The Elder Mother

by Carrie Whitethorne

  “Thank you, it’s very kind of you to allow me to stay.” I would be safer with him. At least until I’d found my bearings.

  “Don’t mention it. Can I get you something to eat?”

  “I wouldn’t know what to ask for,” I said.

  Reaching into his pocket, he produced a telephone like my own. Studying the numbers that appeared on the screen, he said, “It’s too late; anywhere decent will have closed. I’ll make you some toast, get some cheese and fruit.”

  He drained his bottle and went back to the kitchen.

  I finished my drink and placed the empty glass and small bag on the glass coffee table. The clasp of the bag made such a noise on the surface that I cringed and said, “Sorry.”

  I didn’t turn around to see his physical response and he said nothing, so I assumed he hadn’t noticed. My feet were beginning to ache and I felt tired, so I shuffled further back into the sofa.

  “Take those ridiculous shoes off and put your feet up,” he called.

  I needed no further prompting and they disappeared from my feet. I groaned with relief as I rubbed at the red marks they’d left.

  “I’ll never understand why you do that to yourselves,” he said with a chuckle as he passed me a plate.

  I picked up a piece of the hard bread and took a bite. Not bad, I thought as I watched him take my glass and return to the kitchen.

  He took his seat at the far end of the sofa, pushed a fresh drink along the coffee table, and asked, “What made you come?”

  I laughed and said, “I visited a few pubs, had a few drinks, and managed to attract some unwanted attention. When he didn’t seem to want to leave, I got into a car and had the driver bring me here.”

  His brows rose and he looked me over. “I can’t imagine how that happened,” he drawled, turning back to the television.

  My lips twitched up at one side and I continued eating. When I’d finished, I placed the plate on the table and picked up my drink. Staring at the ice that floated in the bright liquid, I considered my situation.

  I had a demon to hunt and kill. That was my purpose; why The Mother took me. Demons were never easy to track, certainly not in a city as large as the one I’d found myself in. I needed him, if only to keep me safe and guide me so that I could reach my goal. The rest was their problem. It was their realm to protect, and they were far greater in number. But what could be so pressing that they were unable to send more support?

  I was so lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t realised that the television had been turned off.

  He cleared his throat and I startled.

  “Sorry. It’s late; I’m going to bed,” he said. “Your room is the second door on the left. I picked you up some magazines, for, umm, reference when you need to change. They’re on the bed. You have your own bathroom. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Thank you, Elian, for your kindness. Goodnight.”

  I watched him go. He didn’t look back at me as he entered his bedroom, the door closing quietly behind him.

  I should sleep, I thought, reaching for my empty plate and draining my glass. I took the used items to the kitchen, placing them by the sink, and looked at my reflection in the window. My hair changed, hanging down in a loose ponytail and I turned away, retrieving my bag and making my way to the second door on the left. No sound came from his room, so I pushed open the door to my own and closed it silently behind me.

  This room was as stark and unwelcoming as the rest of the building. A large bed dominated the space, plain black tables at either side. Doors lined the wall behind me, windows on the wall to the left along with another balcony door. A single white door graced the wall to the right. The floor was carpeted, and the windows covered with blinds, making the room feel slightly warmer. I noticed the magazines he’d mentioned stacked at the foot of the bed. My feet silent on the carpet, I walked to one of the tables and removed the few items I had in my bag.

  Picking up the magazine, I wondered what people wore to sleep in.

  I thumbed through the glossy pages, looking for some idea of suitable night time attire and found none, so I disposed of my dress, content to sleep naked.

  The thick, warm blanket was heavy as I pulled it back. I gently squeezed it, marvelling at how dense it felt, then climbed into the bed. I lay back on the pillows and they cradled my head. I sighed at the comfort, tugging the blanket up around my shoulders, thinking I had no memory of ever feeling so snug.

