Awakening Her Soul to Destiny

by Deborah R Stigall

  “Here, lass, this will refresh ye and make ye strong again.” Hobart held out a small copper bowl decorated with delicately hammered forms of hounds and stags. Kaitla accepted the bowl from him, peering inside warily. “Go ahead,” Hobart insisted, “It’s nay but fresh spring water.” Taking a delicate sip, she was pleasantly surprised with the icy sweetness of the water. Reassured by her cautious taste test, Kaitla drank deeply, quickly draining the bowl. At once, she did begin to feel better, refreshed and vibrant as though she had just awakened from a peaceful night’s sleep.

  “Thank you, Hobart.” Kaitla smiled, handing the empty bowl to Hobart who smiled proudly in return. Ducking his head in shy happiness, he turned to fetch more water for everyone else.

  Now that she’d regained her wits, Kaitla studied her surroundings with interest, curious to discover just what the Clas Myrddin realm was all about. The passage through the faerie mound had delivered them into a thickly wooded area. Her seat of moss was quite dry and spongy, lifeless and yellow with age. Scanning the area, she noticed that all of the plant life appeared to be wilted and dying. The entire glen seemed barely clinging to life, shriveled and spent as though rain and nourishment had been withheld for ages. Kaitla couldn’t understand why the area was so withered and desolate, especially with the refreshing spring bubbling nearby.

  Turning to survey more of the landscape, Kaitla noticed her dry mossy seat was becoming increasingly softer and more pliant. The faded, yellowed strands of the withered moss were greening and softening before her eyes. The circle of healthy, green lichens surrounded her, gradually widening with each passing moment.

  “Etain, do ye see the land?” laughed Jared as he circled Kaitla, reaching down to caress the slowly reviving moss.

  “Aye, Jared.” Beaming with joy, Etain laughed, “The land has been awaitin’ ye for a long time, lass.”

  Rising from her seat, Kaitla slowly circled the clearing, watching the trail of renewed green follow her like a homing beacon. Curious, she walked up to a tree, placing both hands gently upon the trunk. As she looked up into the branches, the tree seemed to sigh in relief, branches uplifting and strengthening at her touch. The wilted leaves filled out, waxy and shiny as though newly grown. New buds appeared, bursting into bloom instantly. The glen was soon resurrected and buzzing with renewed life.

  Watching the reaction of the land to Kaitla’s presence in amazement, Hobart, Etain and Jared were silent as she acquainted herself with the land. The awakening of the woods was exhilarating. Kaitla could feel the pulse of the land coursing through her veins. The rhythms of the forest spoke to her, the grateful land sang to her soul, forever joining her with the realm and making them one.

  Laughing and breathless with the headiness of the forces surrounding her, Kaitla collapsed by the spring, washing her face in the cool water and drinking deeply from her cupped hands.

  As Kaitla refreshed herself at the spring, a smooth flowing form rose above the mirrored surface. “Welcome to ye, Mistress Healer.” A cool, bubbling voice spoke softy, just above the surface of the rippling water. Straightening from the stones surrounding the spring, Kaitla found herself face to face with a shimmering, translucent creature. Bowing her head gracefully in greeting, the fascinating entity introduced itself, “I am the Spirit of the spring….Diedre and most grateful to at last meet with ye.” Pale, silky tresses floated about Diedre’s face, undulating with the rippling of the spring. It was as if Diedre was actually made of the clear cool water, reflecting the colors and shadows around her, but her form was clearly outlined in the shape of a delicate, graceful girl.

  “Why…thank you, Diedre. I feel as though I’ve come home,” Kaitla replied softly. Smiling at the fascinating water sprite, Kaitla couldn’t resist reaching out to touch her.

  Laughter bubbling like a waterfall, Diedre extended her own flowing hand in greeting. Her grasp was cold and wet, enveloping Kaitla’s hand immediately. The sensation wasn’t unpleasant but quite unusual – like grasping a thick amorphous fluid, and having it grasp back. When she withdrew her hand from the friendly wet handshake, Kaitla found Diedre had placed a clear crystal teardrop suspended from a golden chain into her palm. Holding the necklace aloft, the crystal prismed each color of the spectrum, sparkling and reflecting the sunlight.

