Chapter 11
Cally ran as fast as she could. Behind her she could hear the guard yelling at her to stop. She reached the end of the hallway and rushed up the stairs. Smiling she took a left and pushed against a loose stone near the floor. A small crack opened up and she crawled through it. She turned and touched the same stone, the crack closed again. She had to put a hand over her mouth to keep from giggling, the guard had halted not far from where she hid and was mumbling to himself.
"If I ever get my hands on that wretched girl. She is nothing but trouble. No wonder no one but Cook wanted to take her in."
That stung and Cally had to restrain herself from coming out and telling the guard off. She shook her head, turned around and started to crawl through the narrow passageway. It didn't take her long to reach her destination. She squinted her eyes, trying to make out the small wooden figures. Carefully she reached out and halted, leaning in closer she was finally able to make out the different figures. She carefully placed her hand on the snake-figure.
"How is she doing?" A soft voice spoke, not far from where Cally was, and she quickly removed her hand from the snake, preventing the crack to widen further.
"It is hard to tell, she is young and her power is unknown. She has succeeded in contacting her mother, as well as Binding the Immortal." The person answering had a smug tone in his voice. Cally thought she recognized the voice, but wasn't sure. She held her breath and tried not to make a sound.
"I know that. Whose idea was it to summon Astarte?" The voice became colder with every word.
"That, my friend, was it's own decision. I tried to persuade it, to no avail."
The voices faded away.
Cally waited until she was absolutely certain they had left, touched the snake again and slowly crept out of her hiding place. "Was that really...? No, it couldn't be! Why would he be talking like this? I must have heard wrong." Cally shook her head. "I have to get to Rhi." Cally looked around and headed to the far end of the hallway. She
carefully looked around the corner, only to find the hall empty. "That's strange." She whispered.
"What is strange? Your presence here? Yes, it is."
Cally squealed and turned around. "Rennin! What are you doing here?" She demanded.
"I, my young friend, was called to watch over our Queen's progress." Rennin answered, a little amused.
"Progress? What do you mean?" Cally looked down the hall again, "And where are the guards?"
Rennin laughed. "Dear Cally, there are no guards because Queen Rhiannon is perfectly safe. Whoever tries to harm or disturb her while she is seeing what has been, risks their life." He shook his head, "Not even the Oracle dares enter that room."
Cally wrinkled her nose, "Seeing what has been? What is that supposed to mean?"
"She is seeing our past, all of it." Rennin smiled, "But you shouldn't worry, Queen Rhiannon will be fine. Come back tomorrow and see for yourself." He took Cally by the hand and led her out of the sanctuary.
Cally sat down on the steps and laid her head on her knees, "How am I supposed to get in now?" She looked up and grinned. "That will do nicely."
***
Duncan had been guided further into the stables and was pushed on a bench. Aoife and her father had retreated to a room not too far from him. It didn't take long for the news of him being an Immortal to travel throughout the stable. Many heralding beasts still kept their distance, but some approached him.
"Are you really Immortal?" A young woman asked him, holding a baby.
"Have you come from the Human world?" Asked another.
Duncan smiled and answered most of their questions. He told them about his world and soon a small crowd, which grew bigger with every passing moment, surrounded him.
Aoife studied him, someone had given her child to him and he carefully cradled it, smiling at the mother. Others had settled down as close to him as possible, their earlier fears forgotten. Aoife sighed, if only she could live like them.
"He is different. Stranger to our world, and yet...." Her father stood behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I have missed you."
Aoife put her hand on his. "I have missed you too." She shuddered, "Prince Akron will not accept my new Master, he will do anything to get me back."
"I know."
They stood together in silence.
"There is a strange sadness in his eyes when he looks at the children." Aoife noticed. "I wonder why." She shook her head. "We must go now, it is late and we both need sleep." She turned and hugged her father, "Until we meet again. Live and Love."
"Live and Love my Child."
She gave him a sad smile, "If only that were possible." She straightened her shoulders and turned to leave.
"It is possible Child, beyond the pain is love." Whispered her father to her retreating back.
"Warrior, I see you have made new friends." Aoife exclaimed, walking up to him.
Duncan looked up with a smile, "How could I not? You've all made me feel very welcome." He hugged the child on his lap and ruffled another's hair.
Again Aoife noticed the sadness in Duncan's eyes. She decided to ask him about it later, when she trusted him a little more. "It is time to go Warrior, Tyra is probably already waiting for you."
Duncan nodded. "You're right." With a last hug he gave the child back to her mother and stood up. "Can I come back sometime?"
