Kane smiled and leaned back in his chair, aware of the man storming towards them.
“Thanks for the drink but some other time. You need to leave,” she said quickly.
Kane picked up his drink. “Oh, why the rush? I was just enjoying our conversation.” Languidly, he raised his glass and took another swallow of the liquid.
“Who’s this guy, Nicki?”
“No one, he was just looking for his blind date and thought I might be her.”
“Yeah, well you’re out of luck, mate, this one is taken and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay clear.”
Kane placed down his empty glass and rose from his seat. He appraised her companion. “A shame, I was starting to enjoy our conversation.”
“Time to piss off, mate,” the man said and took his seat.
Kane sneered and strode to the door, turning to give her a wink before exiting.
“Did you find what you were looking for?” asked Barrock.
Kane mounted Rivik’s back. “Exactly what I was seeking. Now return to camp, dawn will soon approach and you must regenerate with the others.”
Rivik shuddered beneath him.
“Is something wrong?” Kane asked.
“I sense…” His voice trailed off as Kane leaned in close to Rivik’s ear. “Whatever you think you have detected, keep your counsel.”
Barrock approached. “What is it, brother?”
“I thought I sensed something, but the feeling is gone, brother,” Rivik said.
Barrock sniffed the air. “There is a residue of something. It lingers close to you.”
Kane met the Fallen’s eyes. “For a second time, you seem to insinuate something, Barrock.”
“Forgive me, Commander. I imply nothing. Perhaps the scent comes from your wound?” he offered quickly.
Kane deliberately softened his expression. He had almost forgotten about her warning. “You are right, Barrock. The injury inflicted by the Master was deep. The scent, a sign that the magic I have used to heal is failing.” He clutched his hand to his side and grimaced.
“All the more reason for us to get back to camp,” Rivik growled.
Barrock nodded and faced the direction of the forest. Rivik leading the way as the Fallen ran swiftly through the shadows. Kane slid his body low to Rivik’s skin, maintaining his pretence.
He remained oblivious to the darkness that shifted beneath him and the two black cords that broke free from the Fallen’s skin. Hooking into either side of his abdomen, they slowly slithered inside Kane’s core undetected.
Kane grunted, suddenly feeling nauseous.
“Nearly there, Commander,” Rivik called and picked up his pace.
Barrock joined alongside him. “He doesn’t look well, brother.”
“I’m not dying,” Kane spat out.
“No, but your injury, Commander,” Barrock argued.
“My magic has faded. I must rest.”
Kane’s stomach lurched as Rivik weaved in and out of the trees. He almost cried his relief as they broke free into the small clearing, the camp silent and empty of activity. Kane slipped from Rivik’s back and staggered towards his tent.
“Sleep well, Commander.”
•
The Fallen turned to the trees to join the others. “Do you think he will survive the night?” asked Barrock.
“The Master will not have killed him. We do not possess the girl or the Tracker, and there isn’t time to send another Commanding officer in his place,” Rivik replied.
Barrock nodded. “I don’t believe the Tracker is in the village, brother.”
Rivik was silent a moment. “How close did you get before the entity attacked?”
“One claw over the border.”
“And the others?”
“The same.” Barrock retreated into his cocoon.
Rivik cast a final glance towards Kane’s tent. The Nyrvallia will indeed awaken, I have made sure of that. Encased in his shell, Rivik released his physical body and began his regeneration.
Chapter Eleven
Pitlochry, Scotland
Finn rubbed the sleep free from his eyes, the room now bathed in soft light. “What is it?” he asked, focusing his gaze on her face.
She passed him a piece of paper, her hands trembling. “Do you recognise this?”
Ice travelled his spine as he studied the image, his mind propelling back through time in search of the memory suppressed. “Where did you see this?”
Rowan shook her head. “First tell me what it means.”
His fingers traced the lines she had drawn on the piece of paper, a lump catching in his throat, the memory of his father’s death resurfacing. He struggled for the words to explain, his stomach churning with conflicting emotions.
She reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. “Finn?”
His gaze met hers. “It’s my father’s sigil.”
“I don’t understand,” she whispered.
Finn returned the piece of paper. “Neither do I.”
She bit down on her bottom lip and stared at the rune. “This doesn’t make sense.”
Mind whirring, he fell against the pillows. How is it possible? How can she know of its existence? That rune was hidden for years. Its secrets buried the day my father died.
“Are you mad with me?” she asked.
Finn reached to pull her down beside him, brushing his lips gently against her forehead. “No, it’s just that I never expected to see that rune again.”
“What does it mean?”
Finn sighed with the pain of the memory released. “It is the Morvantia Crest. My father was the last surviving member of the Order that served the Crest. When he died, we lost the protection of the Morvantia. There was no one to wield its power.”
“Not even Mercadia or the other Elders you spoke of?”
“Only those born into the Order are pure enough to carry the Morvantia.”
“Can’t the Council of Elders resurrect the Order? Aren’t they powerful enough?”
