After taking the keys, Henry turned to walk away. “If there’s anything I can help ya with, Mr H… just ask.” Henry turned back and smiled. “I know… but the less you know, the better.” He gave a sad smile, turned and headed back to the house. Once inside, Henry threw the keys on a polished table just inside the door and then slammed it behind him.
He was about to turn on a light but thought better of it: the last thing he needed now was the police knocking on his door. He might be paranoid thinking that they would be watching the house, but he wasn’t going to take the risk.
He made a beeline to the kitchen. His first agenda was to make himself a nice, hot cup of tea and a biscuit. He would then wash and change his clothes. He was still wearing his muddy and bloodstained business suit and must have looked a right state. He dreaded the thought of leaving his nice, warm home again so soon, but he had to disappear for a while, and with the dreadful weather they’d been having over the past few days or so, he would have to dress accordingly. He took his tea and biscuits up to his room and placed them on the side dresser while he ran the shower in the bathroom attached to his bedroom. He threw off his dirty clothes and dumped them on the bathroom floor, put on a bathroom robe, and then went back to his bed and slumped down on the edge. He rubbed his head as the pain rushed through it again: perhaps the potion that Kreedy gave him had worn off. He rummaged in one of the bedside cabinet drawers for some painkillers but couldn’t find any. He sighed and got back up to shower, perhaps that will help with his pain. But the pain suddenly surged through his head, this time so bad it made him fall to his knees holding his head in both hands in agony, then the pain shot through his head again just before he passed out, falling heavily onto the bedroom the floor. What Henry senior had failed to notice before passing out was the shadowy figure standing just outside his bedroom door.
“I’ve no idea where she’s gone,” Henry said to Mylon, now concerned why Bree had disappeared. Just then, one of the troopers rushed up. “My lord,” he said, a little out of breath from running, “someone has passed over the crossing.” Mylon looked to Henry and then back to the trooper. “Who?” he demanded. “We’re not sure, my lord… It happened so fast… but…” The trooper hesitated, looked at Henry and then quickly back at Mylon. “But what?!” Mylon shouted. “We think it’s the girl… the wood nymph.” Henry grabbed his bag and was about to head off after her, but Mylon grabbed his arm.
“Wait.” Henry shot him a look and tried to pull his arm away, but Mylon held firm. “Let me go,” Henry said in an unmistakable tone, pulling his arm free from Mylon’s grip.
“I can’t allow you to follow her alone.” Henry turned and stood eye-to-eye with Mylon. “And who are you to stop me?” Mylon was unperturbed by Henry’s tone and stood his ground for a few awkward seconds, and then said, “Your friend.” Henry looked him in the eye for a moment longer and then looked away, not knowing how to respond. “I know how you feel about her… but I cannot stand by and let you put yourself in danger unnecessarily…You are far too important.” Henry still didn’t respond, feeling a little ashamed.
Mylon placed his hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Not because you are the host master… but because you are my friend.” He paused and continued in a soberer tone. “I’ve already lost two of my best friends… I’ve no intention of losing another.” Henry hesitated a little before replying. “I value your friendship, too… but I can’t lose her… not again.” Mylon nodded, his hand still on Henry’s shoulder. “I know… and you won’t… I won’t allow it… but we must cross over together… and, my friend, we will find her,” Henry tried a smile. “We are almost ready… Go and make sure that Bert and the others are… then we’ll be on our way,” Henry nodded and was about to walk away but stopped and looked back at Mylon. “I may not show it, but I do cherish our friendship.” Mylon gave one of his usual smiles. “No need for words, my friend… I know.”
Bert and Ben were just sitting idly about when Henry approached them. They had both eaten and Bert had finished packing up his and Ben’s supplies, so there was nothing left for them to do. However, they both felt it better that they stayed out of everyone’s way until it was time to cross over. “Been wondering when you’d find time to speak to us,” Ben growled, but Henry chose not to react. Instead he just sat next to Bert. “Where’s the girl?” Bert asked. At first Henry didn’t answer. He sighed. “She’d already crossed over… alone.” Ben sat up and looked over to Bert. Henry could see from Ben’s reaction and the look on Bert’s face what they were thinking. “I know what you might be thinking… and you’re both right.” Henry sighed. “She decided to cross over without telling anyone.” Bert shuffled a little. “But why?” he asked, already knowing what the answer would be.