The mother nodded. "Of course! You will always be welcome Duncan MacLeod, in all stables. Never forget that." She stepped forward and hugged him. "Always."
"Thank you." Duncan said, hugging her back. He stepped back and looked at Aoife, "Let's go before I change my mind."
"Follow me." She turned and led him out.
Aoife's father watched them leave.
"Why is the Warrior hurting?" Asked the mother of the child Duncan had held.
"I do not know." He answered, keeping his suspicions to himself, not wanting to alarming his tribe, turned and smiled, "No need to worry, he is only the first Immortal to find his way back. More will follow."
The woman smiled. "I hope so."
Duncan and Aoife walked to his room, taking their time.
"Can I ask you something?" Aoife asked eyes lowered.
"Of course."
"When will you return to the Human world?"
"I don't know, soon I hope. I miss my friends."
"Could I come with you?" Her voice was so soft Duncan almost missed her question.
"What? You want to come with me?"
Aoife nodded.
"I'm sorry, but you can't. You said it yourself, they could put you in a lab and put you through all kinds of tests."
"I know, but if there was a way to avoid that. Could I come then?"
Duncan placed a hand on her arm and turned her to him. "What do you mean?"
Aoife looked up. "There might be a way. I am not sure how, but my ancestors were able to live amongst the Humans."
***
Cally stood on the ledge and looked down (It's so high, much higher that I thought.) She shivered (No going back now) took a deep breath and jumped.
***
Duncan looked Aoife in the eye, "If there's a way, you can come with me. I promise."
Aoife opened her mouth but before she could say anything, they heard a loud cry outside.
They rushed to the window behind them and looked out.
"Warrior!" Aoife pointed up.
Duncan thought he was going to have a heart attack.
"Cally!" They cried out in unison and they both leaned out the window, ready to grab her as she came closer.
But before they could, Cally swung away from the wall. She went over the smith's workshop, over the stables and when she was over the temple Cally let go of the rope. She crashed through the roof and disappeared from sight.
"Let's go Warrior." Aoife said, turning away from the window and ran down the hall, Duncan not far behind.
When they ran up the steps leading into the temple they were stopped by Rennin.
"You can't go in."
Duncan looked him in the eye, "Not now, we will go in."
"No you will not, come back tomorrow." Rennin calmly replied.
Aoife picked him up, turned around and put him back down. She turned back to Duncan, "Let's go."
He nodded and opened the door.
Rennin hid a smile, as he stopped the guards from following the two. "No, let them. It is their decision."
"Have you been in here before?" Duncan asked looking around; there were numerous corridors.
"No, but I know where Queen Rhiannon is." She sniffed the air and started running.
Chapter 12
"Rhi, it's me, Cally!" Cally ducked as a wooden plate flew her way. "Rhi, please stop!"
Rhiannon didn't answer; instead she lifted her hands and flung a fireball at Cally.
"Rhi!" Cally jumped out of the way, ran to Rhiannon and tackled her. Quickly she crawled up and straddled her. Holding her head, Cally looked into Rhiannon's eyes. "Rhiannon." She whispered. What Cally saw in Rhiannon's eyes shocked her to the core. Fear, rage and agony blending together.
"Ôfbliuwe minske, of ikke deameitsje dû!" Rhiannon shouted, wriggling to get free.
"Rhi!" Cally leaned in even closer, placed her forehead on Rhiannon's and looked deeper.
***
I stand over the broken body of a child. My son. I kneel and touch him; his body is cold. Rage builds inside me and I look up at the man that led me here. "Who did this?" I ask.
He smiles, "I don't know, but good riddance. Kill them all I say!" He kicks the body of a young woman near him. "Demons all of them!" He spews.
I cannot keep the rage in. I howl in anger and lunge for the man. "Human!" I cry as I kill him. I break his neck and throw my head back. A victorious howl escapes me; it comes from a place long forgotten. I turn and pick up my son's body, place it on the remains of my throne and leave.
***
Duncan and Aoife broke down the door and stood frozen in their place for an instant as they saw the two young girls embraced on the floor. A strange glow surrounded them.
Aoife was the first to move, "Warrior, we must separate them!" She ran forward.
Suddenly the two girls cried out, "Human!" The glow intensified.
Duncan moved forward and knelt down next to them. He reached out, but Aoife held him back.
"No, you cannot touch them."
"Why not?"
"You have already Bonded with Queen Rhiannon, use that Bond."
"How?"
