Oak And Mist (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 1)

by Helen Jones

  As the crowd around her dispersed, Alma started towards the doors, weaving her way through the jubilant throng. Here and there knots of people stood with serious faces, talking quietly amongst themselves. Only by the heat of her bracelet did Alma know they were of the Dark. She avoided them as best she could, knowing she would be no favourite of theirs - although she didn’t know why they couldn’t see that the return of the Sword was good for everyone. She was almost at the doors when a voice called her name and she stopped, feeling her heart skip a beat. Deryck. Tall and handsome, clad in embroidered ivory and brown, he leant against the wall, his relaxed beauty taking her breath away. She faltered, unsure he had spoken to her. Seeing this, he smiled and said her name again, lifting his chin and beckoning her with his hand. Alma’s mouth dropped open and she hastily closed it. She could feel the resentment from the nearby group of girls as she moved towards Deryck, her bracelet blazing against her wrist, heart pounding. She still couldn’t believe he was Dark - sometimes she wondered if the bracelet worked properly.

  ***

  Across the crowded Great Hall, Lord Denoris, deep in conversation with one of his advisors, paused for a moment. He watched as his son beckoned the girl over to him, saw the pleased look on her face as she realised he had spoken to her. A half smile crossed his handsome features as he watched Alma with Deryck, seeing his hand touching her arm, the excited look on her face as he spoke to her. So the plan had changed, the girl turning out to be more than expected – that was manageable. He just needed his son to do his part successfully. So he would let him have this moment, see what he could achieve. One way or another, Alma was to be brought to the Dark. If she was seduced across to their side, if she chose to ally herself with the Dark, Thorion could do nothing about it. After all, he was always going on about choice – what irony it would be if the whole thing backfired because of his insistence on the girl having free will. Lord Denoris’ smile deepened. When the girl was theirs she would have no choice about anything she did any more – he would personally see to it.

  ***

  ‘Congratulations, Alma,’ said Deryck as he straightened up and moved towards her. ‘I hear that they would not have found the Sword without you. There is to be a celebration tomorrow night, did you know?’

  ‘Yes, I-I had heard,’ said Alma, completely at a loss. Deryck always did this to her, made her feel like a dolt. She could feel herself blushing and sought desperately for something else to say.

  ‘So, will you be going to the dance?’ she asked, then made a face as the group of girls nearby giggled at her. Deryck, however, turned and glared at them, shocking them to silence. He returned his attention to Alma.

  ‘Yes, I’ll be there. Will you? Or does your life in the other realm require…‘

  ‘No! I mean yes, I’ll be there. I can come back here, I wouldn’t miss it.’

  ‘Well then,’ said Deryck, his hand coming to rest on her arm as he leaned in closer. ‘Will you save me a dance? I imagine you’ll have many wanting to dance with you after what you have achieved today, but I hope you can put one aside for me.’ He grinned at her, a lock of his golden hair falling forwards. He was so beautiful Alma just stared at him, feeling the warmth of his hand on her arm, trying to keep breathing normally. Then she realised that he was looking at her, amused, waiting for an answer. The nearby group of girls were positively squirming with jealousy.

  ‘Oh!’ Flustered, she went on. ‘Well, of course, I mean, I hadn’t even thought about it, um, yes, that would be great.’

  Laughing now, Deryck took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing it gently. ‘Well, it’s a date. Isn’t that what they would say in your world?’

  Alma’s mouth fell open and she felt like she would faint, or scream, or do something else entirely uncool but was saved from embarrassing herself further by Lord Denoris, who had come to stand nearby and now signalled to his son. Deryck relinquished Alma’s hand with seeming reluctance before turning to his father, who nodded at Alma. ‘I must speak with you,’ he said to his son.

  ‘If you’ll excuse me, Lady Alma, I will see you tomorrow,’ said Deryck, bowing to her before leaving to follow his father to the doors. The knot of girls, throwing furious glances at Alma, moved in his wake.

  Alma was still standing in the same spot when Caleb found her a moment later.

  ‘Are you all right?’ he asked, looking at her curiously.

