The Legacy of Souls (Seb Thomas Book 2)

by M S C Barnes

  They took a moment to rest and Greg used the time to explain to Seb’s group, all about the staircase.

  “This is one of, to my knowledge, ten routes to The Sanctum of Friends. Its end is a meeting place, created by Heath, for the longest serving and, in their own eyes, most important of the World’s Custodians. Heath numbered himself and Henri Durand as two of them and indeed, given both his and Henri’s lengthy services, who would argue? Others were recruited to this group only on the invitation of Heath and Henri — when they deemed a specific Custodian worthy. Its purpose was never clear. We already have a Custodian Witan — a form of Senate — which meets when required and in which every Custodian can hold the floor and raise, debate and vote on issues of concern or import. Nevertheless, Heath formed the Sanctum, and these select Custodians gather when they deem necessary to discuss affairs they deem important and known only to them.”

  “A Star Chamber?” Zach grinned.

  “Of sorts, maybe,” Greg said.

  Aelfric, taking a deep breath, once more began climbing slowly, the wolves in front of him and Dierne at his shoulder; the others followed. Greg, puffing and panting, didn’t let his breathlessness deter him from completing his explanation.

  “This staircase, and the nine other routes, all lead to the access platform for the Sanctum. But they must be viewed as a physical key. Each person wishing to be able to set foot in the Sanctum must activate each mechanism within the relevant lock — in this case, every step on the staircase. I have no idea what form the other routes take; they are known only to the other Custodians and their groups and, indeed, Heath only ever invited us to this place on one previous occasion. Although I believe Aelfric has been more than once?” He asked the question but Aelfric didn’t respond; he continued up the staircase as though detached from Greg’s tale.

  “Anyway,” Greg said, realising he wasn’t going to answer, “only if these routes are used correctly will the traveller be able to enter the Sanctum.”

  They paused again for a few minutes at the seventeenth turn.

  “So Henri Durand has his own route?” Aiden asked and Greg nodded.

  “As do eight other Custodians. I believe Heath used a combination of Elf Magic and Dryad Lore to devise the access routes, but essentially they are all the same — a working key which gradually opens the lock to the Sanctum.”

  “So now Heath has gone,” Aiden said quietly to Greg, “has Aelfric taken his place among the ten?” Suddenly Aelfric stopped and turning, regarded Aiden with what appeared to be surprise.

  “No, Aiden. I have not.”

  There was an awkward silence, made even more awkward when Zach asked, “Were you not considered worthy?”

  “Zach!” Trudy and Scarlet said together.

  “What? Just asking,” Zach said. “It seems that, if Heath has gone, it would be logical for Aelfric to step into his shoes.”

  “It does seem that way, doesn’t it?” Aelfric said, smiling before turning and once more heading up the steep steps.

  That was the end of the conversation. They continued upwards, now accompanied only by the sound of their footfalls and Zach’s counting.

  “And twenty-two,” he said finally, and Aelfric brought everyone to a halt. To Seb’s dismay the steps continued, turning into yet another spiral.

  “Twenty-two; you said twenty-two,” Zach grumbled to Dom who looked unconcerned.

  “Did you miscount, Zach? Maybe it’s just one more turn,” Scarlet suggested.

  “No I did not miscount,” Zach said, annoyed at being doubted. “There are twelve steps per spiral and, not only have I counted twenty-two turns, I have also counted two hundred and sixty four blooming steps. You do the sums!”

  “We have taken twenty-two turns,” Dom said calmly.

  Leaning against the outer wall, breathing heavily, Aelfric lifted his hand and shone light up the steps. Like the image from a projector being turned off, the stairway disappeared. What they were now looking at was a plain chalk wall.

  “Well at least the stairs have gone,” Zach muttered. “But now we’re at a dead end. Not much better really.”

  “Scarlet,” Aelfric called her forward. “Look carefully,” he said.

  She stared at the wall, frowning then suddenly pointed. Seb could see nothing but chalk.

  “There,” she exclaimed. “I see it.” Aelfric gave her a smile. Scarlet, seeing Seb and Zach’s puzzled expressions, jabbed a finger against the wall. “There! Can’t you see it?”

  “Obviously not Scarlet,” Zach said. “It just looks like a wall. What can you see?”

