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W
abi poured himself a mug of tea, a Darjeeling variety Aned Favŕe had brought over to him. As the steam rose above the mug, the old wizard added a dollop of honey and sniffed the tea, enjoying the tangy aroma that filled his nostrils. Finally he stood and stared out the window looking down toward the water below his cottage. The loch was white capping and as Wabi watched, an eagle swooped down, extended his great talons, and reached down into the turbulent waves and secured his next meal.
"Owl, my friend, I dislike leaving my cottage knowing Ian is on his way. But this is one situation that requires my immediate attention, as you well know. Ian is a very bright young lad and I have no doubt he'll manage on his own until such time as I'm able to be with him."
Owl sat on his perch listening to his Master. The two had been through adventures that made Owl's head spin, literally, and he was still with his Master. Being a companion of Wabi did not mean he was forced to stay. He was free to leave at any time, but he knew his place was with this old one. The Creator would never force any of the species to stay with another if they did not wish to do so. Free will was one of the Creator's laws.
You've experienced this phenomenon before Master. If the Creator so desires, you will return again and complete your destiny as he has planned. And I will be here, as always, waiting for you.
"Knowing you'll still be here when and if I return is comforting, Owl. I just wish this situation had come at a better time. There's so much turmoil in the country with the British government's demands on the Scots and I'm concerned for all of my countrymen, especially for Caitlin and her loved ones."
Alex and the MacKinnon family will take care of her, Master.
"Of course. But once I enter my hibernation state, I can no longer communicate with her, nor feel her vibrations; nor can I call Ian or hear him if he should call me. But I have no choice. Every day I feel less and less able to perform my duties the Creator has set out for me. My power is all but gone and I must go now, the time has come again.
"Only you will know where I'll be. I trust you'll keep this knowledge to yourself, and if the Creator so desires he'll allow me to go within and find that deep well of energy that will return my powers. If not, then I will continue to sleep forever.
“In just a short while, the Beltane fires will be lighted across the land. This is a time of celebration of the return of life and vitality to the earth, a rebirth so to speak. All creatures, including man, may find rejuvenation and a new connection to the Creator during this period.
"I shall enter my hibernation and dwell in the home of the Druids on the Isle of Orkney, a place of the ancients who share my blood. There is power in this place, and if it is my destiny I will harness that power and return to my assigned place on this earth.
"However, if I do not awaken before the great fires die out, then you have my permission to inform Caitlin and Ian that the time has come for me to move on to the next life the Creator has designed for me.
"I've traveled this plane and been the caretaker for this line of healers for generations now. My intuition tells me the latest healer in this line, just a child now, has been given power that may be greater than all those who came before her. If this is correct, then doubtless there will be extremely trying times ahead for all those who care for her and I pray I will be allowed to help guide her. She may be a challenge even for this old wizard. But as always, the Creator's wishes shall be done, not ours."