The Parish
Clare Stanley Midgley
First Published 2016 Bespoke CSM
In conjunction with Createspace
Clare Stanley Midgley
Manchester England
ISBN 978-1535433976
Copyright © Clare Stanley Midgley
The rights of Clare Stanley Midgley to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or introduced into any retrieval system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior written permission from the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publishers prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
Authors Introduction
“Silence on a hill as the surroundings of your life pass you by.
Steeped in darkness, tradition and mystery
The Parish stands alone on its hill.
The Evil within bares down on your soul
Look out for the watchers
As they never grow old. ”
The beginning of folk law usually starts with a song and why should this tale be any different. The fight between good and evil, right and wrong have been the backbone of many communities, and throughout the centuries Inlands Brow was dominated by the biggest of all.
The Parish.
The nearby residents of Inlands Brow had always looked after each other without much objection, but like so many old towns its folklore was wisdom and Bible and non-dared to set against tradition.
Many had been born within the Brow, and many had died within its hills and moorland. For most, The Parish had been a way of life, and for the last six hundred years, the Font De Dieu family had provided homes, food shelter and work.
Eve stumbled upon the Brow as a teenager and craving food, shelter and security the Font De Dieu family dearly accepted. For many years she worked as a loyal, loving servant away from life and away from temptation. As a teenager, she lovingly cared for the old in the village, with her time served, her skills didn’t go unnoticed, and within a few years, she was servicing the highest Matriarch of the Family. Cara Font De Dieu
Eve had to learn quickly as the family held many dark secrets; the biggest of them all was Jacob, the only son and heir ever to be born to the manor. Within each corridor, the pain and suffering rang out as clear as the Churches bells on a Sunday morning. The darkness and ashes which surrounded the moorland masked the evil which lied within.
As the years take hold and Eve’s circumstances become more complicated, she’s once again torn between good and evil, right and wrong. With her children gone and the blackness due to descend will she be able to bring the balance back to the Brow or will she finally be defeated by:
THE PARISH
CLARE STANLEY MIDGLEY
20 September 2016
Contents
Chapter 1Chapter 31
Chapter 2Chapter 32
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 1
Riding out into the blackness of the night, Eve set her course for the open space of Heel Brow. Hidden within the cloak of darkness, Eve knew she was free to roam the only place which had ever made her feel welcome.
At thirty years of age, she had spent close to fifteen years serving The Parish and growing up within its desolate landscape, and harsh moorland didn't compare to the Evil she helped within. As a servant, she was bound to the family and had been so since she'd pledged. As an individual, she'd always been alone, and strangely, the Brow had compelled her so. The only time she felt free was under cover of darkness racing through the moorland. Bound to the beauty of the isolation and free from the grips of societies ties it had been the only place which had welcomed her, beaten her and saved her. It had been the place she had called home and the place she embraced death, and now with the wind battering her temple and the moor's breath biting into her doll-like complexion, she felt determined to race to the sanctity of the waterfall. Seeing the brook in front, she knew the Brow would bring her some comfort and relief from the harsh realities of her dwellings.
The moorland around waved and beckoned to her like an old friend, and even in solitude, she felt the warmth and purity it provided. As she heaved her large black horse up onto the concave shards of stone, she stood majestically looking over The Parish.
The dim lights in the distance cried out to her like fingers down a chalkboard as the world outside Brow had always caused anxiety and pain. Knowing her place at The Parish and knowing it was home was enough to satisfy her conscious and curiosity. Eve breathed in the air crisp, clean and sweet and as the barefoot trots of her horse echoed around the shards, she felt for that moment free.
Stepping down she ran her hands along the smooth silk coat of her horse, and as her long black jacket swamped her body, she looked at that time as menacing as the Brow. As she climbed into the iced waterfall, she caressed the stone like an old friend and welcomed its sharp coolness. Standing at the back of the cave Eve undressed and as her clothes slipped from her body, her impatience grew like a lover waiting for pleasure. It's welcoming droplets washed away her impurities, and as it cleansed her soul, the glistening flurries smoothed down her skin making each cell scream with life. The cold penetrated ever curve of her body, and the crystals of water sparkled like diamonds in the moonlight. Closing her eyes the worries and lies of the day slowly drowned in the brook. She stifled her scream knowing any noise could give away position and the freedom she had found upon the moor. Hearing the rolling of thunder overhead, she quickly turned feeling eyes on her body knowing she had been followed she saw the dark shadows circling the Brow. With the helpless feeling that danger lay ahead, she threw on her clothes and raced to the corner shard of the waterfall, climbing stealthily upon the pressure of the presence that had followed. Still feeling eyes on her, she whispered anxiously under her breath.
