Echoes of the Past, Fires of the Present (See Content Warning)

[Mairead Harker]

June 2022 - GateWay Station Apartments

It had been nearly a year since the mysterious Vanessa Mariposa had cropped up on the radar. What they knew for certain was she’d given birth to a healthy daughter in September and both were safe. She refused to discuss her past without talking to Colleen first. There was something about her, few had those instincts in a cockpit. Much like she had with Hawk, Diana had put her to work without asking much about the woman’s past or family. She was codenamed Butterfly, she flew like one.

Hawk muttered to himself, “Crazy woman, we want to help and Matriarch's not here to do it. Who knows when she will be.” Hawk had papers spread all over his desk. He grumbled as looked over the schematics for the newest addition of birds in the squadron. They were lighter, stronger, and held larger amounts of cargo. A couple of passenger transports were also added to the fleet. He read over those documents as well. He came out of thoughts when three raps hit his door. He answered with a gruff tone in his voice to ward off anyone peddling anything but Scout cookies. “How can you help me today?” he asked.

The young woman on the other side of the now opened door chuckled. “That’s the bazillion plat question, isn’t it, Wingman?”

“Oh, hey.” He gestured for her to enter. “What brings you out this way, Short Stuff?” At 6' 4", he easily towered over her. Short Stuff to Hawk was much like Little One with Tass, to them that’s who she would always be.

“I came to tell you a few things.” Maggie took a seat when it was offered. “They might be of the you might want to sit down variety.”

“Sounds serious.”

“It is.” She tapped one index finger against the other.

“Kid, you really have to stop taking the weight of everyone else’s problems on your shoulders.” He set a chilled glass of Broot before her.

“They are no longer someone else’s problems, Michael. They are mine and rightly so.”

“Are you about to give me a chess lesson?” He grinned at her.

Maggie laughed. “You mean about the Queen protecting the King? Or how, theoretically one player could have nine Queens on the board at once?”

Hawk’s ice blue eyes twinkled. “Didn’t know the second was possible.”

“As I said, in theory, it is. Eight pawns could become Queens if they all got across the board and were promoted. Plus the original makes nine.”

He stared at her in amazement. “That’d mean your opponent had made a huge train wreck of their game.”

“Yes.” She nodded and murmured, “Much like the piss poor battleplans Gérard Boulanger laid out.”

“Who?” He studied her face.

“A name you will learn in time, Michael.” She studied him a moment before asking, “Your birthday is in November, isn’t it? Making you born a child of the autumn season.”

At first, he took this in stride and joked, “You buying me a present, Maggie?”

She chuckled humorlessly. “Seems I already gave you a present, a big one.” Maggie stood up. “The color of your eyes, for instance.” Her eyes closed and time seemed to stand still as a wintery chill filled the room.

As Hawk watched, Maggie went from a gangling teenager to a graceful adult. He no longer towered over Short Stuff, she could easily look him in the eye. Soft clicking sounds were heard as the snow white armor moved into place. Her dark hair with a smattering of red highlights was a striking contrast to the pale armor and white fur cloak that settled over it. A silver circlet rested at the center of her forehead. When her eyes opened, the warm golden green had become the ice blue that reflected his own.

The breath suddenly had left his body. His heart felt like it stopped beating. The orphanage records had listed Colleen MacLeod as his mother with no father listed. He was told his mother had died after having given birth to him, was even shown her burial site. After having met the MacLeod Matriarch, he couldn’t believe she’d have ever left any of her children behind. Five minutes ago, Maggie was a child on the border of being a woman. Here he was, faced with this mysterious and mythical being, a snow queen. No, the Queen of the Winter Court of the Mighty Isle and then some. For a bit, they sat in companionable silence.

[Mairead Harker]

Hawk drew in a deep breath and let it go. He studied the woman across from him. This was not the Maggie he’d known for years. Somehow, the nickname didn’t suit the creature before him. Finally, he broke the silence, “What do I call you now?”

“Unless it’s a very formal situation, Maggie as you always have.” She smiled thoughtfully.

