Salvation

Chapter 11 - Maddy

She waited for Althea to make it back to her body, when she was satisfied she was back safely she turned back to the other women.

"Those hounds have been getting closer. They have been getting more aggressive," Maddy frowned and shook her head, "We will have to work on a stronger circle. It won't do to be lost to those beasts."

Chaska nodded, "I will contact Aisling tomorrow night, she is the best at defence, I'm sure she's got a few tricks up her sleeve that can help us."

"Thank you Sister," Maddy replied, "We have a little bit yet, what are your thoughts on our girl?"

Ramla straightened up, "I don't like her. She has no clue on how to protect herself or her thoughts. Did you see how she just flew straight up and spun around and around? Dumb!"

"Oh, I'm sure we all did stupid things when we were first learning Ramla," Nancy interjected, "She'll gain control eventually. I was quite happy on how well she did. And she has a good heart, although it is soft."

Maddy patted Nancy's arm. Out of all her sisters she was indeed closest to Nancy, in age and personality. Also in the physical world. They had been in each other's life since they were young girls in their twenties.

"I can sense her innate power Ramla, it is very strong. She has a deep well inside of her. And it is pure. But she has a lot of stuff buried on top of it. She will have to do some work before she can tap into it completely. " Chaska added.

Ramla stood up, and went to the edge, staring over the cliff edge into the void. She had her arm crossed over chest. Maddy could tell she had quite the internal dialogue going on. These ladies weren't new to this, all of their personal thoughts were shielded here, only what they wanted the others to know did they let through.

Maddy had known Ramla for about twenty years. She was younger than she, but no less worthy of the Keeper title. She was a powerful Sangoma. She was short tempered and came across as rude, but she was her Sister either way. Ramla had much value and was top notch in offensive energy use. She was someone Maddy was glad to have on their side.

"Ramla, I know that you've been dealing with the grief of losing Nandi, don't let it harden your heart." Maddy offered.

Ramla spun around fast. Her eyes were slits as she glared at Maddy. Her fury was great and Maddy had to remind herself that she was in fact grieving the loss of her apprentice and grandchild, Nandi. Maddy grounded herself against Ramla's wrath.

"How dare you bring her name up here! That name is not for you to say in this place!" Ramla's voice shouted in Maddy's head.

All three of them sat, watching, waiting. She could feel Chaska and Nancy grounding and adding a few wards. Maddy was saddened that they felt the need to do that with their Sister, but she understood. If, in her grief, Ramla lost control, the situation could get serious very quickly.

The wind rushed around them, Ramla was gathering her energy and it swirled around her. Maddy couldn't help but think her beautiful in all her fury. Oh yes, she was ultimately good, but there were many aspects to the Mother that mirrored in her children, including a great anger when provoked.

Maddy put up a hand and send out her healing energy towards Ramla. She pushed as hard as she could, trying to break through Ramla's barrier. She felt Chaska and Nancy add their own healing to hers. Together they broke through and it hit Ramla with such force that she went down on one knee.

"Peace Sister," Maddy sent, "We all love and miss Nandi. Honour her spirit with love, do not harden your heart!"

Their energy continued to wash over her. Ramla fought it, she fought it like the warrior she was. But it was not enough. Maddy could sense Ramla's energy fighting itself. The wind whipped terribly around them. The air sparked with energy. Maddy did not know how much longer they could keep this up until the hounds caught the scent. She pushed harder.

Ramla finally quit. All three of them stopped the instant the fight left her. Everything calmed as if it had never occurred and all that was left was Ramla, shaking with tears as she finally dealt with the grief that had plagued her for months. Maddy went to her and kneeled down, wrapping her small arms around the tall woman and hugged her close.

"We still have a purpose my dear friend. We can't give up now, we've come too far. Nandi would want you to continue. She'd want all of us to do what needs to happen, to protect Althea." Maddy sent.

Ramla nodded, wiping her eyes, "Thank you Maddy. I'm sorry."

"No sorries Ramla," Nancy came over and joined their embrace.

Chaska joined them as well, she put her forehead to Ramla's, "We have to stick together, through all of the ups and the downs."

Maddy felt the love grow. This time from all of them. Ramla weeped openly, grieving for her family, and for their world. It was the anguish of the Mother.

They all returned to the logs. Ramla composed herself and they continued. There would be time later for them to heal properly.

"Althea will train first with Nancy. She needs to learn how to access her well. After we will take turns meeting with her to make sure she learns everything. We have some time, but not a lot. We need to get it right this time, or the Mother will make sure we don't screw up again."

The ladies nodded their agreement. They all knew what was at stake. They couldn't afford to mess up this time.

The howling got closer. She felt Nancy raise their protection but after the battle with Ramla none of them were very strong. She looked each of them in the eye.

"Go back, we will meet again in three days. Peace Sisters!"

Maddy watched them all pop back to their bodies. She made sure they were all safe. She then closed the circle and popped back to hers.

She opened her physical eyes in her temple space. She heard the thump thump of little feet running to her. She felt the little arms wrap around her. She smiled.

"You're back! I waited quietly, but I fell asleep! I felt you pass me in my dream though" Tansy said, nuzzling her.

Maddy laughed.

"You surprise me! You will be a little healer too!"
Tansy favoured her with a smile and nodded. She pulled back and looked at Maddy seriously.

"Is Thea safe? I had a dream of her, she was in the stars, she was so happy, spinning like a star princess!"

Maddy nodded, getting up off the forest floor and patting Tansy's head.

"Yes she is safe. You are a little witch indeed!"

Tansy giggled and picked up Maddy's stuff and they walked back to her cabin. Yes, Maddy had a lot of work ahead of her, she had never had two apprentices at once!