Awakening Her Soul to Destiny (2 page)

Within the realm of Clas Myrddin, the breaking of an oath was serious and always brought before the council of Auld Ones, the guardians of the ways of the realms. The council’s justice was usually wise but intimidation made justice elusive this time. There were those that whispered of Ravon’s dark influence upon certain members of the council, but none were brave enough to step forward and make the claim known to all. Therefore, the verdict was reached and announced by Modron the First, “An oath is an oath and must not be gi’en or ta’en lightly. Ravon is therefore allowed retribution…but life or spirit mayna’ be harmed.” In their attempt to appease Ravon, the Auld Ones had blessed the destruction of the land itself, the life force perhaps greatest to them all. Realizing too late how they had been manipulated, and unable to revoke the decision, the Council of Auld Ones combined their powers to devise a solution for the curse. The only deliverance from the curse they had unknowingly released was the promise of a healer for the land. That if a child should be born of Laird Caymber and Bristna, a child conceived and born of love…that child would be blessed with gifts and even more abilities then the Auld Ones themselves. Kaitla was that child.

As soon as Kaitla was born and lay contentedly in the overjoyed Bristna’s arms, Ravon appeared at the gates of Cuchailard Keep, declaring the child was sired during the rape and should be turned over to him immediately. He had no wish to be a father to the child. Ravon’s only wish was to destroy her before she grew strong enough to challenge his control of the realm. Rebuking his claims and ordering Ravon to return to his mountain, Laird Caymber was unaware that while he argued with Ravon at the gate, one of Ravon’s servants had crept into Bristna’s chambers to steal the babe away.

A mother fighting for her young gives no thought to danger to herself and while Bristna fought fiercely to protect her infant daughter; her loving heart was slashed from her breast. As the servant grabbed the child, and made to climb back out the window, Etain suddenly appeared in answer to the baby’s terrified howls. As her great dark eyes slowly suffocated the life force from the retreating servant, she reached out and retrieved the child, cradling it to her tiny body. Materializing between Laird Caymber and Ravon, Etain looked at Caymber with her great sorrowful eyes and said, “I must take the child to safety my Laird…will ye forgive me?” As she filled Caymber’s mind with the image of the slaughter in Bristna’s chamber, he bowed his head to Etain, sobbing, “Aye, please save the child.”

Now, thirty-five years later, Etain was convinced it was time for Kaitla to return to her father and her destiny.

Impatiently, Laird Caymber downed the remainder of his drink and repeated, “Etain! Are ye going ta’ tell me or no? Where is my Kaitla!”

Awakened from her reverie of memories, Etain slowly turned from the window, solemnly facing Laird Caymber, “Kaitla is in the Earth realm, my Laird…. And she thinks herself a human.”

Chapter II

Kaitla Danann stood in the center of the room, eyeing the surrounding walls reflectively. This project would be the largest commission she had ever been able to land. The thought of bringing the white void to colorful life sent a thrill down her spine straight to the tips of her toes. Slowly, she circled the room, finally stretching out in the middle of the floor flat on her back. The vaulted ceilings could be a problem. Scaffolding would definitely be required. “Damn! I hate heights!” she muttered to herself.

This observation was met with a clear and echoing “meeeowrrrr?” from her faithful companion Tobias. Tobias was the only constant in Kaitla’s life and she felt quite comfortable expressing all her thoughts and opinions to the slightly obese, black cat. One ear a bit tattered from the chance meeting of another slightly territorial feline, Tobias was devoted to Kaitla and she loved him as well. Tobias had appeared on her hotel doorstep some five years ago when she was passing through New York. Unable to resist his persistent begging, she had finally given up on ignoring the starving kitten and they had quickly become soulmates. Now Tobias accompanied Kaitla to all her jobs and was a condition of her acceptance of any project. Not that jobs were so forthcoming that she could pick and choose, but once her loyalties were given, they would not be broken. Tobias went where Kaitla went.

