‘Perhaps,’ she replied. ‘Nevertheless, until such time, my secret remains with us.’
He leaned towards her, lowering his head in respect. ‘You have my word.’
Kai proceeded to share all he knew with Onóir, giving her a brief history of the Elliyan and how Oran detested the Servitor.
‘Do you mean to say, he has no knowledge of your presence, here?’ she pressed further.
‘He is aware of it now, and has no choice but to accept it. When Oran left Eddin, with his family, the Elliyan were unhappy at his sudden departure. It was evident he was reluctant to return to his duties when it was required. He had, after all, made a bargain with them.’
‘Aye, he told me,’ she recalled.
‘However, he did not predict the role born to his son. That is why he disappeared. Fearing he would break his promise, the Elliyan ordered me to find him, after he had failed to inform them of his son’s birth. It was a lengthy search, taking longer than we anticipated.’
‘You were not alone?’
‘I was accompanied by Lothian—another Warlock, and willing volunteer. When we finally found Oran, we secretly observed his movements. He was content in his life—protective of you all—and notably attentive to the boy.’
‘Surely, Oran must have known—sensed your presence.’
‘If he had… well… he clearly chose to ignore it. Regardless of it, it was decided to leave him alone… for the time being, as there was no threat, then. I frequently returned, making sure things were as they should be. I must confess… I shared in Lothian’s sentiments, having observed the close bond between you.’ He hesitated, nodding to himself. ‘Yes, we were right to leave Gillis in the capable hands of his family, despite the Elliyan’s disapproval. But… time eventually catches up. Oran knew this. And, when it did, I was told to summons him. But I was reluctant. I had’—he paused, smiling at her— ‘grown fond of you. And for my weakness, I believe the Elliyan were quietly informed of this.’
‘Someone betrayed you?!’
‘Perhaps. It was… hinted, I might warn the Warlock.’
Onóir tilted her head, curiously. ‘And would you have done so?’
‘No. It would have achieved nothing, but disaster, prompting the Elliyan to take precautions. Therefore, they chose another to do their bidding—Lorne.’
‘Lorne?’
‘He is also of the Servitor—one who took great pleasure in reminding Oran of his duty.’
‘My impression of this individual,’ said Onóir, ‘tells me, you don’t like him.’
Kai mused over his reply. ‘He is what he is. But thankfully it was I who was chosen as Gill’s silent protector, stepping into his father’s shoes… so to speak.’
‘Well, you have done yourself justice,’ she said.
The Servitor slowly bowed, grateful.
Onóir moved to speak again, when a sudden thought entered her mind—something Kai had said. She sat up, abruptly, when it dawned on her.
‘“There was no threat, then”,’ she blurted, staring at him. ‘That is what you said.’
Kai raised his brow, impressed. ‘You are alert,’ he said. ‘I was right to choose you.’
‘Choose me?!’ she exclaimed, with hidden pride.
‘All in good time, Onóir.’
Kai drew her inquisitiveness further as she hung on his every word.
‘The Elliyan have power over one another,’ he continued, ‘except for one. He is another
Warlock—Magia Nera.’ He sensed by her blank expression she had no comprehension of the dark Warlock’s existence. ‘I have searched for him, without success. Therefore, we think him… passed-on—to the next life—which would be to our advantage, should this be the case.’
‘You seem doubtful.’
‘Until I have seen his corpse, I am to assume he still lives. As for the remaining four, including Oran, the life of a High Warlock is not his own… nor is your grandson’s.’ Kai paused, noting Onóir’s sombre expression. ‘Then you are aware of his fate,’ he stated.
She sighed in her sorrowful admission of it.
‘We aim to protect his identity for as long as possible,’ he explained, sensing her pain. ‘Although…’ His voice drifted as he slipped into deep thought.
‘Why do you hesitate?’ she persisted.
His lifeless eyes stared back at her, in consideration. ‘When, precisely, does Gillis come of age?’
She frowned, confused, at first, then looked away, searching her mind for the answer he sought.
