by HC MacDonald
He said, “I’m afraid I have nothing more to say. This may be the best answer to your question.” He paused. “It is time for you to get ready. The ceremony will be starting soon. Please, bring her by tomorrow.” Then he rose from the table book in hand and left.
I sat for a moment. Mind spinning. If her village had that ability, maybe they could share their knowledge. It would be a great argument against the council to get them to let her stay. I thought of our past conversations. Why didn’t she just tell me she knew how to break the curse? It was no big deal. I felt there was more involved. I looked at the wooden clock on the wall and noticed how late the hour was. If I didn’t hurry I would be late myself to the wedding.
Where were they! The crowd had grown larger and still no sign. I sat in my chair at the head of the Council members frantically scanning the crowd and paths that led to the event.
Here I was waiting at the ceremony. Where were they! That’s all I could think about. If I knew my sister, she would have made sure that Raina didn’t back out and would be here tonight. Nothing delighted Sanna more then playing dress up. Tonight would be the ultimate playground for my sister. Raina didn’t know what she was in for. Since talking to Ethan and Raoul, I have felt nothing but edgy, anxious, and some would say down right Asbjornish today. Now, I was waiting. Why weren’t they here yet?
I could see the bride and groom coming down the path. It wouldn’t be long before the events of the evening started. I glanced around as casually as I could eyeing the crowd for the set. Off to my side I heard the familiar laugh of Sanna. I turned my head in the direction of the sound. Coming gracefully down the path arm in arm was Sanna and Ethan. Raina’s not with them. I was puzzled. I felt relief that she had not come and disappointment that I would not see her. Then as the couple turned the crook in the path, Raina was there. Walking a few paces behind them. She was beautiful. A siren of the sea. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
The music had began. The couple on the platform starting the dance. I saw Sanna, Ethan, and Raina stop at a table on the other side of the court. Sanna was introducing her to her acquaintances and some young eligible men. I began feeling possessive as I watched. Then our eyes met. A smile crept over her face giving me hope. It wasn’t until I felt the elbow to my gut from Elder Raoul that I realize it was time to begin. I kept my eyes fixed on the couple, not wanting to look at Raina and be distracted. I stepped forward as the song ended. Clearing my throat and centering myself in front of the couple, I began the rehearsed traditional ceremonial speech.
“We are here at the invitation of Courtney and Brennon. They have confessed there love for one another and sought permission from the council to move forward in matrimony. Sealing themselves together for all time and eternity.”
As I looked into the crowd. I locked eyes again with Raina. Unable to break away as I professed the couples love. “They will love, honor, respect, protect and care for each other till the ends of time. They have been matched in the sacred tradition of true love. Forever to be bonded.....” I repeated the oaths and finally was able to break my bond with Raina to look at the glowing couple. It was time for the test. I graciously introduced Elder Raoul. Then stepped back into line at the edge of the half circle of Elders.
The enchantment drifted up like wisps of perfume. Entangling its vines around the couple. Then drifted into the crowd to enchant those of age. My hand reached up and absently stroked the talisman I wore around my neck. Normal traditions didn’t apply to me as chief. When the council felt a mate was required, they would provide a selection to compete for the honor. I glanced at Elder Raoul as he came to stand by me. He looked at my hand stroking the talisman. With a nod of his head he held out his hand for me to remove it.
I slipped it from around my neck and handed it over. With in minutes I felt as if I was floating in the air. I wandered through the crowd. There were no faces, no people, only pillars of pink fire. I knew they were women, but continued walking past each one. I heard the crowd cheer. Relieved the couple had found one another. I didn’t care where I was headed or who, if anyone, I would ask to dance. I let my animal instincts lead the way. Ready to embrace any distraction I could get from my feelings for Raina.
I felt compelled to stop. In front of me a green lit flame. It was memorizing to watch. Giving way to tradition. I asked the person of this light to dance. What harm would it do I thought.
