One Crown & Two Thrones: The Prophecy

by Iseult O'Shea

  “Yes, I have left a change of clothes beside your towels,” Theodore replied standing to side as she passed him by.

  “Thank you,” Jophiel whispered as she walked by Theodore, leaving the room. Making for the stairs Jophiel heard a loud thud that came from outside causing her to stop and turn towards the door. Theodore strode past her silently and stood before the door taking in a deep breathe before opening it. As the door opened, time suddenly slowing Jophiels gaze fell to the dead and bloodied body of Lier, crumpled up before the door. Theodore fell to their mentor’s side. Jophiel quickly stepped around Theodore and the lifeless body of Lier and found herself faced with a shadow, standing on the opposite side of the street, staring across at her. Quickly and without thinking, she bent down and took out a dagger from Lier’s jacket and made for the shadow.

  “Jophiel no!” Theodore cried out as he watched Jophiel jump over the gate and run across the street. The shadow quickly turned and began to run, afraid of Jophiels wrath. Theodore looked down at Lier before rising and following Jophiel, running down the empty street after his old friend. As he came to a corner, he turned and found the shadow slumped against the wall a dagger in his heart. Jophiels right hand was upon the hilt of the dagger.

  “That’s for Lier!” she cried out, digging the blade deeper into the shadows blackened heart. Theodore stood beside Jophiel and watched as the shadow’s body began to vanish leaving Jophiel on the ground, black blood running down her hand and arm. Her black hair was haggard and wild as she fell back onto the pavement and began to cry.

  “Jophiel,” Theodore knelt down beside the overwrought Jophiel who was crying into her hands.

  “He was all that I had,” she whispered quietly. “Everybody else left.”

  “I’m here,” Theodore said quietly knowing that her reference was aimed at him. Jophiel shook Theodore away and got up onto her feet waiting for him to stand tall before her.

  “Not for me Cael, never for me.” Jophiel turned and made her way back to the house, refusing to wait for Cael. When Theodore had eventually returned to Lier’s house he found Jophiel carrying in their mentors body.

  “Let me.”

  Theodore helped Jophiel to bring Lier into the living room, laying his lifeless body upon the floor.

  “What do we do with him?” Jophiel asked, placing Lier’s bloodied dagger down upon the table.

  “I will bury him, go and have your bath Jophiel,” Theodore replied quietly.

  “Gabriel needs to be informed of what has happened,” Jophiel said, turning to Theodore, her eyes dry and unwavering. “We must find your wife.”

  “I will inform Gabriel,” Theodore replied lucidly. “There is no need for you to travel north with me.”

  “There is every need,” Jophiel said firmly. “You need all the help you can acquire. You should think about contacting, Ada, Bram and Peter.” With that she left the room and Theodore behind.

  V

  Hiraeth

  23rd November 1940

  An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break…

  Ancient Chinese Proverb.

  Galean awoke from his sleep tired and sore, this being his sixth night sleeping in a chair. As he allowed his eyelids to open slowly, he felt the blinding sun upon his face and squinted slightly. The room was quiet and undisturbed, a soft breeze swirling about gently and the sound of the morning birds filling his senses. Galean stretched his body and opened his eyes fully. Eveline’s bed was empty and the window open causing him to panic and bounce out of his chair, racing out of her room. As he ran down the corridor he heard music from below and stopped to listen. Closing his eyes ever so slightly he scanned his memory for a moment concluding that the piece was Beethoven’s piano concerto number 5, known as ‘Emperor’. His heart settled knowing that Eveline was downstairs in the music room, safe and out of harm’s way. With ease and relief Galean made his way downstairs, running his fingers through his thick hair.

  “Galean!” a gentle voice rang out. Galean watched as Belle ran up the stairs, her arms outstretched. “You’re awake!”

  “Good morning Belle,” Galean smiled taking the child up into his arms gently.

  “Evie told us to let you sleep for as long as possible,” Belle admitted as they reached the bottom of the stairs. “Estelle has put away breakfast for you.”

