Highland Secrets (Cree & Dawn)

There was only one thing left to do and she had purposely waited until now, for she feared if she approached earlier, she might have changed her mind about joining her husband on the trip.

She eased herself out of bed and slipped quietly into her garments. She ran her hand gently over her protruding stomach after draping her warmest cloak over her shoulders. She was taking a chance being with child and going on the journey, but fear of losing her husband far outweighed concern for her unborn bairn. He was snug and safe inside her and she would see he remained that way.

With quiet footfalls she left the room, Beast following just as quietly behind her. She took her time walking through the village. She did not have far to go. She loved it here, it was her home, but Cree was having a castle built on a hill not far from here. It was a beautiful area. The River Kyle of Tongue flowed beneath the hill and in the distance Ben Royal rose in majestic beauty. The castle would be ready to move into in about a year. Plans for expansion of the village to connect this area with the castle were already underway.

Tears tickled her eyes. She would miss this place. It held so many wonderful memories and some heartbreaking ones as well. But as her best friend Lila repeated often to her, “It was time for new memories.”

Dawn smiled thinking how Lila was thrilled about the move since a larger cottage was being built for her husband Paul, and their son and daughter. Cree knew she would not want to be far from Lila. He was also aware there was another person important to Dawn who she would not want to be separated from, but would no doubt be terribly stubborn about moving away from her small cottage that Dawn stood in front of now.

The door opened before she had a chance to knock, Old Mary, as usual, having sensed Dawn would seek her out tonight. She left Beast outside to sniff and see to his needs and settled at the small table she had sat at so often.

Old Mary helped raise her and had continued to be there for her when her mum had died. She had relied on the old woman endless times and Old Mary had never failed to help her or simply be there when she needed her. Dawn loved her deeply and prayed she would live to be even older than she already was.

“You want to know about the myth the messenger refused to speak about,” Old Mary said, joining Dawn at the table after filling two mugs with a hot brew for them. “The winter is a cold one. You would be wise to wear two cloaks on your journey.”

Dawn nodded to Old Mary and folded her hands, bringing them to her mouth as if begging, knowing the woman was purposely avoiding talk of the myth.

Old Mary sighed. “You need to know this, but so does Cree. We should let him join us instead of growing cold outside.”

Dawn stood and went to the door. She should have known her husband would have woken as soon as she left their bed. She opened the door and Beast rushed in before Cree to sit by the fire.

Cree hesitated. “If you need time alone with Old Mary, I can wait outside.”

Dawn shook her head and reached out to him.

Cree took her hand and eased her into a tender hug.

“Close the door, it is cold out tonight,” Old Mary urged.

Dawn filled a tankard for her husband and placed it on the table in front of him where he sat. He stretched his hand out to take hers and she did not hesitate to grab hold. Somehow, she sensed they needed to hold on to each other.

“It is time you both know about the myth. It is an ancient one buried in time or perhaps out of fear.” She mumbled a silent blessing before she continued. “There came a time of upheaval when battles were never-ending and peace seemed impossible. During this time, it is said an evil rose up in the land and swallowed people whole. Young or old, it did not matter, they simply vanished without a trace. Whispered tongues believed that a crack in the earth allowed demons to escape and they captured the innocent to serve their evil needs. Some believe it is nothing more than a tale to frighten people into submission. Truth or tale, I know not. You must tread lightly on this journey, for if the myth proves true the demons will claim more souls to serve them.”

“The reason Dawn will remain home,” Cree said, a command to his tone that could not be ignored.

Dawn shook her head, adamant that he would not leave her behind.