Shared Skies Read online

  Gaiah could barely breathe. She knew Neal was running, felt his fear growing. They must be closing in. Alasdair’s car and Neal’s motorbike were both in the car park. She ran full tilt through the woods, following the sign posts. Her steps were taking her exactly where he’d been heading–up to the Pictish fort where his mother used to stay when she ran away from home.

  Gaiah turned a corner in the narrow path, with Kaley following just behind her. Their breathing was a harsh sound, loud in the silence. Then, through the trees, she saw Alasdair, Renny and Gorand. They had just caught up with Neal. They were facing him, with shotguns pointed. As she gasped for air, Neal’s voice carried clearly to them. “You can’t keep me away from Gaiah.”

  Alastair lifted his gun. “To keep Gaiah safe, I’ll do anything.” he shouted, and the deafening crack of gunshot sent scores of birds screeching into the winter sky.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Gaiah arrived in the clearing just in time to see the spray of shot catch Neal straight in the centre of his chest and throw him backwards. He crashed against a tree and slid to the ground. Kaley screamed. Gaiah was rooted to the spot. He was gone. Silence filled her heart.

  She was bereft, abandoned. Her world had gone dark. Her body was a leaden weight. She pushed Alasdair out of the way and fell to her knees next to Neal’s body. The spray of shot had ripped right through his coat. She bent her head down, slowly stretched a hand up to caress his white face and closed her eyes. No. No, no, no. This can’t be true, it’s not possible. Not now, not when we’ve only just found each other.

  Through the bleakness that filled her, her heart cried out for him and felt an answer. What…? He’s still there. How, in the name of God, is this possible? Her fingers clutched at his jacket as she tried to cradle his head. She had seen him take the blast full on. Faint and far away she could feel him. She looked carefully, he was breathing. Her sense of him was getting stronger.

  As she looked at him, his eyes opened and he fought his way back to consciousness. She realized what had happened even as his hand went to the back of his head and he groaned. He'd cracked his head, when he'd crashed backwards. He was knocked out, not dead. Knocked out. The world flooded back into her; her eyes saw and her ears heard again. Behind her, Kaley was rapidly explaining things in a breathless voice.

  “How on Gaiana is he still alive?” asked Alasdair. “I used a shotgun to make it look like a hunting accident. I know it’s not a powerful weapon, but he was close.”

  Neal struggled to his feet and opened his jacket. His metal and wood art pieces were tied to him front and back and held in place by thick strapping. “I tied them on to me so I could transport them on my motorbike. Best decision of my life.”

  Tears poured down Gaiah's face. “I knew those pieces were so special from the moment I saw them. I didn't imagine we'd owe our lives to them.” She stroked the metal which was dented and puckered by the gun shot. Neal bent his head down to Gaiah; her hands caressed his face. Their eyes were so locked on each other, they may as well have been alone. Their absorption in each other was total.

  Gaiah broke their communion. She held Neal’s hand as she turned to face the others. “I am going to help Neal bring these up where they belong, then we’ll follow you home and we’ll all talk.” This wasn’t a suggestion or a request, it was an order which nobody questioned. Without another word, Gaiah and Neal turned and, with their arms wrapped around each other, disappeared up the hill.

  ***

  Back in the cottage, the kitchen was crowded. The Ten, still in Gaianan clothes, had shifted Earthways. Gaiah’s extraordinary revelations, followed by a demonstration of her sudden, astonishing ability to shift, had stunned them. Aghna was still shaking her head and declaring it impossible. Kaley filled everyone in on all that had happened in the woods. When she finished there was silence.

  Ruairidh’s voice broke it. “This could be an Or’kan trick. This Neal could have his own plans. Why should we trust him?”

  Kaley looked at him, her eyes pierced him. “We don’t. We trust our instincts, and mine say Gaiah knows what she’s doing.”

  Ruairidh’s face reflected his battle to accept what he wanted to deny, but it cleared as he argued aloud with himself. “If he was an occupied out to trick his way into Gaiana, could Gaiah’s powers have developed at such an extraordinary rate, so as to be able to shift without help because she needed to save him? No, if she did something good because of their melding, then their melding is good.”