“To try and keep me safe from Alfwald, I suppose… She told me earlier that he would be out there somewhere… waiting for me,” Bert shifted a little more, took in a deep breath and breathed out before saying in quite a matter-of-fact way, “No worries, we’ll find er… and I wouldn’t worry too much about her, lad… she’ll be okay… Besides, it’s not er he wants… it’s you.” He stood up and arched his back, a little stiff from sitting on the ground too long. “If he does find er he won’t do nuffink until e gets his hands on you.” Knowing that Bert was right gave Henry little comfort.
Sophia and Hazel had been following the trail along the crossing for some time, looking for fresh signs of activity, but the rain had made it all but impossible to detect anything of any use. They had both been in the open and exposed to attack all morning, and worryingly they knew of plenty of places for an attacker to hide. However, they felt safe enough in the open. If anything should raise its ugly head, they had the time and the space to run. Besides, they needed to find tracks and the only way they could do that was to follow the open trail. “Nothing but mud,” Hazel muttered, watching her sister carefully study the ground. “You haven’t found a thing… have you?” Sophia looked up and gave her sister a smile. “Never took you for the whinging kind, sister,” she said with a smirk on her face and then looked back to the ground.
Hazel just grunted and adjusted her shoulder bag. She was no longer feeling exhilarated by the music – in fact, she felt the opposite. Her sister was doing all the work tracking: all she could was just tag along until she found something, which wouldn’t be anytime soon judging by the state of the tracks. She was just about to say as much when Sophia suddenly grabbed her arm and dragged her into the cover of brambles and ferns that grow alongside the track. “Quiet,” she hissed. Hazel was taken aback at first by her sister’s actions, but then she noticed what Sophia had seen.
An opening appeared in the crossing just a few yards from where they were. Staying perfectly still, they both started to call upon their powers. Their hair glimmered in anticipation and they were both ready to strike should the need arise. Moments went by as they waited patiently to see who or what would emerge from the opening. Then, to their surprise, Bree appeared. She didn’t hesitate, and after a quick look around she rushed directly into cover. Instantly Sophia shot out from where they were concealed and headed off in pursuit, followed quickly by Hazel.
Bree had no idea where she was going, which unfortunately was becoming a familiar feeling to her. She stood concealed within the protection of the dense undergrowth, mulling over in her mind what to do next, when suddenly and to her surprise, she found herself face to face with Sophia. “My lady!” she gasped. A second or two later Hazel appeared. “My son… where is my son?”
Bree was so relieved, if not a little shocked, by their sudden appearance. She had no idea what to do next, but now the two sisters had found her, perhaps they would know what she should do. “Have you seen Henry?” Hazel asked again, still with a look of surprise on her face. Bree nodded. “Where…? Is he safe?” Sophia, noting that Bree was still a little bewildered, decided this wasn’t the place to talk. “Sister,” she said, cutting Hazel short, “let’s find somewhere better to talk… you can interrogate her t
hen.” Hazel wasn’t too happy with her sister. However, she could see sense and instead of answering her back she just nodded in agreement.
“This way,” Sophia said, heading further into the undergrowth. A short while later, they found themselves in a small clearing under a blackened, dying tree and surrounded by large ferns. Sophia immediately put a protective shield around them, but, compared to the shields she put up around her home, this one was relatively weak. The stronger the magic used, the more likelihood of them being detected. “Now, girl… let’s talk,” Sophia said coldly. Hazel and Sophia sat quietly listening to what Bree had to say. She told them of her second encounter with Alfwald and how she crossed over to the elves, hoping to find Henry. She told them of her reunion with him and that he was safe. Sophia was secretly as pleased as her sister to hear the good news.
