The Elder Mother

by Carrie Whitethorne

  “Why am I summoned?” I asked the guard in a quiet murmur.

  “I honestly don’t know,” he replied, matching my low tone. “He was going to send one of the princes, but they’re tied up. They’re all tied up. Houska is getting out of hand. They’re probably just arranging further watches and need you to head a team.”

  I frowned. I was aware of the recent crisis; I’d been away for a while aiding the search for the young prince months ago. After that, I’d moved back to my city apartment on a more permanent basis, taking my share of watches at the local sites, monitoring for unusual activity.

  “No,” I said, thoughtfully, “this is something else. I’ve never been considered for a ranking position. Not since I turned Taran down.”

  “Then I couldn’t say. My orders were to find you and bring you directly to the king,” he mumbled, slowing his pace.

  The light breeze blowing through the open windows brought with it the smell of summer and I breathed deeply. I longed for warmer weather, for clearer skies. I was thankful for the turning of the seasons back in the mortal realm.

  We stopped before a large oak door on the left side of the corridor and the guard looked at me, questioning. Grateful for the consideration, I nodded once to indicate that I was ready, and he knocked and entered.

  “Elian, sire,” he announced, stepping aside, allowing me to pass.

  I paused, halfway across the room as the king strode around his desk. I’d always found him to be amiable, and despite the obvious concern in his pale blue eyes, today was no exception. “Elian,” he said, smiling in warm greeting. “Thank you for coming at such short notice. I apologise for the summons; however, we have a situation that requires swift, but careful action. Your uncle put your name forward.”

  I frowned. “Pardon me, sire, but I haven’t seen my uncle in almost a decade. What makes him think I can help you?”

  The king smiled. “Call me Taran. I am growing to dislike the formality.”

  When I nodded, he continued. “This is a delicate matter. Your uncle is certain that you can handle this with tact. You will be required to work alone and take in a house guest. If the latter is an issue, I shall fund a hotel. But for security purposes, I would prefer your home.”

  The furrowed lines along my brow deepened. Who, exactly, did he expect me to play host to? For him to have consulted my uncle, this was certainly an important matter, but why me?

  “Of course. I would be more than willing to assist you, Taran,” I said carefully. “Who will I be entertaining?”

  “A young woman,” he said, watching me closely to gauge my reaction.

  My brows rose.

  “She was a victim of the last demon incursion,” he explained returning to his desk and retrieving a small, leather bound book. “When my father was killed, several sites were destroyed by the incoming legions of roman soldiers. While they weren’t to know what the consequence of their wanton vandalism would be, the damage done opened portals and allowed many demons through. We eventually dispatched them, but not without substantial losses. All human.” Sadness shadowed his features, as he explained the historical events.

  He handed me the tome and indicated an armchair to my left. I dutifully sat and opened the book. As I began to read, he went on. “Seren was the unfortunate victim of an incubus. She sacrificed herself to save a child from the clutches of the beast. The child fled, and he fed from her instead.”

  He recited the harrowing tale as I followed the text. The poor girl had suffered a horrific death and seemingly earned herself a place as a guardian for her sacrifice. I thumbed ahead several pages, scanning for further information as Taran moved across the room and poured two glasses of whisky. Returning to me, and offering a glass, he continued her tale.

  “With the last earth wielder lost, The Mother secured her own defences and took the girl to act as her physical representative. From what we understand, she has dwelt within the tree, the last of the ancient Elders, preserved in spirit to act as a conduit for The Mother’s power should the need arise. She has been sent forth twice before, regaining her corporeal form, and returned to the tree when her task was complete.”

  I closed the book, handing it back to the king, and drank half the contents of my glass before asking, “Why is she here now? I’m aware of the warlock and the threat he poses, but why has she been sent? There hasn’t been a serious breech, has there?”

  “No, not yet serious. But a breech nonetheless. As far as we can tell, it is a solitary demon. It has been stealthy, up until now, hence our having no knowledge of its presence here.

