Chapter 2

The isle was peaceful, tranquil, an idyllic place to be for all the of the Old Religion. Or at least that was how it was known. In fact, the Isle of the Blessed, the safe haven for the High Priestesses of the Triple Goddess, had been rather disturbed of late due to the presence of a young girl with blazing hair and fiery character.
Morgause, the High Priestesses all reflected, was more than any of them had bargained for. Strong, both physically and in mind, and more magically gifted than they had dared hope. But a nightmare none the less. She possessed far too much energy for a nine year old child, leaving destruction in her wake, and inquisitive, having put most of the women there in an awkward position before with one of her carriwitchets. Yet everyone marvelled her; large, chestnut eyes with golden hair, she was the life of the isle.

But this was unknown to the two women making the boat trip across the still waters to the isle. Exact opposites, the women sat facing each other, silence passing between them as each sat, lost in their own thoughts.

Lady Vivian sat motionless in the rocking boat, a hand resting on her stomach, curved with pregnancy, a golden bracelet sat gracefully on her wrist. Although her face was emotionless, her heart pounded like a military drum in her chest. The Isle of the Blessed. Without knowing exactly what she was to expect there, she knew it was the home of the High Priestesses of the Old Religion, the people she had trusted her baby to all those years ago. Nine years ago, to be more precise. She shook her head, her dark hair sweeping like a midnight curtain as she did; she had promised she would never think of Morgause again. Even if her heart yearned to hold her once more...

The other woman was rowing the boat, despite only being of a frail looking physique. A slight face, verging on skeletal in the wrong light, and pale blonde, nearly silver, hair. She was struggling with the oars, her weak arms not fit enough to row the boat successfully, but she would not ask for help. Especially from her, she thought enviously, as she eyed Vivian's stomach with jealous eyes.

'Is this right?' Vivian broke the silence, and the other woman looked up into her face. 'I'm worried, Ygraine.'

Ygraine, the young wife of Uther Pendragon and Queen of Camelot, smiled reassuringly. 'You need not worry, Vivian, I make this trip frequently.'

Vivian bit her lip nervously still. 'But magic is not permitted, you of all should know that. How would Uther react if he knew his own wife consulted the Old Religion to produce a son? A child of magic? He would be furious.'

'You act as if you know him better than I, Vivian,' Ygraine said calmly, a hint of menace hidden beneath the soft tones of her voice. 'You forget I am his wife.' But she sighed, the menace falling from her eyes and she looked up, fatigued. She dropped the oars and the boat stopped in the still water. 'And you forget how desperate he is for a son. I honestly believe it is all he cares about, he certainly cares nothing for me. And I feel so guilty; whenever I see him, so young and virile, he could no doubt father a child with someone else. But he's relying on me, the whole of Camelot is relying on me. But how could you understand? You're blessed.'

Ygraine smiled slightly as she glanced at Vivian's bump. Vivian felt a stab of guilt in her heart as she looked at Ygraine, so desperate for a child, and she'd given away her first daughter, yet still been given another child. She took Ygraine's pale, and so cold, hands in her own and tried to look comfortingly into her young face.

'Do not be so ridiculous, Uther loves you, and he'll love you the same whether you have a son or not. Your time will come, I promise you.' Vivian nodded eagerly, almost manically in her attempt to appease Ygraine. 'And I'm sure you don't need the Old Religion.'

Ygraine shook her head, her hair glistening in the April morning sun. 'You think he does not consult the Old Religion himself? Of course he talks a lot about the danger of magic, how it corrupts, but he is desperate for this child. It would not surprise me if he traded in my own life for this unborn son.' Shaking her head, she took up the oars once more and began rowing. 'Besides, I do not ask for a child born of the Old Religion. I merely visit the isle out of goodwill and the High Priestesses choose to pray for my fertility. No magic is involved.'