  ‘What? Yes, er, I’m fine thanks,’ said Alma, still distracted. ‘Are you?’

  Caleb grinned. ‘All fixed up.’ He turned to show her his shoulder. The marks were almost gone, just faded pink lines. Alma’s eyes opened wide.

  ‘Wow. So was this, um, Marlin?’

  ‘Yes, he’s a Healer. A pretty good one, too. So, um, hey, I was thinking, I’m going to get changed and then perhaps we could-’

  ‘Sorry Caleb,’ said Alma, her cheeks flushing hot. ‘I just think I need to go home now. I’m pretty tired.’ Caleb’s face dropped.

  ‘Why not just stay?’ he asked, frowning. ‘Your room is ready, and I’ll make sure you get to the Gate in the morning, I promise.’

  But Alma shook her head. ‘I really just need to go home for a while,’ she said, hoping he would understand. Apart from the fact that she was exhausted, she needed to have some time alone, to think about what had just happened. She couldn’t discuss it with Caleb – what she needed was the peace and sanctuary of her own bed where she could go over and over again what Deryck had said and how he had said it. He had asked her to dance!

  ‘But you’ll definitely be back tomorrow, won’t you? For the celebration?’ pressed Caleb, his pleasant face hopeful. ‘It’s for the Feast Day, as well as the Sword,’ he went on. ‘So you need to be here.’

  Alma nodded her head. ‘Sure, I mean, yes, of course I’ll be here. Wouldn’t miss it.’

  ‘Good,’ said Caleb, smiling into her eyes. Then, as she tried unsuccessfully to conceal a yawn, he sighed.

  ‘Come on then,’ he said reluctantly, shaking his head as he looked at Alma. ‘I’ll take you to the Gate, but you should let Thorion know you’re going.’

  ‘Thanks, Caleb,’ said Alma, stifling another yawn. She really was tired. Linking her arm with his, she smiled gratefully at him as they moved through the crowd to find Thorion.

  ***

  Denoris and Deryck walked through the fragrant gardens in the fading light, Deryck trailing his hand along the hedges, deep in thought.

  ‘I saw you speaking with the girl,’ said Lord Denoris with a smile, his voice unusually warm. ‘It seems your plan is working after all.’

  ‘Her name is Alma,’ replied Deryck, feeling the need to defend her in some obscure way.

  Lord Denoris looked sharply at his son. ‘Don’t tell me you’re developing feelings for her?’ he asked.

  ‘No!’ Deryck shot back. ‘But, I think, perhaps she is for me. We will see, tomorrow night.’

  ‘Well, be sure that you do not fall for her.’ They were nearing their apartments. Golden light streamed from the long windows across the gravel. ‘You know what our plans are. There will be no time for romance once she is with the Dark.’ Denoris smiled broadly and laid a hand on Deryck’s shoulder. Deryck looked up, surprised.

  ‘Oh yes, of course,’ he said, forcing a smile. He walked the rest of the way in silence, only speaking to bid his father good night once they reached their rooms. Lord Denoris considered him for a moment before placing both hands on his son’s shoulders.

  ‘Remember, Deryck, you hold all our hopes. Do not fail us.’ Deryck just nodded, hoping his face would not reveal his indecision, before turning to enter the solitude of his room.

  Denoris turned away, his expression thoughtful. Well, if the boy got his heart broken, he couldn’t say he wasn’t warned. He had to learn not to let his feelings get in the way of a job that needed to be done. Entering his own rooms, the Dark Lord found Gwenene waiting, her beauty illuminated by the glow from the fire. She smiled at him as he stepped forward to
embrace her, twining her arms around his neck to pull him close for a kiss, biting on his lip in a way that pleased him.

  ‘How goes it, my Lord?’ she asked, her voice low and husky, her eyes bright in the firelit room.

  ‘It is better, now,’ allowed Denoris. ‘And you, my Lady?’ he asked, his hands sliding on the silk of her light gown.

  ‘I am in need of some comfort after a difficult day,’ replied Gwenene, her crimson lips curving in a smile as she looked at him from under her lashes. ‘Your lady wife is at your estate, is she not?’

