The Veils of Valoria

by Kirsty F McKay

  She shook her head, confused by their words. “Slow down. I don’t understand, one at a time,” she called out.

  The voices momentarily fell silent.

  Rowan’s heart skipped a beat as she waited, both eager and nervous for the reply. Tears burst free and streamed down her face when her father’s voice answered above them all. “Welcome, Guardian.”

  ‘Dad? Are you there? Answer me, please.”

  “We are not your father, we are the Meridian, and you are the Guardian. Awaken.”

  Rowan sprang to her feet. Furiously brushing the tears from her cheek, she turned to Bessie. “Why did I hear my father’s voice?”

  “I cannot answer that. Only the Meridian knows. Are you sure it was him?”

  “I know my father’s voice,” Rowan shouted.

  “I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to offend you.” The older woman drew her into an embrace and patted her soothingly on the back.

  Rowan’s anger dissolved. “He spoke to me, Bessie.”

  “What did he say, dear?”

  “He told me I was the Guardian. What does that mean?”

  Bessie gave a sharp intake of breath. “It means that you are far from ordinary and possess a rare gift. This world holds secrets that even I had not considered to be possible.”

  “That still doesn’t explain anything.”

  “Forgive me, dear, but this is unexpected. I had begun to think it would be Finn, given his abilities. You are quite the enigma.”

  “I’m something alright,” Rowan muttered.

  “Let’s eat. You must be hungry.”

  Rowan flopped next to Bessie and accepted the foil package. “How can you be so calm about all this?”

  Ignoring the question, the older woman took a large bite of her sandwich. Heaving a sigh, Rowan opened the packaging and bit into her own. A soft grumble from her stomach signalled its appreciation. “You’re not going to explain anything to me, are you?” she asked in between mouthfuls.

  Bessie finished eating. “I will explain as and when the time calls for an explanation.”

  “Is that not now?”

  “No.”

  “Did anyone ever tell you how frustrating you are? Must it always be a riddle with you?”

  Much to her annoyance, Bessie chuckled. “Certain events must fall into place first, and you are only at the beginning of discovering the power that you possess. Too much knowledge at once can be dangerous. The Meridian will assist in preparing you, and the rest will be determined.”

  “If that’s the way it has to be then I guess there isn’t anything else I can say. So, what do we do now?”

  “Now, we enjoy the rest of our lunch, and then you can go and spend some time with that young man of yours. Tonight, you and I shall return and begin your training.”

  Rowan nodded and accepted the scone and knife that Bessie offered, the warmth of the sun on her face and gentle thrum of the Meridian soothing her mood. The two women fell into a comfortable silence. Rowan settled against the grass once she had finished eating and gazed at the sky. She studied the cloud formations, memories triggering of her father and the games they used to play. Rowan allowed her imagination to take control and create.

  The afternoon drifted by in a peaceful haze. Bessie gently nudged her when it was time for them to leave. Collecting the much lighter picnic basket, Rowan followed the older woman in silence through the opening of the hedge and back through the field. Neither spoke as they crossed the gate, each lost in thought.

  She could see Finn sitting on the porch next to the stone hare as they drew close to the cottage. He sprang to his feet, relief written across his face. “You’ve been gone a while.”

  Bessie took the picnic basket from Rowan and tutted as she walked past him and into the cottage. “You two need to have more faith,” she muttered before closing the door.

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m sorry. I guess I was a grump.”

  “Lack of sleep will do that to you. How do you feel?”

  “Better now. How was the Meridian?”

  “Truthfully? I’m not sure. I guess I’ll find out more in a few hours when Bessie and I return.”

  Rowan accepted his hand, following him around the side of the cottage, and through the little gate into the garden. Her nose inhaled the heavenly scent of wildflowers. Butterflies fluttered in and out of the blooms, and the soft and gentle hum of bees filled her ears. Finn led her to the bench in its centre. She took a moment to admire the intricacy of the owl sculpted within its frame before she sat next to him. His arm encircled, and she snuggled in close. “I like being here with you,” she whispered.

