Page 157 of Highland Queen

Chapter 47

Madelaine stared wide-eyed as we made our way through the ancient city. I led her up the stairs of the temple. When we reached the top, she stopped and looked out over the city.

“I know this place,” she whispered.

“This is the realm of the Wyrds.”

“But I know this place.”

“Once, long ago, we were all here together. In an ancient life, a forgotten life.”

Madelaine turned and looked at me. She eyed my clothes then looked down at her own hands. “Corbie.”

“Come,” I said, leading her into the temple.

She walked slowly, gazing at the broken statue of the Goddess, past the eternal flame, then to the cauldron terrace.

Guiding Madelaine, I led her to my chamber. There, Banquo slept, his arm around Aelith who was curled up at his side. Nimue rose when we entered.

“Nimue. How is he?” I asked.

She nodded. “He is well. Aching but well. Your little one just fell asleep.”

“What happened?” Madelaine asked.

“Macbeth came to Lochaber. He tried to kill Aelith, but Banquo saved her. He was injured,” I said, eyeing Nimue. We needed to say no more.

“Aelith,” Madelaine said softly. “Oh, Corbie. How beautiful she is.”

“Nimue, this is—”

“Elaine. Yes, I know. Welcome, sister. I am Nimue.”

Madelaine gave Nimue a weary smile then turned and looked at me. “Corbie, there were dispatches before the attack. Macbeth sent a rider to Lulach. I don’t know if word reached him in time.”

“I will look,” I said.

“And Macbeth?” Madelaine asked.

“He has paid for his treachery.”

Madelanie breathed a sigh of relief then nodded.

“Come with me, Elaine,” Nimue told my aunt. “There is water and fresh linens here.”

Madelaine turned and left with Nimue.

I gazed down at Banquo and Aelith.

Macbeth was gone.

Finally, we were free.

But now what? And at what cost?

I went to the cauldron terrace. When I arrived, however, I found I was not alone.

The red-robed Morrigu waited for me.

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