Love's Blazing Ecstasy by Kathryn Kramer Page B

out to her from far away, warning her, crying out to her.  Her father had often told her that she seemed to have a touch of the ‘sight’, and since that time she had foreseen the danger Valerian had been in from the dark cult, she wondered if it was true. Sitting up in bed she attuned her senses, hoping the voice would call out to her again, but it was only the wind and her imagination playing tricks on her—nothing more.
    Putting her hands to her ears, she tried to block out the sound of the blustery weather, chastising herself silently for her foul mood and lack of optimism. Somehow she seemed to have lost faith in the spirits’ plans for her future. She had been so certain that she was going to bear Valerian’s child that she had spent time weaving a small blanket, but her monthly time had come and shattered all her dreams. 
    The force of the wind rocked the small dwelling in which she was confined, but Wynne was not afraid, desp ite being all alone. The god of the wind would not harm her—but as to humans, she was not so sure. Certainly her own people had disappointed her. Turning over on her back, she lay quiet for a long time, feeling as if all the life had drained out of her. How many days had she spent here? Twenty? Twenty-five? She had ceased to keep track. One day was much the same as another here in this small round cell-like structure. She felt caged and longed for her freedom.
    Wynne sat up at the sudden sound of broken wood. Her instincts warned her that she was no longer alone but she didn’t listen . “I’m hearing things,” she intoned.  “Perhaps I’m going mad!” Isolation could do that to a person, she thought, trying to relax.  Closing her eyes she willed herself to go to sleep but it was no use.
    Slipping off her bedshelf, she made her way slowly to the doorway of the small dwelling. It was a strange night; the wind had quieted and in its place there was a mist—a fog—surrounding the village, hiding the stars and moon from sight and making it impossible to see more than an arm’s length away. Even so, she knew every inch of the village with its pits, granaries, and working areas, and the palisade with its fence of stakes that guarded it.  For just a moment she was tempted to leave the stifling place of her confinement, but she knew she could not. Although there was no one here to guard her, to keep her from going through the door, it was a matter of honor. She had given her word and she would not break it, no matter how much she wanted to leave.
    “Oh, Valerian…..” she murmured, wondering where he was right now. Had he found his soldiers? Was he alive and safe? Would he come back to her as he had promised?
    Taking a step outside, she let the cool, moist air  brush against her face, and felt refreshed. It was cool for a summer tonight. A chill ran up her back, and she wondered if it were from the cold or from the strange feeling of doom which had come over her.
    “I am being foolish,” she scolded herself. “All will be well.” Being all by herself with no one to talk to was getting to her, that was all.
    Turning around she looked inside the lodge, remembering the now familiar poles and support beams with their carved figures .  The next thing you know I will be imagining that they have come alive , she thought. I have already come close to talking to them ….. Once again her ears perceived a sound and she stiffened, standing as still as those carved figures adorning the posts.
    Something brushed her outstretched hand causing her to cry out.  Before she could make another sound, a huge hand was clamped over her mouth, muffling her scream. Although Wynne fought desperately to free herself, her arms were pinioned behind her back by a hand as strong as iron.
    “So, at last I have you at my mercy without the threat of watching eyes.  The fog is a fine ally,” hissed a voice in her ear. “Without your sword or that black stallion of yours, you will not be so fierce an