Chapter 11
[Some other place—Huge Meadow Dreamscape]
Ichabod's eyes cleared gradually. He struggled to look at his surroundings as his eyes struggled to readjust following their dazzling from the blinding light. His skin stopped dimpling from the wind blowing through Wabash. His nose detected a grain smell.
A warm breeze almost summer-like billowed through his hair and across his face signifying change.
He reached out in confusion. His fingertips brushing past the swaying stalks around them. "Katrina? Katrina, where are you?"
"Ichabod?" his beloved's voice called back. "Where are you, Love? I cannot see you!"
Forgive me. The transport has its way of doing that, the voice apologized.
As if by magic, the couple's eyes readjusted, blurring their way back into focus. Granted a headache pounded at each of their respective temples but the details gradually refined themselves….
"Now you see what your blasphemy has accomplished?" Deborah insisted venomously. She checked over Margaret and Rebecca to insure they were all right.
"And what did your terrorizing me accomplish?" Kate retorted fiercely. "I've been lost all of my life and denied my parents! So was my brother! Okay? Just zip it, Lady!"
"Well put, My Dear. Well put indeed," Ichabod affirmed while rubbing his daughter's shoulder.
"Par for the course where their type's concerned," Dave noted morosely. He rubbed his forehead dealing with his own headache.
"You should be silent, Seducer," Margaret chided.
"And you should keep out of it!" Angie retorted. "You have no idea of the pain we suffered because of how Deirdre and he were treated! All right?"
Deborah sniggered. "Your sister-in-law knows why. The Forsaken had her duty. She fell to his wiles."
Dave sprang to his feet. He felt his alter ego scratching to get out and administer another lesson to the impudent witch. "She seduced me if anything. But you don't get to talk about her like that! And quit calling her that! Her name was Deirdre! She did her duty as wife and priestess to me. She brought Angie to my side after her death. Don't you ever call her that again!"
I agree. Well put indeed, David Dubois. A glowing woman appeared in their midst. Her brunette hair cascaded down over her shoulders. Her white robes accentuated the glowing aura about her person. Her piercing eyes. Still this quarrel is pointless. What is done is done. Now we shall determine how to move on.
Katrina and the sisterhood fell to their knees immediately in subjugation. Dave, for his part, responded with a quick bow of respect.
"Who is the glowing lady?" Kate queried.
"The goddess," Angie informed them.
"What of your laws and order, Milady? Shall we allow crime to run amok in your house?" Deborah pressed.
No. The order has been damaged. My loom has been tampered with by their machinations, my Priestess. However I do not wish for the girl to bear the responsibility for an accident of birth. Her parents will be judged accordingly when they depart this life. They are off limits to the Sisterhood, the goddess pronounced. As are their allies. We have all suffered enough because of said disruptions to the grand design.
"We thank you, Dear Lady," Katrina expressed gratefully with another bow.
I appreciate your gratitude however it does not absolve you either, Katrina Crane, nor your partner. Even as I free you of the burden, I do allow others to befall you. You will continue to learn sacrifice and duty. You both must learn to put the Greater Good first before your own needs. That is what led us to this juncture. The way will be one of joy yet sorrow as well. Such is my way for you. The goddess turned to Dave and Angie. And as for you….
"Yes?" Dave queried anxiously.
The glowing figure smiled. Your stand is now justified. I have instructed that Deirdre's name be restored in the annals. She performed her duty to me by bringing you and the Child into a symbiosis. As such, she is to be honored not reviled. Yes she strayed but asked for my permission before doing so. You have another trial however. The pain of the Missing. It bothers you.
"Missing?" Angie wondered.
"I don't understand. Deirdre and I had a stillborn daughter. I buried her with Dee Dee that day. They're gone," Dave presumed.
A cruel game has been played with you. Soon it will come to bear. At that time, I will offer what assistance that I can to you and the Child both. So will the Cranes and your sister's order. She turned to the Cranes. Be glad you have one child remaining. The other twin will have to be recovered but to do so, each will have to help in the endeavor. She looked at Katherine. Yes, Child, even you.
"Me? What can I do?" Kate pressed. "I barely know what's going on here!"
Still without your twin, you shall never be whole. Without him, your parents will never be fulfilled. It is your duty to reach out and to bring him back to the Light—the Light from which Moloch stole him. It shall not be easy but it will be necessary.
"And us? What of the Sisterhood?" Deborah pressed albeit respectfully.
You all have a separate agenda which I will reveal in time. Your ways have been set. Perhaps you all will cross paths again. If and when that happens, you will respect each other in my service. Even the Christians have their purpose. They serve the Light as He wishes them to. I respect that. Now it is time for you all to return. Meditate on my words. The future remains in flux. You have your duty. Do not deviate any further from the path than you already have, my Children. Such deviations will not be tolerated. You have been warned.
And with that, the light blinded them again sweeping them all away…..