“Aye, but even sae, people are nae inclined tae trust outsiders. We must be careful regarding how much we reveal about ourselves.”
“I just want tae be safe,” Elvira said, glancing at Tereza and Ollie. “I dinnae know why we hae tae be sae persecuted. We are people tae.”
“Aye, but we are different. It is part of our blessing, and our curse,” Mirella said.
“That’s nae gaeing tae help us get coin. We need it tae live, and we dinnae hae enough left for a meal taemorrow.”
Mirella chuckled. She was as resilient as ever, although Elvira wondered how she could act as though there was nothing to worry about when their resources were dwindling and there was no safe place for them to remain. They were alone,stranded from the rest of their people, forced to leave their home. It was hard to remain positive when faced with such dire circumstances.
“I would nae worry about that, Elvira. As a people, we are used tae enduring even when the circumstances are against us. We hae always managed tae fend for ourselves, even after all we hae been through. We are survivors, and we are determined. Ye get that from yer parents,” Mirella said.
Elvira frowned, unsure that this was a rousing endorsement. Still, she was too tired to argue with Mirella. Thankfully, they were interrupted by their meal. Four plates were brought to their table. It was hardly a feast, but the meager meal was welcomed by ravenous appetites. Elvira was grateful that a plate had been scrounged up for her, but even so she gave some of her food to Tereza and Ollie, keeping only a morsel back for herself. She noticed that the woman who served their food lingered around their table, eventually working up the courage to speak to them.
“Excuse me, I dinnae mean tae interrupt but, are ye… well… it’s just that I heard that yer people hae certain skills… skills tae help people see the future.”
Elvira pursed her lips. She was about to disabuse the woman of this notion, before Mirella began speaking. “Oh, aye, we dae. It is a gift passed down from generation tae generation. Elvira’s ma was one of the best. What’s is ye name, dear?”
“Isla,” she said, offering them a broad smile.
“Elvira hae inherited her mother’s talents. She would be delighted tae give ye a reading, although it does take a wee bit out of her, and we hae endured a long journey. I suppose the prospect would be made a wee bit easier if we were assured of a hearty breakfast,” Mirella said. Elvira glared at her, but the words had already been spoken.
“Oh, of course! I would be happy tae oblige, it’s just that there is sae much fear and uncertainty in these parts. I hoped that ye might bring my mind tae rest.”
“That she will dae, just find a quiet place and Elvira will see tae ye,” Mirella said, giving Elvira an encouraging glance. Elvira composed herself, swallowing the last mouthful of food. She followed Isla to an adjoining room at the rear of the bar. Isla wiped her hands on her apron.
“Dae I need tae dae anything?” Isla asked.
“Nae at all, just relax and give me yer hand,” Elvira said. She took Isla’s hand and studied it intently, then she told Isla to close her eyes and breathe deeply. This afforded her the opportunity to look at Isla. Isla’s hands were calloused, indicating that she worked hard at the inn. On her left hand was a wedding ring, suggesting that she was married. Given her age, it was likely that she had at least one child as well. Elvira gently manipulated the fingers, more to give Isla the impression that she was doing something impressive.
“I can see that ye are a hard-working woman. This line here shows that ye hae always been the same,” Elvira began.
“Oh aye, even when I was young, I was helping Ma out. She said that I should marry a rich man sae that I would nae hae tae work a day in my life, but that dinnae sit right with me.”
“Yes, I can see here that ye married for love.”
Isla smiled warmly. “Aye, as soon as I saw him my heart was gone, and the same was true for him as well. People always said that love was complicated, but loving him hae been the easiest thing in the world. I just wish other things were as simple.”
“Things like the outside world,” Elvira said.
“Aye… I keep hearing things, whispers and rumors ye know, passing word about other clans.”
“Clans like the McKovac clan.”
Isla flinched in surprise, not knowing that Elvira had come from the area. “Yes, and I’m worried that eventually they are gaeing tae darken our doorstep. We’re good honest folk, ye know, we dinnae want any trouble.”
“Of course, but why in particular are ye sae afraid? Oh… yes, I see this line of conflict… is there some history between this clan and the McKovac clan?” Elvira said. Isla peered at her hand, trying to see the same thing that Elvira saw, but of course, she did not.
“Lots of history, gaes as far back as time itself,” Isla sighed. “I thought peace could last forever, but I suppose we are nae sae fortunate. Dae ye see anything tae put my mind at rest?”
“Well, there is some tension here, but as long as good men stand up for what’s right, then there should be nae trouble.”
“That’s just the problem. I’m worried, well, I should say that Torrin, that’s my-”
“Husband,” Elvira guessed, which served to impress Isla. It was easy to impress people who were looking to feel that way. She arched her eyebrows and leaned back in her chair.
“Aye, well, he says the laird is nae prone tae fighting. It’s his advisor, ye see. Wars cost money, and money is nae something they want tae spend. If McKovac decides tae attack us, then the Laird might come tae a truce and sacrifice his land, land that gives home tae good people. It’s just that there’s sae much uncertainty and I want tae know that everything is gaeing tae be well,” Isla leaned forward, placing her hand across her forehead. She rubbed her temples, while Elvira studied her. Most people wanted to be given this type of news. Elvira wished it for herself as well. Sometimes she wondered if she should be pragmatic and tell people to prepare for the worst, but she liked to give people hope.
“As long as there are men like Torrin in the village, then people will be safe. Ye should be proud of the man ye married,” Elvira said.