  “That’s very kind of her,” Galean smiled, turning his head slightly to steal a glance at Eveline, unable to find her as Belle now on her feet dragged him into the kitchen to where Estelle was sat by the table reading a paper.

  “Mr Edwards’s good morning,” Estelle said with a smile, casting her eyes over the top of the daily paper. “You will find breakfast in the cupboard above the sink.”

  “Good morning Estelle,” Galean returned making his way over to the cupboard, opening it to find a plate covered with paper. With his plate of food, Galean sat down beside Estelle and poured himself a cup of tea with Belle and Wordsworth by his side, watching him with eagerness. “I see Eveline is feeling better?”

  “Much, she was up bright and early this morning packing for our journey tomorrow,” Estelle replied setting her paper down and taking a good look at Galean. “She and Belle are going to take Wordsworth for a walk soon so you may use that time in which to wash.”

  “I will go with them if you do not mind?” Galean asked as he drained his cup quickly.

  “Of course you may, it will probably be better for you to escort her until…well,” Estelle coloured faintly as the music stopped.

  “I should like to go for a walk, it is a beautiful day,” Galean said with a warmness in his eyes. Estelle was still nervous and unsettled about the current situation and Eveline was somewhat oblivious to the truth of the matter.

  “Good morning Mr Edwards,” came a soft and feminine voice from the doorway. Galean looked up from his cup and met Eveline’s direct gaze. He was taken aback by how bright and beautiful she appeared as though she had never been stung by the events of the last week. Her auburn curls were loosely pinned back and she wore a fine cream Victorian blouse and ivy green skirt that fell to her calves. Her eyes sparkled and her lips were finely tinted with what looked to be red lipstick which was striking against her fair skin.

  “Good morning Eveline,” Galean replied quickly returning his gaze to his empty plate.

  “Did I awaken you?” Eveline asked as she came to sit down opposite the guest.

  “No you did not,” Galean murmured, slyly giving Wordsworth some ham under the table.

  “Good, for you must be shattered, what with you being shackled to me this last week,” Eveline said with colour in her cheeks aware that the guest found it hard to make eye contact with her thus causing her to become nervous in case he too like many others found her odd and distracting.

  “I am feeling better this morning thank you.”

  “Right well, I am going to take Belle and Wordsworth for their walk now mother,” Eveline announced quietly.

  “Mr Edwards will go with you Eveline, he is in need of a good walk,” Estelle exclaimed as she arose from the table alongside Galean and Eveline. “If you could spare him a little time in which to get washed and dressed?”

  “Are you sure you wish to go for a walk and my mother has not blackmailed you into escorting me?” Eveline asked with teasing eyes. Galean looked across at the breezy and somehow transformed Eveline a mere shadow of the woman he had been attending too the last week, pale and withdrawn.

  “I am keen on morning walks, so no Estelle has not persuaded me it is of my own free will that I share my walk with you.”

  “Good, well we shall be out in the garden waiting for you,” Eveline said as she opened the back door of the cottage, bidding Wordsworth and Belle to follow suite. Galean quickly took his leave and made his way back upstairs where he spent the next half hour washing and arranging himself. As he buttoned his shirt up he stood by
the window and looked down into the garden where Eveline, Belle and Wordsworth seemed to be entranced by a flower still in bloom so late into the year. It had been a record summer many likening it to an Indian summer so it did not strike Galean as entirely strange that some flowers should still be in bloom, for November proved to be balmy as well. He watched on now combing back his hair as Eveline stood beside the wall of the garden looking out across the county with pensive eyes a shadow falling over her face as she scanned the countryside. Without warning she suddenly turned her gaze, lifting it to meet his own for a mere second before turning away.

  *

  “Look Evie this rose is still alive!” Belle announced, bidding Eveline to come over to her at once. Eveline turned from the wall and glanced over at Belle who was now on her knees before a red rose, stroking its fine petals with her tiny fingers. Eveline came to her side and bent down also, taking another red rose in the tips of her fingers.

