by MJ Schutte
‘Then let’s do it!’ Lilian said excitedly.
‘How?’ Brighton asked. ‘You can’t just walk into town and trade your talent for a dress and some shoes.’
Lilian was getting more and more excited.
‘I know a way,’ she said breathlessly, ‘My father has a bracelet that can remove the talent from us.’
‘Markus? Back in Four Mountains?’ Brighton asked.
‘No, my real father,’ Lilian said carefully.
‘Markus is not your father? Then who is?’ Brighton asked with a frown.
‘Do you remember the man that attacked us in Four Mountains?’ she asked.
‘Yes. Thomas thought it might have been Seth, the Supreme.’
‘It was,’ she said softly.
Brighton waited for her to continue but she just sat watching his face.
Suddenly his body went rigid and his eyes wide.
‘NO!’ he shouted.
Lilian jumped off his lap and stood back very quickly. She wrung her hands together.
Brighton got up. He towered over Lilian.
‘No. Tell me Seth is not your father,’ he pleaded.
Lilian stared at him. Her big blue eyes were filling with tears.
‘Bri, please…’
‘That monster took you away from me for six years!’ Brighton shouted, ‘If I ever see him again I will rip him to pieces!’
‘I hate him too, but he can make it possible for us to be together without fear,’ Lilian said softly.
Brighton was so angry he almost didn’t hear Lilian.
He was pacing up and down the porch.
‘I’m going to rip his…’
He stopped.
‘What did you say?’
‘Seth can help us,’ Lilian repeated.
‘He has this…this…this thing?’
‘Bracelet,’ Lilian helped him.
‘Yes, that!’ Brighton shouted.
He saw the fear on Lilian’s face. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. Brighton stepped closer and gently put his arms around her. She felt so small in his big arms.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, pressing his lips into her blond hair.
‘I didn’t mean to scare you. None of this is your fault.’
They stood like that for a long time.
Carmen and Thomas approached the house.
‘Behave,’ she whispered urgently to him.
He grunted something that vaguely resembled agreement. Brighton and Lilian were standing on the porch, hugging. Carmen feigned a cough to let them know they were back. Reluctantly the young people separated. Carmen noticed Lilian’s eyes were red. She couldn’t help but wonder what had transpired while she and Thomas were away.
Ever diplomatic, she didn’t ask. If the young couple wanted them to know, they would tell them. With relief she saw that Thomas hadn’t noticed. She knew he would simply demand to know what happened.
‘Anyone for some lemon juice?’ she offered.
Everybody accepted. Lilian mostly because she didn’t want to be rude. She still could not understand how anybody could drink it undiluted. Carmen disappeared into the house to fetch the juice.
Thomas sat down quietly. He knew if he started talking, he would try to persuade Brighton not to go with Lilian. That would bring Carmen’s wrath down on him. Deep down he also knew that she was right; Brighton had to make his own decisions. Thomas just wished they had a little bit more time to explore what Brighton could do with his talent.
Carmen reappeared with a makeshift tray.
‘Brighton, take the tray,’ she instructed.
Brighton jumped up and did what she said.
‘Now hold it for the ladies first,’ she said.
She was expecting some sarcastic remark or light-hearted comment but Brighton simply did as she told him. He waited for Carmen to sit and held the tray for her. She took a cup and thanked him. Next, he went to Lilian.
‘The one to your left my dear,’ Carmen said to Lilian.
Lilian took the indicated cup and sipped. It was lemon juice but heavily diluted.
‘Thank you,’ she mouthed to Carmen.
The old woman smiled at her.
Thomas took his cup off the tray, still determined to remain silent.
Brighton put the tray down and took the last cup. He sat down next to Lilian.
‘I’m going to Zedonia with Lily,’ he said flatly.
Typical Brighton, Carmen thought.
No time for small talk, just come out and say what’s on your mind. A lot like Thomas.
She smiled to herself. She looked at Lilian and for a moment thought the young woman looked surprised.
‘When are you leaving?’ Carmen asked calmly.
