by Phil Price
He was cast back to Reggan’s stronghold. A dank lair that had made his brother Korgan’s seem almost lavish. They had come to reclaim their loved ones. The diminutive figure that stood with them was there for his sister. Wilf played it out in his mind once more. He had spotted the bulky vampire almost immediately. Their eyes locked. Wilf remembered how they’d drawn him in, soothing his fears. The eyes wanted him to be their friend. To drop his trinkets and talk.
It had almost worked before the strange figure with them, shook him from his trance. “Don’t fall for his charms, we’re here to fight,” he said to him. The vampire called Eddie knew his hold was broken. Wilf watched frozen as Jake and Tamatan set about the hoard. Jake felled two with his shotgun, making sure with a stake to each of their dead hearts. Tamatan took down four in the blink of an eye. In a blur he sucked what life force remained inside from them, leaving withered husks on the cold stone floor. Wilf noticed the bulky one make his move. He flew at Jake, ready for the kill. Wilf watched frozen in horror, knowing that the young man was done for. Or so he thought. In a flash, Jake’s shotgun had taken the hand from the beast. He fell backwards towards the tomb. Another blast had sent him crashing into the wall, beaten. That’s when Wilf was spurred into action. His cross came out, shining bright in the gloom. Any foes that were still standing were pushed back by its force. The power of light over dark. He turned to see Tamatan wincing at the sign of the cross. Wilf knew instantly that it was hurting him. Although he was their companion, he too belonged to the darkness. He slipped the cross back into his bag, noticing the bulky one beating a retreat. It had been too easy. Or so he thought. Reggan was not done just yet. Jake was reloading his weapon when he was plucked into the tomb by two large hands. The outlander cried out in anger as the beast clamped its huge jaws into his thigh. Wilf watched helplessly as the monster worried Jake’s leg, shaking his head from side to side. He’d come to love the strange outlander. He might have been the son that he’d never had. Now he saw him locked in a deadly battle with a giant vampire. Before Wilf could try to help, Jake raised his shotgun, firing it point blank into the beast’s face. Reggan’s head was blasted against the cave wall, chunks of bone and brain creating a hideous collage on the red rock. Jake fell out of the tomb, floundering on the floor before he limped back to where the now headless Reggan lay. Screaming as he did so, Jake unloaded the rest of his shotgun into the vampire’s body. When the shotgun was empty, Jake pulled two stakes from his pack, stabbing the corpse over and over until he finally slumped to the floor exhausted and crying.
Tamatan had finished the rest of the fighting, leaving the floor littered with bodies. He looked at Wilf, his red eyes burning with blood lust. He then relaxed, sniffing the air. “This way,” he shouted, heading off into a low corridor.
Wilf looked at Jake. “Stay here. I think he is going to lead us to his sister and Katherine.” Jake nodded, sweat and blood splattered across his face. Wilf had only reached the entrance to the corridor when Tamatan emerged with a strange looking creature. Her skin was deep green that seemed to shimmer in the torch light. She moved with a grace and fluidity that seemed almost unnatural. Her eyes sparkled like vibrant emeralds, green tears running down her beautiful face.
“JAKE!” Katherine shouted from the entrance to the tunnel.
Jake looked up at the sound of her voice. “Kath,” he blurted, his emotions boiling over as she broke away from Wilf, running over to him. They embraced, kissing, sobbing. Trying to find the words to convey their joy at being reunited. Jake tried to lift her into his arms but suddenly lost his footing, wincing as he put her down.
Katherine looked down at his leg as Wilf, Tamatan, and his sister joined them. “You’re hurt Jake,” she exclaimed as she saw a giant grey fang protruding from his leg. “We need to get you help.” She looked at her uncle. “How can we help him? Do we need a healer?”
“We need a shaman,” Wilf said looking worried. “And fast. Trouble is finding one. We need to get back through the doorway as quick as we can. But we may be searching for a long time in Elksberg.”
“I know someone who can help us,” Jake said through gritted teeth. “We need to get back to my home.”