  “Me too, with you, I mean.”

  She laughed. “You know, you scared me last night. I thought I was going to lose you.”

  Finn kissed the top of her head. “I scared myself too. All this time I had no idea.”

  “Can you explain it to me? I still don’t understand.”

  “I’ve blocked that memory for such a long time I don’t even know where to begin.”

  Rowan lifted her face and brushed her lips against his. “Try please, for me.”

  Finn nodded. “In my grandfather’s journals, he spoke of a blending that would occur between the kingdoms of man and beast, and that in every tenth bloodline a son would be born, align himself to the animal kingdom and be as one with them. The branding of the Calla would identify the son, and on his tenth birthday, the Calla pod would open and release the power of convergence. Although I bore the mark, we always believed it to be myth as the journals spoke of there being no such power given in my family’s history. My grandfather wasn’t even sure where the legend originated.” He scratched his head.

  “Don’t worry about that,” she said softly, encouraging him to continue.

  Finn dropped his hand and frowned. “On my tenth birthday, I remember I quarrelled with someone who I used to consider my friend. He had so proudly flaunted the hide of a young deer he had tracked and killed that morning. I don’t know what came over me, but I was so consumed with anger that he had taken an innocent life I grabbed hold of him and sank my teeth deep into his arm. There was so much blood. He ran from our home, promising that my family would pay for my actions. My father refused to speak to me. But his eyes said all I needed to know. He left around noon. I guess he couldn’t stand to be near me. He died that same day. Aaron found me in the forest and of course, blamed me for killing him. We got into a fight, he landed a punch on my face, and I took off. That must have been when the Margorian Worm found me. I thought it had been one of the Fae that had come to ease my pain. I didn’t know what it was.”

  “The Fae? As in Fairies?”

  He looked confused.

  “Tiny magical people with wings?” she explained.

  “Close enough,” he replied.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Please carry on.”

  Finn ran a hand through his hair. “My mother enlisted the help of the Council to look into the cause of my father’s death. She never truly believed Quinn or his family were capable of killing him, and she wanted the argument between Aaron and me to cease. Mercadia confirmed my father was murdered, but she would not tell my mother any more. Aaron forgave me eventually, and I buried the memory.”

  “Why would Mercadia not say who murdered your father if she knew?”

  “I don’t know. When I challenged my mother, she told me that she had made a vow not to go looking for the answers. A part of me wonders if that was the reason why Aaron deliberately sought Mercadia out and joined them.”

  Rowan gently traced her fingers down his cheek. “Thank you for opening up to me. I can see how much this still hurts.”

  “Do you mind if we don’t talk about this anymore?”

  “Sure, what do you want to talk about instead?”

  “I’d rather not talk at all,” he whispered and pressed his mouth to hers. The kiss continued and deepened. When they finally broke apart, neither could speak. Finn’s eyes,
full of need, matched her own desire. With what little resolve she had left, Rowan prised herself from his embrace. “Perhaps it’s best that we just sit?” she suggested.

  “I think I need to go and occupy my hands. I’ll check if Bessie needs anything doing. Are you coming back inside?” Finn asked.

  “Do you mind if I stay out here a little longer and enjoy the peace?”

  Finn was silent for a moment.

  “Finn?”

  “Sorry, I just wanted to make sure it was safe.”

  “It is and I’ll be fine, go on and occupy those hands of yours.”

  He gave her a brief kiss before heading inside the cottage. “Don’t make it too late,” he called.

  Rowan settled against the seat, and took a deep breath in and exhaled. She repeated four more times and with each exhale willed any tension that lingered to be released. Pushing all thoughts aside, she allowed herself for once to enjoy simply being in the moment.

  A sound broke her reverie and she smiled. “Hello again, Albion,” she whispered, instantly recognising him from her dream.

