Beyond the Darkness

by M. A. Maddock

  ‘It was during that final conflict—to save Odani…’ His voice drifted off.

  ‘Tell me!’ she urged.

  ‘When L’Ordana interfered… along with her followers. She had taken some of Oda’s warriors as her own. It seems, even he was powerless against her, and was forced to take her side. She took the castle, along with everyone in it.’

  ‘Your wife, and parents?’

  ‘Not quite.’

  Eleanor stared as his face hardened with vivid reminders of his loved-one’s deaths. She held her breath, desperately waiting for him to continue.

  ‘My father was a proud and noble man. He would not let the Sorceress dictate his death, nor my mother’s. “The right does not belong to the Witch”! I heard him say. He could not bear the thought of another taking such a precious gift. So, through the ritual of Seppuku, he took both his and my mother’s spirit to the next world. By his actions, it was easier for me to accept their demise. He had once shared his thoughts with me in secret. His words live inside me as a reminder of his bravery. I can still hear him saying; “Should another threaten our lives, my son, and should there be no hope, I will not give our enemy the privilege”.’

  ‘He was thinking of you,’ Eleanor stated, admiring his father’s bravery.

  ‘And my mother. She, too, shared his beliefs—as did I. I watched them die with honour, while guarding them.’

  Eleanor’s heart ached for his loss and feared asking him her next question. He spared her dread.

  ‘Ayumi became separated from us in the midst of all the slaughter. She fled the castle. I searched in desperation for her, but was too late. I found her at the base of the escarpment.’

  ‘Did she…?’

  He shook his head.

  ‘She was less fortunate. The Valkyrie, Kara, took it upon herself to… execute my wife.’

  Eleanor tried fighting back the tears, while hiding her fear as his tragic story unfolded. She wanted to reach out and comfort him but resisted the urge.

  ‘My grief urged me on in battle, until I was the last Samurai, barely standing. I had fought, with honour, choosing to die the same way. It was not their choice to make. As they sneered at my battered body, I fell to my knees and drew my sword before their very eyes, ready to follow my loved-ones. I can still see the smirk on her face, when I thrust the katana… here.’ Drawing back his clothing he pointed, showing her where the sword had entered.

  Eleanor winced when she saw the thick, vertical scar—the reminder of his failed attempt, to join his loved ones.

  ‘I waited for death to take me to them. But before I took my last breath, L’Ordana gave her order; “Give him to me”! It was at that moment Wareeshta stepped in, to do her dirty work. I no longer had the strength to defend or retaliate when she made her attack. I recall each agonising moment as everything I had known disappeared. I had become L’Ordana’s servant—her battle armour—forced to fight against my will.

  ‘When satisfied with her accomplishments, she simply moved-on to her next potential victory. Death became her ally, continuously following her path of destruction. If it had not been for Oran, we would still be bound to the Sorceress—kept under her rule. It is better to live “free” for centuries, than to be her prisoner, with the constant threat of death hanging over us.’

  ‘Centuries?!’ Eleanor cried, turning to confront him. ‘Do you mean to say… you will live… forever, while those around you grow old and die?’

  ‘No one told you?’

  Stunned, she sat up—eyes wide open, her mouth quivering, unable to grasp the reality of her newfound situation. How would she cope, now, when her feelings for him were growing, with every precious second spent in his company?

  Chapter Forty-One

  ‘Eleanor?’

  The softness of his voice, speaking her name, brought her back to him. It was the first time he had spoken it since their acquaintance; it melted her heart to hear him say it. She began shaking her head at the unfairness of it all.

  ‘You must forgive me,’ he begged, sensing her pain. ‘It was not my duty to tell you. I assumed Reece would have—’

  ‘No!’ she snarled. ‘He did not explain! There is much they failed to tell me. It was my understanding that, now you’re free, you would return to a normal life.’

  ‘We will die… eventually.’

  ‘When the rest of us have long gone!’ she exclaimed. ‘It’s not right. I—I cannot comprehend it.’

  Asai looked into her anxious face as she struggled to stop the tears.

