He sat motionless for a while, just staring out into the trees, unsuccessfully trying to make sense of it all. He also started to wonder what his mother meant when she told him that he wasn’t human…What else could he be? He sighed.
Nothing more was said last night, no explanation of their encounter with the large, dark creature… nothing… He believed that in his mother’s eyes there was no point; he couldn’t even try to understand what was happening around him, but he did need answers. He had a right to know what was happening, but more to the point he had more of a right to know what it all had to do with him.
As Henry pondered his thoughts, he suddenly realised that he was alone. There was no one to be seen: his mother, Bert and even that dog… all gone… just like that, leaving him in the middle of nowhere to face whatever it was that was out there on his own. Again, panic welled up inside him, even the orange dome had gone. He got up and walked around the old oak and over to the edge of the clearing, hoping to find someone; but his mother and the other two were nowhere to be seen. Then in the corner of his eye he caught a movement to his right. He turned quickly to see what it was, but it was gone as quickly as it came.
Feeling vulnerable and alone, Henry hurried back over to the tree and placed his back against it. He wasn’t experienced in any form of survival skills, but he knew enough to cover his back. If an attack was to come, he wanted to see it coming. He glanced over in the direction of the movement. After last night’s events he feared that if he had another encounter with that monstrous thing without his mother to protect him, he would have no chance of survival. Another movement caught his eye, but this time to the left of him, a quick almost undetectable blur. Henry froze and watched for another movement, all the while trying not to blink, then someone spoke to him from behind. “Hi,” the tiny voice said. At first, Henry didn’t respond, wondering how on earth they had got behind him so quickly. Slowly he turned around, all the while in fear of who it might be. “Hi,” the little voice said again. Henry didn’t reply; instead he just stood and stared at the incredible sight before him.
“Hi,” the little voice said. Henry was spellbound. He found himself staring at the most beautiful young girl he had ever seen. She looked to be around his own age, very petite and very short, no more than four feet tall, with the most amazing, if not slightly oversized, brilliant green eyes. He was totally mesmerised! She could have been taken for a normal girl except for the fact that she was hovering about a foot above the ground so that her eyes were almost level with his. Almost invisible to the eye, Henry could just make out that she had wings that were beating so fast they could be easily missed at a glance. She was dressed in brown leggings and a top that looked to be made out of different-coloured leaves. Her hair was the colour of meadow grass in spring, all different shades of greens and browns. And sticking out in all directions were tiny, colourful flowers and larger, yellow flowers ringing her head like a crown. “Hello,” she said, but this time with the most incredible smile. “I’m Bree.”
“Wow… you’re so beautiful,” Henry said out loud, but caught himself in mid-sentence. “I’m… I’m Henry,” he managed to stutter. “I know,” she replied with a beaming smile. “Your mother has asked me to be your guide and to watch over you from now on… especially when she’s not around.” Henry blushed. “Guide me… guide me where…? And why would I need anyone to watch over me?” he replied abruptly. Bree smiled again. “I’m that not kind of guide… You have much to learn about yourself, my dear Henry… and a lot to learn of your family’s past, but more importantly what is now expected of you…This, my dear Henry, is my task… and it’s a task I take very seriously… I’m proud to have been chosen,” she said in her sweet-toned voice, which immediately disarmed Henry, making him blush a little. “And as for watching over you… well, let’s just say that I’m not as helpless as I may at first seem.” “You’ve seen my mother, then… Where is she…? And where are the others?” Henry said, looking around him. “Why did they leave me alone last night with that thing on the loose?” he continued. “Yes, my sweet… I’ve seen your mother… My lady called me last night just before she left with the other two guardians… And as for leaving you alone unprotected… they didn’t… I’ve been here all night,” she replied softly.
Henry took a few steps away and turned back to face Bree. He felt his heart beating in his chest by just looking at her. His cheeks were flushed, but knowing that made him flush even more. “When you say guardians, you mean Bert and that rude talking dog?” Henry said, trying not to show how excited and overwhelmed he felt just being in her company. “Yes,” she replied, a little disturbed by his attitude towards them, “both of whom are the strongest and most loyal guardians you’d ever meet… and probably the strongest of all time.” She paused and moved closer to him. “And I take it from your tone that you dislike them both… so I’ll make it clear from the start… I will not hear a bad word said about them… ever,” she continued in a little more sinister tone.
Henry was about to say something in his own defence when Bree interrupted him by saying, “Henry, if it were not for Ben and Bert, this woodland we stand in would not exist today… Losing these woodlands would be tragic in its own right… you have not yet begun to understand how this isolated woodland can… and will affect the whole of life on this earth… The protection of this wooded land and others like it across the world helps nature in protecting all life as you know it.” Bree could see by the expression on Henry’s face that he had no idea what she was talking about, so she said in a comforting way, “Henry… my dear, dear Henry, I will help you to understand… but you must rest first… we have a busy day ahead.”
