The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  “Alright folks, let the Lady have her rest, she’s tired from her journey,” he declared cheerfully going towards Elaine while fighting his way through the crowd.

  “My Lady,” he bowed, “I am Mr. James Conolly, in charge of this village. Let me welcome you to our humble home. We are so honored that you decide to grace us with your presence,” he happily greeted.

  Elaine gleamed, “The pleasure is mine Mr. Conolly, I am happy to be here and meet these wonderful people.”

  Mr. Conolly smiled in return, “Shall we my Lady?” he guided her to the house.

  The villagers gave way for them to pass as they move towards the house while I followed. Mrs. Conolly and Hannah were already waiting for us and were ecstatic when we joined them. They curtsied and Hannah couldn’t contain herself that she was jumping with excitement and gave Elaine a gentle hug. Elaine was delightfully surprised then hugged her in return and smiled and laughed at her reaction. Hannah was praising her and she showered her with adoration and it was obvious that Elaine was not used to it that I noticed her face turned bright red. Mr. Conolly intervene once again, “Okay Hannah, that’s enough,” he kindly told her and she obliged but continued staring at Elaine with fondness. We sat at their dining table and the food were more carefully prepared than the last time I was here but just as delicious, and it was more like a feast with more variety. The Conolly seemed very eager to have us in their home. We were talking about their life in the village, the neighbors, and his family. They laughed at Mr. Conolly’s embarrassing moments that he shared. They all looked happy that sitting here made me forget that I was their Lord. This must be what it felt like to belong to a family who cared and loved one another. They might be a family of meager wealth but they looked like they already had everything. The meal was more than satisfactory and I complimented the family. We moved to the living room after we had our meal. The three women lead the way, and I was about to follow when I overheard whispers and it sounded that it came from Mr. Conolly and Peter who remained at the kitchen.

  “We can trust him, I know I do,” Peter whispered.

  “I don’t know…. he is a Lord, an Elite,” Mr. Conolly spoke in a low voice.

  “But he can help us.”

  “Shhh.. let me think about it. We can talk about this some other time.”

  I had no clue what they were talking about but whatever they were referring to, I was sure it was of secrecy. I hurriedly went to the living room when I heard their footsteps coming then we were all gathered at the living room drinking coffee talking about the farms when Mr. Conolly brought up the topic about his horse limping.

  “I could take a look at him if you want,” Elaine offered willingly.

  We were taken off guard by her statement. I was puzzled what she meant then Elaine became aware of our surprised look and explained, “Oh I was an animal doctor before I came to Pinewood.”

  Mr. Conolly chuckled, “Are you sure my Lady? It would be of great help.”

  “It’s not a problem at all.”

  Elaine and I followed Mr. Conolly to his barn where he kept his horse. He took out the brown horse that was smaller than what we had at the manor from its stable, and it was indeed limping. Elaine came over and stroked the horse trying to calm it down, and then she gently checked its knees and hooves while we silently watched. When she was at the right front leg, she bent down and slowly raised it to inspect underneath the hoof.

  “You poor boy,” she spoke with pity.

  “Have you found anything wrong my Lady?” Mr. Conolly asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

  “Yes, see here?” she pointed underneath the hoof that she raised, “there’s an abscess forming near the shoe that is what’s causing the limp but don’t worry, the infection has not spread yet,” she gently released the horse’s leg then stood up and faced Mr. Conolly, “Just soak the infected hoof daily with warm water and lots of salt then place a bandage over it to keep it clean. Do this until the inflammation will be gone then he’ll be fine.”

  Mr. Conolly was extremely grateful, “Thank you, Thank you my Lady you have no idea how much this means to us.”

  “I’m happy to be of help,” Elaine spoke chuckling.

  I was surprised and impressed by her. I didn’t know what she did before she came to Pinewood but I could tell that she was good at her job. This was a side of her that I was unaware of and it made me curious who she really was before she came to Pinewood. Elaine and Mr. Connoly continued to talk while we stood there at the barn when there was a sudden commotion in the village and we went hurriedly outside to investigate. The villagers were panicking as groups of Protectors stormed the village and tried to secure the area while pushing villagers along the way. Mr. Conolly was running towards the disturbance and went to a Protector with gray hair who was the only one not wearing a helmet, and his badge told me that he was a commanding officer. I could hear from a distance Mr. Conolly asking him for an explanation but the officer ignored him, and after much begging, the officer suddenly pushed aside Mr. Conolly with force that he fell on the ground then he suddenly pointed his firearm at Mr. Conolly. Mrs. Conolly screamed from the house and was about to run towards her mate but Hannah stopped her just in time. I felt the need to intervene and help them so I ran towards Mr. Conolly and Elaine followed me not far behind.

  “What is the meaning of this?” I shouted demanding an explanation.

  The officer looked at me while still pointing his firearm at Mr. Conolly who was on the ground sweating and terrified.

  “Put your gun down and let him up!” I commanded.

  The officer with his stern face stared at me unimpressed, “And who are you to give such an order?”

  I glared back at him not intimidated, “Lord Curtis from the House of Bermule.”

