"So, you might as well accept you will be a loner, my boy," Jack said to himself. "So leave the next generation to Alex and Hector."
But what would he do if he got to the village and the cave and Alex was nowhere to be found? Well, then he would ask around to see if anyone had seen Alex, or the healer, or maybe the soldier. He was a bit reluctant to ask too much about the soldier as he might just be as wretched as he sounded. Jack would like nothing more than to clobber any man who would talk of hurting a woman even if she was a witch! Actually, Jack had decided the healer was just that, a healer, someone who had taken great care of Ian, and now it was his time to be of help to her. But, first, he had to find her.
How had she been able to care for herself anyway? She must be some strong woman, thought Jack. She didn't seem to be afraid when they met her on the path, and as he recalled, feeling rather sheepish, she hadn't cowed at his presence either. So, anyone willing to go after this woman should think twice before doing something stupid. He hoped Alex had thought about that.
CHAPTER 36
Now, stopping to rest for a few minutes and have some of his tasty treats he had packed, Wabi spoke aloud.
"Alright wizard. You've avoided thinking about this situation long enough! Get down to business and concentrate on what may be causing your awareness to be heightened lately. It might be more than Caitlin."
Wabi's audience was likely the trees he sat under. His first experiences with learning about his powers had happened under a banyan tree in a country far, far away from Scotland. He was just a young lad, resting against this tree with its many roots that ran out many feet from its trunk. The roots were gnarled but smooth, and Wabi liked to rub his hands over the twisted tentacles. One day he had felt a stirring in his blood when he took a nap under this tree. He awakened and felt vibrations coming from within the tree, so he placed his ear close to the trunk and found he could hear whispering, and felt a presence, a spirit. Soft and continuous. It was his first attempt at connecting with the plant world, and he still communed with them to this day. So, as was the case, he was actually never alone.
Verbalizing his thoughts aloud had always helped Wabi get focused. So, he sat down, leaned against a large hickory tree and closed his eyes. Eliminating any visual distractions was a necessary step in his structured process. Within just a few seconds, a large swarm of Monarch butterflies began to circle about his head. They swarmed as if he were one of their favorite places to find nectar.
"Ah, my multi-winged friends! Thank you for joining me. Now, with your help I may be able to get where I need to go."
The butterflies started a slow dance, round and round Wabi's head. Then they began to go faster and faster, and Wabi's spirit flew to a distant place where he could sense the essence of one that he recognized immediately, but had not visited for many years — Caitlin's mother! Flinn!
"Flinn! What an unexpected surprise! It's been so long since I've taken this level of journey but, my, what a pleasure it is to find you!"
"My dearest Wabi. I felt someone pulling at me, but for a moment I couldn't figure out who it was, so I tried to ignore it. But, finally, the pull was so strong that I had no choice but to come. Whatever do you need from me? You have every power, perhaps more, that I have. Is there something we need to do together?"
"Ah, perhaps that's why I'm here. I wasn't sure whom I was seeking but I'm glad it's you. And yes, maybe we need to put our spirits and minds together and see what we can do. As it is, I keep getting certain vibrations that seem to tell me Caitlin needs my help.
"I've tried over the years to tutor her and make her aware of her special abilities. Until just recently, however, she has never responded to any of my suggestions. And, now that she is beginning to get just a glimpse into this world, she keeps shying away. My friend, Owl, tells me Caitlin could be headed for some trouble. I never thought the child would need much protection, but it looks like she's made a true enemy who is intent on causing her harm, maybe even death. I'm most concerned about her, but according to Owl, she travels with a wolf who serves as a companion and a protector, so that's some comfort."
"Yes, my darling Caitlin. Oh, she travels with a wolf, you say. Well, of course she does! Her grandmother, Ci-Cero, did also. Some things just never change, I guess. But, when I came along I wanted nothing to do with the 'other world' either, and never did join. It is only now that I see I might have done better to embrace it, but I had so wanted to make my own way and be my own person! But, the choice is always ours, and I made mine. But, it seems that my Caitlin may be making a difference choice, thanks to your mentoring, Wabi.
"Ah, Wabi. I was not there for her childhood as you were, but she is my daughter and it is only right that I intervene if necessary. Along with you, of course."
"Well, perhaps if you were to stay close by, within her mental reach, she might sense that she has some feminine wisdom at her disposal. She's just learning to communicate and it may take her some time before she can do it readily." Wabi said.
"Oh, that's easy enough. My spirit has always resided within her, she's just never realized it. So, I'll make it a bit more apparent to her, that way she'll feel she's not alone. Most times all we need is someone who understands our problems, not someone to fix them. She's quite capable. I have been able to sense that over the years. Maybe a bit head strong, however!" Then she laughed as if she knew where that particular trait may have come from.
"Yes, my dear Flinn. You could certainly say that! Then I'll continue my walkabout and pay close attention to any vibrations from Caitlin, as will you. My notion is just to head north as Owl tells me Caitlin is traveling that way, but exactly where, I'm not sure. But I know to follow wherever I'm led. My intuition has proven to be a most trustworthy asset."
