Daughter of the Waves

A Matter of Life and Death

Eilish led the others back into her little home. No sooner were they indoors than Brendan began to question Aalith.

"Why did you do that? You've exposed yourself now Aalith. There could be consequences."

Aalith rounded on him.

"YOU! You fool! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have needed to do it. You fractured that man's skull, and if I hadn't used my healing magic on him, he could have died!! I could not let that happen. I had to save him - that is what a healer does! If a problem arises because of this it will be YOUR fault, fisherman! Your little tantrum forced my hand!!"

Brendan gaped in surprise. He had not counted on Aalith being angry with him. He was reminded of how unnerving she had appeared on the first night they met, and resolved to be cautious, despite his own tumultuous emotions.

"But I was trying to protect you!" He was aware the words were inadequate the moment they were out of his mouth.

"I do not need your protection! Do not imagine that I am some defenceless human woman! I could have driven them all off with a wave of my hand. I can use my powers to harm as well as to heal, if I chose! Be grateful I do not." There was silence in the room for several long seconds after Aalith's declaration.

"I am sorry I have offended you, Aalith." He said quietly.

"Offended me? Aalith was incredulous. "I am beyond offended, fisherman. I am disgusted by your violence. I never want to see you again!" She shouted.

"As you wish." And he walked out the door.

Brendan and Aalith did not see each other again for some time. However, the faery healer's time was more than taken up by the many extra patients that now came to seek her medical advice. It seemed that Aalith's actions during the riot had drawn many people to her side. Most who had been ambivalent about her before became vigorous supporters, and even most of those in the village who had been opposed to her decided to accept her. People showered her with apologies for their behaviour during the riot, saying they were just caught up in the moment, in the mob mentality, and were deeply ashamed of their actions. Fergus O'Connor, the man she had treated, and Patrick Ryan, became firm friends with Aalith. For the first time, she even began receiving invitations to people's homes for reasons that were not medical. More than one person expressed an interest in hearing more stories of the pagan goddesses and gods, heroes and faeries, saying that their grandmothers had told them similar stories in hushed tones when they were children, but then warned them never to repeat them.

My father was kept busy with his work, or so he said, choosing to stay out of most people's way, fearing their judgement. He need not have worried. Most people saw Fergus's rapid recovery either as proof that Brendan had not beaten him too badly in the first place, or they were so impressed by Aalith's actions that they forgave him for her sake.

While Aalith continued to be angry at Brendan, and Brendan sorrowed over the breach in their friendship, Eilish continued her work without comment and contemplated what this could mean for them all. Aalith had already passed on most of her knowledge and her rift with Brendan appeared to be irreparable. She would not have been at all surprised if Aalith simply decided to return to the sea with her kinfolk at the next solstice, which was approaching fast upon them. There appeared to be little reason for Aalith to stay, and Eilish would not ask it of her.

The three of them kept the rift secret, but Brendan's morose behaviour and the fact that he had abruptly stopped visiting the healer's cottage was noted by more than one person and many deduced correctly what had happened. Tongues wagged in the village and time after time while being seen to by Aalith, this person or that one would take it upon themselves to praise Brendan, talking up all his fine qualities. Aalith would purse her lips tightly and say nothing, never giving away whether these testimonials had moved her at all.