The Legacy of Souls (Seb Thomas Book 2)

by M S C Barnes

  “Alice, I am not meaning to not trust you, it’s just — complicated,” he said.

  “No. You are making it complicated. It’s simple really, Seb. Let me weave for you, and you’ll feel better about what you have to do; don’t use me, and get affected every time you read a soul. There’s nothing more complicated than that.”

  Seb shook his head. “I can’t Alice.”

  “Look, Seb.” Alice sat beside him and Pace slumped on the floor in front of them. “Why don’t you go and see Nat —”

  “Not Nat. I don’t want to upset her.”

  “Really? Not Nat? You won’t let her do her job either? We are in trouble.” Alice nudged him and grinned, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

  “Aelfric doesn’t seem to need anyone. He just gets on with it.” Seb petted Pace and the wolf put his huge head on the bed beside him.

  “Seb, he’s been doing this for centuries,” Alice said and then his eyes widened, sparkling in the flamer-light. “I know, if you don’t want to talk to Nat, then why don’t you go and see Greg? He’ll be able to help — and he can tell you what Aelfric was like when he first became a Custodian. I’ll bet you he had Dierne weave for him and used Greg heavily back then.”

  Seb had to agree that was a good idea. He couldn’t continue like this, letting everyone down, letting Aelfric down. “Okay. I can do that.” He smiled at Alice and, standing, waved his hand towards the bathroom where he knew there was a magical doorway within the physical door. Wandering over, he reached for the silver doorknob, aware that Pace was behind him. “Why are you following me?” He turned to the wolf. The animal just whimpered and stood his ground.

  “Seb, let him come with us. He obviously wants to.” Alice zoomed across to join them.

  “Oh, you’re coming as well?” Seb had envisaged a private chat with Greg, then realised how foolish that thought was. Since he had learned of the existence of other realities and this, his Dryad twin, he was virtually never alone. In fact, he had got so used to Alice being permanently by his side it would actually seem alien to have his twin disappear. The problem was, though, Seb didn’t want him knowing what his real issue was. Alice would probably find it even more insulting that Seb didn’t trust him to keep his confidences than Seb simply not trusting him to weave for him. So now he dithered, not opening the door.

  “Come on, Seb, of course I’m coming. Open the door.” When Seb still hesitated, Alice put his hands on his hips. “Oh, Seb! It’s me you have the problem with. You want to talk to Greg about me!” Alice stood for a moment, looking astounded, and then suddenly zoomed up and disappeared through the ceiling.

  “Alice, it’s not —” Seb found himself talking to thin air. “Alice?” he called in his mind. Alice didn’t reply and he didn’t return. After a moment Pace grunted. Seb called again for Alice, but to no avail.

  Feeling about as guilty as he had since he had become a Custodian, Seb knew he really did need to speak to someone — someone who could help him find a way through this dilemma — and now, a way to make peace with Alice. “Okay, Pace, come on. Let’s go where I need to be.” Seizing the doorknob again, he pushed and the door swung open.

  It was only as he stepped through and his feet touched an uneven, bumpy surface that Seb noticed the ache in his palm. His stomach lurched, and then he felt a slight relief as Pace nudged through the doorway behind him. A gust of wind blew sea spray into his face and a swathe of icy water washed over his feet. Through twilight darkness he could see that he and Pace had stepped out of the rocky face of a low cliff front, onto a sea-weed-messy, pebbly inlet. Ahead of them, he could just about make out the froth and foam of waves as they curled and churned ready to spill over onto the shingle.

  The ache in his palm grew stronger and, trying not to panic, Seb scanned the area around him, looking for what was causing it. Pace’s hackles were up and he snarled. Another torrent of icy seawater covered Seb’s soaking feet and he shivered and then he glimpsed a shape to his left and turned. Flying just above the ground, rushing towards him at phenomenal speed, was a raven the size of an albatross and it glared at him with red, avaricious eyes.

  This was a gytrash — a trespassing soul that, having taken over the host body of the raven, was now seeking to invade a human host. Suddenly it veered right, away from him and only now did Seb see another dark shape, standing further around the curve of the inlet, staring out to sea — a human figure, a woman. Apparently spotting the red eyes, she jerked and stumbled backwards.