  Alasdair nodded. “If she can do something as complicated as that on her own, then what in the worlds are they capable of together?”

  Gorand’s voice was almost a whisper, “Oh my Powers. Imagine, if it’s true. Two melding’s children together, how is it possible?” He looked around the room, every face confirmed his wonder. “And this boy is an Or'kan–Earth melding? I never heard it told of. What fates were intertwined in our three worlds to bring this about?”

  Renny slumped into a chair. “It’s my fault he was shot. I shouldn’t have said anything until Gaiah said I could. If I hadn’t told you all about the attack…Oh Energies! I feel terrible about it.” She covered her mouth with both hands.

  “You feel terrible?” Alasdair’s sandy eyebrows rose. “I shot him! Or’ka’s lights! I could have killed him–I meant to kill him. A melding’s child? Powers!” He smiled at Kaley. “Mind you, it looks as if we have another melded pair in our family. What are the chances of that?” A huge grin spread across his face. “I think this calls for a major melding party.”

  “Electric idea!” whooped Renny, jumping back out of her chair. “When?”

  “Well,” Kaley mused as she filled the huge kettle and sat it on the Rayburn. “Their souls' melding has already happened. And we know melded couples can't bear to be parted, so I think the sooner the better for the melding ceremony.”

  Gorand stared into the distance for a second or two, nodding his head slowly. “Yes, also, their powers, whatever they are, are going to increase with their melding. The union of the body adds power to the union of the soul. So we need to see how soon it would be possible.” Everyone joined in, with ideas and suggestions, a cheerful babble filled the room.

  While her family planned her melding ceremony, Gaiah leant back against a moss covered tree trunk, arms entwined with Neal’s. They had stacked his artwork in a thicket by the entrance. Tomorrow, with more time, they would find exactly the right places to mount them.

  Gaiah’s voice was quiet. “I can’t believe all this has actually happened and yet it feels so...I don’t know…in a way...kind of normal. Does that seem weird?” She turned her face up to his, finding in his gentle smile the reassurance she felt from his heart.

  “No. I know exactly what you mean. It’s as if this was all waiting to happen, and now that it has, things are just right, the way they were meant to be. Now we carry on with what we are meant to do.”

  “Yes. But what on Earth is that?”

  Neal turned and faced Gaiah; he bent his head and rested his forehead against hers. His hair, loosened from his usual ponytail, fell around her face. His eyes were closed. His breathing kept pace with her own. “We’ll know, Gaiah, I’m sure of it.” He kissed her gently and wound his arms around her, but as he did so, he winced.

  “What?” asked Gala, as she felt his pain. He took off his jacket; the sleeve of his jumper was stained with blood. He pushed it up. “Damn! I must have gotten some gunshot in my arm. I never noticed it in the euphoria of having you back. It’s not too bad though, it just needs to be cleaned up and I’ll be fine.”

  “God, when I think how bad it could have been...” Gaiah shuddered. She had a closer look at the shallow gash on his muscled arm. “I don't think it needs stitches or anything, but let's get you home and look at it. I can feel it's starting to hurt.”

  The journey home on the back of Neal’s bike was one of the happiest moments of her life–arms around him, cheek against the smooth fabric of his jacket, heading off to
save the world. She caught his grin in the wing mirror as he sensed her emotions, and shared her feelings.

  When Gaiah and Neal walked into the kitchen, they barely had time to register the riot of colour, before a huge cheer went up. They stood in the doorway, holding hands and smiling. Gaiah's eyes were more brilliant than ever, and the air seemed to shine around them. Gorand stepped forward. “Welcome, Neal, melding choice of Gaiah Shaman of Gaiana. Welcome to our world.”

  Alasdair rushed over but stopped several paces short of them. One hand raked his hair back off his face, the other waving palm up in front of him. “Neal, I’m…What can I say? I’m really sorry about–”

  Neal stepped forward, took Alasdair's hand, and shook it. “You thought you were protecting Gaiah, and as that is something I hope you will always do. I thank you for your intentions if not your actions!”

  Everyone laughed and Alasdair's face relaxed back into its usual smile. Kaley watched the couple with a sense of loss. Her granddaughter with whom she had so recently been reunited was already gone. She turned her back to search in a drawer for a packet of tissues and to hide her tears. Gaiah was someone else now. She had become a new entity with Neal. But a melding was always good, so Kaley gave herself a mental shake and embraced the couple.