Bree then continued by telling them that Mylon was now the king and along with Bert, Ben and of course Henry, they would be crossing over very soon with about fifty or so men with the view of aiding Henry in his fight. It was good news, but Hazel concentrated more on the part about Alfwald.
“So, you crossed over first in an attempt to distract Alfwald from my Henry?” Bree nodded. “And what makes you think that Alfwald would be interested in chasing after you…? It’s my son he’s after.” Bree was sitting at the base of the dying tree: being part of nature, she could feel its pain and suffering through her back.
“Henry will do everything in his power to find me… and the shade knows that.” She paused. “I thought that if I kept moving and kept my distance from Henry, Alfwald would follow me.” Up to this point, Sophia hadn’t said much, deep in her own thoughts. “And how long do you think he would follow you for, girl?” Sophia asked. Bree was a little taken aback by her bluntness. “I thought…” Bree was about to say when Sophia interrupted her. “You thought… you thought… What did you think, girl…? Alfwald is not stupid and it wouldn’t take him long before he found you out.” Nobody spoke for a while, and then Hazel broke the silence. “I’m going with you.” Sophia was about to object, but Hazel cut her off before she had a chance to speak. “Someone needs to keep an eye on Alfwald.” She got up and brushed off her trousers, walked over to where Sophia was sitting and, looking down at her, then said, “You stay here and wait for my son and the elves… Bree and I will find Alfwald and try to distract him long enough for them all to cross over… We can meet up later… at the High-stones.”
Locking eyes for a second, Hazel then said sincerely, “I need to do this… for my boy… and for myself.” Sophia still didn’t reply. “I love you, sister… be careful… and please… take care of my son… He’d be in no safer hands than yours.” With that, she motioned to Bree to follow her. They then both disappeared into darkness of the trees. Sophia stood up and watched her with a tear in her eye. Taking a second or two to pull herself together, she brushed off her trousers and headed back over to the track and then found a convenient spot to watch the crossing where she slumped down to wait. Allowing her mind to wander off a little, Sophia pictured her sister dancing around joyfully. Oh, how she missed their early simple years: they were all happy back then and everything felt right in the world, but now… She sighed.
“Pull yourself together, woman,” she said out loud, now sitting bolt upright. Then, to take her mind off her sister, she concentrated her efforts on sending her senses out along the crossing. If anyone even attempted to cross, she would know, but she was also aware that putting all her efforts into one area would leave her vulnerable and defenceless to attack from the woodland behind her. But it was a risk she had to take: it was imperative that she warn them of the powerful threat they faced. The dark creature was far too powerful for them to fight. The moment they appeared she would try and lead them to safety, hopefully avoiding the creature completely. However, it can’t be allowed to roam free, someone will have to try and kill the black creature, and soon. It can’t be allowed to live: it was far too dangerous wandering around freely, killing at its leisure, and the only person powerful enough to do that was Henry.
The time passed slowly and it was starting to get dark and it had started to rain around mid-afternoon, so Sophia was again soaked to the skin and starting to become despondent and tired from using her powers. Nothing had moved all day. She was about to give up and find shelter for the night when she noticed a small ripple in the ribbon of magic she had placed along the crossing. She sat up and concentrated on pinpointing where the ripple came from. Seconds went by… and then… There it was again, but this time a lot stronger. She knew exactly the point to meet them. She jumped up, now realising how stiff she was from sitting so long. But that didn’t slow her: she was at the point of the crossing in minutes, and had just enough time to conceal herself before the thorny tree started to open in an arch before her. She stood perfectly still, not having any intention of revealing herself until she was sure who it was.
Completely concealed by the undergrowth of ferns and holly, she stood perfectly still and watched as the trees parted into an arch before her. At first nothing… then suddenly two elves rushed out, armed and ready for action. They took a little time to look around. Satisfied that the area was safe, one of them signalled for the others to follow. At first the guards came through two at a time, gradually building up a defensive shield around the opening, then the main body came through, and in the middle of them all standing with a heavy-set, bearded elf were Bert and Henry.
