The Witch's Journey

by Leigh Ann Edwards

  “I know. Is it dark magic or do you think the gods are finally seeing me punished for my disobedience in not going straight back to my time?”

  “I can’t tell.”

  “If I created a storm that disallowed another ship to approach and still they arrived, at least we’d know if those who attacked Faolan last time were human or demon.”

  “Do you suppose you could control a storm at sea?” Danhoul asked.

  “If not, I suppose I’d see how important I am to the gods? Would they save me?”

  “I’m not sure I’d test it,” Danhoul said.

  “That makes me feel really special, Danhoul. You exude confidence.”

  He grinned and Faolan looked at them a little jealously when he returned.

  “Coates is displeased with the change of plans,” Faolan said.

  “Maybe he knows it was my idea. He doesn’t like me much since his sister isn’t going to be your wife—well at least not yet.”

  Faolan turned his eyes to her questioningly. They didn’t have time to discuss it when something clearly very large struck the ship.

  “Bloody hell?” Faolan said.

  Looking over the side, they saw nothing.

  “A whale’s the only creature large enough to hit with that force.”

  Coates and several crew members approached.

  “Someone’s going to have to assess the ship’s damage,” Faolan stated.

  “Who’d want to be goin’ into the water now, Captain?” Coates asked.

  “I’ll go,” Angelique said and Faolan glowered.

  “I’m a strong swimmer and not afraid of whales.”

  “Has your wife been in the sun too long, Captain?” Coates asked.

  “Perhaps,” Faolan replied.

  “Would she know how to assess damage?” Coates questioned.

  “I suspect I could see a gaping hole in the side of the ship, although we’d be taking on water now if that were the case. At least it wasn’t an iceberg and this isn’t the White Star Line April 1912,” she whispered.

  Faolan looked uncertain but Danhoul smiled.

  “Just return to our cabin,” Faolan said.

  “Like an obedient little wife.”

  “That’d be a stretch,” he replied. “Newt tells me you possess uncommon intelligence. Perhaps you might prove him correct. Danhoul, would you escort her back?”

  As usual, Danhoul didn’t appear to want to be caught in the middle of their discussions, but he reached for her arm. She looked at Danhoul with equal annoyance when the ship was wrenched forward again by another thump.

  Angelique raised her hand, stilling time. Only she, Faolan, Danhoul and Sionaidh were now moving.

  “Why are you being such a chauvinistic dick?” Angelique asked.

  “Dick am I now?” Faolan said.

  “How would I be safer in your cabin?”

  “If the men see I’ve no control of you, they’ll question my authority and be less respectful of both of us.”

  “Oh my freaking God! In the meantime your ship might be destroyed by a sea creature that’s clearly trying to get our attention.”

  Angelique looked over the side of the ship.

  “Well show yourself. If you have a message, now would be the time to deliver it.”

  A huge serpent-like creature reared its head. It looked just how she imagined Nessie from Loch Ness. She believed this was the same creature in the vision Wolf had shown them when Faolan was a boy.

  “Hello, water witch.” The deep voice reverberated across the water.

  “Hey, water dragon,” she excitedly replied.

  “You were going to join me in the water?”

  “Stilling time’s easier and warmer.”

  “Your magic will alert others.”

  “My overly protective husband didn’t like the idea of me jumping in the water, but he doesn’t really like the idea of me doing much during his time.”

  “Hello, guardian. You were only a boy last time we spoke. The water witch was barely more than a baby. Now you’ve paired your lives, but there are many who wish to keep you apart. Transcendent witches are more powerful when they’re with the men they love but also more intent on love than battles. Since Alainn freed me and the other dragons from the cave in the realm of the gods, we’ve tried to assist, but the gods don’t always approve if it isn’t by their design.”

  “I’m learning that,” Angelique said. “Why are you here?”

  “To tell your guardian to remember what was done when he was a boy.”

  “That’s rather vague,” Faolan said.

