by A. W. Exley
Over the years, the residents had often gathered in the small church to mark the pivotal moments of their lives. Weddings, christenings, and funerals all took place under the tiled roof. But even the most joyous events had seemed muted under Ava’s reign. Like a photograph in sepia tones could never convey the wild beauty of a meadow in full flower.
Today was different. The excited whispers seemed charged, smiles were wider, and even the air smelt fresher. Gone were the gloomy days that reminded Elijah of rooms long shut up in the mansion where spiders and dust bunnies multiplied. They had flung open the windows and welcomed the cleansing breeze that cleared out the staleness from their lives.
Elijah surveyed the villagers around him and smiled at childhood playmates who now seemed twice his age. Across the aisle and a row back sat a young woman with an oval face and blonde hair who wore a soft pink gown. She winked at him and arched an eyebrow in an unspoken invitation. He flashed her a brief smile, shook his head, and turned his attention back to the front.
A year ago he had discovered Amelia Green picking flowers in a meadow. She had offered a kiss as payment for the bouquet—an offer he’d readily accepted. After that, they had spent many hours together either on the soft grass under the spreading elm, or in colder weather, in the sweet-smelling hayloft above the barn. But he was painfully aware that her days ran faster than his.
Some years ago, his uncle had imparted one vital piece of manly advice. He acknowledged that the time would come when Elijah would seek out companionship among the villagers. His uncle reminded him of the perils in dabbling in their shorter lives. The pretty face that caught his eye today might be the mother of the woman who catches his attention tomorrow.
Elijah remembered his first kiss. In human terms he had been about twelve, but he’d been twenty years old in chronological age. That sweet girl who had taken his face in her hands two decades ago was today married with three children of her own. She sat near the back of the church with her brood and the beginnings of grey hair streaking over her temples.
He loved his home and his roots would always reside deep in the earth of the Ravenswing estate. But the time had come for him to step into the world and seek out friends among his own kind. Or he would, once he had avenged his dead father.
Dawn sat beside Elijah as he mentally tallied his reasons for wanting to see the Hamiltons fall. His soon-to-be aunt had declined to walk down the aisle until unfinished matters were resolved. The gentle woman needed to understand why her parents had died, before she could fully embrace her new family. Elijah was determined to find the answers she needed.
Jasper rose from his place on the other side of Dawn and walked to the front of the church. He turned to face the amassed villagers. As earl, he held the authority to legally wed people and he would conduct the ceremony. Hector stood next to him. The tall, thin man was almost luminous with pride and joy. He wore a new dark grey suit and even his bald head seemed polished just for the occasion and reflected the sunlight playing through the window.
At a nod from Jasper, a man with a fiddle began playing a slow and eerie tune. Everyone turned as the bride made her walk down the aisle. The former nurse took slow, measured steps, her long train dragging behind her. Her patient of forty years, Lady Letitia Seton, acted as bridesmaid.
Despite her advanced years, Marjory glowed with happiness. Hector looked exactly how Elijah felt when he stole the last chocolate croissant before anyone else noticed. The retainer beamed broad enough to show his two missing front teeth. His gaze was entirely focused on Marjory, as Jasper read the words that would finally make them man and wife.
The crowd chuckled when Jasper asked Algernon Hector if he took Marjory Hatton as his bride. Hector had always been called Hector, as retainers were often referred to by their surnames. It never occurred to Elijah to wonder about the loyal man’s Christian name. Men and boys alike loved to tease one another and he could imagine Algernon being shortened to Algie, like the green smelly stuff that grew in stagnant water.
Amelia Green was called to the front to sing a haunting folk song about love and longing. It was supposed to be for the couple, but her gaze never wavered from Elijah. He concentrated on the toes of his boots and the air grew warmer. The song reached its climax when the couple declared their undying love for each other before walking hand in hand towards the sunset.
“You seem to have an admirer,” Dawn whispered from his side as Amelia retook her seat.
