Second Age of Darkness

by Diane Lindmark

  Chapter 23

  Angus turned to Richter. "I need to shake loose the cobwebs. What do you say we go practice in the courtyard?"

  Richter grinned. "I would never turn down an opportunity to teach you a lesson."

  The two men left the Throne Room and headed for the courtyard. They were just about to exit the castle when they ran into Alec who asked, "What are you two troublemakers up to?"

  "I'm going to teach the smart mouth punk a lesson," replied Angus, giving Richter a friendly shove.

  Alec laughed. "Well, I think I need to teach both of you punks a lesson." They all laughed and exited the castle, retrieving some weapons from the practice field.

  Just as they were about to start, Franklin approached Richter. "May we have a private word?"

  Richter nodded but only drew aside a few feet. Franklin frowned, but pitched his voice low. "As King Edmund's nephew, if you were to oppose Malachi, the people would support your claim on his throne. We would have no problem beating back the invader."

  Richter cut him off. "What you say is treason and I'll have no part of it." He started to return to his friends when Franklin grabbed him by the arm. Richter felt a sharp searing pain through his head.

  "Think about what I said. Nothing can be done over the winter. I'll be in touch in the spring if you change your mind." Franklin turned and stormed off.

  Richter grabbed the side of his head as soon as Franklin turned his back. He gritted his teeth to keep from crying out in pain. He only barely managed to register Angus and Alec grabbing him and pulling him off to the side. The throbbing in his head got worse. Now he did cry out, "No, not again!" Then he slumped to his knees.

  Alec and Angus exchanged a look. They had both seen this before. Alec dropped down on his knees and gripped Richter's wrists tightly and pulled them away from his head saying firmly, "Richter, stop fighting it. It only makes it worse. They will come no matter how much you struggle. Relax. Let it happen."

  Richter shook his head, then groaned and tried to grab his head again, but Alec did not release his wrists. "No, no, no, I don't want to see!" He groaned again in pain. "Why is this happening again?" Richter demanded.

  Alec released his wrists and gripped his head in both hands, forcing him to look up at him. There was blood coming out of Richter's nose, eyes, and ears. Alec said very firmly, "Richter, you're going to have to trust me. Listen to the sound of my voice. Relax, you're only hurting yourself. Relax, it will stop hurting if you stop fighting it. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly." Richter did as he was ordered to do. "Good, there you go. Another one, keep breathing. Relax, let the tension out of your body. Just let it come." After a minute of breathing, Richter's eyes completely glazed over, then his body went limp. Alec gently laid him back.

  Angus tapped Alec on the shoulder. "Is he like Young Alec?"

  Alec shook his head. "I could be wrong, but I think he's much, much more powerful. This was more like when Olivia was young and still fought against the visions; though hers only lasted a few seconds and her eyes never fully glazed over. She just looked like she wasn't with us anymore." Richter stirred and groaned and sat up. "So was one of your parents gifted, or are you the first in the line?"

  Richter hesitated a moment. "My mother, she could tell fortunes. That is how we got banished. She told the King's fortune and he didn't like it."

  "What did you see?" asked Alec.

  "What fortune did your mother give the King that he didn't like?" asked Angus.

  Richter sighed. "She told him that he was going to bring his people near the brink of destruction and that he would be the last of his line to die and a new king would sit on his throne."

  Alec looked up at Angus. "I thought Christian died after the King?"

  "He did. I guess telling the future isn't always accurate." Angus shrugged his shoulders.

  Richter slowly shook his head, surprised it didn't hurt. "No, I think my uncle was right when he constantly accused Christian of not being his."

  "That would make sense, but what did you see?" Alec asked again.

  "I saw Franklin with a lass, they were …" Richter hesitated, "having sex. He became violent. Another woman came in. She tried to pull him off of the lass. They struggled. She killed him … he won't survive the winter."

  Alec got to his feet. He extending a hand, and pulled Richter to his feet. "You should sit down with Young Alec some time. The two of you can talk about this. He can help you to work through it, so it can be less painful. Like it or not lad, you're a psychic."

