by Robin Trent
The house sat on the southern outskirts of Kendal in Cumberland, in the northern part of England. The rolling countryside was made up of long slopes of green fields and woods of ash and oak. The yard to the front of the house was lit up like daylight even though it was past two o’clock in the morning, human time. The moonlight had cast a frosted sheen upon the dewy grass, and the smell of sweet briar filled the air.
Outside, Titwell ran around the house and headed out to the woods at the back of the property. An owl hooted in the distance, and crickets sang. It was a beautiful early summer night that Titwell wasn't going to get to enjoy. Instead, he was on a mission and had no time to dawdle. As he reached the woods, the moonlight thinned to only dapple the ground as he entered the tree line. Still, there was enough light for him to pick his way through the scrub and underbrush until he emerged about a hundred yards from the tree line, where the brush gave way to the forest floor.
Titwell looked about, making sure he wasn't followed. It had been many a harried year as he had roamed the countryside looking for the Emissary the prophecy foretold. He had been chased, hunted down, thwarted, and generally harassed. But still, he persevered. Now that he was so close to completing his mission, he didn't want to be stopped. Fifty yards away stood the old oak with the hole in it. It was a gateway to Elphame, Land of the Fair Folk, and home to Queen Oonagh. Carefully stepping out from the brush, Titwell gauged the distance and decided it was best to make a run for it.
There were stones covered in slippery moss that Titwell had to cross to make it to the tree. It slowed him down a bit, but he crossed them safely, and just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Groz stepped in front of him. "Going somewhere, are we?"
Titwell tried to sidestep the redcap, but the nasty creature hooked his finger into Titwell's collar, causing him to halt to prevent choking himself. He had no choice but to turn and face his challenger. "I am on the queen's business and you know it. Step aside and let me go.”
The redcap took a good while to answer as he assessed the situation. Groz was sturdy and grizzled with red eyes, taloned hands, and large teeth, wearing a red cap and bearing a pikestaff in his left hand. His breath was foul, and there was something rotten sticking out of his teeth. His cap was sticky and wet, which was a good thing for Titwell.
Groz’s benefactor probably wouldn't have let him out unless he could be controlled, and that meant feeding him. Redcaps are said to murder travelers who stray into their homes and dye their hats with their victims' blood. If a redcap's cap goes dry, the redcap dies. Titwell was well aware of the precariousness of his situation.
"Eh, you're always on the queen's business. What ya got there in yer bag?"
"My personal belongings that I travel with." A house brownie traveling was odd enough. One packed for a long journey was a rare thing indeed.
"You must be getting pretty homesick what with all the traveling the queen has you on. Yeah, you must be right sick of it." Groz sucked on his teeth.
"Yes, I'm tired, and yes, I want to go home. Speaking of which, if you would step aside..." Titwell tried unsuccessfully to pass as Groz moved closer.
"No need to be rude. I was just trying to have a friendly chat with yeh."
"Well, I am in a hurry, and I am in no mood to chat at the moment. Maybe if you would catch me at some other time?"
Groz knew he couldn't hold the little rat. He would tear him apart if he could, but Queen Maeve's orders were to observe and report. That was it.
"Get on with yeh then, and shove off." Groz turned away and Titwell breathed a sigh of relief as he made for the gateway. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to be that easy. Without notice, Groz turned back and slammed him into the tree trunk gripping Titwell's arms as he pinned him. His breath made Titwell want to gag as he moved in close, forcing Titwell to look him in the eye close up.
"Broonies," he spat with disgust. "Someday, not now, but someday, you're no longer going to be under Queen Oonagh's protection, and I am going to be free as well. And when that day comes, ye can be sure I'm coming for ye. I've been ready to carve ye up and have ye for lunch for many moons now. Your days are numbered, little one. Of that, ye can be sure."
Groz let Titwell go, and he inched along the tree as he felt the bark scrape his back. He wanted to move away and make for the entrance, but Groz blocked his escape. The redcap moved and turned his back on Titwell. He gave a wave with his hand as he left through the trees.