  ‘Because we are Dhampir,’ he began, feeling the unenviable burden of having to explain the truth behind their affliction, ‘our human side continues to exist. It clings to our beating hearts.’

  Without warning, she felt her hand in his—the unexpected coolness of his touch, making her heart jump.

  ‘Can you feel it?’ he whispered, placing her hand where she could feel the slow, unnatural beat.

  Her mouth parted slightly as she stared at their joined hands and slowly nodded.

  ‘If it beats,’ he said, assuring her, ‘there is life! And all life ends.’

  ‘Eventually,’ she reminded him, reclaiming her hand.

  ‘I have no doubt,’ he continued, ‘this heart will eventually cease. True, we are no longer bonded to the Sorceress, but we continue to be what we are—something that is not easily destroyed. When we suffer injury, our bodies have the power to heal swiftly.’

  ‘But you said you will die!’

  Asai could not help but smile at her innocence as she tilted her head and frowned, like an inquisitive child, striving to understand the true meaning of “life”.

  ‘To die a natural death would be a glorious thing, Eleanor.’

  She blushed when he sang her name again.

  ‘But there is only one who has the power to give it—the Sorceress.’

  ‘And what of the others?’

  ‘Wareeshta and Kara?

  She nodded.

  ‘Kara’s name lies on the tip of my sword… for good reason. She will be easy to destroy.

  However, Wareeshta remains under the constant protection and control of her mistress. L’Ordana relies on her “talents” as she affectionately calls them.’

  ‘Why protect her?’

  ‘When Wareeshta dies, only then will we know peace. In her death, she will take our curse with her, restoring life to us once more. As long as her poisonous blood continues to flow—’

  ‘You will stay the same,’ she quickly responded.

  ‘Hai. Her blood runs through our veins, manipulating our own. When I choose to sleep, I can hear its constant reminder of her presence. It will be difficult, though not impossible, to destroy her.’ He tilted his chin. ‘Now do you understand?’

  ‘I understand why you seek revenge for the loss you—all of you—have endured. But if you find it, will you bask in its glory, knowing you may die in the process, leaving those who—’ Eleanor stopped herself, biting her tongue before she said too much.

  No, I can’t tell him. Not now, she thought, lowering her head. Where’s the point in that, when we have no future together?

  ‘Revenge is there for the taking… when the time presents itself,’ he replied, aware of her growing concern and frustration. ‘But, for now, other things take priority.’

  Eleanor lifted her head.

  ‘We must honour our promise to your father. Oran relies on us, to escort Gillis safely to Elboru, where he—’

  ‘Elboru?’ she enquired, tilting her head. ‘That’s north of here.’

  Asai hesitated, realising his error: he should not have told her where they were going, for fear of her wanting to accompany them. ‘Our time is limited,’ he quickly added, avoiding her curiosity. ‘And you must not blame your brother. He did not ask for this burden. I see the way he displays his bravery in your presence. It is his way—a man’s way—of concealing his fears. But, inside, the thought of leaving you behind tears him apart. He simply wants to protect you f
rom the unknown evil he has yet to face. And make no mistake of it… he will see it, soon enough. This is why you must stay. He is simply… trying to do what is best.’

  Eleanor closed her eyes, attempting to block out images of the times she and her brother had shared throughout their childhood. Discarding them, she came to her own understanding: those times were long gone. It was the here and now that mattered—he mattered.

  Drawing on her newfound strength, she prevented the tears from coming. She was his big sister and had behaved like a spoiled child. Time to grow up! she told herself, prepared to do what was asked of her.

  Turning to Asai, she was met by his patient gaze. She inched closer until they touched again. He noticed the spark of hope and determination awaken from behind her piercing, blue eyes.

  ‘Promise you’ll not fail, Asai?’ she asked with resolve. Insistence now replaced the sadness that had briefly housed itself inside her.

  He admired her tenacity and devotion, indicating he had much to live for now, should real life be given back to him.

  In the seclusion of their own company, they suddenly became oblivious to their surroundings. Asai regarded her with care. There had been no other since Ayumi. From their first meeting, he had sensed Eleanor’s energy, secretly choosing to reject it, out of respect for his wife’s memory. But now, in their closeness, it was re-opening his world, drawing him nearer.