He tried to answer, but could only cough up a strangled denial. His tie was too tight and he wedged two fingers down his collar to loosen it. It was definitely time for him to leave before Amelia decided she was next to walk down the aisle. Uncle Jasper and Dawn had turned Dr Day into a type of Warder so he could share Aunt Lettie’s life force, but they were mates chosen by Gaia. While Amelia was both lovely and distracting, the one thing she wasn’t was his mate.
After the service they all adjourned to the big house for the celebration. Long tables were laid out in the ballroom and the numerous doors to the terraces were flung open. Speeches were made and the happy couple was toasted as the village came together. Time passed in good company and dancing. Elijah drank enough beer to give him the courage for a last dance with Amelia.
“Isn’t it romantic that your aunt found true love with the delicious Dr Day?” Amelia said as they waltzed around the ballroom.
“They are blessed, yes.” Elijah kept one eye on the exits. For some reason he was feeling cornered.
“I think it shows that your family doesn’t have to look beyond Alysblud to find love. Everything you could ever desire is right here, under your nose.” She leaned closer, pressing herself to his chest.
He might not be experienced in relationships, but even he could see where this conversation was heading. “Remember my uncle had to advertise and it took decades for him to find Dawn. For myself, I intend to travel and see other countries and cultures before I think of settling down.”
Her smile faded and a tiny frown pulled at her pale brows. “Oh. Will you be away for long?”
He shrugged. He liked Amelia and had enjoyed their time together, but just like a long summer evening, it had to end eventually. He didn’t want to break her heart, though, and he scrambled for a way to disappoint her gently. “Not long, I should think. A hundred years should be sufficient to see most of the world.”
Her face fell and her bottom lip trembled. What she needed was a distraction—one with a similar life expectancy who could fulfil the dreams bubbling up in her head. Elijah scanned the people clustered around the edges of the room. He spotted a lad called Daniel. Elijah had long suspected that Daniel was utterly in love with Amelia, but she never noticed him with Elijah around. Daniel was a kind-hearted and loyal chap, the sort who would spend his life treating Amelia like a princess, if she only gave him a chance.
Elijah danced them to the side of the room and stopped before Daniel.
“Since I go away tomorrow, I would feel better if I knew that Daniel made sure you always have a dance partner.” He placed her hand in Daniel’s.
“I would be honoured to care for Miss Amelia, if she would allow me such an opportunity.” The man looked at him and grinned as though he had been given a marvellous gift. Daniel spun Amelia into his arms in time with the music.
As night fell, Elijah sought escape on the terrace that overlooked the gardens. The workmen laboured during the day to clear the last traces of Ava’s monstrous vines, but it was slow going. The thick black boughs were like slain monsters waiting to be carted away and burned. In the dark, they were shapes rising up from the bushes like sea serpents emerging from the ocean.
Jasper and Dawn joined him. For once, his uncle’s features were happy and relaxed, the deep frown gone with his mate by his side. They stood in silence and watched the moon rise above the trees. The laughing forms of Hector and Marjory soon joined them, as they escaped the heat and noise of the ballroom. The older couple held hands, and Marjory used a paper fan to c
ool her face.
“Gosh, it’s warm in there. I don’t know how you do it, Hector, but I can’t dance anymore,” Marjory said and batted at her new husband.
“With you in my arms, I feel like a young man of twenty again.” He waggled his eyebrows and everyone laughed.
Elijah would miss the banter that the two traded back and forth. He swallowed and dropped his attention to the brick pavers. There was so much he would miss when he left.
“When do you plan to leave us, Elijah?” Dawn seemed to pluck the thought from his mind.
“I will leave for Kessel tomorrow. The sooner I begin, the sooner we will have the answers we all seek.” A silent war was fought in his intestines. The excitement at embarking on his mission battled the cold dread at leaving the warmth and love of the only home he had ever known.
“Kessel? What a coincidence. I made plans to take my bride on a honeymoon there and have already rented us a cottage.” Hector wore an open, honest expression on his face but he spoiled it all by winking at Marjory.
