Beyond the Darkness

by M. A. Maddock

  ‘I know nothing about a book!’

  ‘Oran was reluctant to go, Rosalyn. But it was clear the book was of great significance to him—for whatever reason—especially when the item came to him unexpectedly. The decision broke his heart; I saw it in his brooding eyes. “Our reunion must be postponed”, were his last words to me.’

  Filled with dismay, Rosalyn slumped beside her father, burying her head in her hands. ‘Why now, Oran?’ she mumbled, feeling dejected again.

  ‘Do you understand why he sent us?’

  She sighed. ‘I fail to understand any of this,’ she said, slowly raising her head.

  ‘Fate and misfortune have brought us together. The task Oran asked of me, initially, had no personal meaning. I—we—were simply returning the favour, after he gave us our freedom. No one could have foreseen this. But now I have found you, the responsibility weighs on me.’

  ‘Well—my apologies for the burden inflicted on you,’ she sneered.

  ‘Listen to me, Rosalyn!’

  She threw him a glance, lacking interest.

  He ignored it, turning to her. ‘Dismiss these notions from your mind. Everything has changed now. You are a burden most welcome—and one I intend to protect. And in the words of your husband; “Whatever the cost”.’

  Rosalyn forced an honest smile.

  ‘He spoke of you with immense pride. And, despite your misgivings, he will protect you.’

  Reece surveyed their surroundings. ‘I commend his choice of abode.’

  The statement drew her attention back to him. Noting his strange observation of their location, she became suspicious.

  ‘Oran concealed you well’—he stalled, considering his words— ‘from those who might wish to seek you out and interfere.’ He watched her wary expression change as she began to grasp his meaning. ‘You know of whom I speak?’

  ‘Unfortunately,’ she replied, her tone hard and defensive. ‘But I know they cannot take him from me. My son must be willing.’

  ‘And it is because of that, Oran sent me,’ he stated. ‘Rosalyn… I am here to help you convince Gill of the importance of his role, then… escort him to the Elliyan.’

  As each reluctant word fell from her father’s mouth, Rosalyn knew her day of reckoning had regrettably arrived. ‘Why did it have to be you?’ she asked herself, out loud.

  ‘We had no way of—’

  ‘I know,’ she interrupted, sighing. ‘Yes, I know. Sometimes it is natural to ask—what we already know—in the hope the answer will provide another explanation.’

  ‘Despite your reservations, I am honoured to do this,’ Reece replied.

  ‘Must he leave me?’

  ‘If he could have prevented it, Oran would have done everything in his power to do so.’

  ‘I’ve looked upon this day with dread, since Gill was born.’

  ‘Do you regret—’

  ‘No, never,’ she said, without hesitation. ‘I could not part with him then, nor…’ She sighed again, sensing defeat. Glancing at the night-fire, she checked its diminishing flame; she felt exactly like it.

  ‘When Malcom—my first husband—died, we had been living in Eddin, choosing to stay on, after. I took employment at the castle, cooking for the soldiers; I had no choice. Eleanor was no more than six months. I worked, while Onóir looked after her. It was there, after a year or so, when I met Oran. I confess, I was rather taken in by him.’

  ‘So soon?’

  ‘He was quite persistent and charismatic in his pursuit of me. Four times I turned him down. I felt disrespectful to Malcom’s memory.’

  ‘Yet, you eventually married him.’

  ‘Onóir saw something in Oran, and gradually persuaded me. Of course, she was right.’

  Reece smiled, nodding his head slowly.

  ‘As always.’

  ‘We remained in Eddin. He was of high rank and I could give up work. Eleanor was on the doorstep of three when Gill was born. But Oran’s joy was somewhat short-lived, when he made the unexpected discovery. He kept it from me a while. But I had noticed a worrying change in his character. Our protection soon became his obsession, to the point where he would not allow us to venture out into the busy streets of the city. His behaviour became increasingly erratic, eventually forcing me to challenge him. You can imagine my dismay when I learned the fate of our son, and what his birth represented. My whole world fell apart that day. Soon after, we departed for the quiet village of Balloch.’

  ‘Concealing you from the world.’