Tamatan’s sister who had been silent until now walked forward and knelt in front of Jake. She looked up at him, taking his leg in her hands. “Veltan,” she said in a soft voice. And bowed her head to the floor.
“Veltan is her name,” said Tamatan. “She is going to delay the spread of infection. It will drain her strength. But she can take it, for she is strong.”
“Infection?” Jake said as he suddenly felt the throbbing in his leg subside. It was being replaced by a tingling coolness that felt like pins and needles.
“Jake has been bitten by a vampire. And not just any vampire. By a king. A powerful vampire king,” Tamatan exclaimed. “If he doesn’t get help soon he may start turning. My sister is slowing down the spread. Once she has finished we must be on our way as fast as we can. Jake, who is this person who you think can help us?”
“I’ve known him all my life. His name is Father Stephen.”
Tamatan nodded as a deep drone came rolling through the passageway. “We must move. We have won this battle but there are things deep down below us that are stirring. Things that we really do not want to become acquainted with. We must make haste, or we may never live to tell this tale.”
☨☨☨
Wilf stood there as the doorway vanished before his eyes. He shut them tight, the outline visible under the lids. “Goodbye Katherine,” he muttered before turning to Tamatan and Veltan. Their eyes shimmering in the darkness. “What now? It feels like we have dark things heading our way.”
“We feel it too,” Tamatan nodded. Veltan looked around her, spooked by something that Wilf could not see nor hear. The forest was coming alive above them. Birds and other animals started to call and wail as wisps of mist drifted through the trees towards them. Wilf shuddered as he felt a cold wind ruffle his clothing. “Something is coming for us. We need to be gone from this place. How far to your village?”
“Not far.” He pointed off into the forest as the wisps of mist were gathering around the trees, wrapping themselves around the trunks. Wilf could make out faces in the mist that almost stilled his heart. Hideous faces with blackened pits for eyes. Gaping mouths laden with fangs. The others saw this too. Veltan let out a low moan as her brother took her hand. “Follow me,” Wilf said as they broke into a run towards the far off lights of Heronveld. Wilf lost his footing a few times on unseen branches and plants, almost falling over. He could not afford to stop. The forest was protesting their escape as they neared the flickering torches of his village. He called out, “FOLK. WAKE UP. WAKE UP!” Wisps of smoke started falling from the trees, malevolent faces blocking Wilf’s path to the village. He pulled out his cross and held it at arm’s length as he ran. It instantly lit up, banishing the mist around him. He heard Tamatan and Veltan cry out in anguish, knowing that it was affecting them. He turned to look at them behind him. “I’m sorry. Stay with me. We are almost at Banners Gate.”
“We will endure. Don’t put the cross away until you reach the village,” Tamatan said. Wilf could see a few of the villagers stumbling sleepily from their homes. They gathered on the village green looking anxiously at the noises they could hear in the darkness. Wilf banged into the heavy wooden gate at the edge of the forest. He half climbed, half floundered over it, landing in a heap on the other side. Two strong hands lifted him as though he was a baby, propelling him towards the group of men and women on the patch of grass.
One woman cried out in horror. “MONSTERS!”
Wilf waved his hands at them, trying to gather himself. “Folk,” he began, trying to draw breath. “They are not monsters. They are our friends. They’ve just helped me free Katherine from the other place. The place where Reggan lies.” At hearing the name, villagers started cowering and crossing themselves. “Reggan is no more. The outlander Jake put pay to him. He has taken Kath
back to his land where they will be safe. Now we must flee. Whatever was lurking in that land has followed us back here and wishes us all harm.” The forest was filled with noise and mist. A long tendril snaked its way through the gate and headed towards them.
“Fuckenell!” a man gasped as he pointed towards its advance. They all turned to face the oncoming mist. The women ran for their homes as children stood on the porches, crying and confused.
“WOMEN AND CHILDREN INSIDE!” Wilf shouted as the men closed into a tight circle. The long streak of mist began taking form in front of them. They all stared in silent horror as it took on a human shape. A long misty cloak constantly changed shape as it was blown by the forest. The face was a dark pit, except for two yellow eyes that shone out towards them. Wilf advanced on the misty apparition, his cross held aloft.