This most recent windfall had come at a most opportune time. Starving artists might be a romantic idea in a novel but when it came to living the role, Kaitla and Tobias had a bad habit of eating that just didn’t fit the part. When her agent, Nettie, had come across with the present project, the cupboards had been almost bare. In fact, they were in the process of losing the cupboards. But somehow this rather unusual woman in Scotland had heard of Kaitla Danann Murals and was quite insistent that Kaitla completely adorn her estate with them. Mrs. Balmurray had not only offered a sizable remittance but also insisted on paying for Kaitla’s flight from California to Scotland, the cat’s quarantine fees, and also informed Nettie that Kaitla would be residing on the estate until the project was completely finished.

“
Isn’t that offer a bit generous?” Kaitla had asked Nettie suspiciously.

“
Why do you ALWAYS go for the down side, Kaitla!” Nettie had scolded good-naturedly. “Here I land you a great booking…and all you can do is pick it to pieces to try and find the catch.”

Exhaling with a huff, Kaitla crossed her arms and glared at Nettie sternly, “Some of the
great bookings
you’ve landed me before haven’t exactly panned out.”

Dismissing this scolding with a smile, Nettie had shrugged her shoulders and simply replied winking, “This one will….I can feel it!” So, the contract had been drawn and Tobias and Kaitla were on their way to Scotland.

~*~

Upon arriving at Balmurray Estate, Kaitla was escorted to a lovely suite of rooms. The short elderly butler groaned under her over-stuffed bags but when offered assistance, the bushy gray eyebrows arched to the top of his baldhead. A curt “I think not!” snorted from the ruffled Hobart settled any further questions, and he continued to waddle stubbornly to her rooms beneath the weight of the suitcases.

The suite of rooms was open and airy. French doors opening to a veranda over-looking finely manicured flowerbeds and a tiny pond in the distance with a set of swans circling the surface. Sheer gauzy curtains floated in the breeze, silently beckoning Kaitla to go outside and enjoy the beautiful day. It took a great deal of will power to turn away from the soul-cleansing vista to unpack bags and prepare to size up the project ahead.

Glancing about the room, Kaitla slowly took in her surroundings with pleasure. The bureau by the bathroom door was piled high with an assortment of fresh linens, towels and lavender scented soaps. The dressing table on the other side of the room sported a mirror and frilly lace skirt, reminding Kaitla of furnishings from the Victorian era. The huge four-postered bed looked inviting, loaded with pillows and covered with a silky comforter.

Having weathered the six-month quarantine period better then Kaitla had anticipated, Tobias was settled on the over-stuffed loveseat in one corner of the room, industriously cleaning his coat. Since Scotland is one of the countries virtually free of rabies, a strict six-month quarantine period is required of all incoming pets. Kaitla had hated the idea of being separated from Tobias for so long, but there had been no other way around it. Perhaps a bit irrational when it came to the cat, Kaitla had insisted on staying at an inn within walking distance of the quarantine facility to be able to visit with him several times a day. Since she was officially in the employ of Mrs. Balmurray but not yet ready to start the murals, she had used this extra time to study the countryside, developing several rough drafts she planned to present to her agitated employer.

At first, her patron had been quite frustrated at Kaitla’s stubbornness over remaining close to the cat, sending several scathing telegrams to Nettie and even one or two to Kaitla herself. But strangely enough, she had still never agreed to a meeting to discuss the project or even meet Kaitla, --always complaining of an over-booked schedule or feeling too ill at the time. Even though she made no bones of the fact that she preferred for Kaitla to reside on the estate; she had reluctantly sent her servant by weekly to take care of any of Kaitla’s bills. Upon Tobias’ release from
jail
, the servant was also quickly dispatched to gather them up and move them to the estate.

After unpacking a few of her things and settling into the cozy rooms, Kaitla quickly donned her work clothes consisting of a favorite pair of paint spattered jeans and a plain white tee shirt also sporting shades of previous works. Thus attired and ready to get to business, Kaitla rang for the butler, who escorted the cat and his mistress to the first room on the project list where they now lay flat in the middle of the floor.

“
Well, Tobias, shall we start with a green wash or should we lean more towards a skyscape for this room?” The half-closed yellow eyes barely focused with boredom and the only answer received was a flip of black tail and a yawn. “Thanks, Tobias. Try to control your enthusiasm,” retorted Kaitla sarcastically.