"I don't know." Aoife shook her head, "Just try something."
Duncan nodded, closed his eyes and concentrated. He felt a slight pull and opened them again.
"No, Warrior. Do not interfere." Astarte was standing in the doorway. Coming closer she said, "We are too late. Silly girl." She knelt and examined Cally, "She won't last long. Poor Child, barely tasted Life and now she will never grow." Her face was sad. "Come Warrior, come Aoife, we will wait here." She stands up and walks to the far end of the room.
***
I am bleeding, my strength is fading. My Warrior stands beside me. I look at him, "You will be free soon. Why aren't you happy?"
He looks at me, "The price of my freedom is too high. I will miss you my Friend."
I am amazed. "You, a warrior, call me, an Astarten, Friend?" This amuses me. "You have spent too long with those Humans, their ideas have found their way into your thoughts. You will not survive long, my Warrior." Laughing I turn away from him and look out over the battlefield. "We will never win this war. The Humans outnumber us a
hundred to one, and they breed like rabbits. Our Warriors desert us, leaving us weak and battered." I turn to him, "I have one last order; find Astarte, tell her to gather our people. Tell her to find a new home for them, away from the Humans."
He nods and draws his sword, "I will. Farewell."
I close my eyes so I don't see the blade coming for me. He is merciful; I hardly feel a thing.
***
Blood slowly appeared on both girls' chests, again they cried out in unison.
Astarte frowned, "This is impossible! She is not of royal blood." She closed her eyes and reached out. With a loud gasp Astarte opened her eyes, shock and horror clearly visible in them. "No." She whispered.
***
"Shhh." I hold my daughter. She's been crying all night. I gently rock her, walking around the room.
"Need help?"
I turn to the voice and smile, "Please." I carefully place her in his arms, she immediately calms down. I smile up at him, "Papa's arms are the safest place in the world. She knows this." I watch the two exchange stories, my heart swells with love.
***
"What's wrong Astarte?" Duncan asked, fighting the strong urge to jump up and pull the two girls apart.
"It seems Cally is more than I thought." She looked puzzled. "How can this be?"
Duncan and Aoife exchanged glances.
Aoife shrugged, "She said we cannot interfere. There is nothing to do but wait." She stood up, "I will get food." She looked at the girls, "And some blankets for them, the floor is cold." Nodding goodbye Aoife left.
Duncan examined the room; there were numerous burn marks on the walls and floor. There was no furniture.
"That is why they are always safe in this stage of the ritual, anyone who enters here is attacked, no exception."
"You mean Rhiannon attacked Cally?" Duncan asked looking at the girls.
"Yes. I do not know what Cally has done. Somehow she is now sharing in the ritual."
***
I sit with my daughter at a riverbed; she is ready to be trained. I silently wipe my tears away and smile at her. "You have grown so much, it seems just yesterday I held you for the first time."
She smiles back, "Mother, I will visit you as often as I can, you know that. I will not be an apprentice long. I will do my best to succeed."
My heart swells with pride; my child has grown to a beautiful woman. We embrace and I am unwilling to let go. I know she will never be a Child again. She is on her way to become a Master. Her arms tighten around me and she whispers 'I love you' in my ear.
***
Cally and Rhiannon were still locked in their embrace when Aoife returned.
"Here." She said in a quiet voice and handed them some bread and cheese.
"What's wrong?" Duncan looked up.
"Nothing. Please do not ask now, we are not here for me."
***
Rhi? Are you here? Can you hear me?
Cally? What are you doing here! Leave, you are not safe.
No Rhi, I will not leave you. I have come to take you away.
Away? Where? Why?
Come with me and I'll show you.
Yes, I will come with you. You are not Cally, are you?
I am Cally, the one she will be someday. Here take my hand.
The one she will be? Where is the Cally I know today?
She is sleeping; she is tired. The images exhausted her. She is still a Child; do not forget.
I will not forget. What is this place? It's beautiful.
Home....
***
"They are smiling." Aoife said, standing up and walking to them. She looked back at Astarte, "Is it safe to touch them?"
Astarte nodded, "Yes, the ritual has ended. Now they rest." She stood up and joined Aoife.
Gently Aoife lifted Cally and placed her next to Rhiannon, she then laid a blanket over them. Cally immediately snuggled up to Rhiannon, who turned to her and placed her arms around Cally.
Duncan knelt down and gently stroked both girls' faces. "They look so peaceful. They will be all right, won't they?" He asked Astarte, not looking up.
"I do not know Warrior. What happened here today...." Her voice faded.
