Kaetha’s jaw dropped and she turned to exchange a look with Donnan who appeared equally shocked but also relieved, that is, until his gaze fell upon Murdo.
“He died of a sudden, pernicious malady. The monk physicians did all they could. Though we grieve for the loss of so great a man, we can take comfort that the clanland will be safe in the hands of his strong, courageous son, Murdo Macomrag, verified as chieftain by his noble clansmen.” Murdo inclined his head.
“I wonder if that’s true,” whispered Donnan, “about the illness. Perhaps Clan Onuist finally got rid of him.”
“Or his own son.” Kaetha kept her eyes on Murdo. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”
“I wouldn’t put anything past a Macomrag,” agreed Donnan.
Murdo walked up to the town crier and held out his hand. The man seemed a little surprised but handed Murdo the scroll and shuffled into the crowd.
“Today is a day for grief,” called Murdo, “but when our tears are shed we will rise up all the stronger. I will lead the people of Mormuin in strength, defending you against the threats of invasion from without and evil from within.” He unfurled the scroll. “I carry the words of King Svelrik of Dalrath: I hereby decree that only monk physicians may act as healers, except in the case of midwifery. Those who practise healing unlawfully, from this day on, will be hanged, for this art, in the wrong hands, tempts the user into the practice of dark magic. Wise men of Dalrath agree that magic in this land results from the tainted blood of Edonian ancestry and is, therefore, an evil which defies our righteous, honourable Dalrathan values. Those suspected of using magic shall be marked by a ‘cut above the breath’ and, should sufficient evidence be found that a suspect has used magic, their punishment shall be hanging. The moral weakness of women means that their behaviour especially must be scrutinised by neighbours and law enforcers alike.” Murdo scanned the crowd. “Use of the ‘evil eye’, foretelling futures from the organs of animals, charms, spells, potions, dallying with malicious spirits to control the elements, blighting the crops of the land, summoning fires and storms, wrecking ships, blood magic, curses – all such devilry must and will be eliminated from this land. This is the word of King Svelrik of the Royal Clan, Ceanardris.”
After rolling up the decree once more, he stood tall, surveying his people. “I tell you, I will honour our king’s words.” Kaetha noticed many people nodding. “I will do all I can to protect you all from this growing threat.” A few cheered. “Many of you have loved ones whose health was stable one day and who were close to death the next – what could that be but dark magic? My father’s malady,” he nodded, “aye, witchcraft.” There were gasps from the crowd, exclamations, and fists punching into palms. “My father did not proclaim King Svelrik’s decree when it was first issued, against my advice. He felt that it would cause unrest, that some would rebel against it. But I say now, let – them – try!” Now a great cheer rose up from the people, sending a shiver through Kaetha.
Finola joined Kaetha and Donnan at the back of the crowd.
“What do we do?” said Kaetha so that only they could hear her.
“We can’t stop the tide,” said Donnan, “but we can avoid drowning. You, Cailean, Nannie, Finola, you have to stop doing anything that people might call magic.”
Kaetha’s hands became fists. “And let them win?”
“You’d be letting them win by getting yourself hanged. That’s not going to happen to you.”
“I don’t like the way Murdo’s looking at us,” said Kaetha. “Come on.” They skirted the crowd and hurried up to the clifftop. “We have to warn the others.”
“I’ll go to the Morays and tell Cailean,” said Finola.
“Good. We’ll go to Nannie’s,” said Kaetha.
“I don’t think you should come,” said Donnan when the two of them reached the High Street.
“What?”
“It’s just, after all that Murdo said, it’s probably best for you not to be seen at Nannie’s cottage.”
“But it’s not as if everyone in the town heard.”
“News spreads fast. The king’s words will echo over and over again. From now on, the less you’re associated with the healing arts, the better. I’m sorry.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “That means staying away from Nannie. For now anyway.”
Kaetha hung her head. “Tell her I’ll miss her lessons.” She clutched her mother’s heron clasp as if it might bring luck. “And tell her to be careful.”
Donnan nodded. “Wait at the house for me.”
Time stretched, like wool being spun into thread. Kaetha chewed her lip, recalling what she could from Murdo’s announcement. The air in the house was still, like a frozen intake of breath. Kaetha ventured to peer through the window, wondering how serious the danger outside was. Were they overreacting? If they were careful and if those they’d helped with their healing in the past were loyal, Murdo shouldn’t be able to find any evidence against them.
“Thank the heavens,” she said when Donnan returned. “You told her.”
“No. She wasn’t there. I’ve asked around and no one seems to know where she is.”
“You don’t think Murdo—?”
“It’s too early to think anything.”
“I need to find her,” said Kaetha.
“Please.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “I’ll get Aedan and we’ll look together. Just wait here where I know you’re safe. Alright?”
Donnan left and she paced the room for what felt like hours. Then she stamped her foot. “Enough waiting,” she said. She whipped on her cloak and dashed through the door, colliding with Mairi on the street outside.
“Goodness, Kaetha!”
