Wind Rider

WIND RIDER
Gordon Mcletchie

CHAPTER ONE A strange dream
Night descended over what should have been a quiet sombre camp, instead music and laughter rode the air, camp fires roared and shadows danced as wildly as the people dancing around them.
Shay looked on feeling more a stranger than ever in this wild strange land, a land that only four weeks earlier he never dreamed could even exist, yet here he was smack in the middle of either the greatest adventure of his life or more probably the biggest nightmare he’d ever know.
At his side the girl Kat he’d met just two days before, he turned to look at her, still unsure of his decision, Kat was no ordinary girl, he knew she was over one hundred and twenty five years old and a vampire, or Ackmon as they were called in this world, she held tightly to his hand guiding him to what he dreaded most, his friend Dec.
Shay shivered despite the heat of the night as memories of the day threatened to flood his senses, the battle in the sky, their small force trying to hold back the might of the invading Guild, Dec had been fatally wounded in that battle, the healers powerless to save him, so Shay had given him over to the care of Kat, knowing she held the only chance Dec had of surviving
But at what price, well he was about to find out.
‘He’s still the same’ Kat seemed to read his mind and tried to settle him
Shay nodded unsure of his voice
Kat stopped turning towards him
‘It was the only way’ she assured him, ‘You have to be strong for Dec’s sake’
Shay knew what she said was true, but he still couldn’t get the thought out of his head, Dec was no longer human, how could things be the same, how could he ever go back, Shay knew enough of the Ackmon to know they were not the blood thirsty devils of his worlds myths, but they were still blood drinkers, and they were definitely different from humans, different enough that Dec would never be able to return to his world, even if he wanted to.
Kat came to a halt, they’d reached the end of the camp, ahead lay the darkness of the forest.
Aren’t you coming’ he asked
Kat shook her head, ‘Dec needs you, he needs the reassurance of his friend, he needs to know everything’s going to be alright’.
Shay nodded, for all his fears he knew Dec’s must be far greater, it was time to put their friendship to its true test and he had no intention of letting his friend down, without another word he walked into the darkness hesitating only to let his eyes adjust to the light

Four weeks earlier.
It all started with a dream, the same dream every night for the last three weeks, at first Shay thought it was cool but now it was just plain weird.
Every night as soon as he fell asleep the dream would kick in, he could fly, not like a bird but more like a surfer, only he’d be surfing the wind rather than the sea and every morning he’d wake up feeling exhilarated only to be brought back down to the stark reality that he couldn’t really fly, he was just a normal kid, doing normal kids stuff, hanging about with his best friend Dec and generally messing about, not that it was such a bad live for a thirteen year old and living on an island did have it’s good points.
Skye on the West coast of Scotland wasn’t the liveliest place to grow up, not like the big City but there was plenty to do if you had half an imagination and Shay and Dec had more than half an imagination.
'I’ve got something to tell you.' Shay looked warily at Dec.
'What?' Dec kicked at the dirt on the pathway they were following up to Mackey’s Point, only half listening to what his friend was saying. It was Saturday morning and the first weekend of the summer holidays, for a change the sun was bright and the day warm.
The Point was one of their favourite places, the land ended in a sheer drop to the sea, the cliffs rugged and local legend said that somewhere on the cliff face there was an opening that led to granny's cave where the witch of Skye lived.
Nobody they knew had ever found it, or seen the witch but the locals insisted it was true and if ever the island was in peril she would come to the rescue. Though what the island could be in peril of nobody seemed to know either. Anyway, it was their special place, somewhere they could be out of the sight of adults and do much as they pleased.
'I’m serious' Shay told him stopping, forcing Dec to do the same. 'I’ve been having these weird dreams.' Now that he’d actually mentioned it he realised just how stupid it sounded.
'Oww' Dec laughed, not taking him seriously, 'come on slow coach.' He resumed his march towards the Point.
'Wait' Shay hurried to catch up, 'every night now for the last three weeks,' he pressed on, 'the same dream.'
'What,' Dec turned towards his friend 'the same dream every night? now that is weird mate.'
'That’s what I’m trying to tell you'
'So, what're these dreams about?' he asked, nearly interested now.
'Just the one dream,' Shay corrected him, 'over and over again.'
'You're kidding me, right?'
Shay looked away embarrassed, wishing he’d kept his big mouth shut, but the truth was, he was itching to tell someone and Dec was his best friend, who better to tell. Only now he felt such a fool.
'Well?' Dec insisted.
'I dream I can fly,' Shay half mumbled.
A wide grin spread across Dec's face. 'Numpty,' he burst out laughing, 'you’re a real numpty, Munro. I thought you were going to tell me something good, like you were with Rebecca or something, but no, not you, instead you’re out flapping your arms like a bird.' He raced away pumping his arms up and down; 'look at me,' he laughed, 'I can fly.'
Despite his reaction Shay had to laugh, he looked such a fool. 'It’s not like that,' he shouted chasing after him.
'So what’s it like then, you superman?' Dec called
'It’s more,' the smile slid from Shay’s face , 'Well, it’s more like I’m riding the wind.'
Dec stopped, doubled over in laughter, hugging his sides, 'riding the wind,' he guffawed, 'what does that mean?' He looked at his friend, shaking his head, 'you’re crazy, seriously man, you’re completely nuts.'
Shay shrugged, 'you remember when we tried surfing, riding the waves on our boards? Well that’s what it feels like, only without a board, and obviously in the sky.' he knew how crazy it sounded, but that’s what it felt like.
'I wouldn’t go telling anyone else about this,' Dec sniggered, 'you’ll get locked up mate.'
'It’s not funny, 'I’m telling you I’ve been dreaming this for weeks, every night the same.'
'Must be something you're eating,' Dec dismissed it with a shrug, 'come on, last one there’s a numpty, oh I forgot, you’re already a numpty.'
He took off up the path still pretending to fly, Shay fast on his heels.
The crags rose a good five hundred feet from where they lay, watching the grey Atlantic crash upon the rocks below.
'Just imagine if you could fly.' Dec stared wishfully out to sea, 'you’d be able to find Granny's cave without fear of falling. Swish, out you’d go and glide down just like a bird.' He closed his eyes letting his imagination run wild, 'it wouldn’t be so bad if you could fly,' he murmured, 'in fact it’d be really cool.'
'What if I could do it? Shay said, ‘just jump off the edge and glide down to granny's cave.'
Dec turned to look at him, 'then I’d be reporting you’d fallen to your death, or that the old witch had got you.'
'There ain’t no witch,' Shay laughed.
'There is,' Dec retorted, 'she’s been seen.'
'Yeah, by who?'
'Well by Callum Fergus for one, he says he’s seen her on any number of occasions when he’s been fishing off the point,'
'Mum says Callum's an old drunk and I shouldn’t go near him,' .
'Not true’, Dec answered, 'besides, he’s the coolest old man I’ve ever met.'
'Still makes no difference, there ain’t no witch or cave. I mean how would she get in or out? I can’t imagine her climbing up the cliff every time she wants to leave the cave.'
'Callum reckons there’s another entrance into the cave, you know a secret passage, that comes out somewhere near the Cuillins, so she doesn’t have to climb.'
'It's still a long walk for an old witch,' Shay rolled onto his back, arms behind his head still not convinced, despite Dec's argument. The breeze off the sea was cool in the summer heat, the sky a cloudless blue and slowly his eyes started to close, just imagine if I could fly!
'Hey what you doing?' Dec dug him sharply in the ribs 'I’ve got an idea.'
'What?' Shay asked half heartedly, wincing at the pain in his side.
'Let's test out your dream!'
'I’m not jumping off the cliffs,'
‘No numpty, but we can jump off those rocks over there, and see who can stay in the air the longest,' he insisted.
Shay squinted over at the rocks, 'what you mean is, we’ll see who can jump the furthest?'
'Same thing,' Dec insisted, 'anyway it’s got to be better than falling asleep, come on,' he sprang up, 'last one there’s a ….'
'Yeah I know a numpty.'
'You said it,' Dec laughed.
Shaking his head Shay climbed reluctantly to his feet, and followed after him. 'If jumping off rocks was the best thing they could come up with to do on a Saturday afternoon, the school holidays were going to be a real blast,' He thought sadly.
Dec had already scrambled to the edge of the outcrop by the time he got there.
'Looks higher from up here,' he called down.
'Always does,' Shay agreed, scrambling up behind him, for some reason the height had no effect on him.
'Hurry up, we’ll jump together.'
Shay reached the top and stood beside him.
'On my count,' Dec readied himself, 'one two go!' He launched himself off the top, feet and arms swinging wildly and hit the ground with a thump, his legs buckling he rolled head over heels coming to a stop in a breathless heap twenty feet away.
‘Wow that was great’ he gulped in a lungful of air looking around, 'hey you didn’t jump,' he shouted up . 'What’s the matter, scared?'
'No,' Shay shouted back grinning at him, 'I just didn’t want you landing on top of me, that’s all.'
'Jump then.'
Shay launched himself off the top determined to beat Dec's distance. Something inside his head told him to keep his feet straight, to surf the wind just like in his dreams. The air rushed under him as he flew over Dec's astonished face to land light as a feather fifty feet away.
Heart wildly thumping he turned towards Dec 'did you see that?' he demanded breathlessly, 'I did it, I flew!'
'How did you do that,' Dec exclaimed, to Shay’s surprise he didn’t look pleased.
'I told you, just like I saw it in my dreams.'
'Crap,” Decbspat back , 'nobody can fly.'
'But you just saw me,' Shay laughed, jumping in the air. To his delight and astonishment he didn’t fall down but hovered there, 'see?' he whooped, gliding towards him.
Dec backed away, anger and fear warring on his face, 'stop it,' he shouted
His reaction brought Shay crashing to the ground. 'Dec man,' he laughed nervously, picking himself up, ‘it’s just like in my dream.'
The truth was he had no idea how he’d just managed to fly, the only thing for certain was he’d done it and it had felt good. No, that’s wrong it had felt great, like nothing he’d ever experienced in his life. And now rather than share this his best friend was freaking out.
'Dec,' he laughed again.
'Keep away from me, I’m warning you.' Dec continued to back away , 'you’re not normal.'
Anger rose in Shay, 'You’re just jealous,' he accused.
'Jealous’ Dec’s voice rose higher than normal, 'what you just did ain’t normal. People don’t fly!'
'What happened to it being real cool if I could fly?' Shay countered angrily walking towards him.
'Keep away,' Dec warned, and suddenly he looked really scared.
'You’re a freak,' he spat , trying to hide his fear.
'Don’t call me that,' Shay warned him.
'Freak boy,' Dec taunted
Shay saw red and charged, the next thing he felt was two fists striking in quick succession and then everything went fuzzy.
