“I have no say over what happens to Eveline,” Theodore replied sternly, “I take my orders from Gabriel you know that!”
“And how is hiding her away going to solve the problem?” Galean replied bluntly. “You do know that humans barely make it past the age of eighty, she can live longer than you or I!”
Theodore got up from the floor, giving Peter a hand up. Ada and Bram instantly went to Peter’s side enfolding him into a hug, leaving Theodore and Galean alone.
“I told you, I do not make the decisions, I am merely told to watch over her,” Theodore answered angrily, his blue eyes sparked and ready for an argument.
“She is not a toy, we cannot fiddle with her like she is a puppet, and she should be with her own people, not here where she clearly doesn’t belong!” Galean spat, standing tall over Theodore.
“What is the real problem Galean?” Theodore replied blandly, offended that his friend was hurling insults at him, “why are you so angry with me?”
“You know why!” Galean hissed turning from Theodore and walking into the darkness.
“No, you will have to illuminate me on the matter, friend!” accosted Theodore, standing rooted to the marble floor.
“Because,” Galean whispered into the darkness. “You love her.”
The abbey stood still at Galean’s announcement. Theodore bent his head into his hands in guilt, he thought he had kept himself safe from exposure, how did Galean know?
“The way you look at her,” he replied instantly, coming out from behind a pillar to look at his friend.
“I didn’t say you could read my mind, you have to ask permission,” Theodore whispered curtly.
“I wasn’t reading your mind, I guessed, fairly simple assumption,” Galean replied lightly, feeling terrible and guilty inside, why? Why had he exposed his best friend? Was it jealousy?
“Is it true?” Ada asked, shocked and taken aback by the information.
“It can’t be,” muttered Peter to Ada, “he knows he isn’t allowed to touch her, he will be killed, and he wouldn’t be that stupid?”
“Love can make us into fools,” sighed Bram, shaking his head in misery.
“But you haven’t touched her have you?” Peter asked impatiently, “you would be putting the whole plan into jeopardy.”
“I know!” cried Theodore, his hands falling away from his aggrieved face. “I haven’t laid a hand on her.” He lied. Galean slowly and steadily made his way over toward Theodore.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know why I said it,” he whispered in shame.
“Don’t you?” Theodore murmured, turning away from Galean and stepping down from the altar to take a seat.
“No, I don’t, I am sorry,” Galean pleaded.
“It’s a little too late now,” Theodore spat, his blue eyes meeting Galean’s in agony and pain.
“Cael, if it wasn’t so obvious then, yes, I would keep it to myself,” Galean answered softly, “but it is obvious, and it will become a problem for you if she falls in love with you.”
“But she isn’t, right?” Bram asked, following Ada and Peter and sitting down beside Theodore, sighing deeply.
“I don’t know,” Theodore muttered, he hated that he had to lie but it was the only way in which he could save her and himself.
“I think you do,” Galean replied kindly, running his fingers through his wild locks.
“What are we going to do then?” Ada asked, “ we can’t very well tell Gabriel he will banish you, and we can’t let him do that, you and Galean are key to this plan, we need you, Lagmar isn’t scared of us,” he pointed to himself and Bram and Peter, “ we simply do not function unless we are all together, remember the knights of the round table?”
“He’s right you know, we need you Cael and it seems you need us,” Peter added, folding his hands on his lap and looking up at the stained window.
“What do we do?” Bram asked, closing his eyes briefly as an ache washed over his head.
“We form a new plan, and Cael, you will have to step back from Eveline, until at least she is told the truth,” Galean answered, sitting down on the marble steps.
“I know, I am going to London to seek out Lier, he will know what to do,” Theodore replied calmly, feeling a little relief wash over him.
“Good idea, yes, seek him out he will know what to do,” Galean replied, “until then, Peter, Ada and Bram you will monitor the area around Mary’s house and I will guard Eveline.”
“Has she showed any symptoms of change yet?” Ada asked curiously, “You remember it is the year of her coming, without her knowing, she will be blessed with the power of Heiden.”
