The Knight stared at her ancestor as her mind raced to try and connect all of the dots of what had happened, but it kept hanging up on one thing. “Two ******** years?!” Her breath picked up pace as her mind tried to calculate all the implications but it was too much to think about all at once. Instead she found the nearest chair and sat down in it, head sinking into her hands.
“We were attacked.” She said. “The Sidhe attacked or swarmed, or whatever it was that they did.” She heaved a few more breaths in, letting them out slowly between pursed lips before finally looking back to Cashel who watched her with a worried expression. “You told me they weren’t sentient.”
“They aren’t.” He said matter-of-factly. “In fact, after they were pushed out they never made an attempt to come back. They all seemed to have scattered and gone their own separate ways.” He studied her carefully. “To be honest, it was like they were drawn here.
“I think we have some things we need to talk about and it’s not just the fact you’ve been asleep for two years.”
Hy-Brasil sighed and lifted her head to actually look at Cashel. The old man looked worried, whether that was for her or the situation was questionable. Still, he at least was concerned and that concern was directed towards her. “Right.”
“Bare with me because my memories are…vague. It all sort of feels like a dream to be honest. I am trying to piece it all together.” She ran a hand through her red hair, encountering snags and fairy knots that likely had been there since she was forced into sleep two years ago. Wincing she worked her fingers through a particularly nasty knot as she gathered her thoughts.
Cashel was ready and willing to dive into the topic at hand though. He placed himself in a chair opposite of the Knight, relaxing into the furniture as if he could truly feel relief to be off tired feet. “You came here in horrible shape, Gwen.”
Thanks for the bluntness. Gwen thought.
“You were explaining what had been happening to you. Do you remember coming into contact with the Sidhe months before you came here to confess your interaction with them?”
Gwen nodded as she finally loosened the knot from her hair. “Yes. I didn’t realize how much of an impact that would have on me back then.”
Cashel gave her a withering look. “I warned you not to let them touch you.”
“Yes, but you didn’t tell me what would happen if they did! How was I supposed to know it was going to cause me to spiral out of control like that. Once it touched me and nothing immediately happened I thought I was in the clear.” Hy remarked hotely as she leaned back into her chair, arms crossed. “More information is always best than vague, Cashel.”
The ancestor waved a hand as if brushing off the comment. “You should have told me immediately.”
“Well I didn’t and arguing about it now isn’t helping.” She paused for a moment, brows furrowing. “Wait…during the battle, they swarmed me. They definitely made contact.”
Cashel nodded. “And you’ve been suffering from it. I am not sure if you remember, but your slumber wasn’t peaceful.”
Gwen shook her head. The only thing I remember is what I was dreaming as I woke up which I think were my memories of the fight itself. It’s still foggy though.”
“It is likely you were the catalyst that caused them all to congregate here, Gwen. Your emotions and mind were incredibly dark. They likely felt that and were drawn to you because of it. If they hadn’t been pushed out I fear what would have happened.”
If a sigh could tell a story, Gwenn’s would have told the story of how exhausted she was both mentally and physically. Despite her two year slumber, she was far from feeling refreshed. In fact, she felt incredibly weary. Soul weary would be the best term to use. “So, do you think I am alright now?” She didn’t necessarily feel alright but she certainly felt better when in comparison to her mental health before the attack.
“Most likely not. We are running on borrowed time and I expect you’ll start feeling the effects of the Sidhe sooner than later. You had too much contact with them.” Cashel leaned forward, elbows on thighs. “I am worried about you Gwen, but we can’t just sit back and let this fester. We need to act as quickly as possible.”
“And do what exactly?” Gwen huffed, a touch of anger in her tone. “I can’t touch the damn things, and the only thing that seemed to keep them away is the burner, but that isn’t going to help me now, is it?”
“Follow me. There is something that may be able to help.” Cashel didn’t bat an eye at Gwen’s sudden flare of temper. “Come along girl.” He rose from his chair to lead the testy Hy-Brasil further into the castle.
--Part 3--
