Stefan's Journey

Chapter 14

Stefan was grumpy. It was the opening day of the festival that they were having. Invites had gone out and hundreds of people from all over the world had showed up. The Gods were on hand and all of the mythical creatures of Scotland had shown up. The forest had certain places that were off limits.

"I'm still not sure about this."

Bran glanced over at Stefan and grunted softly. "Neither do I, but we only have to do this for a year or two. If it helps the Gods then I'm all for it."

Stefan sighed. "I have spent the past 500 years trying to stay out of the public eye. I don't feel like being put on show again."

"Your wife seems happy about it."

Stefan laughed. "Moira is always happy. She knows that this is important. I'm just glad that she, Kerri, and Branwyn have everything under control."

"I'm not worried about the women. I'm more worried about the forest." Bran cast an anxious look over at the forest. "The forest is old and fun of mystery. I'd hate for an ancient spring or standing stones to be ruined."

"Cernnunos has assured me that the forest will not be harmed. The forest is being guarded by several of the nastier of creatures of our myths. If the humans try to harm anything the forest will hit back and I'm sure that the humans will think twice before they try to harm the forest again."

Bran didn't say anything as he studied the forest. Stefan was just as quiet as he thought about what was going to happen. He knew that this was the best answer, but he hated turning his home into a circus. Stefan hoped that everything would go smoothly.

Stefan sighed in resignation. "I better get down there. Since I am Lord of the castle it is my job to greet everyone."

***

of the castle it is my job to greet everyone."

Moira was relieved when she saw Stefan appear. She knew that he didn't want to do this, but he had agreed with Thalia's idea. Moira smiled at Thalia and squeezed her hand. Hector stood protectively next to Thalia. His arms were crossed and he glared at anyone who looked at them to long. The rumor had spread about Thalia and Hector. Moira felt their pain. They were young.

"I'm so glad that Stefan agreed to this."

Moira smiled at Thalia. "I am too Thalia. This needs to be done."

"May I have your attention please."

Moira turned and saw Stefan standing on top of one of the statues that marked the entrance to Gordon land. It was a statue of a pooka in the shape of a rearing horse carved out of black marble. The gathering throng of people quieted down as Stefan's voice echoed around them.

"Ye are here on Gordon land for a reason. Ye have come to see the Gods and the creatures of Celtic myth and legend. As my humble guests ye have free run of my land and castle. Just know that there are places that are off limits to ye. If ye happen to get close to them ye will be turned back. Also know that if ye decide to vandalize anything, ye will pay the price. The dungeon in this castle is still operational."

Stefan paused to give the crowd a stern look. His features softened as he spread his arms wide. He flashed them his fangs as he shouted at the top of his lungs. "Enjoy yourselves and feel free to ask anyone that is shining any questions ye want answered!"

Moira moved closer to Thalia and Hector as the crowd pressed around them. Moira was one of the people that would be glowing. It was a subtle glow, but one that was visible to the visitors. The crowd rushed by and anxious voices were soon heard as the humans came in contact with the Gods and mythical creatures that roamed the land.

Moira soon left Thalia and Hector. She wandered about the land answering questions and pointed out things for them to see. Hours passed and Moira found herself at a circle of standing stones. The stones were being guarded by several Bean-Nighe who were known as the washer women and foretold the death of those who were set to die. They kept a close eye on the humans as they walked reverently amidst the stones. Moira let them have their time before she led them back into the forest. She showed them kelpies and fairies.

***

The Great Hall was full of people. Servants scurried here and there as they helped serve the throng of humans. The Gods moved about the Great Hall intermixing with the humans. Tailesin kept up a steady stream of music as several of the Goddesses danced in and out of the groups of humans.

Moira and Stefan watched from the High Table as people laughed and ate. A sense of victory was in the air. The Gods had revealed their true selves. Moira and Stefan had spread the word of their immortality. Stefan had even demonstrated how to feed to a few groups of humans. Moira had been his prey and they had rather enjoyed the public spectacle.

"How long do ye think we need to do this?"

Cernnunos looked down at Kerri. Both stood up in one of the rare balconies that over shadowed the Great Hall. Stefan's great great grandfather had added the balconies for archers to stand on. He felt safer knowing that there were archers their protecting him.

"I don't know Kerri. However long Stefan and Moira feel comfortable with all of these humans nearby. I know it's hard on both of them."

Kerri sighed as she leaned against Cernnunos. Her fingers lightly traced circles on his hand that rested on the balcony. "Do ye think we should tell Moira that she's pregnant?"

Cernnunos leaned down and kissed the top of Kerri's head. She wrinkled her nose at him. "I think ye should wait. Moira is just newly pregnant. Give her some time to discover it herself."

Kerri sighed. "I want another baby."

Cernnunos cleared his throat. "Are ye saying what I think you're saying?"

Kerri looked up at Cernnunos with a slightly annoyed look. "Do I need to explain things to ye Cernnunos?"

"No, I'm not that dull."

"Good," Kerri said with a pleased expression on her face. "I'll race ye to my place."

Kerri disappeared with a flash of light causing several dozen humans to look up at the balcony. Cernnunos shook his head as he vanished in a puff of green smoke. He planned on letting Kerri beat him to her place. Kerri was always very gracious when she won and Cernnunos planned of giving Kerri her wish.