  Seb’s heart was pounding as another wave of cold water cascaded over his feet and calves. He knew what he had to do — this was his role — he had to cast the trespassing soul out of the bird and deal with it before it could take over this poor woman’s body. But then I have to read the soul… The visions… As he hesitated, the pebbles beneath his feet were sucked away, pulled by the retreating wave, and he overbalanced.

  Staring in horror, Seb watched the gytrash swoop round to circle behind the woman. He reached out and grabbed Pace’s fur, using the animal to regain his balance, but now the raven was zooming towards this woman, who twisted to watch its flight. She let out a terrified scream as it stretched its taloned feet towards her.

  Seb felt awful. He was meant to help, but fear of reading that soul petrified him. So he simply watched as the raven hooked its talons onto the woman’s shoulders. It was so large, and the force of its attack so strong, she was thrown to the ground. All Seb saw was a flash of red eyes, then dark shapes writhing in the murky twilight, before a wisp of white poured upwards out of the bird and twirled round to descend towards the woman.

  Then, as if gripped by a strong wind, the white mist was yanked away, pulled at speed to the opposite side of the inlet. Seb saw a flurry of silver sparkles and the misty soul vanished for a second before reappearing and then floating off over the sea, away from a tall figure who stood near the cliff face. Aelfric.

  Standing on soaking, frozen feet, his fingers still entwined in Pace’s thick fur, Seb watched the carcass of the bird disintegrate and wondered if Aelfric knew he was there — and knew he had failed to act.

  The woman slowly got up and looked around, confused. Seb leant back towards the rocks, hiding in the shadows. She didn’t see him. Giving a loud sob, she rushed off the beach, clambering up the dark incline behind her.

  Pace had settled and the ache in Seb’s palm had gone. Another wash of the cold seawater crashed against his ankles, the tide rising quickly. Again the pebbles were sucked away from beneath him and he clung to Pace not knowing what to do now.

  The sound of crunching footsteps neared and Aelfric joined him.

  So he does know I’m here. Seb hung his head.

  “Let’s get you into the warm.” Aelfric smiled and, lifting his hand, shone moonlight towards the rocks behind Seb. As the door appeared he opened it and guided Seb through. “Well done Pace,” he said, patting the wolf.

  Darkness

  They emerged into the warmth of The Pytt and Seb was relieved to find that no-one else was there. Pace followed them through and circled around the fire to join Cue who, as though leaping through an invisible wall, had appeared from nowhere on the opposite side of the vast room.

  Aelfric put his arm around Seb’s shoulders.

  “Come on,” he said, walking him to the seat beside the wolves, who stretched out on the floor in front of him as he sat down. Taking the bench seat next to him, Aelfric rubbed his hands in mid-air and produced a pyril which he then placed over Seb’s feet. Seb watched in awe as the pyril grew in size to fit fully around his ankles. Instantly he felt its warmth; an intense, but not burning heat, as though he had a hot water bottle moulded around his legs. In only seconds his trousers, socks and even his shoes were dry and the numbness in his toes had gone. As if knowing its job was done, the pyril fizzled away.

  “Let’s have a coffee,” Aelfric said, standing, and walked over to the small kitchen area to the left. Only now did Seb realise Dierne wasn’t with him. The wolves, respon
ding to Aelfric’s departure, sat upright, one either side of Seb, like bodyguards. He felt disturbed by their attentiveness. In minutes Aelfric had prepared two espressos and rejoined him.

  “Why are they guarding me?” Seb asked over the steam swirling from his coffee cup.

  “Because I have asked them to,” Aelfric said, watching him closely, the flames of the fire casting half his face in shadow. “Do you feel anything, Seb?” he asked.

  Seb blushed and hoped that the rosy glow of the fire would mask his red cheeks. Guilty and useless; that’s how I feel.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t deal with it. I told you — before I was confirmed I told you —” he said, defensively, “I can’t be as good as you. I am so scared, always. Scared of failing, scared of what I am meant to do, scared of causing more problems than I solve, scared of the things I see when I read the souls.” Seb had to stop. He was on the verge of tears, and for a thirteen-year-old that was unacceptable. He turned to stare into the fire, avoiding Aelfric’s gaze.