  Something has changed. It appears to have grown in strength and has destroyed Seren’s tree, rendering the girl homeless. I imagine she will begin her work immediately; hunting the demon down to purge it from her realm. We have a duty to protect her and I would like you to give the matter your full attention.”

  I listened, I nodded, and drained my glass. I would take the girl into my home, protect her, support her in her task, and then what?

  “Should she succeed, what happens to her? She can’t return to her Elder; she hasn’t lived among humans for centuries. I can’t keep her indefinitely.”

  Taran considered me for a moment, a small smile twitching his lips. “We shall cross that particular bridge should we come to it,” he said simply.

  I stared at him blankly as he returned the book to his desk, wondering what I’d just agreed to. Leaving his glass beside the book, he turned to me and said, “You have very little time. Her tree is located close to your city home, on the banks of Ewden Beck, and I expect she will be regaining consciousness very soon. The guard at the door will transport you to a location nearby.

  “Tread carefully. She is a very sensitive being. Her gifts include enhanced empathy and we cannot afford for her to distrust you. She needs your protection and guidance. She knows nothing of the modern world and will need time to adjust. Offer her comfort, safety, and friendship, and she will lead you to the beast that has been unleashed on the world.”

  As he spoke, I considered how best to approach her. If she was indeed as sensitive as the king had suggested, I would have to observe her; try to get an idea of her emotional state before introducing myself. With little time to spare, I gave him a curt nod and rose from the armchair. “I’ll do my best. I’ll monitor her to begin with, introduce myself gradually. Hopefully, she’ll come to me.”

  Taran smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Elian. Your uncle clearly advised me well. Report back within the week. Unless you lose her, in which case, report immediately.”

  He shook my hand and I left the room in confused silence. Lose her?

  The guard, waiting outside, offered me a wry smile and gripped my shoulder as the door clicked shut behind me.

  “Good luck,” the guard offered, returning to the palace.

  I shook my arms out, relaxing my body and looked northwest. With a glance around to ensure I was alone, I shifted and took flight.

  I was thankful for the clear, bright spring morning. My vision unimpeded by cloud or mist, I could see a thick smoke rising on the horizon as I hurried to find my charge. There was no mistaking it. I could only hope that the girl was unharmed, and that the spectacle hadn’t drawn the attention of humans living in the area.

  I cut through the blue sky, using the natural currents of the air to speed my flight as I raced toward the beacon of billowing smoke. I took none of the time to wonder at the landscapes passing beneath me, to admire the world as I viewed it from above. Instead, I focused on the location marked before me and raced to find the girl.

  Closing the distance, I scanned the ground for signs of her, wondering what I would find there. The tree smouldered. Thick, cloying smoke rising from its cracked trunk, obviously beyond even magical help. My sharp eyes found her standing a few metres from the tree, gazing directly at me. One hand clasped around something at her chest, she watched my descent with interest but, thankfully, didn’t seem perturbed by my arrival.

 
I studied her as I landed a safe distance away. Her dark hair hung in wet tangles past her shoulders, her damp, pale skin gleaming in the morning sunlight. I wondered if she was aware of her nakedness as she studied me, a small smile twitching the corners of her mouth. The action drew my attention to her face. She was certainly pretty, despite her bedraggled state. Her heart shaped face, accentuated by rosy apple cheeks and full lips, held a friendly expression. Dark brows framed her wide, green eyes that seemed full of wonder and awe as she took me in.

  She tilted her head slightly, and asked, “Where is your mate?”

  Her appealing voice surprised me. I snapped my beak in reply.

  “You shall have your meal soon enough. Leave me a while,” she said as her eyes travelled along my feathered body.

  A cool breeze blew, disturbing my feathers. The girl frowned, glancing down, suddenly aware of her lack of clothing. I let out a loud caw and turned my head as she blinked several times. I watched her long lashes as they brushed the delicate skin of her cheeks, captivated by the action, and then she was clothed. I tipped my head again, unable to gasp my awe at her strange ability.

