Chapter 16
Chaos
1639 - (Retrospection) Glastonbury
When Anu awoke, she was in her own bed, tended by the maidens. She could still hear and feel the sense of danger and frantic activity about her.
"Where is Calum," she sat up so suddenly on her bed that she startled the young maiden there. "And Etain! Where is Etain?" Panic was evident throughout her body and soul.
"Calum is at the Tor and will remain there for a few more days," replied one of the Priestesses who had stopped in to check on her. "And Etain is safe with the other children."
Anu collapsed in relief upon the bed and closed her eyes once again, taking deep breaths to calm herself. The Priestess who had spoken cleared her throat to reclaim Anu's attention.
"Calum has sent word that you are to be brought to him immediately. Are you able?"
Anu nodded weakly, all the previous malice and childishness she had exhibited over the past months ceased to exist. The old Anu had returned and there was serious business at hand. She splashed water on her face and allowed the priestess and two maidens to lead her secretly to Calum. If the hunters were still about, they would not be able to pick up the women's lead.
In a secluded cave, Calum sat in quiet meditation. At Anu's arrival he sensed the change in her and was relieved. She knelt before him and kissed his hands.
"I was so afraid for you….," she choked and then added quietly, "and Etain."
"You know we will keep Etain safe, as we will keep you safe. Your future is important to the village."
He sighed, and held her hands tightly in his. Looking into her eyes, he realized how much he loved this young woman and gathered her into his arms to comfort her. She would never know that he had coupled with her mother at Beltaine all those years back, and that he was indeed her father. And now he must let her know what was necessary to ensure her future as High Priestess.
"I am about to tell you something that may frighten you and may also seem unfair but it is for the good of not only the village, but for your own safety as well."
She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. He had her full attention.
"You must leave the village for an indefinite period of time."
"You cannot be serious!" She sat bolt upright, struggling out of his embrace.
"Aye, 'tis a grave decision and one that did not come easy for me. We will send you away to a safe place and call for your return when the time is right."
She searched his face, his eyes, for some clue that this was not happening but could find none. Tears welled in her eyes but she brushed them away.
"Where will I go? What will I do?"
"We will send you first to a small sister village in New Forest, for the Hunters have already been through there," he spoke softly, soothingly. "You will be cared for and hidden in Emery Down for a while until it is safe for you to journey further to Swanage. There you will cross the channel to an island owned by the French. 'Tis a safe haven for ye there, if ye choose a new name for yourself. Outside a village by the name of Dunnedin is a small cottage with a bit of land. You will be able to make an honest living for yourself with the gold and silver we will provide you. There you will wait until word is received that you may return."
The longer he spoke, the less she reacted and her face became stony in silence. Her mind however, was awhirl with thoughts of leaving the village, Calum…and her baby! Etain! She swallowed hard.
"For how long, d'ye think," she was afraid to hear the answer.
"That I cannot tell ye at this time," he lowered his head, unable to meet her eyes. "it could well be years, my heartling."
Her sharp intake of breath nearly broke Calum's heart. She closed her eyes to gain inner balance and strength and when she opened them again, Calum could see the resolve set so very deeply.
"Very well, I will do as ye bid, for I trust ye with my life….," she spoke, then lowered her voice, "and my daughter's." At this, the tears she'd been holding slipped like small moonstones down her face.
He gathered her again in his arms and held her for perhaps the last time.
Chapter 17
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