  "But I don't understand. I had them when I was younger; but they were nothing, just little glimpses. Nothing like this, and then nothing for years and years. Why now?"

  Alec shrugged his shoulders. "Even grown men are susceptible to fear. Perhaps your uncle's attitude towards psychics made you uncomfortable. It could've caused you to suppress it; but now you're surrounded by several people who you know are gifted and everybody treats them normally. Nobody's afraid of them. Nobody forces them to do anything they don't want to do. Maybe somehow you unconsciously are aware of this and it's opened up the possibility in your mind and now you can't suppress them anymore. That's okay." Alec reached out and squeezed the younger man by the shoulder. Richter looked very shaken. "I think we should go and get you cleaned up and maybe get you a drink."

  Chapter 24

  Stargazer Castle, Scottish Highlands

  October 19, 2231

  Shortly before lunch, Malachi was sitting at his desk reading through some of Broderick's notes on the farmers he had so far invited when there was a gentle tap at the door. Malachi stared at the door. His men always knocked and his lass just entered. Please don't let it be Roberta, he thought to himself; then he called, "Enter."

  A very attractive redheaded woman entered. Malachi's eyes flicked over her, appraising her as she approached his desk. She was wearing a form fitting knee length skirt in the red and black plaid of Edmund's crest, a white long sleeved button-down blouse, a matching vest and shawl draped negligently over her shoulders, and a black bonnet. Malachi was quite certain he had never seen this woman before. She was not amongst his household; she was far too well dressed to be a servant. He leaned back in his chair as she curtsied. "Good morning, Your Majesty."

  "Is there something I can do for you, Miss …?"

  "No, Your Majesty, I came to see if I can be of assistance to you. I am council member Troy's daughter Wendy. My father informs me that you have no lady to act as hostess for you and to assist you in the running of your residence. I thought since I am a widow, and as the wife of a Major, I was, of course, trained in the proper management of a gentleman's household." She gave him a charming smile.

  Malachi went on his guard. Clearly the woman was well aware of her beauty, and clearly the management of his household was not all she had in mind; but there was a sly grasping look about her that he did not like. "It is very kind of you to offer such assistance; however, my brother is shortly to be married to Princess Abigail. On those occasions where I feel I need a hostess, I am sure that my sister-in-law will be happy to perform the office." Malachi looked back down at his paperwork and continued to read, hoping the woman would get the hint. No such luck.

  Wendy continued to smile prettily. "I'm sure that your sister-in-law would do an excellent job, but she will have her own household to concern herself with, and with any luck she will soon have a child to occupy herself. I have no such attachment, and as you say, they are soon to be married. She will not be able to act as hostess at her own wedding celebration."

  Malachi forced a smile. He now had no doubt that it was not her intention to be helpful, but to wiggle her way into his bed. His smile became genuine as he thought, If she only realized the longer she keeps talking, the less I like her. But instead of voicing his thought aloud, he said, "I am sure that the ladies would appreciate your assistance in the preparations for my brother's wedding celebration; but as far as any duties that would be required of a hostess, I am sure that be
tween Queen Roberta, Lady Sylvie, Gertrude, and my new assistant, they will have the situation well in hand. You're welcome to offer your assistance to them."

  Wendy continued to smile as she thought to herself, You may be tough now, but I assure you later, you will be like butter in my hand. "Thank you, Your Majesty, it is only my desire to be of assistance. I will go and see what I can do to aid the other ladies in their endeavors."

  *****

  After lunch, Sylvie decided to take a walk in the garden. As she rounded a group of bushes, she saw Richter striding towards the castle. "Richter, wait. I've been wanting to speak to you," she called to him.

  Richter, hearing his name, turned and saw Lady Sylvie and headed in her direction. When he drew near, she offered both her hands to him. He took them, bent down, and kissed her on the cheek. "You are looking very lovely today, Milady. How is married life treating you?" he asked with a grin.

  She blushed. "Is that supposed to be reproachful?"

  "Not in the least bit. I'm quite happy for you and Duff. If he ever gives you any trouble let me know, I will be glad to pound him again." Her eyes widened and she looked horrified. Richter chuckled.

