Cry at Midnight by Mavis Gulliver

Author:Mavis Gulliver [Gulliver, Mavis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-909077-35-5
Publisher: Cinnamon Press
Published: 2014-05-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

The Fairy woman turned a grave face towards Merryn. Her words, harsh and uncompromising cut through the air like a knife. 'You ask too much mortal child. The heart-stone is irreplaceable. You will have to bargain for the loan of it. What do you offer in return?'

'I will give you the silver bell to keep forever.'

The Fairy woman took the bell and shook it. As its clear notes rang out she smiled and spoke softly. 'It is a pretty thing to be sure, and the music it makes is sweet.'

Thinking that the bargain was sealed, Merryn sighed with relief. But it was not to be. When the Fairy woman spoke again, her voice had the ring of steel.

'It is not enough. What else do you bring?'

Merryn, stunned by the sudden change of tone, couldn't answer. The sporran had given her nothing but the silver bell. She had to think carefully until the words she'd memorised were needed.

'I have nothing else to give and without the heart-stone I cannot right the wrong.'

'Do not lie,' said the Fairy woman. 'Your horse has a necklace of peculiar power. Let him step forward. I must see it more closely.'

Merryn thought quickly. 'My brother will lead him, for they must stay together.'

The Fairy woman's eyes narrowed. 'Do not think that you can set the terms. The boy must stay outside.'

Merryn looked at Hamish. She had to put his safety first, but her heart sank at the thought of letting Kester down. She was trying to decide what to do when Hamish took the decision from her.

He drew himself up to his full height. 'Go on,' he said. 'I can't see the witch. I'll be fine, honestly I will.'

'No! I can't risk it.' Merryn turned her back on the Fairy woman and started down the slope to join him.

'You anger me,' the Fairy woman called. 'You ask for help and then you walk away. I give you one last chance. Leave the boy outside the circle and let the horse step forward. If you do not obey, you will lose the bell and never see me more.'

Merryn kept on walking, but Hamish slapped Kester's rump. 'Go on,' he urged. 'We can't stop now.'

Kester trotted towards Merryn. He nudged her with his nose and pushed her back the way she'd come. She tried to step aside, but he was too quick for her and soon she found herself in front of the Fairy woman.

'The horse and the boy have more sense than you,' said the Fairy woman. 'They know it is unwise to disobey me.'

Merryn's concern was all for Hamish. He stood alone, down at the bottom of the mound, outside the circle of Fang an t-Sithein. The power of the necklace and the crystals may not reach him. She hardly heard the Fairy woman's words. Anxiously she scanned the sky. As yet, there was no sign of the witch, but if she arrived, Hamish would be an easy target.

'Take care,' said the Fairy woman. 'Forget your brother.

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