Dreamer: The Seeker Series Book 2

Chapter 5

I had to get up early on the morning of the 26th because we were scheduled to meet with the council at 8 a.m. sharp. I was pretty nervous and had no idea what to expect. I realized I didn't even know where we going to meet them. I was picturing a medieval castle and a huge, round table when Cassie began steering me toward the conference room right here in our hotel. I was sputtering my surprise when she stopped and turned me to face her.

"Listen, Ally. I know this is probably going to make you angry, but please believe they had a really good reason for it."

"For what, Cassie?" I asked.

Instead of answering, she opened the door of the conference room and ushered me inside.

Sitting around a perfectly normal hotel conference table were Caoimhe, Fionnuala, Maire, and four other ladies cut from a very similar cloth. Seriously? Maybe I should have seen this coming, but apparently the stress of the last couple of weeks had dulled my normally suspicious nature.

"Welcome, Ally," Fionnuala began. "Please come in and have a seat so I can introduce the rest of the council."

"Gardening conference, huh?" I said a bit petulantly as I flopped down in the chair they indicated.

The rest of the ladies chuckled, but Caoimhe actually had the grace to look somewhat penitent. "I'm sorry, dear, but we wanted a chance to meet you and get to know you a bit before we had you before the formal council. Forgive us, please. It was in your best interest."

Fionnuala completed the introductions. In addition to the three I had already met, there was Aine (Anya), Eithne (Enya)—which wouldn't be confusing or anything—Bridget, and Iona. Today, as they were not masquerading as garden conference attendees, they were dressed in what I guess could be described as trendy business casual. They looked sharp and even somewhat funky. I was impressed, although I didn't want to be since I was still a little pissed.

Fionnuala appeared to be the leader or spokesperson for the council and called the meeting to order. "Council members, we have gathered today to begin the examination of a new Seer, Alethiea Grace Moran."

I raised my eyebrows in alarm at Cassie, who shook her head slightly.

Caoimhe must have noticed, because she turned to me and said, "No, Ally. We don't drag every new Seer to Ireland to stand, or sit really, before the council, but your grandmother and Cassie have reported your powers seem to be more powerful than usual."

"And you are developing more powers as time passes," added Iona. I grudgingly appreciated the ladies were all wearing the 'Hello My Name Is...' name tags still, or I would never be able to keep them all straight. "That is very unusual. Most Seers manifest one simple power. Your case requires extra examination."

The first thing they asked me to do was give them a rundown of the events of the past few months, ever since my first vision showed up. So I rehashed the whole thing, starting from seeing Veronica was pregnant and getting beat up, to my weird future visions of Megan losing her tooth and of Veronica and myself covered in blood. I noticed them all shifting in their seats and looking nervously at each other when I told them about these visions. I also told them about how I was able to block a vision as it was happening, which I still felt guilty about. I ended my story by telling them what had happened in Coach Trevino's office a little over a week ago. They all expressed horror and Caoimhe actually got up and came around the conference table to examine the stitches in the back of my head. I was touched when she smoothed my bangs back and kissed my forehead.

"You poor child. It's so much to bear, and at your young age. It's a shame!" she exclaimed before returning to her seat.

They produced a few miscellaneous items and asked me to touch them, like I had done for Cassie. I concentrated and was able to see in my mind where each item came from and to whom it belonged. For some reason, it seemed so much easier this time than when I had done it for Cassie.

"Very well, my dear," intoned Fionnuala. "We have much to discuss this afternoon. Cassie, bring her back here tomorrow morning at the same time. You may go now."

Well. We were clearly dismissed. Cassie and I gathered up our things and left to enjoy the rest of our day in Galway.