  Albion hovered in greeting and rested on her knee. He seemed contented to stay there at first but then suddenly lifted and flew away. Rowan’s instincts confirmed he had not gone far.

  “He watches from the tree. I believe our arrival disturbed him,” Charles commented.

  She sensed him take a seat beside her. “Do you think it odd for a dragonfly to behave in such a way?”

  “Nothing is what it seems here, Rowan,” he replied.

  “I’m not sure if you mean that in a good or bad way.”

  “I sense no threat to you, and you seem to have benefitted by being here. Your energy is stronger, and your senses are sharpening.”

  Rowan paused. “Wait a minute, you said our?”

  Aliyah stepped forward. “Apologies, Rowan. Charles had mentioned there had been a change in you. I wanted to observe your aura for myself for a few moments.”

  “It’s fine, I understand. Is he right? Am I much changed?”

  “There are differences. You are coming into new power,” Aliyah said.

  Rowan sighed, “I feel it. Bessie is taking me back to the Meridian tonight.”

  “Is this the energy source that you cannot enter?” Aliyah asked, turning to Charles.

  “Yes, I’ve not discussed this with the Lightkeepers, as I need to understand and study its effects first. But I have to be assured that in doing so Rowan is safe,” Charles said.

  The fact that her guide couldn’t gain entry slightly concerned her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know this.” She felt the strength of his love as he wrapped his energy around her shoulders.

  “As long as you don’t think I have abandoned you,” Charles replied.

  “I admit I had wondered about your silence. We haven’t spoken since yesterday morning, but I’d never think that you’ve abandoned me.”

  “Don’t worry, brother,” Aliyah said, “there is no suggestion of any harmful energy. In fact, quite the opposite, the transformation she is going through is amazing.”

  Rowan smiled. “Thank you, both of you for looking out for me, and my family.”

  “You’re welcome. Is there anything else you need from me?” Aliyah asked.

  “Only news of home, if you would? With everything that’s happened, I haven’t been in touch with mum since Saturday. I am surprised that she hasn’t sent any messages by now.”

  “Truthfully? She’s taken your lack of contact as a positive sign that things are progressing well and Finn is keeping you extremely busy. She’s really happy for you.”

  Rowan blushed. “And what about Jake?”

  “Not that he would openly admit it but he’s missing you, although Harry did say that Jake is somewhat pleased he has swerved Saturday’s movie night. He’s hoping by the time you come home, you will have forgotten.”

  “Not a chance, I owe him a good musical.”

  Aliyah laughed. “I would give them a call soon. Secretly Jake is missing you and I am sure Christine will want to know how you and Finn are getting along.”

  “I will. Do you know if Jake is working tonight?”

  “Harry didn’t mention anything about watching the entertainment so I am guessing not.”

  “Entertainment?”

  Aliyah sniggered. “A certain acquaintance of yours decided to pay Stan a visit with a couple of his not so intelligent friends. They’ve been providing an endless source of amusement to all, until Stan finally put them out of their misery and sent them home with a giant footprint on their backsides.”

  “When will Philip learn?”

  “He doesn’t catch on very quick for one who claims to have an IQ of 162. You would think he would stay away especially with his luck around bar stools.”

  “No? He did it again?”

  “Harry said Philip’s on his way to scoring a hat trick, whatever that means.”

  “It means three times in a row. How did he manage that?” Rowan asked.

  “It wasn’t me,” said Charles.

  Aliyah snorted. “I have my suspicions, but Harry is keeping quiet on the matter.”

  “I bet Tarwin is as well!” Charles roared with laughter.

  “Now brother, as much of an ejit as Philip is, the fact that he has suffered a misfortune is no laughing matter,” Aliyah admonished.

  “Of course, my apologies,” Charles replied sheepishly.

  Rowan bit down on her trembling lip. “So, when does Adeybo take over?”