“About that information and needing to sit down?” His eyes locked on hers. Hawk tended to cut to the chase and this time was no exception.

“Michael, do you know who the Opal Children are?” She hadn’t looked away from his piercing gaze. “What if anything do you know about the Old Soul called Zapphira?”

“Now, you're getting all whimsical and fey!” He sounded mildly annoyed.

She cleared her throat. “I’m asking so I don’t have to waste time repeating if you already know.”

Her narrowed gaze caused him to flinch. He hated that feeling. “The Opal Children are the kids conceived or born under the influence of those sentient gems they give out as prizes in the Outback.”

“Correct and you’re one of them.”

His brows nearly hit the ceiling. “Come again?”

“You’re one of them.”

“How the hell could I be an Opal Child?”

She lifted her left hand in a hold on position. “It’s a bit complicated. About the Old Soul?”

“I’ve seen the effect she has on people, but…” The ticking of the clock seemed to thunder in his head. “What does that have to do with me? That I know of she’s only been attached to women.”

“There were three aspects. Pearl still has hers. Aunt Rhi’s was released to help bring Uncle Gory back from the dark depths. She got her chance to live anew, she’s Gale, now.”

“And yours?” Hawk asked. If Pearl had one, Maggie did as well, that connection was easy enough to make.

“Because of who I have become and with PathFinder’s help, I was able to release her.”

Hands on his thighs, Hawk leaned toward her. “Where is she?”

“The child hasn’t been born, yet. Not until November.”

“November,” he muttered. He moved his mouth like a fish out of water. “Wait… I …”

One brow lifted as she watched him doing the mental connections.

“You’re saying that the me going to be born was a part of you?” He muttered, “Well, that’s fucking weird.”

“Yes.”

He stared at her. “You don’t look pregnant!”

Maggie laughed. “No, I’m not.” She paused. “What do you know about your birth?”

“They told me Colleen MacLeod was my mother and …” Realization set in. Colleen had given birth to him, but she wasn’t his mother.

“It took me a while to put the pieces together. Eventually, everything fit. Except your gender.”

“Short Stuff, if you’re asking me if I’m actually female, that’d be a no.”

“That’s just it, the prophecy promised her another chance at life. It never mentioned who she’d become.”

“Who is my father then?” He gave her lopsided grin.

“Humor, ar ar!” Maggie clapped a couple times.

Not understanding the early Robin Williams reference, Hawk looked baffled. “No, seriously.”

“You were created with the power of PathFinder and blessings from Gaia. That's all I know right now.”

“That’s a lot to absorb.” He was staring into space as he spoke.

“You want me to leave you alone to think?”

“Thanks, Maggie. I think that’d be a good idea.”

She gave his shoulder a squeeze and stepped outside.

[Mairead Harker]

Sept 2022 - Fields of Navarra in the Fey Realm - Ireland

“My Lady, the preparations are in order for the Samhain festival.” Trebor, one of the council elders, offered his arm to the much younger woman that walked beside him.

Maggie rested her hand on the old man’s arm as they walked. “Good, it’s time that our people were able to freely celebrate the harvest’s bounty and the coming year ahead. Last year at this time, we were still at war.”

Several children darted forward with chants of “Lady, come see! There’s a new litter of pups!” and other joyous shouts.

Unlike her predecessors that often walked among the people garbed in royal robes and jewels, Maggie wore leathers and simpler clothes. Fancier things were kept for more formal occasions. She was their appointed queen, but she was still Maggie Harker. As Maggie and Trebor followed the children, she was reminded of having weapons and shields crafted to fit their hands. Being able to use the Nexus gates to travel between times and places gave her an advantage. Just as she had taught her students at Dragon’s Gate, the youngest of them were to hide if possible. When Gérard Boulanger had poked fun at the teenager leading her grandmother’s army, the last thing he expected was for her to arm and train the young and defenseless. That was one way he lost, he underestimated Maggie’s tactical abilities. He was not above slaughtering children. Much like the Lady Eowyn from the histories she’d read in Queen Teleperien’s library, she knew, Those without swords can still die upon them. She had made a promise to herself more than anyone else … Not on my watch.

