It was nearly two years since they had reached Moldavia. Adrastea was running with the deer and Chundrea was pregnant with a child that was not to be hers. It was Torac’s son and she would only act as his mother until he was weaned.

Torac was concerned for her well-being. No one among them was a doctor, although Yuri knew about herbs. Nobody could ensure any bairn a safe passage into the world. That was something only the gods could control.

Every day, after he was through hunting, he would go in to see Chundrea and feel the baby move. This seemed to reassure him that everything was fine. For the moment.

One moonless night, Torac found himself unable to sleep. He decided to get up and go out for a walk. He threw his deerskin cloak around his shoulders and stepped out into the darkness. He walked down the silent road, past the sleeping houses, and up to the cliffs.

There were many beautiful places in Moldavia, but the cliffs were, by far, the prettiest. The cliffs overlooked a bay so crystal clear and blue that you could see the fish that swam in it. And there was no better place to watch a sunset.

Torac sat down and looked at the stars. The constellations twinkled down at him like guardians from heaven. A breeze gently brushed past him and at once he heard a voice.

“I know what you’re thinking about.”

He turned and saw beside him a beautiful woman with flowing auburn hair, dressed in a long white robe. Torac stared at her in amazement. After awhile, he was able to speak.

“Then tell me, what was I thinking?”

“You were wondering if your beloved could see these same stars where she is.” she smiled. “And now you’re wondering where this beautiful woman beside you came from.” Torac looked away. “I’m flattered that you think I’m beautiful. And yes, Torac, I’m sure that Calixta can see them in Eire.”

Torac turned back to her, his eyes fixed on hers. Not since Calixta Sembre had he seen a woman of such beauty. Surely she couldn’t be real.

“You are a dream, aren’t you?”

“I most certainly am not.” she frowned. “Here, I’ll prove it to you.”

She bent forward and kissed him softly on the lips. Torac put his hand on her cheek and she held it there with her own hand.

“Where did you come from?” he asked.

“This is my home.”

“You live on the cliffs?”

“Yes.” she answered, rising to her feet. Torac also rose.

“You must be lonely up here by yourself.” He took her hand. “Why don’t you come home with me?”

She looked down over the water sadly.

“I cannot. And you must not tell anyone about me. Don’t even speak my name among your people.”

“I do not know your name.” Torac sighed.

“Perhaps that is better.” She said decisively, looking back into his eyes. “You can come up here anytime to see me. But always alone. Never bring anyone with you or you will never see me again.” She looked at him seriously. “Promise me this.”

“I swear on my life.” He kissed her hand, she placed it on her heart.

“Good. Now, I must go. The sun rises.” She turns to leave. He grabs her arm.

“Please, before you go, tell me your name.”

She looked down at him sweetly, and her last breath was carried on the wind as she melted into the morning light.

“Elaine...”

Torac stayed there awhile longer, thinking. Wondering if she was a goddess or a faerie. Perhaps she was a wandering spirit. Torac shrugged his shoulders. Whomever she was, he was certain that they would meet again.

Before the sun had completely come up, Torac trotted down the path toward CHundrea’s house. He passed Yuri on the way, who was headed toward the cliffs with his book.

“Beautiful morning, isn’t it? Perfect day for planning the future.”

Torac just nodded. He never really understood Yuri’s strange ways. He supposed that the book was Yuri’s thought book. But that book was far more than a diary. You see, ever since Yuri was a child, his head was filled with ideas. He wrote these Ideas down in his book. It was sort of an outline for a perfect society. Yuri never showed these plans to anybody. He never really had the drive to make his plans come true. Not at this time, anyway.

Torac wanted to see Chundrea, but she was not at her house. Adrastea was running around in front of the temple of life, chasing butterflies, so he figured that Chundrea would be inside.

Chundrea was gathering all of the things necessary to aid in birthing a child. The towels, blankets and water basin were all in the birthing room, and water was boiling above the fire. Torac became excited.

“Is it time already?”

Chundrea turned to face him.

“Nearly, Torac. He’s been extra active this morning. That’s one of the signs that he’s ready.”

Torac looked perplexed.

“Then why did you let Yuri go off to the cliffs? Isn’t he supposed to deliver the baby?”

Chundrea gave him a reassuring smile.

“No. I’m sure I can do it alone.”

Torac shook his head and smiled at her.

“I’ll stay to help you.”

“But surely you have work to do.”

“It can wait. This is far more important. I have not yet seen how a child is brought into the world, and I wish to see my son born.”

Chundrea shrugged her shoulders and sat down on the birthing bed.

“I cannot refuse you that. Stay then, and I will advise you on what to do. For now, all we can do is wait. I still do not know exactly when he’ll want to make his appearance.”

Torac and Chundrea used this time to talk about names for his son. Torac trusted Chundrea’s vision, and she usually had good names for everything. Back in Eire, she had helped many women choose names for their bairns.