  Eleanor felt it too—the rush inside—the anticipation of uncertainty. Letting her natural instincts guide her, she swallowed before slowly raising her hand. He responded by tilting his head to greet its warmth. She then placed it gently on his cheek. Even in the balminess of the night, it felt remarkably cool; she barely noticed it. Reflecting on a past memory, he approved of her gentle touch, embracing its welcome return.

  As their eyes held each other, his then lowered, aware of her lips parting. Eleanor reached up, daring to place a delicate kiss where his waited.

  Overwhelmed and surprised by the tender moment, she quickly pulled away.

  ‘Forgive my forwardness!’ she begged, not knowing where to look.

  Feeling embarrassed by her impulsive action, she began to rise, but his swiftness caught her off-guard, urging her to stay. Asai now turned to her and gently took her head in his hands, holding her like the fragile flower he cherished. Then, fuelled by a re-awakened passion and honesty, he willingly returned her gesture—refusing to let go.

  It was her first. Throwing her arms around him, she felt her body respond in a most natural and wanting way—pressing against him, feeling him. Embraced in his tight hold, she urged him on—he, letting her, as he relished in the softness of her young body. But the silence of their private moment became disturbed, by the sudden awakening of nature from its sleep.

  Asai stopped abruptly, causing her to sway. He swiftly raised a hand, asking for her silence. Rising sharply, his dark eyes darted from side to side, hunting through nature’s habitat, suggesting something was not quite right.

  ‘What is it?’ she whispered, moving to his side.

  The Samurai stood staunch, remaining silent, ready to unleash his weapons. Eleanor noticed his hand hover over the hilt of the katana. She moved to question him again, when he suddenly turned and bowed. She drew back, surprised.

  ‘Can you forgive my rudeness?’ he appealed, smiling down at her.

  She opened her mouth to speak.

  ‘I think it is time you return to the house,’ he intervened. ‘The others will be concerned.’

  Eleanor raised her brow—confused by his apology—unsure of his meaning. ‘Have I offended you, Asai?’ she quizzed, feeling a little dejected.

  Recognising her confusion, he motioned her towards him, in order to reassure her. She blushed, stepping closer, when a sudden, flittering movement behind him caught her attention. She stepped aside, narrowing her eyes.

  The dark silhouette of a large bird, stopped and peered at her from a short distance. It lingered briefly on a thick, large branch—straining to bear its weight—before leaping high.

  As she watched it take flight, Asai turned to see what had distracted her from him. They watched as it ducked and dived between the trees—the moonlight catching the sheen of its jet-black feathers.

  ‘These woods never cease giving up their secrets,’ she stated, while they kept their eyes fixed on its movements.

  ‘Why do you say that?’

  ‘’Tis unusual to see a black hawk,’ she said, ‘and one of that size.’ She pondered on it a moment, then shrugged. ‘Perhaps—a female, although… I’ve never seen the like of it before.’

  ‘Never?’

  ‘Ever!’ she replied, shaking her head.

  Asai observed its every movement as it shrank into the distance. Content with its departure, he turned to her, noting her inquisitive frown.

  Eleanor slowly tilted her head. ‘However, something tells me, you may have seen one before,’ she said, folding her arms.

  ‘A long time ago,’ he retorted, looking away. ‘I barely recall it. We should go!’ he insisted, pointing towards the house in his eagerness to coax her away.

  Rolling her eyes and throwing her arms down in retaliation, she reluctantly agreed.

  She turned, taking a few timid steps, then stopped, aware he was not beside her. She glanced back, to see him staring at the sky, again.

  ‘It’s gone!’ she called out.

  ‘No,’ he said. ‘It is returning.’

  She approached him, looking up. ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Perhaps your unusual friend is equally curious about you,’ he said, mocking her.

  ‘Where is it?’ she whispered.

  Asai kept his silence, listening to the crescendo of the bird’s beating wings as it’s speed gradually increased on its return.

  ‘How did I fail to miss it?’ he muttered beneath his breath. He quickly stared at Eleanor, regarding her as she returned a concerned look. ‘Wait here for me!’ he blurted.