“It’s not that simple. The Morvantia is living energy. It chooses who shares its power. My father was the last born with its Crest. When he died, it died too. My mother believes it’s the reason the Master was able to penetrate our world and infect the Moren.”
“The Moren?”
“There are four realms within my world: the Moren, Valoria, Elyssia and the Astylliss. The Moren was the first realm that the Master invaded. He destroyed it and everything that dwelled. Nothing but ash remains. He wants control over the other realms now.”
Rowan’s breath hitched. Shifting his position, he turned to study her. She was shivering.
“Climb under the duvet,” he whispered. He sensed her hesitate. “It’s fine, I’ll stay below the sheet,” he reassured.
She lifted the duvet and settled herself beneath. Her eyes glistened with tears as he stroked her cheek softly. “What is it, Rowan?”
“I’ve seen the Moren, in my vision. Those people that the Master killed, he’s left their souls trapped beneath the earth. They need help.”
Finn raised himself and swallowed the rising bile. “The Master has consumed the Moren’s life force, it’s feeding his magic. That’s how he must be doing it.”
“Doing what?”
“Tearing holes in the Selensia. How many souls did you see?”
“There were too many of them to be sure,” Rowan said and bit her bottom lip.
“But you heard them?”
“Yes, I heard them. They’re in so much pain.”
“Will you tell me of this vision of yours?”
She lifted and pulled her knees to her chest, her arms hugging her legs.
“Rowan?”
“Please don’t ask me, at least not right now. It hurts to think about it. Oh god, I feel as though my head is going to burst with all of this.”
Not wanting to cause her distress, Finn didn’t pursue the vision further. “At least tell me about the Crest. Where did you see it?”
Rowan sighed and reached into her pyjama pocket. She handed Finn another piece of paper. “You need to take me to this address.”
“Who lives at this address?”
“The woman who showed me the rune. Like you, she’s visited me in my dreams, and told me that I must show you the rune.”
“Who is she?”
“I only know that she is called Bessie. I don’t know anything else about her. All I can tell you is that I trust her.”
Finn considered for a moment. “She must be who Mercadia spoke of. Yes, we’ll go there as soon as it gets light.”
“Mercadia knows of her? But how?”
“I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out soon.”
Enveloping her in his arms, he kissed her softly. “Think you can manage a few more hours sleep?”
Rowan freed her hand from his embrace and reached to switch off the bedside lamp. The room returned to darkness. “As long as you hold me,” she whispered.
“I will,” he reassured.
Silence fell between them. Finn stared at the ceiling and waited for her to drift.
“I don’t want to dream,” she mumbled.
“Then don’t,” he whispered.
“Thank you, Charles.”
Charles? Who was Charles?
“Rowan?”
She didn’t respond. Her breathing settled into the gentle rhythm of sleep.
Reaching out with his senses, Finn scanned the room. They were alone and safe, no other presence detected. Could it be that Charles was like Bessie? Another who had appeared to Rowan in her dream, but for what purpose? What is going on? Why hasn’t Mercadia mentioned Charles or Bessie?
Finn closed his eyes, his thoughts continuing to tumble back and forth. If Bessie was indeed the one that Mercadia had spoken of, then she must have known about the rune.
Damn it, Mercadia, you have no right to spring this on me, do you hear me, woman?
“Whether you believe me or not, I did not know about the rune, Finn. It is as much a surprise to me as it is to you,” Mercadia replied.
“So, you were listening in to our conversation?”
“No, I was sleeping when you rudely called out my name and disturbed me. Do you have any idea what the hour is?”
“I don’t care at this moment. I take it you have read my thoughts and are aware?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Then tell me how does this woman Bessie know of it?”
“You will have to ask her that question, but perhaps at a more civilised time.”
“And what of this Charles?”
“I have no idea. I suggest you speak to the girl about that. Goodnight, Finn.”
Grinding his teeth together, he said, “Could you give me a little help?”
Mercadia gave a huff. “Very well.”
Heat emanated at the centre of his forehead, thoughts of his father, the Crest and the mysterious Charles temporarily pushed to the furthest corner of his mind.
Mercadia released her connection as soon as Finn stumbled into slumber.
Chapter Twelve
Scottish Highlands
“Are you okay, Rowan?” Charles asked, his hand gently brushing her cheek.
She glanced towards Finn and frowned. “He’s been different with me this morning. Colder somehow. I don’t understand it. Did you notice anything at all last night?”
“No, although he did spend a great deal of time staring up at the ceiling, and I wouldn’t have said he looked particularly happy then. He fell asleep much later than you.”
Rowan considered for a moment. “He does communicate telepathically with this Mercadia. She could have said something last night that upset him.”
“It’s a possibility, although by his behaviour at breakfast, I did have the distinct impression it was more you he was upset with.”
“I felt that too. Although I’m not sure why, did I talk in my sleep? Say anything that might have upset him?”
“Not that I can recall,” Charles reassured.
Rowan’s gaze flicked momentarily to Finn as a soft snore escaped.
“Perhaps he didn’t get enough rest?” Charles offered.