'Freak boy,' Dec towered over him, his face livid, 'you think you’re special, but I’ll tell everyone you think you can fly. You’ll be the laughing stock of the island, the butt of every joke. You stay away from me freak boy, you hear,' he backed away then turned and fled.
Shay sat up rubbing at his face, he’d have a black eye before the day was out, the thought flirted through his mind, but that was the least of his problems. he couldn’t get his head around what had just happened. He’d gone from elation to crazy to despair in a matter of seconds. Dec had gone mad, he’d gone mad and now their friendship had finished. Getting to his feet he watched Dec race down the path. he could catch him, he was sure he could, all he had to do was ride the air. For a moment he was almost tempted, but then what? Dec would only be more freaked out. sitting back down Shay rubbed at his cheek. Best to let him go.
And that was the start of his problems. Dec was as good as his word.
Soon everyone knew and no-one wanted to be seen with the fool who thought he could fly. But that wasn’t the worst of it, Dec took up with the local gang and Shay now became the focus of their undivided attention. Every time he went into town the gang would somehow show up and the chase would begin. The fact that he’d so far managed to evade capture only made them more determined to get him. Dec had made him public enemy number one in their book.
The leader, Tom Girvin, two years older than Shay and with the IQ of a six year old, had taken it as a personal insult that Shay had never been caught and felt the wrath of his gang.
So life had suddenly become not only lonely but very dangerous for Shay. The only consolation, it was the school holidays and he didn’t have to run the gauntlet at school every day. For now he could stay out of every one's way and hope that they’d forget about him and find some other mindless pursuit before school started again.
But he had more on my mind than idiot bullies, his abilities had started to develop, he could now stay airborne for longer than just a quick glide, Shay found he was getting stronger, faster.
Every morning at first light he’d be up and out of the house before his mum was awake. He’d head for the point or surrounding hills. In the past it had taken at least an hour's trek to get far enough away where he might be alone, now he simply had a quick look around make sure no one was about, then take to the air, not very high just enough to skim the ground. That way if someone did see him they’d think he was skate boarding or something. Then when he was far enough away from the houses and any prying eyes, he’d soar higher, enjoying the freedom of the skies. Early morning became Shay’s favourite time and only when he had to did he make his way back home for breakfast.
“You’re out early again,” Mrs Munro looked over from the kitchen as he entered through the back door, a look of concern in her eyes.
This morning had been his best yet, he’d flown higher than ever before, high enough to give the seagulls a fright and it felt great. He smiled at his mum trying to ease her concern. She knew he’d fallen out with Dec and that the rest of the kids were trying to give him a hard time. What she didn’t know was why.
“How's things with Dec?” she asked lightly.
'Still the same,' Shay mumbled, feeling his good mood slowly evaporate.
'Look love, I could have a word with Marge, This silliness has got to stop. You and Dec used to be such good friends.'
'No mum,' he interjected, 'please let it be.' God, why was it that parents thought they could always solve every problem their children have. The thought flashed through his head, he could just see the reaction this would cause. Instead of making things better they’d only get worse.
'But,'
'Leave it mum, please,' He pleaded.
She walked over, sitting down next to him at the kitchen table, 'Ok, I’ll not talk to Marge yet, but I want you to sort this out,' she ruffled his hair, something she’d been doing for as long as he could remember. 'How about a spot of breakfast?'
Relieved the subject was dropped, Shay readily agreed.
'Oh,' Mrs Munro hadn’t finished. Just as he was wiping the last of the yoke with a piece of bread, she dropped her next bombshell, 'I want you to nip into town and get me some things from the Co-op. I’ve made a list and the money's on the dresser'.
Shay scraped back his chair, a feeling of dread clamping his stomach.
The Portree gang was likely to be hanging around town so there was a good chance he’d have a run in with them. He contemplated trying to beg off from going but decided against it. Mum wasn’t stupid, she’d guess the reason why and he didn’t want her having that word with Dec's mum. Reluctantly he nodded, getting up to fetch the money.
Summer was proving to be one of the hottest in a long time, which meant the island was quickly filling up with the usual seasonal tourists; this gave him a glimmer of hope, maybe there would be too many people around for the gang to try anything if he did see them. With luck he’d get in and out with little fuss.
So far his luck seemed to be holding, he’d made it to the shop without any sign of the gang. Mum's list wasn’t that big so he’d made good time in getting her shopping. Pocketing the change, he hefted the two bags and made his way to the exit. Just then he heard the sound he dreaded most, laughter coming from the car park. Dec's voice followed by the bully Tom’s and they were coming his way. Panicked, he looked around for somewhere to hide, which wasn’t easy in a supermarket doorway,
The only option seemed to be the aisles. If he could stay hidden then he might be able to slip out when they were in the store, he moved back into the store, watching the front door, consequently he never saw the family behind him.
'Watch it son,' a man's voice cut into his thoughts.
Spinning round Shay mumbled an apology to the family behind, holiday makers he guessed at once. You could always tell by the way they dressed, usually outrageous coloured shirts and shorts, that they wouldn’t be seen dead in back home, but thought it made them look cool on holiday. They were wrong; the only ones that could carry off the look were the two small children at their side, young enough to get the cute vote rather than the foolish. Crazy he knew, but that’s people for you. Anyway he had more important things on his mind, stuck in the Co-op desperate to avoid the two people he least wanted to see, when an idea struck him.
If he could use this family as a shield he might be able to make good his escape, he’d have to be quick though, Dec and company were nearly in the store. Stepping up as close as he dared, he followed the family right past his nemesis and out of the store.
Dec and Tom were laughing about something and too occupied to notice, he’d done it, heart thumping he skipped away from his human shield, and sprinted off, a huge grin on his face.
“Hey, isn’t that freak boy?” Shay nearly tripped when the cry went out. Without looking back to see who’d spotted him, he increased his pace, but the bags were making running difficult, he knew he’d never outrun his pursuers and that they would soon be after him.
He needed to get somewhere quiet, so he could take to the air. It was his only hope but the problem was there was nowhere. Desperate he kept running, hoping by the time Tom and Dec took up the chase; he’d have a big enough start to evade them.
Already he could feel the sweat on his forehead, it stung as it dripped into his eyes, not helping one bit.
He thought about abandoning the bags but dismissed the idea immediately, mum would go through the roof and there would be no stopping her going to Dec's mum and the rest of the gang's parents too.
Risking a quick glance behind his hopes rose, there was no one following. Then just as he started to ease his pace and thank his luck, the Co-op's doors burst open and Dec and Tom sprang out, nearly falling over each other in their eagerness to get him. He would have laughed any other time but not today, the bags were hampering him too much. A shout told him they were on his trail, without another thought he took off up the road again.
Suddenly Shay felt his feet leave the ground and the air started to whistle past faster and faster. 'Not too high,' he chided himself, but he had to take the chance, there was no way he was letting the gang catch him.
Up ahead he could see the cross roads approaching. Once there he could take to the fields and then nothing would catch him, he grinned, so what if the gang saw him fly, what were they going to say, no one would believe them.
Jumping the dyke he turned to watch his pursuers, as expected Dec and Tom, being the two biggest, were way in front of the others. Grinning, he almost felt sorry for them, almost but not quite, he could see the look of total surprise that quickly turned to joy as they realised that he’d stopped. They must have thought him out of breath and now easy prey. He decided to watch a while longer.
Tom sprinted forward, catching Dec and passing him. He obviously wanted the pleasure of getting to their prey first.
Shay could see his big ugly face getting redder and redder as he pushed himself to reach him. Just a little further he urged, the smile spreading on his face, and then he rose in the air and took off. Behind he could hear the shouts of surprise and despair as they watched their quarry escape. 'Not today, numptys,' he laughed out loud, 'not any day.'
'I told you.' Dec leaned heavily on the stone dyke, his breath coming in loud pants.
'I don’t know how he does it, but I don’t believe the little freak can really fly,' Tom gasped, holding his sides. 'What I do know is the freak needs to be taught a lesson.'
'We have to catch him first,' a skinny, dark haired boy next to him wheezed.
Tom cuffed him around the head, 'We’ll catch him alright weasel.'
Shaun Derry, known to everyone as weasel because of his habit of talking through his nose which gave his voice a wheezing sound, rubbed at his head. 'How?' he ducked quickly, as Tom took another swipe at him and rapidly moved back as the bigger boy turned.
'I know!' Dec stared after the swiftly disappearing form of Shay, 'We’ll wait in ambush.'
'Where?’, Tom wanted to know, forgetting about Weasel and concentrating on Dec.
'Up by the point,' Dec answered, 'it’s the only place he can go.'
'How do you know?' Tom demanded.
'I know,' Dec looked the older boy in the eye, ‘It’s the only place he can go to be alone.'
As he expected, Tom backed down first, looking away, 'So what do you suggest?' he sneered.
Ignoring him, a slight smile played over Decs face. He continued to look over the field to where Shay had disappeared. 'We’ll go up to the point, lay in wait and catch him unawares. Easy.' He turned to look at Tom, 'easy' he repeated, daring him to disagree.

'You're back quick,' Mrs Munro looked over her shoulder in surprise as the back door opened and Shay walked into the kitchen, dumping the bags on the table.
'Did you manage to get everything?’ she asked.
He nodded, digging into his pocket for her change. She walked over to inspect the bags. 'And did you see Dec?' she inquired.
'Yeah, he was with his new friends,' His reply sounded bitter.
Mum sighed, 'I know Marge isn’t too happy about that, she’s sure nothing but trouble will come of it. She’d much rather you two were friends again.'
'Well, we aint, and if he gets into trouble that’s his fault, he’ll just have to deal with it.' Shay made for the door, wanting to escape this conversation.
'Where are you of to now?' mum wanted to know.
'Just out, Look mum, just because me and Dec aint friends doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the summer holidays, it’s his loss not mine.'
'I just don’t like to see you all alone,' she told him.
'Doesn’t bother me,' he assured her with a smile, 'I’ll be back by tea time.' he made good his escape before she could protest.
The truth was it did bother him, even with his new found talent; it would have been much more fun with Dec around. He shook his head trying to rid himself of the thought, he’d do just fine on his own, like he’d said, his loss not mine. He turned his thoughts to the afternoon ahead. Today he’d decided to take his skill one step further. Before, he’d always flown over ground and never too high, but now he’d decided to take the plunge and fly from the point. Maybe go look for granny's cave and find out if there really was a witch. And if there was, maybe she could help him with the gang, put a curse on them or something. That would serve them right. Smiling, he started the long trek to the point.
He’d decided to walk keeping his strength for the big jump, his heart was beating fast with the thought of it, his stomach twisted and rumbled with both excitement and fear.