They finally settled upon Amergin, which meant strength and wisdom; two traits important in a warrior.

This being settled, their conversation turned to other things, and Chundrea began weaving.

“Where were you this morning?” she asked him. “I passed by your house on my way here and you weren’t there.”

“I was at the cliffs.”

“Really? Doing what?”

“Watching the sun come up. It seems to come right from the bottom of the bay.”

Chundrea sighed. “I’m sure it was beautiful.”

Torac’s eyes became glazed over as if he were dreaming. “She was.”

Chundrea looked up. “Who?”

Torac snapped back to reality. “The sun... the bay... I always refer to them as “she”.”

Torac placed his hand on Chundrea’s abdomen as a method of changing the subject. “How much longer do you think it will be before I hear my son’s first cry?”

Chundrea went back to her weaving.

“I am not sure. Maybe not today at all.” she looks up at him. “You look tired, Torac. Rest here. I will wake you when the time has come.”

Torac laid down on the bed. He took Chundrea's hand.

“Don’t leave my side, Chundrea.”

“I won’t.” she assured him.

Chundrea sang to him softly and Torac couldn’t resist melting away into a deep sleep. He dreamt about Elaine and what he would say to her when they met once more. He did not know that he spoke her name aloud in his sleep, and that Chundrea heard him. He did not know that his mind would allow him to break his promise.

He woke after awhile and Chundrea was sleeping beside him. She stirred, however, when she felt him rise from the bed. Torac headed out the door, but stopped upon hearing her voice.

“Who is Elaine?” she asked.

Torac turned back to her, startled. “What?”

Chundrea sat up. “Who is Elaine? You called out her name in your sleep.”

Torac searched for a quick answer, while trying to avoid Chundrea’s eyes.

“Did I? Well, it was probably just a dream.”

Chundrea was not convinced. “Torac, tell me the truth. If you have found someone, I am very happy for you. Where is she? Where did you find her?”

Torac looked away. “I cannot discuss this with you.”

“Why not?” she inquired.

He turned to go. “You would never understand. You would think me a fool.”

Chundrea’s curiosity pushed her onward, though she saw the fear in Torac’s eyes. “I would not. Please Torac, tell me.”

Torac turned back to her. “I cannot. I have made a promise.”

Chundrea sighed. Apparently this was very important to him. But she had not known him before to keep secrets.

“If you have made a promise to someone, I cannot force you to break it. But Torac, you should be careful. Don’t go jumping into something that you can’t handle alone. Should you get into trouble...”

He takes her hand. “You worry too much. You shouldn’t be troubled by anything in your condition.”

She takes her hand back. “I’m pregnant, Torac, not on my death bed.”

“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. But I don’t need you to worry about me. I am a man, Chundrea. I am more than capable of taking care of myself.”

“My concern is everyone, Torac, not just you.”

Adrastea hobbles in, holding her knee, which she seems to have wounded very badly. Blood runs from the wound.

“Mama, I got an owie.”

Chundrea rushes to her side.

“You see? I turn my back on this one for a moment and she hurts herself.”

Chundrea picks up Adrastea and brings her over to the bed. Torac decides to stay a moment longer.

Upon seeing Torac, the child seems to have forgotten her injury. She smiles at him.

“Hiya uncle Torac!”

“Hello there missie. What have you done to yourself now?”

“I fell out of a tree.”

Chundrea became alarmed. “What were you doing in a tree?”

Torac came to the child’s rescue. “Chundrea, calm down. All children climb trees.”

“I didn’t!”

“So you were the exception, dearest. I wouldn’t worry about a little scratch.”

“Next time it could be more serious. I never want you to climb trees again, Adrastea. DO you understand?

Adrastea began crying again. “Yes, mama.”

Chundrea embraces her daughter.

“Oh, it’s not your fault. I suppose you were curious. Why is it you were up in that tree?”

Adrastea smiled. “I saw a bird. It was so pretty, I wanted to catch it. I wanted him to be my friend.”

“The way to gain a creature’s friendship is not by catching it, dear. If you let the creature alone, by its own will, it will come to you.”

Adrastea became hopeful. “So if I sit on the grass quietly, the bunnies will come and say hi?”

“Something like that.” Chundrea laughed.

A puzzled look crossed Adrastea’s brow. “But Torac catches animals...”

“Torac is a hunter. He only catches animals so that we’ll have food and warm things to sleep on and wrap you in.” she tickles the bottom of Adrastea’s foot. Adrastea giggles.

“But I thought that Misha got us food.”

“He does. He makes things grow from the earth. But it is not the same as what Torac does. Is it Torac? ...Torac?”

While they were talking, Torac had slipped quietly out of the temple. The sun was setting and he was eager to get to the cliffs. Torac had to find out if he had really broken his promise.

