The Parish

by Clare Midgley

  “Remember Jacob she’s only yours until another Fallen has been chosen and trust me when I say we are already searching.” Cara’s words chilled the atmosphere even more and with Jacob aware of the feelings towards Eve he placed his hand lovingly around her. “Stay close to me, and nothing will happen.” Taking slow steps up the grand staircase Eve breathed hard hearing the whispers circulate.

  “Jake something's wrong with this I can feel it.”

  “Look up.” Trying to hide her glance Eve looked skyward hoping for a happier memory. Instead, she saw the blackness and decay drip down the walls and as the evil poured out every demon eye glowed in its presence.

  “How?”

  “This is an epicentre of evil, every visionary, whisperer and Walker who works for the Fallen has been gathered. Eve…there.”

  “I know. Where do we go?” Seeing their only chance to escape she pressed him against the panelling throwing him into a kiss as she fumbled behind him she searched for the button on the wall. Feeling the click, she backed off his embrace.

  “After these don’t ask just duck...” As the last of the guests disappeared down the corridor Eve took her chance pushing him violently through the small hole in the wall. As she closed the panelling quickly, she heard Reuben and Jedediah. Pressing herself against Jacob, she pushed her finger against his lips.

  “I've told you before Cara will handle this embarrassment. The coven will not take this lightly, and if the balance is offset, we all will meet our doom.” As he summoned his minions Eve knew Reuben loved to exercise his authority; taking the time to revel in his wife’s failure he licked his lips finding his pleasure.

  “Find the little whore and meet me in the great hall.” Taking the small servant girl Eve and Jacob heard the screams from behind the walls. Hearing the footsteps fade Eve started to slither her way along the narrow stone corridor.

  “How do you know about this place?” As he held onto her hand tightly, he slid his other hand around the smooth walls. Reaching the archway Eve ran her fingers over the engraved symbols feeling the sanctuary of her quarters.

  “This is my room, Jake. I found it many years ago and personalised it a little. I had a perfect view of the Brow.” As he wrapped his body around her, he threw himself into a kiss, and as he slid his warm hands down the zip, she pushed him out of the way still frightened of what was to come.

  “Please don’t. I know what you’re going to say but just for tonight let’s not. I don’t feel safe.” Eve sat in the window seat raising her legs to her chest.

  “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive.” Jacob now guilty of his actions took off his jacket wrapping it around her shoulders. He could feel her shake and shiver as the screams and cries from the other servants ran through the corridors.

  “It’s just what they......if we consummate our vow they can still.” As he pulled her close, she laid her head on his chest, and as he stroked her hair, he started to wonder how they could ever get out.

  “I’d love for us just to run away and never come back, but they are never going to let that happen.” Jacob felt her pain as the tears washed over his shirt.

  “Are we safe in here I mean” wiping away her tears she stood and straightened out her dress, playing with the button on his waistcoat she pondered wishing there could be another way.

  “They can’t get us in here I’ve made sure of that this place is the only sanctuary we have.”

  As the hours past the noises from above had started to lapse and as Jacob switched out the light in the bathroom, he took off his shirt and sat on the end of the bed. Eve sat watching him wondering when the madness surrounding them was going to end.

  “Why would they risk it, Jacob? Why would they risk a congregation that big when they would offset the balance. I don’t understand.”

  “When I was born, created everything had been done wrong, and the decision that was given was one of free will. Maybe we can use that.”

  “Freewill won’t help them through will it.” As she pointed at the walls the blood from the servants ran deep and covered each stone with a glossy tile.

  “Eve I have an idea, it’s risky, but I know there is nothing they can do once it’s done. I just need to know you’re with me every step of the way.” As she folded back the cover, she kissed his shoulder gently.

  “I’m with you Jacob no matter what.” As he lay with her in his arms, he followed the tears down her cheeks which had freely started to fall.

  “I promise I will protect you from all of this.” Feeling his sincerity, she folded his arm across her stomach and watched the fires dance along the edge of the manor. As daybreak rose, both Eve and Jacob knew this was their time. Standing, hand in hand, they glanced across the moorland hoping for a small glimmer of hope to give them a sign. But as the winds howled across the face of the nothing was forthcoming.

  “Whatever happens just hold my hand and don’t let go.”

  Squeezing his fingers tightly she acknowledged his response, and on feeling the pull, it was time to go.

  “A car is waiting for us at the South entry I have spoken to my contact, and he is waiting for us in the village.” Eve bit her lip knowing everything teetered at this moment.

  “To get to the south entry we should go through the kitchen and into the courtyard.” Changing direction she pulled Jacob back inside the room. Following her blindly it was his turn to squeeze her hand in recognition as she took control. Clicking the button above the panelled doorway a small gap appeared in the woodwork, and as they stepped out into the kitchen, she slid back the panel carefully. The devastation of the night’s events was evident and as they stepped across the wreckage the body of the servant girl greeted them. Her twisted and violated body had was pinned to the door, and as the blood dripped from her fingers, she looked like a macabre piece of art. Eve gulped hard, and as she tried to close her eyes, the girl took in one final breath.