The gateway was a shallow hole in the base of a hollow oak tree. As Titwell stepped into the hole, green fire sprouted up all around him, turning yellow and then white as it seemed to consume him. And with that, he vanished from the Earth.
3
It was a beautiful sunny day, and the English countryside was singing. Elizabeth sat on the enclosed porch, rocking back and forth, humming happily to herself. She cupped her tea in both hands and inhaled its heady fragrance. It was these moments of solitude that Elizabeth cherished. No demands were being made of her, and the children were not begging for attention.
Soon they would be awake, though, and her day would begin again. The children took priority, and then the household. She must handle the menu and decide what to purchase at the market, and take care of the mail and the bills. Then she would need to go to town to talk to the butcher and the baker, and the occasional traveling salesman. It was more work than she had ever realized. Sometimes Elizabeth felt inadequate, like maybe she just wasn't cut out for it. Her mother would laugh at her; she was certain.
"Mistress, the children are awake."
"Thank you, Rebecca." Elizabeth rose to go upstairs.
"Rebecca?"
"Yes?"
"Last night I discovered a strange little red umbrella in the nursery. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
The housekeeper's eyebrows knit together as a frown formed on her face. "No, mum. I haven't the foggiest notion where that would come from."
Elizabeth continued on her way upstairs. Rebecca watched her mistress's retreating form from the kitchen doorway. "John!" Rebecca whispered.
John Barlow was sitting on a stool in the kitchen, eating his morning porridge. "Eh?" was all he could manage with his mouth full.
"I think they might be back.”
John swallowed. "What are ye going on about now?"
"The faeries, John. The Good Folk. They left, remember? I think they might be back."
"Oh, Lord. You're always ravin' about the bloomin' faeries. Can't I have one day's peace?” John got up off his stool, put his bowl in the sink, and stormed out the back door. He wouldn't be back for quite a while; he might not even come in for lunch. John never wanted to have anything to do with that subject. John Barlow was a simple man married to a wife with an overactive imagination. He learned a long time ago to go about his business because his wife wasn't going to drop the subject.
"I'm not ravin', and I'm not mad!" Rebecca turned to address an empty kitchen.
Nikolai was leaving on an expedition back to Alexandria, Egypt, where he met his wife. The Anglo-Egyptian War had just begun, and the British had invaded Alexandria to quell the "Urabi Revolt" as well as to protect British investments in Egypt. It did not take long for the war to destroy much of Alexandria from fires caused by explosive shells and by the Urabists seeking to ruin the city before the British took over. Nikolai was going to salvage whatever priceless antiquities were left.
The ride on the road through the woods was much more pleasant in the daylight. The afternoon sun warmed the inside of the carriage as Nikolai and Elizabeth sat beside each other, hands clasped, neither talking. Nikolai felt guilty for leaving his young wife and children so soon, and Elizabeth also felt the keenness of their imminent separation. Both were afraid that if they spoke they would become maudlin and upset the other, so the first half of the journey was spent in silence. It would be months before they saw each other again.
Elizabeth lifted her face to her husband's, and he kissed her. She smiled
softly and went back to looking out the window. Usually, she would have stayed home, but this time she wanted to stretch out her remaining time with her husband. The latest comments from her mother made Elizabeth worry about her husband's feelings. She had dressed in a fetching blue frock with white and black trim and carried a matching parasol. She wanted him to remember her at her best, and she was working to smooth out feathers ruffled from the last few days.
"I will miss you so much, Nikki," Elizabeth said.
"I will miss you too, my love. I hope the girls don't grow up too much while I'm gone.”
"You are not cross then?"
"Cross? Whatever for?" Nikolai laughed.
"Well, you've been so quiet since dinner two nights ago, and I was worried." The sun was coming through the carriage window at just the right angle to shine on Elizabeth's lips and to filter through her filmy bonnet, setting her blond hair on fire with gold.
