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Chapter 9
Maira tossed and turned that night, unable to sleep, having too much on her mind. She kept going back and forth with her decision, not knowing what to do to remedy the situation.
Finally drifting off to sleep, she found herself in her safe place – Imanie’s secret garden.
“Don’t be afraid, Maira. You have never feared anything before,” came Imanie’s voice from the porch of her cottage.
“Imanie?” Maira looked up but everything was foggy. Then the fog cleared and the old woman lunged at her with a sword in her hand. Without thinking, Maira pulled her sword from the scabbard on her back and protected herself from Imanie’s blow. “Imanie, what are you doing?” she cried.
“I am here to prove a point. Now put down the sword.”
Maira did as told. Imanie lowered her sword as well.
“I don’t understand,” said Maira.
“You didn’t hesitate to protect yourself with your weapon, just as I’ve taught you.”
“Aye, but you didn’t warn me you’d be attacking me either.”
“It is second nature for you to protect yourself as well as others who are in need.”
“I suppose so,” agreed Maira.
“Fighting is your skill, Maira. And although your strength is physical, sometimes you might have to find your strength without using your weapons.”
Maira didn’t know any other way to be strong. “How can I do that?”
“You already have. Didn’t you help Cleo and Tommy without using your weapons?”
“Well, yes, but –”
“And little Ricker as well? These people need a strong woman such as you to lead them. Don’t abandon them and let them down.”
“I know you’re right, Imanie. But now Jacob wants me to join his army and fight against the High Sheriff.”
“Will you?”
“Nay! How could I? Jacob is a thief and wants to steal Durham Castle and kill my betrothed.”
Imanie laughed heartily, unnerving Maira.
“Why are you laughing at me?” she asked her mentor.
“I’m laughing at the way you fool yourself,” answered Imanie.
“How so?”
“I am spirit, Maira. I might not be here in the physical state anymore, but I still watch over you girls from beyond the grave. We both know you won’t marry the High Sheriff. Not only because of who he is and what he does, but because you have fallen for another man.”
“I haven’t,” she protested. “I don’t want to marry anyone!”
“What about the thief?”
“What about him?” she asked.
“You have feelings for him.”
“He is naught but a thief! I would never marry a commoner – if I ever decided to marry at all.”
