Page 27 of A Keeper of Time

“Or are ye here to help me?” Edna tried her best to summon even a small bit of her power. If only she could hear what he was thinking. She stared into his eyes and cleared her mind of everything. It was no use. Nothing was coming to her.

William turned away from her and faced the fireplace. After a few quiet moments a flicker of flame appeared. It rapidly grew into a blazing fire.

“William, ye are a love! Thank ye.” Staring into the flames Edna could see the inn. “Maggie! Dylan! Can ye hear me?”

The door to the kitchen flew open as Dylan rushed to the fireplace. “Edna, is that you?” he asked.

“Do ye ken anyone else who’d speak to ye this way?” she said with some impatience.

Dylan chuckled at this. “Are you okay?”

“Aye. She’s no’ hurt me. Where’s Maggie?” Her impatience was showing “Get her for me please.”

“I’ll be right back.” Dylan headed back through the kitchen door and a few moments later Maggie rushed in slightly out of breath.

“Auntie. I’m so relieved to hear from ye. Something’s gone terribly wrong.”

“I know, dear. It’s no’ yer fault.” Edna took a breath before continuing. Her nerves were rattled, but she didn’t want to frighten Maggie. “Where is everyone? Do ye know?”

“I thought I did, but I’m no’ sure anymore. I doona think it’s a good idea to send anyone across the bridge in either direction. I doona think they’re making it.”

“No. They’re no’. The couples are being separated and sent back to their own time,” Edna told her.

“That explains what happened on the Marina Green. I was worried I had done something wrong. Did ye find out why?” Maggie asked.

“Her sister was Brielle.”

Maggie gasped as her hand flew to her chest.

“She’s punishing me for her sister’s death.”

Maggie’s face appeared ashen as she opened her mouth to speak. “No. She can no’ do that.”

“Unfortunately, I can tell ye that she can. She’s undoing everything I’ve done. And will no’ stop until every single one of them is back where they started.”

“What can we do?” Maggie sat on the floor in front of the hearth.

Edna took a deep breath, “Ye must contact the Council of Witches. Tell them what’s happening. Ask for their help.” It was the only thing Edna could think of that might work.

“Okay. Should I use the fire?” Maggie seemed eager to get started.

Edna couldn’t help but smile. She knew she could depend on her niece to do whatever was necessary. “Ye’ll have to go to them.”

“Where?” Maggie asked.

“They’re in Edinburgh. Ye’ll have to go there. Go to me desk. The center drawer is locked. The key is hidden under the plant on the credenza behind it. In the drawer is a small box with the address in it.”

“I’ll go now.” Maggie rose from the floor. “Do ye really think they’ll help ye?” There was a note of worry in her voice.

“I can only hope they will. It’s up to ye to convince them.” Edna trusted Maggie to do this. She was a bright and resourceful young woman, but one who’d always doubted her abilities. This would be the perfect opportunity to prove to herself that she was more than capable of anything she put her mind to.

“I’ll do me best,” Maggie promised.

“I know ye will. I love ye, me girl.”

“I love ye, Auntie. Have ye heard from Uncle?”

“I have no’. I doona ken where he is.” Edna was worried. She’d seen him when he crossed the bridge, but Evanore hadn’t allowed her to see him since. “One more thing, Maggie. There’s a servant here who’s had a spell cast on him. I’m no’ sure where he’s from, but he’s no’ here willingly. I need ye to try to help him if ye can. Me powers are of nae use to me as long as I’m in this invisible fortress.”