Cally ran as fast as she could. Behind her she could hear the guard yelling at her to stop. She reached the end of the hallway and rushed up the stairs. Smiling she took a left and pushed against a loose stone near the floor. A small crack opened up and she crawled through it. She turned and touched the same stone, the crack closed again. She had to put a hand over her mouth to keep from giggling, the guard had halted not far from where she hid and was mumbling to himself.
"If I ever get my hands on that wretched girl. She is nothing but trouble. No wonder no one but Cook wanted to take her in."
That stung and Cally had to restrain herself from coming out and telling the guard off. She shook her head, turned around and started to crawl through the narrow passageway. It didn't take her long to reach her destination. She squinted her eyes, trying to make out the small wooden figures. Carefully she reached out and halted, leaning in closer she was finally able to make out the different figures. She carefully placed her hand on the snake-figure.
"How is she doing?" A soft voice spoke, not far from where Cally was, and she quickly removed her hand from the snake, preventing the crack to widen further.
"It is hard to tell, she is young and her power is unknown. She has succeeded in contacting her mother, as well as Binding the Immortal." The person answering had a smug tone in his voice. Cally thought she recognized the voice, but wasn't sure. She held her breath and tried not to make a sound.
"I know that. Whose idea was it to summon Astarte?" The voice became colder with every word.
"That, my friend, was it's own decision. I tried to persuade it, to no avail."
The voices faded away.
Cally waited until she was absolutely certain they had left, touched the snake again and slowly crept out of her hiding place. "Was that really...? No, it couldn't be! Why would he be talking like this? I must have heard wrong." Cally shook her head. "I have to get to Rhi." Cally looked around and headed to the far end of the hallway. She
carefully looked around the corner, only to find the hall empty. "That's strange." She whispered.
"What is strange? Your presence here? Yes, it is."
Cally squealed and turned around. "Rennin! What are you doing here?" She demanded.
"I, my young friend, was called to watch over our Queen's progress." Rennin answered, a little amused.
"Progress? What do you mean?" Cally looked down the hall again, "And where are the guards?"
Rennin laughed. "Dear Cally, there are no guards because Queen Rhiannon is perfectly safe. Whoever tries to harm or disturb her while she is seeing what has been, risks their life." He shook his head, "Not even the Oracle dares enter that room."
Cally wrinkled her nose, "Seeing what has been? What is that supposed to mean?"
"She is seeing our past, all of it." Rennin smiled, "But you shouldn't worry, Queen Rhiannon will be fine. Come back tomorrow and see for yourself." He took Cally by the hand and led her out of the sanctuary.
Cally sat down on the steps and laid her head on her knees, "How am I supposed to get in now?" She looked up and grinned. "That will do nicely."
***
Duncan had been guided further into the stables and was pushed on a bench. Aoife and her father had retreated to a room not too far from him. It didn't take long for the news of him being an Immortal to travel throughout the stable. Many heralding beasts still kept their distance, but some approached him.
"Are you really Immortal?" A young woman asked him, holding a baby.
"Have you come from the Human world?" Asked another.
Duncan smiled and answered most of their questions. He told them about his world and soon a small crowd, which grew bigger with every passing moment, surrounded him.
Aoife studied him, someone had given her child to him and he carefully cradled it, smiling at the mother. Others had settled down as close to him as possible, their earlier fears forgotten. Aoife sighed, if only she could live like them.
"He is different. Stranger to our world, and yet...." Her father stood behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I have missed you."
Aoife put her hand on his. "I have missed you too." She shuddered, "Prince Akron will not accept my new Master, he will do anything to get me back."
"I know."
They stood together in silence.
"There is a strange sadness in his eyes when he looks at the children." Aoife noticed. "I wonder why." She shook her head. "We must go now, it is late and we both need sleep." She turned and hugged her father, "Until we meet again. Live and Love."
"Live and Love my Child."
She gave him a sad smile, "If only that were possible." She straightened her shoulders and turned to leave.
"It is possible Child, beyond the pain is love." Whispered her father to her retreating back.
"Warrior, I see you have made new friends." Aoife exclaimed, walking up to him.
Duncan looked up with a smile, "How could I not? You've all made me feel very welcome." He hugged the child on his lap and ruffled another's hair.
Again Aoife noticed the sadness in Duncan's eyes. She decided to ask him about it later, when she trusted him a little more. "It is time to go Warrior, Tyra is probably already waiting for you."
Duncan nodded. "You're right." With a last hug he gave the child back to her mother and stood up. "Can I come back sometime?"
