Chapter 3
Marion tried to get up, leaning on her elbow. Her head was splitting with pain, a feeling of nausea came up sharply, and weakness came over her, it went dark in her eyes. Her head was splitting with pain, a feeling of nausea came up sharply, and weakness came over her, sending her brain reeling. The glow of the fire on the cave wall indicated that someone was approaching, carrying a torch. Two figures in dark robes entered. Judging by the plasticity of their hand movements and the smoothness of their gait, they were women, their faces were in shadow, and it was difficult to tell their age. One of them was carrying a silver dish on which stood a jug and something covered with a canvas cloth. Fixing the torch on the wall of the cave, one of them came closer to Marion. She didn't say a word, but Marion sensed the presence not of an enemy, but of a friend. Something calm and domineering emanated from this woman, so deep rivers flow quietly and majestically. Another woman poured something from a jug into a silver goblet and handed it to Marion.
"Drink, don't be afraid," she said in a soothing voice.
Marion took the cup in her hands and took a sip, it was pure spring water. The nausea receded, and her head cleared.
- Where am I? -Marion asked.
-You're where you wanted to go, -the woman replied.
- I was falling, it was a fall. But I'm safe and sound. Or was it a dream?
-Have you ever heard of the gate of travel that connects time and space?
"No," Marion replied.
- After going through them for the first time, you always feel unwell – another woman smiled at her and gently put her hand on her shoulder.
"Ryana, offer our guest something to eat," the woman said, sitting down on a hill in a cave not far from them.
- Can I leave this place whenever I want? - Marion asked her.
"Is that really what you want?"
Marion thought for a moment and shook her head. She didn't want to go back to Sherwood right now to her experiences and memories. Ryana placed a platter of simple treats in front of Marion. There were grain cakes, dried apples, and honeycombs on a silver tray.
- Who are you? What are you doing here?" asked Marion, breaking off a piece of the tortilla.
"People call us mountain witches," another woman spoke in a low voice. Judging by her clothes, the proud set of her head, and the inexplicable attractiveness, she was not a commoner. She wore a black velvet cloak, delicate, strong wrists were decorated with intricate bracelets, and long silky raven-colored hair was decorated with a finely crafted hoop.
– Mountain spirits grant us strength and power as long as we use our power for the benefit and protection of the inhabitants of the mountains. To predict the future, to heal from ailments, to control the elements, to restrain the impulses of evil and darkness, to keep the world entrusted to us in balance. You came to us for a reason. The forest spirit of Sherwood has asked for your support.
Marion understood who the lady in the velvet cloak was talking about. Herne directed her at the right time, when despair seemed insurmountable and her strength was running out.
- What should I call you?
"My name is Rhona-I am the oracle of the mountain spirits. I know your name, Sister. I know what brought you to us and what lies like a stone in your heart. You can count on our help and support, but you will have to do most of the hard work yourself. Ryana will look after you for the first time and tell you what you are interested in. I know you are not spoiled by luxury and excess, so you will be comfortable with us. It's time for me to go. Have a rest and gain strength. We'll talk later.
Having said that, she got up and slowly left the cave, as if floating away and disappearing into the darkness.