Star of Daylight (Book Two of the Viking Series)

CHAPTER FOUR - Star of Daylight

I was not certain whether what I was seeing could be called visions or sightings. Some of them came to me in dreams, but others were apparitions that appeared in front of me almost if they had substance. They were accompanied by severe headaches, and with no warning as to when they would happen, it began to interfere with my training. At first, I did not mention them, as Vander was a part of my past I did not wish to revisit.

Walking Clouds began to notice about a moon after my arrival, and quickly became concerned. He forced me to speak of the events of my life, and I was surprised to discover that the fear I experienced as a child, as well as during these ‘sightings’,  was lessened slightly by our talks. A part of me felt that the anxiety should not have been there at all, but as I could do nothing about it, I tried to go about my day ignoring it. They did not stop, however, and my dreams took on a new turn.

One of them, in particular, concerned my people, and I could not shake the feeling that they were in danger. I began to worry about my sanity. Walking Clouds told me that I could hurt the baby, and began to give me herbs meant to help me calm down and suppress the images, but even that did not help much. The child growing inside me was restless and my back started hurting. I only had about two moons to go to give birth, and I was terrified that this child would not survive, like the one I lost that fateful winter.

I did not wish to upset Running Deer, and so, I did not send any messages to him concerning this, but I think that Walking Clouds may have informed him despite my protests to the contrary. The old man believed that I was having this trouble because I was meant to face this trouble. He constantly reminded me of the vision I had when I gained my spirit protector. Liberty had followed me there, and she was a comfort, though I could tell that she was sharing the same feelings as me. We were connected in an elemental way, and I no longer had to call her, or screech for her to come to me. She seemed to arrive each time I needed her anyway, like she knew what was in my mind.

Walking Clouds pulled me out of my thoughts when he entered the lodge, “Star of Daylight, we must go into the mountains again. We need a clear direction, and so you must seek your own vision. I feel like your spirits have split, and part of you has traveled elsewhere. I cannot help but worry for the well being of both of you.” I knew he was speaking of the baby nestled in my womb, and I shared his sentiments. I did not want to lose another child. The pain of the first time was excruciating, and I did not wish to experience it again.

“Do you think it is safe, Walking Clouds? Datura is a potent poison.” I remembered the time I was stabbed in the arm and almost died, and worried it would expel the child from my body too soon, and it would not survive. I was sure it was a girl, and could almost sense her spirit within me. She was turbulent in her emotions, and yet strong. Her power added to my own, but I knew that the thread that held her to this life was fragile and could be severed easily.

“I have decided to use something else to bring about that state of ease without causing the visions, as you are having them without any aid from outside influences. Pack your bag. We leave as soon as you are ready.”

With that, he exited the guest lodge and disappeared from sight. Picking up my pack, I gathered the necessary items together, making certain to add extra pemmican, as I was craving it voraciously. The sack was heavy, but not too bad, and I slung it over my head onto my shoulder with little difficulty. Once it was properly seated against my back, I slipped my moccasins on my feet, and headed out the door.

The sunlight hit my face with its full force, and I had to blink my eyes several times to adjust to its rays. I was glad it was not raining, as that would have been a miserable trek. I made my way to Walking Clouds lodge, announcing myself when I was near enough.

“Come in, Star of Daylight, I am almost ready,” I heard from within. I entered, and was hit by the smoke that circled thickly in the air. Immediately, my senses picked up the scent of sage, and the herb I had begun to use to bring about relaxation. He was sitting cross-legged in front of the fire, smoking on his pipe. “Come, sit down, child. Smoke with me before we go.”