  ‘She is,’ said Denoris, one hand coming up to caress her soft dark hair. Lifting it away from her neck he kissed her throat. ‘So I am all yours, for tonight.’

  ‘And what of the girl? When will she be yours?’ purred Gwenene, closing her eyes as he kissed her again. ‘I saw her today with your son, in the Hall.’

  Her hands moved down Denoris’ chest, and he grabbed them tight in his own, stopping their descent, growling deep in his throat as Gwenene pouted. ‘Yes,’ he said, his lips curled in a half smile, half snarl, ‘the boy has promise. In fact, if all goes to plan tomorrow night our bird may well be ensnared without even realising it.’

  He smiled at Gwenene, green eyes gleaming in the firelight and she raised her eyebrows briefly before deliberately letting her dress slip off one shoulder. Yes, thought Denoris, bending his head to the eager Gwenene, the game was still in play.

  ***

  After she had made her farewells, Caleb walked Alma to the Gate, wanting to make sure she got through in one piece. Thorion, of the same mind, despatched two guards to escort them through the woods, over Alma’s protestations.

  ‘You underestimate your own importance,’ he said, looking at her affectionately. Caleb nodded in agreement. ‘We could not have done this without you. Your role in finding the Sword has marked you as the one from the prophecy. Therefore your safety is more important than ever.’

  So Alma had accepted the escort and Caleb’s insistence on accompanying her, but was quiet as they walked along, saying she was tired. At the Gate, she kissed him goodbye on the cheek. The scent of her hair and skin as she did so was intoxicating to him. He watched as she went through, his heart full, the sparkle of light letting him know she was safely across. After the day they had shared he thought he might finally be able to tell her how he really felt. After all, she had ridden with him, had linked her arm with his as they walked in the Great Hall. She had kissed him on the cheek! Today, thought Caleb, walking back through the woods with a smile on his face, had been a great day.

  ***

  Alma came through the Gate to the park, reeling from the events of the day and completely exhausted. She staggered to her bench and sat down, needing a few minutes of just sitting and breathing before she felt equal to the task of getting home. All she could think about was Deryck, the way he had smiled at her and kissed her hand, asking her to promise him a dance. Eventually she got up slowly and started to walk home, wishing more than ever that she could call Sara and talk to her about what she was going through. She needed her advice. Reaching her driveway at last, almost stumbling with weariness, Alma quietly let herself in the side door. She could hear the hum of the television in the sitting room and knew her parents were in there, but was too tired to say more than ‘Goodnight’ as she went past the door. In bed a short while later, Alma found herself unable to sleep despite her exhaustion, the events of the day playing over and over in her mind. She tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position. Finally, she drifted off into a restless slumber. ‘Tomorrow,’ was her last thought, ‘I’ll see him again.’

  Celebration

  The Great Hall hummed with music and conversation as people filed in. Members of the Court and residents of the nearby village mingled with others from the distant hills, all come together to celebrate the Feast Day and, now, the return of the Sword. Even the Dark put a brave face on things, making their presence felt and taking advantage of the event to cement alliances and pursue flirtations as they worked the room. Alma, dressed in gold silk, her hair in waves around her flushed face, was thoroughly enjoying herself. She had never been to anything like this before. As she entered the Great Hall on Caleb’s arm, she smiled at him in excitement. He grinned back, squeezing her arm, his amiable face glowing with pride.

  ‘Come on. Let’s find the refreshments, before all the good things are gone.’

  Alma chuckled as she trailed through the crowd behind him – typical Caleb, always thinking with his stomach. While she hadn’t made any official plans to attend the ball with him, she was grateful to have him at her side as they moved through the crowd and people came forward to congratulate them on their achievement. The long windows were open to the warm summer air, letting in the scents of myriad flowers to mingle with the heated atmosphere. She saw Thorion standing with Meredan, both magnificent in ornate tunics and breeches, Thorion in his customary blue and Meredan in red and gold. She waved as she went past and was rewarded with broad smiles from them both, Meredan raising his glass to her.

