Invisible Dawn

by Weston Kincade

  “You’re right, we ain’t from around here, but look Jeeves…” Farlin corrected him again, but Daniel ignored the interruption. “… I do mind. Frankly, it pisses me off that you’d come into my room without my permission. Besides, right now I’ve got other things I need to take care of. You know of a good doctor … or maybe a medicine man?” After pocketing the contents of the package and pulling on his boots, Daniel lifted the shirt to reveal the blood encrusted bandage. “I need to have this checked out and get some new bandages.”

  The head servant’s façade cracked at the sight. “My God, what happened?”

  “Don’t worry about what happened,” he commented. “Do you know where I can get some clean bandages and see a doc?”

  Farlin waved him into the wash room and shut the door. Pointing at a small chair, he busied himself in the cabinets. Daniel seated himself with his 9 millimeter close at hand.

  “I have some linen that I can dress the wound with,” he said, while tearing strips from the older sheets he came across. “But first, you’ll need to take off your shirt.”

  Daniel did as he was told. Moments later, Farlin seated himself in front of the veteran with a large bowl of water, clean rags, and a handful of linen strips. He got right to work, unaware of the gun resting on the counter next to Daniel’s outstretched hand. The servant dipped the rag in the bowl and cleaned the skin around the wound.

  “So what happened, Mr. Robertson?” asked the servant, as though he had just taken a seat in a local barber shop.

  Daniel answered through clenched teeth, his free hand gripping the side of the wooden chair in a white knuckled fist. “Someone shot me … twice.”

  “I noticed something on your leg. Should I also have a look at that?”

  “Yep, that’s where the other one hit.”

  “I’ll take care of it next then,” replied Farlin, as though planning out his day. “I couldn’t help but notice some of the odd items you had in your pockets.”

  “Yeah, what of it?” asked Daniel, wincing under his touch.

  “Your fire starter is unlike anything we can make here. Where are you from?”

  Daniel gave in and opted for the truth. “We’re from another world.”

  “Like the legends of Lord Alain and the others,” Farlin exclaimed. He was like a child hearing a story for the five-hundredth time.

  His reaction caught Daniel off guard. “What do you mean, ‘like Lord Alain’? And what others?”

  “So you don’t know,” Farlin muttered, answering a silently posed question. “Lord Alain, and others like him, are different from the rest of us. They came here long ago, and stories of their arrival have been passed down through the ages, but none of them speak of it now. They prefer that people assume this is how it’s always been.”

  “So, the truth has been passed down in their families too, or are they trying to forget where they came from?” Daniel asked, confused.

  Farlin finished cleaning the wound and answered Daniel’s question. “Well, they’ve had children, and most of them know the truth from their parents, but none will speak with outsiders about it. The elders, the ones that made the trip, won’t even say why they came. People have wondered for years and stories pop up, but no one really knows.”

  The scarred veteran sensed that Farlin was not telling him everything. When he met Daniel’s searching gaze, a glint of mischief verified the soldier’s suspicions. Over the years, he had become an expert at reading people and detecting lies; a necessary skill in his line of work. However, Daniel let him continue. The knowledge that there were some who were willing to talk was enough for him. As he sifted through the information, it occurred to him that the generations did not match.

  “Farlin, are you saying that the original ones, the elders, are still alive? I thought you said the stories were legends. How many years has it been since they got here?”

  The question struck Farlin as absurd. “Of course they’re still alive,” he answered, as though chuckling inward at his ignorance. “You’re the guest of the esteemed Lord Alain Traditor, the most revered elder. He’s at least a few hundred years old.”

  “What?” exclaimed Daniel, “That guy we met last night? He can’t be over thirty.”

  Farlin chortled as he tied a knot in the linen strips. “Think what you will,” He propped Daniel’s foot upon his knee, rolled up the pant leg, and repeated the process.

  The lack of an answers left Daniel wondering. Something about the guy had bugged him and Jedd, enough that he warned them not to trust the man.

  Before his thoughts could continue further, Farlin posed another question, “Now that I have answered your questions, why don’t you answer mine. Why did you come here?”

  Daniel replied without much thought, “We were running from the same people who shot me.”

  Farlin nodded, “But why here?”

  This question gave Daniel a bit more trouble. After some speculation, he said, “I’m not sure. I didn’t have a say in where we went. I guess you could say, I was along for the ride.”

  “The people that shot you, are they the same people camped outside town?”

  The question struck Daniel as odd. For a servant, Farlin knew an awful lot about what went on in the town. “Yes,” he replied. “How did you know about them?”

  “It’s my business to know, Mr. Robertson.” He pulled each end of the knotted linen tight. The two sat across from one another, each assessing the other. Finally, the knowledgeable man broke the silence. “I believe you, Mr. Robertson, and I believe you’re here for a reason, one that even you do not know. Fate has brought you here and you will fulfill your destiny.”

  After last night’s dreams, the mention of fate was too much to be coincidence, but before Daniel could say anything more, Farlin continued, “I’ll help you. There is a man you need to meet. He can do much more for you than I have. I’ll take you to see him later this evening, after dinner.”