The mother nodded. "Of course! You will always be welcome Duncan MacLeod, in all stables. Never forget that." She stepped forward and hugged him. "Always."
"Thank you." Duncan said, hugging her back. He stepped back and looked at Aoife, "Let's go before I change my mind."
"Follow me." She turned and led him out.
Aoife's father watched them leave.
"Why is the Warrior hurting?" Asked the mother of the child Duncan had held.
"I do not know." He answered, keeping his suspicions to himself, not wanting to alarming his tribe, turned and smiled, "No need to worry, he is only the first Immortal to find his way back. More will follow."
The woman smiled. "I hope so."
Duncan and Aoife walked to his room, taking their time.
"Can I ask you something?" Aoife asked eyes lowered.
"Of course."
"When will you return to the Human world?"
"I don't know, soon I hope. I miss my friends."
"Could I come with you?" Her voice was so soft Duncan almost missed her question.
"What? You want to come with me?"
Aoife nodded.
"I'm sorry, but you can't. You said it yourself, they could put you in a lab and put you through all kinds of tests."
"I know, but if there was a way to avoid that. Could I come then?"
Duncan placed a hand on her arm and turned her to him. "What do you mean?"
Aoife looked up. "There might be a way. I am not sure how, but my ancestors were able to live amongst the Humans."
***
Cally stood on the ledge and looked down (It's so high, much higher that I thought.) She shivered (No going back now) took a deep breath and jumped.
***
Duncan looked Aoife in the eye, "If there's a way, you can come with me. I promise."
Aoife opened her mouth but before she could say anything, they heard a loud cry outside.
They rushed to the window behind them and looked out.
"Warrior!" Aoife pointed up.
Duncan thought he was going to have a heart attack.
"Cally!" They cried out in unison and they both leaned out the window, ready to grab her as she came closer.
But before they could, Cally swung away from the wall. She went over the smith's workshop, over the stables and when she was over the temple Cally let go of the rope. She crashed through the roof and disappeared from sight.
"Let's go Warrior." Aoife said, turning away from the window and ran down the hall, Duncan not far behind.
When they ran up the steps leading into the temple they were stopped by Rennin.
"You can't go in."
Duncan looked him in the eye, "Not now, we will go in."
"No you will not, come back tomorrow." Rennin calmly replied.
Aoife picked him up, turned around and put him back down. She turned back to Duncan, "Let's go."
He nodded and opened the door.
Rennin hid a smile, as he stopped the guards from following the two. "No, let them. It is their decision."
"Have you been in here before?" Duncan asked looking around; there were numerous corridors.
"No, but I know where Queen Rhiannon is." She sniffed the air and started running.
Chapter 12
"Rhi, it's me, Cally!" Cally ducked as a wooden plate flew her way. "Rhi, please stop!"
Rhiannon didn't answer; instead she lifted her hands and flung a fireball at Cally.
"Rhi!" Cally jumped out of the way, ran to Rhiannon and tackled her. Quickly she crawled up and straddled her. Holding her head, Cally looked into Rhiannon's eyes. "Rhiannon." She whispered. What Cally saw in Rhiannon's eyes shocked her to the core. Fear, rage and agony blending together.
"Ôfbliuwe minske, of ikke deameitsje dû!" Rhiannon shouted, wriggling to get free.
"Rhi!" Cally leaned in even closer, placed her forehead on Rhiannon's and looked deeper.
***
I stand over the broken body of a child. My son. I kneel and touch him; his body is cold. Rage builds inside me and I look up at the man that led me here. "Who did this?" I ask.
He smiles, "I don't know, but good riddance. Kill them all I say!" He kicks the body of a young woman near him. "Demons all of them!" He spews.
I cannot keep the rage in. I howl in anger and lunge for the man. "Human!" I cry as I kill him. I break his neck and throw my head back. A victorious howl escapes me; it comes from a place long forgotten. I turn and pick up my son's body, place it on the remains of my throne and leave.
***
Duncan and Aoife broke down the door and stood frozen in their place for an instant as they saw the two young girls embraced on the floor. A strange glow surrounded them.
Aoife was the first to move, "Warrior, we must separate them!" She ran forward.
Suddenly the two girls cried out, "Human!" The glow intensified.
Duncan moved forward and knelt down next to them. He reached out, but Aoife held him back.
"No, you cannot touch them."
"Why not?"
"You have already Bonded with Queen Rhiannon, use that Bond."
"How?"
"I don't know." Aoife shook her head, "Just try something."