With a effort he stilled his thoughts, steeling himself; determined to do it, he’d built up his flying skill and this was the natural next step. Too preoccupied with his thoughts he never even thought to watch out for the gang, frankly it never occurred to him they’d be this far from town. After all there was nothing for them to do, and no one to annoy up here, he looked up surprised at just how far he’d come, the point was just ahead.
'Hey, freak boy.'
Shay stopped dead, pulse racing loud in his ears. Turning to his right he watched as Tom rose from behind a clump of rocks, a wide grin on his ugly face. A loud laugh made him spin round; more of the gang were rising from their hiding places. Shay turned to check behind, hoping he could retreat back down the path, knowing there was little chance. And there stood Dec, hands on hips blocking his way.
'Nowhere to run to, freak boy,' Tom taunted, stepping out from his hiding place.
Without answering Shay took off up the path, one thought on his mind, he had to reach the point. Anger rose in him fuelling his resolve. The final betrayal, Dec had given away their secret, the one place he could still come and not feel threatened. Shouts and whoops of delight told him they were fast on his heels, his anger rose giving him the strength to surge ahead.
'Cut to the left,' Tom roar, 'quickly, he better not get away this time,' he warned.
Shay smiled grimly, so the fools thought he was going to try and get around them, well they were in for a big surprise. Resolve hardened, he reached the point.
Not the way he’d envisioned taking his first Leap into the void, but now he had little choice, already he could hear the surf crash on the rocks far below, the wind which a moment before had been slight, now started to tug at his t-shirt almost edging him on. With one last burst of speed he sprinted for the edge and gave himself over to the wind.
Dec started to feel sick, a cold sweat crawling down his scalp; this wasn’t how it was meant to feel. He watched as Shay headed for the point, 'start to turn,' he mouthed silently. But Shay continued towards the edge, 'you fool you’re going to get caught.' Unexpectedly this made him feel even worse, he wondered again if he could stand by and watch as the gang beat Shay up. He’d be expected to take part and the thought brought cramps to his stomach. 'Run you fool,' but even as he watched he knew it was too late. Tom was nearly at the point and Weasel and the rest were not far behind,
There was nowhere else for Shay to go, except back down towards him, and Dec dreaded that even more. Could he let his old friend past and still save face with the gang. There was no way that could happen, it was time to stand by his decision, it was Shay or the gang.
He watched as Shay reached the point, expecting him to stop or make for his right or left, but that didn’t happen Shay reached the edge of the cliffs and launched himself clear over the edge. In that one instant Dec felt his world slam to a stop.
Behind Shay thought he heard a cry of despair, but then the wind caught him, ripping away all sound so he couldn’t be sure.
Focusing all his will he forgot about Dec and the gang, and concentrated on staying alive. he roared down the cliff face, keeping as close to the rock as he dared, the wind which a moment before had seemed his friend, now pounded at him forcing him into the jagged cliff face. He hadn’t bargained on this. It was like trying to fight his way through a storm. He needed to find some sort of shelter and fast before his strength gave out. Going back up top was not an option, going down was just as bad. The sea crashed against the rocks, there was nowhere safe down there.
Granny's cave! The thought screamed in his head, find the cave. Frantically he looked about, panic started to take a grip, and then he saw it, a black hole in the jagged face of the cliff, not thirty feet away from him. Angling his descent he raced towards this haven.

No!' the scream left Dec's mouth even as he was stunned into immobility. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. 'No,' he mouthed again. His brain felt sluggish, unable to comprehend what his eyes had seen. Shay hadn’t stopped, just continued over the point and then disappeared. Gone! Slowly, as if in a fog, he forced his legs to move and nervously made for the edge.
Looking around, the rest of the gang seemed to be in the same state of shock, no one spoke. A few even started crying.
'He just jumped,' Dec spun round at the sound of Tom's voice.
Anger, guilt, hatred, roared in him, he needed an outlet for his feelings and Tom stood before him. He clenched his fists, but the look on the older boy's face stole his anger from him
‘He just jumped,' Tom repeated dumbly to no one in particular, his face white and slack with shock. 'There was nothing I could do.' He sank to the ground, head in his hands. Dec turned away and slowly moved to the edge, dreading what he would see, steeling himself for the worst, Below the waves crashed in their endless battle with the land, but of Shay there was no sign.
'What are we going to do?' Weasel whined.
'We’ve got to tell his mum,' Dec answered automatically.
'No,' Tom looked up from where he sat, a wild look on his face, 'we tell on one.'
'What do you mean? We’ve got to tell his mum,' Dec snarled at him.
'No,' Tom repeated, 'just what you think you're going to say Dec, Sorry Mrs Munro but we chased your son over the cliffs and killed him. Sorry about that but we didn’t think he’d be stupid enough to jump.' Tom leapt up, swinging around he glared at his gang, one at a time forcing them to look away. 'We didn’t make him jump, we didn’t know he was stupid enough to do that, and I ain’t taking any blame for it.'
'So what do you suggest?' Dec couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
'We do nothing, we know nothing. Do you all understand me? We didn’t see Shay, we know nothing.'
'No way,' Dec pushed by him. 'I’m going to tell his mum what happened, some one's got to.'
Tom sprung from behind, knocking Dec to the ground, pinning him before he could react, 'listen to me,' he growled, 'you tell and the rest of us will say it was your idea, we’ll say you forced him over the edge.'
'You wouldn’t,' Dec struggled to break free.
'Help me,' Tom hissed, and more hands clamped down holding him in place. 'You’re either with us or against us, McDonald.' He forced Dec’s face around, staring him in the eye. 'Well?' he demanded.
'Get off me,' Dec spat, struggling more violently.
Tom thumped him in the mouth, splitting his lips, 'Are you with us?' he snarled.
'Yeah, yeah,' Dec spat blood from his mouth. He stared at the older boy on top of him, all pretence of friendship gone. Inside a cold empty feeling of helplessness and shame made him feel sick to the bone. But a flame flickered into life, it was hatred for the face before him, and Dec knew that the time had come, too late by far, but he would have his reckoning with Tom, after he’d been to see Shay’s mum.
Sheltered from the wind, Shay settled to the cave floor. It was larger than he expected finding he could stand with no fear of banging his head off the rock above and it looked like it went a fair distance back. But he’d need torch before he ventured any further. He shivered, suddenly cold; the flight had been much harder than he’d expected, the wind much stronger too. Suddenly he wasn’t looking forward to going back outside. Then he remembered his conversation with Dec, the last time they’d spoken as friends. The cave led to another opening, further inland, but if that was true then maybe the bit about the witch was true as well, he looked again at the blackness at the back of the cave, wondering.
'Foolish boy,’ a voice cackled from the darkness.
Shay nearly shot through the roof, without even realising it he was hovering in the air.
'Come back down boy,' the voice commanded.
By now he could now make out a lighter shadow emerging from the black of the cave.
'The witch,' the thought shot into his head. 'She really exists.'
'I said come down,' she repeated forcefully.
Moving steadily into the light an ancient old woman emerged,
Shay had never seen anything like her before, dressed in a faded shabby pleat skirt that trailed on the ground behind her, it looked even older than her if that was possible. An equally shabby shawl draped her frail stooped shoulders, matted grey hair that looked like rat tails hung down over her face, but worst of all were the eyes, eyes that had no business being in that rugged ancient face,
The most alive thing about her, they demanded your attention; it was only with an effort he managed to look away.
'You're Granny,' he stammered, unable to think of anything else to say. In truth he was more amazed that she really existed than afraid.
'So they call me,' she cackled, 'And you’re a fool of a boy, flying around like it’s the most natural thing in the world.'
Despite his predicament Shay felt his anger return he’d already had quite a day, been chased in town and off the point and had ‘freak boy’ thrown at him more times than he cared to remember, and now he had a crazy old woman dressed in rags calling him ‘fool.’ he’d just about had his fill.
'How do you know what I’ve been doing?' he demanded.
As angry as he was, he wasn’t mad, and still hovering despite what she’d said, slowly backing up to the cave entrance, just in case she was a real witch.
'I wouldn’t if I were you,' she indicated past him to the entrance. 'Best stay here awhile, since you’ve come to pay old Granny a visit,' she cackled, her grimy face breaking into what he was horrified to take as a grin.
'I wasn’t,' he stammered, ‘I mean I wasn’t paying you a visit, I just needed to rest from the wind.'
'I know what you were doing boy,' she interrupted . ‘I’ve been watching you, saw it all, the land bound chasing you, and you taunting them.'
'I wasn’t taunting them,' he answered angrily. 'I didn’t ask them to chase me.'
'No, then what about this morning,? You let them see you fly, laughed in their faces, boy, the land bound don’t like that.'
‘What’s this land bound? That’s twice you’ve said it.'
'Those without your ability boy, those that can’t fly.'
'Then that must mean everybody else in the world,' he grinned, ‘I’ve never heard of anyone else who can fly.'
'And what do you know of the world, boy?' she shook her head. 'Nothing, that’s for sure, else you wouldn’t be flying around where anyone can see you.'
'I haven’t been,' he defended himself indignantly.
'I’ve seen you, every morning flying around like some fool bird, and now look what’s happened? You’ve attracted the wrong kind of attention to yourself, that’s what, the Guilds out looking for you. I saw their ship sail in this morning.'
Now Shay was really lost, 'The Guild, what’s the Guild? I’ve never heard of it, and why should they be interested in me?'
“You know nothing, fool boy; the Guild will get you for sure.'
He’d had enough. 'Look, I’m sorry I bothered you but I’ve got to get going.' he made to leave the cave.
'Wait,' Granny's warning cry halted him ‘there’s another way. I warn you, boy, don’t go riding the wind today. Follow granny and I’ll take you out safely.'
Shay looked to the back of the cave, the way granny had appeared from. A black hole lay that way. Did she think him mad or just really stupid? A Guild he’d never heard of after him, it had to be a trick, there was no way he was following her back there.
He shook my head, 'I’ll take my chances.'
Granny knew he’d not go with her, at least not on his own accord, but she was determined, there would be no prey for the Guild on her watch. Just a fraction closer and she’d have him, like it or not. Maybe the fool boy didn’t know what was good for him but granny did.
Shay realised what was happening just in the nick of time, he spun and raced for the opening just as the crazy old bird lunged, it was a close thing, for an ancient she moved like grease, he felt her hand grasp his t-shirt but he was going too fast, she couldn’t get a tight hold. Out of the cave he shot, shaken by his third close call of the day. Soaring he raced from the cliff face. Once away from the cliff he found the winds weren’t so strong and he glided to a halt.
'What was happening today, was everyone after him?'
