The Veils of Valoria

by Kirsty F McKay

  Inside his head, the worm smiled and his own lips lifted in response.

  “That thing is not born of the Fae,” Bessie yelled. “Act quickly, before it takes control.”

  “I don’t have the strength,” he said.

  “Yes, you do,” Bessie insisted.

  “I’ll make all that pain go away,” the worm crooned.

  “Think of Rowan, you cannot protect her with this creature inside you,” Bessie urged.

  Her words slapped him hard across his face and brought him back to his senses. Rowan! My power! Gritting his teeth, Finn lunged forward in time to catch hold of the worm’s tail end before it could enter his body. Taking a deep breath, he tightened his grip, and with his thoughts firmly focused on Rowan and his primal instinct to protect her, Finn yanked. The worm, forced free from his flesh, squirmed in his fingers.

  “You need me,” it shrieked.

  “No, I don’t,” Finn said.

  “Destroy it,” Bessie ordered.

  Finn quickly searched his surroundings, and found a large chunk of stone. He grimaced as he sank to his knees and dropped the worm to the ground. Before it could escape, he smashed the rock repeatedly until nothing remained of the creature except a white sticky residue. With all his strength spent, he collapsed into darkness.

  When he awoke seconds later, it was in Rowan’s arms. She held him tightly. “Don’t move. Bessie?”

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

  Her voice was shaking. “You scared the hell out of me.”

  Bessie knelt and placed a hand over the wound. Finn heaved a loud sigh as the warmth of her healing energy eradicated the damage that the worm had caused.

  “Now you are both ready. Well done, Finn.”

  He met her gaze. “What was it?”

  “A parasite. The last of its kind and now extinct.”

  “I was just a boy. It said it was a friend of the Fae?”

  “A lie. It took advantage of your grief and has stayed hidden all this time, feeding on the power denied to you, to sustain its existence.”

  “Will my power return?”

  Bessie lifted Rowan and Finn to their feet. She gave each of them a hug.

  Finn could feel the pulse of energy through his skin. The ground vibrated softly beneath his feet.

  “In time. Do you feel it now?” Bessie asked.

  Finn nodded and grinned.

  The older woman smiled and closed her eyes as she stretched her arms upwards and into the night air. “Once the Meridian reveals itself to you, it will always be there when you need it. Be respectful of its home and be open to the lessons it teaches. Trust it and know that its source comes from the highest light and the greatest of power ever to enter this realm.”

  She clapped her hands together and opened her eyes. A thundering boom caused the air to ripple in waves around them and then stillness.

  Finn held his arms in front of him. The same ribbons of silver light he had witnessed earlier now danced playfully through his fingers.

  He turned and laughed at Rowan spinning in circles, sparks of silver shooting from her feet as she danced on the ground. “This is amazing.”

  Bessie chuckled. “Welcome to the Meridian, and now, your training begins.”

  “What do you need us to do?” Finn asked.

  “Each of you possesses different gifts. The Meridian must get to know those gifts and consider what you each require to enhance and build on them further. For you to do this together will only create confusion, and so I shall leave it to you to decide who shall go first.”

  “I think you should,” Rowan said.

  “Why?”

  “You need to heal first.”

  Bessie smiled and nodded. “The Meridian does indeed bring healing and much more.”

  “But it’s Rowan that we need to protect. I think she should go first. You said yourself that we don’t have much time.” Finn argued his point although he could tell from both women’s expressions that he was fighting a losing battle.

  Rowan folded her arms. “No. Something tells me that tonight is for you, and I need you to protect me by understanding, and using your powers fully.”

  “She makes a valid point. You came close to death tonight expelling that thing.”

  “You never said anything about dying when ripping that plaster off,” Finn bellowed.

  “I didn’t know you’d willingly let a Margorian Worm take refuge until the Meridian exposed it,” Bessie responded calmly.

  He ran a hand through his hair and released a deep exhale. “I have no defence.”

  Rowan nodded. “That’s settled then. So what’s next?”