  He continued to stare still unaffected, “I have orders to search these areas.”

  “Who gave the orders?” I strongly asked.

  “From the Emperor. We received reports that Defiers are here in the area.”

  “I assure you that there are no rebels around here only farmers who would have gladly cooperated so let him up,” I spoke strongly referring to the release of Mr. Conolly.

  The Protector was hesitant for a minute and was still glaring at me, probably testing me, and then he finally pointed his firearm away and inserted it to his side buckle. Peter who was suddenly appeared helped Mr. Conolly up on his feet.

  “I would have to ask you to leave this village immediately,” I ordered sternly.

  “You do not have the authority to give such order,” he objected without fear.

  “I am an Elite, that is authority enough,” I walked towards him and stared at him coldly in the eye unhinged, “I am Lord here, born having the right to rule this land like my forefathers. Who are you to tell me otherwise?” I continued threatening him. To tell the truth, the Duke was the ruler of these lands not a Lord like me but I still outrank this officer though. He stood his ground and the way he stared, it seems that he had no intention of taking any orders from me. I was secretly hoping that he would not do anything that would aggravate the situation when out of nowhere Elaine stood beside me and spoke with such conviction to the Protector that it rattled me, “Enough! How dare you frighten these innocent women and children. Is that any way the Empire treats its citizens?!”

  The officer shifted his stare at Elaine. Both of them were determined not to falter in front of the other then I feared for her, she could be arrested but surprisingly he yielded to her.

  “Sergeant,” he spoke to the Protector beside him.

  “Yes Captain Furlong?” the sergeant responded.

  “Tell the men we are done here for now,” he commanded.

  “Right away sir,” the sergeant obeyed and instructed the rest of his group to move out.

  “My Lord,” Captain Furlong nodded and took his leave with no traces of remorse or fear. The Protectors started to load to their transport then eventually left.

  “They’ll b
e back my Lord, probably with more troops,” Mr. Conolly sadly declared.

  “Why do you say that?” I asked worried.

  “It’s not only here my Lord, they’ve been patrolling everywhere lately.”

  It was not a good sign that the Protectors were here, and the Captain mentioned the Defiers were at Pinewood, the Empire had been hunting these rebels since their existence was made known but not like this before, not this many and with such force.

  We were on our way back to the manor. I lead the way again not in a hurry to return. The trees were still this time with no wind to gracefully dance with them. Everything remained peaceful but when I glanced behind, Elaine was not her happy self since we left the village. She remained as distant like before but I didn’t find her at fault then I suddenly felt sorry for her, I admit that I was not the most favorable companion and the place we were returning was not exactly something we were looking forward to. No one spoke a word the whole time even when we took a rest under the shade of the trees. I took out the bread wrapped in clean cloth that Mrs. Conolly gave us for the journey back. I went over to where Elaine was sitting a few meters away. I was holding the cloth with the bread and sat beside not far from her. She ignored me when I approached as we sat there watching the horizon in front of us.

  “I apologize for my behavior this morning, I didn’t know what came over me,” I reluctantly apologized not sure what she thought of it.

  I saw her surprised expression and uneasiness when I spoke to her but she continued to look forward.

  “It doesn’t matter,” she finally muttered devoid of any happiness while refusing to look at me.

  I unwrapped the cloth and broke the bread into two and gave her the other half. She glanced at it hesitantly but accepted it and took a little bites. I stood up and left her alone which I thought she needed. I went over to Peter who was letting the horse graze and gave him the other half which he gladly accepted.

  It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the manor. Peter brought back the horses to the stables.

  “I’m going to see my brother,” I stated to Elaine.

  “Let me come with you,” she hurriedly blurted.

  Her words startled me, maybe because it was our first conversation as I stared at her, “Why?”

  “I know what you’re going to ask him and I need to know as well.”

  I was hesitant and became worried for her but I was not going to argue because she deserves to know, so I nodded.

  We found Andrew in his private office sitting behind his desk. I knocked and we entered his office. He was surprised to see us but his face lit up in an amusing way.

  “Just got back from your journey?” he asked grinning.

  I stood in front of him while Elaine decided to stay silently in a corner far away from Andrew.

  “I didn’t come here for small talks Andrew. The Protectors were at the First Village wreaking havoc, did you know anything about this?” I spoke directly to the point.

  Andrew was calm and ignored the question then he said, “This is a conversation for men, not with a Lady present,” he briefly glanced at Elaine who stood at the corner.

  “As if her presence matters to you, and she was there, she saw everything,” I said irritated by his stalling.

  He sighed then leaned on his desk, “Fine! Yes I knew about them. They were sent here to search for the Defiers and were ordered to use strict measures to find them since report of their activity in Pinewood were discovered.”

  “Do they know why Defiers are here in Pinewood?”

  “No official reports yet but they assume these rebels are planning an attack.”

  “But why?” I asked aghast.

  Andrew shrugged looking annoyed, “Who knows!”

  “But why do the Protectors need to use such force?”

  “These Defiers could be anywhere or anyone. Fear is the only way to uncover them and if force is necessary they should condone it,” he spoke firmly with such belief to his own words.