  ‘Aye, and we had a good life here, until that strange boy made himself known to Oran.’

  ‘What boy?’

  She shrugged.

  ‘Oran has a way of dismissing things he chooses to forget. I was aware they knew one other. No doubt, a messenger sent by them. Within a day, my husband was gone. He swore to me he would deny Gill’s existence to them. That was three years ago. There has been nothing since.’

  ‘Then know that he denied it,’ Reece informed her.

  A faint smile appeared on her tired face, grateful for her husband’s attempt to safeguard his family.

  ‘… for all it is worth,’ he added.

  ‘Did they… force it from him?’ she asked, fighting against rising images in her mind of her husband being tortured.

  ‘There was nothing to—’ Reece stopped, then looked away, contemplating the words he had just uttered.

  Confused, Rosalyn tilted her head, frowning.

  In the back of his mind he heard Oran’s voice. Subconsciously, he then softly repeated the Warlock’s words: ‘“All this time they have been watching us”,’ he recalled.

  ‘Reece?’ she prompted.

  Looking into her eyes, he was in no doubt she was oblivious to his meaning.

  ‘Forgive me,’ he begged, closing his eyes.

  ‘What did you mean by that?’ she pressed.

  ‘It had only been a fleeting comment—I barely heard it and—’

  Rosalyn Jumped to her feet, quickly scouring the trees, as though someone or something was spying on them.

  ‘I knew it!’ she sneered, through gritted teeth.

  Reece moved to her side, following her gaze.

  ‘Is it the feeling you described… of being watched?’ he asked.

  ‘Aye. The first time I sensed it, I ignored it. But lately… I’ve noticed it more frequently.’

  ‘Have you told the others?’

  She shook her head.

  He listened intently to the sounds of the night—the lack of wind making it easy. He could detect the soft tread of a young buck sauntering through the woods. Two owls were engaged in their own unique conversation, while a distant fox wailed like a banshee. He looked at Rosalyn, who clearly could not hear nature’s reverberations.

  ‘There is no one out there,’ he said. ‘Trust me, I would know it. And, had there been, I am certain Tam would have found them.’

  ‘I’ve been so naive, Reece,’ she admitted. ‘I see that now. It was only a matter of time before they would catch up with us, despite Oran’s good intentions. How foolish were we to imagine we could keep our son from the Elliyan? In my naivety, I had hoped, one day, Gill would marry and raise a family.’ She grunted at the irony of it. ‘He has a sweetheart, you know. He thinks I know nothing about her. She’s a flighty lass—Meghan Downy—one who will keep him in check.’

  Reece tried forcing a sympathetic smile.

  She sighed. ‘One who would have kept him in check. Oh, Reece, what do I say to him?’

  Reece considered telling her Oran’s hopes: that she might have told their son, in his absence. He then changed his mind; as it stood, the Warlock was in enough trouble with his wife.

  ‘You know must tell him!’ he urged, stepping forward.

  ‘How do I inform my only son, that everything he has known, all his dreams and aspirations, have been nothing but—I could curse Oran for bringing this upon me. I am the one who will have to look our son in the eye, and tell him how his life has b
een mapped out, since birth. Believe me when I say—I do not relish the thought. And he has not yet even come of—’ Rosalyn suddenly stopped. She cupped her hands over her gaping mouth. ‘Oh my—’

  Observing the alarming reality manifest in her heartbroken eyes, Reece jumped up.

  ‘When?’ he asked, looking down at her.

  ‘I had forgotten,’ she said. ‘How could I have been so—’

  ‘When?!’ he implored, his tone more demanding.

  As her hands slid from her face, Rosalyn’s pain was now clearly visible. Distraught, she slowly lifted her eyes—the tears already building.

  ‘Gill comes of age… in seven days!’

  Tears of premature grief filled Rosalyn’s tormented eyes. Reece watched her, with uncertainty, as she now stood, alone, looking lost and vulnerable—the child, deprived of the love of an absent parent.