Chapter 16
Dance
Raina
The grounds were beautiful. Low floating orbs of light no bigger than my hand were hanging just above the crowds. Vines of flowers and ivy created columns in a circle separating the woods from the center of the grounds. A platform decorated in strange metallic symbols stood in the center surrounded by more columns with white flowers and ivy making an inner circle. Upon the platform a couple dressed in white danced. Behind the platform at the edge of the outer ring was a stand with velvet soft high back chairs. Sitting upon them, I guessed was the Council.
As I looked across each man standing in front of his chair at the end was a face I recognized. Leon. He looked straight at me. Sanna was introducing me. All I could do was look back at Leon. A smile ran across my face. I felt the heat in my cheeks as I blushed. His gaze was broken by the older man standing next to him. I looked down at the ground working to rid myself of the butterflies in my stomach. When I had enough courage to look up again, he was walking toward the platform and the couple.
The music stopped, the couple faced toward Leon. He had everyone’s attention and began to address the crowd. As he did, I felt he was only talking to me. I knew that couldn’t be true. Nonetheless, I couldn’t tear my gaze away this time. When he did break my gaze, I stepped back a few feet, and behind another women eager to hide my emotions. From the shadows I watched the festivities.
Sanna leaned back and began instructing me on the happenings of the ceremony. I saw the currents of colorful vines wrap around the groom. Then venture out into the crowd, wrapping their arms around each person. My gown went from vibrant turquoise to black. I gasped at the sight. All the beautiful colorful gowns in the crowd were black. The bride stood in the center, then in a wisp of pink fire disappeared. She was gone. I looked quizzically at Sanna. She whispered back, “Time for him to find her. The test has began.”
We watched in silence as he moved from group to group placing a hand on the shoulder of a random person then taking in a deep breath. His head would shake and he would move on. I watched as he did the same to Sanna. Breathed her in, let go. He had moved halfway around the circle when he took a person by the hand and escorted her to the main platform. He announced his choice. I held my breath for him. Awaiting for the mark that the test was passed. In silence the whole crowd hovered. The elderly Councilor that began the test stepped onto the platform for a second time. He chimed a few words I could not decipher. Then the ground appeared to be on fire. Colors of every kind burst from the ground into the night sky. The flames dispersed and standing in the center were the bride and groom, again dressed in white. The crowd cheered. The music began again. I slunk back into the shadows of the Forrest. Away from the crowds and celebration.
I was enjoying myself, but had thoughts of tomorrow on my mind. I did not want to upset the joyous celebration. The crowd was beginning to dance. I saw Sanna and Ethan enter the dance floor. Her gown, like the others, back to the original purple hues that matched her eyes. The music was compelling. Watching, I decided I would head back to Sanna’s. I would let them enjoy the evening. I pushed off the tree I was leaning on and turned to follow the path we had come from, when I met Leon’s eyes.
I hadn’t noticed him coming, it took me by surprise. I just stood there. Not sure what to say or do. He bowed and extended his hand.
“Dance with me?” He asked politely.
I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t dance. I had to many emotions going through my body at that moment looking at him in his perfection. I didn’t think I could trust myself, not to like him more t
han I already knew I did.
“I don’t know how to.” Hoping that would deter him to ask another.
He leaned in close to my ear. I could feel the heat of his breath on my cheek. I felt my knees start to collapse. With a hand on my waist holding me up he whispered, “I will teach you. Let me.”
I placed one hand in his and one on his shoulder as I had seen Sanna do with Ethan. Clumsily following his steps, I tripped and stumbled through the dance. After a short time, I stopped. Looking into his eyes, I shook my head.
“I can’t do this.” I was whispering to myself as much as I was telling him.
He leaned down to me, cheek next to mine. “You will get it. Let me help you.” He pulled me closer. My body now modeled to his. I laid my head on his chest and listened to the beat of his heart. It calmed my nerves. Slowly we started again. I felt so secure and safe in his arms. I felt the music surround us as we hovered in the shadows, I was following his movements. I was dancing.
