A Witch's Life Read online

  “Alainn, you must come oblige us, we are much in need of your assistance this night.”

  “Me?” she asked clearly uncertain.

  “Aye, it is said you are surely the most powerful of all magical beings this night.”

  Alainn glanced about, staring at the fairies, the mystical animals, and magical creatures and then down at herself. She feared they were gravely mistaken, yet they remained insistent.

  “Did you not free the thirteen hellhounds and the four druid dragons?” a beguiling young mermaid with long red hair, called to her from her place upon the rocks.

  “Aye, but ’twas in the realm of the gods, not here on earth.” Alainn revealed, unaware anyone knew of her adventures during her time with the gods.

  “Nonetheless,” said an imposingly large merman with a deep voice that resonated across the water and caused the waves to suddenly become turbulent, “you once freed magical beings imprisoned by the gods.”

  “Aye, and apparently the aftereffects are still being felt in that realm. The gods are even now at war and much unrest has ensued.”

  “So if given the choice again, if you had the chance to free the beasts once more, you’d decide differently?”

  “Yes... no... I’m not certain. I don’t believe the hellhounds or the dragons deserved to be imprisoned indefinitely, perhaps not at all but, in truth, I hadn’t thought it would cause such serious consequences when I freed them.”

  “We have someone in need of your assistance in that regard as well, Alainn. There is a young mermaid being held captive in an underwater cavern by Mac Lir!” the merman offered.

  “Mac Lir, the infamous Celtic God of the sea?” she asked dubiously.

  “Aye, he’s held her there for over a decade now, simply because he finds her beautiful.”

  “Has he harmed her, or is he after taking her as his wife?”

  “We have been assured he has not harmed her, but he’ll not allow us to see for ourselves. He keeps her simply so that he might look upon her beauty should he feel so inclined to do so.”

  “Well, ’tis sorry I am that one of your own is being held by a god for a lengthy time, and for such an absurd reason. But I cannot see what I am to do about it. I’ve no desire to rile any other gods, most especially one that has been connected with both the Fomorians and The Tuatha De Danann. I’m also not capable of breathing beneath the water so I don’t believe I’d be of much assistance to you.”

  “But this night Mac Lir is much detained as he ferries the souls of the dead to the afterlife. With so many souls walking the earth he shall surely have no time to go to the underwater cavern.”

  “I do understand your unenviable predicament, and if ever a night would be advantageous to accomplish rescuing the mermaid, sure tonight may very well be the one, but do you dare to presume he simply leaves her unattended, or unfettered?”

  “No, she is allegedly attended by four darkly charmed Kelpies, and bound by the magical seaweed Mac Lir procured from the furthest depths of the deepest ocean.”

  “Well, ’tis far more likely the lot of you would have a greater chance at freeing your mermaid than me. Since I have not lived near the sea until only recently, I know very little of kelpies, darkly charmed or otherwise, and I’ve certainly never been anywhere near the deepest ocean.”

  “But it is said you possess unprecedented magical abilities and you have connections to the gods.”

  “I assure you the gods find no favor with me; as I afore mentioned they find themselves in the midst of a brutal war because of my actions in their realm. The Fomorians were much displeased with me and have once more challenged the gods who were in favor of the beasts being freed. Besides, I have scarcely used my magic in the the past months. I am uncertain what abilities I retain. In truth, what may be considerably more worrisome; I do not know if I am able to control my powers once they are unleashed.”

  “Enbarr has said you were capable of flight this night. It is believed you are able to do much more with your magic.”

  “Enbarr?” Alainn wasn’t certain who they were referring to, but reasoned only the horse she’d named Lightning knew of this night’s events. She glanced over to see the magical white horse now appeared to be nuzzling a unicorn. Her eyes grew wide in amazement, and she blinked several times, for till now she had believed unicorns, too, only existed in myth.