Hovering in mid air, he took a few minutes to catch his breath and think what to do next. A quick glance up the cliff told him the gang were long gone, he looked back to the cave only to see Granny standing there,those eyes piercing into him, he had the queerest feeling she was pleading with him to go back, but there was no chance that was going to happen, he’d had enough excitement for one day. It was time to get home, but he wasn’t going to fly. Granny's warning still nagged in his head, 'the Guild will be looking for you,' and suddenly walking sounded like great fun.
Unexpectedly something shot by his head, missing him by inches, the force so great it sent him spinning, loosing control, he shot a glance back at Granny. She was waving her hands looking wilder than before. The witch was attacking him he thought, but before he could react, something heavy hit him square in the back knocking the wind from him, suddenly he was no longer flying, losing all control he fell like a stone plunging to the sea and rocks below, his mind went numb with terror, he was going to die.
'Damn,' Leap Frog cursed, as he watched his quarry tumble through the air. It had been easy, to easy he’d been taken by surprise. He’d not expected his quarry to give up without a fight, and now he was in danger of losing him to the sea. With another curse he raced after him.
Shay was sure he was going to die. Something had attacked him, and it hadn’t been Granny. The attack had come from behind. She was trying to warn him, His mind screamed to get control but he couldn’t, his head felt like it was on fire.
He watched with sickening awareness as the rocky shore rushed to meet him, wondering if it would hurt much when they met, then another rush of air hit him but this time it surrounded him, slowing his fall.
'Take control,' Leap Frog swooped down by his side.
Shay looked at him in bewilderment, stunned, he’d never really believed there would be others like him,
'Have you got control?' Leap Frog’s voice brought him back to his perilous position.
He nodded dumbly, 'I think so,' he told him.
'Good, I’m letting you go.'
With that, the feeling of being held vanished, letting him fall a few feet before he managed to regain control.
'Who are you?' Shay looked to his rescuer, a boy of about his own age he thought, though it was difficult to tell. He was wearing a mishmash of clothes, and, to be honest, looked somewhat like an orphan pirate. He wore no shoes and his feet looked filthy, a rakish mop of uncontrollable black hair finished the look.
'Wait a minute, you attacked me,' the realisation suddenly hit Shay.
'Aye and you were so easy,' Leap Frog laughed at him. He leaned back and gave a shrill whistle, from the sky above, three more riders descended. Each dressed in much the same way. They circled menacingly saying nothing.
'Follow me,' Shay’s captor instructed, 'And don’t try anything or next time I won’t be so gentle.'
Without another word he soared into the air. Dazed Shay followed while the three other riders closed in behind.
'Don’t need to worry about this one,' Leap Frog laughed to his companions, 'looks like we’ve found ourselves a fledgling.'
The rider to Shays immediate right swooped in to stare at him. To his surprise it was a girl, a wild looking girl, her expression anything but friendly.
'Master’ll not be happy about that,' she called to Leap Frog.
'Ain’t our fault,' Leap Frog called back. 'He’ll learn fast or…' he left the rest unsaid and the others nodded their consent. Shay had the feeling the ‘Or’ wasn’t something he wanted to find out .
Dec watched from the point. He’d been unwilling to leave with the rest of the gang, instead he lay looking over the edge hoping for a glimpse of Shay
. He found himself hoping that maybe he was right and Shay really could fly, better that than a cold death on the rocks below. He lay watching, tears slowly making tracks down his cheeks, he hadn’t meant for this to happen. Guilt racked at him. Time seemed to have stopped. He had no idea how long he’d been lying watching, when suddenly from below Shay shot out from the cliff face. Dec scurried back, his heart hammering. Shay was alive, he couldn’t quite believe it, but the sense of relieve that swept over him was immense. He sneaked back to the edge and watched. Shay hovered looking around, Dec instinctively knew he was looking for any sign of him and the gang. He decided to stay hidden. He’d done enough damage for one day.
Suddenly Shay surged forward like someone had given him a push from behind and then started to fall. A gasp of shock escaped Dec's lips. Then from nowhere another boy swooped down through the air catching him. Dec couldn’t believe what he was seeing, more people flying, he watched as the other boy hovered next to his old friend, and although he couldn’t hear the conversation between them Dec was sure something wasn’t right.
Then three more riders swooped in, surrounding Shay.
Heart hammering, Dec sprang to his feet. They’re taking him away, the thought thundered in his head. He had to do something, this was all his fault. If he hadn’t been such a coward then his friend wouldn’t have been out there alone. He had to help but how? 'Think damn it,' he cursed to himself. Then it came to him, Shay had to have found the witch's cave. Where else could he have gone? And if the cave was real then maybe the witch was too. Coming to a decision he took off down the path. Old Callum would know what to do; he had to get to Callum.
Without stopping, Dec charged into Portree, down the main street and around the corner towards the town's harbour. Callum had an old work shop down there, and he was always around doing something.
Callum had done and seen more in his lifetime than anyone else Dec knew, besides he was the one who had told him about the witch, he’d know what to do.
Dec skidded round the corner and straight into the pathway of the Girvin brothers. Tom put out his hands to stop him.
'What’s your rush?'
Without stopping Dec pushed past him, but Darren, Tom's older brother, grabbed for his collar, intent on stopping him. 'We need to talk.'
Dec swung round, all his weight behind his fist. He had no time for this now. Darren staggered back, clutching at his face, blood seeping through his finger from his bleeding nose.
'We’ve nothing to talk about,' Dec hissed at him. 'Stay out of my way or else,' he warned. Then not waiting for an answer, he resumed his dash for the harbour.
Callum spent his days pottering around the work shop. He’d spent most of his adult life at sea, and his latter days had been spent working his small fishing boat and telling his tales to any who would listen, not that there were many who would. Most of the residents in Portree viewed him between an old nuisance and something of pity. Not that Callum minded, he was happy with his small boat and his memories.
'Callum!' Dec sprinted into the workshop, 'Callum!' he gasped.
The old man looked up from where he sat, mending his fishing nets. Dec ran up to him. 'You’ve got to help, you've got to help!'
'Wow,' calm down there young Dec, 'what’s the big rush, and what do I have to help with?'
'It’s Shay,' Dec gasped, 'he’s been taken.'
'Taken?' Callum put down his net, 'taken by whom?' He looked towards the shed doors expecting to see Dec's young friend.
'There’s no time,' Dec insisted, 'we’ve got to do something now!'
'Easy lad, how can I help if I don’t know what’s meant to have happened? Slow down and tell me what’s going on.'
Reluctantly Dec began at the beginning. He expected Callum to start laughing at any moment and tell him to stop wasting his time, but the old man didn’t. If anything he looked grimmer with every word Dec spoke.
'I expected more from you lad,' Callum interrupted him.
'It’s true,' Dec exclaimed, ‘honest, Callum every word is true.'
'So your friend's been kidnapped by people who can fly, and just what do you expect me to do about it? Besides from what you’ve told me, he’s no longer your friend. If anything you drove him away.'
'I know.' Dec sunk down onto the bench, head in his hands, 'I was afraid,' he admitted, 'afraid of what he could do. I didn’t know what to think.'
'But you, you know what to do, don’t you, old man?' a voice cackled from the doorway.
Dec and Callum spun round, standing in the door way granny watched them both.
'You know what to do, old man,' she repeated, walking into the workshop.
Callum clenched his jaw as he faced her, 'what do you know of this, woman?' he scowled.
'What the boy says is correct, the Guild have seized his friend. I tried to warn the young fool but he wouldn’t listen.'
'I should have known your hand would have been in this,' Callum growled threateningly.
The old woman held up her hands in innocence, 'you know better than that, Duncan,' she scolded him.
Callum was visibly shaken by her words. Dec looked from him to the old woman uncomprehending. Why had she called him Duncan and how did they both seem to know so much about what had happened to Shay?
'You've got no right to be here,' Callum said shakily, 'go back to your cave and keep out of good people's business.'
Another cackle of laughter greeted his words, 'good people,' she jeered. 'Since when have you been calling yourself that man? You’ve obviously been away from the Outlands too long Duncan. You’re getting soft and senile in your old age.'
'Maybe so, but I know enough not to get mixed up in it again,' he countered.
'But you’ve got no choice. Unless you intend abandoning the boy to the Guild?'
'Why should I care?' he challenged her, a little too eagerly, 'if what you say is true he’s a flyer, it’s where he belongs.'
'With the Guild, a slave, you don’t believe that?'
Dec watched the exchange with growing wonder, but no less impatience. These two seemed to know a lot about what Shay could do and even more about the people who had him. This Guild, whoever they were, and the term slave certainly didn’t sound good, yet what were they doing to help?, nothing except arguing about it.
Granny looked at Callum, her expression somewhere between shock and sadness. 'You didn’t always feel that way'” she said softly. 'You have grown old, Duncan McLeod, old and soft.'
Duncan jerked at her words as if he’d been physically struck.
Dec looked even more confused. Duncan McLeod, he knew that name from somewhere. He’d heard it before, but just couldn’t think where.
Callum, or Duncan, turned to him, 'time for you to leave, boy,' he told him harshly.
'But what about Shay’, Dec jumped to his feet.
'Ain’t nothing I can do about that,' Duncan turned away. Dec was left staring at his back.
'That’s where I’ve heard it,' Dec muttered to himself, recognition suddenly dawning on him.
'What’s that?' Duncan swung round. Dec couldn’t be sure, but thought just for a moment, there was a look of fear in the old man's eyes.
'Duncan McLeod,' he challenged, more sure of himself. 'You're the one gran was always talking about, her younger brother. You’re the one who disappeared all those years ago, after you killed a man. Everyone thought you’d gone over the point and were lost to the sea. That’s who you are.'
'That’s got nought to do with you, boy,' Callum growled. ‘And for the record I never killed anyone who didn’t need killing.'
'But it has,' Dec stood up to him, 'that makes you my uncle or something,' he said uncertainly.
'Great uncle on your mother's side actually,' granny put in from the side.
'Keep out of this,’ Duncan warned her.
'Everyone thinks you're dead and you’ve been here all along,' Dec accused him.
Duncan stepped back under Dec’s verbal assault.
'You went to this Outland place didn’t you?' Dec continued, 'and that means you know where they’ve taken Shay.' He knew he was right, he could tell from the way Duncan refused to meet his eyes. 'You’ve got to help me uncle.'
Duncan flinched at those words. 'You don’t understand,' he mumbled, 'the Outlands they’re....' he hesitated, unable to think of the right words. 'They’re dangerous' he continued, 'its wild out there, not like this world, different rules, different way of living.'
'But you survived,' Dec challenged him.
'Duncan more than survived,' granny interjected, 'he’s something of a legend in the Outlands.'
'Quiet woman,' Duncan roared, 'that was in the past, a past I’ve left behind me.'
'No, Duncan,' granny told him, 'we never truly leave the past behind, and you’re needed, your blood needs you. Will you ignore blood?'