“
An’ is it quite usual for Americans to ask instructions from their pets?” asked a deep voice with a soft Scot’s burr. Thinking herself quite alone with the cat, Kaitla jumped and quickly flipped over to all fours, leaping up to find herself facing the owner of the melodic voice. Leaning against the archway with his arms across his chest, his right foot carelessly crossed over the left was a dark haired man with an unnerving air about him. Well over six feet tall, broad chested and smiling mischievously, the dark gray eyes seemed to reach into her soul as he watched her agitation with amusement. Hypnotized by the piercing eyes, Kaitla wasn’t quite sure that the fluttering of her heart was entirely due to being startled.

“
About as normal as sneaking up on people!” Kaitla retorted, cheeks flaming red. She stood with her hands on her hips, silently cursing her fair skin for displaying her emotions so readily.

“
I beg your pardon, lass. Allow me to introduce m’self…I am Jared Balmurray, Mrs. Balmurray’s nephew.” Jared’s eye’s twinkled as he walked into the room. His stride reminded her of the sleek walk of a panther, smooth and cautious as though approaching prey. “I really dinna mean to startle ye. But I had to find a way to distract ye from your wee friend there…And might I have the pleasure of knowin’ your name?” he purred.

“
Kaitla…Kaitla Danann,” she replied cautiously, “I’m the artist your aunt commissioned to paint the estate.” Kaitla refrained from offering her hand for him to shake. He’d not be forgiven quite that easily for robbing her of her composure!

Tobias, on the other hand, was not quite so unforgiving. Slowly sauntering over to Jared, he placed his front paws on Jared’s knees, silently demanding to be picked up. Kaitla stared in shock. Tobias never let anyone touch him, let alone actually pick him up. Unknowing individuals were quickly educated with a low-throated growl or an extremely audible hiss if they even attempted to make physical contact. Tobias tolerated no one but Kaitla. But now here he was, cradled in Jared’s arms, contentedly purring as Jared scratched beneath his chin. His eyes closed in ecstasy as he flexed his front paws, stretching his toes first on the right paw and then on the left. She must not be the only one sensing something different about this Jared, she thought ruefully to herself.

Jared slowly looked up from the contented cat, smiling into her eyes, “Ye see? I can’t be too terribly bad if your associate here can stand me?” He carefully bent, placing the totally boneless Tobias gently on the floor. Straightening, he extended his hand in truce. “My auntie tells me ye’re quite the gifted one,” he nodded, waiting for Kaitla to complete the pact.

Reluctantly, Kaitla completed the handshake, “Thank you, I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting your aunt just yet.” Jared’s strong grasp was warm, friendly and definitely disturbing. Kaitla withdrew her hand as quickly as she could without seeming rude; positive she felt a surge of emotion coursing through his grip. Jared’s dark gray eyes seemed to be studying her intently, as a thoughtful grin played across his face.

Suddenly aware that he’d been staring, Jared cleared his throat nervously, “Well, ahh, auntie is quite anxious to meet with ye to see what ye shall suggest for her rooms.” Quickly regaining his composure, he gallantly offered Kaitla his arm, “But at present, she’s feelin’ a bit under the weather. That’s why she sent me ta’ welcome ye and offer ye some refreshment. Surely ye’d have something to eat and drink?”

Ignoring his extended arm, but still offering him a slight smile of encouragement, Kaitla scooped up the fickle cat and replied, “Why yes, I believe Tobias and I both would love some refreshments.”

Jared led the way through the tall archway into the next room. This room was also void of furniture or color of any kind; it was as though someone had simply not had the time or inclination to furnish the huge estate. The white marble floors were polished to a high sheen, the sunlight pouring through the tall casement windows almost blinding them as they walked past. Their footsteps echoed across the open chambers, creating the vague feeling that the entire house was an empty shell. Each room was much like the first, only differing slightly in size or shape. All were hollow pristine vessels waiting to be filled with color and life.

“
Ah, here we are,” Jared announced, as he held open the glass door to the sunny veranda. “See what a fine repast Mr. Hobart has been kind enough to prepare for us.” Temptingly arranged on a spotless white table was the most elaborate “snack” Kaitla had ever seen. Cookies, pastries and cakes were creatively arranged in the center like small fortresses of sugared dwellings. On a cart to the side of the table was a glistening tea set, fine china cups, bottles of sparkling water, sodas, tall glasses and a bucket of ice.