  “A gift for ye, Mistress,” Diedre explained with a smile, “Wear it and know that ye are welcomed by all the springs of the realm.” Graciously bowing her head, Diedre returned to the heart of the spring, her laughter gurgling to the surface as she disappeared.

  “Thank you, Diedre!” Leaning over the rippling pool, Kaitla spoke to the surface of the water, quite sure that Diedre could hear her. Turning to face the others, she placed the necklace about her neck.

  Admiring the crystal resting between Kaitla’s breasts, Etain hugged her with exuberance. “How does it feel to be home, child?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with tears of happiness.

  A happy tear escaping one eye, Kaitla sniffed, as her voice trembled with emotion, “I never imagined what it would be like to finally belong.”

  As she hugged Etain with joy, a slight movement along the ground caught Kaitla’s attention. Likewise attracting Tobias’ interest, the cat wasted no time in preparing to leap upon the unsuspecting prey. Testing his rear springs for maximum effectiveness, Tobias leapt with agility, landing squarely upon whatever it was that had dared to move within the vicinity of his leap.

  “Help! I beg ye! Save me from this vicious beast!” squeaked a tiny shout from between the black furry paws.

  “Tobias, let go! That’s not a bug!” Kaitla shouted. Quickly detaching the disgruntled feline from his quarry, Kaitla picked up what at first appeared to be a very large dragonfly. Balancing the recovered mystery gingerly in the palm of her hand, Kaitla cocked her head to one side as she studied the miniature winged man in amazement.

  “I most certainly am NOT a bug. How could the beast think so?” The insulted little man crouched unsteadily in the palm of her hand. Shaking his head in dismay, he examined the damage to his translucent set of wings.

  Etain, Jared and Hobart gathered around Kaitla’s upturned palm, staring with curiosity at the shaken little creature.

  “Why, I believe ‘tis one of the wee folk!” Jared exclaimed a voice hushed with amazement, “But they havena’ been about since the curse robbed the trees of their strength.”

  “That’s because we had ta’ stay within the trees ta’ tend what little life remained,” the tiny man replied impatiently.

  “Are you hurt badly?” Kaitla asked with concern, noticing one of his tiny wings seemed to be hanging at an unnatural angle. She was afraid her unknowing companion had injured the wee denizen of the woods.

  “Aye, I’m afraid so, m’lady,” the pitiful little man replied, “Ye see, I had but wanted to welcome ye to the realm in the name of all the spirits of the trees, when yon wicked beast mangled m’poor wings.” Sadly shaking his head, the little man vainly attempted to move his wings. “I am Nissyen, bringer of peace and ruler of the wood faeries. We thank ye for the life ye have returned to the blessed trees.” Bowing graciously in the palm of her hand, the injured faerie was obviously growing weaker, stumbling to a sitting position as his limp wing threw him off balance.

  Glancing at Etain with uncertainty, but remembering the tiny wren, Kaitla cuddled Nissyen close to her heart. Etain nodded in agreement at Kaitla’s unspoken question, grateful that Kaitla was so quick to use her healing for the sake of others. Closing her golden eyes, Kaitla envisioned him whole and healthy once more, flitting happily among the rejuvenated trees of the wood. The wind through the trees grew louder, circling her with its strength.

  After a few moments, when the wind had quietly died back down, Kaitla carefully opened her hands, peering at Nissyen hopefully. He slowly blinked his tiny eyes, as though awakening from a trance. Rising to his feet, he cautiously stretched and tested his translucent wings. Moving as delicately as a newly emerged butterfly, Nissyen gracefully
flew from her palm, alighting softly on her shoulder. “I thought ye were but a healer of the land, Mistress. But ye must be truly gifted as a healer of all things. I pledge m’life to yer service and the loyalty of all I rule. If ye should ever have need of anything, all ye must do is caress this tiny oak leaf.” As he gently kissed the side of her neck, a dark green oak leaf appeared behind her ear, painlessly tattooed onto her skin. Hovering at eye level, he solemnly bowed with respect then flitted away to disappear among the trees.

  Speechless, Kaitla met the eyes of Jared, Etain and Hobart. The three of them stared at Kaitla in amazement. With a start, they suddenly realized that the prophesied healer, the deliverer promised for decades, was finally standing in front of them…blushing with pleasure at Nissyen’s parting gift.