CHAPTER TWO The Far Reach
Shay had little choice but to follow, his captors took him out over the bay to where a sailing ship lay at anchor.
He’d never seen a ship like this before, a real old fashioned sailing ship, only this one looked really old and well used. Gulls flew around the masts and as he got closer he could make out the crew scurrying around the masts like monkeys in a tree.
He wondered why there were no fishing boats or small private craft sailing around it. A ship like this would be a big thing in Skye and should have attracted at least some attention, but there was nothing, not another craft in sight, which he guess was just as well with the five of them flying towards it.
His captors flew lower until he could make out the name painted on the hull, the Far Reach, in worn gold lettering. Eventually they landed on the deck. The first thing that hit him was the smell, tar and sea salt mingled with unwashed body sweat, unpleasant and very strong.
'Raise the anchor,' the roar was repeated along the deck, and the ship kind of shuddered as sailors moved about their tasks. He was jostled roughly to one side by the sea of human activity, and found himself hard up against the deck rail.
A hand clamped down on his shoulder pulling him out of his reverie.
'Over here, fledgling,' Leap Frog pushed him forward towards the upper deck. A broad wooden stair led up to where a group of four, three men and a strange woman dressed in a full length grey cloak waited.
Shay half walked, was half pushed forward, until he stood in front of them, fear gripped at him.
The tallest of the three men spoke.
'What’s this Frog?' he looked anything but pleased. Hard dark eyes studied Shay as he was led forward.
'New recruit, Sir,' Frog answered quickly. “Found him riding the wind, over by the cliff face, bold as you like, Sir.'
Ship Master Lorn raised a brow in surprise, 'you’re Inlands born.' It was more a statement than question, or so Shay thought, but obviously he was expected to answer.
Leap Frog dug him sharply in the back. 'Answer the master when he talks to you,' he hissed.
'I, Skye,' Shay stammered, I live in Portree, with my mum.'
'Like I said, you’re an Inlander,' Lorn rumbled.
'I don’t know what an inlander is,' Shay told him.
'You found him riding the wind,' Lorn looked at Leap Frog, totally ignoring him.
'Yes Sir.'
'Then he belongs in the Outlands. He’s your charge Frog, teach him what he needs to know,’ he turned away, effectively dismissing them.
Leap Frog took hold of Shay’s arm.
'Wait a minute,' Shay yelled pulling away from him. 'There’s some sort of mistake, I need to go home. I …'
Before he could finish a hand cuffed him hard across the face.
'Silence,' the man next to Lorn roared. He was smaller than the Master but stockier built, with a mean spiteful face, he rounded on Leap Frog.
'Teach the boy his place Frog, and quick about it, another outburst and there’ll be trouble.' He looked at Shay, 'you’, take this as your first and final warning, now get out of my sight.'
'On it deck Master.' Leap Frog grabbed Shay pulling him away before he could say another word.
'You fool,' he shoved Shay down the stairs; 'you’ll get us both flogged.'
'But I don’t belong here,' bruised and bleeding from the mouth Shay tried to twist out of his grasp but Leap Frog was having none of it.
'You were riding the wind, yeah, that means you belong in the Outlands.'
'But you’ve made a mistake,' Shay tried to tell him, still dazed from the shock of the attack.
'You'd better hope not,' Frog warned,. 'The master don’t take kindly to mistakes.'
He led him back along the ship's deck, to an open hatch leading below. If anything the stench of unwashed bodies was even stronger here, making Shay gag.
“I'm not going down there,' He protested.
Leap Frog didn’t even hesitate, swiftly kicking him in the back of the legs and simply pushing him. Luckily the ladder had a rope rail, Shay snatched at it to stop his head ward fall. The result was the same he landed in a heap at the bottom of the ladder.
'You’ll get used to it,' Leap Frog grinned, pushing past as if it had been Shay’s own fault that he’d fallen down the ladder.
He picked himself up and got the first look at what was to be his new home. The whole deck was taken up by hammocks swinging from the ceiling, underneath them a collection of chests and plain wooden boxes. The only light came from a few old fashioned oil lamps which gave the place an eerie orange glow and whatever they were burning in them only added to the already horrendous smell. A few of the hammocks had makeshift curtains hanging around them affording their occupants at least a hint of privacy. About thirty bodies, both male and female, occupied the deck and at the moment every eye was on him. The hubbub of noise died.
'This the fledgling?' A girl about Shay’s own age moved to intercept them, red hair hung wildly around a freckled face, she stared intently at Shay as if she’d never see a boy before.
'Mum would have a field day with you,' Shay thought looking at her wild appearance.
'Out of the way, Bella,' Leap Frog told her shouldering past. 'There’ll be plenty of time for introductions later. I've got some teaching to do before this one gets me hanged.'
Pushing Shay along they made their way through the throng to the back of the room.
'Skip the introductions,' Bella called behind them, 'I want first shout on his jeans and shoes.'
Whoops of laughter followed her comment with a few shouts of ‘not fair and I bag his shirt.’
Leap Frog just grinned and led the way to an empty bunk.
'This one's yours,' he indicated. 'Chest below got some of the former owner's stuff still in it. Not much in truth, but it’s yours now. Some might even fit you, if not you’ll pick stuff up in time.'
A shout from above caught Leap Frog’s attention. The floor shuddered and the sound of activity above deck increased. A muffled voice broke into song and the tune was soon taken up by more.
'What’s happening?' Shay suddenly felt sick inside. Even as he asked, he knew the ship was getting ready to sail and any chance of getting this mess sorted out was dwindling fast. He thought of his mum and what she’d think when he didn’t return home. The warning from the old witch drifted back into his head, ‘the Guild will get you boy’ and he knew with dread that’s just what had happened.
'You’re the Guild, aren’t you?' He said.
Frog looked at him with surprise, 'Who told you about the Guild?' he snapped. 'You’re an Inlander, inlanders don’t know about the Guild,' he leaned towards him, 'well?' he demanded.
'An old woman saw me, said she was a witch and that the Guild would get me,' Shay blathered quickly.
Frog glared at him unsure whether he was telling the truth, then relaxed.
'You should have listened to her, eh, too late now though, because that’s exactly what’s happened. You’re now the property of the Guild, boy, just like the rest of us.' Frog sounded bitter.
'What is the Guild?' Shay asked. Although he was scared, he figured he needed to know.
'Sit,' Frog indicated the wooden chest under what was now his hammock.
'In short, the Guild’s the rule of law. This ship, everyone on it is part of the Guild. The Guild controls all the trade routes. We’re the ship's wind riders. The Guild owns us.'
'Wind riders’, Shay asked intrigued,
'You’re a wind rider now, boy.'
'Shay,' Shay told him, 'my name's Shay.'
Frog looked at him and just laughed, 'You don’t get it, do you? Who you were, what you were, in the Inlands don’t count for nought out here. You ain’t this Shay any more. You forget that, you’ll earn your name from the riders. That’ll be the only name you’ll need.'
Shay sat looking at him dumbstruck. Shay was his name and no one was about to take that away from him, no matter what they thought. But, even as shocked as he was, he had the good sense to keep his mouth and thoughts shut tight.
'Wind riders are what keep the ship on course,' Leap Frog continued with his education, 'We ride the wind, some as outriders, some as sail riders, we’re the ones that keep the ship safe and the sails full.'
'I’ve never done anything like that,' Shay told him, worried.
'Obviously not, from what I’ve seen you can barely keep yourself wind bound. But you’ll learn, Frog assured him, ‘that’s where I come in. I’ll teach you and you’d better learn fast, you’ve already caught Hobbs' attention. He’ll be watching you, the deck Master's a hard one. If he thinks you’re not pulling your weight, he’ll cut you loose.' Frog made a quick movement with his hand across his throat, 'it’ll be over the side for you.'
Shay swallowed hard, the colour draining from his face.
'Hey don’t worry,' Frog told him cheerfully, 'You’ve got the best teacher on board.' He leaned forward, slapping Shay on the back, 'I’ll have you riding the wind like an old hand in no time, you wait and see.'
The red haired girl called Bella walked up. 'The Master's calling for us.' She pointed at Shay, 'Is the fledgling riding with us?'
'No time like the present.' Frog jumped to his feet, 'Let's go, boy, time for you to show what you can do.'
The sleeping quarters had all but emptied as they made our way back outside. On deck sailors made their way about, doing what sailors do. It all looked a jumble to Shay, he looked up, high above he could see other riders and despite his predicament he felt a thrill of excitement shudder through him.
Frog gave him a nudge, 'Time for us to join them,' he grinned, and without another word launched himself upwards.
Bella raced after Frog, 'Better hurry,' she called as Shay still hesitated, 'the Master will be watching.'
Taking a deep breath Shay launched himself after them, he have to admit he’d never felt so free, he could fly here without fear of being seen. In fact he was expected to fly here.
He soared up after frog making his way towards the circling riders, Bella hot on his heels, and found himself grinning like a fool.
'Hey, looks like the fledgling can fly,' someone called out.
Frog ignoring the remark swiftly took control. He split the riders roughly into two groups, one group, the larger one, stayed with the ship working the sails, the smaller group moved out in an ever widening circle. Some rose higher in the sky, while others moved still further from the ship.
Frog glided back to Shay’s side, 'Look outs,' he called through the whistling air, pointing to the riders who had moved away. 'It’s their job to spot any trouble, Free traders and the like.' He pointed next to the group who were by the sails, 'Wind riders'” he explained, 'they catch the wind to keep the sails full.'
Shay looked at him baffled.
'Open your eyes, boy,' Frog instructed . 'Look at me do you see me getting buffeted by the wind, or yourself for that matter? And you can hear me fine but I ain’t shouting, yet the winds strong up here. Think boy, why do you think that’s happening?'
Shay had to admit he’d never thought about it before, but now Frog mentioned it, it did seem strange.
'You bend the wind, control it, all riders do. Look closely at me what do you see?'
Shay looked and at first saw nothing but as Frog moved there was something, a slight blue shimmer surrounded him. The funny thing was, once he’d noticed it, it became clear as day, he looked over at the other riders and it was the same for them. Only there was more, each rider seemed to be gathering the wind and directing it at the sails.
'You’ve got it,' Frog laughed, 'now concentrate on it,' he ordered. 'You can do a lot with the wind; make it thicker around you, like a blanket, to keep the cold at bay. Believe me, after a while up here, you’ll need it.'
Even as Shay watched the haze around Frog got thicker.
Shay had always been told that when he put his mind to it he was a quick learner and this was something he really needed to do, his very life depended on it, he concentrated imagining the wind getting thicker around himself and suddenly he felt the change. The air grew warmer, the sound of the wind fainter.
'Well done, ’ Frog encouraged him.