  “A door frame,” she said, excitedly and ran a fingernail down the chalky surface. A fine layer of dust lifted away, circling in the torchlight and, behind the track of her nail, the thinnest of cracks was revealed.

  Zach nudged her to the side and, edging past the wolves, placed both hands on the wall.

  “Maybe if I…” he pushed. Nothing happened.

  “Zach that isn’t necessary,” Greg chuckled but Zach, ignoring him, tried again — pushing harder. The wall remained immovable. Scarlet was scraping more of the dust away to reveal the whole outline of the door and as Zach was about to lean his shoulder against it, Aelfric gently moved him away.

  “It really isn’t necessary Zach,” he said. “Dom.” Dom approached the wall and, in the cramped confines, Seb was forced to back off down the spiral of the staircase so that he could no longer see what was happening.

  The Caretaker and Trudy were a few steps below him; both seemed to be on guard, staring down the steps as if expecting someone to appear from below.

  “What are they looking for?” Seb tried to ask Alice silently. When he didn’t respond, he turned and whispered, “Can’t you hear me?”

  “This place,” Alice shook his head, looking disappointed, “It is impossible.”

  “What are they looking for?” Seb repeated in a whisper.

  “I think they are worried that Lorna may be following us,” Alice said, looking down to where the light of the torches faded into darkness. Seb felt the hairs on his neck stand on end.

  “Why would she?” he said, feeling guilty that they had abandoned the distraught woman. “How would she? She can’t see in the dark and we left her there ages ago. Surely she found her way out by now?”

  Alice, looking at Seb, spoke carefully, “Because they think Lorna is not Lorna — They think she is Jacqueline — Henri’s Guide.”

  “What?” Seb said rather too loudly and his voice bounced off the narrow walls and cold steps.

  Zach, who had also been forced to move down while Dom and Aelfric opened the door, put a hand on Seb’s shoulder. He jumped and span round.

  “Calm down mortal,” Zach chuckled. “What’s up?” he asked, noticing Seb’s shocked expression.

  Seb shook his head and whispered to him, “Alice says they think Lorna is Jacqueline, Henri’s Guide, and she might be following us,” he said.

  Zach let out a loud laugh. “Well she’s a rubbish one if she is!” he said. “She couldn’t even find her way out of the caves!” He snorted loudly.

  “She wasn’t trying to,” Trudy muttered, turning. “She was trying to find you,” she said to Seb. “And, probably, the access to the staircase.”

  “No she wasn’t,” Zach retorted. “She didn’t want to go the way we were going; that’s why we left her! Anyway, how would she get through the doorway down there? She’d need a Custodian to open it and a ladder — or a Dryad — to get her up to it!”

  “She would, wouldn’t she,” Trudy said still gazing back down the staircase. The Caretaker hadn’t moved and now Zach took a step down to stand with them.

  “What makes you think Lorna is Jacqueline? You didn’t see her,” he whispered.

  “Aiden described her to Greg,” Trudy answered quietly. “And when Dom told us of the man Seb had seen in his visions, that all but confirmed it,” she said.

  She was interrupted by the sound of scraping above and then a man’s
voice drifted down to them.

  “Ah, Aelfric, Dom, Greg, I thought we might be seeing you. Do come through.” The unique tone, the slight French accent, instantly Seb recognised the voice: Henri Durand.

  Called by Dom, they all began walking up the steps but as Seb turned the curve of the stairway, Aelfric stopped him, waving The Caretaker, Zach and Trudy on ahead of them. With the wolves and Dierne, he then led Seb through the now open door.

  A blast of cold air rushed in from the left, catching Seb by surprise as he crossed the threshold. Glancing back, he watched the door they had used fizzle into nothing. It had sat within the material of a small, tapering tower and Seb’s eyes were drawn upwards to a stunning golden ball finial which topped it. The gold glowed in the light of the moon and around it fairies flitted and danced in a glittering cloud. Seb dragged his eyes away and forced himself to pay attention to the wind swept area below it which was the exposed, highest level of a further, bigger tower — a church tower he guessed. Staring into the night sky, the ground below hidden by darkness, he had no idea how high up they were.

