Thoughtful Thursday: The Ciaran part 20

So now Kiera has herself in a new place with new people. How will she react? Will she ever get back to Jace and Kaitlin? Or has her life taken yet another turn she had not foreseen?

I suppose it may be time to find out.

~~~~~~~

Thankfully, she did not have to wait long. Luuk inhaled his breakfast as if it had been weeks rather than hours since he had last eaten. He even went so far as to sop up every bit of juice on a last thick slice of toast. With a satisfied smile, he leaned back and closed his eyes.

Suddenly, Evin was at the table, bowing to the four of them. The old man nodded and Evin spoke to Luuk. “Sir, perhaps you would like a walk in the garden to aid your digestion? The Dughy suggests you meet with him later, should you have a question of your own.”

Luuk stood up and grinned at the boy almost his age. “Just call me Luuk. I would love a walk. Either that or I will need a nap.” He chuckled at his own joke before glancing at Kiera for permission.

She smiled and nodded as the wait staff cleared the table. She had not done as well at clearing her plate, but she had already been assured all leftovers went to feed the stock that enjoyed such morsels and so felt no guilt. Luuk and Evin left together down the long hall, and Kiera smiled again as Luuk waved a farewell before ducking out. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the old man nod at Farrell, who stood without a word and bowed before leaving the table.

“Are you off to scare away more curious?” Kiera asked Farrell softly. She was rewarded with a small smile from the normally glowering man and a curt nod before he too made his way out of the hall.

Kiera waited as patiently as she could for the man left sitting beside her to tell her where to go next. She wanted to ask questions about her mother’s younger days, about the time before the overthrow of the king, but she also knew she had an audience with her host and did not wish to keep him waiting. Evin had said he would take her to the audience chamber, but obviously plans had changed again.

The old man patted her on the arm. “No one will disturb us for awhile. Now, what is it you would like to know?”

Kiera felt an exasperated laugh bubble up and tried to squelch it. He had been very kind thus far and she knew there was no reason to repay him with rudeness. However, her frustration was building. At last, with a sigh, she answered him. “I wish to know many things but have no words with which to ask.”

He nodded and smiled, as if she had passed a test. “Then let me assist you. You are Kiera, daughter of Evelyn and widow of Triman, and you lost two children in the recent unpleasantness. You nursed many to health and many more to pass, yet still remain. At a loss as to your direction, you came here.”

Kiera nodded. Put that way she felt as if she were a little child again, waiting for her mother to tell her what to do next. Her ears burned at her foolishness.

Her companion patted her on the arm and shook his head. “No need for shame. It is a wise soul who realizes he or she is lost. Only the foolish press on without guidance.” He paused and studied her. “You do not remember much of life before Cotraine do you?”

She shook her head slowly. “I believe he came when I was three or four years old. My father said he was a boon to us, my mother a bane.” She felt another laugh bubble up as she thought of her parents. “They were at odds constantly about the politics of life. Yet I believe they were truly fond of each other.”

“I would agree with you.” The old man nodded again. “Evelyn was not one to do anything by force. You do know her name means, ‘Light?’ She brought a light to everything she did and always saw the bright side of every soul she met. Your eyes are very like hers.”

Kiera smiled at the thought. “I didn’t know. But I do remember her teasing me about my name being ‘dark’ even though I was born with blond hair and blue eyes.” She patted the mass of locks pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck. “It went auburn before this dirty brown color. I wondered if it would go black before I turned gray, but there seems little hope for that now.”

“Not always do names speak of physical appearance. Perhaps your mother knew something about your spirit, or your fate.” His watery clear eyes were back to studying her.

“I will not believe my mother cursed me to this fate.” She shook her head vehemently.

“I said nothing of a curse.” His voice was gentle. “I merely mean as a Sister of Light she would know things about those around her that others would not know.”

“What do you mean, a Sister of Light?” Kiera paused. That was a phrase she did not remember hearing before. “I don’t understand.”

“The Sisters of Light were the priestesses of this temple. Usually they were born here, and presented to the Lady as thanks for good harvest or a good yield. Some chose to stay and serve all of their lives. Others served until they came of age, and then married. It was considered good fortune to marry a Sister of Light.” He smiled.

“Then where are they now?” Kiera knew the answer as soon as she asked.

“Cotraine disbanded them. At least, he disbanded those who had committed to serve all of their lives.” He stood and patted her arm, encouraging her to follow. As she did so he continued to speak. “Those who had married, like your mother, he allowed to stay married. Those who had committed to the Lady he gave to his court.”

Kiera nodded. She had heard the king’s son had married a priestess, but did not realize the priestess was local. “I knew he had closed all the smaller temples about the land.”

“Yes, but he left this one open.” Now the old man laughed and he sounded years younger. “Even he could not run the risk of infuriating a Goddess he professed not to believe in. So we became a monastery. The sons and daughters of court come here to learn manners and the children of servants come to learn to serve.” His chuckle again interrupted his speech. “Of course all who enter here serve first. That came as quite a shock to some of the more entitled youth.”

“Then Evin is…?” She broke off the question, already sure of the answer.

“He is the grandson of the King. Now you know one reason that Farrell patrols and chases away the curious. The king has enemies and if any one of them found his grandson was here, they might think it their advantage to try and take us.” He turned a corner and Kiera suddenly found they were in a room as grand as any throne room she could imagine. She had been so busy listening to the story she had not marked how they had gotten here. “This is where the Dughy holds audience.”

