‘We’re sorry Great One. We should have been aware of what was happening around us – we should have known better and led more wisely. If we had not focused on providing supplies but rather on love we would not have made these mistakes. We should have taught them to care for themselves and not to rely on us as their provision.’ Nuada broke into their sorrow. Their pain was evident, self-recrimination the punishment they carried.
‘Don’t go down that road - he is not disappointed with you. He loves you too much to let you die striving to be something he never called you to be. That is why you must find the treasure that was stolen from you.’ Mac and Imogene still did not understand what he was saying.
‘How do we forgive those who betrayed us?’ Mac asked in a broken voice. ‘How do we forgive ourselves for the mess we’ve made?’
‘Betrayal works two ways, as you have seen. You have been betrayed and you have betrayed others unknowingly. It won’t be the first or the last time it will happen. What you do with it is determined by how you respond to it.’ Nuada left the sentence hanging – the decision was theirs to make. The cave wall lit up again, revealing another picture. It showed Cillian and his family and how they were hurt by Mac and Imogene during a difficult time in their lives. An old man lay on a bed, clearly his life coming to an end. His family waited and watched over him, their pain evident. Imogene brought meals and Mac visited on occasion trying to encourage the family as best he knew how. They thought they were showing their care, but expectations are a strange thing. Unless they are made known, they can be misinterpreted as was the case here. Cillian felt abandoned in his time of pain by Mac and Imogene. It was these unfulfilled expectations that bred bitterness and prompted him to write all his grievances into a document that stretched on in what seemed like a never-ending scroll. The Elders would hear of Mac and Imogene’s thoughtlessness. In his mind they did not deserve to lead the people. He further plotted by stirring up others with gossip and discussions of what should be done about Mackenzie and Imogene.
‘They don’t deserve to be our leaders- they don’t really care about us. When was the last time they visited you or helped you with food supplies?’ were the questions bandied about, a deadly community, poisoning people wherever it found a heart to root itself. It grew with silent maliciousness until it was eventually believed by all who heard it. The tree of bitterness had taken root - its fruit would bring nothing but destruction.
‘A little poison goes a long way,’ Nuada said meaningfully. ‘It is not the kind of poison you want to savour.’ Mac’s anger faded as fast as it had erupted together with the pictures on the cave wall. He understood Nuada. It was for their redemption to see what had transpired. Yes, the hurt was deep and painful – betrayal always painfully cruel but they had choices to make about what to do now. They had to forgive despite their heartbreak – he knew they had no choice, but would Imogene be able to do it so soon after being betrayed?
‘Imogene, sweetheart, we have to let this go - if we don’t it will devour us and we’ll become the very thing we’ve just seen played out –bitter and vengeful - something we don’t want to be. Our hearts will harden and we won’t ever be able to trust or love others again. Worse, we won’t be able to save our children and be the parents they need.’
‘I know you are right Mac, but it’s so hard. People we trusted and loved as our own flesh and blood have betrayed us in the most horrible way. How do you forget that? It’s more than that too. Not only did Cillian betray us but he hates us so much that he even wanted us dead. He was willing to let our children become orphans because of his hatred and anger. That is what is so hard to forgive.’
‘You’re right Imogene but if we become as bitter as he is then we are no better. The Great One has shown us that justice prevails – he rescued us from an evil so consuming and is giving us another chance to do the right thing. I for one don’t want to throw that away because my heart and pride is wounded. Besides, we made mistakes too – we messed up and didn’t see what was really needed in our community – we have to take responsibility for our part in this mess too. There’s also a difference between forgiving and forgetting Imogene. No-one expects us to forget the heartbreak we have endured but even in that place of pain it is possible to forgive those who hurt us.’
‘Forgiveness is never about a feeling but rather about a choice you make,’ Nuada interjected. ‘Your anger and hurt are valid feelings Imogene, but they don’t have to stop you forgiving.’ She knew he was right and that they had other things to concentrate on – getting their children back was their first priority. They had no time to wallow in self-pity. She nodded and Mac smiled weakly at her, relief flooding his face. He was always amazed how strong she could be. They also both knew that this wasn’t over though – that in the weeks and months down the road they would have to return to their emotions and face them – that forgiveness would be a journey and not just a destination, a choice made every day, and some days would be harder than others. Mac turned and faced Nuada. ‘We’re sorry – I realize how insensitive and full of pride we were. Can he forgive us for our mistakes? We will forgive them for what they have done – they will have their own journey and demons to work through.’
Knowing the truth and gaining some understanding of the attack brought them a measure of freedom again. There would certainly be times when forgiving themselves and those who put them here would be hard to do, but the Great One knew it would come in time. Nuada beamed at them. ‘You are like bears in a cave. You will have a short time of rest here and healing of your hearts, but when you leave this cave you will be fierce contenders – strong and sure of yourselves again.’
‘I hope so.’
