Michael bowed his head. “I didn’t stay in the cave as you told me to. I was afraid of the dark and I wanted my mother. So, I started down the hill and the knights found me and told me my mother was dead.” He let out a little sob. “Then they put a cloth bag over my head, and I don’t remember anything until I woke up in that castle room.”
“It must have been very scary for you.”
“It was, but I knew my da would find me.”
“He thought that you were at Berwick Castle, my brother’s castle so he attacked but you were not there. However, he never gave up hope and soon you will see him, and all this will be over.”
Michael yawned, then asked, “Are you my mother now?”
Siena smiled. “I am. Your father and I are married. I hope you approve.”
He snuggled next to her and said, “I like you.”
As she shut her eyes, she prayed that Roderick would arrive tomorrow to keep them safe. Then everything would be perfect.
* * *
“They are coming!”Barra was flying all around distracted.
Michael sat straight up. “What are we going to do?”
Siena thought for a moment. “I’m going to go back, and you will continue on with Barra.”
Michael threw his arms around her neck. “Don’t leave me.”
Siena patted him on his back then pushed him away. “Listen, you must be brave, Michael. Barra will stay with you until you meet up with your father.”
“What will happen to you?”
“I’m not sure but I’d rather they have me than you.” She gave him a small smile. “I have some knowledge that they want. I also have magic that I didn’t have before, so I’m sure I will be fine. Don’t worry.”
She got to her feet and saddled the horse, then kissed Michael on the cheek and helped him mount the horse. She gave him the reins. “Hold them tight but don’t pull back or the horse won’t go. Follow the path,” Siena paused. “Tell your father that I have kept my promise in giving him back his son. I know he will be thrilled.” She smacked the horse on the rump to get it going.
Wiping away the tears, she watched Michael until she couldn’t see him anymore. “Be safe, little one.” Then she turned back and started walking the other direction back to the place she didn’t want to be.
She’d been walking for about thirty minutes when her father and his knights burst onto the path. Her father jerked his mount to a halt twenty feet in front of her. “Hello daughter,” Cinge sneered. “Where is the boy?”
“Gone.”
Cinge turned to one of his men. “Go after the brat and then I’ll have them both.”
Two riders broke out of line and started around Siena. She turned and pointed toward the cliff, clutching her stones.
The knights’ horses bumped into something that no one could see. The horses reared and tossed the men off their backs. “There is something here,” one of the men yelled.”
“Nonsense,” Cinge said.
“They tell you the truth,” Siena said.
“How so?”
“Well, father you were right all this time. I am a White Witch and have prevented them from going any further. The boy will never be in your hands again.”
Cinge didn’t believe his daughter so he trotted his mount over to where the two men had fallen and he too hit something he couldn’t see, knocking him on his backside.
Siena laughed.
He stood and brushed off his clothes before mounting again.