  “Tarwin believes it will be tomorrow. I am quite sure he will be the one to put an end to Philip’s antics. Teach him how to use that IQ of his to improve his manners and have more respect for furniture.” Aliyah’s voice quivered with amusement.

  “For Philip’s sake let’s hope so.”

  Aliyah hugged her. “I’ve really enjoyed our conversation, Rowan, but my apologies, I must leave now. Christine is attending her first yoga class, and I’ve so wanted to try it.”

  “Mum is doing yoga?”

  “Yes, your dad suggested it to her. She’s really excited, as am I.”

  Rowan felt a pang of jealousy. “I’m glad he still visits her and she isn’t alone. When you get chance will you tell him that I miss him and I love him?”

  “Yes, and don’t worry about Christine, she’s doing fine.” Aliyah brushed her lips against Rowan’s cheek. “Goodbye for now, Rowan.” She left the two of them alone.

  “I must go too,” Charles said. “I shall check in on you once you have returned from the Meridian.”

  Rowan sighed as he disconnected his energy. She glanced towards the tree, disappointed to note that Albion had also abandoned her.

  A cold nip at the back of her neck signalled that perhaps it was time for her to leave too. Rising, she rubbed the ache in her back and buttocks, her stiffness easing as she headed back inside the cottage.

  Bessie nodded an approval as she entered the kitchen. “Good timing, supper is ready.”

  Rowan surveyed the contents of the plate offered, and her mouth watered.

  “I hope you like salmon, dear.”

  “I do.”

  “Finn, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this too.”

  Already seated at the table and armed with cutlery, he nodded. “Thanks, it smells good.”

  The fish was cooked to perfection, and Rowan demolished it with ease. She was almost disappointed when the empty plate stared back at her. “I could just eat that all over again, if of course, I wasn’t so full.”

  Finn groaned his appreciation and leaned back in his chair. “You sure can cook.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Would you do me a kind service, Finn, and wash the dishes for me? Mortimus is studying tonight. It’s almost time for Rowan and me to leave for the Meridian.”

  “Are you sure I can’t come with you both? I promise I won’t interfere.”

  “I’m afraid not. Tonight, it must be Rowan. Do you want to get yourself ready, dear, while I help clear the table?”
>
  “Will you be alright, Finn?”

  “I’m not completely comfortable, but I know you’re in good hands, and I cannot deny you if it means keeping you safe.”

  “Give me a couple of minutes, dear, and I will meet you on the porch.”

  Rowan nodded and left the two of them alone. She headed to the bedroom to quickly pass a brush through her hair and collect her jacket before making her way outside.

  Bessie arrived a few moments later, clutching a satin bag. Although curious as to its contents, Rowan resisted asking the question, knowing it was doubtful that the older woman would answer in any event.

  They walked in a comfortable silence, Bessie slightly ahead to guide Rowan around the potholes. When they arrived at the Meridian, Bessie paused at the opening in the hedging. “Are you alright, dear, you’ve barely said a word?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Are you nervous? There’s no need to be as I will be with you the whole time.”

  Rowan shook her head. “It’s not that, it’s just, never mind, let’s do this.”

  “If you’re sure, dear?”

  “I am.”

  Rowan could barely hear herself think over the constant whirr of energy as they approached its centre. It was as though the Meridian had been building itself up for this night.

  “Now it’s your turn,” Bessie said.

  “For what?”

  “To remove your clothes.”

  “Seriously?”

  “The moon is full. Our time is now. While you undress, I shall prepare the crystal grid.”

  Rowan reluctantly did as she was told. “Where do you want me?”

  “At the centre.”

  The crystals pulsed with energy, lighting the shape of a pentagram. Strange patterns formed with smaller tumbled stones cast at each point.

  “What do those mean?” Rowan asked. She stared at the runes that glowed from the ground and within the pentagram.

  “They represent the elements from both yours and Finn’s world. Now lie down, dear, and place your hands either side of you. Are you ready?”

  Rowan nodded. Excitement and fear somersaulted inside her.