'What do we do now?' Shay cried, eager to learn more, 'how are they doing that?' he pointed at the riders directing the wind into the sails.
'One step at a time,' Frog laughed, but he looked pleased with his progress. 'We’ll join the outriders on watch, that way you can practise harnessing the wind without doing any damage.'
He took off towards the distant riders. To his surprise and delight Shay found he could keep up effortlessly. With the wind shield around him, flying was even easier, he felt he could go much faster but decided against trying it just yet.
Suddenly it struck him in all the excitement he’d forgotten about home, gliding to a halt he turned back the way he’d come, to his surprise Skye was nowhere to be seen. But that couldn’t be right; there should have been some land in sight. There was no way they’d travelled that far, a tug at his side broke into his thoughts.
'We’ve passed into the Outlands,' Frog told him, as if reading his thoughts. 'You’re a rider now, you belong here, Inlanders don’t understand about our kind, we scare them cause we’re different,' he finished not unkindly.
Shay nodded, he knew all about that, Dec had shown him the truth of those words. Maybe Frog was right, he was a wind rider, and did belong more out here. Just maybe he’d found his true home, but he still had to get word to his mum that he was ok. She’d be out her mind with worry. Maybe Frog would be able to help with that, until then he had a new way of life to learn.
He nodded to Frog, 'Hadn’t you better show me how to be a rider?' he asked.
'You’re going to be OK, boy,' Frog grinned. He hung back his head and let out a wild cry, a cry that was taken up by the other riders. 'Let’s ride the wind,' he roared, all around the answering yells echoed through the air.

CHAPTER THREE The Outlands
Duncan paced outside his yard, cursing silently to himself. The sun setting on the horizon as dusk settled over Skye. This was a fool's errand, he was sure of that; it was near a full day since the Guild had taken the boy. He could be anywhere by now. Duncan knew just how fast the Guild ships could travel in the Outlands, and even if they did by some miracle, find the boy what were they going to do? Chances were the boy wouldn’t want to return home, if he truly was a rider, then the Outlands was the place for him. It was in their blood. In all the time he’d spent in the Outlands he’d never come across a rider who didn’t want to ride the wind. They were a wild, strange bunch.
No, there was nothing in the Inlands for a wind rider, nowhere he would feel at home.
As far as Duncan was concerned all he was doing was taking another boy into danger and his great nephew at that.
But neither Dec nor the witch would be reasoned with, the fool boy had it in his head that he’d let his friend down. Such sentiments were fine here in the safety of Skye. He wondered if Dec would be quite so eager once they got out into the world of the Outlands. He looked at his time piece once again. It was an old piece, maybe one, two hundred years old and solid gold, a trophy of his old days as a free trader . A pirate, the Guild had called him and as such there was a hefty price upon his head. It was one of the reasons he’d quit and come back to the Inlands, and now here he was getting ready to return and he as sure as hell wasn’t looking forward to it. There was more than the Guild who’d like to see his head on a spike. Being a successful free trader meant that you made enemies and Duncan had made more than his fair share.
'I’ll give them another ten minutes,' he muttered to himself, and then he was going home.
Footsteps scuttled that idea. Dec hurried into view, a heavy rucksack on his back.
'I didn’t know what to bring so I brought just about everything I had,' he sounded nervous.
'Empty it,' Duncan ordered him, 'you’ll not need half of what’s in there,' he told him gruffly.
Without a word Dec slung the pack from his back, in truth he’d be glad to get rid of some of the weight. 'So just what will I take?' he asked.
'Enough clothes for a dry change and none of those fancy new games I see you young ones with, you hear. You take nothing fancy from this world with you, clothes is all you’ll need, the rest I’ll see to.'
'No need to be so rough with the boy.' Granny walked into the yard, behind her another figure stayed in the shadows. Dec could make out it was a girl but not much else.
'If a few harsh words here harm him then he’s no right going to the Outlands,' Duncan retorted.
He glared over Granny's shoulder, 'Who’s that skulking in the shadows?' he demanded. 'Come out girl, let’s see you.'
A girl of about fifteen, Dec guessed, walked into the light. Mouse brown hair tumbled over her face, she was as tall as Dec and dressed in a long skirt with a shawl draped over her shoulders, much like granny's but much cleaner. She flicked the hair from her face and glowered at Duncan. Dec caught his breath, he’d never seen her on the island before, he was sure of that, he’d remember her if he had. He knew all the pretty girls on Skye and this one put them all to shame. Again it was her eyes that really held your attention, they almost flashed as she squared up to Duncan.
'Skulking in the shadows is it old man?' she purred in an Irish brogue. 'I’ll have you know skulking isn’t something I do.'
'You still haven’t answered my question.' Duncan pointedly ignored her as he glared at granny.
'This is Sheena, she’ll be going with you.'
'Not on my boat, she’ll not,' Duncan thundered, 'I never said anything about taking a witch.'
Dec gulped, a witch!
'I don’t believe I asked your permission, Duncan McLeod,' granny pointed her stick at him, 'she’ll be going with you and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll accept it and that’s that. Besides you’ll need her help.' She turned to glare at Dec, 'and you boy, put your eyes back in your head, and close that mouth. You look like a lap dog,' she shook her head in disgust.
Duncan scowled, ‘She’ll bring the Guild down on us, you old fool; you know they have hunters out that can smell a witch on a sea breeze.'
'Old man you’ve been listening to too many fish wives tales,' Granny hissed at him 'you should know better. Sheena will be able to find the boy a lot quicker and easier than you and no-one will smell her out. Now be at ease.'
Grumbling, Duncan knew when he was fighting a losing battle. 'We’d better be off,' he picked up an old sack from the floor and swung it over his shoulder. 'Lock up behind you woman, and keep the place safe for my return.' He moved to the door, 'well you two if you're coming, lets go,' he grumbled over his shoulder. Dec grabbed his pack and with a wildly hammering heart set off after Duncan. Granny and Sheena followed at a more serene pace heads close, deep in conversation.
Duncan’s boat was as old as the man himself, a small single mast fishing vessel with an old outboard motor. Dec started to have reservations as to whether it was entirely sea worthy. Not that he knew a lot about boats himself, but the slosh of water from below his feet was causing him some concern. The single outboard barely seemed strong enough to power the boat from the calm waters of the harbour and Dec wondered what they were going to do once they hit the open sea. He had no idea how far they had to go but something told him it would be a long way. With three of them aboard it was going to get cramped, and how were they going to function with a girl on board. Where were they all going to sleep? And then there was the toilet, and washing, suddenly things were looking complicated. He decided the easiest and smartest thing to do was to wait and see how Duncan coped. Whatever the old man did he would simply copy, that way he’d save himself from looking the fool, and in Sheena’s presence that had suddenly become very important.
A full moon was their only witness as the three sailed from the harbour. Granny hadn’t even hung around to see them off. Once they were all aboard the craft she had simply blended back into the shadows. After seeing that Duncan’s boat yard was safely secured she’d muttered a few words over the locked doors, then satisfied with her work, vanished into the night.
The soft chug, chug, of the outboard was the only noise on the craft as they left the harbour. Duncan busied himself steering and checking over his instruments, his black looks keeping the others at bay.
Dec found himself a spot at the stern, far enough from Duncan to keep out his way. Sheena sat by the small cabin, her eyes never leaving Duncan. Every time he wanted to move he had to pass her. A slight smile played on her lips as she watched him, his black looks washing over her with little effect.
'You’re not looking forward to going back, are you old man?' she asked him.
Dec watched as Duncan visibly straightened at her words, 'firstly the name's Duncan, we’ll have less of the old man, witch!'
'Sheena,' she interjected, 'if you're Duncan, I’m Sheena, not witch,' she flashed him a smile and Dec’s heart lurched, wishing it had been directed at him instead of wasted on Duncan.
'Fair enough, Sheena, and to answer your question, no, I’m not looking forward to going back.'
'Why not?' She asked.
'That’s my business,' he answered briskly.
'But I think we have to know,' Sheena continued 'I mean, are you going to put us in any danger?'
Duncan barked a rough laugh, 'danger lass? You’ll be in danger just going on this journey, but aye I may put you in more danger. See there’s a price on my head in the Outlands. I’ve acquired a few enemies.'
'And I hope a few friends as well?' she added.
'Aye, I have those as well.'
'Fair enough,' she settled down, closing her eyes, and before long Dec heard her breathing deepen.
The conversation ran though his head. Duncan had said there was a price on his head. That meant he was wanted. Which meant he’d set off on a journey to somewhere he didn’t know, with a man he didn’t know, who now appeared to be a criminal with a price on his head, and a beautiful young girl who was a witch. A small laugh escaped his lips. Duncan's head snapped round to glare at him.
Dec kept his head down avoiding Duncan black look, for all he was worth he couldn’t understand why he wasn’t terrified. All he knew was that he’d never felt so alive before.
The small fishing craft made its way out to sea Dec had no idea which direction they were going. The only thing he knew for sure was they were heading away from Skye. He watched as Duncan piloted the small craft. Every now and again he’d check the compass at his wheel, muttering away to himself, he’d either make a slight adjustment on their course or nod his head in satisfaction. As much as he wanted to stay awake Dec found his eyes starting to close, and before long he’d nodded off himself.
A shout woke him with a start. Dawn was nearly upon them, though there was little sun in the sky to announce it, only a lightening of the bleak cloudy sky. Dec shivered, suddenly very cold.
Cramped and sore, he wrapped his arms around himself trying to get warm. Looking around he found Sheena still sat where she had been the night before. Now fully awake, she caught him looking and smiled, 'have a good sleep?'
He nodded dumbly, unwilling to admit he felt cold, miserable and his bones ached dreadfully.
'Lucky you,' she smiled, 'I feel awful. I’m cold and sore from sitting on these hard seats.'
He grinned back at her, 'same here,' he admitted.
'Well, you’d better get used to worse than this boy,' Duncan broke in gruffly, 'if you expect to survive where we’re going. Now quiet both of you.'
Sheena raised her brow and winked at him, Dec grinned, feeling a lot better. Both turned to watch Duncan.
This was something Duncan had hoped never to do again, and a part of him hoped it wouldn’t work. He had little appetite for going back into the Outlands, especially on what he considered a fool's errand. From the hold in front of the wheel house he dug out an old oilskin wrap. Checking his position again he reluctantly opened the oilskin.
Dec craned forward to see what was inside and was pleased to see Sheena do the same. Duncan pulled out an old bone whistle. From where Dec was sitting he could make out strange designs carved into the instrument. The bone looked fragile and worn, the colour dirty silver, the markings grey.
