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Floating in an ethereal mist inside her looking glass was the outline of her mother’s image; shining as if accompanied by a thousand suns. She could see right through the image but she knew it was her. A blissful smile adorned her mother’s lips and her blue eyes twinkled as if made of crystal.
    “Mathair?” she questioned, tipping her head to the side in disbelief.
    “Aye, Darina. I couldna bare the thought of not catchin’ a look atcha’ on yer wedding day,” the image spoke. “I have looked forward to this day since ye were but a wee babe; ‘tis why I asked Lucian and Father MacArtrey to make sure to have the wedding today, luv.”
    “Today?” asked Darina confused.
    “Aye, today is Samhain, Darina. The one day when the barrier between our worlds is the weakest. Father MacArtrey and the church call it All Soul’s Day. ‘Tis is a day to celebrate the dead. To honor those who have passed on to the next world. ’Tis when those in yer world can reach out to those who are from the next world.”
    “The next world?” she asked.
    “Aye,” her mother responded. Darina watched in astonishment as the outline of her mother faded in and out of focus in the looking glass before her. The image floated above the floor as if it were swimming on clouds. Tears now stormed Darina’s eyes and threatened to spill over.
    “Do no’ cry for me Darina. I have only a few moments to be here; and there is nay cause to worry on my account. I am well…and yer father…he is with me,” she whispered in an echoing voice.
    “But…where is that?” Darina cried and stretched her arms out to grasp each side of the mirror. “I want to be there too.”
    “‘Tis not the time, ye have an important mission to fulfill. Ye canna be with me now, but we will be together again. Remember, I am always watching, I am always near. I love ye lass,” she said and raised her hands as if to embrace her in return.
    Darina edged her face closer to the looking glass, as if she hoped she would fall in. “Mathair, what do I do?” she cried. “I feel so lost, so confused. What should I do?”
    “Follow the path that has been set, Darina. ’Tis one that was chosen long ago, but it is for the best. In time, ye will see. Ye are not alone, and ye are protected. There is a mighty spirit which surrounds ye, my child. Ye were chosen for this journey. Ye have nay need to worry, all will be well.”
    “But, I’m scared,” she sighed.
    “I know child. Ye will be scared, ye will encounter many frightening things—but ye will prevail. Take comfort in the counsel of others. Let others help ye carry yer burdens; ye’ve nay need to carry them alone. Patrick is a fine mon, Darina, trust in him.”
    ***
    “Must we really tend to this matter now?” asked Ruarc through halted breath; aggravated that Patrick had insisted on speaking with Lucian and viewing the scrolls that were found in the priest’s cottage. They climbed the last four steps of the third flight of stairs in the O’Malley strong house; the former castle of the O’Malley clan. It was now home to Ruarc and his family, Lucian, the scribe, and most of the clan council and high ranking military men; since the new castle had been constructed many years before.
    “Aye,” Patrick replied sternly. “I w-wish to g-get to the bottom of th-this im-im-immedia…uh…now,” he nodded, prodding Ruarc to continue upwards.
    “Verra well,” huffed Ruarc. Come along then, and watch ye step, some of these stones are wearing loose.
    Ruarc knew Lucian wouldn’t like being questioned and he knew he liked interruptions even less. Lucian and Galen had been holed up in his chamber for the better part of the day planning the wedding ceremony, for which both of them had a part.
    “I really have nay idea why these were hidden in Kurt’s cottage,” echoed Galen’s voice down the hallway. “I must confess he is a most troublesome mon; verra hard to get to know—and I’ve tried.”
    “I’ve nay doubt of