  I lay awake for a short time, listening to the muffled sounds of the city outside, the cars whispering by, a light wind passing the window. None held the same comfort as the breeze through the Elder’s leaves, of the river passing busily, or of the familiar animals going about their nightly business. There would be no visit from the barn owl who frequently sat in the boughs, watching and waiting for a small creature to scuttle by so that he could swoop down upon it.

  But there was some comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. They had sent me someone. A friend of sorts, to guide me, to help me in my task.

  I fell asleep feeling thankful for Elian. Despite our frosty introduction, he was here, and he would help me.

  Five

  Seren

  I groaned, tugging the thick, heavy blanket over my head against the light that filtered into the room. My bladder complained, urging me to leave the warm, comfortable confines of the bed. I threw back the blanket, my skin prickling at the cold, and dashed into the bathroom.

  Cold black and white tiles covered the walls and floor; the toilet, sink, and bathing tub were gleaming white. A separated cubicle with a frosted glass door stood in the corner.

  Washing my hands, I noticed a little pink brush and a tube sitting in a glass. I frowned at them, drying my hands on a fluffy white towel, and left the room.

  I leapt back into the bed that was still warm from my body heat and tugged the magazines Elian had left me closer. One fell open on a page showing various clothing combinations and I scanned the images. Settling on a high-necked navy sweater, thin, tight trousers, leggings, I read, and what appeared to be riding boots, I set it down and swung my legs out of the bed to assess my new ensemble. Comfortable, warm, functional. Reaching beneath the sweater, I pulled my amulet out and arranged it carefully on my chest. My thumb brushed the twisted copper wire a few times before a gentle knock on the door startled me. “Hello?” I called.

  The door swung open, and Elian said, “It’s lunch time. Are you hungry?”

  Turning my head to the windows, I realised the blinds were still closed. “Midday already?”

  “You were tired. I didn’t want to disturb you,” he explained, apologetically. “If you’d like, we can go out and have some lunch?”

  “That’s very kind of you, thank you,” I said, turning to straighten the bed. “That blanket is so warm, I was loath to leave it.”

  “It’s called a duvet. Did you find your toothbrush?”

  “Toothbrush?” I asked, turning to look at him.

  His eyes sparkled as he smiled at my confusion and ducked into the bathroom. He returned with the little pink brush and the tube. “This, toothpaste, goes on the bristles. You rub it on your teeth for a few minutes, then spit out the foam, and it keeps your mouth clean,” he explained patiently. “I’ll give you a few minutes, then we’ll go out, okay?”

  I nodded, taking the brush and tube of paste, and went to clean my teeth and arrange my hair.

  Still running my tongue around my mouth, I joined him on the sofa. He smirked, but made no remark as he drank what was left in a cup and placed it on the coffee table. “Ready?”

  I nodded, rising when he did, and followed him to the door. He opened a drawer in the hall table and pulled out a handful of small, metal shards. Keys, I told myself, remembering their function as he selected one and slid it into a hole in the door.

  “You’ll need a coat. It’s cold out today,” he said, shrugging on his leather jacket.

  I remembered the coat I’d worn the day before and it appeared on my bod
y as I made my way to the stairs. Elian looked impressed.

  “The lift’s quicker,” he said as I took the first step down.

  “The lift makes me uncomfortable,” I muttered, eyeing the silver door.

  He shrugged, and followed me down.

  He held the door for me and I stepped outside, cringing at the traffic noise.

  “You get used to it,” he said, noting my reaction as he took four large strides to the black car closest to the building’s entrance. “What would you like to eat?”

  I frowned, wondering what I would like, and followed him to the car and sliding inside as he held the door open.

  When he was seated in the driver’s seat, I said, “I have no idea. I’m sure whatever you choose will be fine.”

  With a glance my way, he started the engine and backed the car out of its space. Resting my head back, I closed my eyes and took a few slow breaths.

  “You’ll get used to that too,” he said quietly. “The motion, I mean. I’ve always taken it for granted, but I suppose it feels strange to be moving while your body expects you to be still.”