Nikolai was admiring his wife's beauty as he smiled. "How could I ever be cross with my beautiful wife? It's not your fault your mother is an awful cow."
"Nikki!" Elizabeth feigned shock.
Nikolai chuckled. "I love you, my dear. But don't ask me to love Helen. I tolerate her for your sake, that is all. If I had my say, she would be gone while I am away. I don't want her tormenting you with that vile tongue of hers."
Elizabeth studied her husband's face to see if he was jesting or serious. Definitely serious, even though he was smiling. She could see it in his eyes. "Don't worry about me, dear, I will be fine. My mother has been this way her whole life. I know how to deal with her." Elizabeth sounded more confident than she felt.
Nikolai gave his wife a dubious look. "Well, I'm not so sure, but I guess I will have to trust my wife's judgment on this matter."
Elizabeth smiled. "I'm not as weak and fragile as you think. Besides, Mother can help, watching the children while I am away."
"Oh, I see," Nikolai said. "So, I have to worry about my wife running all over town while I am gone?"
She laughed. "Oh yes, Nikki. I'll be a wanton woman while you are in Egypt. You'll hardly recognize me when you return."
While Elizabeth was just teasing, her husband wasn't quite so jolly at the jest, and Nikolai cocked an eyebrow at her. Elizabeth wasn't quick to give the game away, though, and she just smiled pleasantly. Let him worry a little bit while he is gone. Maybe he'll come home faster. She managed to keep it up for a couple of minutes, and then she started to giggle. Her giggling was so infectious, Nikolai began to laugh himself, and he relaxed and eased back into the seat to be closer to his wife.
The rest of the trip was spent in small talk, snuggling in the carriage and holding each other. The afternoon sun was low in the sky as Nikolai boarded the evening train. There was lots of fussing by Elizabeth and many hugs and kisses, but finally, she had to let him go.
"Now you know that anything you need, Rebecca and John will help you with it. Don't try to take on too much by yourself. I'll write to you as soon as I get there so you will know where to send your letters." Nikolai kissed his wife on the forehead.
"I'll be fine, Nikki. We'll all be fine, although we will miss you terribly. Please be safe and return to us soon, my love." Elizabeth remained stoic. She would not let her darling Nikki see one tear shed. She wouldn't burden him with that sort of guilt. He needed to go as his work was essential to the Empire and the world.
Nikolai stepped off the platform and onto the train and turned to face Elizabeth one last time. "Don't worry. I'll be home before you know it."
"Good bye! Have a safe journey!" Elizabeth's handkerchief danced in the air as she waved. She stood on the platform and watched the train disappear into the distance before leaving for home.
The queen's private chambers were made from a natural rock formation of sandstone, with a vaulted ceiling carved with swirls. Flowers and other designs graced the walls. The floor was grey limestone. Crystals hung from the ceiling in their raw form lit from within with faery light, while brazier's on pedestals lent light and warmth. A pool of running water was off to one side with a fountain springing forth, creating soothing background sound.
The white lady had gone by many names: NicNaoimhein, Oonagh, and Gyre-Carling, to name a few. She had been confused with the goddesses Hecate, Diana, and Nicneven. But she was the Queen of Elphame and always preferred to be called Queen Oonagh, or Great Queen. Her gown was iridescent and changed colors as she moved. She stood taller than most elves and fae and possessed a regal air that made her forbidding and unapproachable. Titwell was bowing prostrate before her. "Your Majesty."
"Titwell," said the queen. "Since you requested a private audience, I take it you have news?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I have found the Emissary."
"So the child passed the test?" demanded the queen, her voice growing sharp in its intensity.
"The one child did, yes. They are twins." Titwell held his breath as he waited for the queen's reaction.
"Twins?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Twins. Although I cannot say the sex. I didn't have time to verify. The mother awoke."
"Did you test both children?" asked the queen.
"The moonlight only fell on one child, Your Majesty." Titwell feared he had made a mistake and played with his hat. The queen pondered this information and rose to pace the floor. It took her several minutes to sort this new information and to decide what to do with it.