  Alma waited by a nearby pillar while Caleb fought his way through to the refreshment table, emerging a few moments later with drinks for them both and, balanced on top, a plate piled high with chicken legs, salad and savoury pastries, all in imminent danger of falling. Alma burst out laughing, taking the plate from him before he dropped it. She then swapped it for a drink which she sipped as she scanned the room, pleased to find it was the cordial she liked so much. She tapped her foot to the lively beat of the music and Caleb offered her some food. She waved it away.

  ‘No thanks,’ she said, smiling. ‘I’m really not hungry – too excited tonight.’

  ‘Really?’ said Caleb, looking surprised. ‘Are you sure?’ All around them people were stuffing their faces, exclaiming with pleasure over the delicious food. Couples started to fill the dance floor, whirling around as the music played. Alma just nodded, looking around – she loved to people watch, and when the crowd were all so good-looking, it was even more fun. Though if she was being honest, there was only one person she was looking out for and she hadn’t seen him yet.

  ‘Will you dance with me, Alma?’ asked Caleb suddenly. He had finished his meal and set the plate aside, looking expectantly at Alma who looked back at him in surprise.

  ‘Oh! Well, that is, I’m not a very good dancer, I don’t know the steps,’ she babbled, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Looking downcast, Caleb tried to hide his disappointment without much success and Alma sought to reassure him. ‘I’m not saying I won’t dance with you, I just need a minute to watch what they’re doing.’

  ‘I can help you,’ Caleb replied, cheering up a little. ‘I’m not a bad dancer, you know,’ he continued, executing a step. Alma laughed out loud, she couldn’t help it, then tried to cover it up as she saw the hurt expression on his face.

  ‘Oh, Caleb, I’m not laughing at you, I promise,’ she said, still smiling. ‘You are a good dancer, it’s just I’ve never seen you like that before,’ she went on, draining the last of her drink.

  ‘So, then - later?’ asked Caleb.

  ‘Later,’ agreed Alma, ‘but only if you promise to help me with the steps. And not laugh at me,’ she called out, for Caleb, noticing her empty cup, had taken it from her and, with a little bow and a wink, had gone to refill it. As soon as he went, Alma scanned the room again. Where was Deryck?

  ***

  Denoris entered the Great Hall, the guards bowing as he came through the double doors, magnificent in dark brocade that set off his golden good looks. Gwenene was exquisite in silk and lace at his side. He scanned the room, nodding to acquaintances, his handsome face smiling as he moved through the throng. Inside, though, he was still seething, and he knew Gwenene could feel the tension in him as she held his arm.

  ‘Denoris,’ she murmured, and he turned his head to look at her. She raised one dark eyebrow at him. ‘We do not have to stay long.’

  ‘We need to be seen,’ he said through his
teeth. ‘And I need to make sure the boy does his job. But where is he?’

  He frowned as he scanned the crowd again. Gwenene stopped a passing waiter and took two drinks, handing one to Denoris. She waited, her blue eyes on him until he met her gaze again, then she smiled.

  ‘To catching birds.’ She raised her glass and clinked it with his. He smiled at her again - this time a real smile that reached his eyes. He took a drink then leaned in to kiss Gwenene, tasting the wine on her lips, her slender arm coming around his neck as she laughed against him.

  ‘To catching birds,’ he murmured against her mouth. Then he raised his head, looking around the room again. Where was the boy?

  ***

  Alma moved through the glittering throng, oblivious to any admiring glances thrown her way. She smiled at the occasional person she recognised but didn’t stop, not wanting to be diverted from her goal. Caleb had gone to find drinks for them again and last she saw had been waylaid by one of his friends, no doubt having to tell the story once more of how he had been there when the Sword was found. So Alma was left to her own devices and she had one thing on her mind. Deryck. Since arriving through the Gate she had been in a whirl of nervous excitement, unable to share it with anyone. As she put on her beautiful gown and brushed out her hair, all her thoughts had been on one person and how she would look when he saw her. Now she was determined to find him and claim her dance.