23

THE KELPIE

Many tales are told of the evil beast that haunts the ghostly gloaming in the Highlands, emerging from a deep loch or pool to bring an end to some poor unsuspecting soul. In the northeast the water horse, unlike in the west, never changes colour, staying a golden yellow whereas his western counterpart goes from black to light brown. There are also, in some parts, those who can change form to deceive. Then there are the ‘water wraiths’, tall, green-dressed females, all withered and scowling to herald one’s doom. However, folk tales of such a beast are not predominately told in the north. Galloway is where there is a dreadful creature, and here he is: the water kelpie.

It was dark, and she knew fine well it was not a time for one as young as herself to be out. Had her parents not often warned her, ‘Lassie, if he sets on ye, then ne’er will he stop until you are his.’ Her heart beat faster with every step, for darkness was moving quicker than her feet. Shadows melted into the ground to become giant trees and bushes, wherein lurked the eyes of ever-seeing owls. What a relief for her to see, far down the valley, her parents’ house, and one of them waving a lantern of reassurance that she’d soon be home. Suddenly, while passing a deep pool in the river’s bend, from the corner of her eye she saw a flash of white. Startled, she turned to see a handsome young man alight from a beautiful, pure silver-coloured horse. Without saying a word, he gestured with an outstretched hand for her to come. For a moment she felt her head swoon and her slender body sway. Then a whistle brought reality spinning back, it was her father. Knowing what she did about the water kelpie that could shape-change, she turned and ran faster this time into the waiting arms of her anxious father. That night, unable to sleep, she sat staring into the darkness, watching him galloping back and forth, from hillock to glen to river.

Come morning, her parents realised only too well that once the water kelpie has set eyes upon his prey he will stop at nothing until she is his. The lassie was packed off to live with an aunt, and there she lived, finding romance in the arms of a handsome young soldier who was not without a title or two.

The day was set for their wedding, and as tradition has it they were to be wed in her hometown. People came from miles to see the pretty Galloway lassie marry her Duke. She was a picture of pure beauty standing at the altar of the flower-decked church.

However, just before the exchanging of rings the sound of horse’s hooves was heard from outside the church. No sooner did the wedding guests turn their heads when the door flew open, and there, for all eyes to see, was a great silver-white horse, with wet flowing mane, galloping towards the terrified bride. On its back sat the demon who had marked her for his own. He leaned down, and with one scoop had her onto the horse before a hand was raised in her rescue. Her heartbroken husband searched high and low but never saw his lovely bride again. Unable to live without her, he died of a broken heart. After that, some folks swore that if one stared into the pool near that fateful spot where she first met the demon, a sad white face could be seen beneath the water’s surface.