She nodded, that seemed obvious, although there was no one sitting in the chair of honor.

“Now, tell me what you know of prophecy?” He patted her on the arm again and left her side to begin fussing with curtains.

Kiera blinked and stuttered. “I do not know much. My father thought it was all silly prattle, and my mother did not discuss religion much. I knew she had spent a few years here as a child, but that was all.”

“Yet she taught you the old songs?” He moved onto the next set of curtains and tweaked them to hang straight.

Kiera nodded then realized he wasn’t looking. “Yes. She said every girl ought to have a second craft, and since I was not much of a cook,” she laughed at herself briefly, “she thought I might make a passable minstrel. I play a fair guitar, and my voice is not bad, but best of all I remember songs well.”

He tweaked one more set of curtains before he stepped up to the dais. Without any appearance of a second thought, he sat down in the great chair, leaned on the arm and stroked his chin. It was a move that reminded her of Jace, until she realized where he was sitting. “Um, won’t you get in trouble?” She glanced around for one of the other retainers who would surely have him removed before the Dughy came, and she didn’t want him injured.

He shook his head, his eyes twinkling. “Did you know Dughy means ‘dark one’ as well?”

It was Kiera’s turn to shake her head. She didn’t understand why they were back to discussing names.

“There was an old saying: The sister of light, the mother of sorrow will ride out of the east on a bay mare with tales of olden times in her voice.” He was back to studying her. When she didn’t respond he added gently. “Traditionally the temple elders were named the Dark Lady and Lord.” His eyes twinkled again. “The Ciaran and the Dughy.”

Kiera found herself shaking her head before she really understood what he was saying. “I am no priestess…oh Lady save us….” Her face turned pale.

“She does her best,” the old man smiled at her, “but perhaps you should tell me why you say it in that way?”

“I sang an old song, about Osgar the fool. Jace thought…” She broke off and reached for a stool nearby, her knees buckling under her.

“He thought you were encouraging him to overthrow.” Standing from the great chair, the old man moved with remarkable ease to help her sit. “It is nice to know some recognize the old power when it shows itself.”

Kiera just kept shaking her head. “But he can’t, I mean, it’s not right. I was just singing a song.” Her protests were getting louder.

“Aye, a song that spoke of what needs be done. Cotraine is old, and is quite likely to die from this plague that so terrorized him. And truth be told, if the plague doesn’t get him, something else will. No good can come of closed gates.” He sounded resigned to the future, a feeling Kiera did not share.

“He has a son, a rightful heir. And you are training his grandson. There is a right of succession.” Again she protested but even she could hear the fallacy in her reasoning before he could point it out.

“He is not protected by blood right; he did not receive the land in that fashion. The Lady he pushed aside is now demanding her own back and will not stand for anything less than her rightful place beside the King.” He knelt beside her and smiled. “Earlier you asked my name. When not in that chair,” his head nodded toward the one he recently vacated, “I am known as Dougal. It means ‘Dark Stranger’.”

“So your mother cursed you to this fate by your name?” Her voice was incredulous, for if that was true, she would be as cursed with no control of her own fate.

“I wouldn’t say cursed, although I look forward to the day another comes to take my place. 60 years is a long time to wait.” He chuckled and stood again, straightening slowly. “I do forget sometimes it has been so long, but inevitably my joints remind me.”

“But I won’t. I won’t do it.” Kiera stood up resolutely. “No one can make me become a priestess of a goddess I hardly know.”

Dougal nodded his head. “That is true. But I believe you know her better than you think. Why not ask me about the darkness?”

Kiera looked blankly, and then recalled he had said his name and title, and her name and the title he wished to give her all related to the darkness. With a heavy sigh she lowered her head and said, “Because we introduce the Light into the darkness.”

“That is very good.” He patted her arm just as he had several time on the way into the hall. Now he took her by the arm and escorted her out. “No one will force you to serve, unlike some of these caterwaulers that I get from court. I teach them to serve in order to teach them manners while being served. You have suffered enough.”

They walked down the large corridor toward the front courtyard. “Perhaps a little time alone would be good for you. I give you the freedom to wander these halls as you wish and no one will disturb you. Did you see the alcove to the right of the great hall?” When Kiera shook her head he continued, “Facing the Great Chair on the right is a library. Pass behind the curtain and you will see it. There is no door.” He smiled at her. “Feel free to use anything you find there. Lian will always be ready for saddling, but I do ask you check with Farrell before you ride any distance. If you wish, I will send him with a message to your companions saying you were invited to stay a short while.

Kiera could only nod her head. First Jace and now the Dughy himself had declared her a priestess. Jace said he’d heard power in her voice; Dougal said it was her destiny. Was there no simple way she could serve out her life, mourn the death of her children and wait until it was her time to pass?

“I will leave you here. This room is yours for as long as you wish it. Evin and Luuk will come fetch you for supper. I think I should put them into a room together. I think they would both enjoy it.”

Again, all Kiera could do was nod. As soon as it was proper, she slipped into the room where she had changed clothes just a short time ago and fell onto the quilted bed. She wished she could cry for her lost husband, her lost children, her lost youth and her lost innocence. She knew she would never be the same.

Thoughtful Thursday: The Ciaran week 19

So I skipped a week to catch up on work – here is the next piece and I hope you all didn’t mind the wait.

Since you were so kind and patient, this piece is a little longer. Is it what you expected?

