Killian had kept on with the numerous challenges without question even though he was undoubtedly most displeased with the situation, but when the king had insisted that Killian take an English maiden to his bed, he had refused. Even though Alainn possessed a notable jealous nature, she had used her magic to go to him in the tower. She had urged Killian to simply comply so that they could leave this horrid place and return to Ireland, to their life together there.
Killian had disagreed with her. He argued it was a matter of principle and that if he’d gone along with the king on this matter surely he would have soon made another unreasonable or illogical demand. He had told her he refused to have free will stripped away from him simply to save his neck.
Alainn thought back to when she had promised Killian she would return to Ireland for she had carried their child. She was vividly recalling all that had transpired before she’d been struck by the coach. She remembered she had known the young girl-child, was in immediate danger and therefore she had stilled time. At the time she hadn’t known it was the king’s daughter, she just acted upon instinct to save an innocent child. She recalled she had attempted to hold time at a standstill so that the child would no longer be in danger. All the people in the area had grown still and silent, except the horse and rider were oddly unaffected by her magic and continued galloped toward the child. Alainn had raced to the wee girl and thrown her clear of the malicious rider and jumped free herself, but in doing so somehow her hold on time had been released and she had been struck down by a carriage’s large wheel.
She couldn’t understand why she’d been unaware of the carriage, but it had appeared almost out of nowhere. Alainn believed the carriage had been of a supernatural origin, purposely placed in her path to ensure she was injured or killed. Perhaps if she’d caught a glimpse of the carriage’s driver she would have seen it was the demon, himself.
She was of the belief the demon had sensed she would intervene and prevent the young girl-child from being killed. Even though she had managed to save the child, she felt the demon believed she would further interfere with whatever devious intentions he had for the king, for England and perhaps the entire world.
She hadn’t had any time alone with Danhoul since they’d been taken to the castle, but she was grateful they were able to converse through telepathy. She recalled their recent telepathic conversation.
“You must tell me what happened after I was hit by the coach for I long to piece together what I can regarding the demon and his part in the incident.”
“Aye, well I witnessed the coach striking you, and was heartsick in being unable to prevent it. After you were injured I rushed to your side uncertain you still lived. I sensed you had stilled time which is what alerted me to the situation in the first place. I also attempted to keep time at a standstill, but as the entire area once more returned to movement, the coach simply vanished. I suspect it was only you and I who knew it ever actually existed, and the demon and the rider on the black horse. Yet there were people nearby who saw you injured. But they described it as a wagon, not a coach. Perhaps as we are able to see the demon in true form, we were also capable of seeing the coach.”
“I did surmise the entire sequence of events was purposely devised by nefarious magic. I am certain it involves the dark demon somehow, but to what end? Did he truly simply wish to injury me severely so that I might be incapable of stopping him from taking me to the Unseelie Court or have me die so that he could take me to the Unseelie Court and consume my powers?”
“I believe he would desire either of those possibilities.”
“But since it is unlikely the demon could so readily devise such intricate and purposeful schemes of his own accord, the gods seem to feel it may be Odhran who is behind all of this madness and powerful dark magic. But what does he hope to gain from harming me?”
“It is the general consensus of the gods that Odhran is in control of the demon as with so many other dark beings and that he wishes to have you stand with him in the battle of good and evil or to claim your powers for his own at the very least. Either way it would put the side of evil at a great advantage!”
Alainn certainly recalled Diadra, the spirit in the round tower, speaking of Odhran and informing her of the level of evil the god once possessed. Diadra had been in love with Ardal, Odhran’s brother and he had done much to keep the two of them apart for Odhran desired to have Diadra for his own. Alainn shivered visibly at the memory of how the spirit who had been a powerful witch in life, had seemed rightfully fearful of Odhran. He had been a god in Ireland thirteen centuries previous. There had already been a great battle fought between good and evil.
Because Odhran’s great jealousy had become increasingly dangerous Ardal and Diadra had attempted to join together against his evil brother. When the monumental battle ensued many on both sides had lost their lives that day and Odhran had mysteriously disappeared. The Celtic gods had sent many searchers and other magical beings to numerous different times and realms in hope of locating Odhran and preventing him from causing any further evil and unrest. The gods believed he would one day return and cause much devastation when he did. He had apparently never been found, but it was believed he somehow maintained control over many of the demons and that he had dark intentions and ambitions of overtaking Alainn and any other magical beings to lend their powers to assist him.
Danhoul surmised it was by intent she was injured and that the coach had been there by design. He believed it may have actually been a dark plot to have the coach there to take Alainn to Odhran, but because she had stilled time it had somehow altered the events and her being injured had not been part of the scheme. If Odhran wanted her powers for himself, he would surely benefit more from her if she remained alive. Perhaps the coach was to have taken her to him, and then he had intended to be with her as he took her life. It was believed by many when a person who possessed magical abilities died, when their spirit left their body should someone stare into their eyes as they met with death they could consume their supernatural powers and take them as their own.