Brighton was taken aback momentarily. He expected an argument from Carmen. He looked at Thomas. Surely the old man would argue.
Thomas remained stone faced.
‘Um…tomorrow,’ Brighton said.
He actually didn’t know what Lilian’s plans were but was not about to admit that.
He didn’t want Thomas and Carmen to know that the discussion between him and Lilian never finished.
‘Good, that gives me time to bake fresh bread for the road,’ Carmen said.
‘Brighton…’ Thomas started.
Carmen’s eyes snapped to him.
Please don’t start a fight she silently begged.
Thomas looked at Carmen sideways and back at Brighton.
‘Good luck on your travels. Perhaps you can visit sometime. Lilian, look after him, sometimes he is still just a big baby.’
Brighton was speechless. He had tons of arguments ready but neither of the old people even wanted to discuss his decision. They seemed to support it fully.
Makes it easier for me he thought.
‘Actually, we have to check with Lily’s father. I don’t really know when we’re leaving,’ Brighton admitted.
Lilian found her voice.
‘I will go later and ask my father.’
‘I’ll go with you,’ Brighton said. ‘In fact, why, don’t we go now?’
Carmen softly said, ‘Finish your juice first.’
Brighton drained the cup in one gulp.
‘There, it’s empty,’ he said holding the cup for Carmen to see.
Lilian was less enthusiastic about going immediately. She was very nervous about Brighton meeting her father.
Brighton sat watching her impatiently, wondering why she sipped so slowly. He felt the presence of someone on the road but didn’t take notice, lots of people passed by on their way to the river.
Lilian looked up and her body went rigid. Fear was clearly visible in her blue eyes. Seth was approaching the house. Thomas also noticed but his eyes did not show fear. His whole face was a mask of intense hate.
‘Good afternoon,’ Seth said pleasantly as he reached the house.
Everybody got up.
‘And a good afternoon to you, sir,’ Carmen said politely. ‘Would you like to join us for some lemon juice?’
‘It is very kind of you. Yes, thank you, I will,’ Seth replied with a smile.
Turning to Lilian, he said, ‘A kiss for your father?’
Lilian did not move, she felt like her feet were stuck to the ground.
Brighton’s eyes went wide. This was the man who kidnapped Lilian six years ago. The urge to rip his head clean off his shoulders was almost too much for Brighton.
He struggled to keep his composure as he said, ‘Good afternoon sir, I’m Brighton.’
‘Ah, yes, I’m assuming you’re the young man who stole my daughter’s heart. I’m very pleased to meet you. I’m Seth.’
Carmen spoke up, ‘I’m Carmen and this is Thomas,’ she said gesturing to her brother.
‘I’m pleased to meet you both,’ Seth said politely.
Thomas was gripping his walking stick so tight his knuckles went white.
Carmen noticed and quickly said, ‘Please excuse Thomas, he doesn’t meet strange people ver
y often. He lives in the woods.’
‘No offense taken,’ Seth replied pleasantly.
Brighton stepped aside and offered Seth his chair.
That brought an approving nod from Carmen.
She said to Lilian, ‘My dear, please pour your father some juice.’
‘Water will be perfect,’ Seth said quickly.
Just for an instant Thomas thought he felt Seth using his sense. It was so fleeting that he was uncertain but the way Brighton looked at Seth confirmed his suspicion.
Now he knows what my energy feels like. No doubt he will kill me at the first opportunity.
Worse, he probably realized that he couldn’t sense Brighton.
Seth turned to Brighton.
‘So, young man, has Lilian asked you to accompany us to Zedonia?’
Still keeping his composure Brighton nodded and said, ‘We were just on our way to discuss the travel arrangements with you when you arrived, sir.’
Seth smiled and said, ‘Carmen taught you well but please, call me Seth.’
Lilian handed Seth a cup of water.
‘Thank you,’ he said to her. ‘What do you think, Lilian? Should we leave tomorrow morning?’
Lilian stood rooted. She didn’t know what to answer. Seth had never asked her opinion on anything.