  “You and I will be leaving. Finn must remain here alone and spend the night in the Meridian. Biscuit will wait for you on the other side of the hedge and will accompany you home.”

  “Oh,” Rowan said.

  Finn sensed her disappointment that they would not be spending the night together.

  “And one more thing.” Bessie’s wicked smile made him suddenly suspicious. “You have to take off all your clothes.”

  Finn coughed and cleared his throat. “You mean I’m to stand here, completely naked?”

  “No, I mean that you will lie on the earth, completely naked.” Bessie grinned.

  “What if someone sees me?”

  “You are shielded within the Meridian, no one can see you. Anyone who does happen this way will see an empty field.”

  “But why naked?”

  “You must be fully exposed to the Meridian, to trust and completely open yourself to its energy. Once you have integrated, then your lessons can begin.”

  “What about Rowan?”

  “Her turn will come.”

  Finn sighed. “I’d better make myself comfortable then.”

  Rowan’s amusement was evident as she pressed a kiss on his cheek. “A shame I cannot stay. I shall see you tomorrow morning.”

  The two women turned and left Finn alone. A small bark sounded from the other side of the hedging. “Yes, Biscuit, I’m doing it.”

  Finn reluctantly removed his jacket and dropped it to the ground. The night air nipped at his skin as he stripped away the rest of his clothing. This is utter foolishness. Finn laid himself on the grass and closed his eyes. Well, I’m ready.

  The anticipation churned in his stomach as he waited, for what, he wasn’t quite sure. At least let it be worth the humiliation of lying naked in the middle of a field in a strange world.

  Time crept by slowly. Still, there was nothing from the Meridian. Disappointment rose, and he shifted uncomfortably, the ground cold and hard beneath him. His patience lost, Finn addressed the silence. “Is this a test? I was ready hours ago. It will be dawn soon, and I feel no different.”

  The Meridian did not respond. Finn considered whether he should admit defeat and go back to the cottage. What would Rowan think of me if I did?

  The Meridian’s energy had been active when they had first entered. So why was it silent now? What have I done wrong?

  He reflected on Bessie’s words. What had she said? Trust and give yourself entirely to its energy. Have I not been doing that? Finn believed he had and yet that inner voice niggled. Really? Or have you allowed your embarrassment and pride to get in the way?

  Truth acknowledged, Finn stretched both arms and legs outwards and exposed his vulnerability further. I must release all doubt and yield. Exhaling deeply, Finn released the last of the tension from his muscles and pushed all other sensations from his mind. He could no longer feel the chill in the air or the ground beneath. “I give myself freely to you.”

  A current of electricity ignited in his feet and travelled swiftly upwards, passing through his core and into his mind. The pressure in his forehead increased as his third eye awakened and a purple light burst free. Somewhere in his consciousness, he was vaguely aware of the ground trembling. Roots tore through the soil and wrapped gently around him, drawing him slowly beneath the earth. Levitating above where his physical bo
dy had once been, Finn stared in wonderment. I should be shocked and yet it’s strange that I am not.

  Many voices instantly gathered around him and whispered his name.

  Finn directed his thoughts toward them. “Who are you?”

  They replied as one. “We are the Meridian. Are you ready to begin, young Warrior?”

  “I am.”

  Finn’s soul catapulted towards the night sky. He lost consciousness.

  Suspended in time, he floated amongst the stars while the Meridian set to work.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Achavanich, Scottish Highlands

  “Will you sit down, dear? You’re starting to make me anxious.”

  “But they should be back by now,” Rowan complained.

  “The Meridian will release Finn when it’s ready.”

  “I thought you said that would be at dawn? It’s nearly midday. I’ve hardly slept a wink worrying about it all and whether he’s alright.”

  “Of course, he is. Why would you think any different?”

  Rowan heaved a sigh and ceased pacing the kitchen floor. Flopping onto the dining chair, she accepted the cup Bessie offered and took a sip of the hot liquid. “That’s good, what is it?”

