“Leannan, we need to talk about what you just saw,” Duncan interrupted.
“Not every vision is about your war,” she quipped, purposely not looking at him.
One of the guards handed her Daisy’s reins, and she mouthed a quick thank you as she leaned against the saddle for support. Feeling Nicolas’ hands at her waist she was grateful when he hoisted her into the saddle, the strong feelings and images from her vision already beginning to fade. What a stupid idea that was, she thought to herself. But in her defense, she never thought she could force a vision to occur. She made a mental note to come back to that later.
She patted Daisy’s neck and caught Nicolas’ eye. He looked concerned, but said nothing as Danika reined in next to her sister’s mount and asked if she was alright.
“I’m fine. Please, can’t we all just focus on getting to the caves?” she snapped, not meeting her sister’s eyes. How could she when all she saw was Duncan and Dani twined together in a lover’s embrace? She clicked her heels a little too hard against Daisy’s ribs and was jerked forward as the horse snorted her protest and leaped to the front of the pack. Nicolas easily matched her stride, and the Templars who were assigned to guard her fell in line.
The small group rode in silence for several more minutes until finally arriving at the mouth of the cave. The soldiers dismounted and secured a small perimeter around the base, the men taking up posts at advantageous locations around the small group. Caitriona sighed and dismounted quickly, grateful that the others seemed preoccupied with unloading supplies and securing their location.
Tethering Daisy to a nearby tree, she turned her attention to the opening of the cave. It wasn’t nearly as large as what she had imagined. She had assumed that a cave capable of growing giant crystals would naturally have a large opening. She couldn’t have been more wrong. The opening was recessed into the side of a mountainous outcropping, its diameter barely three meters across at its widest point. Just inside, she could see a heavy steel door that she presumed led to the giant crystals.
Realizing her guards were busy assisting with the supplies and preparations, she meandered over to the opening and touched the outer earth wall. She shivered and pulled her hand away as a tingling pulse ran through her body. Rubbing her palm, she craned her neck to look up at the height of the mountain, which was doing its best to block out the sun that would soon bathe the cave entrance in its rays. She gasped as she felt an unfamiliar nudge in her mind. Her shields were immediately in place. While not painful, the intrusion was unwelcome.
She felt the push again, and looked around to find Nicolas talking with Duncan, seemingly unaware of her. It’s not Nicolas, she thought, once again placing her hand on the earthen front that guarded its secret. She swayed on her feet as the nudge became more intense.
“Chérie,” Nicolas’ sharp voice brought her out of an almost hypnotic trance as she stood staring at the steel door. “Chérie, come away,” he said again with more intensity.
She blinked rapidly but backed away from the door.
“I felt it too, chérie,” he said softly as he moved next to her and slid his arm around her waist, pulling her further away from the cave opening. She brought her hand to her face, small beads of perspiration beginning to dot her brow and lip. Already, the hot Mexican sun was beginning to warm the day, causing her now-wild curls to frizz as they fought against the cloying heat.
“I don’t want to go in there, Nicolas,” she said, her voice void of emotion. After all, what she wanted mattered little to these men who sought only to end their war.
“I will be with you, chérie,” he told her, but she could hear the worry edged in his voice.
“What was that?” she asked.
“The caves have great power,” he replied, but she heard the uncertainty in his voice. “Perhaps you are only feeling their power. This is a good thing, chérie. Maybe you will be able to tap into more of your power with the help of the crystals, ouí?”
“Perhaps,” she said, unconvinced. She looked up as she saw Duncan approach.
“Lass,” he said, his tone clipped. “It’s time fer ye tae get into yer protective suit. We also need tae go over the instructions and safety procedures.”
She felt numb as she stared at him, her eyes imploring him to give up this absurd quest. She started to say something when her sister bounded over to them, her excitement clearly visible on her face.
“Aren’t you excited, Cat?” she asked breathlessly, using the childhood name she’d given Caitriona when they were younger.