Duncan carefully lifted it to his lips, 'we can still forget all about this.'” He looked directly at Dec, 'it’s up to you lad. I can turn this old tub around and take you back to the safety of your home. The fact is, whether the witch agrees or not, there’s little chance of finding your friend out there, and even less chance he’ll be able to or want to return with you, I know lad I’ve been there.'
Dec hesitated, maybe Duncan was right, he turned to Sheena expecting her to tell him different or at least tell him something. She looked at Duncan, her expression blank, then turned to Dec and shrugged. He felt cheated somehow, that was her sole response a shrug? Duncan waited, the whistle held ready.
'I need to know,' Dec replied.
A look of disappointment flickered across Duncan’s face but he kept his peace, just nodded and put the whistle to his lips.
Nothing happened, no shrill noise, nothing. Duncan blew again then returned the whistle to the oilskin wrap. He carefully rolled it up, retied the leather strings holding it together, yet instead of putting it back in the hold, he moved over to where Dec sat. 'Here lad, this is yours now,' he handed the parcel to a stunned Dec. 'I won’t be needing it again, so seems right I hand it down, you being blood and all.'
Sheena drew in a hissed breath. Duncan spun to face her, 'thought I’d give it to you witch,' he barked harshly, 'sorry to disappoint you, but blood's blood, like your mistress said.'
'You misunderstood old man,' Sheena retorted, 'it’s the fact you’ve given it away that startled me.'
'Then my apologies witch, but something tells me this will be my last sail. As it is, don’t look like I’ll have much need for it, where as Dec here, well, with luck, he’ll have the need sooner or later.'
Sheena lowered her eyes, unwilling to keep contact.
'Aye as I thought,' Duncan muttered.
'Would someone like to tell me what just went on,' Dec interrupted.
'Take it lad.' Duncan thrust the package into my hands, 'and keep it safe.'
'But what is it?' Dec wanted to know.
'It’s a gate whistle. It’ll get you in and out of the Outlands,' Duncan told him.
'But nothing happened,' Dec burst out, 'when you blew it, nothing happened..'
Duncan smiled, 'it worked well enough, just wait and see.'
'Then you keep it,' Dec wanted to give it back. He hadn’t liked the tone of the conversation between Duncan and Sheena and even less the thought of Duncan not coming back. There’d been something to final in that statement.
'Can’t do it, lad, once given, the whistle’s yours.'
Sheena moved over unnoticed by Dec, her hand moved to cover his and the oilskin wrap. 'Duncan’s right Dec,' she said softly, 'it’s yours now, given freely.' She squeezed his hand, 'accept the gift. Keep it close and safe.'
'Aye lad, do as she says,' Duncan moved back to the wheel house, 'now we wait.'
'I don’t suppose you’ve anything to eat?' Sheena let go of Dec’s hand.
'Aye you can make yourself useful. You’ll find supplies in my sack, nothing fancy mind, but enough to cure your hunger.'
'Come on,” Sheena told Dec, 'we’ll make breakfast.'
Stowing the oilskin in his rucksack Dec joined her. Together they prepared the food such as it was, bread, sliced meat and a lump of cheese. The only things they could find to drink a bottle of water and a bottle of whiskey which Duncan took and stored away.
Breakfast turned out to be a sorry affair, eaten in near silence and in the cold. The sea started to get rough and the small fishing boat, bobbed up and down with increasing violence. Waves washing over the sides making everyone wet, and still they waited.
Dec’s unease started to increase, if they stayed here much longer, he was sure the fishing boat would start to sink and there was no land in sight. He could see Sheena, although she tried to hide the fact, was looking every bit as unhappy as he was. Only Duncan seemed unconcerned, he stood watching the horizon waiting for only he knew what.
Feeling wet and miserable, Dec huddled as low as he could get and wished something would happen.
'Here she comes,' Duncan broke the silence. Dec and Sheena looked up from their private miseries.
'Who?,' Dec asked, he could see nothing.
'Look to the horizon, lad,' Duncan told him pointing, 'that’s our lift coming.'
Dec stared at where Duncan pointed. At first he could see nothing but sky and sea, but gradually he thought he could see a darker smudge on the horizon. 'It’s a ship?' he asked hopefully.
'Aye,' Duncan agreed something in his voice made Dec turn. 'The only problem is, we’ll not know whose until she gets closer.'
'How’s that a problem?' Dec asked.
'Well,' Duncan explained, ‘we called her lad; let her master know we were in the area. But until we know who that master is, that’s always a problem.'
Dec could hardly believe his ears, 'So what’s the worst that could happen?' he demanded angrily.
'This ain’t no holiday cruise, boy. If that’s a free trader coming towards us, they've got their own set of rules. At least they did when I left. If things are the same we should be alright, but this is the Outlands, and I ain’t been around these parts in some time. So we wait and see what happens.'
'Granny said you were a free trader once,' Sheena spoke up before Dec could reply.
'That I was’ .Duncan agreed, ‘Master of my own ship too,' He continued with pride.
'Granny says you were looked upon as one of the best,' Sheena said.
'That old woman says too much,.'
'Says you were involved in keeping the Guild at bay,' Sheena wouldn’t be put of. 'That you led the free traders in a successful resistance. That without you the Guild would have smashed the free trade,'
'That don’t count for much now,' Duncan told her flatly.
'She said you should never have left the Outlands.'
'Like I said, that old woman talks too much. Looks like you have the same problem.'
Sheena grinned over at Dec, ignoring the insult. 'She also said you never told anyone why you left. Just up and disappeared, left a lot of unhappy people behind you.'
'I had my reasons, girl, now enough of the chatter and make ready. That master’ll bring her craft down quick.'
Dec’s attention was now firmly on the approaching ship. Or not so much on the ship, but what was flying around the ship. He’d noticed what he’d at first thought were birds flying around the masts, and others circling the ship at a distance, but the closer she came the realisation hit him. It wasn’t birds but people, flying just like Shay, and it did look like they were surfing in mid air. The ones around the masts moving in and out in a regular pattern, the ones further out split into groups of two.
'What are they?' he asked in awe, pointing upwards.
'That’s the wind riders,' Sheena told him excitedly, 'granny told me about them. They guide the ship and protect her.'
'They fill the sails, and act as lookouts.' Duncan corrected her, 'that’s what your friend will be doing now, for the Guild,' he directed at Dec, 'and the Guild don’t let their wind riders free. Once in the Guild you stay in, for life.'
'You mean he’s a prisoner.' Dec said bitterly.
'You could say that,' Duncan replied. 'The Guild don’t like the thought of free wind riders, so they keep theirs nice and close.'
Dec sat back watching the figures in the sky, though his mind was on Shay. Somewhere in this world he was being held prisoner by this thing called the Guild. His resolve hardened, he’d come this far, no matter what, he’d find him and free him.
Duncan’s breath hissed through clenched teeth, 'it’s the May king,' he grunted, 'damn and blast; it had to be the she devil herself.'
'This isn’t good?' Sheena asked worriedly.
'It could have been better,' Duncan agreed, 'the master’s Angel. Enough to say I’ve had a few run ins with her in the past,' he paused lost in thought. 'Still it could have been a lot worse, we’ll just have…'
'I know, wait and see,' Sheena finished for him.
The May king loomed before them, growing bigger by the second. Its wooden hull drove through the sea sending plumes of spray high into the air and it showed no sign of slowing down.
Dec was sure it would drive right through them. Duncan seemed to be of the same frame of mind, cursing, he grabbed the wheel violently flinging the fishing boat to the left. With little to spare the huge sail ship thundered by. The smaller craft caught in it’s wake was sent thrashing along it’s side spinning like a top, out of control. Fighting the wheel, Duncan strained to keep them from being smashed against the flanks, and then as quick as it was there, the May king was past. Ropes snaked out from atop the ship's deck, splashing into the water beside them.
“Grab them,” Duncan yelled. Dec and Sheena sprang into action. 'Make them fast to the sides,' Duncan directed them, 'she’s not going to stop. If we want on board we’ll have to do it the hard way.'
Dec was struggling with his rope. It was wet and a lot thicker than anything he’d tied before, and it kept slipping through his hands. Worst of all, with the speed of the ship, it was growing taut quicker than he could fasten it to the side of the fishing boat. If he wasn’t quick, he’d either have to let go or be pulled over the side. Sweat snaked down his forehead, the rope slipped once again and he started to panic.
'Here let me,' Sheena pulled the rope from his grasp and deftly tied it off. The fishing boat surged forward pulled by the May king. Slowly from above they were pulled into the side of the ship and a rope ladder flung down to them.
'Time to meet our host,' Duncan let go of the wheel and slung his pack over a shoulder. Sheena gathered her things and made for the ladder. Dec watched, looking decidedly unhappy. The rope ladder swayed in time with the ship, and looked anything but safe to climb. He looked up at the deck and judged it to be at least fifty feet above. One slip and he’d either be dragged beneath the hull to drown or smashed against the deck of the fishing boat. Either way it would be fatal for him. His hands felt clammy and the sweat ran down his sides and back. Reluctantly, he picked up his rucksack.
'Nothing to it,' Duncan told him, noticing his hesitation. 'Just keep looking up and hold tight.'
Sheena had started up, making the climb look easy, already she was nearing the top. Duncan gave him a shove, 'on you go, lad, you don’t want those on top thinking you’re scared. Sailors can be an unforgiving lot, better not to show any weakness, just follow the lass.'
Dec grabbed hold and started to climb. The rope was rough and surprisingly hard, the climb turning out to be a lot easier than he’d anticipated. Still he kept his eyes looking up and climbed for all he was worth. Hands grabbed him at the top hauling him none too gently over the rail, his feet slipping when they let him go, toppling him to the deck amidst guff’s of laughter.
'Looks like we got ourselves a land lubber lads,' a rough voice laughed, 'a land lubber and a wench. Wonder what’ll crawl up next?'
'More than you bargained for, seadog,' Duncan shot over the rail, belying his age and landed sure footed next to Dec. Sheena stood, held by the arms, a few feet from them. 'Unhand her,' Duncan growled at the two sailors at her side. They grinned evilly ignoring him. Duncan shrugged, grinning back, 'last man I knew who mishandled a witch, shrivelled away in the worst death I ever saw. But, maybe things have changed and a common seadog holds no fear of the sisterhood now.'
The hands holding her dropped away as if holding hot coals, both sailors reeling back in fear making the sign to ward of evil. Sheena tilted her head giving Duncan an odd look. A harsh laugh from above broke the growing tension.
'Have you dogs got no work to do,' the sailors jumped to the command. 'That’s better.' Second master Santaris looked down on his unexpected guests. 'Well I'll be damned,' he muttered in shocked surprise. 'Well, well I never thought to see you on these waters again.'
'That makes two of us' Duncan answered ruefully.
'Never took you for a fool either, Swan, seems like I was wrong on both accounts.'