  I smiled. I must seem very strange to him. He was incredibly patient, though, and kind. A little awkward, perhaps, but I felt comfortable in his company. I was grateful for him. “It isn’t a bad sensation, just…peculiar,” I explained, looking out of the window to watch the city pass.

  We travelled in silence, Elian concentrating on driving while I watched the grey and red of the city fade away. After thirty minutes or so, the car slowed and Elian brought it to a stop in a gravelled area. Green fields stretched before us, a building that looked as though it was once a stone barn running the length of the space to my left.

  “Where are we?” I asked, as he opened my door.

  “Out for lunch,” he said simply, nodding toward the barn. “Thought you’d appreciate being out of the city.”

  I followed him inside where a young man greeted him by name and led us to a table by a large window. The view was perfect. Farmland stretched as far as I could see, sheep and cattle grazing, birds flitting in and out of hedgerows, perching in the various trees that dotted the landscape. Daffodils broke the vast green, adding vibrant flashes of colour.

  “Seren,” Elian said gently, breaking my trance.

  I looked to him to see he was holding out a chair, waiting for me to sit. “Sorry, I was—”

  “No need to apologise. Would you like a drink?”

  “Water, please.”

  With a subtle nod, he left me at the table while he ordered drinks. I turned back to the window, watching the lambs in the closest field, lost in my thoughts again.

  Elian’s return startled me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump.”

  I laughed softly, taking a sip of the ice-cold water he’d placed before me. “I was just thinking. Sorry, I’ll try not to. Tell me about yourself.”

  His brows rose over the rim of his glass as he drank what appeared to be a dark ale. “Me? Nothing to tell, nothing to know.”

  My eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe that, Elian. They sent you to monitor me. You must be a Druid of great power to be handed such a task. It’s usually one of them.”

  He laughed, shaking his head. “No, not me. My orders are to assist you, to keep you safe, and provide you accommodation.” Before I could respond, he handed me a leather-bound book. “Here, choose what you’d like to eat.”

  I scanned the pages, none of the items listed making any sense to me. Elian frowned as I closed the book and placed it gently on the table. “I’m sorry, I can’t read it.”

  “Oh, umm…” He took the book and opened it. “Tell me what you most like to eat and we’ll see what we can find.”

  Chewing the inside of my lip, I thought for a moment, trying to remember what I used to like. It had been so long ago. “The last time I was here, the king had provided chicken, bread, cheeses, and other basic items for me. I remember rabbit. I used to like rabbit. Fish. Vegetables, obviously. Umm…you choose. I’m sure whatever you decide will be lovely.”

  He scanned the pages, closed the book, and set it to one side. “Which king?” he asked conversationally, picking up his glass.

  My lips twitched at the memories evoked by the question. Despite the unpleasant reason for my visit, the time I’d spent here all those hundreds of years ago was certainly made colourful by my assistant. “Markus.”

  Elian cleared his throat and began to order our meal with the young woman who had arrived at his side. She seemed to know him relatively well and I wondered how often he came here.

  “So, you spent time with the dark one, did you?” he asked as the girl left us. “I can only imagine what you got up to.” His eyes danced as he watched me for a reaction.

  I sniggered, covering my mouth with my hand. “Markus is certainly a character,” I admitted, “but he was professional. The demon was contained and sent back within a week. He offered me sanctuary before I left, which was very kind of him.”

  Elian gave me a quizzical look and said, “My uncle put me forward as your assistant. He works very closely with Markus. I suppose that explains that.”

  “Your uncle? Ambroz?” I asked, leaning forward, my interest piqued.

  “Ambroz was my grandfather. My Uncle is called Konrad. He trained me.”

  I frowned. Time passed so quickly out here. I was sad to realise many of the people I’d met the last time I was here would be dead. Two hundred years was a lifetime for most Druids. “Does your line still carry the gift?” I asked, sipping my water.