“I know,” sighed Theodore, “she is showing symptoms, her dreams are revealing Calhuni.”
“How do you know?” Galean asked, leaning back on his hands.
“She told me when we were walking in the park, I believe she has seen more than she lets on, but I cannot guess, you,” Theodore looked to Galean, “you could find out?”
“How? I can only read a person’s mind if they allow it,” Galean replied realising that Theodore was on to something.
“I don’t know how but you need to ask her, what if one of Lagar’s shadows gets into her mind?” Theodore mused, “They will see her dreams, and they will try to use her mind as a weapon.”
“Only if she allows them, she is more powerful than she thinks, she has the ability to defend herself against the shadows,” Galean uttered.
“She may have the ability,” Ada added, “but she is not aware of who she is and of her own potential that is the problem that lies before us.”
“Why does Gabriel keep this from her? I cannot understand?” Bram asked confused.
“He is worried that if she finds out who she is, that Lagar will use her knowledge as a weapon against Heiden, before killing his only surviving heir,” Theodore answered bluntly.
“I think it is be more complicated than that,” Galean muttered, knowing full well what Lagar would do to Eveline if he found her.
“What do you think he will do?” Peter asked, worry etched across his face.
“An heir to Heiden’s throne, no matter their personality or character has the right to the throne, I am sure you can guess the rest,” replied Galean. The angels sat in silence as they suddenly realised Lagar’s plan.
“She isn’t safe here on this planet, she needs to go home,” Bram urged, “ there she can become who she was born to be, she can unite the lands, flourish and become powerful enough to counter such an attack.”
“He is right,” answered Ada, looking at Galean intensely, “here she is vulnerable and unable to defend herself, at Caci she can learn to control her gifts, use them to protect herself and her people, she is the rightful heir to the throne of Calhuni.”
“I know,” Galean sighed, thumping his hand against the marble, “My father could help her, but what can we do? We are only her guardians nothing more.”
“We could put pressure on Gabriel?” Peter offered, his face now looking hopeful.
“How?” asked Theodore leaning forward his eyes on Peter.
“Well, she is in obvious danger, and you have said that symptoms are beginning to show,” Peter let his right hand fall onto his jaw, as he pondered, “ if we can keep her safe, whilst allowing the symptoms to develop to such a stage where Gabriel is cornered, then he will have to tell her.”
The angels looked at one another thinking the plan through, he was right thought Galean, Gabriel knew that Eveline was near her coming of age, knew that Gabriel had not anticipated the full extent of her gifts. Too long had Gabriel and Heiden stood back and ignored Eveline in the hope of protecting her, now she had been found, she was being tracked, and Gabriel would have to act.
“I see what you mean,” Galean pondered aloud, “if Gabriel can see the danger Eveline is in he will have to tell her the truth.”
“And what about Eveline?” Theodore asked, afraid of leaving her alone.
“We let her go on a
s normal, if she encounters strange symptoms or finds herself doing strange things then we call on Gabriel, he will have to answer.” Peter answered firmly.
“You must keep your distance Cael, Eveline falling in love with you is only going to lead to your death, she needs you alive,” urged Galean to a weakened Theodore. “Once you both have bonded that is it, you will lose your gifts, you will become mortal like the rest of them, and how can you protect her if you have nothing to protect her with?”
“I know, I will keep my distance, I will keep her safe,” replied Theodore mournfully, conflicted between his own selfish wanting and the selfless need to keep the woman he loved alive.
“Maybe Lier can consult with Gabriel, he is a good negotiator, he can help,” added Bram getting up and putting on his gloves.
“Yes, I think it is best if Gabriel reveals to Eveline her true identity, that way we can all help her to protect herself,” Ada replied putting on his hat.
“And if she falls into the hands of the shadows?” Galean asked, still sitting on the marble steps.
“If she is already having dreams and does not know who she is then we must confer that she is a greater danger to herself, if however,” Theodore lifted his head, “she is aware of her identity and can be taught how to protect herself, then she has a greater chance at survival.”