  She tried to recall all that she’d learned of Celtic mythical creatures and gods and where she had heard the name Enbarr before. Realization dawned and she shook her head.

  “Enbarr is Lugh’s horse,” Alainn confusedly queried.

  “Aye,” the merman answered.

  “He is capable of flight and of traveling above and beneath the water?” she continued.

  The merman nodded.

  “You wish to have him take me to the underwater cavern?”

  The mer-people all nodded with much exuberance at the possibility Alainn might soon be swayed.

  “Did Enbarr not inform you of how poorly my attempt at flight ended?” She could see she was not dissuading them in any manner.

  “To reach the cavern one must swim beneath the water, but the actual cavern is above the water. Even someone with no supernatural abilities would be capable of breathing within the cavern. Besides, it’s rumored you’re able to simply wish yourself from one location to another.”

  Alainn pondered how these mer-people seemed to know so much about her. When she didn’t respond to the latest comment, the merman who appeared to be their leader, continued to speak.

  “It has been said by employing your magical powers you recently saved the life of your husband and a thousand men in his army against a mortiferous enemy only weeks ago.”

  Alainn dared to dwell upon that fateful day. She remembered the numbers the English claimed and the baneful weapons they had in their possession. She had saved many lives that day, including her beloved Killian, but the cost had been tragic and immeasurable.

  “Aye, well, I regret to inform you, that tale has been most greatly exaggerated.” She morosely whispered.

  “So you didn’t save many lives?” the red-haired mermaid asked.

  “Some, but I’ve no desire to speak of this any longer.” Alainn despised allowing herself to recollect that fateful day... the day their baby had died.

  She had indubitably attempted to numb herself to the pain, disallow herself to fall upon the heart wrenching memories and keep the torment concealed deep inside. But, in truth, it was present in every waking moment and it haunted her dreams so consistently she feared falling asleep.

  “So you’ll assist us then?” The young mermaid’s hopeful words pulled her from her dark memories.

  “The mermaid who is imprisoned is your sister?” Alainn deducted aloud, aptly hearing the mermaid’s thoughts.

  “She is my twin sister,” she affirmed Alainn’s suspicions.

  “And she is my daughter,” the large merman proclaimed.

  “We’ve not seen her in a lengthy time?” the female lamented, tears forming in her large sad eyes.

  “If she were your child, Alainn, would you not do anything in your power to rescue her?” The merman posed.

  Alainn shuddered at this query. Since the mer-people seemed to know much of what had transpired those weeks ago, it was most likely they knew of the loss of her wee son as well. They were surely attempting to appeal to her empathetic and maternal nature.

  “Once again, you should be informed until this night I did not move from my chambers for weeks on end, and employed entirely no magic. I fear you have gravely overestimated my abilities.”

  The mermaid now looked toward her father in desperation of what might be done to persuade Alainn to assist them. The towering merman shook his head and shrugged his broad shoulders, to which the mermaid responded by beginning to sob aloud as her sea-green eyes filled with tears that fell down her pale cheeks.

  “I cannot bear to be distanced from her any longer, Father! We must find a way to bring her back
to us.”

  Alainn cursed under her breath for as an empath she was capable of both physically and telepathically sensing the mermaid’s deep misery at being parted from her twin sister.

  She inhaled deeply as she spoke. “I cannot simply wish myself to a location when I have never been there before or to a person I don’t know. I have never met your sister, nor have no notion of the location where she is being held. Sure the many seas have endless caverns.”

  The mermaid’s face grew hopeful even at Alainn’s uncertain words. She swam closer to her, slapped her brightly colored and beautifully patterned tail against the water before pulling herself up onto the shore beside Alainn. She outstretched her arms to her, and Alainn hesitantly embraced her.

  “If you find a way to return my sister to me, to us, I shall be forever in your debt, as will my father and all of the mer-people from far and away, and we are many, Alainn... so many more than even your imagination could fathom.”

  Alainn was touched by the young mermaid’s quivering voice, now so full of sincerity and conviction.