That night, while Henry slept – watched over by Bree – Hazel, Bert and Ben sat and discussed the implications of the day’s events, especially the attack by one of the most powerful servants of the darkness, the shadow master itself. They all agreed that it would have a huge effect on the oncoming fight to keep the balance of nature in their favour. With Ben sitting next to him, Bert told Hazel what the old oak had to say and that Sophia had summoned him. Hazel knew her sister well and understood why her sister would need to know what the old oak had told him. Although they didn’t need to hear it, Hazel made it clear to them both that it was paramount to their course to get her sister involved at the start, so to Hazel it was good news that Sophia was showing interest in what Acca had to say. However, she wasn’t sure whether Bert and Ben would fully agree with her, but after a brief discussion they agreed that they would go to her home at first light. Hazel looked over to Henry, huddled up asleep.
“What did Acca actually say about my boy?” Hazel asked. Bert gave Ben a quick glance and then nodded. He then quietly explained to her what Acca had told him, choosing his words carefully, and deciding to hold nothing back. She needed to know everything. He told her of the visions Acca had shown him of the fight they had ahead of them and the need for strong allies, but more importantly, he told her what Acca had to say about her son and the reasons why Acca had chosen Henry to lead the fight against the darkness. “Ya boy Henry,” Bert said softly, “is to be the new host master… Without him, we don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell.”
Once Bert had finished, Hazel sat surprisingly quietly, looking down at her hands. She was still trying to take it all in, but hoping beyond hope that she could find a way of keeping her son out of all this but… She knew in her heart that it wouldn’t be possible: if he was destined to be the host master, then there was nothing she could do to stop it. She looked up from her hands and into Bert’s eyes and nodded reluctantly in acceptance that her son was now unfortunately caught up in what could be the biggest fight for survival of their lives!
Before heading off to see her sister, Hazel summoned Bree to watch over her son. She knew that he would be safe in daylight hours: the darkness was not yet strong enough to attack during the day but after hearing what Bert had to say and what was expected of Henry, she was taking no chances with his s
afety. The darkness knows that Henry is a threat to it and would do anything in its power to stop him. Hazel had always known that this day would come, but knowing that didn’t make it any easier for her to accept. Both of their lives would change dramatically from now on, nothing would ever be the same again.
But for now, Henry’s safety was paramount. He needed a personal protector, someone to be with him always, a guide to help him through the coming days and weeks, someone who could help prepare him for what was to come. His whole life was going to be turned upside down. So, not just anyone would be up to the role and have the skills and abilities to be both guide and protector; she needed to appoint someone not only with the skills, power and tact to do whatever was necessary to aid Henry over his coming transition, but also to be with him and support him throughout the rest of his life. She had to choose someone she could trust with her son’s life and could tolerate his outbursts and his unpredictable temperament and mannerisms, so it had to be someone prepared to give their life and soul to him. The only name that came to mind was Bree: Bree was her only choice, she could be his protector and his guide but, more importantly, his lifelong companion.
Because of what Henry was going to face, he would need something in this world to hold onto, a friendship and bond that could never be broken. Then, and only then, would he be strong enough to face not only the darkness, but also his own demons and his new life as host master. Acca had foretold as much. Bree was the one for Henry: she would help him though the dark days that lay ahead, but more importantly, she would be his strength, his will and his future. It would be hard for Hazel to let go of her son, but for him to successfully become the host master, she would have to. She was leaving him in safe hands but, whichever way she looked at it, it didn’t make it any easier to let go of her boy.
Whilst Henry was still asleep and the night gave way to a hazy, chilly morning, Hazel disposed of the orange protective barrier, now happy that Henry was in safe hands. She had agreed with Bert and Ben to leave just as the sun came up: it would be safer to travel by day, and it would take some time to trek through the miles of woodland to where Sophia lived. The prospect of meeting up with her again after so long was something none of them relished, especially Hazel; but it was necessary and the sooner they set off, the better.
Time wasn’t on their side. They all sensed that the balance between light and darkness was changing, and there were signs that it was changing fast, far too fast. It concerned all three of them that the shadow master felt strong enough to venture out after so long hiding in the darkness. It was a creature that spared nothing: all living things would perish at its hands. However, no one voiced how they felt; there was nothing that could be said, it was important for them to concentrate on things they could do, and the most important thing now was to stay alive and keep Henry safe until after the hosting.
It took Hazel, Bert and Ben over five long, arduous hours to reach the part of woodland where Sophia lived: they had to be curious knowing that the shadow master was still out there, lurking somewhere within the darkness of the trees. Even though they needed to speak with Sophia urgently, they didn’t hurry. They stopped often to listen out for any danger, using their senses to scan the area to ensure the way ahead was clear and free from threat before moving on.
Apart from the odd brief exchange regarding directions, they hadn’t spoken much since they left the clearing: all caught up in their own thoughts.