She stared at the road ahead, her mind whirring. Can it be as simple as that? Finn’s sudden bad mood caused by lack of sleep? Is tiredness the reason behind him snapping at my questions this morning, and then ignoring me over breakfast? Would it justify why he had barely said two words in the car, and then gone straight to sleep when I attempted a conversation? Even the cup of tea at the last service station had not been enough to keep him awake and make him civil towards me.
Rowan’s stomach lurched in response, confirming what she had feared to be true. “I’m pretty sure he is mad with me, although I don’t honestly know the reason why. Maybe he’s regretting his decision to find me. Maybe it’s because I am a disappointment and not the heroine he was expecting.”
“He’s an idiot if he thinks that,” Charles muttered.
She smiled. “I don’t understand. Why me?”
“Why not you?”
Rowan shook her head. Her hands gripped more tightly to the steering wheel. “I mean, this sort of thing doesn’t happen in the real world. Here I am driving miles from home with a man I barely know, a man who comes from another world, in search of an old woman and her talking dog. I feel as though I am completely losing my mind.”
Charles laid a hand briefly on her shoulder. “I cannot explain Finn’s arrival to you, any more than I can explain Bessie or the dog. But it’s real, and you are not losing your mind. Whether or not you believe this, you are special. I have always known that about you.”
“Thank you, for believing in me so much.” She changed the subject. “Do you know if mum and Jake are okay?”
“Jake has calmed from his initial anger. Harry did say that he was keen to talk to you, he needs to hear for himself that you’re well. Your mum seems happy that you’ve found someone and Aliyah allowed David a further visitation last night.”
“Did my dad say anything else? Any messages for me?”
“Only for your mother. He’s eased her mind, so she doesn’t worry about you.”
“That’s good, although I do wish he had been allowed to contact me. I miss him.”
“I know, Rowan. The Lightkeepers have their reasons. I cannot question them further on that.”
A tear slid down her cheek, and she wiped it away. “I appreciate the fact that you tried. I’ll give mum and Jake a call when we get to Bessie’s. We’re only a few miles away.”
Charles squeezed her shoulder gently. “He’s waking. I think it best if I leave you two alone to talk things through. We can speak later tonight.”
Rowan felt the gentle release of his energy as Finn yawned loudly. “Where are we?”
“About five miles outside of Latheron.”
“How long was I asleep?”
“Most of the journey,” she replied and cringed at the bitterness in her voice.
Finn remained silent for a few minutes. “I guess I deserved that. I am sorry about this morning. I didn’t mean to take my mood out on you.”
She sighed. “It would help if I knew the reason you were in a mood. Did I do something wrong?”
“I don’t know, that depends on whether you have feelings for another. Last night you spoke of a man, Charles. Who is he?”
Rowan could feel his eyes burn into her skin. Her hands were suddenly clammy as they gripped the steering wheel. “Is that what’s been bothering you? Why you were so cold this morning?”
“Is he your lover?” Finn demanded.
“No,” she snapped.
“I need to know who he is. Is he important to you?”
“Yes, he is, very much so.”
Finn’s tone was dejected as he mumbled, “I see.”
“I don’t think that you do. I can hear it in your voice, you assume the worst.”
Finn shuffled in his seat. “What am I expected to think? You’re going to have to
give me more to go on here. I’m struggling to understand what he is to you.”
She shook her head. How am I supposed to do that? It isn’t something I can explain easily to a layperson, so how the hell do I explain it to a man from another world?
The Sat Nav system distracted her from her thoughts, as it signalled their arrival into Latheron and delivered the next set of instructions. Rowan, acutely aware that she still had not given him any explanation, focused her attention on the directions given.
Finn fell into a stony silence, the tension in his body beside her.
Driving into the village, Rowan paid little attention to its sights. The atmosphere in the car was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. She considered the various ways in which to explain Charles’s existence to Finn and ran possible conversations through her head.
A thought suddenly occurred, and without warning, she erupted into laughter.
“I fail to see what’s so funny,” Finn huffed.
Rowan wiped the tears away and attempted composure. She failed miserably, unable to keep a straight face.
Here I am completely stressing how to explain who Charles is, and to a man who technically doesn’t exist in this world either. A man who stepped out of my dream. It makes perfect sense!
“This isn’t a joke. I left my world for you,” Finn said angrily.
“I’m sorry, it’s just that I’ve been so worried that you will think I’m completely crazy and yet, the funny thing is that you’re not supposed to exist either. It’s ironic that I am sitting here struggling to find the words to explain who and what Charles is.”
“You’re not making sense.”
“Charles is my spirit guide, not my lover. He doesn’t have a physical presence in my world, and I am the only one who can see him, and others like him. Charles and I communicate in the same way that Mercadia communicates telepathically with you. I am not sure what you heard, but it wouldn’t have been the full conversation and so very easy for you to jump to conclusions.”
“What’s a spirit guide?”
Rowan sighed. “That’s the part I’m not sure how to explain to you. I don’t know if spirits exist in your world. What do you believe about life after death?”
The Veils of Valoria Page 14