  “I suppose it would be beneficial if you were to tell me your name then, and that of your sister.”

  “I am Kenisha and my sister is Coventina.”

  “Lovely names for mermaids.” Alainn nodded and smiled maintaining a healthy amount of reluctance in allowing these people to put their faith in her and her ability to save their cherished mermaid.

  She noticed Lightning or rather, Enbarr had left his previous position near the unicorn and come to her side.

  “So, we are to embark on a magical adventure this night, after all, is that truth?”

  Alainn stared at the animal with some suspicion for she believed he was surely the one responsible for ensuring she happened upon this particular fairy glade.

  “It would appear so. Though we might soon have a conversation as to why Lugh has allowed his magical steed to be sent to earth.”

  The horse eyed her with equal suspicion. “Well there is a war being waged in the realm of the gods. Perhaps he thought to keep me safe here in the human realm.”

  “Ironically you were very nearly killed when the dark spell was placed on the animals.”

  She stared at the huge jagged scar upon the horse’s chest where months ago the animal had charged a fence and been impaled by a large portion of plank. Alainn had used her magic and a well over a hundred stitches to close the wound and heal the horse. Many had been of the opinion the horse should be killed to put it out of its misery, but she had adamantly insisted she could save the animal’s life. Would Lugh simply have allowed his cherished steed to be killed in the human realm? She shook her head and dwelled once more on the task at hand.

  She held tight to the mermaid’s hands and told her to envision her sister. Almost immediately a clear image of the mermaid came to Alainn’s mind’s eye. She called to Coventina through telepathy.

  “Although you do not know me, my name is Alainn and I possess the ability to do magic. I understand your present predicament; you are being kept against your will and guarded by kelpies. I would ask that you sing, use your powerful and beautiful voice now so that we might follow it and find our way to you this night.”

  “Aye, Alainn. I have heard much of you and your great powers. I have been waiting for you to assist my sister and my father.”

  Although Alainn wasn’t certain she wanted anyone, much less an entire sea full of mer-people and sea creatures to reply upon her for assistance, there was little to do about it. She was undoubtedly involved now. In very little time, a hauntingly beautiful voice came to Alainn, and she smiled. She placed her hands to her ears and then held her hands before her. Soon each of the mer-people and sea creatures were able to hear the captive mermaid’s voice.

  Kenisha beamed broadly at recognizing her sister’s beautiful singing voice.

  The magical horse nodded to Alainn as she climbed upon his back once more and they followed the mer-people into the dark waters.

  Chapter Two

  Alainn exhaled in relief when they emerged within the cavern. She’d actually been unaware she’d been holding her breath, but realized she’d surely feared they may find themselves in the middle of the ocean. The mer-people had accompanied them for a time, but it was decided only she and Enbarr would actually enter the cavern. She hadn’t been confident in her abilities; that she would be capable of simply wishing herself to the imprisoned mermaid, but alas, apparently here they were. Both she and the magical horse beheld the undeniable beauty of their surroundings.

  The sides of the cave appeared to be made of translucent crystal and the entire cavern glistened and shone radiantly. The water was a brilliant turquoise blue and the waves gently sloshed against the edge of the multicolored rock of the cavern’s floor. Although it was a far cry from a dark and dingy dungeon, it was no less a prison simply because it would be considered outwardly beautiful.

  It appeared to be completely silent and oddly peaceful for the time being. Alainn eyed the area warily for there was no sign of Coventina or the darkly charmed kelpies who were said to watch over her.

  “I sense no one near.” Enbarr voiced Alainn’s thoughts.

  “Nor do I. Perhaps my magic did not take us to the correct location after all. I did forewarn the mer-people my abilities are surely enfeebled with lack of consistent practice.”

  “Shhhhhh,” they heard a female voice whisper from behind a large rock formation.