‘Three years’— she stalled, doubting herself— ‘No, ’tis a little more.’
‘That is when the challenge will prove more difficult.’
‘Why?’
‘The amulet.’
‘The amulet!’ she echoed. ‘I had almost forgotten.’
‘From the moment of his birth, it sparked a potential threat—one that had been silently looming in the background. It was of no concern, at first; the Shenn amulet had just reawakened, and the Elliyan were the only ones aware of it. When Gillis reaches his full maturity… so will the amulet. They are growing together and must be united, when the time dictates. However, as that time approaches, both will prove easy to find.’
‘Why is that?’
‘The Shenn is master over five other amulets—each one belonging to a Warlock—one you are well acquainted with.
‘Oran,’ she stated.
He nodded.
‘Theirs will grow in strength, guiding them to the Shenn…’ He paused. ‘But there is a slight problem: one is missing, and it is unfortunate that it should be Magia Nera’s.’
Onóir gasped. ‘Do you think—’
‘We do not know. But there are others who would take the Shenn for themselves… whatever the cost. Whomever holds the missing fifth amulet… is a great threat.’
Onóir held her breath, trying to absorb everything the Servitor had shared with her. With all sense of fear of the ghostly figure before her now gone, she stepped closer, folding her arms.
‘Am I to believe,’ she began, tilting her head, annoyed at the thought of someone threatening her grandson, ‘that threat is… here?’
Kai nodded.
‘Not only does it threaten our kind, but, also, that of mortals. The wars your soldiers fight against one another will pale in comparison to any dark power that is unleashed. It could mean the beginning of the rout of mankind. In other words: if the Shenn amulet falls into the wrong hands… this world would simply not survive its evil influence.’
‘Do you think it will?’ she enquired, raising her voice.
Kai looked up, listening, fearing his customers might hear them and come to investigate.
‘Do not be alarmed, Onóir,’ he said, keeping his voice low. ‘We are privy to it. That is why I was sent to you. Gillis needs a constant eye—a guardian. I cannot do it alone, now that Oran is not here.’
She drew back her head, throwing her hands on her hips. ‘And where, may I enquire, is Oran?’
‘He has gone in search of that very threat. He has been ordered to destroy it.’
‘I must tell Rosalyn. She’s been—’
‘No! You cannot tell her, or anyone for that matter.’
‘Rosalyn is his wife! She feels abandoned—let down by her husband.’
‘I sympathise with her—with you all. But we cannot risk it. The less who know, the safer you shall be.’ He then stalled, regarding her carefully, when she fell into silent contemplation. ‘Do you understand the importance of what I am trying to tell you, Onóir?’
‘I am doing my best,’ she replied. ‘But there is just… so much to take in.’
‘We must keep our silence, for now, at least,’ he begged. ‘You have my word when I tell you, she will be reunited with her husband… when the time is right.’
Onóir mused over his words before yielding to an agreement. ‘What do you require?’ she finally asked.
‘I need someone who is close to the boy at all times,’
he informed her. ‘It is vital you continue to live as normal. Try not to bring attention to yourself, or me, for that matter.’
Onóir looked at her friend in a peculiar way. ‘This,’ she said, indicating to him, ‘will take time to get used to.’
‘Then I shall remain in the form you are more acquainted and comfortable with,’ he replied, returning to his earthly disguise.
She jolted at his unexpected change, then nodded with gratitude.
‘All I seek in return, is knowledge of the boy’s progression over the next few years. It is imperative they are aware of it. This way, I can come and go as I please, knowing he is being watched over. It is my duty to relay all that you tell me.’
‘This, I can do,’ she promised.
He now smiled at her through his familiar, warm-brown eyes. ‘I see how you dote on him—on both your grandchildren. Eleanor is quite protective of her young brother, despite how much they tease one another.’
Onóir narrowed her eyes, amazed by his knowledge of the siblings. But her concerns persisted, urging her to ask; ‘Can I tell Rosalyn… please?’