“You and Marjory are going to Kessel?” Elijah glanced from one to the other and then frowned at his uncle. It was too coincidental. He had no need of a nursemaid. When would his uncle realise he was an adult?
Hector wore a wide, boyish grin. “Oh, yes. I was born there, you know, and planned it some time ago. Kessel is close enough to the coast that we can spend the day at the beach, but not so close that we will have wretched seagulls pooping on everything. I thought it would be a nice change of scenery for us both.”
“Since we’re all going in the same direction, why don’t we journey together?” Marjory said. “In fact, if you don’t have accommodation sorted, I’m sure Hector wouldn’t mind if you stayed with us until you get on your feet.”
Hector nodded his head and pretended to consider the idea. “Oh, I would be delighted to have young Master Elijah stay with us. The cottage will be plenty big enough.”
Elijah glared at his uncle, but he looked as horrified as his nephew to hear the plans his employees had made.
“Hector, you do not have to do this.” Jasper narrowed his eyes and the frown returned to his brow.
The smile fell from Hector’s face. “My lord, you have known me since I was a wee lad. I was cursed with a big mouth and blessed with long legs so I could run from the trouble my mouth started. I am not a brave man, but there comes a time when we must all do what we can to redress the balance. I would consider it an honour to offer Master Elijah a place to rest his head at night while he labours to bring down those who have harmed this family.”
Marjory kissed her new husband on the cheek. “While it happens rarely, in this instance I agree with Hector. Master Elijah can stay with us, and it would be an easy thing to say we are his grandparents, if he will grant us that privilege. While we might not be able to fight beside you, we can ensure someone has a care for him. And he will be home for supper every night, or he will answer to me.”
Jasper sighed and turned to his mate. “Did you know about this?”
“No. But I will sleep easier at night knowing that Hector and Marjory are making sure Elijah is cared for. As the heart of this estate he can summon me if he needs, but the connection doesn’t allow me to know if he’s eaten his vegetables or washed behind his ears,” Dawn said.
They had only known each other for a few months, but with her nurturing gift, Dawn had stepped into the role of caring for the entire village with ease. Elijah had known more affection from her in their short association than he had ever known in forty years from the woman who had given him life. The far greater gift Dawn gave him was allowing him to venture away without pulling on the ethereal strand that bound them all to the Ravensblood tree.
“You can’t have a raven follow me everywhere, Uncle. I’m sure the Soarers would notice that.” Excitement had won the battle inside Elijah. While he was determined to go and his uncle wouldn’t stop him, it settled some of his fears to know the others were at his back.
“No, but I can have a sole raven in the trees around Hector’s cottage. You’ll be able to send word if you need. I also expect you to show every respect to Hector and Marjory, as if they were your real grandparents.” Jasper reached out and pulled Elijah into a strong hug.
The young man swallowed a lump that rose up in his throat. “Thank you, Uncle, for letting me go.”
Jasper ended the hug and held Elijah at arm’s length. “Julian would be proud. You’ve grown into a fine young man with a sensible head on your shoulders. I know you won’t do anything rash.”
Elijah nodded, unable to speak. His time had come. Responsibility pressed on his shoulders, but he was a gargoyle and could carry the weight.
3
The next morning, the family gathered in the courtyard in front of the barn to say their goodbyes. Hector and Marjory would take the cart, pulled by a sturdy piebald horse. In the back, they loaded their luggage and supplies for the cottage. To the rest of the world they appeared to be a small family heading to Kessel to start a new life. It was no fiction to say Elijah’s parents were dead and that he was in the care of his grandparents, nor to say that he cared for both Hector and Marjory.
Elijah would ride, since he was unwilling to part with his favourite horse or the freedom that the mount offered. If anyone questioned a working-class lad with a fine mount he would say he’d won it in a game of cards. That wasn’t too far from the truth. He had wheedled the horse from his uncle as a birthday present the year before.
Dawn held out her arms to him with tears glistening in her eyes. “Stay safe, please, but signal me if you are in danger,” she whispered as she hugged him tight.