  "Please tell me you're joking. You and Duff really didn't get into a fight, did you?"

  "On two separate occasions, Milady." Sylvie gasped and put her hand to her mouth.

  They were interrupted by a woman saying, "There you are, Richter. Someone said I would find you in the garden." Richter grinned broadly, turned around and took two quick steps, then grabbed Holly up in his arms and squeezed her tightly. After a moment, he set her down and kissed her passionately. She pulled free. "We're not alone."

  Richter suddenly had a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he said, "Oh, of course, Holly permit me to introduce …" as he was speaking, he stepped back and wrapped his arm around Sylvie's waist. Grinning down at her he said, "This is my betrothed, Lady Sylvie." Sylvie was so startled by Richter's behavior, it was almost as though someone else had taken over his body. She was so stunned, it never occurred to her to even object to what he was saying. She just continued to stare at him in disbelief. Richter hesitated another moment, glanced at Holly who looked horrified, then he patted Sylvie's belly. "This, however, belongs to Duff." Holly's jaw dropped as her eyes bugged out of their sockets. Her mouth opened and shut several times, but she failed to find words. Richter burst out laughing. When he was finally able to control his laughter, he said, "Lady Sylvie, this is your new cousin Holly. Holly, Lady Sylvia for some bizarre reason, I can't imagine why, agreed to marry that brutish cousin of yours."

  Holly stood there another long minute, then she slapped Richter. "You jackass."

  Sylvie's surprise found new heights as Richter laughed again, smiled broadly, and pulled Holly into his arms. "But I'm your jackass."

  Holly couldn't help it. She smiled and looked at him coyly as she asked, "Are you?"

  Squeezing her tighter, Richter said, "Most definitely."

  "Mommy, I'm tired. You said I could take a nap when we got to the castle." All three adults looked down on little Moira.

  Holly turned to face her daughter. "Oh, aye, sweetie, I'm sorry. Mommy just has to find a room where she can put you down for a nap."

  Richter bent down and picked the little lass up. "Problem solved, how would you like to sleep in my big bed? It is a really big bed," he said, winking at the little lass.

  Moira wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "Really big?"

  Richter replied, "Really, really big." The little lass yawned and nodded her head. Richter shifted the lass into his left arm, then using his right hand, he pulled her shirt down a bit and adjusted her so she was sitting on his forearm. Then he wrapped his right arm around Holly's waist and escorted them to his quarters.

  Sylvie continued to stare at Richter's back as though he was a complete stranger. She never would have thought Richter capable of being a happy family man, but he definitely looked like one now. She crossed herself and said a quick prayer for their happiness.

  As they walked away, Richter looked at Holly and asked, "Why are you here?"

  "Does that mean you're not happy I'm here?"

  "I'm ecstatic, just surprised."

  "Malachi sent a messenger asking for some of his farming experts to come and take a look at some of the farms and see if they could figure out why they were struggling. The same messenger delivered a message to me saying Malachi requested me and Moira to come prepared to stay here. Fortunately, we don't have much left, so it was easy to pack."

  He knew she had not intended that remark to hurt, but it felt like a knife to his heart. He wasn't sure he could ever forgive himself for burning her home. He took her hand and squeezed it tightly. "I am so sorry."

  Holly cast a warning glance in Moira's direction, then her jaw dropped. Her daughter had fallen asleep on Richter's arm, her little head drooping on his shoulder. The sight brought tears to her eyes. Richter hadn't known her daughter more than fifteen minutes and was already showing her more warmth than her father had ever done. She blinked back tears as she said, "I would prefer it if we never speak of it again. You were a soldier doing as your King commanded you to do. You have nothing to apologize for."