  “Lavender tea, drink, it will help you relax.”

  She slid her gaze to the doorway. “I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Finn’s been gone for ages, and after what happened last night I need to see for myself that he is alright.”

  “Don’t you worry. The Meridian will heal any damage caused by the removal of the Margorian Worm. Finn has already proven how strong he is by carrying that thing around for as long as he has. You truly have nothing to fear there.”

  Rowan shuddered. “How could he not know it was there?”

  “Like you, Finn has many gifts, some he also has yet to discover. The Margorian Worm invaded one of those gifts and suppressed it from him to enable it to sustain its existence. He was not aware of the worm’s existence as he did not accept the fact that he even possessed such a gift. He doubts his abilities too.”

  Rowan considered Bessie’s words. “I don’t mean to doubt all of this. Honestly, I don’t. It’s just that it is difficult to see myself as being this great heroine destined to save another world. I’ve stepped into something so hard to imagine that I have to keep pinching myself to prove I’m not simply dreaming it all.”

  “You’re not dreaming it all,” Finn’s voice replied.

  Rowan almost spilt the remaining contents of her cup as she lunged from the table and into his arms. He held her tightly and kissed the top of her head. Tears of relief slid down her cheeks. “I’ve been so worried about you.”

  “Don’t be, I’m fine, better than fine. Look at me.”

  She lifted her gaze and searched his face, the same and yet different. His eyes held a strength she had never seen there before. Wait… what is that? Rowan peered closer. Have they always been different colours? Why have I never noticed that before?

  Finn cleared his throat. “Something wrong?”

  Rowan shook her head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare at you quite like that.”

  Her legs quivered beneath her as he kissed her lips gently. “You do believe me now?” he whispered.

  “Yes.”

  “You’re not going to faint on me again, are you?” he teased.

  “No, I’ve got it sorted, see?” Rowan sauntered back to her chair, grateful that her body did not betray her. She sat and beamed at Finn. He laughed and followed her lead, accepting the cup that Bessie offered as he lowered himself into the seat.

  “Where is Biscuit?” Bessie asked.

  The little dog trotted into the kitchen and barked. Rowan admired his talent for timing.

  “I see. Well, that’s good. I’m glad you’ve bonded. Although Finn does look exhausted. Perhaps you should have come back a little sooner,” Bessie replied.

  Biscuit barked a response and wagged his tail. “Very well, I shall trust your judgement. Perhaps a nap for you both?” He trotted to his basket without further argument and curled himself into a tight ball. Less than a few seconds later, he snored softly.

  “What was that all about?” Rowan asked.

  “It would seem that following the visit to the Meridian, Finn and Biscuit have been getting better acquainted. That’s why they were a little longer than expected, dear.”

  Finn didn’t comment and instead drank his tea. Now and again, Rowan noticed him glance across to Bessie. She frowned. “Have I missed something?”

  “Not at all, dear.”

  Finn released a huge yawn.

  Rowan’s gaze flicked to Biscuit asleep in his basket. “It seems you’ve worn each other out.”

  “Sorry, I haven’t rested in hours. All that walking and fresh air must be catching up on me. Bessie, what was in that tea?”

  There it is again that same look between them both. Is it the Meridian? Will I be let in on the secret once I have had my turn? Rowan swallowed her jealously. “It’s Bessie’s blend of lavender tea. Why don’t you grab a few hours’ sleep?”

  Finn cast a look in the older woman’s direction. “Will you be taking her to the Meridian?”

  “Yes, we shall be spending a few hours there this afternoon, and tonight, she and I will stay the night alone.”

  “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

  “Rowan is perfectly safe with me. It is a full moon, and she requires a different integration with the Meridian than the one you experienced last night. She and I will be going alone after supper. You will stay here with Biscuit.”

  “Look at it this way. It’s more male bonding time for you and Biscuit,” Rowan quipped.

  Judging by the look on Finn’s face, he wasn’t amused. “Will you be staying out all night?”

  “Till the early hours of the morning, I imagine,” Bessie replied.