  “It’s hardly a gift, Seren. If anything, it’s been a curse to many of us. It cost my grandfather his life. He died in active duty. Second world war. He was front line, along with a number of the Fae.”

  I opened my mouth to apologise, but thought better of it and felt for him instead. The bitterness of his tone revealed little of the true extent of his antipathy. He masked his feelings extremely well, but few could truly hide from me.

  “Sorry,” he said quietly after a few moments. “Yes, we do carry the gift. Konrad handled my training personally because of it. I spent most my teenage years at Houska and am on friendly terms with Markus.”

  I smiled; a small thanks for his honesty. “I met Ambroz. He truly was remarkable. I’m pleased to know his gift lives on. I’m surprised you haven’t been pushed closer to Taran, though.”

  “Oh, they’ve tried. I’m not interested,” he said darkly, turning to the serving girl arriving with our meals. “Thank you.”

  I was presented with the largest dish I’d ever seen, the food occupying only a small section in the centre. It smelled divine.

  “I ordered you the Cod Mornay. White fish in a sauce with seasonal vegetables. If you don’t like it, we’ll get you something else,” he explained as the girl retreated.

  I looked from my plate, to his. He’d ordered a large serving of red meat and vegetables. “I’m sure it’s lovely. It smells delicious,” I smiled, picking up my fork and prodding the fish.

  He watched with mild amusement as I tentatively tasted a forkful of my food. He grinned as my brows rose in surprise at the flavours. I’d never experienced anything quite like it. The mild flavour of the fish alongside the surprising addition of the cheese flavoured sauce was mouth-watering. Apparently satisfied with his choice, he reached into the centre of the table to retrieve a small bottle of red liquid.

  “Ketchup,” he offered as explanation as he hammered the bottom of the bottle with his hand. I was none the wiser.

  “What are you having?” I asked, studying a small green floret skewered on the end of my fork.

  “Steak. Umm, cow? That’s broccoli,” he said, nodding to me and smiling as I chewed. His face spread into a broad grin as I grimaced. “Which we can safely cross off the menu.”

  When I’d eaten enough, I placed my fork and knife on the plate and sat back, content. “That was wonderful. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure,” he replied, mimicking my actions. “Tell me
, Seren, how long are you expected to fill this role? Do you know?”

  I frowned, drinking the last of my water before answering. “I couldn’t say. I wasn’t exactly consulted,” I said evenly. While I was comfortable enough in his presence, I could never afford to allow any of these people to know my true feelings. “The first time I was brought forth, Taran explained that I was here to replace his father after his unexpected death. On my second visit, Markus surmised that I would be free of the duty when another earth wielder took his place. I can only assume that there isn’t one, given I’m still here.”

  “Yeah,” he said with a brief smile. “It’s a long time to be locked up in a tree. Would you like dessert?”

  “Umm, yes?”

  I frowned as Elian left the table, unsure what dessert meant. While he was gone, the serving girl returned, clearing our plates and asking if everything had been to our liking. I smiled and nodded, looking beyond her for Elian.

  “He’s at the bar, love,” the girl explained kindly before leaving.

  I ran through everything he’d said as I waited. His reluctance to embrace his gifts seemed odd. As I understood it, most Druids would like nothing more than to shift into any form they wished. His grandfather, I realised, must have suffered a horrific death for Elian to be so greatly affected. Before I could delve any deeper into my musings, he returned with fresh drinks.

  “I ordered you a dessert. Cake seemed a safe enough bet since you had two servings for breakfast yesterday.”

  “You were only present for the first,” I said, sipping my water. “How long did you watch me before shopping for magazines?”

  “An hour or so. When you decided to go on a shopping spree, I went home.”

  “Thank you,” I said earnestly, “for watching over me. For offering me somewhere safe to stay. I understand that you’re under orders, but you could have declined. You weren’t obliged to bring me here for lunch either. I…appreciate it.”