“No,” she quipped, twisting away from her sister, irritation spreading across her face like an infectious disease.
“Come on, Cat,” Danika implored. “Imagine the possibilities.”
“Oh, I’m imagining all right,” she snapped, disappointed that she didn’t have even one advocate.
“You’ll see,” Danika said, excitement lacing her voice.
Caitriona wasn’t moved.
“I’m sure Duncan will be able to talk some sense into you.” Danika winked at Duncan and playfully nudged his shoulder.
The gesture rankled Caitriona’s already short nerves.
“I’ll leave you three to it, then,” Danika said, and danced off in the direction of the preparations.
“Come, lass,” Duncan held out his hand. “We’re wasting daylight.”
Caitriona ignored his hand and brushed past him. “The horror,” she muttered and rolled her eyes. May as well get this over with, she thought, a sense of foreboding settling over her at the task ahead.
She moved up close to the two Templars who would be leading the small group into the caves. She barely listened as they went through the list of safety requirements. Her suit would be cooled using technology she didn’t understand and would supposedly allow her to stay in the caves up to one hour. The smaller of the two Templars (which was an understatement) explained that the caves were filled with water that was well over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The water was too hot for water transport so they would be using flying disks that would be operated by technicians from outside the caves.
“The ultimate flying saucer,” she muttered. Her words were met with empty stares and silence. After several seconds, her sister burst out in laughter and Caitriona was relieved that someone saw the irony in the situation.
“Chérie, focus,” Nicolas chided her. She mumbled an apology and endeavored to check her sarcasm. She took the bright orange suit from a technician and stared at it. She couldn’t shake the fear that settled over her.
Nicolas shed his shirt and trues and stepped quickly into his suit, leaving the hooded face protection hanging loosely from his shoulders. She glanced over and saw Dani, clad only in her bra and panties, being assisted by Senior Martinez. She sighed. She had forgotten how openly casual 23rd century Earth could be. Perhaps I can just wear this contraption over my clothes, she thought.
She shook the bright orange garment out in front of her and started to step hastily into the suit, hoping to avoid any attention.
“No, no, chérie,” Nicolas said, reaching for her hand. “The caves are over 200 degrees. The suits work best when the material can come in direct contact with your skin.”
He must have read the horrified look on her face because he softened his stance and, looking around, pointed to a nearby cluster of bushes. “Come, chérie. Let’s go over there where there won’t be as many eyes,” he said. She smiled her gratitude and fled to where he pointed. Stepping behind the bushes, she quickly stepped out of her riding clothes and pulled on the strange suit. She couldn’t figure out the closures and knew she’d have to press Nicolas for help. Clutching the garment closely around her, she stepped out and met Duncan’s stark grey eyes.
“I...I couldn’t figure out how to fasten it,” she stammered. She looked around, finally spotting Nicolas, who had joined the other men and was giving instructions. So much for not garnering any attention, she thought with a heavy sigh. Duncan brushed her hand aside and pressed a b
utton on the front of the ensemble. The suit hissed audibly as the air was expelled and the material closed around her providing a snug fit against her slender form.
“Oh,” she murmured, as he stepped back surveying his handiwork. She missed the warm current she felt whenever he touched her. He motioned for her to sit on a nearby rock while he helped her with the protective shoes. Lastly, he pulled the hood over her head and helped her adjust the breathing unit. The whole thing reminded Caitriona of an astronaut’s suit only with far less bulk and weight. I guess there should be some advancements after 200 years, she thought.
“Dinna look so frightened, lass. I willna let anythin’ hurt ye. I will be right beside ye the entire time.”
She didn’t respond. She didn’t need to. Any response she made would be nothing more than empty sentiment.
“Catie, say something,” he admonished her. “I need to know ye can hear me and that yer communication device is working.”
She nodded, finally breaking her silence. “I don’t want to go in there, Duncan.” Her voice sounded small inside the hooded protection.
