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

to become the most evil and vile creature that ever lived on earth.”

“I get that, but why does she get to choose and I don’t?” Sean asked.”

“What you’re experiencing about only telling the truth is temporary, Sean,” Ashling said. “We all go through it as part of our training once our powers come to life. Soon enough you’ll be back to making all of your own choices. Even so, you’ll always remember what it was like to be completely honest in all that you say and do. When your training is complete, you’ll be free to do as you wish. Still and all, you’ll never forget the difference between mostly honest and fair and truly, completely, living up to the potential you are blessed with.”

Sean continued to stare at Ashling’s eyes for a moment longer. Finally he said, “I’ve got to say that it’s pretty overwhelming. I can see how experiencing the difference would be a life lesson I’ll always remember.”

“As will I, Sean,” Ashling said. “That’s enough deep thinking for now. It’s time for us to be on our way.”

“Back to Rundimahair?” Sean asked.

“Where else?” Ashling replied, smiling.

* * *

“Couldn’t you have just magically taken us from Lincoln City to Rundimahair?” Sean asked, as they drove down Highway 101.

“I could indeed, Sean. The truth of it is that each time I use magic, outside of Rundimahair, it leaves traces behind. There are those who seek to destroy our peaceful little community who might pick up on those traces–especially when the magic is filled with great power.”

“Let me guess–your magic is more powerful than most,” he said.

“Truth be told, there are only a handful still with us with powers so great, Sean.”

“Your Da being one of them?” he asked.

“To be sure. In some ways, he is far and away the most powerful among us all. I pray daily that it will always be so.”

“Okay, then we’ll take the old-fashioned way to travel,” Sean said.

“Young Sean, there are many more ancient ways to travel than in your wonderful SUV. The truth of it is that I love traveling by car, especially one with seats that will warm up your backside on a cold morning.”

Sean burst out laughing for a moment and finally said, “You’re a wonderful travelling companion, old Ashling.”

Her face sobered as she asked, “Why do you call me old Ashling?”

He smiled and replied, “Because you’re always calling me young Sean, when we’re obviously close to the same age. Of course, I was only teasing. All you have to do is look in the mirror to realize you are a young, rare beauty, Ashling.”

She stared out the front windshield at the cloudy morning for a moment without answering. Finally, she said, “I’m glad you think so, Sean. I truly am.”

Though Sean didn’t realize it, as time passed, she never again called him young Sean. It would be some time before he truly understood why.

The sun had broken through the typical Oregon coast, early morning cloud cover by the time they arrived at Rundimahair. Sean still wasn’t sure how they ended up on the isolated side road that led to the small town.

One moment they were approaching the area where he’d had his accident; the next moment they were driving past the ancient myrtle wood sign that welcomed them to Rundimahair. “I take it that you whipped up some traveling magic that put us on this road,” he said.

“You’ve been sitting beside me the entire trip, Sean. Surely you’d have realized if I were performing such a sophisticated bit of magic,” she replied, smiling.

“There’s nothing sure about it, Ashling. The only thing I know for sure is that you could be performing the greatest feats of magic the world has ever seen, and I wouldn’t have a clue.”

“It’s good to be traveling with a humble man who realizes his many shortcomings,” she said, chuckling.

“I’m not sure how humble I am, Ashling, but I do realize that I don’t know diddly about magic.”

“Truth be told, you likely would have realized I was up to something if I’d have opened the path with magic. For those of us who live here, traveling from the mortal world to our little bit of heaven on earth is automatic. My own dear father placed that magical miracle in place before I was even born.”

“So, the residents of your town can come and go as they please without any trouble?” Sean asked.

“Heaven forbid! None of us are allowed to leave our beautiful valley without permission from the high council. You see, Sean, those who would do us harm are capable of tracking great feats of magic,” she said.

“I know, it leaves a trail of some kind that they can follow. I still don’t have any idea who your enemies are or how they could possibly find you here.”

“All in good time, my friend. For now, it’s enough to realize that we have to be very careful with our comings and goings through the enchanted shield that protects us.”

“I’m fine with that. The truth is, I’m still struggling to come to terms with the fact that you are some type of magical female wizard. Add to that the possibility that I too could turn out to be a wizard. I’d say that I’ve got more than enough to ponder for now.”

“I know it can be very overwhelming, Sean. I too struggled when I first came into my magic. The advantage I had over you is that I grew up in a magical world. My father and mother were the greatest wizards of their time. So please believe me when I tell you that I understand.”

Sean nodded agreement, as he pondered another question. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask what had happened to her mother. He’d heard Ashling and Eamon mention her in passing, but she was obviously no longer with them. Before he spoke, he decided he’d wait for another day to broach that subject.

Even though he’d only spent a short period