Page 103 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“I assume yer here because ye want to go back. I expect ye’ve learned yer lesson. I only hope I’ll be able to communicate with Lena or Cormac, to get him to return to the bridge. Ye see, ye can’t go back, unless there’s someone waiting for ye.”
“Yes. So I’ve been told.”
“And I know ye have another request as well. Ye’d like your cousin and his dog to return with ye.”
Jenna lifted an eyebrow in surprise. “Yes. How did you know that?”
“I met him downstairs, he was having breakfast with Maggie and he explained it all to me.”
“Is that possible?”
“Aye. I believe so.”
“So what do I do? How do we make this happen?”
“Patience, my dear. I’ve only just arrived back. Let me have a few moments to gather my thoughts. I must try to reach Lena, which may take some time. She hasnae been practicing her abilities as I’ve asked her to, and it may be that the only way I can reach her is when she’s asleep.”
“You mean through her dreams? But I thought you said you knew she was trying to contact you?”
“Aye. Exactly, but communicating back and forth has been a challenge for her.”
“You were able to contact Cormac before though, weren’t you?”
Edna nodded and let out an exasperated sigh. “Aye, but magick is a tricky thing and my darling daugher hasnae always been open enough to communicate.”
“I tried to contact you, from San Francisco, but you didn’t hear me.”
“I heard ye, Jenna, but I wanted ye to realize that this is nae a game I’m playing. I truly know that ye and Cormac are meant for each other and I wanted ye to know it as well. So, ye had to work hard to find me, but it will be worth it in the end, if everything works out. I’ll leave ye now. Why don’t ye get dressed and head downstairs for a bite to eat? Ye can explore Glendaloch while I see what I can do about contacting either Lena or Cormac.”
* * *
Cormac was seated in the Great Hall when Lena appeared. “I’ve been trying and trying to reach her, Cormac, but she doesnae seem to hear me. It’s been days now.”
“Maybe she hears ye, but doesnae wish to speak with ye,” Cormac suggested, immediately regretting his words. “I’m sorry, Lena. It’s just that I’m worried I’ll never see my Jenna again. I’m sure yer mother wishes to speak with ye, but perhaps something is preventing it.”
“That something could be me. I’ve not done as she asked. If I had, this would all be easier,” Lena lamented.
“Dinnae fash. If ye dinnae mind having us here, Cailin and I will stay a while longer. At least until ye tell us there’s no hope left.”
“Alright, then. I feel as if I’m on the brink and then the feeling leaves me. Mayhap when I sleep tonight, she’ll call to me.”
Cormac graced her with an encouraging smile, but he didn’t feel it in his heart. What could he possibly do? Cailin and Ewan had gone off again, leaving him alone to sip his whiskey by the fire. It was a verra quiet night. In his mind, he could hear the sound of Jenna’s voice speaking softly to him. “I’ll see you soon,” she said.
Jenna… Jenna…He reached out to her from within his mind. She was somewhere nearby, he couldfeelit. He stood up and began pacing back and forth. Mayhap he just wanted her so badly, he was starting to imagine things. That must be it. He sat down again and this time he heard Edna’s voice. Not distantly, as Jenna’s had been, but as if she were in the same room with him. He relaxed his breathing and closed his eyes, mentally welcoming Edna to speak to him.
“Cormac? Can ye hear me lad?” Edna said.
“Edna? Is it really ye?” Cormac was astounded, he’d gotten so close to giving up hope and yet, here was Edna speaking to him again.
“Aye. Of course ‘tis me. As I’ve told ye before, who else do ye know, who can speak to ye in yer head?”
“Edna, I’m so happy to hear yer voice. I must speak with ye.”
“I ken ye must. That is why I’m here.”
“Edna, ye must help me find Jenna. She left without saying goodbye. I just want to see her one more time. I ken she doesnae want to stay here, but I must tell her some things.”
“And ye shall. Meet me at the bridge as soon as ye can. Do not cross it. Stay on yer side, do ye understand?”
