Chapter Forty-Two
Ailith
Ailith sat on a bench built into the side of the Mull Cog, the salty breeze blowing the loose hairs back from her face.
The light wind, a result of the calmest waters she’d ever seen, pleased her.
The gray sky kept the sun hidden, which Ailith didn’t mind, as it kept her eyes from hurting in the bright light.
Edan sat next to her, Heilyn asleep on his chest in some contraption Maitland had helped him maneuver with an extra plaid.
The others mostly moved about, except Sylvi, who was now prone on the deck from a bad headache.
They’d decided to take two trips, the Duart group leaving first, with the rest of Edan’s family following on the second trip with all their belongings for their journey to MacClane Castle.
She stared over the waters, the sea nearly like a calm loch on the best summer day.
His breath warmed her ear before he spoke, “Ailith Grant, I have to admit I’m enjoying falling in love with you. I never expected it to happen to me.”
Her heart swelled in her chest, her smile so broad it nearly hurt. “I love you too, Edan, but why wouldn’t it happen to you?”
His eyes misted, but he squeezed them shut and swiped away any wetness. “Because I just seemed to draw bad things to myself. You and Heilyn are the best things to ever happen to me.”
“Life will calm down, Edan. Now you know why things have been different for you.”
“Do you think my iron blood made those flowers wilt in Dunyvaig?”
“Aye.”
“And Catrina always wondered why our milk never soured. Now she says it’s because of my iron blood. That was a good thing of course, but it was confusing.”
“You must feel better knowing why your father could not stop giving you strange advice.”
“Or yelling unbelievable notions at me?”
“You have a fine character, Edan. Do not let anything convince you otherwise. You are strong, honest, honorable, and loyal to your clan. The makings of a true Highlander. Someday I’ll take you to Grant land.”
“I would like that.” He held her hand, staring over the sea.
Ailith was happier than she’d ever been. Edan was exactly what her soul needed, and the best part was that her parents knew it too. They’d stepped away from her and let her set the pace of their romance.
Heilyn popped her head up, patted his cheek, and said, “Da.” Then she turned to Ailith, lifted her hand as if reaching for her, and said, “A.” She rested her head back on her father’s shoulder and closed her eyes.
He kissed the top of his daughter’s head, but then they both turned toward the stern as people stirred about.
The ship slowed, and Magni ran to the back of the ship, staring over the railing. “Here she comes on her favorite pet.”
Ailith peeked over the side in time to catch Lia’s approach on a dolphin. A few moments later, the lass boarded the cog as it rocked.
“Greetings to you all. I’ve come for a quick visit. May I gather the four seers for a wee chat? I don’t need the others unless you would like.” The seers, along with Edan, Alasdair, Maitland, John, Grant, and Connor, joined her. The others took the time to move about the ship.
“So here you are, the four threads of the Woven Circle.” She took Ailith’s hands in hers.
“You have completed the circle, and I will need you all to help me uncover the location of the five items I must give to Gruin. I’m confident that with the addition of Ailith, we will find everything we need.
I’ll allow you a short time to settle, then I’ll visit you at Duart Castle.
I’m pleased you will be staying together. ”
Dyna said, “It’s for the best, and we’ll help you any way we can.”
Lia pulled Ailith forward, with Edan stepping in beside her. “And there’s a couple to celebrate. My congratulations to you both, Ailith and Edan. Few pairings hold what yours does. Past-sight and iron blood joined, you have already done what no others could.”
Edan kissed Ailith’s cheek and said, “I think we are too. I never knew love could be so strong.”
Ailith’s breath caught, leaning into Edan’s warm embrace.
“Alasdair, have you accepted this man as your daughter’s intended?” Lia asked, releasing Ailith’s hands.
“Aye, he is welcome at Duart Castle.”
“Aye, then. Go back to what you were doing. I must chat with the seers.”
Everyone moved about the deck, stretching and taking in the view of the water and the land not far ahead, as the ship lay at anchor.
“What is it, Sylvi?” Lia asked.
“How did you know?” Sylvi whispered.
“What is it, Sylvi?” her mother pressed, drawing out the last part of her name.
Sylvi sat up, hugged her knees, and said, “I keep having an odd dream.”
“More…” Lia prompted.
“Someone is drowning. A ship goes under in a whirlpool, and the captain nearly drowns. I don’t like it.”
“Who is the captain?” Dyna asked.
“I don’t know. I can’t see his face.” She cast a quick glance over at Magni, Morgan, and Cormac, who were chatting and laughing about something.
Lia lowered her voice. “Which ship?” The Mull Cog was Cormac’s, Lia’s Hulk was run by Magni, and Morgan captained the Sea Raven.
Sylvi’s eyes moved from her mother to Lia, and finally landed on Magni, who paused in his conversation to lock gazes with her. He grinned, then winked, but his gaze changed quickly to confusion.
As if he could read her thoughts.
Then Cormac’s voice drew him back into their conversation.
She swallowed a lump in her throat before she finally spoke, sending a chill up Ailith’s spine.
“It’s Lia’s Hulk.”