  In an instant, he was gone, leaving her bewildered.

  Eleanor’s imagination took charge of her thoughts as she dared to take a step in his direction, having detected the look of unease on his face, before leaving her alone. It now began to plant its seed of scepticism, as she contemplated returning to the security of her home.

  “Wait here for me!” His words echoed in her mind.

  She chewed on her lip, glancing back towards the house, undecided, then looked again to where he had gone. ‘Where are you, Asai?’ she quietly called, grasping her hands with growing concern.

  She paused and looked up, suddenly awakened by an encroaching eerie silence. It was as though nature had fallen into a lazy slumber, deserting her. But the quietness was soon disrupted, by the sound of slow, beating wings, growing louder and louder.

  ‘Asai? Where are—’ She stopped dead, as a cold breeze brushed over her, from behind, sending a ghostly shudder down her spine. She felt it again; this time it was stronger, catching her long hair, making it dance about her face, disorienting and unnerving her.

  Suddenly she heard it: the familiar voice of instinct.

  ‘Run!’

  Again, it cried out to her.

  ‘Now!’

  Failing to obey her inner warning, Eleanor hesitated… then realised her err of judgement.

  Her high-pitched scream rose above the tree-line, desperately calling his name. Asai stopped dead as her cry reached out, searching for him. Armed with intent, he turned and ran. It would take him a matter of seconds to get back to her. But even then, he knew he was too late and cursed himself.

  Asai found himself, once again, at the place they had discovered their love for each other. However, the disturbing sound above him now penetrated and threatened it. Reluctantly he raised his head, knowing what he would see. But nothing prepared him for the true spectacle. From behind, he heard Reece and Tam’s approach. They had heard her, too. Within moments, the three Dhampir were reunited, wielding their arms.

  Above their heads they stare
d, incensed, as the Valkyrie hovered, sneering down at them. Grasped firmly in her hold was Eleanor—shocked and silent. Kara’s other hand slowly raised, exposing a large dagger. She toyed with the sharp implement before placing it across the young woman’s exposed throat.

  The Valkyrie’s huge, white wings were spread wide, keeping them suspended in mid-air as they looked down at the gathered few.

  Keeping its distance, though plainly visible, the black hawk, Nakia, perched herself near-by, watching over proceedings. She was waiting for her mistress’s prompt: to stay or leave.

  Asai stared in shock as he saw the terror in Eleanor’s eyes, pleading to him. A wave of revenge urged him to leap.

  ‘No!’ cried Tam, standing in his way.

  Kara smirked down at them. ‘I should take your friends’ advice, Asai, or’—she stopped sharply, glancing towards the house— ‘It appears we are about to have a larger audience.’

  Following behind—after their swift departure—Gill and Rosalyn’s instincts took them into the woods, leaving Onóir, Kai and Rave behind—the hound clearly unimpressed, judging by the sound of her continuous howling.

  The Valkyrie grinned from the side of her mouth when mother and son appeared into the small clearing.

  Failing to see the spectacle above them, they stared at the three, armed Dhampir, confused. Gill quickly glanced from one to the next.

  ‘Where is she?’ he asked, bemused by his sister’s absence. When no one replied, panic hurled itself at him. ‘Where is Eleanor?!’ he yelled.

  It was then they heard the slow, menacing beat. And when a deep-set grunt came from above, Gill and Rosalyn looked up—unprepared for what they were about to see. Unable, at first, to grasp the reality of this new-found horror placed upon them, the two stood, momentarily, stunned, until Rosalyn found her voice.

  ‘Oh Eleanor!’ she sobbed, lifting her hands, trying to hide the terror on her face.

  Gill stood, aghast, staring at the evil mocking them. Kara’s physique was nothing he had ever seen before, in a woman. Under the shadow of night, her long, braided hair seemed to glow. The breast of armour—she held his sister against—gleamed beneath the moon. The strength in her arms gripped her victim without effort, as her great wings continued to bear the weight of the two women. Eleanor reached up in a failed attempt to release herself from Kara’s hold, only to be hampered by the steel bands protecting the Valkyrie’s muscular arms.