'Brain power never was your big thing, Santaris, now unless you’ve taken over as master of the May king, you’d do better to let Angel do the thinking.'
'Always did have a big mouth, Swan,' Santaris snarled, 'maybe I’ll fix that for you this time.'
'You were never that brave, that’s why you never made master,' Duncan told him with contempt.
Santaris smiled down at them, 'we’ll see,' he sneered, 'don’t expect a warm welcome from Angel either, your days are gone Swan, you’re history. You hold no weight now.'
'So who did we haul aboard second,’ a female voice called from behind.
'An unexpected trophy, Captain,' Santaris called back, a smile playing over his face.
'What are you talking about, man?' Angel marched to the top deck rail and looked down. She blew a gasp of astonishment.
Dec and Sheena had positioned themselves behind Duncan as he exchanged insults with Santaris. The bearded second had looked ready to leap down and attack Duncan at any moment, and the sword at his side looked wicked enough to cut Duncan in two. But Duncan had held his ground and with every exchange the big man above them had looked less sure. But now the master of the ship had appeared, it was Duncan who looked less confident.
To Dec she was awe inspiring. Golden hair ran over her shoulders, she was every bit as tall as her second and, though slim, her arms and legs looked well-muscled. Strapped to her back was another wicked looking long sword. Cold green eyes looked down upon them.
'Duncan Swan as I live and breathe.' Hands on hips, she stared at them, her attention eventually lifting from Duncan and settling first on Dec then onto Sheena, who stared defiantly back at her. Green and blue eyes locked, Dec watched as both women took each other's measure. Whatever passed between them Angel seemed satisfied, and returned her attention to Duncan.
'Bring the girl to my cabin and throw those two in the brig,' she commanded.
Santaris burst out laughing. Angel swung on him, 'the brig Santaris, but I want them hale and healthy, you hear,' she warned him.
'As you say captain, I’ll see to it personal like.'
'You do that, second.' There was an edge to Angel's voice that wiped the smile from his face.
Things weren’t going as Dec had visualised, this was hardly the rescue mission he’d planned. Instead it looked like he’d need rescuing himself. Duncan spat in disgust at Angel's command, but offered no resistance as they were manhandled roughly below decks.
The brig they now found themselves in was little better than a black hole, a steel barred door denying any hope of escape. Not that there was any place to escape to.
'What now?' Dec asked.
'We wait until Angel decides what she’s going to do with us.'
Dec was beside himself with anger, anger that was directed solely at Duncan. 'Why did you blow that whistle if this was what was going to happen?' he demanded to know. 'Surely there was a better way to get to the Outlands. I mean, just where are these Outlands anyway? We can’t be more than a day off the coast of Skye, so just how come I’ve never heard of them or these wind riders?' He knew he was being unreasonable but he needed to vent his frustration and Duncan was the only one here.
Duncan settled down at the back of their cage, making himself as comfortable as possible in the confined space. 'You’ve a lot to learn, lad,' was his only answer.
'Well then teach me,' Dec told him exasperated.
Duncan sat staring into space and Dec thought he was going to ignore him.
'The Outlands are like a mirror image of our world,' Duncan started, 'they’re there all around you, all the time, like two sides of the same coin. Only thing is, unless you know how, you can’t see them. Things are different here, wilder, freer, things you’d think impossible in your world are taken for granted here. It’s a different law of nature. Most people can’t come here, you can’t just decide you want to come and get on a boat or plane. You’ve got to know how to and even then it ain’t easy. That’s where the whistle comes in it can break through the fabric separating the worlds. But even that ain’t enough; it has to be heard by another whistle. Whoever hears it is duty bound to respond to its call and offer help to the blower. At least, that was the way of it when I was last here, maybe things have changed, and not for the better.'
'So Angel has a whistle?' Dec asked.
‘It would appear so.’
'You mean you didn’t know she had one?’ Dec exclaimed, astonished.
‘No-one knows just how many there are or who owns them,’ Duncan told him.
‘But that’s crazy, how could you be sure it wouldn’t be a Guild ship that came?’
'Last I was here it was something only the free traders used.’
‘But that was ages ago, you couldn’t be sure now.’
‘No I couldn’t be sure, but it was the only way I knew to get us here quick enough to have any chance of finding your friends trail.’
‘Then how did you get here the first time?' Dec demanded, ‘you couldn’t have had a whistle all those years ago.'
‘Pure chance,’ Duncan sounded tired, ‘pure chance, lad, but that’s another story for another time.’
Dec could tell he was going to get little else out of Duncan but something still niggled at him, ’Why did they call you Swan?’
Duncan sighed and sat a little straighter, ‘A long time ago, like I said, I was master of my own ship, the Grey Swan,' a look of pride crept into his eyes. ‘She was the finest trader in her class, fast and a match for anything the Guild could throw at her. I was known as Captain Swan. It’s just a name I took, thought it sounded dashing, more romantic than Duncan. For years that’s how I was known, Captain Swan, that’s all lad.’
Duncan closed his eyes and leaned his head back, leaving Dec to his own thoughts.

Sheena waited patently between the two sailors who’d escorted her to Angel's cabin. They stood outside the door waiting to enter, when finally the command from inside came the sailor on her right pushed open the door with some relief. Neither felt comfortable in the presence of a witch and wanted her as far from them as possible. Without entering, they motioned Sheena forward.
Angel sat behind her chart table, her cabin surprisingly sparse for such a large craft the only other furniture a bed and small chest, which left Sheena no option, but to stand and wait.
‘I pride myself in keeping up with the doings of the sisterhood,’ Angel looked up from the chart in front of her, ‘that way it avoids any conflicting interests, hence I now find myself in a bit of a quandary. ‘You’, it’s obvious what you are, but are you a member of the sisterhood, and if so then what are you doing in an Inlanders boat with Duncan Swan at your side?’
‘Am I expected to remain standing before you like a naughty school child?’ Sheena asked.
Angel’s smile was dangerous and had given many a brave man second thoughts, ‘You have your kind's attitude girl, I’ll give you that, but unless you give me some answers it’ll avail you nought.’
Sheena waited, saying nothing.
‘Damn you girl, sit on the chest over there’ Angel was close to exploding. ‘Now I want an explanation and you’d better make it good’.
Sheena pulled a gold chain from around her neck. A small round medallion swung from it. By way of explanation she moved over and handed it to Angel. ‘Granny said to show you this’ she told her.
Angel wrapped her fist around the chain, a low whistle escaping her lips, she looked up at Sheena, ‘Granny?’ she asked
‘She said you’d know her as Matilda.’
Angel slumped back in her chair, ’and she said to show me?'
‘She knew it would be you who picked us up’ Sheena stated matter of fact.
‘Course she did,’ Angel grunted, ‘this’ she held up the medallion, ‘this gets you my help, but not without a price.’
‘Granny said you’d say that too,’ Sheena smiled.
‘Yeah, well good for Granny,' Angel leaned forward ‘now, I still want that explanation. What are you up to and does the sisterhood know about it?’
‘The sisterhood know what they need to know,' Sheena stated. ‘For now I have two tasks, first to find and rescue a wind rider, an inlander who was taken by the Guild, and second to look after Duncan’s nephew who you have in your hold.’
Angel nearly choked, ‘Swan's nephew?’
‘Well, great nephew to be exact’
‘Swan's brought his blood into the Outlands?’ Angel could hardly believe what she was hearing. ‘You’ve a tale to tell witch, I need to know how this happened.’
Sheena settled down to explain all that had happened, things were going just as Granny had anticipated.
‘So this lad feels under an obligation to find his once friend.’ Angel nodded, ‘sounds like something the Swan would do. And the old man had no idea that the lad was his blood, not until Matilda spilled the beans? That must have come as a shock and yet he still brought him here.’ Angel frowned, ‘he must know the danger that puts the lad in.’
‘Only if others find out,’ Sheena reminded her.
‘True,’ Angel agreed, ‘then it goes no further.’
Sheena nodded her agreement, pleased with the ways things had gone. There was one thing she’d omitted from her story, the fact that Duncan had given Dec the whistle. That was something Angel didn’t need to know yet.
Angel leaned back her eyes still on Sheena, ‘Now you’ve told me the cover story, you’d better tell me the real reason you’re here.’ She smiled.
Sheena looked shocked, her confidence shaken.
‘Listen girl’ Angel leaned forward, ‘I’ve known your Granny a lot longer than you’d imagine, her and her kind. I know she wouldn’t send you, Swan or his blood to rescue some wind rider, inlander or not, without a very good reason.' She knew her gut feeling was right by Sheena's reaction. ‘By the way, how do you think Duncan’s going to react when he realises he’s been used?’
'How did you know?' Sheena gulped.
‘I know Swan well enough to know there’s no way he’d bring his own blood to the Outlands on some fool's errand, so it stands to reason Granny had a hand in it. I also know Swan's going to take it real bad, so before we go any further I suggest you explain what’s going on.’
Sheena was worried. Granny had warned her Angel was sharp and dangerous, very dangerous. Just how much dare she tell her? She made up her mind.
‘The wind rider’s special,’ she started, and then hesitated.
‘Don’t hold back on me girl’ Angel warned, ‘if you expect me to put my ship and crew at your disposal I need to know why, and the truth.’
The truth was a lot more than Angel had expected. When Sheena was finished, Angel was in two minds whether to help or throw them back into the fishing boat and forget she’d ever seen them. But if what Sheena had told her was even half true she knew she couldn’t. Her only course of action was to get this wind rider away from the Guild before they realised just who they had.
‘I suppose I had better pull them from the brig!’
Sheena shook her head, ‘leave them there for a few days’ she said, ‘they have some catching up to do and Dec could do with hardening up.’
Angel looked at her, hard just like all your kind; she thought but nodded her agreement.

Towers swung onto his hammock, his long frame creaking with age. ‘I’m telling you, its Captain Swan in the brig, Santaris took him there himself.’
‘And I’m telling you, you’re wrong, Swan's dead, has been these last years’, Brisdane retorted.
‘He ain’t wrong,’ Stoneteeth told him, ‘saw the captain myself, clear as day, Swan's back and not before time if you ask me.’
‘Told you it was Swan,’ Towers cried, ‘the captain's back.’
‘Keep it down,’ Stoneteeth hissed at them, ‘he may be back but he’s still in the brig.’
‘Then we've got to do something about that,’ Towers said, ‘ain’t right the captain's in the brig o’ a free trader.’
‘What you propose’? Brisdane wanted to know, ‘You going to tell Captain Angel she’s made a mistake?’
Towers scowled at him, ‘Still ain’t right,’ he said.
‘Right or wrong,' Stoney told them, ‘Swan will work it out, you wait and see. And when he does we’ve got to be ready to help, Agreed?’
‘Aye, the other two agreed.