  Alainn quietly walked toward the sound and Enbarr followed attempting to remain silent, but when his hooves clomped upon the rock, he simply floated behind Alainn.

  As she peered around the wall Alainn met a most unusual sight. This room was likened to a great hall so large was the area, yet much of the chamber’s floor was covered by sea water. The mermaid, Coventina who was nearly identical in appearance to her twin sister, sat upon a chair that closely resembled a throne, also made entirely of magnificent crystal. The chair was half submersed in the water so her tail was not visible making her appear as a human woman. Her long red hair hung down to her waist and the relief in her eyes at seeing them was clear.

  Yet she contained her emotion and placed a finger to her lips, motioning to the far wall. There, lying on the rocks, were four sleeping creatures Alainn deemed must be kelpies. They were immense dark beasts similar to horses, but much larger. Two were lying entirely on the rocks and the other two floated in the water. Alainn noted their hooves were oddly reversed as she’d heard was the way with kelpies.

  Coventina whispered in a voice Alainn couldn’t help but notice was clear and beautiful even though she spoke in a soft tone, “I sang them to sleep with an enchantment, but I fear it won’t last long,”

  “Then best we hurry and free you,” Enbarr suggested.

  Coventina slowly moved above the water so her tail could finally be seen. It was soon revealed she was tethered by two lengthy strands of seaweed.

  “Seaweed from the depths of the deepest ocean?” Alainn remembered and whispered aloud.

  The mermaid nodded and her large eyes filled with hopelessness.

  “Magically charmed seaweed,” she added.

  “I am certain Alainn will find a way to sever it; she’s done it before.” The horse comforted the young mermaid.

  Alainn glowered at the horse for offering what might be false hope to the imprisoned mermaid.

  “When I freed the air dragon in the realm of the gods, I did so with Fomorian crystal. Do you happen to have some such crystal hidden somewhere?” she sarcastically whispered to the horse.

  “Fomorian crystal worked then because the Fomorians imprisoned the dragons. One might assume we would need something belonging to Mac Lir to cut through this charmed seaweed. He is after all the one who charmed the binding tether.”

  “Has he left something here that may be used to sever your ties?” Alainn questioned the mermaid. They all were startled when one of the kelpies moved and moaned loudly, but remained asleep. They breathed a collective sigh of re
lief.

  “I can think of nothing,” Coventina shook her head. “He does not reside here, but only comes to look upon me on occasion. It has been weeks since I last saw him.”

  Alainn strained to come up with a solution to this quandary knowing time was surely short before the kelpies awoke. Even now, another stirred and one in the water turned over and made a splashing sound. Soon the others grew restless as well.

  “Can you not sing to them again and place further enchantment upon them?” Alainn wondered.

  “It has never been successful when attempted a second time. Are you perhaps able to sing in such a manner or use your magic to the same end, Alainn? I have heard you possess a beautiful singing voice and that your magical abilities know no bounds.”

  Alainn had once taken great joy in singing and had done so regularly. However, since the night they’d buried their child, she had not sung one note. She dismissed this morose thought for the present discord. She found herself longing to deal harshly with whomever had been spreading tales of her and exaggerating her abilities so abundantly.

  “I will attempt to place a spell of sleepfulness upon them,” she reluctantly agreed.

  “Kelpies now in slumber, waken not on this night.

  Remain in deepest sleep until dawn’s first light.

  “And should this spell not hold till then

  May gentle beasts awaken instead.

  As I have spoken so shall it be!”

  Enbarr looked at her with little confidence and Coventina appeared most fearfully uncertain. They both stared hard with wide eyes as she began to draw nearer to the beasts.

  “What do you intend to do?” Enbarr said lowly, but in his worried state his words came out in more than a neigh than a voice.

  “You dare not provoke them!” Coventina warned.

  “I have no intention of provoking them, I assure you. I am not so very eager to draw near them, but if the kelpies are charmed by Mac Lir perhaps I might employ them to sever the charmed seaweed.”