Before Conn could reply there came the flapping of wings from the woods. All three looked round, expecting to see the Morrigu’s crow come swooping out of the dark. But then silence fell once more.
‘There is something wrong here,’ whispered Vorna. ‘I cannot sense her presence.’
‘Obviously something more important came up,’ said Bane lightly.
‘You may be right,’ said Vorna softly, ‘but not in the way that you might imagine. The Morrigu may sometimes appear to be capricious, but she does not lie. She told me that it was vital for the future well-being of the Rigante that you both come to her. Something is wrong,’ she said again.
She stood in silence. Beyond the woods the distant snow-covered peaks of Caer Druagh began to gleam with the promise of the dawn.
‘I am going into the woods,’ said Vorna suddenly. Conn stepped in close, placing his hand on her shoulder.
That you must not do,’ he said. ‘You will die there, Vorna!’
‘I have walked these woods before,’ she told him.
‘Aye, but never uninvited. You told me that – even for you – entry to these woods without first being called by the Seidh would mean death. Is that not so?’
‘Yes, it is so. There are spells which need to be laid aside. Even so, I must make the attempt.’
‘I’ll come with you,’ said Bane. ‘I always had a wish to walk these woods.’
‘Do not be foolish, boy,’ said Connavar angrily. ‘This is a magical place, and mortals are not welcome here. You are young and strong. In a few hours you could come stumbling from this place white-haired and stick-thin.’
‘You think I should leave my friend to face the dangers alone?’ Bane asked him coldly.
‘Neither of you should enter,’ insisted Conn. ‘The Morrigu said she would be here. She is not. The fault is not ours!’
‘I must go,’ said Vorna. ‘I know this. In all my years I have never felt this strongly about anything. I know in my heart that I must walk these woods. And walk them in faith!’
‘But I cannot, Vorna,’ said Conn sadly. ‘For the first time in many years I am afraid. To the south is an enemy who will destroy everything we hold dear. All my life I have been preparing for this moment. Can you understand that? I have put aside love and family, and all pleasures of the flesh. For twenty years I have laboured to give us just one fighting chance of preserving our way of life. If I risk myself now all may be lost!’
‘Then wait here, my dear,’ said Vorna. ‘Bane and I will see what is wrong.’ She turned away from him, and, taking Bane’s hand, began the walk to the trees. Bane drew one of his swords, but Vorna placed her hand on his wrist. ‘Put it away,’ she said. ‘There is nothing beyond that can be fought with iron.’
He sheathed the blade. As they approached the trees a mist seeped up from the damp earth, forming a wall. Vorna paused, her heart beating fast. ‘Hold fast to my hand,’ she whispered, then walked into the mist. It was colder than ice and it swirled up over their shoulders, clinging to their faces. Blind now, they moved slowly onwards. Bane stretched his arm out to the front, moving it back and forth. He could not see his fingers. Nor could he see Vorna, though he felt the warm touch of her hand upon his. Inch by inch they eased their way into the wood. Bane’s outstretched hand touched the trunk of a tree and they moved around it. Time passed, and neither of them had any sense of direction. Vorna stumbled, for the cold was intense, and she felt her legs growing numb. Bane pulled her upright.
‘This’, he said, teeth chattering, ‘was not the best idea you ever had.’
Vorna put her arm round his waist. ‘I fear that is true,’ she said. She slumped to the ground. Bane knelt beside her. ‘It is not over yet,’ whispered Vorna. ‘Wait and see.’
‘It would be nice to see,’ Bane told her.
They huddled together. Vorna took off Bane’s heavy sheepskin cloak and curled it around the freezing man’s shoulders. She spoke a Word of Power to make a fire. As the flame sprang from her fingers the mist settled around it, extinguishing it even as it was formed.