Having completed their journey in silence, the two women stood at the large wooden door to the isle's temple. Far grander than even Camelot, the temple resembled the citadel, except large, stained glass windows illuminated the cold stonework with emerald and ruby. The door even was more beautiful, with a border of wood carvings representing every aspect of the Old Religion. But the isle was more than beautiful, it was peaceful. Vivian could feel her own heartbeat slowing as she stood there, as though a wave of tranquility had washed over her very being. Ygraine had lost the dark circles under her eyes, and she smiled gently at Vivian, the resent flown from her heart. But there was no time for reunion as, before Ygraine had even lifted her hand for the silver knocker, the wooden door flew open. A young, red haired maiden stood in the doorway, her head bowed.

'The High Priestess Taegan is awaiting you, Lady Ygraine.' She beckoned the two women to enter yet she stopped Vivian before she touched the stone floor. She looked up, her eyes a piercing golden as she glanced down at Vivian's swollen stomach. A dark smile haunted her thin lips. 'And Lady Vivian, I hope you find all you seek here.'

Vivian felt her eyes widen, her pulse suddenly race, but the girl stepped aside and Ygraine pulled Vivian inside, her grip tight despite her fragility.

Vivian saw nothing of the interior of the building, Ygraine led her quickly past intricate stone archways and down bright corridors, sunlight blazing through empty windowpanes. She caught glances of vaults full of dusty manuscripts and ancient books. Quick glances of girls at desks with piles of pages beside them, pouring over every little detail, most no older than five and twenty. Yet she was hurried away still. She caught a glimpse of an ornate stone font in one room, women staring deep into its depths while one spoke deep and clear in the Old Tongue. Vivian's head seemed to thick with mystery and incense, the smoke of which clouded every room, like dragon's breath swirling over the stone floors.

But they stopped suddenly outside a heavy wooden door. From the ornate carvings and archway surrounding, Vivian could only guess they were about to enter the Great Hall. Her assumption was only confirmed when Ygraine began rearranging her rose dress, pulling the creases of material to fit over her bony hips. Breathing deeply, she then let a smile spread across her pale face and pushed the doors open and entered. Vivian crept behind her, timidly, taking everything in with wide eyes.

Camelot was no match for the beauty of the Hall. Even her own kingdom of Titadel was no comparison. The Hall was light, airy, unlike the dark, cold chambers of usual citadels. No throne stood in the centre, instead there was a small, stone altar with a collection of large crystals resting on its surface. From the ceiling, banners draped, in ruby and emerald. Stained glass windows filled the room with a sunset glow. Just stepping into the Hall made Vivian's heart soar.

'My Lady Ygraine.'

A voice made Vivian turn around, only to see a woman stepping out of the shadowed corner of the Hall. She was old but held still herself regally, long snowy hair falling to her waist. She wore a gown of royal blue that only seemed to add to the illumination of the Hall.

'Taegan.' Ygraine rushed towards her, clasping the High Priestess' hands, wrinkled with life.

'It has been far too long, Ygraine.' Taegan smiled, her sapphire eyes crinkling warmly. 'We were all missing you. Her especially.'

'It is just too difficult in these times,' Ygraine explained sadly. 'You know that if I could, I would be here everyday. But my husband, he will not be persuaded.' She looked away, sighing slightly. Taegan squeezed her hands gently, trying to wake her from her solitude. Ygraine looked back, smiling slightly. 'Where is she, then?'

Taegan grinned widely. 'But, of course, I must fetch her for you.' She beckoned one of the younger priestesses dotted around the Hall towards her and whispered her an order. The priestess hurried away, and Taegan turned back to the two women. 'You know, Ygraine, after you left last time, she used to stand at the upper window for hours looking out for you.'

Vivian frowned as the two talked quietly. Her mind was racing with curiosity, who could this girl be? Did Ygraine have a relative here? A sister? It would certainly explain the visits she kept making, but she could swear Ygraine only spoke of brothers. Who then?

Taegan was deep in conversation with Ygraine when she heard a sudden yelp. She turned, frowning, to see the Lady Vivian clutching her stomach in surprise. She had almost forgotten Vivian's presence, so distracted by Ygraine's company, something she often found when the Queen visited, they had been known to spend hours together talking, often on philosophy, one of Taegan's favourite topics. But as she turned and saw Vivian's widened eyes and frightened face, she was snapped back to the Hall.