“Have you chosen a knight, yet, My Lady?”

“Yes, he’ll be joining me for the Halloween celebrations in Rhydin.”

“Which of the …”

“The bear of course.”

[Mairead Harker]

A step back … Jan 2022

Maggie sat with the others at the table in the council chamber as petitions for aid were brought forth. After months of their homes and lands being torn apart by warring factions, they needed help and with a new monarch rumored to be in place, it was time for change and restoration to begin.

Four men approached and Colleen studied them carefully. It was a reflexive move on the part of many present when hands moved to rest on the nearest weapons. One of the men grinned wryly as he came forward with his small entourage to stake a claim on the crown of the Winter Court. “Regent.” He addressed the redhead with disdain. “I am Gabriel Boulanger. It is my understanding that this council has elected a new ruler. I have come to challenge that by right of battle if need be.”

Murmurs echoed off the stone walls. Maggie’s fingers were tangled in the fur of the large wolflike dog beside her. She leaned to her grandmother and murmured, “He’s bold, I’ll give him that.”

Collie nodded to Maggie’s quiet words and she responded in kind. “Bold in words does make one bold in action.” She glanced down at the papers in front of her.

A grey haired man stood. “Battle it is then, boy. Just after dawn tomorrow.”

“Lord Trebor, I was not expecting to be facing a revered warrior such as yourself. It will be my honor.” Gabriel’s eyes swept over the ancient form of the man before him. “I’ll stand ready on the field.”

Maggie knew that assessing look all too well. She’d seen it on others when they looked her over and felt it on her own face. It was an expression that asked many questions including, Can I take him in a fight? It was then that she spoke. “Lord Trebor has exercised his right as the champion of the late queen. However, the new queen has not appointed a champion.”

“Then I’ll face her champion.” Gabriel’s voice had a confident tone to it.

The low buzzing of conversation began at the table when Maggie asked. “Lord Boulanger, did you spend the entire war in hiding?” Her directness hadn’t surprised the council, but they, too, wondered about that.

“Beg pardon, my lady, I don’t see what that has to do with facing the champion in the morning.”

It was then that Maggie realized that tall and gangling man before was barely older than she was. “You do understand that the war began because your kinsman assassinated his half-sister, the only child of the previous ruler?” Her golden green eyes locked on his deep brown ones. “And there is a question as to whether or not he was involved in hastening the death of her father.”

He swallowed audibly, it was then he realized the person addressing him had earned her place on the council. “My lady, my cousin’s actions do not reflect on me.”

“Don’t they? You supported an assassin who had no blood claim on the kingship. Does that choice not speak against you? You did not support those that acted to bring a murderer to justice. Does that not speak against you?” Maggie’s palms slammed on the table as she rose from her chair. “You didn’t even have the intestinal fortitude to step up and lead when he was cut down mid-battle, but you stand here trying to claim a right to the throne of this Court of Winter? I will meet you in the morning.”

“You?” He scoffed. “You’re barely out of leading strings. I demand an audience with the Queen of the Winter Court!”

Maggie stepped into the well of the council chamber where light shone on the simple circlet she wore upon her head. “You just had one. You will not be granted a champion, Lord Boulanger. Unlike you, I accepted the responsibility of leading the army that was entrusted to me. You ran and then came here in arrogance. In the morning, be there on time.” The white velvet of her gown rustled as she left the chamber.

[Mairead Harker]

After Maggie left the council chamber, Gabriel Boulanger cursed under his breath as he remembered where he’d seen her face.

August 2021

Maggie spent the night in a planning session with the other group leaders. She listened as Lord Trebor explained their objectives. The Lady of Autumn sat patiently with the others in case her input was needed.

On the map board, Trebor slid the troop markers into place. “Marshall Sanders, you and your troops will take your places along the road into this village. Hidden, of course. You are to ensure that Lady Harker and her troops can run a recovery operation with as little interference as possible.”