  “I suspect it’ll be an eventful night. If tragedy should occur lessons from the past are often the best way to encounter hardships.”

  “Not much clearer!” Angelique accused.

  “You’ve used magic against the gods’ wishes and opposed their celestial design. I cannot say for certain what will occur this night. Be prepared for adversity and tumult.”

  “You don’t foresee what tragedy might befall us?” Faolan asked.

  “You have a god, a witch and a Druid here, and you, guardian, are not without intuitiveness as well. Be cautious, alert and mindful of the powers of gods and demons. Water witch, don’t hold time still for long nor leap about time without cautiousness. It causes ripples more dangerous than those in the ocean.”

  “Thanks for your warning,” Angelique said as the sea creature nodded its massive grey head and blinked its eyes.

  “Be vigilant, water witch. I expect I’ll see you again, if you and your guardians keep your wits about you.”

  As the creature disappeared into the depths, Angelique waved her hand and time resumed.

  “It was only a whale,” Faolan told his crew.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Angelique tossed and turned. Faolan had been restless, too, but was sleeping now. It had become second nature to hold each other tightly, or more accurately to cling to one another. They both despised the uncertainty of sharing a future.

  When her neck prickled and her pendant burned, she wakened Faolan.

  “What is it, Angel?”

  “There’s darkness upon the ship. Demons, I suspect.”

  He jolted up. They had been sleeping clothed, anticipating something might occur.

  “Do you have the dagger?” he asked, securing the belt holding his sword.

  She nodded, although the weapon felt foreign to her. “And I’ve charmed yours and Danhoul’s swords with magic.”

  “Be cautious, Angelique.”

  “My magic’s a more powerful weapon than any on this ship.”

  “But it’s you they’re after, Angel?”

  “They might try to get to me by harming you. Maybe you should stay in the cabin and I’ll…”

  “Not bloody likely, Angelique.”

  Danhoul and Sionaidh met them at the door.

  “Have you seen anything?” Faolan asked.

  “Not seen, but felt,” Danhoul affirmed.

  “Do you know what it is?” Angelique asked Sionaidh.

  He only shook his head. Angelique’s locket burned again.

  “Is your pendant burning?” she asked Faolan. He nodded already unsheathing his sword. Danhoul did the same.

  When Sionaidh suddenly disappeared, the three looked at each other in disbelief.

  “That can’t be good!” Angelique whispered and Faolan stepped closer.

  Hearing a sound above them, they saw someone drop from the sails. It was male, clearly a demon by his red eyes glowing. Several others followed. No crew members came to their aid. Faolan, Danhoul and Angelique placed their backs together, facing the demons who surrounded them, when a woman simply appeared.

  “By Christ, you’re affiliated with demons now?” Faolan said seeing Clodaugh.

  “For many years,” Clodaugh replied. “If this predicted battle of good and evil must be fought, I prefer to be on the winning side with our master, Lord Odhran. To do that, these damn transcendent witches must be dealt
with or convinced to join us.”

  “You think I’d join anyone who’s evil?” Angelique said.

  “You should question what constitutes evil. When you learn of all the gods have done to you and your predecessors, you might defect to spite them.”

  “I’ve seen a vision and recall how easily your revered Odhran killed Angelique’s birth mother,” Faolan said.

  “Do you believe the Celtic gods don’t kill to suit their needs, permit others killed who don’t comply or they’ve no use for any longer? Did your witch not read the book? I suspect if she’d learned the history written by her ancestors, she wouldn’t be so quick to do the gods’ bidding. You didn’t read it, did you?” She turned to address Angelique. “I’m certain they would’ve warned you not to. Surely another of their infamous tests.”

  “Why would I listen to anything you say? You attempted to kill me with your hex, then tried to seduce my husband,” Angelique said.

  Faolan looked like he’d rather not discuss that.

  “Your husband.”

  “We were recently wed; Faolan’s mine.”

  “Not for long,” Clodaugh replied as the demons circled them. “Let’s see what lengths your gods and guardians will go to, to see you protected.”