‘You will,’ he promised them. Mac and Imogene walked back to the entrance of the cave arm in arm. A ray of sunlight pierced through the trees in dancing light. The smell of the fresh morning filled their nostrils with hope. Mac felt so grateful – they had been given a second chance at their lives. They would be reunited as a family again – he was sure of it. He still had so many questions to ask, but for now he was content to trust the Great One to restore them and to protect his beloved children. He thought of them with longing in his heart and a prayer on his tongue.
CHAPTER 5 - TREACHERY
Legion paced restlessly - patience had never been his strong point. He knew the Great One would never give up the Hamilton children without a fight. More than anything he wished he knew what the Great One was planning. He called his subjects to his chamber for a briefing of the events to take place. Slowly they filled the chamber - row upon row of creatures. They were all different in appearance but every single one of them omitted evil of the worst kind. There was no unity amongst his ranks. They submitted to him out of selfish gain and absolute fear. Each one jostled and pushed to be first in the chamber but then stood with wide fearful eyes when they were positioned in front of him. The stench of evil and death permeated the room, seeping from every pore in their disfigured bodies. It was like being in hell itself. One of the most powerful creatures, the Monwing, had enormous eagle-like wings and talons that could rip you to shreds. Its body and face resembled a monkey, its powerful tail a deadly weapon. The Firegoblins, with their sulphuric yellow eyes and gaping mouths could frighten even the fearless. Some of the creatures looked quite beautiful on the outside, but when they opened their eyes or mouth, it was like something putrid was released. Then there were the usual witches and wizards in the chamber, all of different ages and abilities.
‘Let me through,’ shrieked a voice from between the squashed ranks. It was the voice of Mischief, one of the smaller goblins.
‘Wait your turn and stop pushing,’ replied Confusion, another of Legion’s subjects. As they squabbled among themselves the noise of shrieking and arguing filled the chamber, a cacophony of sound that reached an unbearable pitch.
‘Enough!’ roared Legion. ‘You are squabbling worse than children. We are here to develop a strategy for dealing with the Hamilton children
, and ultimately the Great One. More than anything I want to see him defeated once and for all.’
‘I know,’ shouted Confusion in eager anticipation. ‘Send me out to bring confusion to the army of the Great One. While they are confused then we can attack them. No one causes confusion quite like me,’ he boasted. He was really pleased with his plan of action and made a point of gloating to the creature next to him.
‘No, that won’t do.’ said Untruth. ‘We need to get them to believe the worst about the Great One then they will lose faith in his abilities and goodness and follow you Master. I am very good at spreading lies.’ The competition was on. Each creature tried to outdo the next in an attempt to gain the Master’s favour. This was the usual routine of their strategic meetings and Legion was bored with it.
‘We have tried all these ploys unsuccessfully in the past,’ Legion reminded them. ‘We need a plan that will touch his soft, caring side so he will surrender to us in defeat.’ A very small, insignificant subject crept forward, shaking, petrified. He had a plan, but he was so used to the master’s wrath that he was afraid to share it. It was only the need for recognition that finally won over his fear. He was Rejection and he stammered nervously as he spoke. ‘E...e...excuse me M…m...master, we have the Hamilton children here and we could hold them for ransom.’ Legion roared with laughter and in response all the other creatures began to guffaw and ridicule Rejection, causing him to shrink in humiliation.
‘Why on earth would I want wealth in return for the Hamilton children you idiot? I don’t want wealth, I want power! When I have power, wealth will naturally follow. The two go hand in hand.’ Rejection recoiled at his rebuke, but he knew his plan was good so he persevered. ‘Master, I wasn’t referring to exchanging them for wealth, but to exchanging them for something that is exceedingly precious to the Great One and will devastate him forever. He is one who loves too greatly and cannot bear to see his followers suffer. If we exchange them for his most precious possession then we may cripple him forever. Maybe he will even exchange his power for the children.’ Rejection started to doubt his plan and wished he hadn’t spoken up. Why did he never learn? The Master would only embarrass him again in front of the others. Legion looked at Rejection with something akin to admiration, but it was only fleeting - he never affirmed his followers as that would show kindness and loyalty and he displayed none of those characteristics.
‘Now that may be worth considering,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘He will never exchange his power as he cannot be separated from it –they are one and the same. I have yet to discover a way to kill him. Perhaps you’re right Rejection – we need leverage. I shall make this a challenge for you and send all of you through the kingdom to discover what is so precious to the Great One. The one who can discover what that is will be richly rewarded. I want an answer yesterday and don’t come back without something worthy to share. There must be something – everyone has a weakness somewhere. Find his weakness!’ There was much excitement as groups of evil creatures left the castle on the mission. They covered the skies and land of Griswold, a blanket of darkness swarming and swooping, hiding in nooks and crannies in villages and towns, their eyes and ears looking and listening for that one nugget of information they sought. Each dreamed of their rise to greatness in the Dark Lord’s kingdom and each hungered for greater power.