  The Caretaker moved across to stand inches in front of him, creating a partial barrier between him and Henri Durand, who stood near the woefully inadequate railings that ran around the perimeter of this tower. Trudy and Zach moved in to flank him. To his right he could just see Nat, Aiden and Scarlet huddled next to Dom and Greg on the far corner, an open trapdoor at their feet preventing them from moving any further round.

  Not a single flamer appeared to illuminate their surroundings but the the firefly torches and the flickering fairy display above provided sufficient light and Seb, peering around The Caretaker, got his first good look at Henri whose blue aura shone brightly against the ink-black sky.

  He was far more imposing in real life than he had seemed from the shady images in the visions. Tall and thin, he stood rigid, his chin slightly raised, giving the appearance that he considered himself superior to all around him. His features were as straight as his body, sharp and hard; there was nothing at all soft about him; even his hair had been pulled back harshly from his face and tied so tightly behind his neck that not a strand moved. His keen, grey eyes were fixed on Seb and the look he gave him sent a chill through Seb’s already cold body.

  “Are we on top of St Lawrence’s Church?” Aiden asked, teeth chattering and now Henri turned stiffly, lowering his eyes, but not his head, to look at him.

  “Who are you?” he said, annoyed and Aiden shrank back. Dom visibly bristled but it was Aelfric who spoke.

  “Yes, Aiden, this is St Lawrence’s Church and, Henri, it is a surprise to find you here on such a night and at such a time,” he said. “May I ask the reason?”

  As Henri turned to Aelfric, the look on his face changed from annoyance to defiance and then feigned indifference. He waved a sharp-fingered hand in the air and Seb saw the glint of silver on his palm.

  “I believe you requested a meeting,” Henri said, giving a cold, satisfied smile. “I thought the Sanctum of Friends the most appropriate place to greet an old friend.” The smile broadened but conveyed no friendship at all. And then Seb, suddenly feeling anxious, fidgeted; his palm had started to ache. Henri’s eyes flicked to him. “You wish to say something Seb? It is Seb isn’t it? The new Custodian?” he said, as there was the sound of footsteps on metal. All eyes turned in the direction of the sound, the open trap door. Seb sensed The Caretaker and Trudy stiffen. “Trudy, Morgan, relax,” Henri said. “Everyone is so on edge. There truly is no reason to be,” he said as a man emerged from the opening.

  Small in stature, everything about this man seemed rumpled; from his creased jumper and chinos and the battered bag he had draped across his shoulders, to his scruffy mop of sandy-coloured hair, which was whipped around his low forehead by the strong wind. His nose was on the big side, as were his lips, and the rather prominent bags under his disproportionately small eyes. At the moment his brow was rumpled too, in a look of utter confusion, as he saw the group assembled on the platform. Trying to appear relaxed, he sauntered over to Henri and stood beside him.

  “Henri?” he muttered.

  “Yes, yes, Philippe. Never mind.” Henri waved a dismissive hand at the untidy man.

  “Welcome, Philippe,” Aelfric said. “I trust you are well?”

  “Er, yes, thank you Aelfric,” Philippe stammered uncertainly and Seb noticed that his aura fluttered and shrank slightly.

  “Now, Aelfric,” Henri interrupted, “Let’s get on. I trust you used the Staircase correctly; shall we go up?”

  Up? Seb thought. Where up? and he glanced at the golden ball. From far in the distance, he heard the hoot of an owl. The pain in his palm was growing. Unsure what to do, he tried to tell Alice but Alice, hovering beside Zach, still couldn’t hear his silent messages. So, turning his head slightly, Seb caught his twin’s eye and pointed to his own palm.

  Zach noticed. “Again Seb?” he said in a loud voice. “Let’s go then.”

  “No, Zach,” Aelfric said, and released his hold on the wolves. He shooed the beasts towards Seb.

  “Is there a problem Aelfric?” Henri asked and Philippe shuffled his feet, looking uncomfortable.

  Nat had been whispering in Greg’s ear and he took a step forward.

  “Aelfric,” he mumbled. “Can you —”

  “Do you need to be elsewhere, Aelfric?” Henri asked. “Seb and the others seem to feel you do?”