  “It is called a damask climbing rose,” Eveline said gently, the sun upon her back as she lifted the rose to her nose and closed her eyes taking in the sweet smell. “Smell it.” Belle mirrored Eveline’s actions as Wordsworth sniffed the bush harshly with his wet nose. Upon the wall before them a robin sat and chirped.

  “A robin!” Belle squealed.

  “Don’t cry so or he will fly away!” Eveline laughed as she wound her arms about the child’s waist to keep her still. “Do you know what this means?” she asked Belle gently, whispering into her ear as they watched the robin hop about, transfixed by the enormous Irish wolfhound.

  “What does it mean?” Belle asked turning her bright green eyes to Eveline, her cheeks rosy and plump.

  “That winter has arrived,” Eveline said softly, wiping away one of Belle’s golden curls.

  “Mama said the war would be over at Christmas, does that mean I will be leaving soon?” Belle asked with sad eyes. Eveline brought Belle closer to her, letting her little head fall upon her shoulder.

  “I’m not sure the war will be over by Christmas little one but don’t worry so.”

  “I miss mama and papa but I like it here, it’s not at all stuffy like London,” Belle whispered into Eveline’s auburn curls. “I’ve never seen roses and robins before.”

  “I’m sure Estelle has some books on birds and flowers if you would like to have a look at them this evening with me?” Eveline replied as Belle pulled back from their embrace.

  “Will that bad man be following us today?”

  “No he is gone from these parts never to return,” Eveline lied as the back door opened and Galean strode out. For a brief moment Belle simply stared into Eveline’s eyes, her fingers stroking her cheek lightly before she bound away towards Galean who looked on at the tender moment with a pain in his heart.

  “Galean!” Belle cried out running up to her new friend as Wordsworth barked loudly in excitement.

  “Hush Wordsworth you silly dog!” Eveline laughed as she straightened herself fully, the robin flying away with a gentle chirp. Eveline stood and observed her husband’s friend, tall and handsome. A gentle rush swept over her causing her to blush slightly, turning away from the now well dressed guest.

  “Shall we?” Galean opened the garden door that led out onto the field of long grass.

  “Yes, thank you,” Eveline murmured walking before Galean with Wordsworth at her heel. All about her the world was filled with light and music. As she softly made her way down the slope of the hill towards the lake she let herself bask in the sunlight, pushing away the minute feeling that had crept up on her as she gazed upon Mr Edwards. She longed for her husband in that moment as the branches of the fir trees swayed, a light rustle of the fallen leaves swirling about her. Behind her she could hear Belle and Galean conversing pleasantly with Belle pulling at his arm so that they caught up with the withdrawn Eveline.

  “Can we go to the lake?” Belle asked, her face turning upwards so that her eyes found Eveline’s.

  “Of course,” Eveline said with a faint smile. Belle let go of Galean’s hand and ran away down the slope with Wordsworth for protection, her golden curls bouncing in the winter light. Eveline and Galean walked on in companionable silence.

  “It has come to my attention Mr Edwards that I don’t know that much about you,” Eveline said after several minutes of unwavering silence.

  “You haven’t asked,” Galean replied matter of factly. “And you may call me Galean if you please.”

  “Alright,” Eveline smiled, lowering her eyes to the ground, soft and filled with autumnal colours of the fading leaves. “How is it that you know my husband?”

  “We are both pilots in the RAF,” Galean lied, his body sighing in response.

  “And why have you come to Keswick to bring us to Bath?”

  “Theodore had been injured,” at these words Eveline stopped and turned to Theodore abruptly.

  “But you did not say,” she said with accusing eyes.

  “He did not want me to say,” Galean replied firmly, his feet also stopping. “His injuries were not serious and he is well now.”

  “Why ever did he not write to tell me,” Eveline said out loud, for despite Galean’s answers his being here still did not make sense and she found herself becoming suspicious considering all that had passed the last two weeks.

  “He did not wish to worry you and so sent me to escort you and your family to Bath.”