  “You are welcome,” she said quietly, as she turned away from me and returned to the tree.

  I watched her emotional exchange with the dying Elder with discomfort, but knew I had no option but to remain a ghoulish spectator if I were to carry out my orders. I looked away, a small gesture of respect for her privacy.

  Eventually, she left the tree, walking slowly in my direction. She paused and said, “Goodbye, pretty bird. Be wary; the threat may linger nearby.”

  Head tipped to one side, I looked at her and she walked along the river bank toward the nearest town.

  I watched her go, considering how best to proceed. I could shift now, take her somewhere safe and find her suitable clothes, or I could monitor her for a while longer, see how she reacted to the new world she’d found herself in, and go from there. The advantage of my chosen form was that I wouldn’t look out of place in an urban area, I could watch her from a distance and draw no attention.

  Deciding on the latter, I gave the tree one last look. Broken, bent, and smoking, it held none of its former majesty. I bowed my head in respect for the fallen sentinel. The tree had stood for centuries, protecting the earth from those who wished its inhabitants harm. The very least it deserved was a moment’s thanks.

  Given the considerable responsibility the girl shouldered alone, and hoping I could help her, I took off. I stayed well behind, careful to stay out of her line of sight, and followed her toward the town.

  Three

  Seren

  The cold air caught in my throat as I adjusted to the change of atmosphere. I looked back through the door, into the warmth and comfort of the café, a feeling of unease tugging at my back. The young man still watched me. I felt no malintent from him, but the intensity of his stare unnerved me. Frowning, I turned from the doorway and began to walk along the busy road, out into a world I would have to adapt to very quickly.

  The busy, noisy streets were lined with shops and I visited every one of them. Some selling clothing, others sold cosmetics, some sold furniture and I marvelled at the luxurious comfort as I sat, cocooned in the overstuffed fabrics. One sold electrical devices I had no hope of understanding. I meandered the aisles, mesmerised by the bright images and clear, crisp sounds emanating from them. Pausing at a wall display, I frowned at the dozens of small devices like the one the girl in the café was so taken with. One stood out, and I reached into my bag to retrieve my own replica as I left the shop.

  Leaving the large store, I scanned the street for signs of anything out of place, any small suggestion of an underworld that would attract a demon. There was nothing. No beggars, no whores, and I wondered if such undesirables were kept hidden. The people here felt average. Normal.

  At a loss, I checked the sky. At least two hours past midday, I knew that I would soon lose the security that daylight brought. Leaning on a wall, I fiddled with the device in my hand. Holding down a button, it made a strange, high-pitched sound as it sprang into bright, tinkling life. I stared down at it for a few moments, wondering what it did. With no idea what to do with it, I shoved it back into my bag and walked on.

  Sporting a promising area to search, I waited for the road to clear so that I could cross. I looked down to see a pretty, pudgy-faced baby grinning up at me.

  I returned the smile as her mother said, “Shi’s teken wi’ yoo.”

  “What is her name?” I asked, still smiling at the tiny girl.

  “Ava. Shi’s seven munf,” she said as a beeping sound rang out from beside me.

  She began to walk over the road as cars stopped on either side. I followed more slowly, putting distance between us. The beeping sound stopped, and the cars resumed their noisy way along the road as I turned onto a narrow side street. This was more the atmosphere I was looking for.

  The traffic noise died away as I walked further along the eerily quiet road. Dark doorways and tall, black-lidded boxes were all I saw as I walked, listening, feeling my way to the bright, noisy street at the opposite end. Disappointed, I emerged on a slightly less busy road, lined with what appeared to be ale houses and more shops. Many were closed. Walking on, I listened to the people, learning more of their dialect, picking up their new language. It wasn’t so different, and shouldn’t be difficult to adapt to; although, I made the conscious decision to keep to a clearer pronunciation.