“Agreed.” replied Peter, Bram and Ada.
“Come we must go back to our posts, we have left her alone for too long,” sighed Ada shivering in the cold.
“I will be back in a weeks’ time,” Theodore replied, now making for the cathedral doors. “Keep your eyes open and your ears alert” he commanded, leaving abruptly from the Cathedral out into the darkness.
*
Eveline found that having a child to care for aided her in not feeling too lonely without Theodore. She had taken on the role of tutor and with the help of Galean, Belle settled into her new life with ease. Eveline made sure to create a daily routine that consisted of school work and play, Belle it seemed had struck up an usual friendship with Galean with whom she called “Angel”. The day’s grew colder and her night terrors deeper. It seemed that more men had filled the places of the men that stood watching Mary’s house. Estelle grew paranoid and worried, drawing her away from her writing. Mary, spent very little time outside her bedroom and professed to not seeing any such men outside her house, to the great irritation of Estelle.
“Greif does strange things to one’s mind,” she complained at the breakfast table over Belle’s head, “and obviously one’s eyes,” she snorted at Galean, who tried very hard to conceal a smile.
“Grandmamma is right though, what are we to do? We have been house ridden for two days, Belle needs to get out into the fresh air,” complained Eveline smiling across at an oblivious Belle who was munching on her toast. Galean took a sip of his coffee before answering.
“I do have an idea,” he replied, filling Belle’s cup with milk. Estelle waited patiently, watching the interaction between Belle and Galean before coughing dramatically. “Yes well as I was saying, I have an idea.”
“You’ve already said that,” Estelle mumbled under her breath causing Belle to snigger.
“I propose that we use the servants exit,” Galean offered, smiling down at Belle with ease and gentleness, causing a warm sensation to curl about in Eveline’s heart.
“By Gove! He’s right! Why didn’t I think of that?” gasped Estelle, her large eyes growing larger with excitement, “ finally I can go and do some much needed research and I dare say shopping!”
“Yes and we can go for our walks,” smiled Eveline, setting down her napkin. “And we should also do some Christmas shopping, would you like that Belle?” Belle tore her eyes away from Galean who was making funny faces and nodded in Eveline’s direction. “Good, now why don’t we go and get our coats and hats and meet Galean at the kitchen.” Eveline gently ordered, arising from her seat and walking around the table to help Belle. Belle jumped off her seat, took Eveline’s hand, winked at Galean and followed Eveline toward the stairs.
“You have an admirer I see,” quipped Estelle, leaning back into her chair, observing Galean. Galean felt awkward, being alone with Estelle, not because she posed a threat, merely because he had the oddest feeling that she was trying to flirt with him.
“She is a lovely child,” he replied blandly, wiping his mouth with the napkin before setting it down on his plate.
“Yes, she is rather endearing, a little in the clouds at times, but I see potential!” replied Estelle firmly, “I have it on good terms that her parents are rather strict and leave her with the nanny for too long poor child,” she sighed, holding one hand to her bosom, her eyelids fluttering under his gaze.
“Many children like to roam about in the clouds, it is part of being a child, we should encourage it, not indicate that it is a problem that needs to be corrected,” answered Galean, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.
“Off course! Off course! I spend most of my time in the clouds, but at least they are productive clouds,” smiled Estelle, “One hundred and six books and counting!” she boasted. Galean drew himself up from the finely set table, bade his adieus and made for the kitchens immediately, grabbing his coat, gloves, scarf and hat along the way. Hannah bade him good morning, her cheeks red with warmth as she kneaded the dough on the table.
“Beautiful day sir,” she commented, moulding the dough roughly. Galean found he became ensconced in the motion of bread making.
“Yes it is,” he muttered watching the dough change hands.
“Are you going out?” Hannah asked merrily, wiping her brow with her sleeve.
“Yes, a walk with Miss Belle and Miss Eveline,” he replied, letting his back lean against the wall, crossing his legs.
“That will be nice,” Hannah replied taking in a deep breath.
