Page 62 of A Keeper of Time

“We also have concerns in both times about keeping the time travel a secret from parties outside of the time travelers and their families. In fact, it causes us much concern. If it were to be found out in medieval times it could lead to persecution of the time traveler as a witch. In the future it would create a frenzy of attention and possible ridicule for the time traveler. We can no’ allow this to happen,” Daire said.

Edna’s heart sank. They were going to keep them separated. “Please, I beg ye. These couples love each other. Doona punish them for what I did in the name of love. They need each other. They have children. All of the issues ye’ve spoken of can be handled. Medicines can be sent to our medieval travelers if need be. If they doona wish to stay, they are welcome to return to their own time. I keep watch over all of them. I’ll do anything, but please…”

“Edna ye have no’ allowed us to finish.” Daire looked kindly towards her. “We understand yer attachment to all of these couples. Ye did what ye did with a kind heart. Ye meant nae harm and we doona believe ye have caused any. We are happy to allow all the couples to stay together. Ye may reunite them when we’re done here. Maggie, ye must promise us to keep watch over these couples as yer aunt has and to intercede on their behalf if need be. Can ye do that?”

“I will gladly promise to be their time travel guide.”

They all got a laugh out this.

“Ye might as well get started then. Ye’ll reunite everyone and then ye will cross the bridge with Angus and Edna.”

“What a relief. I thought ye were going to say they could no’ be reunited.” Edna’s hand was on her chest to calm her rapidly beating heart.

“We are no’ heartless, Edna. Ye’ll come to ken us better once ye’ve joined the Council. I expect ye’ll take a wee vacation first and then join us in Edinburgh.”

“We’ll stay to see that the travelers return and then we will be on our way.” Melusina exchanged glances with the other two witches.

“Thank ye,” Edna replied. She was ecstatic with everything that had happened. Perhaps being kidnapped hadn’t been all bad. She had gotten a new position on the Witch’s Council, Maggie was taking over the bridge, and she and Angus would finally have some time to relax and enjoy their lives.

“Aye, thank ye,” Angus said. “I doona ken what I’d do without me Edna.”

“Ye doona have to worry about that anymore,” Mardella assured him.

“Shall we go tell the others and start the process of reunification?” Melusina stood and waited for the others to do the same.

Chapter 18

“Can we please have yer attention,” Edna said. “We’ve news to share with ye.”

Cailin and Cormac exchanged glances with each other and then Edna. She nodded to them as they approached followed by all the others who had been waiting so patiently for a resolution to their separations. Joseph Barnes stood behind everyone seeming very unsure of himself.

Melusina spoke first. “We’ve some good news for ye. Ye’ll be reunited with yer loved ones in a short while, but first we want ye to ken that there will be some changes.”

Concerned looks popped up on all the eager faces waiting to see their loved ones again.

“From this day forward, Edna will nae longer be in charge of the bridge.”

An audible gasp could be heard from those gathered around.

“’Tis no’ a bad thing, we promise.”

“Maggie Sinclair will now be the one to guide ye in yer travels. If ye need anything, she will be the one to help ye.”

“I’ll keep watch as me aunt has done and if ye need me, ye can communicate with me as ye did before.”

“With the snow globe?”

“Aye. And if I need to contact ye I’ll do it through the fire as Auntie has done all these years.”

“Will me mother be able to visit with us?” Lena asked.

“Of course. She will no’ lose her ability to travel across the bridge. She can come and go as she always has,” Daire assured her.

“Now yer Da and I will be able to visit more often.”

Lena ran to her mother and father. Happy tears trailed down her cheeks.

“Doona cry, lass. ’Tis good news.” Angus gave her his hanky.