  The light was fading. Almost evening and I’d seen nothing, heard nothing, and sensed nothing of a demon. I drew level with what appeared to be an ale house. Pub, I'd heard it called by other passersby. Signs on the pavement suggested that they sold food; with a growling stomach, I stepped inside.

  Dimly lit, the pub was modern and clean. The last time I’d been in a such an establishment there were whores, drunks, and thieves littering the space, and so much filth on the floor I dared not move too far inside. This, with polished wooden floors, plush seating booths, and low, extravagant chandeliers, was a much more welcoming environment. I chose an empty booth and picked up a brightly decorated slip of thick paper. The images drew a growl from my stomach and I dropped it to the table, looking around.

  A young man came to me, a small notebook in his hand. Wearing black trousers and a crisp, white shirt that was open at the neck, he appeared to be both smart and dishevelled at once.

  He gave me a half-smile and asked, “Wot you ‘avin, luv?”

  I pointed to the menu and said, “One of those, please, and…do you have elderberry wine?”

  “Dunno. Is it red?” he muttered, scribbling on his notepad.

  “Yes. Just a bottle of red wine, please,” I said quickly.

  With a nod, he left me. I took in the room again. I considered the differences between this world and the one I’d last visited. The way these humans had adapted and advanced over the centuries was mind boggling. The man returned, an open bottle of wine and glass in one hand, a small metal basket in the other. He placed them on the table and said, “Yer meal should be abou’ twenny minits.”

  I thanked him and he left me to pour my wine. People began to file into the building, sitting in small groups. Others made their way to the bar, ordered drinks, and stood deep in conversation. Sipping my drink, I listened to their chatter, looking for hints of a darker side to this town. I’d drunk a full glass of wine, and hadn’t enjoyed a single mouthful, before the man returned with my meal. He didn’t speak as he set the plate down before me, hurrying back to the bar to serve the newcomers.

  I ate quickly. The food greasy and cloying in my mouth, I drank a further two glasses of wine to wash away the taste. I had eaten worse. I remained in my booth, finishing the bottle of wine, and monitoring my surroundings. Deciding that I was wasting my time, I left my seat, taking my coat and bag, and approached the bar to pay the young man for his services. As I pressed the money into the man’s hand, three young women attracted my attention.

  “Toilets?” I asked the
young man as he handed me my change. He gestured up a flight of stairs and I smiled my thanks before making for them. The young women watched me pass and I studied their appearances. At the top of the stairs, I collided with a hard, male body.

  “Sorry, luv,” he mumbled, catching me around the waist to steady me before continuing down.

  I recovered my balance and rushed into the toilet. Checking myself over in the mirror, I altered my features: eyes made to appear bigger, brows darker, lips stained red, hair swept up in an elegant twist. I smiled and turned my attention to my clothing. The coat was too bulky, the bag too large, and the clothing too demure if the attire of the other women in the pub were anything to go by.

  A red dress replaced the comfortable, warm pants and sweater, thin straps crossing my exposed back and a cowl neck hanging low between my breasts, displaying my amulet. The bulky coat was replaced with a short and thin fashionable trench. Looking down at my feet, the boots were exchanged for black, shining leather shoes that added inches to my height. I accustomed myself to the feel of them on my feet, adjusting my posture, and glanced at my bag. It vanished to be replaced by one that matched my shoes. Checking its contents, I found a roll of money, the small device I couldn’t use, and the slip of paper the Druid had left me with.

  Pleased with my efforts, I used the facilities and washed my hands. As I turned to leave, one of the three young women from the bar stopped in front of me. Recognising me, she scanned the room for my coat and bag. Noting her confusion, I flashed her a dazzling smile and made my way toward the door.

  On the stairs, men stopped to let me pass. I felt their eyes on me and I ignored them, allowing myself a small smile. While I wasn’t there for male attention, it felt good to be noticed. All those years hidden away, any form of interaction was welcome.

  Back in the bar, the buzz of conversation filled the air and the music had been turned slightly louder to battle against the noise. There were no free tables. Remembering a similar building a short way back along the road, I turned toward the exit.