Alainn recalled, when she was in the unconscious state, the demon had made several attempts to take her with him to the realm of the Unseelie Court. She hadn’t been certain what he had intended for her if she had gone with him, but she believed he did not act alone. She had thought someone of a higher power and a deeper level of malignant evil must be guiding the demon and one day she knew she would need to learn who controlled the demon and why they were intent on learning from or obtaining her powerful abilities. She was beginning to believe Danhoul and the Celtic gods were correct in assuming the demon and perhaps most every demon sent to earth was aligned with Odhran. If that held truth, then she knew they would be made to deal with him and his legions and perhaps another battle between good and evil magic would be inevitable and unpreventable no matter what actions they took.
Alainn shook her head to rid herself of the bleak memories, and the possibility of a future battle, for now she must only dwell on the present and her unpleasant task at hand. She looked at the king and saw he stared at her with combined curiosity and longing.
“Will you let them go free?” she questioned. “All the Irish who are kept here now, all those kept within the dungeon and the tower?” she pressed.
“In truth it is of little consequence to me if they leave this country. By their stubborn insistence, I have recently met with the lords, your chieftains as you refer to them. They have made no recent trouble and seem unlikely to cause unrest here. In truth they have dissuaded me from threats of violence toward your country for the time being, so they and any others may return to their country without threat of harm. They might encourage those back in your country to remain peaceful. Only the physician and the chieftain in the tower will remain.”
“Why do you need to keep my physician? He has caused you no ill-will. He has done all that he is able for the wound upon your leg. In truth he has surely been as congenial and helpful as I myself have been.
Why would you continue to keep us against our wishes?”
“So you do want to leave then?”
“Aye, of course I miss my homeland, for Ireland is as dear to me as my own life. I would never choose to live on other shores indefinitely, though your land is surely a fine land as well.”
“You purposely attempt to aggravate me, woman! Sometimes I think you desire to meet your end on my block.”
“I would be in grand company! Perhaps I might then see the spirit of Queen Anne!”
“You see spirits?” the man asked in horror.
She did not answer but wore a devious smile once more.
“Are you entirely mad woman, if you were to admit to such abilities you could be burned for the crime of witchcraft?”
“And if you were to take up with someone who claimed such abilities could you not be burned right along with them?” She thought it odd they would be discussing this when so few trials and burnings had taken place thus far. But she had seen it happening in her visions. She wondered if somehow because she had saved young Elizabeth, that happening had already altered some events and changed history.
“Who would dare harm me?” he gloated.
“Who would dare harm your wee daughter? Surely the Catholic supporters who long to have your eldest daughter on the throne would see an end to your life if they would ruthlessly attempt to kill your child. If you were to meet with an unfortunate case of poisoning or a lame horse that might throw you so that your neck is snapped, do you not believe there would be many who would rejoice?”
“My people adore me!” he insisted though his face was a mask of uncertainty. “And if harm should befall me or my daughters, one day my son will then rule!”
“I am only a simple Irishwoman who thought to save the life of an innocent child and now find myself imprisoned here indefinitely against my will. How am I to accurately know of this day’s happenings, much less what might happen to England in the future?”
“So you do not claim to be a seer?”
“Have I ever made such preposterous claims?” She yawned as she spoke at him, sounding entirely innocent. He only huffed aloud and struck the wall in exasperation. She wanted to continue to confuse and manipulate him, but for him to be in a temper as they discussed the fate of the Irish was not a fortuitous consideration.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, I mean you no trepidation. I am weary of the long days spent here, away from my country and with my husband seemingly indisposed, either unaware or unsympathetic to my plight, my future appears bleak and not within my control in the least.”
He stared at her and she knew he was attempting to discover if she was being genuine or mocking him.
“Since you continue to be so unforthcoming in regard to your husband’s identity, and our conversations have become entirely trite on the subject, we must find another way to amuse ourselves. How might you choose to entertain me?”
Alainn stared at the king, disliking him more and more the longer they spent time together. She loathed dwelling upon the possibilities he may have in mind for entertainment, and therefore chose to offer another suggestion.
“Why must I be expected to entertain you? Perhaps you might entertain me,” she spoke lowly as she began to gently, slowly read his unusually cluttered mind. She’d searched his many thoughts and memories. She was relieved when she happened upon something that might distract him from staring at her chest in this gown that absurdly pushed and flattened her breasts in such an unnatural manner she felt as though her chin might actually rest upon them.
“I’ve heard you are musically gifted. It has been said you play various musical instruments and that you have composed lovely, praiseworthy melodies. Might you play or sing for me?”
She saw his eyes fill with light at her words and his lips curved into an untypical delighted smile.
“In truth, I once derived much joy and contentment from music, but I haven’t played in a time, nor composed in considerably longer. Since my injury some time back, I don’t seem to possess the ability to make music come alive as I once did.” His mood became immediately more melancholy at that revelation. “Do you play or sing?” he quizzed her.