  Farlin stood without waiting for Daniel’s answer and tugged his jacket straight, becoming the dutiful servant yet again. “If that will be all, sir, I must tend to the rest of the manor.” The head servant strode from the room, without so much as a good-bye.

  Daniel was bewildered by what had just happened. The man had fulfilled his every request, and given him a lot to think about. He considered the possibility that Farlin was a spy for Lord Alain, but his swift transition into his accustomed role for anyone who might be watching, made Daniel doubt it. If what he said about their host was true, then there is more going on than they thought. Maybe he could learn more from the teacher.

  He checked the bandage and it held tight. Impressed, Daniel slipped on his shirt and jacket. Sliding his hand under his coat tail, he tucked the pistol in his pants and left the way he came. A smile crept onto his face as he passed through the hall. After such a successful night, today was turning out more interesting than he expected. Daniel headed for the library in search of the others and ready for anything.

  He entered to find Jedd and Madelin planted in a couple of Lord Alain’s arm chairs, while Roger had his cards laid out on a side table. Fruit and cheese had been left on the table, so Daniel took a seat. He was ready for a feast.

  “How you feeling this morning?” asked Jedd, although the answer was obvious from Daniel’s unusual smile.

  “Great, Jedd, how about you?” he asked.

  “Doing okay.”

  “Yeah, but they ain’t got coffee, and fruit’s the only thing laid out,” added Roger with a grimace.

  Daniel nodded as his eyes searched the trays of sliced fruit. He spotted a spare plate and filled every inch.

  “What happened last night, Daniel?” Madelin asked, his change in attitude obvious to the entire group. Even Roger paused in his game, awaiting the answer. Daniel looked to Jedd and saw the subtlest shake of his head. He thought he was imagining things, but then Jedd’s meaning sunk in; some secrets were best kept that way.

  Daniel finished his mouthful and replied,
“Last night, I finally got over some problems I’ve been having, and when I woke up this morning everything seemed a lot better.”

  The answer was enough for Madelin, who also smiled. Daniel glanced down at her new attire appreciatively. An elegant red dress housed her slender form. It was long and trim, but more fitting for a ball than anything they might experience today. However, he was not about to diminish the smile perched on her lips.

  “You look beautiful,” he said under his breath and meant every word.

  If it were possible, her grin grew a few inches wider. “Thank you. I love it.”

  In fact, perusing the group, he noticed that they had all acquired new attire. Each man had a jacket similar to his own, thick and warm, but in different colors. Roger’s was brown, while Jedd’s was pitch black. They were each dressed according to the fashions of this world, a style reminiscent of ages past. It was what Daniel classified as ‘early crap’. Roger seemed to like the subtle frills that had been added to the sleeves and collar of his shirt, while Jedd’s was plain, and suited to his personality.

  Daniel thought back to the ornate, feminine shirt he was given and wondered if he was the only one that had been so misjudged. His stomach growled. With a shrug, he filled his plate a second time. After it was laden down, Daniel shifted his seat to face the others.

  Jedd set aside his book when they were all accounted for, and addressed the room. “Okay, listen up.”

  Roger’s head popped up from where he had been envisioning the next game at the tavern, and Daniel noticed that his cards were different than those he brought from home. Somehow, he had acquired a deck from one of the locals. You can take the gambler out of his world, but you can’t keep the world from the gambler, he thought with a chuckle.

  “Last night, I decided to check this place out, and as I’m sure you’ve seen, we’re not the only people staying here. But that’s not what concerns me.” His voice lowered to a whisper as he said in a disapproving rasp, “I found Lord Alain’s bedroom.”

  Jedd shook his head at the absurdity of what he was about to say. “As you’d expect, everything’s extravagant, especially the bed. It was huge, but there was something odd about it. It has sides that can be pulled up over-top. It’s like he sleeps entombed in his own bed.”

  He looked to the others for a reaction and was met with skepticism. “You can’t be serious,” responded Madelin in disbelief. “The man we met last night was perfectly sane.”

  Daniel surprised Jedd by nodding. “I’m not sure what it means, but if Jedd says he saw it, then he did. I found out a few things this morning from Farlin and I think it might explain a lot.”

  Jedd watched him, intrigued by the unexpected contribution. “I’m not sure whether to believe the lore of this place,” continued Daniel. “Most lore is based on superstition in my experience, but he said that legends spoke of people who came from another world hundreds of years ago. He even named Lord Alain as one of their elders.”

  “Wait a second,” Jedd interrupted with the same question Daniel had asked less than an hour earlier.

  “I know it seems impossible, but Farlin said he was at least a few hundred years old. These are stories, so the years may be off, but Farlin firmly believes it.”

  Jedd scoffed at the idea, but the thought he had entertained the previous night trickled to the surface of his mind. He dismissed it once more. There were even windows in the bedroom for God’s sake.

  “I know he’s a little weird, but what you’re describing is insane. It can’t be possible,” chimed Madelin. “Lord Alain’s been nothing but generous to us.”

  “Look, Madelin,” replied Jedd, “I know it’s hard to believe, but not everyone is who they seem.”

  “I know that, but what you’re describing just makes no sense.”