  “I’m still not sure it’s such a good idea. They are looking for her.”

  Rowan rolled her eyes. “Hello, I am still here, and it is my decision as to what I do.”

  Bessie gave an apologetic smile. “Of course, I’m sorry, dear.”

  Finn met Rowan’s stare. His lips pressed together, jaw clenched.

  “Don’t even think of looking at me like that. Besides which I think I have the right to be in on the secret that you two seem to be enjoying.”

  Another look exchanged between the two, much to Rowan’s annoyance. “What secret?” he asked, his voice anything but innocent.

  “Don’t think I haven’t seen the looks between you both. Whatever the big secret is I want to share it too. I’m going to the Meridian with Bessie on my own, and if we are to stay out all night, then you will have to deal with it.”

  Finn’s mouth opened to argue.

  Bessie shook her head. “I wouldn’t.”

  Rowan resisted the urge to scream as he clamped his mouth firmly closed.

  “Sorry, did you have something to say to me, Finn?” she dared.

  “No, I’m going to bed.”

  “A wise decision,” she snapped.

  “So much for missing me,” Finn muttered under his breath.

  Rowan folded her arms.

  Bessie cleared her throat. “Perhaps a little air for you, and some sleep for Finn is what you both need right now.”

  Finn pushed his chair back from the table. “That works for me.”

  “I’m so glad you approve. Oh, and for your information, I did miss you,” Rowan shot back to his retreating form.

  “Don’t worry. He heard you, dear.”

  Rowan stood and swallowed her irritation. “I’m not worried. Are we going?” She asked, moving towards the door.

  “Could you fetch the wicker basket from the pantry, please?”

  Rowan walked in the direction of the older woman’s gaze and opened the door to the small cupboard. She lifted the basket from the shelf and handed it across. “What do you need this for?”

  Bessie smiled and reached into the fridge, retrieving
two silver bundles, some cheese and two bottles of water. Crackers and scones from the bread bin, a small knife and a jar of the strawberry preserve were added to the basket.

  “A picnic?” Rowan’s mood lifted a little.

  “I thought once you’ve completed your first lesson that we can have a bite to eat for lunch.”

  “I feel guilty now.”

  “We shall talk about that when we get to the Meridian. There’s no need for guilt, or to doubt that young man upstairs. It’s as plain as the nose on your face how he feels about you, dear.”

  Ignoring the sudden urge to check a mirror, Rowan collected the picnic basket and followed Bessie from the kitchen outside into the sunshine. A comfortable silence fell, as they traced the same route that Biscuit had guided them along the previous night. Rowan’s annoyance quickly dissipated and was replaced by a flutter of excitement the closer they drew to the Meridian.

  Once more, Bessie leapt over the metal gate with ease and grinned back at Rowan as she offered to take the picnic basket from her.

  Rowan climbed gingerly over. “I honestly don’t know how you make it look so easy.”

  The older woman smiled and handed back the basket. “That’s because it is, dear,” she replied.

  Rowan could hear her chuckling to herself as they set off again through the field and towards the hedging. She didn’t mind and soon found herself giggling at her awkwardness over crossing the gate.

  At Bessie’s raised hand, Rowan paused, her ears straining to decipher the words spoken. “Aha, this way.”

  Rowan was ushered further down the hedging than she recollected from the previous night. A gap opened up in front of them, allowing entry to the Meridian. The energy this time was more intense as it thrummed through her core and bid her welcome.

  “It feels different as its attention is solely focused on you,” Bessie replied to her unspoken question.

  “What do I do now?”

  “Sit and close your eyes. Rest your palms on the earth. You must trust the energy, dear. Allow it in.”

  Rowan nodded and sat, the earth warm underneath her hands. Straight away her skin itched and tingled with an array of different sensations, an explosion of colour clouding her vision. A giant purple sphere moved from its centre and quickly encased her inside its shell. Her forehead ached with the magnitude of energy channelled from the Meridian’s source. A dozen voices spoke at once.