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Alainn felt her lungs were nearly on fire and on the verge of bursting. She sensed the demon remained in close proximity, but even though she had opened her eyes, there was little to see for the already dark water had grown black as pitch. Was this to be her fate to drown within the very portal she had created? She used all her will and strength to attempt to resurface, but she gained no ground and grew dizzy. Soon, she would need to take a breath and her lungs would immediately fill with water. What an abhorrent place to meet her end, she bemoaned with resolve as her head throbbed and her lungs continued to ache.
When she had all but given up hope, the water suddenly became clearer and it filled with a bright light. Though nearly incoherent with the length of time she’d been holding her breath, she was now able to distinguish a lengthy corridor within the water, and endless portals and doorways, some brightly lit, some exuding palpable evil. She was dismayed to see one of these dark portals suddenly open and, in an instant, she caught sight of many abominably hideous and malevolent beings. She saw the demon being pulled within the doorway and his clawed hand grabbed her own. She fought him and used her powers against him, but her eyes bulged and her lungs protested the length of time she’d been without air.
Unable to withstand it any longer, she regretfully inhaled, silently hoping she would simply drown quickly before she met a darker end with these horrific beings. Somehow, her hand wrenched free of the demon and the dark portal that claimed the demon had been closed. She was only vaguely aware of someone taking her in their arms. She was not only relieved to be free of the demon’s grasp, for him to be behind the closed portal, but now it appeared by some enchantment, she could breathe beneath the water. She caught a brief glimpse of the person who carried her and saw he was male. She glanced beneath the water to see if it might be a merman, but he clearly possessed legs so must indeed be a man. His hair was gold in color and though he visibly attempted to keep his face hidden from her, she was able to determine his eyes were blue.
She was gently laid upon the grass and when he grazed her shoulder, the wound healed immediately. She coughed and gagged, spewing the water she had previously inhaled. She was content to simply lie upon the grass for a moment, but then curiously opened her eyes and sat up. She watched the man magically disappear through the portal in the water and it was soon closed behind him. As she questioned whether Aine had sent this man in answer to Alainn’s pleas, she began to doubt any of this had been real, but when she saw Danhoul hurrying toward her, his eyes were on the pond. She was once more relieved for it wasn’t imagined; he had undoubtedly witnessed some of what had transpired.
He came to her and knelt beside her, his eyes still wide with wonderment.
“Who was that?” she questioned.
He shrugged and turned away, apparently not caring to converse on this topic.
“Danhoul, you must tell me for sure you know well enough.”
“I don’t know who it was.” He assured her and his tone indicated he was being truthful.
“But you know something of him?” she would not relent.
“I suspect he was a searcher.”
“A searcher? Whatever is a searcher?”
“They are known by many names, searcher, seeker, rectifier. They possess magical abilities. They are called to open and close portals, return those who have unwittingly fallen through a portal where they should not be, or happened upon an opening to another time where they do not belong. In this instance I suspect he was employed to close a portal that you opened.”
Alainn nodded, but sat silent for a time pondering all she’d seen and heard.
“I believe Aine spoke once of these searchers. Are they assigned to specific people?”
“Not like guardians, no. I think they don’t always know the people they aid, they are simply sent to where they must assist others.”
“He seemed unusually familiar to me. Have I perhaps met him before in another life?”
“I did not actually get a clear look at him, but I did not recognize him. I don’t claim to know any searchers personally. They never stay in one place for long for they are often needed in many different locations. They are able to journey to many realms and to different times.”
“Do you believe Aine might have sent him to assist me?”
“Perhaps it is so, but it is best not to speak of such topics, Alainn. The less you know, the less we both know, the better it will be.”
“So you will not tell me of the other lives we have lived together? You refuse to enlighten me on such subjects?”
“When and if you need to know, I suspect we will be made aware.”
“By whom, by the gods?” She looked toward the sky displeasingly.
“Did the searcher send the demon away?” Danhoul queried instead of replying.
“Well, the demon was pulled into the portal that I created, but had the searcher not come when he did, I believe I would be in a hellish realm along with the demon this night.”
“Then it is thankful I am for your many powers and for the searcher’s much needed timely assistance.”
As they looked around them, the people were no longer like statues, but filled with life again. She was equally relieved to see her grandfather and many of the other druids had simply appeared seemingly out of nowhere. It was apparent they were unharmed and perhaps unaware they had been in any peril. Much relieved, she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.
“What of Killian? Is he well?” she asked Danhoul.
“Aye, Shylie insisted on accompanying him back to his castle, not without some resistance I might add. He was most intent on seeing you.”
“I am grateful you were able to dissuade him. Although I am somewhat surprised Killian was willing to allow Shylie to see him safe.”
“Well, I suppose being surrounded by a coven of dark, evil lusting witches convinced him it would be unwise to set out alone.”
“Witches? You encountered the coven?” She stood at once, her eyes filled with alarm.
“You needn’t be fearful, Alainn. Like the demon, they were equally threatened by light. Shylie and I charmed the swords. They disappeared and thus far have not returned.”
Alainn nodded and shakily walked to the pond where she stared into the now still water. She needed to see for herself therefore she summoned a vision of Killian and at the moment saw Shylie bidding him farewell as he entered the large door to the castle. She also immediately sensed he had been affected by magic this night. Shylie turned and looked at her, winked, and nodded.
“Before you scold us for using our magic upon him, you should be grateful he is well.”
Alainn’s body trembled in relief and she nodded. “I am much grateful to both of you for that.”
“Are you and Danhoul sound?” Shylie questioned.
“Just barely,” Alainn whispered.
Shylie nodded again and snapped her fingers. She was immediately there with Alainn and Danhoul. As Niall O’Rorke approached them and saw her wet garments an expression of deep trepidation filled his face, and Alainn knew there would be much to discuss.
“I must procure some mead wine. Sure I need another drink straightaway, or perhaps maybe a dozen!” she openly declared.