  Lost in her thoughts, she neglected to notice her father’s comforting arms. Without thought, she returned the gesture. The awkwardness he had felt was now replaced by the natural, paternal love, once denied. With each passing second, it made him feel human again, only to have it shattered by the contrast of their beating hearts; it was a grim reminder of what he was. Gradually, pulling away from her hold, Reece looked down and wiped the tears from her saddened face. She shuddered from his cold touch.

  ‘Rosalyn,’ he said softly. ‘I have been denied a valuable part of my life. I did not see you enter this world, or watch you grow from child to woman. I cannot retrieve those years; I was not to blame. There is only one who is truly at fault—the one who will pay.’

  ‘The Sorceress you spoke of?’

  He nodded. ‘And she is not alone in her ambitions. There are others who have their sights on the amulet in question; but… there is only one who can own its great power.’

  ‘Gillis,’ she stated.

  ‘The Shenn’s rightful place is with its true master—the Magus.’

  The true Lord, she thought, recalling Oran’s story.

  ‘While it belongs to no other—at this time—the Sorceress will strive to have it. Because of this, many would see her destroyed. But there is much to do, first. I vow to keep you all safe. I will help you speak to Gill. You have my full support. But I suggest we tell him at first light; the burden of another revelation—such as this—might prove too much in one night. The gravity of his fate will have enormous consequences. We cannot predict his reaction, which is why you must stay strong and be prepared. I cannot stress how vital it is, to take Gill to the Elliyan. They are preparing for his arrival as we speak.’

  ‘But six days, Reece! That gives us little time.’

  He raised his head to see the stars gleaming down at them; the night was spectacularly clear. However, it was the moon, with its bright ring, commanding his attention. Rosalyn observed his striking features as its unusual brightness highlighted his intense eyes. The similarities were now plain to see.

  ‘We have enough time, and I know the way. Much, however’—he pointed up— ‘depends on that.’

  She followed his gaze. ‘The moon?’

  ‘We are fortunate its cycle coincides with Gill’s coming of age. It will guide us on our journey, however, we must reach Elboru by the final crescent—before the new moon.’

  Left speechless, Rosalyn grasped her father’s muscular arm, forcing him to stop as he made for the house.

  ‘What will happen—should he fail to reach Elboru on time?’

  He paused and stared down at her. ‘You do not know?’

  She shook her head, her eyes widening with visible fear.

  ‘Perhaps, Oran had his reasons,’ he replied. ‘Nonetheless, he should never have kept it from you.’

  His calmness forced her frustrations to the surface. Rosalyn pressed down on her lips as her eyes flared at him. ‘Tell me!’ she yelled, still clutching on to him.

  ‘As long as Gill possesses the Shenn—by his birth-date—all should be well, in that, no other can then touch it.’

  ‘And if it is not claimed by him?’

  ‘Then it is there for the taking. And the Sorceress wants it.’

  Rosalyn loosened her grip, letting her arm drop to her side. The question she was reluctant to ask burned inside, and yet she had to know. ‘And what of Gill?’

  Reece stared at his daughter, his blank expression failing to achieve a certainty she had hoped for. ‘We can only… speculate,’ he replied. ‘But I intend to make sure he claims it. There will be no room for complacency in this venture. Prepare your words carefully, Rosalyn,’ he advised, turning away. ‘We leave in two days!’

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  ‘I will live the life I choose!’

  Gill’s voice of retaliation wreaked havoc on the quietude of the early morning, carrying it beyond the walls of their house as he stormed out, leaving Rosalyn and her father staring at one another.

  He stopped dead—the sound of his heavy breath drowning out the silence surrounding him. Gill ran his hands over his head, as if protecting it from the world that was about to crash down on him.

  Looking up, he stared through the wide gaps in the trees and beyond, just in time to catch the fading glow of sunrise as the paleness of blue took its hold, announcing the arrival of a new day. The middle of autumn was still proving to be mild, fooling nature into thinking summer still reigned. But the signs were now plain to see: the golden ambers of the changing leaves and their struggle to hold on to their branches.

  It had always been his favourite season. The simple pleasure of seeing ripe berries and apples, weighing heavily on their branches, as they waited for his eager hands to relieve them of their burden.

  ‘Aye,’ he reminded himself. ‘We’ll do that, today.’

  ‘Do what, Gill?’