“Jacob.”
Pulling on Neith’s reins, she swung back into saddle escaping towards the bottom of the brook. Fearful Eve silently made way up to the mantle stone and hid in the now dilapidated cow shed. Staring into the blackness, she watched as it rolled swiftly overhead. Feeling breath behind she turned timidly.
“Who’s there? I know you’ve been watching me. Show yourself...” Hearing the faint cough and rustle, she followed her senses, and as a young man lay still in the straw, his weak breath immediately gave haste knowing he needed her help and fast. Throwing him on Neith Eve knew if he were found she would have to pay the consequences of her decent, however, saving this man’s life was the only possible course she could ta
ke.
As she galloped across the moor and away from the black shadow she could hear the faint screams of the villagers as the darkness swamped them. She knew The Parish always got what they wanted and as the cloud descended overhead, she also knew what was in store for her to clean in the morning.
His shallow, short breaths heaved over the back of the horse and as the morning began to break Eve dug her heels in and forced her onwards up the Brow.
Reaching the rear of the house, she stroked Neith calming her down, leading her into the stables she pulled at the pale flesh lying him down precariously in the straw. The large pagoda stretched out its eerie arm into the courtyard looking like fingers stretching out to snatch her back into the darkness, however, knowing there wasn’t much time she raced through the covered terrace and through into the kitchen. Eve knew the backwaters of the house blindfolded and as she dodged her way around the stone lintels and doorways, she ran her fingers around the stone archway heading for the protection she so longed to be within. Fear coursed through her veins and as she caught her breath, the haunting memories of her adolescent years under service taunted her mind.
Lightly tapping on the old oak door Eve slipped into the small living space.
“What’s wrong? Eve, you know the rules.” The desperation on her face alone told enough tales.
“Doc I need you to come now.” Seeing the anxiety flow through her veins, the doctor grabbed his coat, and within minutes he was making his way down the precarious passageway.
“Doc...I found him on the moor; I thought” The doctor checked his vital signs feeling his stress levels rising.
“You thought what Eve; this was the safest place to come. What were you thinking?” As she whisked off her large black coat, her skin smelt sweet with the water from the Brow.
“Eve listen to me if they catch you up there again you know the consequences, Cara,”
“I know Doc. I know if she finds me with or without Jacob this will be the end, but he needs help, and I can’t stand by and watch someone die because I’m frightened for my life. You know where I have to stand on this.”
Eve lifted his head and rested it against her chest hoping for some good news. Doc listened intently trying desperately to concentrate, but underneath he feared for his existence.
“He has a strong heartbeat, and a nasty chest infection, possibly a touch of hypothermia. I have some antibiotics we can start him on. He’s going to have to go in your room, and he will need to stay there. You understand what I’m saying.” As she pulled him close, her head dropped with her sigh.
“He’s coming around Doc...Meet me in my room.”
“Where am I?” Eve pursed his lips together placing a finger on them.
“Don’t talk now I have to move you. Can you walk?” As he rolled his eyes, Eve took the signal as an agreement, and as he began to drag his body from the straw, she took hold of his weight. As she pulled him to the door, she counted to ten feeling the fear once again well in her heart. The only way they were going to be safe was to clamber through the back entrance and knowing the servants would be busy with morning chores it was the only option.
As Eve lead him through the dangerous stretch of the corridor, she could hear the footsteps of the family which haunted them. As she hid in the shadows, she waited for each servant to disappear and watched for anything or anyone which would stand in their way.
“Shhhh someone will hear you,” The soft mumbles rippled through her shoulder, and as she placed his arm around her neck, she coaxed him into the small stone passageway. Toiling down the spiral staircase, she grimaced as the squeak of the old oak door rang through the corridor.
The large dark wood panelled hall brimmed with the years of decay; however, Eve knew every nook and cranny. Hearing noises, she threw the man into the broom cupboard and dropped her knees, lowering her head the residents passed without any awareness of their visitor, and as she felt their presence depart, she dragged him out once again negotiating the hallway. The struggle down the corridor eventually led them to a small wood panel, distinctive from the rest as the black studs had been missed. A little square equally unnoticeable had been carved into the wood, and as Eve pushed the panel, it popped open.
The cold dimly lit corridor felt claustrophobic and having another body squeezing down the inside made the walls seem thick and menacing. As Eve ran a hand over the stone archway, she fell over the two steps which delivered her into her quarters. Taking some time she laid him carefully on the bed making sure he was comfortable, as she checked his vitals Eve looked out into the darkness wondering what would become of her and whether anyone suspected her visitor.
