mind. I can’t let her get away,” Chase joked as he winked at Runa.
“No, that would be too much to ask for, wouldn’t it?” Camille replied with a cold glance at her future daughter-in-law.
Chase shot an angry look at his mother before turning to Runa to bring her back into the conversation. “This is what we want, right, Runa?”
“Of course. Really anything is okay with me. I don’t want to be a bother,” Runa replied quietly.
Camille skewered Runa with her icy eyes. “A bother indeed,” she whispered under her breath.
“What did you say, Mother?” Chase challenged.
“Not a thing. A September wedding will be just fine. Where do you intend to have it?”
“Here, at Everwine Manor.”
“Logical. That takes care of the venue, then,” Camille agreed.
“We haven’t discussed all of the details, but I’m sure Runa has some ideas she would like to share. It is her wedding, after all,” Chase added.
Mother and son turned toward Runa, and she gulped, pushing down the feeling of nausea she’d been fighting since the beginning of the tense discussion. She was terrified of Camille, and although Chase kept his mother at an even keel, Runa knew the woman despised her. The last thing she wanted was to share ideas about the wedding. She simply wanted to disappear into the background and let the two of them fight it out. Better yet, she wished she and Chase could just elope.
“The details aren’t important to me. I’m just happy to be marrying you, Chase,” Runa replied quietly.
“Of course you are,” Camille retorted. “Why wouldn’t—”
Chase glared at his mother, and she didn’t finish her sentence.
“Are you sure, darling? I know you must have ideas, preferences. Don’t most girls have their weddings planned out from birth? I want to make our special day everything you’ve always dreamed of.” Chase clasped Runa’s hand in his.
“Really, Chase, I’m sure anything your mother wants will be just fine with me. I’m not much of an event planner, and Camille, you clearly have a knack for it.” Runa smiled at the other woman in an effort to crack the veneer.
“It is amazing how much you look like her, yet the two of you couldn’t be more different,” Chase said under his breath.
“Chase!” Camille rebuked, causing her son’s head to snap in her direction. The two shared a silent message that Runa didn’t understand.
“Who do I look like, Chase?”
Runa was confused and unsettled by her fiancé’s strange statement and his mother’s reaction to it.
“No one, my love. I was speaking out of turn,” Chase answered as he squeezed Runa’s hand tightly. “No one matters but you.”
“Clearly you were talking about someone.” Runa pulled her hand away and crossed her arms defiantly.
“He was talking about his cousin, for goodness’ sake. You slightly resemble the girl, but she’s certainly much more well-bred,” Camille said haughtily as she exchanged another perplexing glance with her son.
“Yes, my cousin,” Chase agreed. “Now, tell me what you want for the wedding. The sky’s the limit. You name it and it’s yours.”
“All I want is to pick out my dress. The rest doesn’t matter to me.” Runa smiled, trying to push the overwhelming sense of conflict and unease into the background.
“Ridiculous girl,” Camille retorted with a roll of her eyes.
“Camille, I would be pleased to let you plan the wedding. Really. You have impeccable taste, and I trust you’ll come up with something far superior to anything I could arrange.” Runa hesitantly met Camille’s glare.
She wanted nothing more than for Chase’s mother to accept her, but that seemed unlikely. Perhaps if Camille had creative control over the wedding, they could manage to peacefully coexist. Maybe Camille felt threatened by the thought of another woman in the family. If Runa could convince her that she had no intention of usurping her place, perhaps the animosity would go away. It seemed worth a try.
