Surviving Prophesy: The Immortals

by Frances Howitt

  ‘You know how to handle a bow,’ Schubert remarked in approval. ‘Come on; let’s see what you can do with this.’

  Brendon grinned excitedly and watched Schubert collect a quiver of arrows and lead them outside to a long open area looking down across a fence into an empty field.

  ‘See the targets?’ Schubert asked pointing to a series of rather splintered looking posts each farther away than the next. Then he assessed Brendon’s stance critically. ‘Good, but hold it up more so it’s not touching the ground and therefore losing some of its power.’

  Brendon followed Schubert’s advice and immediately felt the difference. Schubert helped him achieve a better shape and his accuracy, which was already good, became almost perfect. He courteously gave the bow back to Schubert and watched him take a turn. They shared a grin of achievement; he always felt a sense of camaraderie when he worked with these men, especially when they competed with one another. There were never any mean undertones; they simply enjoyed a challenge.

  ‘Would you teach me to handle some of these other weapons while you’re here?’ Brendon asked Schubert as they returned to the house.

  ‘We never got a chance to do any teaching while we were travelling did we, and I apologise that I forgot about it while we were at Brookdell.’

  ‘You had a lot on your mind,’ Brendon said with a shrug.

  Schubert appreciated Brendon wasn’t holding it against him, but he still felt guilty. They had promised to train him after they’d taken him away from Sunnydale. Whilst Brendon had upheld his end of the bargain by looking after them all, they had failed him so far. As it wasn’t necessary to rush back to Brookdell, he could take some time now to remedy that oversight.

  Next morning, he had Zacharias partner Brendon with a pair of swords. The two men were used to sparring with each other and laughed often. Schubert found he enjoyed teaching both of them the skills, as he’d learned them so very long ago. It made sense for them all to become as proficient as they could in defending themselves. He also liked knowing that his knowledge was of benefit to those who’d come to mean so much to him. He even had Julius sparring, and for the first time Julius actually seemed keen to learn. Their adventures, or rather the numerous frights and close-calls they had suffered recently, weighed on each of them heavily. None of them complained at the time they were setting aside each day to practice, even though the sessions could be both gruelling and sometimes painful.

  After just a few days, Julius said his farewells, and headed home. He’d been away the longest and whilst he had no livestock to worry about, equally an unoccupied home could suffer burglars, squatters or natural disasters like fire. He’d already noticed just how overgrown Schubert’s vegetable garden had been; his would be worse, with many untended crops spoiled, or lost to birds, wildlife or opportunist neighbours.

  Schubert graciously granted leave for Zacharias and Megan to stay in his home alone. He packed up his chickens and a number of other useful supplies into the wagon to return to Brookdell and Clarice.

  Brendon decided to go with him since he could be of more use helping out on Clarice’s farm. He also hoped Schubert would continue his training since he had already proved the depth of his knowledge and was a good teacher. Zacharias and Megan would rejoin them at some point, so it was not goodbye.

  ***

  ‘Now I’ve got you all to myself,’ Zacharias remarked in satisfaction as Schubert’s wagon rumbled out of sight.

  ‘Yes,’ Megan replied wrapping her arms about him. ‘I love having friends around, but I’m ready for some peace and quiet,’ she admitted, well aware he in particular had been feeling a little swamped. He had lived alone for over forty years with minimal human contact. Schubert and Julius were used to living alone too. Living for weeks in cramped accommodation was hard on everyone.

  They had had to promise to travel over to Brookdell as Megan’s pregnancy drew closer and before it became awkward to travel. Whilst she would also be in a similar stage of pregnancy, there was a village full of women who might need assistance or advice before the onset of labour. However, that was months away and he fully planned to relish his wife’s undivided attention, to enjoy being a married couple, before they left and he would have to share her again.

  ‘Now we can have our privacy and live as we were meant to, wife of mine.’

  ‘And what are you seeking privacy for, may I ask?’

  He kissed her soundly before sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her indoors to show her exactly what he craved privacy for.