The large round window made a dramatic frame around the moorland which was beckoning her back to the comfort of the Brow, but as she stared back at the man’s pale face, she knew her freedom needed to be sacrificed. As she sat beside him, she wondered how he had come to find himself in such a dark surrounding and what terrible circumstances had brought him to the unholiest place on earth. Taking his hand, she could feel the impatience growing inside, and as she counted each second, she wished for the doctors swift return.
With Eve and the stranger neatly out of sight Doc raced to the surgery, his brow now thick with sweat he felt his heart pound precariously in his chest he knew time wasn't on either of their sides. Placing the pills, saline, and antibiotics into a bag, he grabbed the IV and quickly dashed to the household kitchen. Eve waited patiently at the table, her expression blank in contrast to the doctor.
“Is this everything?” The doctor shook as he handed over the container.
“Eve do not let me down on this,” his hands spattered with liver spots shook as he crossed the line. Eve could see the worry heavy on his mind, but she needed to remain calm for both of their sakes.
“I know what to do. I’ve been here too long just like you.” Seeing how calm she was the doctor started to settle, and as she disappeared behind the kitchen, he sat at the table with his head in his hands.
The room was silent as Eve re-entered her quarters, leaving the medicine on top of the bedside cabinet, she checked the man’s temperature and breathing. Feeling the slow lifts of his chest, she disappeared into the bathroom knowing she had a little more time.
Stepping into the shower the hot water graced her body and knowing it would only be a few hours until the morning she knew she needed rest. Slipping on her white vest and shorts, she checked his vital signs and pulled the medicine from the bag. Not knowing whether he would make the night and then having to explain herself in the morning was something deep inside she dreaded.
As she unscrewed the hook from the back of the bathroom door, she proceeded to make a drip. Snatching at the medicine bag, she noticed the doctor had already thought ahead, an IV bag of fluid floated around the bottom, and as she lifted it carefully, she placed it on the homemade hook. The clinking of the antibiotics and syringes wandered around like missing pieces of a puzzle, and in some ways, she felt just like them.
Eve wasn’t a nurse but had assisted in many procedures with Doc over her time at the Parish. Having to insert an IV line was nothing she hadn’t done before, and the doctor knew she was more than capable.
Taking her time the memories of her childhood flashed through her mind as she took the cap off the syringe. The demons of abuse and addiction still taunted her, and as the tourniquet squeezed tight, she couldn't help but feel joy as the needle pierced his skin. As his eyes opened, the pain had stirred something inside forcing his body to react, however as she brushed her hand against his cheek he seemed to settle just as quickly as he awoke. Seeing the clear fluid drip its way through the line Eve knew she had caught the vein and as the antibiotics pushed their way around his body, all she could do now was wait. Slipping between the sheets, she could feel his cold skin against her, and as she rested her hand on his chest, she counted his heartbeat as if it was the first she had felt in a long time. The heavy thud gave her encouragement, and now the fluid and medicine were be
ing drip fed into his body she could calm for sleep. Wrapping herself around him, she rested on her elbow looking into his sallow expression.
“Please get better so I can get you out of here….”
Chapter 2
Looking at her clock Eve felt the reaping of the hour and as tiredness still washed over her as she moved so did her guest. Turning to stretch she placed her feet on the cold floor and winced with the shock as it rippled through her limbs. Running her hand over the edge of the bed, she could feel him move and seeing he was still asleep she turned towards the bathroom. Feeling the pull on her arm Eve saw the confused look on his face.
“Who are you? Where am I?
“I’m Eve, and I found you on the moor how are you feeling now?”
“Eve, how, why?” as he fell onto the bed the effort to keep asking questions seemed to drain the energy from his body. “What’s your name?” Wrapping the covers around him, she looked as if she was securing a parcel and as she smiled his deep blue eyes seemed to penetrate through her skin.
“Paul, my name is Paul.”
“Ok Paul stay in bed and rest it’s still early, and I have work to do, just don’t move out of this room.” Confused by her request his eyes fixed on every movement she made.
“I still don’t understand?” Feeling her impatience, she knew she would have to kerb the conversation until her return.
“Paul, please trust me. I know this all seems strange, but I promise I will make things right. Please just stay in this room. It’s for your protection and mine. Please.”
Everything about her mesmerised him, her steel grey eyes and short black hair emphasised how beautiful she was and as she stood in her underwear, he couldn’t help but think what it would be like to touch her. The perfect qualities of her skin emphasised every curve, and as she bent towards him, every muscle flexed flawlessly.
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