‘No!’ His reply was soft but firm. ‘You cannot reveal who you are, even if you are tested. This place, that Oran chose, is a safe-haven for you all, right now, especially Gillis. Nonetheless, we must conceal our purpose. The Elliyan are grateful and will not forget your loyalty.’
‘They know?!’
‘But of course!’
‘I can imagine their surprise, when you informed them of your choice—an old woman.’
‘On the contrary,’ he returned, with confidence. ‘They see you as the perfect candidate.’
‘Ah…’ she uttered, grinning, ‘I am the least conspicuous.’
Kai slowly nodded.
‘Who would ever suspect you?’
LOTUS FLOWER
* * *
Chapter Thirty-Nine
‘Now, do you understand?’
Gill’s eyes followed the shared looks of disbelief and admiration as everyone in the household stared at Onóir, speechless. His grandmother’s ability to conceal her secret overwhelmed him with pride, in her loyalty towards her friend. He now felt an element of guilt, having listened to the account of her meeting with Kai.
‘I never would have…’ He paused, lost for words.
‘Imagine I would be capable of such a task?’ Onóir replied, with a hint of humour in her voice.
He slowly nodded, ashamed.
‘Maw always felt someone watching us.’
‘And she was right,’ said Onóir, smiling at her daughter.
‘When I think of the times…’ said Rosalyn, ‘when I was troubled by it. I even shared my concerns with you and still, not once, did you falter or betray Kai.’
‘Onóir had given her oath,’ Kai added, ‘for which I am exceptionally grateful, not to mention, proud. And now that Gillis lies on the threshold of manhood, his grandmother’s duty is done.’
Onóir looked at him, startled. My duty is what?! she thought, realising what he meant.
‘Do not scold your grandmother for the vow that was placed upon her, Gill,’ he continued. ‘Instead, share in my pride of what she has done.’
Kai turned to Onóir and knelt by her side. Reece frowned at the Servitor’s forwardness.
‘Onóir Molyneaux,’ Kai began. ‘I release you from your vow. You have done your duty well. For that, I thank you—the Elliyan thank you. From this point on, Gillis is our responsibility.’
The old woman drew back, staring at her close friend, clearly put out by his unexpected announcement.
‘And it was my privilege to serve you, Kai. But I refuse to be let go of my duty; Gill is of my blood, and I intend to watch over him until the day I—’
‘As will I!’ Rosalyn interrupted.
‘And me!’ added Eleanor, quickly raising her hand, making a point of being seen and heard.
Gill proudly watched the three women of the household and laughed. ‘How lucky am I to be the subject of such wanting protection?’ he said, breaking the tension.
Observing the relationship his new-found family shared with each other, Reece suddenly felt like an outsider. He became aware of something simmering inside him. But while he tried to share in their fellowship, he felt resentment towards the other man who had won his wife’s heart—though, in a different way. It was evident Onóir held a unique bond with the creature.
The creature! he thought. No! He was in no position to criticise, let alone judge Kai’s form. And yet, he could not help himself. As he watched them smile at one another, he felt the urge to tear Kai away from her side—to warn him off—in a feeble attempt to convince himself, there was nothing to be jealous of. But it seemed the more he observed them, the more difficult the restrain. It then dawned on him: he was jealous.
Reece instantly felt insecure, having been denied the joys of human contact for too long. He had locked away the ability to display any emotions he may have once had. And now the frustration of unlocking those sentiments was proving arduous.
He abruptly rose, ending any light-hearted conversations. Rave looked up, inquisitive—the occasional thump of her tail on the floor responding, thinking something was happening. Her large ears lifted as she tilted her head from side to side, as though listening intently to a conversation she could never understand.
‘We must start our preparations,’ Reece blurted, dampening the warm atmosphere.
Rosalyn glared at him for his abruptness.
He glanced around, inwardly cursing his two colleagues for abandoning him. ‘Five!’ he reminded himself, out loud.
