Star of Daylight (Book Two of the Viking Series)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN - MADHBH

I was putting on a pot of tea when my son, Cael, walked through the door of my little cottage. It was well hidden and not many knew of its location, so I did not need to wear my disguise when I was home, thankfully. I left my red hair flowing and had on a beautiful green gown. I was not an old woman, but the gift allowed me to present myself in pretty much any form I wanted. The gift was passed down to me from my grandmother.

Hello, son. I looked and Caels weary face and knew he was having a difficult time.

Greetings, Mother. He wiped his brow with a piece of cloth and sat down in one of the chairs I had around my small wooden table. Can we talk?

Certainly, Cael. I can see that you are having trouble just by the look on your face. I walked the few steps to his side and set down a cup of tea in front of him. Here, son, take a sip and a long deep breath. Then you can tell me what is on your mind. I sat down in the chair closest to his and reached for his free hand.

Breathing deeply, he began his tale. My heart was in my throat as he described the picking of the slaves and what that evil Vander wanted him to do. I was proud of him when he told me of sacrificing the deer instead of that poor man. He had brought the deer with him and already skinned and prepared it before coming into the house. I had not even heard him, so deep in thought about my daughter as I was.

There was an ache that would not go away no matter what I did. I could see her in my dreams, but not where she was or whether she was alive. I wished she would speak to me. I could only see her reaching out to me; fear on her face. She was so stunning that I feared she would be violated. It had been two years of hell without her.

Cael pulled me out of my reverie with a touch on my shoulder. Giving me a concerned look, he said, Mother, we cannot forget we have two missions. I miss her too, but we have to save that poor girl and her baby. What do we do?

You need to keep up your own part for a while longer, honey. I know it is hard to be by his side so much, but there is a reason for everything no matter how disgusting it is. She will come. I know it. I have seen her. The end is not clear, but she is on her way. Their connection is getting stronger the closer she comes. It will all be up to her.

What if he kills her before she can save Night Moon?

He wont. I will see to it, my dear. You need not worry. I have a plan for that. But he cannot know who I really am until this matter is resolved. I have a feeling we will be able to ask him about Katryn when that time comes as well. Trust the visions, Cael.

I do, Mother, but I cannot help but worry. How much more depravity can I stand. I believe he has been killing women, but I cannot prove it. He is not just cruel, Mother, He is evil.

He told me about the tavern and how the patrons and workers there had made his feel. It was the looks on their faces that truly hit him hard. He was heartsore and I could see it. What worried me was that if I could see it, would Vander suspect it. I wish I could see my childrens future like I could perfect strangers lives. I have no choice in what I see. It comes to me when it wills and I cannot change it.

I need you to go back to Vanders lodge and keep at your work, son. Mayhap he will make a mistake or confide in youespecially now that he believes he killed with you. I also want you to find the man you were supposed to have murdered and send him here if you could. I will protect him and he can stay in the barn and help around here so you will not worry about me so much. The more time you spend with Vander, the bigger the chance he will confide in you. At least he does not know more about us.

I will, Mother, though I do not like it. It is a bitter taste in my mouth. I almost broke down today, but you have given me a fresh perspective. I will do my best. What will you do?