Carmen spoke instead, ‘Perhaps that’s a good idea. I will have time to bake some bread for the trip.’
‘Thank you Carmen, that would be wonderful,’ Seth said with a smile, ‘Brighton, Lilian, are you in agreement with this?’
Both nodded their heads. Lilian had never seen Seth this friendly or talkative. She wondered if he found the man he was looking for. Maybe it’s just that he would be rid of her finally. Whatever the reason, she was happy that he wasn’t his moody, brooding self.
Seth drained the cup and handed it back to Lilian.
‘I’d better be off then. I’m glad we sorted out our arrangements,’ he said.
He walked off the porch. Lilian started following him. He stopped and turned.
‘Why don’t you stay here tonight?’ he said to Lilian.
Turning to Carmen, he added, ‘If the lady of the house approves, of course.’
‘It would be our pleasure,’ Carmen replied.
Seth looked at Lilian for an answer.
‘Um…yes…yes, thank you, father,’ she stammered.
‘Meet me on the road to Zedonia where that big tree has fallen over. Do you know the place?’ he said.
‘I remember,’ Lilian answered quickly.
‘Be there at sunrise,’ Seth said as he turned and walked away.
Chapter 10
NOBODY SPOKE UNTIL Seth was almost out of sight.
Brighton found his voice first.
‘That was slightly awkward,’ he said.
‘Slightly awkward?’ Lilian echoed. ‘No, that was downright strange!’
Carmen asked, ‘Why do you say that?’
‘I’ve been with Seth for six years now. I’ve never seen him that friendly to anyone, not even the other Supremes!’ Lilian said.
‘Perhaps he was just being polite,’ Carmen suggested.
‘Seth? Polite?’ Lilian exclaimed with surprise, ‘No, Seth is never polite. Rude, obnoxious, arrogant, demanding, but never polite. That was very, very strange.’
‘I wonder if he finally found the man he’s been looking for all these years,’ Lilian mused to herself.
Thomas spoke softly, ‘He has now.’
Brighton looked at him quizzically.
‘What do you mean?’
Thomas just sat staring into the blue sky.
‘Thomas is the one Seth has been hunting,’ Carmen explained softly.
Brighton and Lilian were both speechless.
‘It’s been over sixty years that Thomas has been able to evade Seth.’ Carmen said softly.
‘I started believing Thomas could stay hidden forever.’
Brighton found his voice.
‘Why is he after you?’ he asked breathlessly.
‘Did you see the scar on his face? Thomas gave that to him,’ Carmen answered.
Hundreds of questions ran through Brighton’s mind but before he could speak, Carmen said softly to Thomas, ‘You should tell them.’
Thomas didn’t speak; he just sat still, staring into the sky.
Brighton opened his mouth but a quick shake of the head from Carmen made him decide to stay quiet and wait for Thomas.
Eventually Thomas looked at the young people.
‘Do you remember the story I told you about the uprising in Zedonia?’ he asked Brighton.
‘Yes,’ Brighton answered.
Turning to Lilian he asked, ‘Do you know about it?’
‘Everyone in Zedonia knows about it,’ she replied.
‘How much do you know?’ Thomas asked.
‘Only that there was talk of a rebellion against the Supremes. Seth squashed it and it’s never happened again,’ Lilian answered.
Thomas nodded.
‘Yes, few people know what really happened that day.’
‘So the story you told me was a lie,’ Brighton asked.
‘No, all of it is true but I left out certain parts,’ Thomas replied.
‘The leader of the rebels was a Dark One called Andreas. This is the real reason seven of the eight Supremes made an appearance that day. They could not allow one of their own to rebel against them. It was as much a display of power for the people as it was for other Dark Ones. The Supremes made sure that no talented person would ever doubt the superiority of the Supremes again.’
Brighton asked, ‘This Andreas, he was the one Seth killed?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did you know him?’ Brighton asked.
Thomas whispered, ‘He was our brother.’