  “Seb, I am not asking you to apologise, or to explain yourself.” Aelfric moved round and sat on the plinth in front of him. Seb looked up. “With me that is never necessary.” He smiled kindly. “If you want to discuss any of those feelings you can; you need to know that; either with Nat or with Greg or myself. We will all listen and try to help you work through them. But that is not what I am asking. Do you not feel — anything else?”

  “Like what?” Seb mumbled, concentrating now on his birthmark. It felt fine — just a slight tingle due to the proximity of the wolves — that was a good thing. Nothing else. He shook his head. “No. What should I feel?”

  “Darkness,” Aelfric said leaning forward. Seb felt a chill run down his spine and Cue whined. “I feel it, Seb. A darkness that broods just between the passageways, the realities. It ebbs and flows. And it has been growing in strength for some time now.”

  Seb shivered. He could detect nothing. If Aelfric was feeling something, then that was yet another example of his own failure as a Custodian. “I can’t feel anything. I am sorry.” He dropped his chin.

  “You have nothing to apologise for Seb.” Aelfric, standing, placed a hand on his shoulder. “Now, I need you to listen carefully. I do not wish to create more fear or anxiety for you, but I must speak frankly. I have no idea what this darkness is. That it comes at a time when there is a soul who has learned the art of liffæstan is disturbing. For this reason I have placed Cue and his pack on guard.” Seb looked at the wolves. “Pace will remain at your side. He will not leave you Seb. And neither will Alice.” Aelfric paused and glanced to his left. Seb blushed again.

  “Alice left. I upset him,” he said, embarrassed.

  “Call him,” Aelfric said.

  “I tried. I think he’s really angry. He didn’t come back.”

  “Call him,” Aelfric said again, now turning to his left and staring into space, beyond the seats.

  In his head Seb called for Alice. To his surprise the Dryad immediately materialised, exactly where Aelfric had been looking.

  “That is enough game-playing Alice,” Aelfric said. “You must stay visible to Seb. That is your place. Do not use drama and fakery to make a point.” Now Alice looked embarrassed. “If you are upset, you should discuss your feelings with him, not play games.” Aelfric waited until Alice nodded and then continued. “Now, you have heard what I told Seb?” Alice nodded again. “Good. Pace will remain with Seb at all times, unless I say otherwise. Tomorrow evening you go home for the Christmas holidays, Seb,” he turned to Seb, “and so our contact will be more remote. Alice will be responsible for ensuring there is a channel of communication between us.” Dierne materialised beside Aelfric. “As will Dierne,” Aelfric continued. “I will deal with any trespassers over the weekend. Monday, as you know, is the solstice. You need to rest before then.”

  Aelfric now paused and taking Seb’s empty cup from him, sat once more on the plinth. “Seb, I do not want to brush aside your feelings. Though I was not asking for explanation, I know you are finding things difficult. Do you wish to discuss it with me?” Seb glanced across to Alice and Dierne and then shook his head. Alice tutted.

  Aelfric, noting Seb’s reaction, turned to the Dryads. “Could you give us a moment?” Dierne instantly nodded and disappeared upwards, through the domed roof. Alice remained. “Alice, it is still early days in your relationship with Seb. There is much he doesn’t understand. Do not find this a slight. He needs some freedom to talk in a situation he is comfortable with,” Aelfric said.

  Seb was surprised and upset to see that Alice looked hurt rather than annoyed. Without a word, following the route taken by Dierne, he disappeared.

  Aelfric sat beside Seb. Placing the cup on the plinth, he didn’t look at him. He stroked Cue and stared at the flames of the fire. “Would you like to speak now? Or would you rather I call for Nat or Greg?”

  Seb knew he desperately needed to talk to someone. Aelfric had never once judged him, criticised him, or blamed him for any failure and so, hopeful that he would not do so now, he said, “I love Nat.”

  He surprised himself at the words he had uttered. He hadn’t intended to say them and didn’t know why it was those words that had come out, when he had meant to start on such a different tac. They were, however, the truth and, he realised, the cause of most of his problems.

  Aelfric, to Seb’s relief, didn’t react, he simply continued slowly stroking Cue and watching the fire. When he remained silent, waiting, Seb continued.

  “I have since the day I met her.” Pace sat up and put his huge head on its side. Seb reached out and stroked him. “And I would do anything not to hurt her.” The fire crackled, Pace grunted. Seb didn’t know how to continue. He lapsed into awkward silence.