  Renny approached them and put her hands over her face. “Sorry, sorry, sorry. Gaiah, can you ever forgive me? I nearly got Neal killed.”

  “It’s not your fault. You were doing what you thought was right and anyway, it isn’t as if I was very communicative with you, is it?” Gaiah said and hugged her.

  Neal hugged her too, and said, “Thank you for being there for Gaiah, I hope you always will be.”

  “Grandma, Could you have a look at Neal’s arm please? I think some shot grazed him.”

  “Oh no,” groaned Alasdair “I’m so sorry. When I think–”

  “Don’t worry, Alasdair.” Neal put his hand on Alasdair's arm. “Honestly, it's really nothing, a bit of disinfectant and it will be fine. Just show me where everything is and I’ll sort it out.”

  “Are you sure?” Kaley asked. ”I’ll have a look at it if you want.”

  “No, really, it’s no problem. Anyway, I think you’ve all got more important things to do. I can feel Gaiah's starving.” Neal said with a smile.

  Kaley laughed. “Okay, I better get started on food, then.” Giving him directions to the medicine cabinet, she turned to her well-stocked cupboards.

  In the bathroom, Neal gingerly took off his jacket and grimaced when he pulled off his jumper. He was wearing a short sleeved, black t- shirt. Between the sleeve and his elbow was a gash about four inches long. It was crusted with dried blood. The shot had passed through his coat and jumper, getting his arm on its way. He poured the disinfectant over it and wrapped the gauze around it. He'd been lucky; it really didn’t seem too bad. Gaiah met him outside, with a thick, warm jumper of Alasdair’s. “The least he can do for you is lend you one of his own jumpers, after he shot yours!” She took his hand and kissed it. It seemed as natural a gesture to her as breathing. She tugged him towards the kitchen. “Now, honestly, I am starving. Grandma! How’s the food doing?”

  Kaley was had emptied her fridge and freezer of anything she thought might help to feed fifteen hungry people. Everyone wanted to help, but it was Ruaridh from Clan Earth, large and ruddy-faced, who took charge. Shortly, he had a production line going, turning out food. The Rayburn top was sizzling and splattering with sausages, eggs and potato cakes.

  The Gaianans were delighted to be sharing Earthways food and time together. “So many of us never leave Gaiana at the same time," said Troya from Clan Water, a small, fair woman, with the kindest face Gaiah had ever seen. “Unless it is for some extraordinary event, like today. First, when we thought you were in danger, and then, to hear this wonderful news. This Earthways meal together, is a first.”

  Everyone helped themselves as food was declared ready, and pots of tea and coffee were made one after the other. Neal and Gaiah sat at the head of the kitchen table together, their bodies in constant contact, saying little as the conversation rolled around them.

  Gathering dusk slowly obscured the countryside, until black night was pressed up against the window. But inside, the polished lamps glowed on the fifteen people spread around the kitchen. They were all deep in conversations about what this melding might mean and full of relief at what had been narrowly avoided. Everyone had ideas and they were all making suggestions and plans.

  Alasdair broke through this pleasant buzz and hum by standing and banging his mug with his spoon. ”Right! Ladies, gentlemen and melded couple. As you all know, meldings can rarely be celebrated on Gaiana, as more often than not, the Earth partner is unaware of the origin of their melded love as in your parents' case, Gaiah, and perhaps yours, Neal?”

  “No–my mother knew about Or’ka. Obviously she had never been there, but knew it was a horrible and dangerous place. She never spoke about it to anyone, except me, on rare occasions.”

  “Well, this is a truly unique occasion. The Trinity of our worlds is joined, and the melded couple can come to Gaiana for a melding ceremony. Gaiah and Neal, it would be our pleasure if you would shift to Gaiana for a celebration and solemnization of your melding.”

  Neal and Gaiah didn’t even have to look at each other, as their shared emotions made them reply as one. “Thank you all, it would be wonderful to share it with you.”

