The crunching of dried leaves beneath my feet did nothing to ease the thick and heavy mood on this moonless night. Tall, foreboding trees shrouded the path, dimming the already pitch darkness to a level of ethereal oblivion. A small lantern, shaking in my pale hands, offered the sole source of comfort. The dying fire's light illuminated only a few steps ahead. It cast away dancing shadows, the likes of which threatened to take anyone captive should they stray one step off the path. I shuddered at the thought. Images of blood-red eyes peering hungrily through the bushes filled my mind.
As I trudged down the path, a gurgling sliced through the silence. My palpitating heart bombarded its cage. The furious cascades tore at my courage and brought back foul memories of how this mess began. Rumors of women disappearing into the night flew about my village until even the most steadfast heart quavered. Perhaps this would not have been the case had any of the nine girls returned. Perhaps it would have spared me this fate. The only feasible answer to their disappearances was the river. The river plaguing all of Scotland: Kelpie's Clag A' Bhàis.
The Kelpie's Death-Bell.
The legend was always there. As old as time itself. Mothers told unruly children of the ancient Kelpie dwelling in the river which emptied into Lake Loch Ness. Any unlucky soul who met it would be spirited away to the next life. The possibility of the nine village girls falling victim to this ancient demon made everyone's blood boil. Of course, it would be a lie to say I wasn't included. My beloved sister, Rose, was the ninth. Gone without a trace. Rose, whose hair outmatched the glow of a setting sun; whose eyes could drown the sea in their deep color. The thought of a demon taking my little sister's soul gave me the courage to stand up at that meeting. To proclaim in front of the entire village I would lure the Kelpie ashore and finally rid Scotland of its cursed existence. And yet, as the roaring waters became louder and the ground beneath my toes squished, I found not determination, but fear and uncertainty.
What if I turned back? A chilling realization washed over me. As my bare blue toes breached the bitter water's surface, I found the flickering fire in my hand reminiscent of home. How lovely and warm it would be, how hospitable and safe. The desire to flee heightened, my mind already settling on a new destination far from the river. My body turned, just as another image dowsed the fire in my mind. My sister's blue eyes: endless and pleading. The chilling gaze sent shivers down my spine. It was too late to turn back. Facing fate once more, I decided.
Bending low, my hand dipped beneath the frigid waters. The river swirled around it greedily; the wind picked up enviously. As numbness crept through my fingers, I became incredibly aware of the world. Aware of the wind whispering deviously against my ears; of the leaves chanting and twirling to an unearthly tune; of the heart inside my chest fighting to keep me alive. Putting the lantern aside, I pulled out the short blade hidden underneath my black cloak. To summon a Kelpie, an offering had to be made. The blade dragged across my numb palm, drawing a few precious drops of ruby. They disappeared into the darkness.
The world spun. The wind snickered. The leaves sighed. My heart wailed.
Silence.
Absolute silence. As though a blanket fell over the world, muffling every sound. A shaky breath escaped my parched lips. The quiet did not last.
A snort blew warm, wet air onto my face. My heart stopped as my eyes opened. An ear-shattering scream built up inside. I wanted to turn-tail and run, scream, claw at the air to get away. But I couldn't move.
I couldn't move.
It was so beautiful. Despite the black night, a silvery aura surrounded the stallion, illuminating all for the eyes to see. Its coat embodied the moonless night; sleek, attractive, muscular. A deep indigo mane dotted with kelp trailed down a broad back, almost dipping into the surface of the water. A silver saddle adorned with golden bells rested gently on its back, prompting, begging for a rider. Despite its grandeur, everything paled to its eyes. They held no color - only large round pupils reflecting my own image. As if my soul were staring back. There was curiosity, stubbornness, love, hatred, truth and deceit all expressed in those simple orbs. They begged one thing, and one thing only.
As soon as the thought encroached my mind, the Kelpie shifted and the golden bells sang. The sound was unlike anything I'd heard before. It was quiet but loud, gentle but forceful, sweet but cruel. A paradox of sound that made my muscles tense but my spirit ease. I felt I would always be at peace as long as I could listen to those deathly alive bells.
I knew not to. I knew what would happen. Yet those adjuring eyes... My legs were moving before I could finish thinking, and my hand glided over the silky coat of the beast. The Kelpie bent low, and it was then I noticed the invisible fins running down from its knees. I clambered onto the demon faerie's muscular back, no longer in control of my own body, admiring the power beneath the skin. Though I knew its cruel purpose. It is said Kelpie's have the strength of ten horses and never tire. I didn't know if I'd live long enough to find out.
Already under its spell, I knew how it would end. I asked, "Demon Kelpie, have thou taken a fair maiden of auburn hair?"
The midnight horse snorted and galloped down river, towards the lake. In a voice born of darkness and time itself, it whispered with ghostly demeanor, "Nine have I taken though I know not who, but you are the tenth and shall be mine too."