  He turned to see Reece, and his mother’s inquisitive face, staring back at him. He had failed to hear their approach.

  ‘Go to Eddin—with Meghan Downy?’ Rosalyn added, observing the growing, wide-eyed shock on his face.

  ‘How—how did you—’

  ‘Your sister informed me.’

  I’ll not forgive you, Eleanor Shaw! he told himself, turning away in disgust.

  ‘Please Gill, listen to—’

  ‘I refuse a life that has been chosen for me! So, you can tell him, when they leave,’ he argued, pointing at Reece, ‘I’ll not be accompanying them.’

  ‘You have no choice,’ said Rosalyn, her voice firm and determined.

  ‘And should I refuse?’ he threatened, watching his mother’s reaction.

  ‘Listen to her, Gill!’

  Gill shot a persistent glance at the one who would dare order him. ‘And now it speaks!’

  ‘Gill!’ Rosalyn shouted.

  ‘Until this moment, he has stood by in silence, scrutinising—’

  ‘It was not my place to tell you your fate,’ Reece stated.

  ‘This is not your place… grandpaw,’ he sneered.

  ‘Enough!’ cried Rosalyn. ‘This house is ruled by me, and I will not have you disrespect any visitor—regardless of who they are.’

  Gill marched towards his mother, seething with anger. Caught unawares by his unexpected move, she gasped, recoiling from her son’s aggression; it was the first time she had been forced to do so.

  When Reece’s quick intervention came unexpectedly, it forced Gill to step back—separating mother and son.

  * * *

  The young man glanced down at the Dhampir’s hand, noting how it now rested on the hilt of his sword.

  ‘Do not underestimate me,’ Reece warned, lowering his chin. ‘I will use it, if need be.’

  Gill slowly drew back, realising what he had just done, feeling ashamed of the aggression he had displayed towards his mother. ‘How can you conceive that I would harm her?!’

  ‘How can I be certain you would not?’ Reece hit back.

  The flush of anger began to fade from Gill’s face as he turned to his mother. ‘Forgive me?’ he begged.

  Rosalyn�
�s tired eyes softened when her son looked down at her. In his changing features, she still saw the innocence of the young boy, pleading forgiveness for all his wrong-doings. Staring into his dark, hazel eyes, she could see nothing but love—tainted by hurt—knowing he could never harm her. Unscathed, she stepped out from her father’s protection—her one desire—to comfort her son.

  ‘You are clearly changing, Gill, through no fault of your own. I have seen it—and understand your aggravation. You should have been prepared for the journey you now face. The blame is not yours.’

  The fear of not knowing what lay ahead now played on his frustrations; he felt vulnerable and weak, despising his father for making him feel that way.

  Sensing Gill’s inner torment, Reece moved to offer his goodwill—by way of an apology for his threat—then hesitated, hearing the faint voice calling him from the house. With no warning, he was gone from their company.

  ‘Does he know?’ Gill asked, watching Reece vanish behind the door.

  ‘No—and we must keep it that way,’ she warned. ‘It’s Onóir’s wish, and we will abide by it.’

  Gill looked towards the cloudless sky and inhaled. Nature was wide awake. He could hear the familiar melodic sound of the crossbill resonate above them, while down below, red squirrels scurried about, busying themselves in the foliage. Rosalyn watched him absorb its wonder, as though observing it for the last time.

  ‘’Tis a perfect day for hunting red grouse,’ he remarked.

  Rosalyn drew back her head, startled by his statement; it was clear he was in denial of his fate.

  ‘Aye, I’ll take Rave with me. Where is she?’ he asked, glancing round. ‘And Eleanor, for that matter? Where is my breach of trust?’

  ‘Gone to market,’ she said, ‘ahead of first light. Perhaps, when they return you could—’

  ‘Is she with him?!’ he demanded, frowning.

  ‘If you mean, Asai, aye, she is,’ Rosalyn retorted, slowly placing her hands on her hips. ‘What of it?’

  Her raised brow told him she would not tolerate his outbursts. He grunted, imagining the curiosity of the villagers, when their inquisitive eyes would meet with those of the peculiar stranger accompanying his sister.