  They attacked straightaway but Faolan and Danhoul were swift, their mastery with swords soon evident as heads literally began to roll. Angelique tried not to look at the gory sight. No sooner had they killed this lot when another group dropped from the sails. This time ten, not six.

  “We could do this forever,” Clodaugh said. “Have you any idea how many demons could be summoned? In truth, we’re really toying with you. Although I might like to toy with your captain again. He was a very satisfying lover.”

  “She only tries to anger you,” Faolan said casting a sideways glance at Angelique.

  “She’s succeeded,” Angelique replied.

  “Ginger, keep calm and keep your wits about you,” Wolf said, materializing now.

  “Wolf, you’ve finally decided to make an appearance after a freaking long absence.”

  “I’m here when needed, though admittedly without the gods’ blessing.”

  “What’ve you done with the crew?” Faolan asked Clodaugh.

  “They’re mostly still alive. Some tied in the brig. Some decided they’d band with us.”

  “How could you have done that without any of us being aware?” Angelique asked.

  “You’re not the only one who can still time. Lord Odhran has granted me that power,” Clodaugh said.

  When Coates stepped from behind Clodaugh, wearing a leering smile, Angelique shivered. He disturbed her as much as the demons. He drew nearer and Faolan stiffened, holding his sword, the blade dripping with demon blood.

  “Can’t you see Clodaugh for what she is, Coates?”

  “It didn’t bother you when you spent a lengthy time with her. As captain I suppose you do what you like and justify it.”

  “This’ll not end well for you, Coates,” Faolan warned.

  “I suspect better than for you, Captain, and then I’ll take your ship.”

  By now the ship was filled with hideous creatures, some men who’d been possessed by demons, others so horrific, it was like watching the most frightening horror movie Angelique could imagine. Some were grotesque horned, hooved beasts that made her shudder.

  “These aren’t the ones who stabbed you?” Angelique asked.

  “Sure, I’d remember that no matter how bloody hard I was hit on the head,” Faolan said.

  “Have you encountered beings like this, Danhoul?”

  “A few,” he replied. “I’ve battled demons and nefarious witches. On the battlefield in Gettysburg there were many malevolent creatures who intended to ensure evil prevailed.”

  “Will Aine and the others permit us to be killed?” Angelique asked.

  “I doubt they’ll allow you to die, maybe not me either, but they may see Faolan as expendable. In fact, that might be their purpose—to prove they can take away at will.”

  “And they think Odhran’s the bad guy?” Angelique said.

  “Those are dangerous words!” Danhoul warned.

  They were now completely surrounded by hideous beasts.

  “There’s no way out of this, not unless you agree to come with me,” Clodaugh said.

  “Angelique, don’t you dare!” Faolan said.

  “Otherwise we’ll see your guardians killed, although we might take them along to ensure your compliance.”

  “You promised me time with her,” Coates said to Clodaugh.

  “Time with my wife?” Faolan said in a tone so frightening it made Angelique shiver.

  “I’d like to know what she has that could cause a fearless, ruthless man like you to lose his edge. Why would a privateer turn from riches, notoriety, intent of grandness and a slew of women at his bloody beck and call?”

  Coates stepped closer and Faolan placed his sword before Angelique. Danhoul crossed his sword with Faolan’s and Coates looked at Clodaugh.

  “I suppose you have a decision to make, guardians. Let the witch be with him, then come with me—or let her be torn to shreds by them?” she said as she gestured toward the hideous beasts converging around them.

  “You think I’d permit any of that?” Angelique asked. “When I have magic, would I allow myself to be defiled by Coates or killed by them? Would the gods truly allow it done if they need me?” she loudly called hoping those damn gods were listening.

  “If you’d read that book instead of aimlessly obeying, you’d know they once planned to go forward without the fourth witch. When the third witch opposed and defied them, they fully intended to proceed to battle without you. Therefore, I wouldn’t count on them.”