  “Right,” said Gorand. “We’ll go ahead and sort out details, and maybe tomorrow, you could both visit Gaiana and we can discuss it. Tomorrow evening, Alasdair, I invite you and your family to eat with me in my home.”

  “It would be a pleasure.” Alasdair was beaming.

  Renny clapped her hands. “Oh, this is so exciting.” She turned to Gaiah. “Hey, Gaiah, y’know the way Earth weddings have bridesmaids? Can we do that? Oh please? Can I be your melding maid? Pleeeaase?” She waved her prayer-clasped hands in front of her.

  “I’d love it, Renny, I really would,” Gaiah said with a big grin. With the maximum of fuss, chatter, plans and suggestions about the ceremony, the Ten shifted to Gaiana. Gaiah suddenly yawned, hugely.

  Kaley laughed. “Melding or no melding–you’re going to bed. It’s been a long and eventful day.” She put her arm around Gaiah and frog-marched her to the door. “Neal, you can have the sofa bed in the front room.”

  “Thanks Kaley, that would be great. Actually, I have just realized I am wiped. I’d sleep on a doorstep now.”

  “Oh, our sofa bed is a bit better than that.” Alasdair smiled, “This way.”

  Neal took Gaiah’s face in his hands as he passed, and whispered, “You know, we won’t really be separated. I’m with you always.”

  She smiled and nodded. “I know. Sleep well.”

  He followed Alasdair out of the kitchen.

  It was a peaceful, happy house that night. Gaiah, content with her sense of being wrapped in Neal’s love, quickly fell into a deep sleep. Neal sank into the plush, softness of the sofa bed, turned to enjoy the warmth and crackle of the glowing log fire, and drifted off within moments.

  Renny spent some time pondering what to wear at the melding ceremony, and if she should make a little speech. But her thoughts soon became jumbled, and luckily when she was deciding to wear orange clown shoes and a red tuxedo–she was dreaming. Alasdair and Kaley talked softly, their arms around each other. Kaley always slept that way, with her head on Alasdair’s chest. They talked, but their voices became slower and soon the gaps between words became a silence, filled with peaceful breathing.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The next morning, Alasdair made his speciality breakfast dish: scrambled eggs with loads of pepper, piled on top of thick slices of home cooked ham and served on brown toast.

  Renny was laughing as she told them of her dream decision. “It seemed reasonable at the time. Maybe we should have a circus theme?”

  “Aaargh. No way!” Gaiah rolled her eyes at Kaley, who laughed. Two pots o
f tea later, Alasdair was trying out his ‘knock knock’ jokes, and was delighted with Neal’s offering of, “Knock, Knock”

  “Who’s there?”

  “Isabelle.”

  “Isabelle who”

  “Isabelle really necessary on this door?”

  Alasdair's guffaw rang around the kitchen.

  “Don’t encourage him,” groaned Kaley as she got up from the table. “Renny and I are going to shift now. Alasdair will follow with you two later. I know you want to return to the woods for a little while. Be careful of yourselves. See you later.” She kissed them all, and shimmered from view.

  Renny stood. “Neal, don’t get side-tracked and spend days in the wood. We’ll all be ready and waiting to welcome you to Gaiana. Powers! What fun! I can’t believe we´re going to organize a melding ceremony at home. It’s sooo not normal there. Imagine! A melding, and me a melding maid. Okay, I’m off.” In a shimmer, she was gone.

  “Right,” said Alasdair. “I’ll wash up here, let you two get going.”

  “Thanks Grandpa, see you in a while.” They wrapped up well and headed for the door. Alasdair called Gaiah back and handed her a backpack. “Supplies.”

  She kissed him. “You're the best. Thanks a million.”

  They disappeared down the drive. It didn’t take long to get to the woods, but as before, Gaiah loved every second of the bike ride because of the close contact with Neal–his bulk protecting her from the worst of the wind and cold. She would have been happy to be travelling the length of Earth like this.

  The car park was deserted. Weak sunshine and blustery winds had dried up the ground underfoot, so the hike up the paths wasn’t too slippery. They weren’t in a rush, so for the most part they strolled, holding hands. Gaiah told Neal all about her father and her London life. When she paused, he turned and lifted her up. Wrapped in his arms, he kissed her eyes, her face and finally her mouth; soft gentle kisses.