The moon shone brightly down onto the bay, and danced on the surface of the water. He saw no one about, and began to think that maybe he had lost her for good. Then suddenly, a breeze blew against his cheek, and there she was, her auburn hair shining in the moonlight.

“I thought you wouldn’t come.”

Elaine smiled at him sweetly. “Why wouldn’t I ?”

“I spoke your name. “Torac said plainly.

“To Chundrea, I know.”

“I have broken my promise to you.” He turned away from her. “I am unworthy to be in your presence.”

She put her arms around him.

“No you are not. You didn’t tell CHundrea anything about me. She knows nothing but my name.”

Torac turned around. “But that is enough, is it not?”

“I know you are sorry, Torac. Besides, I like you. I don’t think I could ever send you away.”

Torac and Elaine talked about life. He had so many questions that needed answering.

“How did you get here?”

“I told you. I live here.”

“Have you always lived here?”

“No. I once lived up there.” she pointed to the sky. “But I was cast out.”

“Why?”

“I was set up to marry Govannon.” she replied. “But I did not love him. Govannon was old and dirty and he hit me when I didn’t obey.” Torac nodded sympathetically and urged her to continue. “I was in love with another. His name was Angus.” her eyes clouded over. “Kind, sweet, adoring Angus. He taught me the language of music. And love. I could’ve spent an eternity in his arms. But one night, Govannon found us together, playing music. He brought us before The Dagda, who wasn't in good spirits that day. He banished me to this place.”

Torac frowned. “That’s terrible.”

“Sometimes I just sit here and play my harp. And I think about Angus. And I get sad.” her face brightened. “But not anymore. Now I’ve got you. Now I’m happy.”

“Happiness is hard to find in this world. There are so many rules here.”

“There are even stricter rules in Emain Macha. They expect you to be perfect. If you’re not, they send you back.”

“Then reincarnation does happen?”

“Of course.” Elaine answered.

“But then, why didn’t you get sent down as a baby?”

“Infidelity is a serious crime.” she said, plainly.

“But polygamy is allowed.”

“Usually women aren’t allowed to have other husbands or love interests. Some husbands allow it though. It depends on him. Have you ever been married?”

“No. I had to leave behind someone I loved very much. She did not believe in...”

“You miss her, don’t you?” she interrupted, sensing his sadness.

“I did at first. It gets lonely sometimes. There is only one woman in Moldavia, and she’s taken. I’m not lonely now, not as long as you’re here.”

“I am always here.” her face becomes a mixture of puzzlement and amazement. “A man comes every morning and writes. He makes such faces and gestures.”

Torac laughed out loud. “That’s Yuri. He’s harmless, I think. I don’t know him that well. He’s very smart. Smarter than most of us. But not Chundrea. She’s the smartest woman in the world. She’s the only one who speaks to the gods.”

“Her ability to speak to the gods has nothing to do with her intelligence. She was chosen for that.”

“I know.” Torac said. “But the gods would not have chosen someone who was foolish to be our high priestess.”

Elaine told Torac a secret. “She is not the only one who has spoken with a god.”

“Who else has?” Torac inquired.

“You.”

“Me? When?”

“Right now. I used to be a goddess.”

“Goddess of what?” Torac asked, interested.

“I was the protector of all maidens. i watched over every young woman. I was their guide.”

“If you’re down here, who is taking your place?”

“My second, Blodwin. She was the only other goddess that fit.”

Torac thought for a moment. His head was still full of questions and even more were popping in every moment. “Tell me, what was Govannon god of?”

“Blacksmiths.”

“Sounds dull.”

“He really puts himself into his work. He tempers the weapons for the gods of war.”

“What does Angus do?”

“He is the god of love. HE plays his harp and the music is carried on the wind when the two right people are brought together.”

“Sounds like an easy job.”

“It’s not. A lot of work goes into seeing that the right people come together.”

“What if two people are matched that Angus doesn’t approve of?”

“He will put everything right. He'll bring the right people together. It’s their destiny.” she explained. “But some people go on with their arrangements and fall in love with that person anyway. That’s the tricky part. Angus will put the remiar into the two right people, and from there, it’s up to them to follow their hearts.” she paused. “Sometimes, if one of them doesn’t listen to his heart, the other may be hurt very deeply. That pain never goes away.”

“Has that happened?”

“Yes, many a time. And it will happen again.”

Torac takes Elaine’s hand. “Well... you’re alone, and I’m alone... Why don’t we be alone together?”

Elaine smiled. “That sounds wonderful. Would you like me to play you a song?

“I would delight in hearing you play.” he replied.

Elaine began a slow tune on her harp. It sounded off the sides of the cliffs and rang down to the bay. The music was sad and happy at the same time. It told Torac a story of lost love and new hope. The harp sang to his soul of the love that Elaine had for him. A love that Torac hoped would last forever. ‘Someday’, he thought to himself, ‘I shall live here with Elaine forever...