"I see. Then no doubt I'll keep up with you along the way. Surely two spirits are better than one. Maybe I'll get to know her now that she's trying to come to this world as well. What a treasure that would be for me."
Wabi felt Flinn's spirit drift away and found himself back under the hickory tree. The butterflies were slowly making their way back to seeking nectar from the flowers along the trail.
Wabi was comforted knowing that Caitlin's mother would hover close. But he also knew that once Caitlin started exercising her powers of communication, sometimes dark spirits could be residing in the spaces between where her present world and the other one joined. There was certainly danger that she could be prey to any number of less-than-desirable entities that would take advantage of a young, frightened one making headway into their world. Some of them were just waiting for the opportunity to attach themselves to an unsuspecting, naïve one and take up residence. Caitlin had a good head on her shoulders, but she was young and inexperienced.
"Why didn't I make her do this sooner?" Wabi was exasperated with himself, but knew Caitlin had to drive her acceptance of her abilities.
Worry over Caitlin's vulnerability had him in a tizzy. But, he knew that no amount of badgering would have made her more receptive. It was only when one was ready that the leap was made, and even then some of the chosen, like Flinn, never made the leap. But, the fact remained that Caitlin may be in danger, so he must move on now and be there if needed.
Another thought bothered Wabi. What if Flinn does get "closer" and Caitlin senses her but can't understand it and is even more frightened? Caitlin never knew her mother, but Wabi also knew that a bond from mother to child was begun long before birth. Perhaps Caitlin's spirit would recognize her mother even if her brain did not. Wabi was in a quandary, and an element of fear had a hold on him — a most unusual experience for this wizard.
CHAPTER 37
After traveling some distance, much later, far into the night, Caitlin decided to dismount and walk alongside her horse with Willie next to her, brushing her leg as they walked. Stretching her legs seemed a good thing and she had donned her long cape. She pulled up the hood as well, trying to ward off some of the chill of the night air. Each day seemed to be getting c
older now, and she would really like to complete this journey without having to deal with snow. They didn't receive a lot of it in Skye, but up here she knew that was probably a different story.
The night was unusually quiet. She listened with her new auditory awareness. She could hear the wind, a raven calling somewhere far off, and something else, like an animal grunting, or perhaps a wild hog rooting around the woods. She really would rather not have to face that again, but wasn't too concerned as Willie would take care of that event should it arise. The moon was giving off brilliant light, and she could see well all about, so she continued walking and she smiled to herself.
"That is a waxing gibbous moon!" Uncle Wabi would have explained details about it if he were here, she thought to herself.
She spoke to whomever might have been listening probably Willie and Owl, but they made no comment in return. Why had she never understood about Uncle Wabi's special talents? They had been right in front of her nose, but as children will, she accepted them and never even thought to question him about them.
Walking on, she heard the grunting sound again, so she stopped, as did Willie. He made no sound, no growl, and nothing to indicate that she was in danger. She tied her horse and listened, trying to locate the exact spot where the sound was coming from. The sound was getting slightly louder, and she found herself moving off to the right, going down a slight incline toward some brush farther down the hill.
Using a hand signal, she called for Willie to accompany her as she followed the sounds to the bottom, where she believed they were coming from. As she got just a few feet from the brush, she could hear the grunting again, and some moaning as well. Stooping down in order to get a better look, as the bushes were blocking her view, she carefully looked behind the larger brush. Lying just under the brush was a body — a very large body.
"Oh, dear Lord! Another soldier needing care!" Caitlin was speaking to Willie and Owl who had alighted in the yew tree above them. He "hoo hooed" his agreement, but stayed put.
Willie began to sniff the ground, but there was still no growling coming from him. Caitlin ran back to get her medicine beg, and then returned and made her way down the incline once again.
"He must have fallen from his horse and rolled down here," she thought to herself. He was a large man, wrapped in a dark blanket and lying on his side. As she got closer, she began to speak softly to him.
"Hey, now, rest easy, I'm a healer. I'll help you. Just be easy."
Still, no words from the man, but another groan escaped his lips and then an anguished cry, meaning he was in great pain. Caitlin reached for his shoulder and slowly turned him over in order to see how extensive his wounds were.
As she pulled the man's shoulder, lying him on his back, two large eyes stared up at her. Then he let out another agonizing cry that had Caitlin holding her breath!
She just stared at him for another moment. Even in this unlit brush, she could tell she had made a mistake. This was not man! This very large body belonged to a woman, and this woman had a very large stomach. Caitlin gasped when she realized what she was seeing. This woman was about to have a babe any moment now!
"Oh, Holy Rusephus!" she wailed. This woman was in the throes of birthing a baby and Caitlin knew it was going to happen this instant! When you've delivered a large number of babies, you can tell by the cry of the mother what stage of deliver she's in. Caitlin's reactions were quick. She began giving instructions to the woman, just as if they'd planned this event. It never occurred to her to not assist the woman and the child.