  26

  It was with an odd sense of homecoming that Zacharias and Megan turned up the lane and saw Clarice’s farm once again. They had spent the last seven months at Schubert’s house, spending their days exactly how they wanted to spend them, within the confines of providing themselves with what they needed to eat. Zacharias visited the village several times a week, trading for supplies. Megan often went with him; neither liking to be apart from the other. Now, however, she was nearly eight months into her pregnancy. They had promised to return to Brookdell and both preferred to know they would not be alone when she went into labour. Zacharias acquired a small buggy cheaply which he fully renovated and then added leaf springs to improve the ride. He constantly thought of Megan’s comfort and eagerly prepared for the arrival of their child.

  As they drove up the driveway to the familiar farmhouse, a large figure stepped out of the house and stood watching their approach; Schubert.

  ‘It’s about time you got here,’ Schubert told Zacharias whilst moving around to the other side. ‘We were starting to worry. Hello Meg. How are you doing?’ he asked solicitously, whilst taking her hand and assisting her down.

  ‘I’m doing fine, considering I look like a whale.’

  ‘You look beautiful,’ Schubert assured her and dared place his hand on her baby bulge for a moment.

  ‘Thank you,’ she responded feeling his emotions swirling with a mix of awe and protectiveness. She looked past his shoulder when he stepped back and saw Brendon watching. Brendon hurried over and swept her into a careful hug. ‘It’s so good to see you. You’re looking well Brendon,’ she added.

  ‘Thanks; so are you,’ Brendon responded sincerely then went to greet Zacharias.

  ‘It hardly seems five minutes since we were last here sitting around this table,’ Megan mused glancing around the warmly inviting kitchen and their assembled friends. Only Julius and Yolanda were missing.

  ‘I know what you mean, but then we’re used to time passing unnoticed,’ Clarice responded, then stroked her distended belly, ‘this proves the passing of time as nothing does.’

  ‘Very true,’ Megan responded. ‘So, how is everyone else doing? Anyone had any problems that you know of?’

  ‘Justine had a fall and miscarried. She’s ok now, but was devastated by the loss,’ Clarice said sadly.

  Megan felt a sharp spike of pain and watched Schubert head out the door. Ordinarily she would have gone after him, but she couldn’t move fast now. She knew he’d once been married and his wife and child murdered. He had seemed very protective on seeing her belly. The loss of a child was horrible, but had he had something to do with Justine’s child, or was he simply being reminded of his own loss so long ago? She also noticed that Clarice hadn’t even noticed Schubert’s sudden exit. She met Brendon’s eye and noticed he had eyed the closed door anxiously. Megan lifted her chin and Brendon quickly took the hint and went after him.

  Clarice carried on talking, filling Megan in on what else had been going on. Zacharias stood behind her and massaged her stiff shoulders and Megan relaxed a little.

  ‘I’d better go and give them a hand,’ Zacharias mentioned and headed outside. There were the horses to see to, cows to milk and the other animals on the farm to feed.

  ‘How’s Yolanda doing?’ she asked Clarice once they were alone. ‘Is she still with Sebastian?’

  ‘Yes. He’s been good to her and I’ve never seen her so content.’

  �
��I’m so relieved to hear that. She’s suffered so much in her life. It’s good to hear she’s finally happy.’

  ‘Yes, she deserves it,’ Clarice agreed.

  ‘So, how are you getting on with Schubert?’ Megan asked carefully.

  ‘He’s good to have around, especially now I’m not able to do many of the farm chores as easily. You were right when you said he has a very protective and caring nature. Brendon’s been a godsend too,’ she added, getting up to bring the already washed vegetables to the table from the drainer so Megan could help prepare them for dinner.

  Megan turned the conversation to those who had caused scandals when they were last here, letting Clarice drop the subject of her relationship with Schubert. Whilst she knew they had only become a couple of convenience, she thought there had been some mutual attraction between them. She hoped it would be enough to keep them amicable for their child’s sake.