  After a moment Aelfric turned to him. “Alice will not betray your confidences,” he said.

  Seb’s breath caught in his throat. Aelfric understood. Instantly he had joined the dots.

  “I, I —” Seb struggled to find the words. “I just worry that if I let him weave for me, he will feel sorry for me and think I need Nat’s help, and then he will share what I have seen and felt with her and I couldn’t — Well, she doesn’t ever need to see or feel those things.” He fell silent again.

  “Do you think so little of Nat?” Aelfric asked after a moment.

  Seb was taken aback. “No. I think the world of her.”

  “But you do not trust her to undertake the role she was born for?”

  “It would hurt her. And that would be my fault.”

  “Seb,” Aelfric smiled, “Your issue is one of trust. You must trust Alice to keep the confidences you give him.” Seb felt a sudden jolt of sadness and hopelessness. Cue whimpered and a small frown crossed Aelfric’s face as he glanced at the wolf. Then he continued. “But, you must trust Nat too. As a Custodian you need to trust every member of your group to undertake their role effectively. You should not doubt, or question or direct. They were given their talents by Nature, as you were given yours. Trust them.” Seb felt so sad he actually felt ill. Cue whined. “Nat is a supremely talented Sensor; she can cope with any and all things you could require of her —” Aelfric, taking his hand from Cue’s back, gave a wry smile. “— Except maybe one.” The smile disappeared. “May I make a suggestion?” Seb, pondering what the ‘one’ could be and trying to lift the dark cloud of despondency, nodded. “I am assuming you have said nothing to either of them. And that is part of your problem. Talk to Alice and tell him what you told me. You may be surprised at his response.”

  Seb stared at the fire, looking embarrassed, nervous of admitting his feelings to Alice. Aelfric, noting his awkwardness said, “Seb, trust your twin to understand your feelings and to keep your confidences. And in return, understand his feelings; it hurts him when you shut him out.”

  Seb’s heart lurched. He knew the sense in what Aelfric was suggesting but for some reason another wave of sadness washed over him. Cue whined again and Aelfric stood abruptly. “Seb. I am
sorry. I know there is more you wish to discuss, but there is something —” He stopped speaking and shut his eyes. When he opened them his expression was veiled. “Seb, return to the cottage. I need to speak to Greg and Dom.”

  “What’s happening?” Seb asked, slightly alarmed.

  “Dierne, Alice,” Aelfric called and as they materialised said to Seb, “I feel it again. And Cue can detect it too.” The wolf stood, ears pricked, hackles up. “Dierne, I need Dom and Greg please. Can you tell them I will open the door in a moment. Alice,” He turned to Alice. “Return to the cottage with Seb and Pace. We will pass messages through you.” Alice, face serious, nodded. “Go now Seb,” Aelfric said and Seb, reluctantly, headed towards the physical door on the far side of the room, Pace beside him and Alice at his shoulder. As he reached the door, the magical doorway appeared yards to its left. That one opened and a concerned looking Greg walked through. He closed it and a second later it re-opened and Dom appeared. The two strode straight across to Aelfric who had placed both his hands on Cue’s forehead. His head was lowered and his eyes closed, as if he were concentrating.

  “Come on, Seb,” Alice encouraged him. “Dierne is saying we need to go.”

  Seb opened the door and began his ascent up the twist of stone steps that led to the sitting room of the cottage above. Flamers lit the way but Seb’s thoughts were still dark. What was Aelfric detecting and why was he so useless he couldn’t feel it?

  Reaching the door at the top of the spiral staircase Seb paused. He wasn’t ready for another tirade from Scarlet and wondered if she and Aiden were still sitting by the fire. Actually, he had lost track of time, as often happened, and for the hundredth time wished he had a wrist watch.

  “Are Scarlet and Aiden still in there?” he said to Alice as Pace nudged him from behind, the poor beast squashed in the narrow confines of this ancient stairway.

  “They’re in the kitchen,” Alice said.

  Seb relaxed. He could sneak through and back to the bedroom, undetected. He opened the door, pushing it against the heavy drag of a large tapestry that hung on the wall the other side, hiding it from the view of visitors. But as he entered the room, The Caretaker’s voice called through from the kitchen.