~~~~~~

The sun was well below mid-sky when the rock walls of the temple came into view. Even after forty years of ill repute and neglect, it held an air of mystery. The walls were white and glistened in the sun despite cracks and gaps where stones had fallen away. The gates were wide open, and from the road Kiera could see paving stones marking the courtyard. She felt her breath catch in her throat. She had heard stories of the Lady’s Temple but never expected to see it. Here she was. What a strange twist her life had taken.

As they reached the gates, her captor pulled up. He gestured for Kiera and Luuk to enter before him. He called out in a loud voice, “Squatters come to see The Dughy.”

Kiera’s eyes flashed angrily. She did not care what happened to her after this moment, but to be called a squatter again infuriated her. “I am not a squatter and I would like you to remember that.”

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Thoughtful Thursdays: The Ciaran part 17

It is a shorter snippet today – mostly because the way to a good life never runs smoothly (=

Thanks to those of you who are following regularly. It is fun to share this project, begun the November after my mother passed away. She was a phenomenal force in this world, and inspired me to want to make a difference. I don’t know I will ever be as effective as she was, but in my writing I feel like I can keep a little bit of her alive.

Thanks again.

Now, more of The Ciaran.

~~~~~

Kiera had every intention of awakening well before dawn so she could take Luuk’s place. After all, he was as unaccustomed to travel as she, and she expected he would fall asleep sitting up, a most uncomfortable position. To her dismay she awoke to an unknown voice growling at her. “Squatters be not welcome here.”

She opened her eyes and sat up abruptly, any words fleeing her mind as she saw Luuk being held at sword point. His eyes were remarkably calm, and she wondered if even now he was awake enough to truly understanding what was happening. Gathering her wits, she whispered, showing her hands free of weapons as she shifted from under her cloak. “We did not mean to trespass. We were caught out in the storm and couldn’t make it before the gates closed.”

“You be looking mighty cozy, cutting down our trees and all.” He was still growling, his eyes on Luuk and the lad’s sword just barely out of reach.

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Thoughtful Thursday: The Ciaran part 16

You may or may not be surprised that Kiera is a little strong willed. She may have been content to stay home and raise a family when she had one, but now she was on her own, she was not likely to allow anyone to tell her what she should or should not be doing. Perhaps it was a little rebellion against the hand life had dealt her. Perhaps it was a tug from a higher call. We will just have to wait if it may be both.

So here you go, a little more of “The Ciaran.”

~~~~~~~~~

The next morning was just one of many as Kiera learned how to build a village. She spent most days watching and staying out of the way. With Jace’s permission, she set up a second canvas tent next to her own with the medicinal chest protected against a tree on one side and canvas above. She then sorted through it, being sure everything was properly labeled. She also noted that which they would have to purchase, hunt for or barter for before the weather turned permanently.

When there was a meal break, she would crawl out from her work area to be amazed at the progress made. One day the table had been carved and set up and on another canvas hung from poles to shelter the diners from the wind and sun. It would not be much help should snow arrive, although it was seldom forecast in these parts.

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Thoughtful Thursday: The Ciaran part 15

Ah, that is better. The lasses are friends again and if they are not quite as close as they once were, it is often a consequence of traveling together.

Some bad news comes down the road as they progress, however, and Kiera finds her plans once again change. Will she ever adapt to this constant state of flux? Or will she find something else that draws her away from her little band?

Now for more of The Ciaran.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Much to Kiera’s relief the next days of travel went without much drama. The mornings would begin with breakfast and a planning session, they would break around mid-day to rest the horses and themselves, and then press on until just before sundown. There was just enough time to set up the campfire, pull out the makeshift tents and heat up some food before the fire was the only light available. Kaitlin usually groused about having no time to improve her inventory, Niall would offer to drive her wagon the next day so she could work on the road, Jace would come up with some reason that would not work, and Kiera would play them all to sleep. She avoided the political stories of heroes and villains since that first song came to her mind and instead focused on remembering silly rhymes and childhood melodies.

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