  “Go…” Jumping back Eve didn’t need to be told twice, and as she grabbed hold of the door, she couldn’t help but look back.

  “The courtyards down that side and through the passage. How long have we got?”

  “We have five minutes before they know the cars moved…” Giving chase Eve took the lead once again, and as she ushered him out into the courtyard, the fragrant smell of thyme and jasmine overwhelmed their senses. With the car in sight, they ran to the courtyard wall feeling each other’s pulse race.

  “Someone’s coming we need to go now, Jake...” Running for the car they separated for the first time since the ceremony and as the dust carpeted the driveway, they were off to the village. Eve had seen the faces glare at her and as she ran to the passenger seat; she also knew it wouldn’t be long until someone followed.

  Jacob screeched to a halt outside a practically derelict municipal building. The windows stained with dirt and time, symbolic of the haggard residents of the Brow dripped with death and decay. The roof sagged heavily showing the tiredness of the building and overall Eve thought it looked like an old woman who’s hump had grown too large.

  “Stay at the side of me and please whatever you do follow my lead….” Eve looked over her shoulder expectantly waiting to see an army of Font de Dieu behind. Dropping her hand Jacob signalled Eve to become the submissive servant.

  “Get me MacConnley now” The woman looked up and shook fiercely at the sight of Jacob.

  “You heard me Ian MacConnley now! Do you know who I am?” The woman stood speechless almost in tears at his abrupt introduction.

  “Do it now! Or reap the consequences do you hear me” Hearing the racket another larger lady rolled up to the window.

  “I’m sorry can....Jacob apologies sir she’s new she’s quite harmless I will get him for you now please wait.” Jacob stood tall as if he was the master of a tribe and with his demeanour fit for a prince, he proceeded to chastise the large lady at the counter.

  “Clear the office now. I do not want
this insolent snip understanding my business.” As she waved to the rest of the team, she moved them into another inhabitable room, and as an older gentleman behind her stepped forward, she whispered nervously in his ear. As she looked back at the counter, she bowed her head shocked and scared to see a Font De Dieu in her office.

  Ian, on the other hand, did not rush; he took off his glasses and wiped them on the corner of his miserable grey jumper. Nodding his head to her request, he tapped her on the back and ushered her quietly out of the room and towards the rest of the staff. Nonchalantly walking over to the counter Ian closed the window, unlocked the bolt and welcomed both into his office. Before sitting down, he paused and opened the kitchen door ushering the congregation of people outside into the car park. Before speaking, he proceeded to check every lock making sure he checked it twice to so their conversation was not overheard.

  “Mr Jacob Font de Dieu now what do I have the pleasure...” Jacob smiled sweetly as his grey beard twitched.

  “Do you have what I require...?” Nodding Ian handed over an envelope keeping hold of the corner in hesitation.

  “I hope you know what you are doing boy, if not this could get you both killed.” As he picked up his jacket and hat, he stood by the door waiting for the pair to follow, seemingly having more to say he expected both to catch up.

  “Eve you need to escort me to the car and do as your master tells you...” Still puzzled she didn’t say a word. Following Jacob and bringing the old man with them she wondered what was in the envelope.

  “Get in the car! Quickly you two we need to go now.” As Jacob pushed the old gent into the back seat, Eve raced around to the passenger side and dove into the front before Jacob sped off.

  “Can you tell me what is happening cause I’m confused and who is the guy looking and smiling at me in the back seat.”

  “All in good time Eve be patient.” Jacob still not at ease raced around the deserted roads. He seemed distracted and desperate trying to get to his final destination. As they hit the drive to the old Parish church, she felt the atmosphere electrify. As they got out of the car, Eve looked down into the village and back at the old stone church.

  “Quickly inside both of you.” As the dust swirled around in the distance, Jacob knew he needed to act swiftly.

  “Jacob you can’t go in there. I don’t understand.” Taking hold of her hand and trying to reassure her he pulled her fingers to move.

  “Do you trust me, Eve…” Closing her eyes, she let him pull her inside the church. Every hair stood up on end as the atmosphere locked in the thunder clapped overhead.

  “Eve I need you to go in the vestry. Quickly we haven’t got much time.” As she tried to take in all of the events she could feel her heart pound hard in her chest and the questions inside her brain scream out.

  “Eve! Please, there isn’t much time” Placing her hands on the side of her head she turned on the spot and walked into the candlelit cold room. Stood in the corner was a dressmakers doll and as she walked further into the room, she realised that a wedding dress flowed from its grasp.

  The lace wedding dress stood triumphant in the glowing light. The v-shaped neckline plunged into the body, and the Empress sash fitted tightly around her slender physic. Eve couldn’t help but shed a tear as she walked towards her soon husband to be. As the fishtail lace kicked out in just the right place, she felt like a princess making her entrance with grace and poise.

  Jacob held his breath as she walked down the aisle. Her slender sun-kissed arms complemented the beautiful lace which danced along her shoulders. She was worth every sacrifice even his birthright. Hesitating before the alter she held her breath.

  “I need to know what will happen, God, us, Please. I love this I love what you’ve done, but I need to know…” Ian shut the door to the church and sat in the seat at the back, taking off his hat he smiled.