  “Is that true, Danhoul?” Angelique asked daring to look at him.

  “They were angry with Ainsley and intended to leave her parted from her husband, Cal. She’d never create your grandmother; you’d never be born. She fought back, defied them further, veiled herself and the other witches. Eventually they came to an agreement, but yes, Ainsley wrote that in the book. They did threaten to go ahead with only three transcendent witches. I suppose you took them at their word and didn’t read the book.”

  “Only the pages they instructed.”

  “Another test,” Danhoul affirmed, “to see if you’d comply.”

  “Is this all a test to determine if I can outwit them or live through an attack of demons?”

  “I don’t know,” Danhoul said. “It wouldn’t be the first time they put one of you in danger.”

  “Fucking bastards!” Angelique snarled.

  “If they kill Faolan and me, perhaps you can go back in time to undo it,” Danhoul spoke through telepathy. “But if you’re killed, you’ll seal all our fates.”

  “I’ll be with Coates if you swear to keep Faolan and Danhoul safe.”

  “Don’t make a deal with her, for she’s surely a devil,” Faolan said.

  “Have you a better idea?” Angelique asked. “A storm that overturns the ship maybe? How many would die? When we’re all struggling in the water with orca whales or great white sharks, could I control them so they’d attack only her and the demons? Can I simply permit all the men of your crew to die?”

  Faolan visibly tensed. His body rigid, he glanced at Danhoul who looked equally distressed but couldn’t offer another solution. Even Wolf looked chagrined.

  “Make sure Faolan and Danhoul remain unharmed,” she warned Clodaugh.

  “You’ll come with me after he’s rewarded his time with you?” Clodaugh asked.

  “I suppose it’s the least disturbing consideration,” Angelique said though looking at Coates’s scarred face, filthy hands and rotted teeth, made her shudder.

  “Going to Odhran definitely wouldn’t be advised,” Danhoul offered.

  “If you so much as touch her, Coates, mark my words, I’ll kill you,” Faolan said.

  “You’re in no position to threaten me just now, Captain,
” Coates replied.

  “Move your swords,” Angelique said to her guardians.

  When neither complied, she waved her hand and was now standing beside Coates.

  “How does that feel, Captain, to know with magic she could simply disappear, but chooses to be violated to save your life?”

  “Don’t listen, Faolan. I’ll make this right.”

  “They’ll remain surrounded by my creatures until you return from beyond that door.” Clodaugh pointed to the cabin. “If Coates is harmed, your guardians won’t only be killed, but tortured while you watch. I’ve seen what these beasts can do. You shouldn’t risk it.”

  “Why is he important to you?” Angelique said of Coates.

  “He’s only being rewarded for his assistance. But maybe I wish to make your husband suffer in knowing what’s being done to you.”

  Angelique went to the cabin with Coates. When they stepped inside he ogled her, making her stomach queasy.

  “Remove your garments! I’ll have you straightaway.”

  “This is about desire? You’d band with demons to bed me knowing I’m a witch who could harm you?”

  “You wouldn’t risk our captain and the guardian’s lives.”

  “Do you suppose witches have scruples?”

  “I just want to diddle you.”

  Angelique resignedly untied her gown’s laces, removed it, her pantaloons and corset as he watched. When he began breathing heavy, she presumed at least this mightn’t take long.

  “Do you suppose you’ll be comparable to my husband?”

  Coates cleared his throat; his face colored.

  “I’ve had my share of women!” he indignantly replied.

  “Only because you’re Faolan’s first mate and women try to get to him through you.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Get on with it, then,” Angelique said. “Or don’t. If you prefer to just let on we’ve done it, no one would know.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Witches are critical of their lovers. They must be exceptional.”

  “Or what?”

  “I’m certain you’ll be adequate. Although if my husband’s jealous and angry with me for agreeing to be with you, I hope it’s spectacular. However, he’s very grand. Have you seen him unclothed?”

  “Seen the captain without garments?” Coates seemed unsure.