‘And that’s why you hate him,’ Brighton surmised.
‘But why does he hunt you? Did you have something to do with the rebellion?’ he asked.
It was Carmen that answered, ‘No, but Matthew did.’
‘Matthew? Your late husband?’
‘Yes,’ Carmen answered.
‘Was he the second man Seth killed?’
‘Tried to kill,’ Thomas corrected.
Lilian frowned.
‘Tried to kill? Seth doesn’t try to kill someone. He does or he doesn’t, it’s that simple for him.’
Thomas explained, ‘After Seth instantly killed Andreas he must have decided to take his time with Matthew. Perhaps as a display of power, I don’t really know why. Carmen and I were in the crowd watching. When I saw Andreas drop dead and the energy link slam into Matthew’s head I couldn’t help myself. I picked up a rock and flung it at Seth. It was purely a reaction on my part so I didn’t even aim properly but the rock struck Seth on the side of his face. It had a sharp edge that cut him deeply. That’s the scar you see today.’
‘Didn’t he see you?’ Brighton asked, very surprised at what he was hearing.
‘No, I disappeared into the crowd immediately. Only two people saw who it was that threw the rock.’
Brighton waited for Thomas to say who saw him but he just remained silent. Carmen saw the question in Brighton’s eyes and answered it.
‘I was the one person. Louisa was the other.’
Before Brighton could ask, Carmen continued, ‘Louisa was Thomas’ wife.’
‘Don’t mention that witch’s name in front of me,’ Thomas snarled.
Brighton and Lilian were both taken aback by the hatred in Thomas’ voice. Neither of them wanted to ask who Louisa was.
Carmen answered the unspoken question.
‘Thomas and Louisa fell in love and got married about five years before the rebellion. In their second year of marriage, they had a beautiful little girl. Thomas loved them both very much.’
‘I loved Mandy very much, not that witch that was her mother,’ Thomas whispered, remembering his daughter.
Lilian asked softly, ‘Loved? What happened to her?’
&
nbsp; Again, it was Carmen that answered.
‘Only Louisa and I knew who threw the rock. The Supremes immediately put a reward out on Thomas’ head. Anyone that could point him out would receive the gift. It was like a free pass into the royal family and immortality. Louisa went to the Supremes the next day and gave them a description of Thomas. She betrayed him.’
Lilian frowned. ‘As far as I know you have to be born with the talent, it can’t be given to you.’
‘Correct,’ Thomas answered. ‘The Supremes lied.’
‘What happened to Louisa?’ Brighton asked.
‘She got what she deserved! The Supremes killed her,’ Thomas spat.
Almost choking he added, ‘Mandy was with her.’
Lilian put her hand over her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes.
Brighton looked confused.
Softly Carmen said to him, ‘The Supremes killed her too.’
Thomas was openly crying now. It was so long ago but every time he thought about it, he still cried for his little girl.
Lilian went to him and tenderly put her arms around him.
‘I’m so sorry Thomas,’ she whispered.
Thomas tried to smile at her through his tears.
Brighton whispered to Carmen, ‘What happened to Matthew?’
Carmen shook her head but Thomas heard the question and answered.
‘I killed him,’ he said flatly.
Brighton and Lilian were shocked.
Lilian, still hugging Thomas said, ‘You must have had a reason?’
‘Seth had taken a lot of Matthew’s energy by the time the rock hit him,’ Thomas said.
‘He was in excruciating pain. We tried to help him but by that evening, I knew he would die. I decided to end his suffering.’
‘We decided,’ Carmen corrected. ‘You don’t have to take any blame for that,’ she said to Thomas.
‘We made that decision together but I wasn’t strong enough to do it. You did both Matthew and me a great service that day,’ she said tenderly.
Brighton slowly said, ‘So Seth has been hunting you all these years with only a description of you. He has never seen you or felt your energy. He basically does not know who you are. Why do you think he recognized you today?’
‘That witch gave a very detailed description of me. My hair did not go this white because I’m aging; it’s always been this way,’ Thomas answered.
