Spirit of the Land Chapter 4

"So, you are Aisling of Galway."
"As last I checked. And you are Queen Maeve of Temra."
"That I am." Aisling wasn't sure, but she thought she saw the beginnings of a smile play at the corner of the older woman's lips. "I've been told that you see…unusual things."
"What unusual things, my queen?"
"That you speak to all the creatures of this land."
"Actually, it is they who speak to me, not I to them."
"I see. So it is true, then?"
"Of course." It didn't matter what she said, be it true or false. Conlonn had most likely told Maeve all there was to tell about her. Maeve was only testing her, and her best chance lied in passing the test.
"I have also been told that you can see the future. Is that true as well?"
"Somewhat."
"Oh?"
"I see little that makes sense. Images flash through my thoughts, unconnected phrases echo in my mind. It is rare that an actual event will ever take root in my head."
"I see. I could use one with your gifts."
"How so?"
"You could be quite…helpful…in the war against Kells."
"Forgive me my queen, but I have little interest in participating in that war."
"Oh?"
"It would seem that my brother failed to tell you everything about me." Aisling saw Maeve's eyes shift to Torc, who stood nearby. Torc met her gaze and shook his head. "When battle rages across this land, when blood is shed, when a village is razed to the ground, this land feels pain, as do I. May I ask you a question, my Queen?"
"Of course."
"Do you love this land?"
"Yes."
"And you would not see it destroyed, would you?"
"No, I would not."
"But your war…does it not destroy both Kells and Temra? To rule both kingdoms, will you and Conchubar destroy both?" There was a silence in the room, and Aisling could feel both Torc and Maeve's eyes—and those of the guards—upon her. To Anwnn with Maeve's test.
"You tread dangerous ground, Aisling of Galway."
"No more so than you, my queen."
"Very well. I shall think on your words, if you will consider my offer."
"Of course, my queen."
"You will, of course, partake of my hospitality, and stay the night. I would hate to think that I had not fulfilled my duties, both as queen and as hostess."
"Of course, my queen."
"Torc will show you to your room. Torc?"
Torc stepped forward to take Aisling's arm, but she stepped out of his reach.
"Forgive me, good sir, but it has been fifteen winters since I have required any assistance in walking, and I do not require it now." And this time, Maeve did smile.
To be continued...