Hazel was feeling bad for leaving her son behind without saying goodbye, but she was also saddened by the guilt and the responsibility she was feeling for the position they all now found themselves in. If only she had listened to Bert and Ben in the first place, things might not have got this bad. However, she knew that it wasn’t all her fault: the balance of nature had been stable for so long that the guardians had become too complacent to the threats that had always been there. But until now the darkness had been nothing more than a brief inconvenience for them, and generally nothing to worry about. They should have all known better, however: the shadow master and its followers had been a lot more active for some time now, more than it had been for centuries. Something should have been done about it long ago, long before Acca had to get involved, and long before the need for a new host master.
Hazel’s thoughts were also on her sister: she had mixed emotions on seeing her again after so many years. She thought back to the last time they were together: they had argued over her leaving her responsibilities behind to try to raise Henry as a normal boy. Sophia was furious with her for a number of reasons, but the one that hurt her the most was that Hazel was turning her back not just on who she really was, but also on those who loved her the most. She sighed, she had really missed her sister and had always hoped that one day she would have the opportunity to see her again, but never did she think it would be under these circumstances. However, she was right to feel apprehensive on seeing her again: they had never seen eye-to-eye on many things, and she knew it was going to be a difficult. Sophia being notoriously unpredictable meant that Hazel had no idea of what kind of reception she and the others would receive.
It was late afternoon when they finally arrived at the edge of the small clearing surrounding the large yew tree that Sophia had made her home. Hazel stood for a second or so just staring at the large, old tree.
She then turned to face her two companions. Bert never seem to change, his grey hair sticking out in all directions as he gave he a smile, but Ben looked far from happy and was covered from ear to tail in mud and leaves and had been continuously complaining the whole journey that he hadn’t eaten all day. Hazel had to smile to herself, realising how much she had really missed them both. “I’ll go in on my own,” she instructed. “I would like to see my sister alone… if that’s okay with you.” She paused for a moment, expecting Ben to object to keeping him from food a moment longer, but Bert just nodded and Ben sat down next to him ready to be called if and when food was on offer.
“My sister and I have a lot of ground to cover,” she continued, feeling that she had to explain why she wanted to go in first. “We have much to discuss… mostly on personal issues… She knows why you are here,” she said, looking at Bert, “but she doesn’t know why I am … I feel that I should clear the air first before we tell her about Henry.” Hazel paused a second before she continued. “About my son being the next host and… that we will need her help.” Bert nodded in agreement and fully understood why Hazel wanted to see her sister alone; however, it was him that Sophia had asked to see. “But it was me she asked to see,” he said, concerned. “I know… but if we all go in together it would probably make her defensive … and if that happens we’ll get nothing out of her… Besides, it’s me she would want to see first.”
Hazel stepped up to Bert and took hold of one of his large hands and held it softly. “Please be a little patient, old friend… I know my sister better than anyone… and trust me when I say, if we all three go to her before I have a chance to rebuild a few bridges… well… it won’t just be the darkness we’ll have to face.” She paused, waiting for Bert’s response. He just smiled and nodded in agreement, whilst Ben all the while just sat to one side, allowing them to sort things out between them. Hazel looked down at him for his agreement. He just nodded once and then circled a few times before lying down to wait. “But don’t take too long… you know how grumpy I get if I’m not fed,” he growled. Hazel smiled again. “Be careful in there,” Bert said, sounding concerned. “You don’t have to worry,” Hazel said softly. “I’m more than a match for my sister.”
Ben finally settled himself and then mumbled, “I’m not worried about you, my lady… it’s my stomach I’m thinking about.” Bert shot him a quick glance, but Hazel just smiled again: she did miss his reassuring, grouchy manner. Then, without another word, she stepped into the clearing, but before she managed to take more than a few steps the wind started to pick up, twisting and turning, throwing dust, twigs and leaves everywhere.
Hazel immediatel
y put up a defensive shield around her, and without slowing continued to walk towards the old yew tree. Her sister suddenly appeared directly in front of her. The wind stopped as quickly as it had started: the dust and debris dropped to the ground around them. “Sister of mine… to what do I owe this pleasure?” Sophia hissed with a great deal of venom. Without waiting for her sister to reply, she continued. “And what makes you think you are welcome here?” Hazel dropped her shield and looked her sister straight in the eye. “I’ve missed you so much.” Sophia showed a brief look of surprise on her face. Disarmed by her sister’s response, she was expecting a fight or at least an argument, but not this. “Aldin,” Hazel said softly, “I have no wish to argue with you… I haven’t waited this long to come and argue… but we must talk.” Sophia didn’t respond immediately. Not only had Hazel had the nerve to visit her uninvited, but she the audacity to address her by her original given name, Aldin. “What gives you the right to ask anything of me?” she said, still trying to pick an argument. “You say you’ve missed me… but you have made no effort to visit,” Sophia continued. Hazel was in no mood to argue so she chose to ignore her sister’s attempts to pick a fight. “I’ve thought of you every day,” Hazel replied softly, “and often thought of ways to make things right between us again… Aldin… Sophia… we need to talk.”
Between Darkness and the Light Page 7