  “Tell her Jake she obviously loves you, but please make it quick we’ve got around fifteen minutes before the cavalry arrives.”

  “This is Ian his real name Cornelius Font de Dieu he wasn’t pushed out; he’s different, an accord with my Grandfather and he thought he could save our souls for us once to be redeemed. I was born and without my family realising my free will, and I started to be schooled by both of them. Then you happened, and they understood that my fortune could be saved if I betrothed my one true love under God and renounced my birth.

  It’s dangerous. Eve this will upset not just my family, but either way I’m not leaving here today without you, and I’m not willing to lose the only thing in my life that’s ever made me truly happy. I love you, and I want to marry you under God and his disciples and with the Holy Spirit for now and forever. I want to do that so I can be with you….” As she bobbed her head from side to side trying to understand his story she seemed to now follow the whole plan.

  “Either way we are screwed right. ”As she bit her lip, she smiled exhaling her anxiousness under her breath.

  “Either way we’re screwed...” Standing at his side the priest read out the marriage ceremony, and as Jacob repeated his vows, the thunder cracked violently overhead and as the priest announced their husband and wife status under God Jacob dropped to his knees violently vomiting thick black sadistically smelling sludge. Staying close to his side Eve started to panic

  “What have I done….Brian, Cornelius please…what’s happening” Lifting him off the floor he placed the pair to the vestry.

  “He’s renouncing evil this is his battle, and he’s susceptible to good and bad. You Eve, you have to show him goodness, faith and love. That’s why he married you. You need to get him out of The Parish. I have a hotel booked for you go, and I will meet you in a couple of days…” As he closed the vestry door, Eve felt sick with worry.

  “What have I done Jake…? I’m sorry I never meant for any of this to happen.” Holding her arms around her waist, she paced violently.

  “Eve I need you we have to go” Placing on her black jacket she lifted him effortlessly from the chair and opened the door. The sky electrified with thick black clouds and lightning zigzagged overhead. As she laid Jacob down in the car, he caught her fingers as she pulled away.

  “I love you...” Kissing him softly she slammed the door shut, and as she raced to the driver’s seat, she toyed with her wedding dress longing for trousers. Cornelius stood at the foot of the hill watching the darkness roll over the moor.

  “Here is when it starts. There here Eve go now I can’t hold them off for long.” Nodding her head in agreement, she couldn’t express the gratitude she felt and as she threw herself back into the car Jacob’s once perfect complexion had started to peel and flake. The fragmented parts of his face seem to curl like old pastries in a bakery window. Knowing she hadn’t got long she sped into the distance and without a looking back she knew it wouldn’t be long until The Parish would be again on her doorstep.

  After an hour Eve had to stop as Jacob's violent sickness had increased. The smell of decay had started to make both of them feel nauseous, and as he crawled into the car on his hands and knees, he watched Eve wipe away her wedding day.

  “This isn’t how I planned it.” The black sludge slipped from his lips and coiled around his neck like a noose. Holding his hand, she couldn’t help but feel responsible.

  “According to Cornelius’s instructions, we have another hour of driving. Forest Bank or Brook I don’t know.” Screwing the map up Eve threw it on the floor impatiently.

  “Brook its brook it’s a cottage. I’ve been there as a child…”

  The rain now heavy and cumbersome hit the windscreen with a temperament Eve had never seen. The significant drops thudded noisily along the bonnet of the car, and no matter how hard the wipers worked it seemed almost impossible to clear the water away.

  Turning into the Forest Eve drove slowly down the long and uneven surface. Every pothole seemed to swallow the car and engulf the track with water. After a few miles, they turned into a gravel carpeted driveway whic
h spread into a richly well-kept garden. Surprised by her findings, she gazed into the open spaces longing to smell the earth and the freshness of the fallen rain.

  “We're here."

  "Stop over there.” As the car came to a stop Eve rested her head on her hands feeling some of the stress drain away.

  “What am I going to find in here Jake dragon, witches, possibly pirates cause I’m telling you now this has been interesting.” As she smiled, Jacob felt her relief.

  “It’s an old nunnery with a simple chapel at the back; my grandfather made it into a guest house without the intention of suspicion. Cornelius sent us here for safety. Its safe I promise…” Trying to hold him up at the front desk the receptionist lifted her gaze questioningly.

  “Mr and Mrs...” As the receptionist interrupted Eve was quite glad of her to finish the sentence.

  “Yes, the owner has said you would be joining us, and the whole top floor has been booked out as you requested privacy. Too much to drink on your wedding night sir not a good start to married life at all. Follow me please your luggage has already been placed in your room as requested. Have a nice stay and welcome to Brooklands...” Ushering both of them into a very retro 1920’s style lift Eve cocked her head to one side impressed by the woman’s efficiency.

  “Well let’s look at the positive she was efficient, and she saved me from a little embarrassment...” As he leant against the wall, he looked as if he was about to vomit again. Placing her hand on his chest, she tried to will it back into his stomach. Dragging him through the door Eve slumped him into the nearest chair closing it quickly behind her. Eve threw him the bucket shaped paper bin and sat with her back against the wall.