"Very well, then. This makes things easier."
"Your Majesty?" Titwell was both relieved and perplexed, but he could see the wheels turning in the queen's mind.
"The Emissary is one who can live in both lands as foretold in the prophecy. It never occurred to us that the Emissary might be twins, but it makes sense. One in Elphame, one in the human world." The queen's voice trailed off as a thought occurred to her. "Titwell, I have a job for you."
"Yes, Your Highness." Titwell bowed.
"I will take several of my guard and meet you at the house. They will be able to carry the changeling that will be used to replace the child. I will bring the one who passed the test here and leave the changeling in its place. It is my royal decree that this child shall be raised in Elphame as one of us."
"But Your Majesty, the child's mother..."
"Yes, that is unfortunate. The changeling will whither and die as it is supposed to. The human mother has another child to love and to care for, does she not? Be grateful we are only taking one.” The queen turned on Titwell. He made a mistake questioning her.
"The child shall not only be raised as one of us, but it will be raised in the royal palace. Here, under our watchful eyes. By doing this, we will ensure the safety of our kingdom. For if the Emissary is raised as one of our own, it will favor us in the war to come." The queen softened after her outburst.
"Titwell, you have done this court a great service." Titwell felt doubtful but remained subservient. "We have decided that it is time for you to be in one place and to have a home of your own." He raised his head, a smile growing across his face. "And that home shall be the home of the Emissary."
Titwell had figured as much. "Your Majesty?"
"Titwell, we must keep track of this other child. If the Emissary is truly composed of two children, then the other child, the one left in the human world, must have our protection. Or until that time as we can determine whether the Emissary is one or two children."
"I understand, Your Majesty." He rose.
"Titwell." The queen looked down on him with a raised eyebrow and scowled so that he would understand the gravity of what she was about to say. "You will watch over the child. You will perform the normal house brownie duties."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"But, I lay a geas upon you." He held his breath again. A geas was a compulsion that could not be broken. He winced as if it would hurt.
"You will never tell the child they are the Emissary, and you will never tell the child the truth about its twin. That is a royal command.”
"Yes, Y
our Majesty." Titwell had a feeling this was not going to turn out well.
It would be months before she saw Nikolai again. Elizabeth would return to the house, ready to run things with a firm but gentle hand, and see to it that Nikki's hard-earned money was not wasted. She knew her duties and responsibilities as his wife, and she would not fail him. Still, her heart was heavy. She did not want to be separated from her young love so soon. Everything had moved so fast, and it seemed like time had flown by.
She had met Nikolai in Egypt while she was traveling with her parents. He was a serious young man with a calm demeanor that made Elizabeth feel safe. He was on an expedition, working mostly in the field, but he came into town in the evenings and spent dinner with her family. Before long, Nikolai had asked Elizabeth to marry him.
They married in Egypt with a hastily put together ceremony. Her parents left Egypt, but Elizabeth stayed with her new husband, and they honeymooned in Alexandria. Nikolai delighted in showing Elizabeth the libraries, museums, temples, and gardens. There was so much to see and do in Alexandria, Elizabeth was never bored. When her husband was working and could not be with her, she would spend time on the beach, taking in the cool breeze off the Mediterranean Sea or visiting some of the great monuments with a guide.
All that changed when Elizabeth discovered she was pregnant. Then she was treated with kid gloves and not allowed to roam on her own. Soon it was determined that it would best to return to England and set Elizabeth up in her parent's country estate where she would be safe and could raise their newborn child in an idyllic setting. This put Nikolai's mind to rest as he would then be able to return to his work and focus without being distracted with worry about his new young wife.
A heaviness had settled in her chest. Elizabeth hated it when Nikki went away, even though she knew he must. It was his job, his career, and he had to keep working. In some ways Elizabeth was jealous; Nikki got to travel and see exotic places, while she remained at home. But more than that, she missed him when he was gone.