  When the men returned, they were laden with a large wooden object. Zacharias held the door open while Schubert and Brendon brought it in and placed it in the corner of the kitchen.

  ‘Is that a rocking chair?’ Clarice asked in surprise.

  ‘Yes, it’s for you,’ Schubert said and helped her into it.

  ‘Oh, I haven’t sat in one of these in years. It’s so comfortable. Thank you Schubert.’

  ‘I’m glad you like it,’ he said simply, then with a nod to Brendon they stepped back outside and brought in a second chair. This one was smaller; lower to the ground and shorter in the seat and back. ‘This is for you Megan,’ he said and placed it near Clarice’s chair.

  ‘You made this?’ Megan asked in surprise.

  ‘We did,’ Schubert said, glancing at Brendon to give him part of the credit. ‘We thought you’d rest easier being together and therefore a comfortable seat is a must,’ he said.

  ‘Thank you,’ Megan said sincerely and hugged Schubert and then Brendon. Only then did she carefully sit down, Schubert aiding her. ‘It fits,’ she exclaimed settling in and rocking back and forth gently. She beamed up at him and a relieved smile broke over his face.

  ‘Zach, there’s space in your room for it if she’d prefer. It’s hers. Right, I’m going to go and clean up,’ he said briskly and went down the hall to the bathroom.

  ‘Did you really help make these Brendon?’ Clarice asked.

  ‘Yes. He’s been teaching me carpentry. It’s a very useful skill to learn and furniture is quite a different project than fixing a barn door or splitting logs to make fence rails.’

  Megan watched and listened. Reading between the lines she knew this was another small indication that Schubert and Brendon spent little time in the house, but found excuses to remain outside. ‘You’re right Brendon; carpentry is a very useful skill to be able to turn your hand to. You’ve made a really good job of these rockers,’ she added, running her hands over the smooth armrest appreciably.

  Soon, dinner was ready and they had a companionable dinner. Megan called it a night not long afterwards, weary from the journey. Tomorrow she would have to go into the village and begin checking each woman’s health. She needed her rest.

  ***

  Megan headed down to the village early next morning, accompanied by Zach and Schubert. She planned to take it easy, but she did need to check on each pregnant woman to be sure there weren’t any health issues to be aware of or that needed help.

  While she was busy checking on her first patient, Schubert headed off. He had returned and was waiting for them by the time they left the house.

  ‘I’ve arranged for you to use a small barn for your clinic. It’ll be easier and quicker for them to come to you,’ he told her. While word spread that she was back and of the new clinic, courtesy of the husband of their first patient, they set up a screened off area. They furnished it with a chair and an old workbench, draped in a clean cloth, served as an examination table. Clean bales of straw were positioned outside of the screened area to serve as seating. It might be a far cry from the hygienic treatment rooms she was used to working from at the healer hall, but this covered the essentials and she wasn’t expecting anyone to actually need treatment at this time.

  Soon, patients began to arrive and Schubert and Zacharias directed them to seat themselves and wait their turn. Zacharias remained close and checked on Megan when each patient left and before allowing the next one in to see her.

  Schubert brought them lunch and kept the peace with a steely glare when there were some complaints that the last patient had left but the next had to sit and wait. Only once Megan had eaten and rested was she allowed to see another person. Her examination used magic, small amounts, but magic was draining to use repeatedly and she too was heavily pregnant. By late afternoon she was weary but had seen everyone who had presented themselves.

  ‘How was everyone?’ Clarice asked.

  ‘In good condition actually. You immortals are a healthy lot and you’ve all been around long enough to know what not to do. Everyone seems to be at a very similar stage. We’re going to have to prepare for ladies going into labour in quick succession, if not together. We’re going to need to bring in some midwives and I’ll probably need to train some helpers.’

  ‘Helpers?’

  ‘Yes. I’m due about the same time as everyone else, remember. It’s likely I’ll not be able to assist with some of the births.’