  “I agree, but it’s true. Just give it time and keep your eyes open, okay, doll?” added Daniel.

  “Alright,” she replied.

  Then Daniel added, “There’s one more thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “He said he knew of a specialist, or doc of some sort that can help me out.”

  “Wow!” Jedd exclaimed. “But do you trust him to do what Farlin claims? Do you trust Farlin for that matter?”

  “I have to. I can tell something’s going on with Farlin, but I don’t think he works for Lord Alain and his men. I think we might be in the middle of something bigger … something that’s been going on for a long time.”

  “Well, while you’re out today, I’ll see what I can find out in the library and from Lord Alain if he’s around,” offered Madelin

  “Sounds like a plan,” replied Daniel as he took another bite.

  “Are you sure you’re up to this?” asked Jedd.

  “Yes, I’ll be fine. And maybe I can find out more about us,” she replied.

  “Maybe.” Jedd tossed her the book he was reading. “We’ll check back with you after our meeting with Pariah.”

  Roger collected the new set of cards and deposited them in his jacket while Jedd grabbed his own. Daniel finished what remained on his plate. Seconds later, the men set out in search of the school and the man no one seemed to trust.

  Then, why put the man in charge of the town’s youth? Jedd wondered for what was not the first time.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 22: Unexpected Company

  Saturday, June 24th

  I’ve never felt as worthless as I do today. The memory of everything that happened shattered my confidence. How can someone do the things he does...?

  ~Excerpt from the Journal of Madelin Boatweit~

  After the men left, Madelin let out a sigh of relief. She had grown fond of each of them, but their constant supervision was unnerving. Madelin picked up the book she had been reading, titled Finding Yourself, and delved into its pages. It did not deal with specific people who lost their memories, but focused instead on self discovery. She theorized that with its help she might discover what she lost. The afternoon faded and Madelin absorbed everything she could before the door to the study announced a tall, confident stranger.

  The man stepped through the sitting-room doors without a sound, but stopped when he saw Madelin. “Excuse me, ma’am,” he cooed in a rich accent resembling Alain’s. His eyes took in the elegant dress cascading around her like flames rebelling against Newtonian Physics. “Have you seen Lord Alain?”

  Madelin looked up from her book and fought to unhinge her tongue. The man’s long black hair shone in the dim room, and his fashionable clothes accentuated his muscular frame. His sleeves flowed down his arms like waves, but flared out at the cuffs. In one hand was a brown leather satchel. A thick coat was thrown over the other, much like the ones Lord Alain had gifted to her friends.

  His gaze walked past the length of his nose and met hers with calm diligence. On other men his highly perched beak would look unbalanced, but it emphasized his tall form, giving him a slender professorial appearance. The final intrigue for Madelin was the pulsating dark green glow that fluctuated around every inch of his body.

  Madelin clove her tongue loose and replied, “I’m sorry, but I haven’t. You’re welcome to join me if you’d like though.” Madelin hoped the offer did not sound like a plea, but she was finding it difficult to catch her breath after his sudden appearance. She had never seen a man look so regal and competent without trying.

  He seemed uncomfortable with the proposition, but after a moment’s indecision, seated himself in an adjacent chair. “Thank you,” he mumbled.

  “No problem. I’m Madelin.” She extended her hand.

  He took it and wrapped his fingers around hers. Turning her hand over, he replied, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Madelin. I am Juno Paria.” His head lowered and he kissed the backside of her hand, then let her fingers slip through his.

  Madelin was dumbstruck. She never before encountered such a man and her face flushed at the gracious introduction. The name, however, struck her as familiar.

  “
And what brings you to our neck of the woods, mademoiselle?” Juno asked, his tone confident, yet casual.

  “We are guests of Lord Alain”

  “Oh,” he replied with a knowing look. “I don’t suppose you are with some gentlemen I met a short time ago?”

  “Yes, you may have met them earlier.”

  “I see.” Juno shrugged.

  “And what brings you to the manor? Did you take the time to speak with my friends?”

  “Well, I have come for provisions and could not spare the time. Perhaps later.”

  Madelin wanted to find out more, to protest at the ease with which he dismissed Jedd and the others, but her curiosity got the better of her. “What kind of provisions?”

  “Too many to go into. Let’s just say, they are necessary for my work.”

  His vague explanation was perplexing. “And what kind of work did you need it for, Mr. Paria?”

  A frown creased his long face, and he answered with sad eyes. “For my lessons. I am a teacher.”

  “What might you need for your lessons … books? I don’t understand…” she asked, but her words trailed off as she caught his grim reaction. “I take it you aren’t too happy with your job?”

  “Well, I fell into it unintentionally.”

  Having no experience with careers and society, Madelin was unfamiliar with what might cause such a turn of events. However, disappointment and unhappiness was something she experienced first hand. “I see,” she replied. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  Juno saw that his unhappiness had proven contagious. He smiled and changed the subject. “So what is it you’re reading?”

  Madelin’s face remained the same, longing for what was missing in her life as she looked down at the book on her lap. “A book called Finding Yourself. I’m hoping it’ll help.”

  “With what?”