  Shaking his head in wonder, Jared finally spoke, breaking their awestruck silence. “Ye’re an amazing lass, Kaitla." But now, I believe we’d best be making our way to Cuchailard Keep.” Nodding to Hobart for more water, he added, “It’s at least a five day ride from here and we’ve lost a good bit of this day already.” Turning to Kaitla with a mischievous smile, Jared gently chucked her under the chin, “So, Mistress Healer, If ye’d be so kind as to call out to our mounts, we can be on our way.”

  Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Kaitla inquired warily, “Just what exactly are you talking about?”

  “The animals of the realm will hear ye whenever ye have need of them. We need horses to make our way to the Keep. I really dinna think ye’d prefer to walk,” Jared calmly replied.

  “Well, no…but I’ve never ridden a horse. Are they tame?” Kaitla asked, eyeing Jared doubtfully.

  “That’s entirely up to you, Kaitla.” Grinning, Jared winked at her, “Close your beautiful eyes, picture the horses, then bade them come to ye.”

  “I’d like a sturdy good-natured beast, if ye dinna mind,” Hobart piped in with a grin. Etain just stood by, silently watching Kaitla with amusement.

  Knowing absolutely nothing about horses, Kaitla half-heartedly closed her eyes, trying to conjure up the images of four of the calmest horses she could imagine.

  A hearty “Well done!” from Jared, signaled her to open her eyes.

  Standing before Kaitla, were four horses, patiently awaiting her next request. The horse closest to Kaitla was entirely black except for a white stripe running the length of her nose into a large diamond patch of white centered between her eyes and up to her forehead. Approaching Kaitla cautiously, she slightly nudged her arm in a friendly gesture, gently nickering a greeting.

  “I believe this one’s chosen ye, Kaitla. A fine beast too. What shall ye call her?” Jared patted the horse, murmuring to the beast reassuringly as he examined her legs and hooves.

  “I have no idea. I’ll…uh…have to get to know her better,” Kaitla said hesitantly as she eyed the horse warily. The biggest question looming currently in her mind was how she was going to manage to ride the thing without breaking her neck.

  Etain and Hobart seemed to be getting along with their mounts just fine. Etain had chosen the sleek chestnut colored mare with the black mane and tail. Hobart was already comfortably astride the dapple-gray. Jared’s horse was a sleek black stallion, with no other visible markings, prancing and snorting in excitement. Tales of dark riders and evil mounts possessed by the devil himself vaguely crossed Kaitla’s mind, as she watched the feisty stallion paw at the ground as he tossed his head.

  Picking up Tobias and holding him firmly against her chest, Kaitla carefully approached her chosen steed, determined to make the introductions as pleasant as possible. Flattening his ears in protest and vibrating with a high-pitched growl, Tobias scooted backwards in an attempt to retreat even farther back into her arms. Ears perking forward with interest, the mare poked her nose into Kaitla’s arms to give the cat a good snuffle. Holding Tobias’ paws tightly, and concentrating on controlling his mounting panic, Kaitla ensured that cat and horse managed to make first contact without bloodshed. Staring fiercely into the agitated cat’s eyes, Kaitla did her best to try and make him understand the situation. The intolerant glare staring back at her left little doubt as to the cat’s feelings toward the horse and currently towards Kaitla herself. Kaitla couldn’t really blame him for that. After all…she wasn’t too sure of this arrangement herself!

  “Come along, Kaitla, I’ll help ye up.” Jared smiled reassuringly as he waited to give her a leg up to the awaiting saddle. Kneeling on the ground beside her, he held out his hands for her foot. “Yer other foot, Kaitla,” he intoned quietly, shaking his head in amusement. Patiently, he waited for her leap aboard. Clutching Tobias with one hand, clawing at the saddle with the other, Kaitla was soon precariously perched atop the graceful horse.

  “My God! It’s high up here!” Panic-stricken and heart thumping wildly, Kaitla clutched at the reins and saddle horn with a death grip. Legs locked so tightly to the horse they were already beginning to cramp, Kaitla couldn’t be pried from the saddle, much less fall from her perch. Whinnying, the mare tossed her head and the huge body seemed to rumble with laughter.