Taking the woman's face between her hands, Caitlin got her to focus on her every word. "Hold on now. I'm a healer and have done this many times. The pain is great, I know, but it won't last forever. So, just now, try to slow your breathing down if you can. There, slower, slower. Yes. Slower still. That's good. Very good. This baby is ready to come any second now, so when I tell you to push, you must give it all you can in order to help him be born!"
The woman still had not spoken, but nodded her head as if to say she understood. Then she screamed once more, and her breathing was erratic again.
Caitlin had placed the woman's legs as far apart as possible, and one quick glance, even in this moonlight, showed the baby's head was crowning. Birth was imminent and Caitlin was glad. A long delivery is most difficult for the mother and the child.
"Now! Push now! Hard!"
The woman strained with all her might and screamed as she did so. The pain was unbearable and it never seemed to end! To her, this baby was taking forever to be born.
"Good — good — now take a deep breath — slowly now — now push again — hard!"
The woman raised up on her elbows and grabbed her knees, letting out one blood curdling scream.
"Aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
And as the woman took another breath, Caitlin put her hands under her hips and helped ease the baby's head out.
"That's perfect! Easy now. Relax for just a moment. Easy now. Now just one more push!"
"I can't push anymore! The pain! Make it go away! Help me!"
But, then, another contraction swept through her body and she raised up once again and screamed loudly, groaning with the effort.
Caitlin watched as the baby's shoulders escaped their confines and she knew the rest of the work would be easy. Promptly, the baby was totally out of his wet, warm, safe haven and had entered into a cold, strange, unfamiliar environment with two women, a wolf, and an owl.
Following the most wonderful sound, a piercing cry from this new little one, Caitlin cleaned the babe up enough to be sure it was breathing properly and then placed it up on its mother's abdomen. She proceeded to tie the umbilical cord, then snipped it properly and was relieved there had been no complications with the birth.
She gently placed the baby up higher, on its mother's breast now, and the mother put her arms around the small infant. As soon as she felt the soft skin and plump round bottom, the mother began to cry softly, stroking the child's backside. But the baby didn't stay still very long, and began to let out some wails of its own.
Folding her cloak and placing it beneath the woman's head, Caitlin propped her up in order that she could do what all new mothers do. She took the child to her breast and started a most important process, that of bonding between mother and child. The little one had no trouble rooting around and finding a nipple that would work just fine. She sounded just like a little piglet.
"Well, I do say you have a most beautiful daughter, Madam," said Caitlin, sitting down next to the two. She was a bit exhausted herself. Having a baby had been work for all three of them.
The woman looked at Caitlin, and the most wonderful smile spread across her face. "Oh, aye, I do believe she is the most beautiful baby ever!" Caitlin noted that even though the woman had replied in Gaelic, and certainly with a Scottish "aye," it was said with an English accent.
Caitlin smiled in return and began to gather her medical items together. She needed to think for a few minutes about her next move. This development was certainly unexpected, but then everything in her life seemed to have turned upside down in the last few weeks. So, she supposed coming upon a woman about to give birth was just as reasonable as any of the other happenings had been. But, what a strange new life she seemed to be living.
CHAPTER 38
Wabi's senses were sizzling even more than usual. He never paid a whole lot of attention until one or the other of them screamed loudly enough for him to truly take notice. In his life, he had become accustomed to filtering out stimuli that he always picked up from others.
It had only been yesterday that he had been busy with the never ending chores about his home, training with Max and feeding several other animals that he kept around the barn, when he felt a tingling about his scalp again. Caitlin? He turned his attention to this and opened his center, waiting for her to come through. But the tingling stopped. And did not return. Now today, he was again getting an exceptionally irritating sizzle from several areas.
/> "Well, then, alright!" Wabi spoke to Max who walked along beside him The dog looked up as if waiting for some further explanation, which never came.
So, that meant Wabi had to put up a defensive wall on his feelings and dwell on what was trying to get his attention. He had learned long ago the best way to do that was to go "walkabout."
Over the years, he had found that going "walkabout" was one sure way to clear his mind when it seemed too full. It was a good thing, getting back to nature in its truest form. He truly loved being among all the forest creatures that he had such a special connection with. These creatures could be all about him, and always were, but they accepted him as one of them and that allowed him to become part of the scenery without disturbing anything in his surroundings.
When Caitlin was small, Wabi would often take her with him on some of his jaunts, usually to some new place they had never been. But, on occasion, he went alone. The quiet private time renewed his energies, and he always returned with some new project to work on. Mother Nature seemed to have a way of recharging lives if one would but spend time with her. That was one belief Wabi had instilled in Caitlin, and she had taken it to heart. Even when she was practicing her healing, it was often done outside where she thought nature provided a perfect setting.
So, after spending a little time packing his satchel with necessary items for his walkabout, Wabi set off on the trail. He had a very old, crooked staff that he always carried with him, so he picked it up as he left his cottage. He didn't usually go on these journeys when winter was about to be upon him, but with these latest scalp irritations and something niggling at his brain, he knew this was the time. So, never one to question his intuition, he listened to it and usually was glad to have done so.
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