Alainn considered her words carefully for it had been said there were numerous minstrels, entertainers and bards kept in Henry’s court for many years if he favored their talents, and apparently some were held against their will. She greatly disfavored that repulsive possibility.
“In times long past I was taught to play the harp, but I haven’t played in a long while, nor have I sung for a lengthy time.”
The king turned sharply and stared at her when she spoke these words. He surely caught the emotion in her voice when she discussed singing.
“Perhaps it is time you did so then. You’ll sing for me this day?” He was now obviously excited by the prospect.
Alainn shook her head in disagreement, and lowered her eyes from him as she stared at the patterns on the stone floor.
“Woman, do you know how many people from all over the country, in truth from all across Europe, even now stand outside the gates hoping to one day take audience with me even for a moment so that they might be granted permission to perform in my court?”
She shook her head yet again.
“I assure you, there are many. I shall have an instrument brought to me straightaway. I shall play and you shall sing then. Music is likely to lighten our hearts and brighten both our spirits this day.”
“I will not sing...not for you nor for anyone.”
This time he slowly walked toward her and stared down into her eyes with an infuriated rigidity that actually frightened her and nearly made her turn from him, but determined in her position, she lifted her head and directly met his gaze instead.
“You blatantly refuse to sing for me, yet I sense it is not because you have been criticized as possessing a displeasing or sour singing voice. I well notice the mention of singing causes a distinct sadness within you. That is an oddity, I should think. Tell me why the thought of singing causes you to be maudlin! Does it bring about a memory that wounds or disheartens you?”
Alainn felt her heart constrict, and her breath catch at his perceptiveness, and although she despised discussing her son Cian with the king, at the moment, perhaps the truth was the easiest explanation.
“The last time I sang was to my wee son, to bid farewell to my lost newborn boy-child,” she whispered as her throat filled with a lump so large it caused immediate pain and her voice rasped with all-consuming sadness.
The king stared down at her and she was truly startled and taken aback when she saw the deep empathy in his eyes.
“Two babes you have lost then?” he questioned.
She hadn’t known the king was aware she’d carried a child, an unborn child lost the day she was struck by the coach. She merely sighed and nodded, but then turned her eyes from him.
He reached out and caressed her hair and softly patted her cheek as though to offer her comfort, but he soon drew her to him and she was much aware of his arousal. She swiftly pulled from him. Grateful for the knock upon the door, she made her way to the window seat across the room.
When his advisor Thomas Cromwell came into the room, Alainn narrowed her eyes at the man. He discreetly waited till the king was occupied signing the document he’d given him when he openly sneered at her. Although she had had only been in the presence of the man twice before, both times he had purposely avoided looking at her. But she had seen him many times when she had been in her near-death state. She had clearly witnessed some of his unscrupulous dealings. She knew without question he was not to be trusted, that he was firmly affiliated with the dark demon who had been pursuing her for a lengthy time.
“Your Majesty, I beg your pardon, but there are many vital matters left long unattended now needing your immediate attention. Your chancellors and stewards await your audience in the throne room, and your wife has once more asked that you visit her chambers.”
“I am otherwise en
gaged, Thomas! Can you not see that?”
King Henry’s annoyance at the interruption was obvious in his unruly temperament.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” His voice became purposely lower as he approached the king, but always possessing a keen sense of hearing Alainn was able to audibly interpret his muffled words as he spoke. “I feel I must inform you, although you have been admittedly discreet and few know you hold this woman near your own chambers, tongues are wagging and if the ladies in waiting learn you keep company of this Irish woman each day, surely they may inadvertently allow your wife to hear such scandalous rumors. That may be the cause of ill effects for your unborn child. We all have many high hopes for the child to be a son and a great ruler for our country.”
“Yes, of course, Thomas. Indeed, I do thank you for your wise counsel. I shall come to the chambers directly, give me but a few more moments to continue to question the irksome woman.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, it shall be so.”
Alainn surmised the demon had employed Cromwell to do his bidding for he was close to the king. If he and the other advisors were able to entirely rule the country when King Henry’s son was a child and therefore unable to make decisions of importance, the greatest power would lie within the hands of those who worked on the side of evil.
What pain and atrocities would the world come to know if that level of power fell to the demon...and then to Odhran? Alainn shivered at the consideration that she may actually be the one necessary to prevent such horror from coming to fruition. She dared to glance at Cromwell and she noticed the man wore an undeniably malicious expression as he stared back at her. He was clearly well aware of her abilities and what threat she posed to him and the intentions of the demon and Odhran. As the man glowered at her so openly, she dared to still time ensuring the king was now completely immobile, frozen in time, and incapable of thought or movement. Oddly, Cromwell remained unfazed by her magic and it further proved he had some unnatural abilities of his own, and was connected to and protected by the demon. She walked closer to the untrustworthy man.
A Witch's Quest Page 7