I don’t know how long we had danced but when we stopped, my body went cold from the release of his touch. He looked down at me, his hands on my shoulders. I looked down to the ground, embarrassed now that I had been so comfortable in his arms. He lifted my face with a hand on either side of my cheeks, and kissed me.
Soft and gentle at first. Then with a growing urgency it deepened. Filling my body with warmth from head to toe. My arms betrayed me and slid up his chest then tangled into his hair. It was Leon who slowed the kiss. Leon gently pushed me back to look at my face. The song ended then. Surprise and delight flickered for a brief moment. Then the serious hard unreadable face I had not seen before set into place. He unlatched the locket from my neck and slipped the pendent into his jacket pocket. Turned, and headed through the woods back to the ceremonial crowd.
I stood there flushed and trembling. Hands on my neck were the locket had been. My mind going a hundred miles an hour. I heard Sanna calling my name, saw her coming my direction. I couldn’t look at her, couldn’t watch him walk away anymore. I turned and ran all the way back to Sanna’s, tears running down my cheeks.
I walked into the house. Ethel was there. The children were already down for the night. She didn’t ask any questions, just helped me get changed. I put on my original black outfit. Sanna had one of the vendors stitch and repair the rips and holes in my clothes. I wanted to be ready to leave first thing in the morning.
When I was ready, Ethel gave me a hug and went on her way. I found my spot by the fire and closed my eyes. Hours later, I heard Sanna and Ethan enter the house. She walked over to me and laid her hand on my shoulder. “If you want to talk I am here” she whispered. Then quietly they went into their room and shut the door. I let the tears come back. The rejection from Leon stung my heart. Sleep soon came.
I was up before the sun. I had tossed and turned all night. Decided I would get going instead of battle a sleep that would not be. I gathered the children one by one, placing the sleeping babes in the cart. I had just put Wyatt in the canopy, when I heard a throat clear behind me. It was Sanna. Her hair was wild. Her eyes still sleepy. I smiled at her.
“Sneaking out are we?” She asked with one eyebrow raised.
“Didn’t want to wake you all.” I replied.
“Wait! I have something for you.”
“No, you’ve given us so much already, it’s not necessary.”
At that she disappeared into the house and came out seconds later with a small box in her hands.
“I couldn’t.” I said.
She opened the box. Inside was a small wooden oval with symbols carved into the wood. It was attached to a leather band. She pulled the necklace out with one hand, set the box down, and tied it around my neck. I ran my fingers over the decorative piece of wood.
“I couldn’t.” I repeated.
“This will help you,” she choked out, tears in her eyes. “It will allow you to know what shifters are saying when they are transformed. Help you decipher good from bad intentions. You must keep it.”
I smiled and thanked her, tears now running down our cheeks. We hugged. I turned to walk down the steps to my cart. When her throat cleared again. Looking back, Sanna was shaking her head at me.
“Forgetting something are you?” She asked me.
Confused I replied, “No, I don’t think so.”
“Ethan! Time!” and stumbling out of the house still putting his shirt on came a sleepy eyed Ethan.
“Now your ready.” She smiled at me and turned back into the house.
I looked at Ethan ready to tell him to stay, but he beat me to the cart.
“If you want to argue with her go ahead, otherwise let’s get going.” He said with a smile at Sanna’s back.
The five of us headed out, Ethan pulling the cart. We walked in silence to the edge of the land. It had been hours. The sun was just now breaking over the horizon. I hugged him goodbye, then turned and continued down the path alone.
Chapter 17
Questions
Leon
I didn’t see her again the rest of the night. Instead I got disapproving looks from my sister. She didn’t understand. I eventually moved so I would no longer see Sanna staring at me. I had enough on my mind as it was. I needed to talk with Raina. Raoul and I needed to talk to Raina. We needed answers. We needed confirmation to our theory. My mind raced. I would go see her first thing in the morning.