“NOOOOOOO,” it wailed, evaporating into the grass.
Wilf looked at the group behind him, his heart racing. “I’m not sure what we’ve done by destroying Reggan, but something has stirred and has followed us. We need to leave as soon as it’s light. Pack up everything that is vital. We leave for Shetland at dawn.”
“But this is our home,” a tall man called Pat challenged back.
“Look at the forest Pat,” Wilf said. The men folk knew they had to flee. Any arguments were futile. “Gather up your things. We must go. We can start a new life in Shetland. Trust in me.” The men made their way back to their homes leaving the threesome stood on the damp grass. Wilf suddenly felt very small, and exposed. “Come with me,” he said to the couple as he made his way towards his home. Inside he quickly poured three mugs of hokie, downing his mug in one go. He lit two candles on the table before pouring another. Taking a smaller sip. The burn felt good. It felt real. Veltan sat in a wooden chair. Wilf suddenly noticed that she looked exhausted. He turned to Tamatan. “What is your plan?”
“We will head west at first light. I think that we’ve unearthed something that Reggan was holding under his power. Who knows what it is. Whatever it is, it is evil and we need to be as far away from it as possible. I only hope our forays were worth it.” He looked at his sister, concern etched on his face.
Wilf considered his statement for a moment. “What is out west? I’ve never ventured too far that way. Cedric and I travelled as far as the glades at the edge of Amatoll. A pair of huge black unicorns forced us back towards home. That was long ago,” he said, trying to recollect.
“We will head for Monk’s Passage. It’s a long road, with many foes scattered here and there. If we make it through the passage we will then cross Mantz forest.” He looked at the old man, his eyes like two red orbs. “You think Amatoll is big. Mantz is huge. The trees are an impenetrable blanket which have laid waste to many a traveller over the ages. No two trees are more than this far apart,” he said, spreading his arms. “It’s dark as night once you’re in there. That’s the way they like it.”
“They?” Wilf said.
“The Cravens. They are human, just. They eat anything that strays into their woods. Animal, man, monster. If they can kill it, they eat it. That will be a testing bit of sport,” he said chuckling. “If we can make it through the forest I can reacquaint myself with an old friend who has a boat. He can take us to the Unseen Lands across the sea. That’s where my kin hail from. I’ve not been there for a long time.”
Wilf pondered the little demon’s words. He looked across at his sister who had now curled up, lightly snoring. Her turquoise skin shimmering in the candle light. He considered his statement for a moment. “We’ve fought well and won through. Katherine is safe with Jake. We will build a new life at Shetland. And you,” he walked over to Tamatan, holding his weathered hand out to him. “Whatever your name truly is, you now have your sister back.”
Tamatan took Wilf’s hand, shaking it gently. “Thank you.”
“Thank you too, my friend.”
At hearing Wilf’s words his face lit up in a beaming smile that outshone the candles. “Tis such a strange happening that would make man and demon friends. However, we are both the better for it,” he said, slapping Wilf on the back.
☨☨☨
Wilf’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. The memory blew away like sea mist on a morning’s breeze. “Yes?” he croaked.
A young man entered the low slung room, a look of hesitation on his face. “Sorry to disturb you Wilf. The happy couple are about to perform their union dance. They want the Elder to oversee it.”
“Of course. I will be out in a minute. Tell them to prepare.” The young man excused himself as Wilf levered himself to his feet. Tamatan’s words echoed in his ears. He smiled to himself. A dark forest full of cannibals. Let’s hope I’m never stupid enough to end up in that hell hole, he thought as he made his way outside to the dance.
Three
Kerry Hardman knocked on the front door as a storm rumbled its way across the land. She stood there, kicking her feet on the stone slabs as she waited for the door to open.
“Kerry. Hi,” Jake said as he moved to one side. “Come in before it pours it down.”
“Thanks,” she said as she shuffled past him into the hallway. “Where’s Katherine?”