“I promise,” he replied and, on impulse, kissed her cheek. Then his cheeks heated and he looked away.
Next he faced his uncle. The earl clenched his jaw and his brow was furrowed. He clasped Elijah on the shoulders. “Remember who you are and promise to tell Hector and Marjory everything, before you do anything. I trust them to offer you wise and cautious counsel.”
“I promise, Uncle.” He hugged his uncle and then took the reins of his horse from the groom.
Elijah sat in the saddle and cast around. This was it. The time had arrived for him to leave his home and avenge his father. He thought the pivotal moment would be more noteworthy, perhaps with a marching band playing a rousing tune. Or at least a flash of thunder from the sky as Ouranus shook his fist at the man who would challenge his children.
Instead, he wondered if he embarked on a fool’s errand. For years he had imagined avenging his father with daring acts, but what if he were tested and failed? As his hands tightened on the reins he wondered if he was ready, or if perhaps he should wait until he was older.
Then his gaze lighted on Dawn as she took Jasper’s hand. They had escaped Ava but a weight still held his family down. He would free them so they could all move on and live full lives. Whether he was truly ready or not, the time for action had arrived.
Hector clicked his tongue. The horse leaned into the harness and the cart rolled along the drive. Elijah put heel to his horse and it trotted off. He was determined to keep his gaze on what lay before him, not behind. Only when he reached the bottom of the drive did he glance back.
Three ravens flew overhead, large black wings flapping in lazy strokes as they circled above. His horse walked between the tall pillars with the stationary watchers atop that stood at the edge of the estate. Elijah nodded at the statues and then turned right, away from the village and all he knew.
Kessel was nestled at the foot of the western side of the Cumbrian mountain range. As a raven flew, it was only some thirty miles from Alysblud. But the horses were forced to take the narrow and often winding roads.
Marjory and Hector chatted about a range of things while Elijah rode in silence, wrapped in his own thoughts. At times the old couple burst into song as they shared some memory of their forty years together. When the sun rose high in the sky, Hector directed the cart off the road and into a lush meadow.
Marjory spread a blanket on the grass and they let the horses graze while they ate a cold lunch.
“Why did you leave Kessel, Hector?” Elijah asked as he had a slice of pie.
“My mam died and I decided I didn’t want to die working in the mill like her. Thought I’d set off and seek my fortune but I only made it as far as Alysblud. The old earl took me in and from the very first day, it felt like home. Then when this enchantress arrived I definitely wasn’t going anywhere.” Hector took Marjory’s hand and kissed her knuckles.
The old woman laughed and Elijah smiled. It warmed him inside to see that even after the bulk of a human lifespan, the two were obviously still in love with each other. With lunch eaten, they packed away the blanket and basket and continued their journey.
Afternoon lengthened as they neared Kessel and Elijah shifted in the saddle. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent all day riding and his muscles protested. If it wouldn’t have given him away, he would have shifted form and flown to shake off the stiffness. As it was, he thought his bottom had turned to granite.
“Not too far now. The cottage is just along this road and on the left,” Hector called.
“Good, the seat of this cart is as hard as stone and my bottom has gone numb,” Marjory replied, voicing Elijah’s exact sentiment.
Hector chuckled. “Never worry, my beloved. I shall rub it for you when we stop.”
Elijah tried to close his ears and pretend he hadn’t heard that. A rising horror dawned in his mind: he was going to share a cottage with the old couple on their honeymoon. While sixty was the blush of youth for an Elemental, that was ancient for humans. A couple of such advanced years wouldn’t have any nocturnal amorous adventures, would they?
He could only hope they were well past those days, otherwise he would have to stick his head in a boulder to get any sleep.
As they rounded another bend in the dull afternoon light, the road straightened out and revealed a bright bold red shape up ahead. As they approached, the distant ember transformed into a young woman in a blood-red velvet habit. She held reins in her gloved hands as she walked beside her horse. The horse had a noticeable limp as it took short strides.