Various questions were asked before Maggie’s. “How many people normally live there?”

“One hundred, thereabouts. However, it is doubtful, Lady, that there are survivors,” Sanders said ruefully.

“Lady Harker, supplies to aid and feed our troops are our priority.” The words were clipped and came from a man with a captain’s insignia on his shoulder. Autumn remained silent as Captain McCarthy continued. “We barely feed those we have let alone more mouths.” There was bitterness in his voice.

“I shall not leave survivors behind. Especially children, they’re victims more than anyone.” She studied the Captain from across the table. “For every mouth that needs feeding, Captain, there are usually two more hands to aid in work.”

“Children do not work at such things, Lady Harker!” McCarthy’s voice took on a belligerent tone.

“You’d have me leave them to starve and die?” Maggie’s head shook. “That’s not who I am.” Her expression became neutral as she spoke. “Older children are often more capable than some are willing to believe.”

The Captain rose from the table and slammed his fist into the heavy wood. “And will you arm the children as well, Lady?” The words were spat out venomously.

Before the Lady of Autumn could speak, Maggie was on her feet, leaning across the table, and locking eyes with that fierce looking man. Had she been closer, she would have delivered a head butt to the angry man across from her. Trebor smiled slightly, he’d been hoping for exactly that. His grandson had been the recipient of one of those maneuvers during spars. Time seemed to stand still until a single word came from the young woman’s lips. “Yes.” The blood drained from McCarthy’s face. The others were not surprised by her directness. “There is a saying, Captain, 'And those who have not swords can still die upon them.’ Will I put those children on the front lines? Of course not! Will I train them to defend themselves should the need arise? You can make book on that!”

“You … will train them?” The Captain was incredulous. “You who are barely out of train…”

The Marshall Sanders was about to respond when the hitherto silent Lady of Autumn finally spoke with the sound of authority that had frozen many in their tracks, “That will do, Oisín.”

At the sound of his given name from the eldest warrior at the table, the Captain locked himself at attention like a small child preparing to be lectured by a parent. “I beg pardon, My Lady. I merely meant to point out the Lady Harker’s inexperience in battle and training soldiers.” His head was bowed.

“Tell me, Oisín, what is it you know of Máiréad’s experience in training soldiers and children for that matter?” Her left hand was lifted and moved from side to side as if she was waving off the words he was about to speak. Her voice was husky. “That was, in fact, rhetorical. Clearly, you are unaware that she has had charge of the Navarran forces for some time now. After serving for a few years as an instructor specializing in teaching young children to teenagers how to properly wield and care for weaponry, Máiréad is more qualified than any one here to do so. That includes myself.” Her eyes narrowed on the Captain, who just moments before was spitting fire. “I suggest that in future, you cease making assumptions and seek out truthful answers.”

“Yes, My Lady,” he murmured.

“Good.” The Lady of Autumn studied the young pair. “I should not like it if you continue to prod bears. They have very hard heads.”

Maggie lifted her hand to feign covering a cough. However, it was to hide a smile at the bear reference. She broke the silence. “So, the recovery mission will include aiding survivors and, if need be, burial detail.”

The group continued their discussion.

[Mairead Harker]

In the wee hours

Maggie sat on a stump with a mug of strong coffee in hand as she watched the flames dance in a campfire. She was joined by several of the troops that would be riding with her. While the council had made the objectives clear enough, they left the development and execution of that operation in her hands. It was a test and Maggie knew it.

“My Lady.” A clear and deep voice broke the silence. Conchobhar Cennétig, tall and built like a bear, settled on a nearby boulder with a huge headed mix breed black dog beside him.

Maggie reacted to the dog quicker than she did to the man. She greeted the animal with woofs and chuffing sounds. Those taking up places to prepare for what their leader would say had mixed reactions to her speaking to a dog. Without looking away from the dog, she asked, “How many of you have clothing with you that would be suitable for farm work and other manual labor?”