‘Five?’ Eleanor echoed, failing to comprehend his meaning. She moved to query his statement.
Reece stared at the open door—no doubt Tam’s doing. Traitor! he thought, knowing his fellow Dhampir would be ear-wigging from a safe distance. And where are you, Asai? He was unable to sense the Samurai’s presence, surmising he was keeping a watchful eye on the woods.
‘Five what?’ Eleanor prompted, staring up at him, still confused.
Reece turned and looked down at his granddaughter, contemplating the frowned expression on her young face. And as her lips parted, ready to question him further, he quickly spoke out.
‘There are five horses,’ he informed her, flatly, briefly forgetting whom he was addressing. ‘Four, will be sufficient.’
Rosalyn stared at Eleanor, speechless, as her daughter looked to her for some understanding, while Onóir threw a warning glance at her husband, equally annoyed at his bluntness.
But the words escaped his mouth, without understanding the impact of what he was saying. ‘We leave at first light!’
‘What—what do you mean, “at first light?”’ Eleanor asked, eyeing him.
There was a momentary pause—weighed by guilt—before Gill released a long-winded sigh.
‘In other words, Nori… you must stay.’
Eleanor turned to meet her brother’s look of dread, his heart sinking as her resolute eyes glared back at him. She slowly began shaking her head in denial.
‘No!’ she shouted.
Rave barked at her sudden outburst.
‘You can’t do this to me!’ she argued. ‘I’m going with you!’
One and all remained silent as they watched the unfolding heartbreak of the young woman about to be parted from her only sibling. Eleanor searched the sympathetic faces of those she loved, waiting for an explanation. Each, in their own thinking, was in agreement with Reece, and yet were reluctant to voice their admission. Eleanor felt deceived by her family’s silence.
Clenching her small fists, she fought back the tears. But the stabbing pain of her fingernails only reminded her of the hurt being inflicted on her broken heart.
Gill reached for his sister to comfort her.
Feeling betrayed, she recoiled from his embrace. ‘It has always been you and me,’ she moaned.
‘Nori—please—don’t cry!’ he begged, hating the idea of upsetting her; but the hurt was al
ready done.
‘It would have been an easier thing to accept if you and Meghan had eloped.’
Despite knowing his plans, Rosalyn still could not help but glare at her son, who threw his eyes skywards for being squealed on by his sister. But where was the justice in enforcing a discussion over his plans, to move to Eddin with the lass? There was none; it would never happen. And so, she let the matter rest; it was her daughter’s well-being, concerning her now.
‘You are braver than this, Eleanor,’ he continued, resting his hands on her sunken shoulders. He had used her full name, taking on a more serious tone. It was evident someone had to break the news to her—he being the unwilling volunteer.
In less than two days, the unforeseen arrival of their guests had brought with them an ocean of emotions and changes—the reality of their presence still lingering like a dream. Only now, the dream presented itself with the awakening truth: they were about to embark on a treacherous journey that was unavoidable, leaving her behind. Eleanor found the inevitable parting simply unbearable.
‘Nori!’— Gill shook his sister from her thoughts— ‘Listen to me!’
Eleanor found her way back to him, her eyes brimming with tears.
‘I know this will be hard for you; it is heart-wrenching for me. But you must stay. Onóir needs you. And I will also leave Rave.’
‘But the journey you’re taking, Gill’—she shook her head, dreading the thought— ‘it’s dangerous!’
‘Your sister speaks the truth,’ Kai informed him, to Rosalyn’s disdain.
‘I have no doubt of it,’ said Gill to his sibling. ‘Even I can’t envisage what lies ahead. Nori, if you go… you may never come home. Something must remain of our family. And I will be content knowing you are safe, here.’
Eleanor flung her arms away from his hold, in defiance.
‘How dare you!’ she cried. ‘There was a time I was the one who protected you, little brother,’ she sneered. ‘And here you stand before me, handing out your insults, or have you forgotten… I am well able to defend myself?’
She reached forward, attempting to snatch her dagger from his hip.
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