Rundimahair: A new hero for a new adventure by Larry Forkner (summer books .TXT) 📗

slid out from under Ashling’s head, which had still been resting on his shoulder.

He managed to get to his feet and turn back to see if she was still asleep. His heart did a flip-flop at the sight of such a beautiful woman lying asleep on his bed.

Sean must have admired her beauty too long, since she finally said, “Were you hoping I’d join you in the shower, then?” She didn’t open her eyes when she spoke, but there was a mischievous smile tugging at her soft lips.

“What? No, of course I wasn’t thinking anything like that,” he said indignantly, as he turned and headed for the shower.

“Sean, you should keep in mind that I can read your thoughts before you speak,” she said, as she slowly opened her eyes.

“And you should keep in mind that these days I can only speak the truth, Ashling. The thought didn’t enter my mind until you suggested it,” Sean said with a ‘got you’ smile.

“She barked out an entirely unladylike laugh and said, “Either way, you’ll be showering alone, so go wash that beastie smell off. I’ll be kind enough to burn those very foul-smelling clothes for you. There’s something about evil beast stink that just doesn’t come out in the wash.”

Sean smiled and muttered something about a crazy magical woman as he entered the bathroom. A few minutes later, he tossed his stinky clothes out into the hall. He wasn’t sure if she was kidding or not, but he really hoped she did burn them. The stink was truly appalling.

When he came out of the bathroom, wearing a plush, white robe, he was surprised that she rushed over to embrace him. “Oh my, it’s the Creator’s truth how I do love the feel of these soft and fluffy robes,” she said, as she snuggled close.

Sean was thinking the same thing about how much he enjoyed a cuddling embrace from this soft and beautiful woman. He also noticed that she smelled like a lovely flower garden on a fresh spring day.

Ashling looked up and said, “There are more efficient ways than showering daily to stay as clean as the day you were born. Still and all, some days it’s hard to beat a nice hot shower before slipping into one of these wonderful, soft, terrycloth robes.”

“That brings two things to mind,” Sean said, smiling. “First, I look forward to you teaching me more of your awesome magic tricks.”

“And second?” she asked playfully.

“Stop reading my mind, you nosy woman!” he said forcefully.

“Fair enough, Sean. I was still connected after our little brawl with the beasties last night.”

“Shouldn’t I be able to feel when you connect with my mind?” he asked.

“Only if I want you to,” she said with a playful smile.

“Not fair! Will I be able to learn to read your mind?” he asked, with genuine curiosity.

“Same answer,” she said, laughing.

“Only if you want me to,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“The truth of it is that I don’t know for sure if you’ll one day share my gift of reading others, Sean. If I had to guess, you will likely be as good as I am and then some,” she said seriously.

“I look forward to that day,” he said.

“Be careful what you wish for, Sean. Hearing what goes on in other’s minds can be as much of a curse as it is a gift. You’ll often find things there that you wish you’d never discovered,” she said with a sad expression.

Sean thought about what she said and the almost haunted look that momentarily crossed her face, before nodding and saying, “I can see your point, Ashling. Sometimes we’re better off not knowing what those around us are thinking.”

“Especially from those you long considered your very fine and good friends,” she added sadly.

Sean considered what was best to say next, remembering he could now only speak the truth. Finally, he said, “I’ll do my best to only think kind thoughts of you, Ashling. If I ever do think an angry or unkind thought toward you; please remember that it is only a momentary feeling. From what I’ve learned so far, I believe you are a fair and open minded woman, who prefers to think the best of others.”

She seemed genuinely touched by his words, as she hugged him close and said, “And bear in mind, my new friend, that if I lose my temper on occasion and speak unkindly to you, it will only be a momentary outburst which I hope will pass quickly enough.”

“Did you say ‘if’ you lose your temper?” he asked laughing. “From what I’ve seen so far, it should have been when you lose your temper.”

She giggled pleasantly, with her head on his shoulder, as she said, “Tis an amazing occurrence that you’ve come to know me so well is such a short span of time, Sean.”

I’m looking forward to knowing you much better, Ashling,” Sean said. “I’m also hoping you’ll come to know me well enough to explain why I can only speak the truth. Am I such a devious fellow that our Creator cursed me for my many weaknesses by forcing me to only speak the absolute truth?”

“Actually, there is some truth to that, Sean. When your magical gifts come to life, you are sure and truly part of the Sidhe. We are charged with helping mortals make correct choices throughout their lives.

“But I thought we were all born with free agency. Don’t we have the right to choose between good and evil behavior while we’re here on earth?

“Aye, that we do, Sean. The difference is you are not a mortal. You are here to help mortals make correct choices. Sadly, many of them still choose evil over good.”

“Are you saying that because I have the blood of the Sidhe running through my veins that I have to always make the right choice or I’ll be forced to?”

“If that were true, then we wouldn’t have been fighting with Grainne for all these centuries. She had the right to choose