He pulled her gloved hand into his. “I ken,” he said as softly as his deep voice would allow. “But ye ken as well as I that we need tae test the limits of yer power. The crystals can amplify the power ye have. I’m certain of that. When Danika visited the cave her powers increased—she hasna been able tae replicate that power since.”
“To what end, Duncan? I can’t live in the caves. Any gain would only be temporary.”
“One hill at a time, Leannan. Man didna stop dreamin’ of goin’ tae the moon just because they hadna developed the right vessel.” He squeezed her hand through her glove.
“Fine. Let’s just do this and get it over with.”
Duncan gestured toward the others. Squaring her shoulders, she pushed past him and joined Dani, Nicolas, and the two Templars who would be accompanying them. Dani gave her a hug, her barely concealed excitement causing Caitriona to smile despite the sense of foreboding that wouldn’t leave.
She half listened to the safety procedures, focusing instead on trying to find the energy source that had connected with her earlier. She was brought out of her ruminations by Duncan’s hand on her shoulder.
“Leannan, I’m going to adjust the settings on your pack now so that it will gradually continue to cool ye as we get deeper into the cave.” He pressed some settings on the front of her suit. A series of short chirps was the only indication the suit was working. She felt cool air against her skin and shivered. “What’s the safety word, Leannan?”
“Red,” she replied.
“If ye feel any discomfort at any time, ye only need tae say the word. Aye?”
She nodded. How is out here any different than in there? she thought, petulantly.
The transport disks hummed to life. The small craft was designed to hold two people in chair-like apparatuses that faced each other. The craft was completely open, the elongated floor barely wide enough for two passengers. Duncan stepped up onto the craft that was hovering about 12 inches from the ground. He stepped across the platform and reached out to help her board. Stepping onto the craft, she quickly settled into her seat and allowed Duncan to pull the restraints across her, giving them a good tug to ensure they locked.
“I forgot how much I like seein’ ye in restraints,” he grinned at her.
The memory of her first journey aboard his starship brought a slight smile to the corners of her lips.
He settled into his own seat and gave the thumbs up to the men who would be controlling the craft from outside the cave. The small craft rose slowly and moved to the mouth of the cave where it once again hovered and hummed as it awaited further instruction.
Caitriona released her breath. The sensation of being in the craft was not altogether unpleasant and she settled into her seat. She was facing the cave entrance while Duncan sat facing her. She turned around and saw Dani and Nicolas getting settled into their vehicle. Soon their little craft took up its place in line behind theirs. The Templars’ craft moved toward the front of their entourage and without any further delays, they entered the cave.
Caitriona felt the change in air and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The heat was suffocating and cloying. Even through the protective elements of her suit, she could feel the heat of the cave trying to fry her like an egg on a hot summer sidewalk. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to take deep breaths, focusing on the fact that she could feel the subzero air of the suit circulating throughout her body, cooling her body temperature to a manageable level. When she was certain she wasn’t being cooked alive in her suit, she opened her eyes and found Duncan staring at her, concern evident in the lines of his brow. He reached across and patted her knee. The gesture rankled her, partly because she felt that it wasn’t concern for her but for their mission that prompted the action and partly because it felt patronizing. She brushed her thoughts aside and averted her eyes from his handsome face.
She watched as their little craft glided effortlessly through the caves, carefully avoiding the giant crystals that pushed through the water and littered the air. Even nearly submerged, the crystals towered well above the uninvited visitors. She shuddered as she could all but feel the energy flowing through their giant arms and crackling the very air around them. She shot a glance at Dani and saw the excitement spread across her pretty features. Nicolas had one hand on Dani’s knee, animatedly pointing out various sites to her as they continued their descent into the innermost chambers where the crystals grew the largest.
