Two Kinds Of Truth(49)

The priestess’s voice cuts through the hanging silence, and I look up to see her face the crowd, her tone now as smooth as silk, the flickering light of the bonfire dancing shadows across her face, lending her an air of mystery. Yet somehow, her voice seems oddly familiar.

“May my guides, angels, higher self, and good spirits assist me in this ritual,” she declares, before addressing each handmaiden in turn, standing before her in a line. The first bows and puts something into the priestess’s hand, at which the priestess turns back towards the altar.

“May these coffee grounds ensure all minds are clear and receptive.”

She turns back towards the second handmaiden and again, accepts a small offering.

“What is she doing, exactly?” I whisper at Jamie.

“She’s taking a specific herb or ingredient needed for the ritual from each one.”

I watch closely as the priestess sprinkles each offering over the altar’s candleflame, and as she speaks, I absorb her every word.

“Oregano: may you always find joy and energy in your life. Cloves: may wealth come easily to you. Fennel: may you allow healing and find strength. Poppy seeds: may you always be aware of that which is around you.” She grinds the last of the ingredients between her fingers and over the flame before turning back towards the crowd and raising her arms.

“Please, everyone, come forward with your wishes.”

Jamie pulls me to my feet. “Best get in line, lass, with the other hopefuls,” he says as his eyes dance with amusement.

“You’re not taking this seriously,” I say.

Jamie shakes his head. “Nah, I’m just waitin’ for my cake and ale.” He laughs and I feel a stab a disappointment. I don’t know why, but I want him to take this part of the ceremony to heart. I want his wish to come true as much as I do my own.

Rhona grabs me. “Hurry up,” she says, “you don’t want to be at the back of the queue,” and she dashes over the grass, dragging me along with her. We’re laughing now, and I feel Jamie’s hand in the small of my back. I like it there; it makes me feel safe.

A drum strikes out, quickly settling to its mesmeric beat. A piper joins in and yet another tune fills the air, and soon the awaiting crowd are singing the Skye Boat Song. I watch in awe as some of the young women dance in small groups. Their arms twist gracefully towards the heavens, their toes pointing towards the earth. They link arms then twirl around, their clothes floating like chiffon. I’m fascinated by the fluidity of their movements and find I can’t tear my eyes away.

Rhona lets go of my hand and then I see her, standing in front of the priestess, to whom she lifts the bay leaf, and which the woman then takes and burns over the flame. She bows to Rhona and says: “With harm to none, may these wishes come to those who write them. To the power of three so may it be.”

Rhona thanks the priestess, then walks away to where Gordon waits for her under a nearby tree.

It’s my turn. I step forward and offer up my leaf, now staring into two beautiful dark eyes, ones that take me aback. I’d recognise those hazel eyes anywhere.

“Bridget?”

She smiles. “Hello, Maddie. What a wonderful surprise. I do hope you’ve recovered from your fall?”

I’m stunned at seeing her again. “Oh, yes; totally, thanks,” I mumble.

“Are you okay, only I can tell by your expression I’m not who you expected.”

“Uh-huh, you got that right. I’d never have guessed in a thousand years you were a priestess.”

Bridget laughs lightly. “Well, I don’t wear a sign around my neck if that’s what you mean?”

I laugh back. “No, of course not, only I thought you were just a passing tourist.”

“I am.”

“Not quite.”

“Perhaps not. However, let’s get together before I leave.”

I nod. “I’d like that.”

“Great; it’s settled. Meet me by the stone in roughly an hour’s time, and we’ll swap phone numbers.”

“Great, it’s a date,” but then an irritated cough comes from someone standing in line behind me, and Bridget focuses her attention back onto my hand. “Do you have your wish for me?”

Now that I realise Bridget is the priestess, I’m not keen for her to see my wish. I waiver, but she gently cups my hand in her own and my fingers automatically open. She lifts the bay leaf from my palm and reads the inscription. When she looks up, her eyes bore into mine for a moment before she gives me a knowing smile, the leaf soon burnt over the flame. It ignites in a second and Bridget drops it into the silver bowl, repeating the enchantment as she this time holds onto my hands. “Is this your husband?” she asks, and before I can reply, she reaches past me and plucks the bay leaf from Jamie’s fingers.

“Hey, ye cannae do that,” says Jamie, but it’s too late, Bridget’s already read what was written there. She stares at him for the longest time.

“Ah, so you’re not her husband,” she says thoughtfully, and turns and sets fire to the leaf. She stares at him then bows her head. “You have my blessing and the Gods will favour you,” she says. She bows once again, at which Jamie grabs my hand and pulls me away.

“What on Earth’s the matter?” I ask, seeing how his brows are knitted together and his lips are puckered.