  What he said felt wrong. I knew these Defiers were dangerous but the innocent didn’t need to be harm for their sake.

  “Curtis, I have been doing this longer than you. Now leave me and let me rule Pinewood,” he stated dismissing us not wanting to hear another word. I left Andrew but before I could reach the door I briefly glanced at Elaine and saw her look of disappointment and it was troubling me that I felt that I should had done more but I was overpowered by Andrew. Her opinion didn’t matter to me before, but I didn’t understand why it bothered me then.

  The Protectors continued to patrol Pinewood and the manor, and Andrew became more preoccupied since their arrival. He did put me in charge of the farms so I kept myself busy. I entered my private office and as I approached my desk, I found a book placed in the middle, it was odd because I couldn’t recall putting it there. As I took the book away, a note fell on my desk, and I was puzzled where it came from. I slowly unfolded it and an unfamiliar handwriting was written saying ‘Come to the Greendale forest when the sun is at its highest and look for me where you saw the rabbit.’ I looked around the room searching if the one who left this was still inside but there was just silence. I was bewildered and the note seemed vague and suspicious and there was no name or place stating where it came from. And how come he knew about the rabbit I saw at Greendale? It was only Peter who was with me that day. Could Peter have sent this? So I rang for Mr. Thistle, thinking he might know who was in my office.

  “My apologies my Lord but I did not order any messages to be delivered in your office today,” Mr. Thistle explained when he arrived at my office.

  I sat on my chair contemplating who could have.

  “Could you send Peter here to my office Mr. Thistle?” I requested.

  “At once my Lord,” he obliged bowed and left.

  A few moments later, there was a soft knock at my door and I called out to whoever it was to enter. The door opened and Peter appeared.

  “You send for me my Lord?”

  I showed him the note and he looked as puzzled as I was as he entered the office.

  “Do you know anything about this?” I asked as I gave the note to him to read.

  “No my Lord,” Peter answered shaking his head.

  I leaned in my chair deep in thought. My curiosity was killing me. I wanted to know what this mysterious sender wanted from me but this could be a trap of some sort to lure a Lord. But who would want to trap me? I had no power unlike Andrew. But what was there to lose if I go? For all I knew this sender maybe in need of my help. I looked up to Peter. I trusted him so there was no reason to go alone.

  “I’m going and you’re coming with me,” I declared to Peter.

  His face turned pale, “I beg your pardon my Lord but this could be dangerous, we don’t know who send you this letter.

  “I know that’s why you’re coming with me.”

  Peter looked defeated and he knew he could not decline my command.

  “Very well my Lord,” he accepted unwillingly.

  “Good! Ready the horses then and tell no one.”

  It was almost midday when we set out for Greendale. We were on our horses on a hot day then we arrived at the forest and I pull the reins of my horse to a stop before we proceeded.

  “Are you sure about this my Lord?” Peter asked sounding very worried and reluctant.

  I didn’t answer; instead I reined my horse to move forward into the forest and Peter did the same. We slowly passed through giant trees following the road trying to remember where I last saw the rabbit. It was cooler inside the forest since it was hard for the sun to penetrate through. We were looking around cautiously for any signs of danger or a life form. Then I finally stopped at a familiar place.

  “This is it,” I announced. I stared into the trees searching if anybody was hiding behind them. We climbed down from our horses and waited patiently. The forest was quiet except the sounds of a few birds and unknown critters. We waited some more but no one came.

  �
�Maybe we should go my Lord,” Peter suggested and I sensed his apprehensiveness.

  I looked around searching between the trees one more time. Convinced that no one was coming, I was about to ride on my horse when I heard a voice.

  “I wasn’t expecting you to come,” said a deep voice from somewhere among the trees.

  I turned around startled, “Show yourself!” I demanded searching where the voice came from.

  A dark figure came out from behind one of the trees. It was hard to see who it was hiding among the shadows but as he appeared stepping out into the light I saw that he was a large tall man of strong built, he had a short white hair and he looked like someone of age yet his strength never left him. I stared at him then I recalled who he was as he stood in front of me, “You were at the bar at Moors town,” I stated full of certainty.

  The mysterious man grinned and spoke in his deep husky voice, “Glad that you remembered.”

  “You were following us the first time I was here,” I observed.

  “I heard about the young Lord that came home.”

  “Who are you?”

  “I am called Olfren,” he bowed slightly.

  “Well Olfren, how did you manage to sneak a message to my office without being detected?”

  “I have my ways,” he gave a mischievous smile.

  I continued to stare at him, gauging him what kind of man he was, “You got my attention so what do you want?” I firmly asked.

  “I am here to offer redemption.”

  He was playing tricks with me, his vague answers only made me distrust him more.

  “If you continue to answer like that then I have no choice but to leave you,” I threatened annoyed by his lack of exactness.

  He stared at me searching for any clue of how serious I was before he explained.

  “Long before you came back to Pinewood, James Conolly reached out to us asking for help about something that was happening here,” he paused then continued, “We came to investigate and we found out that everything he claimed were true.”