“Do you have any children Hannah?” Galean asked, watching her face change at the mention.
“I do sir, a son, Jonathan,” she stuttered as though the mention of his name was unbearable.
“Does he fight in the war?” Galean asked gently standing upright and setting his hat down on the closest chair.
“Aye that he does,” she muttered, her eyes moist, her hands still.
“I’m sorry if I have caused you pain,” Galean apologised, casting aside his gloves, scarf and coat, laying them on the chair. With a swift motion, Galean rid himself of his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, taking the dough into his hands, mirroring the motion he had observed.
“Oh, sir you don’t have to do that!” Hannah pleaded, wiping away a tear.
“It is a pleasure,” Galean smiled, “I made you cry, so I am making myself useful and letting you sit down for a few moments.”
“Oh sir that’s very kind of you,” cried Hannah, sitting herself down in front of the aga, letting out a sigh of tiredness.
“You must call me Galean,” announced Galean, flinging back a lock of golden hair before bringing his attention back to the dough.
“Oh, what a strange name, is it Gaelic?” asked Hannah politely, letting her back ease into the chair, crossing her legs. Galean smiled gently at the question, wishing he could answer truthfully.
“Yes, it was my grandfather’s name,” he replied, lifting some flour and dusting the top of the dough. Galean turned as he heard footsteps descend from above.
“You know when I first saw you I thought, poor lad he has many burdens, but now you seem…, happier,” observed Hannah, watching the handsome, young man shape the dough in his beautiful hands.
“Really? What makes you think I am unhappy?” teased Galean gently not wanting to offend the lovely old cook.
“So many people walk around looking forlorn, me and all,” Hannah answered, “so much loss since this blooming war started, so many young men taken.”
“And your son?” Galean asked, his eyes darting to the stairs finding Belle making her way down the steps carefully. Hannah watched with joy and pain as the young child happ
ily ran into the kitchen making for her new friend, wrapping her arms about his waist as he placed some flour on her nose in mischief.
“Missing,” she sighed deeply, remembering Jonathan as a young, innocent boy, always stuck to her side, he was a mummy’s boy she remembered. Galean directed Belle to the chair, so that he could clean up.
“Then there is hope,” he replied as he washed his hands under the hot water. Hannah got up off her seat and made her way back to the table.
“Aye if that is what you call it,” she mumbled, her eyes downcast, as she set the dough into a tin. Galean dried his hands and made his way toward the cook, laying his hands on her shoulders.
“He will come back, you must trust in him,” he whispered, his blue eyes gazing down into her grey eyes.
“And if he doesn’t? She cried, looking away from Belle.
“He will,” murmured Galean, “you must not give up on him, not yet.”
“I shouldn’t give in to such desires, but there is something about you that makes hope something I can believe in,” Hannah cried, putting the bread into the oven. Belle tip toed over to Hannah and wrapped her arms about Hannah’s legs, gazing up into her face.
“He’s my angel,” she smiled warmly.
“Aye I don’t doubt that,” cooed Hannah stroking the child’s head before hushing her away warmly. Just as Galean rolled down his sleeves, Eveline entered the kitchen, sliding her hands into her green, leather gloves, her eyes falling on Galean’s strong arms, causing a faint blush to arise.
“Ah! Shall we leave the lovely Hannah to her kitchen and go for a walk?” asked Galean happily, his heart beating at Eveline’s gaze. Eveline nodded in agreement, keeping her golden eyes diverted as though in deep conflict.
“Can we go to those nice rooms?” Belle asked, handing Galean his hat. Eveline bent down on her knees to button Belle’s coat.
“If you wish pet, but we must be careful,” she replied gently, gazing into Belle’s tiny, round face.
“Of the bad men?” answered Belle innocently, her eyes darting from Eveline to Galean.
“Yes of the bad men,” whispered Eveline, kissing Belle’s nose before standing up and taking her hand. Galean gave her a knowing look before opening the door, and letting them pass.
One Crown & Two Thrones: The Guardians Page 14