Duncan nodded, closed his eyes and concentrated. He felt a slight pull and opened them again.
"No, Warrior. Do not interfere." Astarte was standing in the doorway. Coming closer she said, "We are too late. Silly girl." She knelt and examined Cally, "She won't last long. Poor Child, barely tasted Life and now she will never grow." Her face was sad. "Come Warrior, come Aoife, we will wait here." She stands up and walks to the far end of the room.
***
I am bleeding, my strength is fading. My Warrior stands beside me. I look at him, "You will be free soon. Why aren't you happy?"
He looks at me, "The price of my freedom is too high. I will miss you my Friend."
I am amazed. "You, a warrior, call me, an Astarten, Friend?" This amuses me. "You have spent too long with those Humans, their ideas have found their way into your thoughts. You will not survive long, my Warrior." Laughing I turn away from him and look out over the battlefield. "We will never win this war. The Humans outnumber us a
hundred to one, and they breed like rabbits. Our Warriors desert us, leaving us weak and battered." I turn to him, "I have one last order; find Astarte, tell her to gather our people. Tell her to find a new home for them, away from the Humans."
He nods and draws his sword, "I will. Farewell."
I close my eyes so I don't see the blade coming for me. He is merciful; I hardly feel a thing.
***
Blood slowly appeared on both girls' chests, again they cried out in unison.
Astarte frowned, "This is impossible! She is not of royal blood." She closed her eyes and reached out. With a loud gasp Astarte opened her eyes, shock and horror clearly visible in them. "No." She whispered.
***
"Shhh." I hold my daughter. She's been crying all night. I gently rock her, walking around the room.
"Need help?"
I turn to the voice and smile, "Please." I carefully place her in his arms, she immediately calms down. I smile up at him, "Papa's arms are the safest place in the world. She knows this." I watch the two exchange stories, my heart swells with love.
***
"What's wrong Astarte?" Duncan asked, fighting the strong urge to jump up and pull the two girls apart.
"It seems Cally is more than I thought." She looked puzzled. "How can this be?"
Duncan and Aoife exchanged glances.
Aoife shrugged, "She said we cannot interfere. There is nothing to do but wait." She stood up, "I will get food." She looked at the girls, "And some blankets for them, the floor is cold." Nodding goodbye Aoife left.
Duncan examined the room; there were numerous burn marks on the walls and floor. There was no furniture.
"That is why they are always safe in this stage of the ritual, anyone who enters here is attacked, no exception."
"You mean Rhiannon attacked Cally?" Duncan asked looking at the girls.
"Yes. I do not know what Cally has done. Somehow she is now sharing in the ritual."
***
I sit with my daughter at a riverbed; she is ready to be trained. I silently wipe my tears away and smile at her. "You have grown so much, it seems just yesterday I held you for the first time."
She smiles back, "Mother, I will visit you as often as I can, you know that. I will not be an apprentice long. I will do my best to succeed."
My heart swells with pride; my child has grown to a beautiful woman. We embrace and I am unwilling to let go. I know she will never be a Child again. She is on her way to become a Master. Her arms tighten around me and she whispers 'I love you' in my ear.
***
Cally and Rhiannon were still locked in their embrace when Aoife returned.
"Here." She said in a quiet voice and handed them some bread and cheese.
"What's wrong?" Duncan looked up.
"Nothing. Please do not ask now, we are not here for me."
***
Rhi? Are you here? Can you hear me?
Cally? What are you doing here! Leave, you are not safe.
No Rhi, I will not leave you. I have come to take you away.
Away? Where? Why?
Come with me and I'll show you.
Yes, I will come with you. You are not Cally, are you?
I am Cally, the one she will be someday. Here take my hand.
The one she will be? Where is the Cally I know today?
She is sleeping; she is tired. The images exhausted her. She is still a Child; do not forget.
I will not forget. What is this place? It's beautiful.
Home....
***
"They are smiling." Aoife said, standing up and walking to them. She looked back at Astarte, "Is it safe to touch them?"
Astarte nodded, "Yes, the ritual has ended. Now they rest." She stood up and joined Aoife.
Gently Aoife lifted Cally and placed her next to Rhiannon, she then laid a blanket over them. Cally immediately snuggled up to Rhiannon, who turned to her and placed her arms around Cally.
Duncan knelt down and gently stroked both girls' faces. "They look so peaceful. They will be all right, won't they?" He asked Astarte, not looking up.
"I do not know Warrior. What happened here today...." Her voice faded.