'Lady Vivian?' Taegan stepped forward, suddenly worried. 'What's happening?'

Vivian took a deep breath, feeling herself relaxing. 'Nothing, just a slight twinge. I've had them before, just never that sharp.' She rubbed her stomach hard before smiling at the Priestess, the pain clearly gone. 'I wouldn't refuse a chair though, if that's possible?'

'Of course.' Taegan shook her head slowly,as if in despair. 'I can't believe I haven't offered you one.'

It was as she was ordering chairs for the two guests that the wooden doors burst open once again, almost off their hinges with the force. From the corridor, they heard a distinctive hiss of, 'Walk! Do not run!' But from the sight of a small, blazing child racing towards them, it was obvious this was ignored.

'Morgause!' Vivian felt her heart stop as the child ran straight into Ygraine's outstretched arms and clung to her skeletal frame as if she were a squirrel to a tree. Vivian stood up from the chair she'd been fetched to try get a closer look at the child. It couldn't be her Morgause, surely?

'Morgause, we have another guest.' Taegan motioned to Vivian once Morgause had let go of Ygraine. She took a deep breath as she introduced Vivian. Morgause couldn't recignise her, surely? It had been so long. 'This is the Lady Vivian Gorlois, she rules over Titadel.'

It was as the child turned to see her, Vivian felt her heart stop. There was no denying it. She was her Morgause. In truth, she was just as Vivian had always wanted her to be.

In her, Vivian saw her father. The same mane of hair that shone as spun gold. The same air of both serious and rebellion, even at such a young age. She wasn't a slight child, though not large, just solid. And she still had the large, chestnut eyes from when she was just moments old, wrapped in Vivian's arms.

'I'm Lady Vivian.' Vivian smiled and, managing to restrain herself from running forward and holding her daughter tightly, she held out her hand.

Morgause ignored it. She stayed, perfectly still, clearly not perplexed by the new guest, the only movement being a slight tilt, as she took in Vivian. 'You're having a baby.'

Taegan laughed nervously at Morgause's sudden outburst. 'I'm sorry, Lady Vivian, she's only young, and we've only just started teaching her things like that. To help her with travellers. Do not take...'

'It's alright.' Vivian brushed it off with a wave of her hand. She was intrigued by the young girl and she didn't want explanations for that. She tilted her head, just as Morgause had, making the girl giggle at Vivian's mimicking. Taking a deep breath, she smiled once again. 'You're right, Morgause, I'm having a baby. Do you want to feel?'

Ygraine watched with a pained expression as Morgause approached Vivian and carefully placed her small palms over the woman's swollen stomach. Ygraine felt her eyes well up as she watched Morgause's surprise as she felt the baby's kicking. Taegan tapped slightly on the Queen's shoulder motioning for the two to leave and, with a heavy heart at the loss of the child's attention, she left with the High Priestess.

Vivian watched their departure guiltily, she saw how happy Ygraine was at Morgause's arrival. She knew all too well how attached Ygraine grew to others, especially children. But she could not stop the excitement growing, her happiness at finally having her own daughter alone. She couldn't help wondering how much involvement Taegan must have had in Morgause's arrival to the isle, for she seemed all too knowing.

'Is it a boy or a girl?' Morgause frowned, her young brow scrunched up in confusion.

Vivian laughed gently at the girl, careful not seem to greatly amused however, she didn't want to prevent her curiosity. 'I don't know. I won't know until the baby is born.'

'When's that?'

'A few months.' Vivian was entranced by the child's interest. Maybe she felt some connection to the baby? Was that possible? It would be her sibling, and stranger things had happened.

'That's a long time,' Morgause sulked, she had the child's desire for immediate knowledge. 'What will you call the baby?'

'Arthur if he is a boy,' Vivian admitted. 'It is the name the baby's father wants. But I have no name for a girl.' She paused, her eyes brightening as an idea struck her suddenly. 'Would you like to name the baby if she is a girl?'

She watched as Morgause took in the question, and then watched her begin nodding eagerly, grinning wildly. 'Yes. I would like that.' She stopped suddenly, her smile faltering. 'I'm going to be a High Priestess and that means I won't be allowed to have children. Or get married. But I don't mind, now I get to name your baby.' Her little brow creased up once more as she thought.

