Page 159 of Highland Queen

The wind blew, the leaves of the trees rustling. I could hear soft whispers on the breeze.

Taking Lulach’s hand in mine, I led him to the center of the ring where there was an ancient stone altar. Moss and lichen grew on the sacred stone, nearly covering the faces that had been carved thereon. I handed the crown of Moray to Lulach.

“From this day forth, you shall be the master of your own fate. Choose, my son. Choose what life you will. You are free.”

“But…but how?”

“Walk away,” I said. “Listen to the trees, if that is your wish. Listen, and you will find the way.

Lulach looked at the crown. “If I leave, I have failed Scotland.”

“That is what I told myself too. But there are other ways to serve.”

Lulach set the crown of Moray on the altar stone.

“Mother, what about you? What will you do?”

“I am for the Wyrds, as was always intended. And Banquo is with me.”

“The Thane of Lochaber lives?”

“He does.”

“I must tell Fleance.”

“Please do,” I said then slipped off the raven torcs on my wrists. “And give these to Crearwy. Tell her they are a bridal gift from her mother,” I said, handing them to Lulach. “Tell her and Fleance to follow their hearts. That they are beholden only to one another. I free her from any obligation I ever laid upon her. I love her, and I set her free.”

Lulach flexed his brow, a move he had made a thousand times since he was born, then he nodded. “And Aelith?”

“You will see her soon.”

Lulach nodded. “Thank you, Mother.”

A horse whinnied. Lulach and I turned to see Arden, the priestess from Birnam grove, there.

“Go, my son. The green calls you.”

Lulach looked at Arden, a curious expression on his face. He turned back to me. “I love you, Mother.”

“I love you too,” I whispered, then closed my eyes and willed my spirit onward.

A moment later, I found myself standing beside a brook. Water fell gently into a pool at its base. The surface of the water rippled as a fey thing bobbed on the frothy waves. Grinning mischievously, Sid splashed water at me. She laughed when the droplets passed through me.

“Well, finally did it, eh?” she said.

“Did what?”

“Became the raven.”

“Yes.”

She nodded then dunked under the water. After a moment, she broke the surface once more, gasping for breath. She pushed her hair away from her face. “I hate that city of yours. It’s too dark,” she said with a frown. “But I suppose I’ll come anyway.”

“Good. Otherwise, I’d have to force you there. But, Sid, I need your help. I must bring—”

“Mad Elaine. I know. We’ve been waiting for her. Our ninth will return to us once more but this time as the crone. Tell her to come when she is ready.”

“I will. I don’t know yet what we will do about Aelith.”

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