***
While his subjects fought for the prize, Legion thought of the Great One and how this could cripple him if he found something of value. He hoped more than anything they would find something and show the Great One what treachery was like firsthand. He would deceive the old fool and take everything precious from him if it was the last thing he ever did.
CHAPTER 6 - DESTINY
Mac and Imogene left the cave with Nuada after they were fully rested. They travelled for a couple of days with no idea where their destination was - they had to trust Nuada to direct them on their journey. He had clear instructions from the Great One where to lead them.
‘This will be a place like no other you have ever experienced, but you are ready to see it now. It will help you to understand what was stolen from you and how to get it back.’ To Mac and Imogene, Nuada was speaking in riddles again and they glanced at each other; questions written all over their faces. The journey was tiring, but sheer determination kept them focused on the task. Imogene desperately missed her children and reaching them was the only thing on her mind. She would travel to the centre of the earth if that’s what it took to see them again. They heard the thundering waterfall before they saw it. It cascaded down the rock face sending a fine mist into the air. It was both beautiful and powerful at the same time. Mac rushed to the crystal clear water scooping it into his mouth thirstily. He then splashed his face savouring the cool, refreshing feeling.
‘It’s amazing,’ Imogene gasped kneeling down beside him as she scooped up water.
‘Not nearly as beautiful as the place we are going,’ Nuada said matter-of-factly.
‘Come, we can’t stop now- we’re almost there. We need to pass through the falls.’
‘How on earth are we going to do that?’ Imogene cried looking at the powerful water as it cascaded down the cliff face in a furious sheet.
‘Don’t look with your natural eyes Imogene, but with faith in your heart believe that you can access places that seem impossible.’ He smiled at the look of complete confusion on her face. They just didn’t get it, but they would soon enough.
‘We’ll follow your lead Nuada, but I hope you know what you are doing?’
‘Have a little faith Mac,’ he chuckled seeing their consternation. ‘We didn’t save you just to drown you in a waterfall,’ he teased.
‘You’re telling me we need faith on this one,’ Imogene muttered under her breath. They felt the cool spray and mist of the water moistening their skin as they approached the thundering falls.
‘Here, hold my hand,’ Nuada said reaching out. ‘Now close your eyes. Imagine a doorway through the water and don’t let your fear overcome you. Fear will always shut off new experiences to you. Your mind is extremely powerful in enabling you to overcome obstacles.’ This was one of the most frightening things they had experienced – it was new territory to them and they weren’t quite sure how to navigate their way through it all. The last few days seemed totally surreal and dreamlike to them. The roar of the falling water was deafening and Imogene steeled herself against her instinct to flee, pushing down the fear that wanted to overwhelm her. She closed her eyes, her brow wrinkling in concentration as she imagined a large doorway in front of her. Just as she thought she would surely lose her balance and be swept away by the strength of the falls, the curtain of water became smooth like a sheet of glass.
‘You can look now Imogene,’ Nuada laughed seeing her eyes still tightly squeezed shut. They were now able to step behind the sheet of water and into the gateway that opened before them. It was no longer part of her imagination but a real opening. Had the power of their minds really altered nature? Their surroundings were completely different to what they imagined. They expected a dark, damp cave behind the curtain of water, yet this completely shattered their expectation. They had literally stepped into another realm or world. Everything appeared to be living in fullness. Colours were more radiant and translucent and fragrances assailed their senses with a mixture of the most beautiful smells blended together, yet separate. Trees laden with fruit of every kind lined the bubbling river that flowed beside them, its crystal water sparkling in the sunlight and the sweet melody of its water filling their ears. Imogene and Mac stared in wonder and surprise at all they saw. Birds with the most majestic colours and calls flew through the air, deer grazed peacefully in the green grass and rolling hills. It was a glorious land. Absolutely everything was full of life and more beautiful than anything they had ever seen or experienced before.
‘What is this place?’ She felt breathless at the magnitude of the beauty around them. It was sensory overload.
‘You
’ll soon see,’ said Nuada. ‘Eat some of this fruit to strengthen you, for the fruit here gives life and strength to those who eat it and your body has taken quite a beating of late,’ he smiled. They ate the delicious sweet fruit, juice running down their chins. It was unlike anything they had ever eaten before, the sweet, juicy flavours changing as they ate. As they travelled they passed a number of people along the way and Nuada waved as though they were long lost friends. Laughter and joy was a constant sound that floated through the air. This was real community – friendship and love were obvious – there was no pretending here and Mac and Imogene were tangibly aware of it. Nobody was too busy to wave or shout out a greeting as they passed.
‘Look!’ Mac exclaimed pointing at the buildings that loomed in the distance. It appeared much bigger than a village and yet did not seem impersonal or intimidating in its size and was buzzing with activity and life.