'What name do you like?' Vivian asked lightly as Morgause remained silent in thought. 'Do you have any favourite names? What does your name mean? Maybe you could find a name with a nice meaning?'

Morgause's head tilted again, something she obviously did in thought, before she said solemnly. 'My name is Morgause and that means "warrior of the Sea". But she would not be a warrior, she'll be a Lady, because you will be her mother.' Morgause looked up into Vivian's face, seeking inspiration? Or approval? Vivian couldn't tell. 'She'll never need to fight, she'll be as if she was a Princess. A Lady just like you. Lady...Morgana?'

Something struck Vivian as the child spoke. 'Morgana?'

'It means "Lady of the Sea", and I can be her warrior and keep her safe.' Morgause smiled widely, evidently content with her name choice. 'Do you like it?'

'I think it's beautiful.' Vivian nodded, yet she could not stop wondering whether this girl knew more than she did for her baby's future. Morgause couldn't know she just named her half-sister, surely? Planning her defence? 'I think it would suit her.'

She went to brush a spare piece of hair out of her face, absentmindedly, when she saw Morgause point at her forearm excitedly. 'You have a very pretty bracelet.'

Vivian looked down to see the bracelet given to her when she had given away her baby all those years ago. And here she was talking to her...

'It's a healing bracelet. It was made here by one of the High Priestesses.' Vivian eased off the jewellery and held it out to the child. 'I'd like you to have it.'

'But it's yours.'

'But I'd like to give it to you, you have helped me today.' Vivian smiled, rubbing her stomach gently. Morgause took the bracelet from her cautiously. 'And maybe, you might give to someone who helps you one day.'

This was the scene Taegan and Ygraine walked back into; Vivian watching with a contented smile as Morgause placed the big bracelet on her tiny wrist. On seeing Taegan's arrival, she ran over, showing off her latest prize before whispering eagerly into her ear. After a few moments, Taegan's deep laughter filled the empty Hall while Morgause had the grin of the Cheshire Cat across her face.

'You have a treat, ladies,' Taegan announced, the note of amusement in her voice still unnoticed by Morgause. 'Morgause is going to read your futures.'

Ygraine frowned, walking over to Vivian, who was following Morgause as she walked over to the stone altar, upon which sat three large crystals. The rose light from the stained glass glittered through the jewels, casting a mystical air over the young girl as she stood there. Shimmering light reflected in her dark eyes as she stared deep into the crystal's depths.

Taegan was somehow stood in between the two women next time Ygraine looked over. All three were focused on the girl in her torn trousers and stained white shirt. Minutes passed, the three women stood in silence watching Morgause strain into the crystals.

'She can't, you know.' Taegan seemed to answer the question passing through all their minds. 'We humour her because she tries so hard. But, so far, she has shown no possession of this gift. Many other gifts, yes, but the gift of a seer is rare, and few possess it.'

But as she spoke, when the women turned back, they watched Morgause stare deeper into the crystal, her eyes flashing gold madly, flicking as though watching a scene before her.

'You will have son, Lady Ygraine.' Her voice was still the voice of a young girl, but she spoke as though years older. Lady Ygraine felt her pulse racing as she listened to Morgause's words. 'Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot. He will be brave and noble, destined to be the greatest King Albion will ever know.'

Morgause gazed deeper, watching the images of the tall, blond man before her before he flickered out of view, replaced by a new image. A woman with ebony hair, peridot eyes, skin as flawless as the fresh fallen snow she would watch from her window. 'And a daughter, Lady Vivian.' She did not need to be told whose child this would be. She felt the words flow instinctively. 'Lady Morgana. Courageous and passionate for what she believes in. A great destiny awaits her...'

But no more. Morgause felt her limbs grow heavy, the images from the crystal fading and she collapsed, exhausted, on the stone floor. Around her, she could vaguely hear the voice of the High Priestess, the panic from Ygraine and Vivian, but all she could think of was the woman from the crystal, laughing as she rode horseback through Camelot woods. The Lady Morgana.