“She’s out with my Mom. Dad has dropped them off. He will be back in a bit. He needs to see the estate agent first.”
“Cool. Did they like the house?”
“Yes. Very much so. He’s going to make an offer, so fingers crossed. You want a cup of tea?”
“Do you have coffee?”
“We do. I can even make you a proper one if you fancy.”
“Sounds great,” she said, her smile lighting up her face. “Milk with two please.” Jake walked through to the rear kitchen with Kerry following. She slouched against the counter while Jake made himself busy with the kettle and café tier.
He turned and looked over at Kerry who was nibbling her thumb. “So, how’s things?”
Kerry pinched her nose up slightly. “Good, I guess.” Jake knew that he would be doing most of the talking. Unless he mentioned video games. Then he would not be able to shut Kerry up. They’d met her months before, not long after they’d moved in. Her father, a mixed race ex-hippy, was their postman. He’d recommended Kerry to Jake when he told him his that his laptop was playing up. A few hours later a mid-twenties girl with coffee coloured skin, a tangle of black hair, and square black glasses had knocked on his door. They had both warmed to her, especially Katherine who took an instant shine to her quiet and polite manner. She started fidgeting, thinking of some small talk that would get the conversation flowing. “How’s business? Still searching for lost souls?”
“You make me sound like some sort of ghost hunter,” he said chuckling. “Things are surprisingly good. There has been lots of work coming my way, which I’m surprised about. I didn’t think a place like this would too need too many private investigators.”
“Oh but it does. Lots of people around these parts go missing. Two of my friends did a few years ago. Vanished off the face of the Earth. It’s because there is not much work. People get into bad habits like drugs and theft. Then all of a sudden they’re AWOL.”
“Did your friends turn up okay?” Jake asked intrigued.
“Yes. One went to Ibiza with a friend but neglected to tell anyone. The other had met a man online, who was from a place called Doncaster or something. A few weeks later she was home with all her laundry.”
“Well it sounds like I’ll be busy for the next twenty years or so. Hopefully not too many trips to Doncaster though. It’s grim up north.” Kerry laughed as he handed her a thin china mug filled with coffee. The ice was well and truly melting.
☨☨☨
The two men walked out of the estate agents’ office into the late summer sun. A warm breeze blew down the high street from the Atlantic, buffeting them gently as they chatted. Storm clouds on the horizon were being blown inland towards the village.
“I’ll phone you as soon as I get a response from the vendor,” th
e estate agent said, his northern accent sounding out of place this far south.
“Thanks Jeff,” Doug said happily.
“I can’t see there being any problems. The house has been empty for a few months and they are keen to sell.”
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed. How do you like Cornwall as oppose to Manchester?”
The younger man considered the question for a second. He was a good ten years Doug’s junior, dressed in a grey pinstripe suit. His greying hair was cut short and styled. The older man’s hair was cut by his wife and never styled. “I’m from Salford originally. But I’ve not lived there for years. Before I moved here I was in Birmingham, not too far from where you live now I guess.”
“So what made you give up the lights of Brum for this dive?”
Jeff laughed. “My boss didn’t like me. He was my new area manager. Young, ambitious, stupid. A bit of a dick. Call it a clash of personalities. As luck would have it I got offered this job as he was sharpening the knife. Best thing we ever did. It’s just me, the wife, and two dogs. The kids are all grown up now. They only come down when they want a bit of sun and sand.”
Doug nodded, thinking that the younger man had fallen on his feet. “Well let’s hope I’m sharing your way of life soon. I don’t have any dogs, although I’d happily trade them for my wife if you want to swap?”
The two men finished their business with warm handshakes and promises to speak soon. Doug walked the few hundred yards back to his son’s house with the stride of a man ten years younger. He was daring to believe that all this was within his reach. And his wife’s of course. He turned right onto Jake’s road as the first drops of rain started hitting the pavement around him. He looked out to sea, smiling at the thought that seeing this would be an everyday occurrence. “Son, I’m back. Where are you?”