  ‘That’s true. Don’t worry; we’ll manage. I know some people we can call on. We don’t tend to need as much care or aid as mortals anyway,’ Clarice advised, although there were always some who acted helpless from time to time. She noticed Megan’s relief though at hearing that reassurance.

  ***

  Megan had just finished checking on one of the village ladies who had requested a private consultation. She stepped out into the village street, glad the meeting with the demanding, self-centred woman was over. That lady might be several hundred years her senior, but Megan was a wizard healer; not some insignificant servant. She took a deep breath, allowing the warm sunny day to calm her irritation. Zacharias was just down the street with Schubert, chatting with the storekeeper over their grocery purchases. They both looked so relaxed and happy, laughing and joking. She moved slowly down the steps from the shady porch into the sunshine and Zach saw her. She smiled at him while gladly walking away from the house into the street to meet them.

  She let out a startled scream as a large dark winged shape hurtled from the shadowed gap between the houses and grabbed her. She struggled, but the arms around her were too strong. Then she felt the light prick of claws and looked down in horror at long sharp instruments of death hovering warningly over her baby. She had time to meet Zach’s eyes and notice he was running for her. She felt a sharp pain to the side of her head and the world went dark.

  27

  Megan woke and groaned, feeling a sizable lump on the side of her head. The surface under her was cushioned but rocked and rattled, accompanied by the steady rhythmic sound of cantering horses. She’d been kidnapped!

  Glancing around her she realised she was alone in a small swiftly moving carriage. It was taking her somewhere at an urgent pace, but where? All she knew was that she was being taken far from Zach and since the Mistry had flown part of the way carrying her, he would not be able to easily track her.

  ‘Back with us then?’ a voice enquired with malicious cheer.

  ‘No thanks to you,’ Megan responded eyeing the female Mistry astride a cantering horse just outside the small window. Swinging her feet round so she could sit up properly on the seat, she looked around her anxiously. The carriage was tiny, with a single bench seat. Surprisingly, it was upholstered and comfortable. There were no handles to open the doors and the windows were unusually narrow. It was doubtful she could squeeze through one of them. That kind of manoeuvre was likely to be risky in any case and was a last resort. She had no intention of risking a miscarriage. The slot shaped window in the front gave her a limited view of the road they travelled. Through it she could see the four mounted
guards accompanying the carriage, in addition to the Mistry. With that many guards, escape would be difficult if not impossible unaided. She tried to mentally reach for Zach and a sharp pain exploded into her mind.

  ‘I should warn you, the carriage has been magically locked and shielded. I wouldn’t bother calling for help or trying to escape, you will only fail.’

  ‘Where are you taking me?’ she asked, ignoring the creature’s cold smile. She was well aware that the Mistry could have traversed a considerable distance carrying her while she’d been unconscious. If Megan had been able to wake earlier and before being placed in this carriage, she might have fought free. She knew more spells than she had in her last encounter with a Mistry. However, her abduction appeared to have been meticulously planned so the creature could land, trap her and then finish their journey by carriage. The pair of horses drawing her carriage moved at a swift ground covering canter. They would not be able to keep that pace up indefinitely. Hopefully there would be some opportunities once the carriage stopped.

  ‘Caerton,’ the Mistry responded and smiled toothily at Megan’s dismay.

  Megan watched the creature go on ahead and out of conversation range. She gulped; she was being taken to Lord Darcourt; the mad wizard. He was the one who had ordered Zach’s abduction the first time and had probably been behind the murder attempt at Sunnydale. He had magically created the Scritchers and she had heard rumours of all manner of other weird and dangerous beasts the wizard had created over the years. No-one had been able to stop his cruelty or his spreading power; those that had tried over the years disappeared. As a wizard he excelled in magical trickery. He was also said to have a liking for torture, borne out by those he released broken, as a message to everyone of the folly of disobedience. His harsh treatment and determination had brought all the non-human races in the county under his thumb too, or rather all those who didn’t manage to escape across the mountainous border. As a result the lands, which once had buzzed with a rich variety of life, were now still and silent and slowly turning barren without the management of the creatures that made it home.