Maria Lavin eyed Maggie a moment before speaking. “I have several things that would do, darkly colored linen dresses and skirts.”

“Will they fit over your leathers?” Maggie sipped her coffee.

“I think so.” Mary gestured between the others. “We were told to bring clothing suitable for many things when we signed up.”

Maggie gestured to the others. “Gather up what you have, wear it over your leathers, and I hope you’ll be able to ride in those clothes. If not, Plan B.”

“Sergeant Rivers, you’re a blacksmith by trade, are you not?” Maggie studied the trooper. His arm muscles were highly defined, if he wasn’t a blacksmith then he lifted heavy weights often.

“Yes, My Lady.” The middle aged man gave her a wry grin. “I have several weapons already prepared including the small ones you requested.”

“Very good.” Maggie held her mug close to her chest as she asked. “How many farriers do we have standing by?”

“Four that can be easily called upon.”

“Kindly do so and make sure every horse that’s heading out of here before dawn is properly fitted.”

“You four, you’re new I don’t know your names, yet,” Maggie said as she gestured to the small group. “See our cartwrights and get one wagon for each of you and a couple of flat beds. We’ll need something large enough to carry goods and people. We may be looking at several orphans and elderly people in that village.”

Conchobhar leaned and offered the names. Maggie nodded and addressed the newest recruits by their surnames as she gave further instructions. Next in line were the healers and a couple of people to distribute food and beverages.

Only Conchobhar remained when Maggie asked, “Captain, how many of your folk travel with us, today?” Her nostrils flared as she looked up to the heavens. “Do you know the tale of Callisto?”

He didn’t correct her on his rank, he’d just been promoted! The mention of Callisto had explained her meaning and he nodded. She had scented his bear and those of his kin. “A dozen or so on this mission.”

She turned her head to look at him. “Good, because we only have a few hours to move Birnam Wood to Dunsinane.”

The Shakespearean reference was not lost on the soldier.

[Mairead Harker]

Two hours before dawn…

McCarthy’s people had already departed to scout. It was their job to ensure safe passage to the next units coming in. Several groups would travel the road. Maggie had learned the art of illusion after being involved with the Duel of Magic for several years. She hoped the ones she had in mind would pass muster, lives could depend on them. The first group, led by Captain Cennétig, would wait near the treeline to keep watch until they were needed. The second, led by Lord Trebor, would be travelers passing through the village. They were able to get water for themselves and their horses. One traveler, with the promise of returning with a healer to aid some of the residents, headed back the way the group had come. The remainder continued and were waiting in the trees on the other side of the clearing. They gave the appearance of sitting to enjoy a meal on their way to another place.

Two more groups would follow. The third was led by Maggie, who looked the part of a regal lady being escorted by an honor guard. The fourth, led by Marshall Sanders, waited a half mile from the village entrance. To the casual observer, they looked to be a troupe of traveling performers. The women wore colorful skirts and made music with tambourines. The zills on those instruments were easily as sharp as the one the knife thrower had been using for practice.

Lord Trebor’s Squire made his report. “Lady, there are twenty-five structures that could be seen. One is a forge. I saw three men with the arms that are gained by hammering. At least one stable, perhaps two. One midwife, possibly the village healer, but I’m not so sure. There is a gathering building. When we arrived, a meeting may have been in progress. We were offered food there and, as a precaution, we made sure to take the concoction the Lady of Autumn provided before accepting anything.”

“How did you find the midwife’s establishment?” Maggie studied the young man.

“Two women outside her door, one heavy with a child.” He quickly glanced at something he had written down. “The midwife was touching her belly much like a farmer would a cow or horse ready to drop their young.”

“Could it have been one of her family elders?”

The Squire shook his head. “Not likely, Lady. The woman was youngish.”

Maggie had allowed for at least four gravid women in their supplies. One known one would be easy, they could get her out first. “Children?”

“Older ones were in the fields, I couldn’t get an accurate count. I heard a few small ones through open windows. A few were playing outside.”