  Arriving at his quarters, he entered the sitting room crossed to his bedchamber, opened the door and went to the bed. Pulling aside the covers, he gently laid the lass down. Pulling off her shoes, he covered her. Taking Holly by the arm, he returned to the sitting room and indicated the couch. She seated herself. Dropping down next to her, he took her hand. "I'm glad you're here. I intended to return soon to ask you a question, but it's better you're here. Before you answer, you'll need to know exactly what you're getting yourself into; but I would greatly appreciate it if you would do me the honor of consenting to be my wife. I know there's a lot involved, which is why I don't expect an answer right now; but I want to assure you I do not intend to replace Moira's father. But I would like to be there to help you if you need my help or to protect her from evil men. I know I am not her father and can't be her father, that was Errol; but maybe she'll let me be a friend and occasionally help." Richter shut his mouth when he realized he was rambling. He was nervous, and he always rambled when he was nervous, which is why he had made it a habit not to speak; but here he was blathering on like an idiot and she was looking at him like he was an idiot.

  "You do realize that would never work?"

  Ouch, that was like a knife to the heart, Richter thought to himself, then he shrugged his shoulders. You shouldn't be that surprised. It was the answer you expected, just not the one you wanted. Richter nodded and started to his feet. "You and Moira may use my quarters as long as you like. I'll find another room to sleep in."

  Holly grabbed his arm. "Sit down, you silly ass. I wasn't talking about you and me. I was talking about you and my daughter. She's three years old, Richter. In two years she won't remember any father but you. And even though I know you mean it right now, you would never be satisfied just to be a bystander in her life. With her under your roof, you would understandably expect her to obey you as a father, so I think it's probably best if we just begin your relationship that way, unless, of course, you don't want her to be your daughter." Holly suddenly looked nervous.

  Richter dropped down next to her and pulled her on his lap. "Of course that's what I want, but I didn't think you'd let me. I thought you would insist on Errol being her father."

  "Errol didn't have much use for her when he was alive. Why should he have use for her now that he's dead? She was a disappointment. She was supposed to be a son."

  Richter snapped his fingers and got to his feet. "That reminds me; I borrowed something for you from the doctor, that book on human development." He crossed to the bookshelf, pulled the book off and returned.

  Holly, who had as of yet not noticed the bookshelf, now stared in wonder. Richter had more than twenty books in his room. "Lord Almighty, I have never seen so many books in one place in all my life."

  Richter laughed
. "If that impresses you, wait until you see the library. There are thousands of books in there."

  Chapter 25

  Stargazer Castle, Scottish Highlands

  October 23, 2231

  Malachi sat at his desk enjoying a few moments of silence. The past three days had been spent in discussing alterations to the castle, speaking with farmers, meeting with farmers, and talking about farming. Malachi had thought he had known a lot about farming before this; now he probably knew more than he ever wanted to. He rubbed his hands up and down his face and groaned. The only thing Malachi liked about farming was the food you got from it. He was a soldier, not a farmer, but one thing was certain – he'd definitely gained a lot of respect for farmers. He thought being a soldier was an iffy prospect; it didn't have anything on farming. There was a knock at the door. He groaned inwardly, rearranged his face to be pleasant, and prepared to have another long conversation about farming. "Enter," he called.

  Broderick entered, escorting a man in his fifties. "King Malachi, permit me to introduce David Cameron."

  Malachi got to his feet and extended his hand, saying as he did so, for what felt like the hundredth time, "It is very nice to meet you, Mr. Cameron, please be seated." The two men seated themselves as Broderick quickly retreated. Malachi cast a quick, envious glance at his brother's retreating back. Broderick and the others got to go off and do whatever they wanted to do while he was stuck discussing farming. Malachi sighed and launched into his prepared speech. "I'm sure my brother informed you that this is just a casual wee meet and greet. I'm wanting to better understand the farmers in this region of my kingdom, so if you don't mind, why don't you tell me a wee bit about yourself and your farm."

  David was trying his best not to look annoyed. After all, he knew nothing of this new King, except he had slaughtered Edmund and his army. Which, if rumors were correct, which he couldn't imagine they exaggerated that much, they had done so with virtually no losses of their own, which definitely made him nervous. These men were soldiers, trained killers, and he was just a farmer. He began tapping his foot on the floor like he always did when he was nervous. After a moment, the noise attracted his attention and he stopped, cleared his throat, and said, "I've been a farmer all my life, just like my da afore me and his da afore him. Don't know nothing other than farmin' in our family. Me lads, them farmers too. We know our trade well enough when left to it. I's sure you find all the farms doing much better come next season."