  “I’m verra sorry, Mistress Healer. But I canna remain silent any longer.” The mare craned her head to the side to eye Kaitla as she spoke. “My name is Epona, Goddess of the horses. I would be most honored to bear ye to Cuchailard Keep.” Slightly inclining her head in a nod, the horse gently continued, “Ye must try and relax, m’lady…I assure ye….ye willna’ fall.”

  Mouth agape with surprise, Kaitla stared stupidly at the talking mare with memories of a famous talking horse on television in the earth realm, running quickly through her head. “You mean…you’re n-not r-really a horse?” she stammered in shock.

  “This is the form I prefer, for I love the beauty and grace of my beloved horses,” Epona explained patiently. “But I am also capable of maintaining other forms, just as you are so able.”

  “Epona, ‘tis a great honor ye bestow upon us. We are most grateful to ye,” Jared replied gallantly, his greeting attempting to cover Kaitla’s loss for words. Etain and Hobart nodded in silent respect to the Goddess.

  “Epona, I’m truly grateful. Please forgive my manners. This realm has held so many surprises for me since I came through the passage.” Kaitla could feel her cheeks grow hot as they slowly began to redden. Kaitla felt guilty for her lack of perception and her slight lapse of composure.

  “There is nothing to forgive, Mistress. But ye must beware, not all of the surprises of this realm may be pleasant ones.” Picking her way carefully through the trees and bushes, Epona hesitantly explained, “There is word that Ravon has returned…even angrier then when he left. Somehow, he was injured in the earth realm and this has not improved his mood in the least.”

  “Aye, Brave Tobias nearly finished the evil vermin!” Hobart interjected proudly. The group of travelers had emerged from the woods onto a sweeping grassy meadow. Now able to ride four abreast, conversation was much easier.

  “Ach, we were hoping ta’ beat the vile one back ta’ the realm,” Etain cried in dismay. “Now, he’ll surely be planning something wretched for us.”

  “He was last heard to be heading for Cuchailard Keep,” murmured Epona quietly.

  “What would he do there?” Kaitla asked as a sick feeling of apprehension settled in the pit of her stomach. They were five days away. What might happen before they got there?

  “There is no way of knowing what lies in the evil one’s heart. He may only seem to go there to trap ye and lead ye astray….or he may try to harm the Laird. That would give him much pleasure,” Epona replied solemnly.

  Epona’s words struck dread into Kaitla’s heart. Thoughts of the pending danger dampening their mood, the small band rode on in silence…each traveler turning Epona’s words over in his mind.

  Inhaling deeply to cleanse her worried mind, Kaitla watched with interest the awakening of the land as they made their way through the meadow. The deeper they rode into the realm, the greener and more vibrant everything seemed to become. N
ew leaves unfurled. Flowers budded, then bloomed. The land warmed and awakened as though it was springtime, fresh growth and life appearing everywhere. A gentle breeze wafted the delicious sweet scents of new grasses and opening buds across their path, silently welcoming the long awaited healer to the realm.

  With dusk finally approaching, Jared suggested they find a place to rest for the night. After all, the night before had been spent traveling between the realms. Tired and edgy, Kaitla was anxious to reach the Keep, worried about what evil Ravon might be planning. “I’m NOT tired,” she stated, sounding like a petulant child, “We need to keep going as long as possible,” she snapped, as she spurred Epona to a cantor.

  “Kaitla! Ye must be reasonable. Ye’re fair exhausted, as are the rest of us. What good will ye be to the Laird or the land, if ye take foolish risks?” scolded Jared severely. Catching up with Kaitla, he reached over to claim the reins and bring Epona to an abrupt halt.

  “See yon mists up ahead?” interrupted Epona, tossing her head in the direction she had in mind.

  “I see them, why?” Kaitla wriggled uncomfortably in the saddle, silently wondering if she’d be able to walk once they did stop.

  “The mists shroud the hot springs of Iona. Healing waters that will relax ye, enabling ye to find the rest ye seek,” Epona explained quietly. The gentle horse goddess had been quite shrewd in reading Kaitla’s slightly strained physical condition.

  “Fine,” Kaitla retorted. “We’ll spend the night there and get an early start in the morning,” she sighed in resignation. There was no sense fighting reason. Jared was right. She wouldn’t admit that to him, but from the expression on his face, he was reading her mind again and already knew what she was thinking, damn him!