“Elders?” Maggie asked the question as she mentally calculated the amount of resources that would be needed.

“Some with walking canes.”

“That meeting you mentioned? Did you hear anything?”

“Raised voices; some just loud, others angry. They were speaking too quickly like buzzing bees.”

“What reason did you offer for doubling back?”

The Squire smiled and tapped his temple with a fingertip. “Some were in need of a healer. That’s why I’m not so sure about the midwife being in general practice.”

Maggie brought her hand up to rest her palm against her cheek. “How far did you tell them you needed to go?”

“I told them I was traveling with others and they would be through soon enough. There were mixed reactions.”

A few grumbles went through the group before Maggie asked, “Did you consider that by telling them you may have compromised our operation?”

“I did, My Lady, and consulted with Lord Trebor before doing so. He said he would keep watch, especially on those that seem unsettled by that news. He suspects a few Boulanger sympathizers and news of travelers with their own healer might pique interest.”

"I expect they might be looking to rob us." One of Maggie’s brows rose as she thought, “The temptation of en passant. Well played, m’lord. Well played. The snare is set.”

[Mairead Harker]

Maggie’s mind was in high gear, putting things together like puzzle pieces as she listened to the Squire. She held up a hand to halt his words. “Yuri … Squire Volkov, what was Lord Trebor’s estimate on how long we have?”

“Sunset, Lady. He reckons they will come by night for many reasons.”

“Night Walkers,” she murmured. “And I don’t mean fishing bait.” She pursed her lips. “We’ll need a healer with midwife training. Barring that, we need someone that can deliver any kind of animal. A farmer, perhaps?”

He frowned. “The Lady of Autumn remained in base camp. As you know, the Lady MacLeod…” He didn’t need to say more as Maggie nodded in response.

“We’ll do what’s needed.” She inhaled deeply of the scents of the woodlands around her. As the teenager closed her eyes, a faint smile appeared as she heard voices from the other side of The Veil. “They’re here. Now, find us that midwife, we don’t have much time.” She paused. “You’ll be traveling behind us. Don’t travel past the village line until you are cleared.”

Volkov almost asked who was there, but thought better of it and went on his way. Maggie rode beside a lady-in-waiting with two men in leathers riding just ahead of them. Women in dark colored linen dresses and more men in leathers followed.

Captain Cennétig and his unit were interspersed with the trees. He made himself known once Maggie and her little band made their way along the road into the village. “My Lady.” He bowed his head once. “The wagons are ready as you ordered. Are there further plans before you go in?”

She took a few moments to make her own long distance assessment of the village and its people. “Yes,” Maggie said firmly. “One, you will ride beside me and your Second will take command here. We don’t need anyone getting the idea that I’m interested in arranging a partnership.”

The Captain’s dark brows rose. “And if I am asked?”

“Tell them you are my champion.”

Cennétig laughed quietly. “We better hope none of them have seen you fight.”

“Hm.”

He sobered before asking, “The rest?”

“We’re getting as many out as we can. No child is to be left behind. If that requires casting sleep and hauling that parents out with them, that is what will be done. Avoid separating them.”

“My Lady, do you understand what you are asking?”

“I do. I will not make my cousin’s error if I can help it.” Maggie wrapped the mare’s reins around one of her gloved hands.

“Error?” The captain studied her.

“Yes.” Maggie nodded and stroked Windy’s neck. “Many years ago in war time, a daughter of Zeus did what she thought was right to save a village of starving and enslaved people. She succeeded in leading the charge to free the village from the soldiers that held it captive.”

He was silent, he knew that but was coming.

She studied him a moment before going on. She sounded distant as if seeing the images before her. “One should be careful about celebrating victories until an entire war is done. Because she didn’t calculate any repercussions into her plans, the surviving villagers died. They were poisoned. They’d been left behind, defenseless. No one should die because someone else planned poorly.”

“They didn’t ask for our help, My Lady. What if they refuse?”

“Then whatever happens to the adults isn’t our responsibility, is it?”

A simple nod was given before they traveled onward.