  “We are where we need to be,” Aelfric replied quietly, and then looked at the trap door. The owl hooted again and now Aiden suddenly shuffled away from the opening. Zach, turning, gave a low whistle as another man, dressed entirely in black, emerged. His movements swift and lithe, he looked like a shadow walking, except that this shadow had a long, fine, cruel-looking blade strapped to his back.

  Approaching Henri, the man stood on his left and cast his brown eyes once only in Seb’s direction before lowering his head and dropping his gaze to the floor.

  “Reynard, it is very good to see you my friend,” Aelfric said to him in a tone so sincere, the man couldn’t help but look up at him. “It has been far too long.” Aelfric waited until Reynard nodded, then he placed two hands on Seb’s shoulders and moved him forward so that he was in plain view of Reynard, Henri and Philippe. “And now I would like to introduce you all to Seb,” Aelfric said. Seb noticed Henri frown. “Henri, you are right, he is our new Custodian. But, sadly, tonight, he has been under attack.” Aelfric paused as Reynard’s eyes darted to Seb. “And he is still at risk,” he continued. “He needs the protection of our Guardians. So, I beg a favour and a promise.” He looked at Reynard. “Reynard, will you help guard him?”

  Henri, his eyes suddenly ablaze with anger, spoke quietly.

  “Reynard I forbid you.” He turned to Aelfric. “My Guardian is not for your use Aelfric. I have need of him myself and your group has two Guardians of its own!”

  “Three!” Zach stepped forward grinning. “We have three, Henry,” he said, using the English version of the name; and winking.

  Henri glared at him. “How dare you address me? You are impertinent,” he spat.

  “No, I am Zach.” Zach, shook his head. The smile on his face didn’t falter.

  “Is this your new generation, Aelfric? Brash and rude?” Henri said.

  Aelfric smiled. “No, Henri, this is, simply, Zach.”

  Henri clenching his fists, contained his annoyance. “In any case,” he growled, “Reynard, I said, I forbid you to agree.”

  Seb was finding it hard to concentrate on the exchange. The pain in his hand was quite severe and he didn’t understand why Aelfric was showing no signs of wanting to go anywhere, or let him leave either. Does he not feel it? He fidgeted again and felt Aelfric squeeze his shoulders, as if in reassurance.

  “Henri,” Aelfric said, “I am unclear why Reynard agreeing to protect another Custodian would anger you.” Henri glowered at him. “I will explain to you in a moment the unusual nature of the recent attacks on Seb.” He le
t the words hang in the air before continuing. “Then, I am certain, you will understand why I ask this favour of your Guardian.”

  Reynard lifted his chin. “I live to protect my Custodian, Aelfric,” he said and Henri looked satisfied. Then, Reynard, bowing his head again, added, “And every Custodian.” Henri looked furious.

  “Thank you Reynard,” Aelfric said, removing his hands from Seb’s shoulders.

  “Good,” Trudy mumbled under her breath.

  Seb really wasn’t sure what was happening. Usually, as a trespassing soul neared its goal, the signal for the Custodians grew in intensity, informing them that the need to act was becoming more pressing. But this time was different; although quite severe, the pain in his hand had stabilised. That confused him. He glanced back at Aelfric.

  “I —” he began but Aelfric gave a small shake of his head. Behind him, its white feathers a stark contrast to the black sky, a snowy owl swooped through the air. Seb watched as it flew around the tower and came to land on the railings behind Henri.

  “To the Sanctum then?” Aelfric said to Henri and now beckoned Dom and the others over before turning and waving his hand towards the tapering tower. Instead of a door, an ornate staircase appeared. Its steps and handrails made of silver metal, it climbed from the platform on which they stood up to the golden ball which, as everyone watched, shimmered and became translucent until it was just a hazy outline with no substance.

  The Sanctum of Friends

  “It is not necessary for everyone to go,” Henri said gruffly to Aelfric. “The others can remain here.”

  “Henri, I would appreciate your accommodating us all,” Aelfric said, giving a respectful nod. “It would be better for our group to remain together.”

  Henri scowled at him for a moment, obviously annoyed, but unable to refuse. Then he strode to the base of the staircase. He insisted on going up first, followed by Philippe and Reynard.

  Gathering with the others at the bottom, Zach pointed up at Philippe.

  “Who’s the scruffy dude?” he said, rather too loudly.

  “Shh, Zach,” Aiden whispered.