Catriona folded down the blankets on her bed. She looked forward to a good night’s sleep after a full day instructing her apprentices. The amount of energy drained from her body while practising the spells always surprised her. Magic had never come easy for her.
A noise in the alley compelled her to look toward the door. Probably the stray cat I fed earlier, she thought. She leant toward the taper and prepared to blow out the flame. A rap sounded on the thick wooden door, startling her. The unidentified visitor tapped again.
She crept toward the door. Her trembling hands opened a tiny peep hole. She peered out, searching the darkness for the source of the knocking.
“Open up.” The man gave the order in a hushed tone.
“Who are you?” Catriona tried to mask the fear in her voice.
“Keiron Ruckle. Open the door.”
“What do you want?”
“It ain’t what I want. It’s what yew want.”
She cautiously opened the door. Keiron and his partner rushed inside, forcing her to step back. She gathered her flowing nightdress around her for protection from the cool air and her visitors.
“I need yew to keep Isla safe.” Keiron sneered. “Can yew do that?”
“You’re giving her to me?” Catriona caught Isla as he shoved the girl into her arms.
“I ain’t giving yew nothing. Consider it a loan. Keep her out of sight. People are looking for her. Bad people.”
“Wha…what do they want with her?” She tried to control her shaking hands as she cradled the child in an awkward position.
“Her life.” Keiron glared at her. “Don’t look so surprised. They want mine, too.” He ushered his partner toward the door. “If yew know what’s good for yew, yew’ll forget yew saw us. It might save yer life.” He stalked into the darkness and disappeared.
Catriona heaved the door shut, snapping the deadbolt in place. She leant against it and looked down at the child in her arms. “What am I to do with you?” If she sent Isla away to safety and Keiron returned he might…She needed to think. She needed to calm herself and analyse the possibilities. She needed an herbal tea.
Catriona crossed the room and set Isla on a cushioned chair. No sooner had she turned from the child when a frantic knock came at the front door. Petrified, she worried the trouble Keiron had spoken of had arrived. She picked up her magic staff, bit her bottom lip and swallowed hard. Before approaching the door, she flung a blanket over the chair, hiding the young hauflin from view.
“Who is it?” She held the staff at the ready.
“Alaura.”
The woman opened the narrow peeking hatch. She saw a small figure dressed in black with a hood pulled over its head. “Alaura?”
“Yes, Sorceress, it is I.” She removed the hood and looked up at her teacher. “Please, may I enter?”
Catriona opened the door and ushered her inside. She closed it and secured the lock. “Why are you dressed like this? I didn’t recognise you.”
Alaura ignored her question. “A terrible tragedy has struck.”
“What is it?”
“People were looking for Isla. When they didn’t find her they killed the ewe. Then Keiron came.” She swallowed hard. “He and another man took her away. I fear Isla’s in terrible danger.”
Catriona tilted her head and watched her apprentice through narrow eyes. How did she know this? “Have a seat and tell me everything.”
“I can’t sit.” She paced the floor with her arms on her hips. “I have to act.”
Catriona pulled the blanket from the chair.
Astonished, Alaura dropped to her knees in front of the child. “How did she get here?”
“Keiron brought her for safe-keeping. He’s on the run. He must be in big trouble.” She smiled. “Let’s hope it catches up with him.”