Before the group left, Maester explained that at one time, early in Caitriona’s century, miners had pumped the water from the mines so they could explore the caves in greater detail without the impediment of the boiling water. But that was a long time ago. Now, the miners were gone and the caves had been returned to their full, natural and terrifying glory. Caitriona looked down and saw the steam rise from the water as the frothy foam boiled like a giant water kettle over Mother Nature’s hearth. She didn’t want to think about what would happen if their craft lost altitude or if she were to fall out of the craft and into the foamy, boiling depths. She shivered, despite the heat, and checked to ensure her restraints were secure.
Just a few minutes after they entered the cave, they maneuvered their way into the largest inner chamber. Caitriona’s mouth dropped open when she saw the enormity of the crystals. The minerals here were so clear, they reflected the color of the water on the inner cave walls. But it wasn’t just the size of the crystals that overwhelmed her, it was the power she felt when she entered the chamber. She looked at her sister, who was also grappling with the unrestrained power. Her hand was now gripping Nicolas’ as she leaned in toward him. She looked as if she might be sick.
Caitriona suffered a momentary attack of vertigo as the vastness of the crystals competed with the stifling attributes of the chamber. She wanted to leave, but she wasn’t about to be the one to call a halt to Duncan’s expedition. She took another deep breath and exhaled slowly. Everything is fine, she repeated to herself, but the steady fast staccato of her heart belied the encouragement of the whispered mantra.
The little crafts glided to the largest crystal, where both women could easily touch the giant rocks. Dani looked at Caitriona and tried to give her a reassuring smile, but it never reached her eyes.
“What now, Commander?” Caitriona questioned, her tone clipped and harsh.
Before he could respond, Nicolas spoke in her ear, his voice as calm and reassuring as it always was. “I want Dani to cast a simple elemental spell,” he said. “Katarine, once she begins, you need to channel your energy toward her.”
“I don’t know...”
“Just like we practiced, chérie. Feel her energy and project yours toward her. Take her hand—the contact should help amplify your powers. I will add my energy to both of yours and if I’m right, we will be stronger as one.”
Dani was looking at the boiling currents beneath the craft. “What if I can’t co
ntrol the outcome?” she whispered. “We could all be killed. I don’t think this is such a great idea.” For the first time since Caitriona had been reunited with her sister, she saw fear in her sister’s eyes.
“Alright, lassies. Let’s gi on wi it then,” Duncan said, ignoring Danika’s statement.
Danika touched the largest crystal next to the craft. She flinched but didn’t remove her hand. “I can feel the power running through me,” a slight smile began to form at the corner of her lips. Without taking her eyes from the crystal, she reached her free hand out to Caitriona.
Biting down hard on her lip, Caitriona grasped her sister’s hand. Immediately, she felt a course of electricity surge through her. The feeling wasn’t altogether unpleasant, but then the cascading flood of images raced across her mind and she swayed under the assault. Nicolas pulled her free hand into his to complete the circle, his other resting lightly on Danika’s forearm.
Nothing more happened.
Save for the pulse that ran through her and the flood of images that continued to assault her vision, nothing significant happened. Caitriona looked up and saw Dani reciting an incantation, calling upon Hecate for protection. A ring of blue light soon surrounded the tiny crafts and Caitriona felt an inner calm she hadn’t felt before. Dani’s voice rose as she started to work her spell, calling upon Bel, the Celtic fire and sun God, to assist her humble efforts.
Ancient power deep in me,
I call upon the power of three,
By Bel and Apollo,
My magic breaks free,
As above, so below,
So mote it be.
A tiny flame leapt to life from the boiling currents beneath them. Hardly the Harry Potter sorcery Duncan was hoping for, Caitriona mused. She caught Nicolas’ eye and shrugged her shoulders. Perhaps now maybe Duncan would let her and Dani go home. It was clear they didn’t have the powers he needed to advance his war. She started to pull her hand from Nicolas but he shook his head.
Nicolas glanced at Duncan, who was focused on the tiny flame dancing across the tumultuous water. Nicolas looked from him to Caitriona. “What?” she mouthed.
Dark Gathering Page 10