At first, she couldn’t see Ben, but he came trotting out from behind them in his own good time and was followed closely by two other guards. “Walter,” she said, catching her breath. Between the two guards was a very sheepish-looking Walt with his head lowered and partly covered in dust. He flinched when the rain hit his head, washing the dirt over his face. “What on earth!” she said to herself. Henry and Alk were in deep conversation with Mylon when the bushes in front of them moved. The elf guards immediately took up a defensive formation around the main body, joined immediately by Alk. All went quiet whilst they concentrated on the area of movement. Then, without warning, Sophia just stepped out, she brushed her wet hair away from her face and stood tall, looking at them.
Nobody moved, Alk recognised who it was immediately and ordered his men to stand down. Henry was the first to make a move. After a quick glance to Mylon, he walked over to where his aunt stood. He had only met her the once at the High-stones and that was all too brief. He recalled how beautiful she looked with her blazing hair, a total contrast to what stood before him now. Sophia was dressed in all-brown hunting gear with a small, brown cloak over her shoulders. Her hair was soaking wet and half-hanging down over her white, tired-looking face. Her whole demeanour showed just how tired she actually was.
“Aunt Sophia,” Henry said, sounding surprised. “What…” he was about to say when Sophia interrupted him. “What am I doing here?” she said mockingly. “I’m here to ensure your safety.” She looked over his shoulder to the others. “And theirs.” She walked right past Henry, through the line of guards and then right up to Mylon. “My lord.” She smiled, bowing. “Good to see you again after so long… I just wish it had been in better circumstances.” To Henry’s surprise, Mylon gave one of his usual smiles and bowed back. “Good to see you again, my lady… but why are you here…? And how…” Sophia cut him short. “And how did I know you were going to be here… Bree?” She paused. On hearing Bree’s name being mentioned, Henry rushed over to her side. Sophia could see that he was about to bombard her with questions, so she put up her hand.
“She’s okay… and with your mother.” She looked back to Mylon, now playing a little with Henry’s emotions. “They have both gone to find Alfwald… or at least allow him to find them.” Henry looked mortified but managed to keep quiet. “You’ve got our attention,” Mylon said sarcastically, knowing how Sophia worked. “Now let us have the rest.” Sophia gave a quick smile. “Okay… no more games,” she replied. “My sister and I were attacked by something so powerful that neither Ha
zel nor I were strong enough to kill it.” She looked from face to face, noting their concerns. “It was obviously sent by the shadow master… In all our years we have never seen such a powerful beast… It is a true monster, and I’m sure not of this world.” Alk was now standing next to Mylon. “What of our scouts…? Have you seen them?” Sophia dropped her eyes and nodded: by her reaction their fates were all too apparent to all.
Alk suggested that they should send a scout out to check over the area so as not to have any surprise attacks. Mylon agreed to sending a number of scouting parties out all in different directions with the order to report back about anything out of place, no matter how small, but under no circumstances were they to engage or get into a fight, unless absolutely necessary. He then turned back to Sophia. “How much of a danger is this thing?” he said, referring to the twenty or so armed men around them. “well… it frightens me,” she replied. Mylon took a little time in measuring her up, then nodded. “You heard my lady… Let’s get out of the open.” He turned back to Alk and ordered that they all find cover and set up a safe base camp. Then, and only then, would they discuss what actions they were to take next.
Henry hadn’t said much: instead he was pacing around just a short distance away from the main group, staring out into the woodland. On noticing him, Mylon went over to him. “And what’s on your mind, my friend?” he said with a smile. “I should go and find Bree and my mother,” he said quietly but Mylon shook his head. “You should wait, my friend… It’s imperative that we think it through before we decide whether or not to break ranks.” He paused, seeing that Henry wasn’t persuaded that waiting was the right option, but Henry knew that Mylon was a good tactician and that breaking ranks now wouldn’t be the right thing to do, but he still felt he should be out there looking for them: the mere thought of the two facing Alfwald alone made him shudder. Mylon seemed to know what he was thinking. “Let’s go and join the others… Finding a way to help Bree and your mother will be first on our agenda.” Henry nodded in agreement, and Mylon gave a big smile. “Good,” he said, slapping Henry on the back.
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