  Eveline did not answer she merely walked on in silence, observing a black bird hopping under a fir tree. Galean followed her, seeing the confusion on her face, she was clearly plagued by a sudden thought that brought her misery.

  “May I be frank with you Mr…Galean?” Eveline asked, stopping in her tracks under a heavy branch.

  “Yes.”

  “All is not what it seems and I believe you are a part of that equation.”

  “How so?” Galean asked, his eyes on Belle who was now at the edge of the lake bent down with her hands in the water. Eveline clasped the thick branch with her left hand and let her eyes cast their gaze upon the lake.

  “Tell me Galean did you see what happened to me on that night?”

  “Did you want me to see?”

  “Mr Edwards I need you be honest with me, please,” Eveline said quickly, biting down on her lip.

  “Forgive me,” Galean replied as he came to stand before Eveline, close enough to look into her eyes and yet not so close as to inappropriate. “I did bear witness to what happened.”

  “You saw the man?” Eveline asked quietly, watching Belle throw a stick out onto the water, Wordsworth bounding into the lake with enthusiasm and glee.

  “I did,” Galean replied, his voice deep and assuring. “Did you know him?”

  “You ask me if I knew him and ask me not how I came to be hovering in mid-air?” Eveline smiled nervously. “Surely you must think me mad, what with my golden eyes and un natural state of being. Do I not frighten you Mr Edwards?”

  “If I were to say that what I saw does not frighten me would you not think me mad?” Galean quizzed, wondering what thoughts were running through her mind as she turned that golden stare upon him, winding him slightly, the intensity and determination behind those vivid eyes.

  “Yes, I would either think you mad or alike me in ways others are not,” Eveline whispered, her voice weak, betraying her firm gaze. “Many here believe me to be a witch.”

  “How very medieval of them,” Galean smiled warmly.

  “I would share in your teasing Mr Edwards but for the truth in their observations,” Eveline said with a serious voice. Galean watched as her finger tips seemed to be moving as though she were playing the piano. Eveline caught his gaze and stopped.

  “What are you trying to tell me Eveline?”

  “What are you trying to tell me Galean?”

  The pair stood still, waiting until one of them dared to answer.

  “That maybe there are those that can see and do things that others may find un natural,” Galean said with a kind voice, his eyes
warm and understanding. “That maybe your husband and I are not so unalike.”

  “Then you know that my husband shares in my unnatural state?”

  “It would seem that we all have that in common,” Galean replied looking sombre.

  “You have certain abilities that others do not?” Eveline asked with curious eyes.

  “I do. What about you Eveline?” Galean said stepping closer to Eveline, the soft rush of wind causing his locks of blonde hair to dance around his face. Eveline looked up into his blue eyes and sighed gently.

  “You know I do Mr Edwards,” she whispered turning away from him, her heart thudding violently for an unknown reason.

  “Do you know why that man wished you harm Eveline?”

  “No,” Eveline sighed, unclasping the branch and walking away. “He said things to me that…”

  “He said what Eveline?” Galean enquired coming to her side quickly not wanting her to end the conversation, needing to know what Lagar had digested to her.

  “Nothing of consequence,” Eveline lied, brushing an auburn lock away from her lips.

  “Everything is of consequence,” Galean murmured. “Do you believe in demons Eveline? Creatures of the dark?”

  “Do you?” Eveline spun round, the hem of skirt touching his tweed trousers. She held her right hand over her brows, to shield her eyes from the burning rays of the sun.

  “I am a creature of light Eveline as are you and Theodore, so yes I do,” Galean said quietly hearing Belle’s squeals of excitement in the near distance as Wordsworth bounding up and down the shore, his coat dripping with water, his mouth filled with a thick stick.

  “Why are you really here Galean? Truthfully?”

  “Theodore sent me to bring you to Bath, which is the truth.”

  “Do you know of the man that wished me harm?”

  “I do,” Galean admitted unable to lie any further for Eveline was clearly confused and was filled with internal struggle, trying to figure out why she was the focus of such hatred.

  “Who was he?”