The ceremony was winding down. People began to leave. The couple gone hours before. It was my duty to see that all the guests would make it home. No funny business late at night. I had seen to my duty, then headed home myself. It was a few hours before the sun would be up. I needed to get some rest before starting a new day. I lay on my bed, my mind drifted to a few days ago, when I had seen Raina sitting by my bedside, hand on my chest. The memory brought back the feel of her hand. I decided, she would no longer stay at Sanna’s, but would stay with me till she was required to leave. With this new information, I could go back to the council and argue with them to allow her to stay.
My mind switched to the events of tonight. Why did I choose her to dance with? Why did I feel so strongly to kiss her? When we were dancing, I felt so compelled to keep her in my arms. I had convinced myself during the dance that it was in no way Raina. How could it be? She was not one of us. When the desire came to kiss her. I welcomed the distraction. Hopeful it would lead me to someone else. A possible mate. The words from Raoul’s first theory about us being fated together; that her scent awakened the beast within entered my mind. Could we be fated? How could one be fated to one not of there kind? It didn’t make sense. It had never happened before that I knew of. More questions. Always more questions.
The sun was coming up now. I still did not sleep. My brain racked with to many thoughts. I dressed for the day. Stood at the door ready to go to Sanna’s. I had to stop myself. Sanna was already mad at me for some unknown reason. The last thing I wanted to do was wake her up. She was not an early bird. I didn’t want the morning wrath to land on me. So I sat, staring into a cold fire with only my thoughts.
It was finally a decent enough hour to go knocking on Sanna’s so I headed out. When I got there, I could see the fire going, and hear the sounds of muffled voices. My timing was good. I walked up the steps to her home and opened the door.
I saw Sanna standing over the stove cooking. She didn’t turn around. Ethan was sitting on a chair consoling Sasha who was wailing. I looked around the room. Panic settled in my stomach.
“Where is Raina and the children?” I asked. Nobody answered.
“Where is Raina?” I demanded!
Sanna spun around spoon waging at my chest. Anger and tears in her eyes.
“She is gone. Started her journey.” She said sarcastically.
“Seriously, where is she?” I demanded again.
“I told you, what do you care anyway. The way you treated her last night, now you care, or is it your council that’s asking, making sure she is gone. What! Did she not leave fast enough for y
ou all?” She scolded me.
I was panicked and shocked.
“We needed to talk....I needed to talk... I didn’t try to hurt her ... where is she?” I stammered out.
“I saw her to the border hours ago. She is headed up the Wiley trail toward the rock face path.” Ethan answered.
“I need to get her.” I said, hand in my hair. I turned to leave the house. Sanna was now blocking the door. “Move” I commanded. She did not, “Move or I will move you.” I yelled.
“Leon, you are not going to drag her back here just so you can torture her with your questions. I will not allow it.” Sanna threatened back.
“You don’t understand, move.” I was feeling desperate. She was going to be gone and I may not find her.
“Make me understand!” Sanna commanded.
“Fine.” I ran my fingers into my hair. I took a chair by Ethan. Sanna stayed between me and the door. So, I told them what had happened. How I awoke, followed Raina. The children being awaken from the Koboldrone. Then looking at Sanna, I told her about the dance.
“I didn’t know it was her.” I stated. “I thought it was just a random maiden in the village, that it would ease my tension and take my mind off what was going on. When the enchantment broke and I saw I was kissing her, I didn’t know what to do.” I was pleading with my sister now. Seeking her guidance.
“I have questions, Raoul has questions, I need to know if we are fated together or if this feeling will pass.” I put my head in my hands then, exasperated at the retelling. Sanna stood there silently a soft smile rounding her lips.
“Do you love her?” she asked.
“I don’t know, I know I want to protect her and the children. I know I want her to be around.” Lifting the locket out of my pocket I dangled it in front of my eyes, “I know I don’t want anyone else to be with her.”
