“I don’t understand. Is Charles a human like you?”
“He was a long time ago, but when his physical body died, his consciousness ascended. He is what we call spirit energy. I don’t know if you can understand any of this or not, all I can tell you is that he’s important to me and a big part of who I am. I need you to accept that and trust me.”
Finn covered her hand briefly with his. “If he means that much to you, then yes.”
A small weight lifted from Rowan’s shoulders. “Thank you, and for the record, I left my home and family behind too, and I did that for you.”
Rowan’s gaze flicked to the map on the dashboard. They had passed through the village and were less than ten minutes from their destination, the road leading them back into countryside. The landscape stretching out ahead was breathtaking, with lush green hills to either side of the way. Rowan imagined herself standing at the summit, the wind blowing her cobwebs free, the sun on her face and the earth’s energy coursing through her soul.
The Sat Nav or Daft Nav as she often referred to it had soon destroyed her daydream when it insisted she take the next turn down a narrow lane littered with potholes. She breathed a sigh of relief when it guided her off and along the gravel driveway that led to the cottage. Finally, she brought the car to a stop and switched off the engine. “I hope Bessie has plenty of hot water,” she groaned and rubbed the back of her neck.
Finn leaned across and kissed her cheek. “Let me make it up to you.”
Rowan couldn’t resist. “Oh, and how are you going to do that?”
For the first time that day, he grinned and wiggled his fingers in front of her. “Did I mention that I have magic hands?”
“Really?”
“Yes, and I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed.”
“Well, I shall look forward to seeing what your magic hands can do,” she teased.
Finn winked. “Now there’s a challenge I can’t refuse.”
She stepped out of the car quickly before he could notice the slight heat in her cheeks.
He glanced around. “Are you sure this is the right place?”
Rowan stared towards the cottage, reassured by the familiar sight of the grey stone hare standing on the little porch, and the dragonfly sun catcher hanging in the window. Excitement danced in her stomach, the cottage precisely as she remembered from her dreams. “I’m sure.” A breeze ruffled her hair, and she inhaled the fragrant scent of blossoms. “Can you smell them, Finn?”
His gaze wistful. “Yes, I can.”
“What is it?” she asked gently.
“They remind me of my home,” Finn said.
Rowan reached for his hand and pulled him forward. “Come with me. I want to introduce you to Bessie, and Biscuit too of course.”
Finn nodded and laughed as she bounded up the steps and squealed in delight when the door sprang open.
“Well, it’s about time. I thought you two were going to stand outside all afternoon,” Bessie scolded.
Finn shook hands with Bessie. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you, Finn. I have heard so much about you.”
“All good, I hope?”
“If not, then you wouldn’t be here,” Bessie chuckled. She turned to Rowan and gave her an affectionate hug. “You made it, at last, my dear. I have been looking forward to this day for such a long time.” Taking a hankie out of her pocket, she gave her eyes a quick dab.
Rowan felt the lump catch in her throat. “Me too,” she managed.
There was a little bark and the sound of feet skittering towards her.
Bessie smiled. “And of course, I am not alone, someone else has also been looking forward to today.”
Rowan giggled and knelt, Biscuit showering her with kisses. Surprised by how much affection she felt for the little dog, she scooped him into her arms. He nuzzled her chin and snuggled closer. Finn’s expression was unreadable as he watched them both together.
Bessie shook her head and motioned for them all to go inside. “Warms my heart, seeing you both together at last.”
Rowan smiled and without hesitation, headed into the kitchen. Placing Biscuit on the floor, she stood open-mouthed and stared around her. The kitchen was everything she remembered from her dreams and more. “I can’t believe I’m here, and this time it’s for real. But where are the two armchairs?”
Bessie gave her a wink. “We don’t need them just yet, dear. Sit, both of you. I have a pot of tea made and scones freshly baked.”
A crisp white linen cloth covered the kitchen table, and three places were set with delicate blue china. In the centre, a silver stand filled with Bessie’s baking and two small pots containing jam and cream. Rowan couldn’t help but grin as Bessie poured the tea. Finn reached his hand across the table to pick up a scone and sniff it.
“May I?” Rowan asked.
He nodded and watched as she placed it onto a side plate and cut it in half. She gestured to the accompaniments on the table. “You can try it with jam and cream, or you can eat it on its own.”
Raising half the scone to his mouth, Finn tentatively took a bite, his eyes widened. There was no hesitation in taking a second taste. “This is good, Bessie,” he mumbled in between mouthfuls.
Eager to try, Rowan picked up her own, and buttered both halves. Adding a small amount of jam, she groaned in pleasure, her taste buds responding enthusiastically to the combination of warmth and sweetness. “I honestly didn’t realise how hungry I was,” Rowan acknowledged after the last crumb was demolished.
Finn, she noted, was already helping himself to another. Rowan caught his gaze.
“What?” he shrugged innocently and took a large bite, rolling his eyes upwards.
Bessie chuckled. “So, how was the journey?”
Rowan covered her mouth and yawned. “Tiring.”
“Yes, you do look exhausted, dear. Why don’t you finish your tea and then go upstairs and draw yourself a nice bath?”
“That sounds lovely, but I’m afraid if I did, I would want to sleep after that.”
“Supper won’t be for a few hours yet, so there would be no harm if you did, dear.”
Finn reached across and squeezed her hand gently. “Get some rest.”
“What about you?”
“Don’t you worry about Finn, dear, I’ve got a few small chores that I would appreciate his help with. It’s been a long time since I had a man around the house.”
“If you’re sure, thanks.” Rowan turned to Finn and handed him the car keys. “Could you grab my case from the car? Press the top button to open the boot and the bottom one to lock it.”
“Sure. Now go and get that bath running. I owe you, remember?”
“Yes, you do and a back massage, but I’ll call on that later,” she replied, and blushed.
“Your room is all prepared, second door on the left. The bathroom is just along from there. Take your time, dear, we’ll come and wake you when supper is ready.”
Rowan left the two of them alone and headed along the small hallway to the foot of the wooden staircase. She took a few moments to admire the beauty of the framework. Weaving its way upwards, the intricate carvings of birds and butterflies were so lifelike it forced her to take a closer look. She almost expected them to fly free or break into song. The craftsmanship was astounding; whoever had created such a staircase was truly gifted.
She climbed the stairs with a strange sort of excitement that bubbled inside. Her hand was almost shaking with anticipation as she turned the handle of the second door and entered the room. A soft gasp escaped. Wildflowers spilling from a crystal vase rested on an ivory dressing table, complemented by the plush purple cushion of the little stool. A matching wardrobe, chest of drawers and two bedside cabinets completed the furnishings. The double bed was covered with a deep purple bedspread that complemented the velour drapes.
Rowan smiled and slipped off her trainers, her toes curled into the softness of the cream carpet. She floated to the windo
w and pressed her head against the pane. The glass was cold and yet comfortable against her forehead. Rowan sighed at the sheer beauty of the landscape outside with its sun-kissed fields and trees that swayed from a gentle breeze. An assortment of colours stretched out for miles ahead.
A soft knock on the door disturbed her daydream.
“Can I come in?” Finn asked.
“Yes,” she replied. Rowan’s heart skipped a beat as he wrapped his arms tenderly around her waist and drew her close. “It’s beautiful here,” she whispered.
He nodded. “I’ve set your bath running.”
She brushed her lips against his. “Thank you.”
Their mouths met once more, the kiss deepening.
Finn groaned. “Your bath,” he reminded.
Rowan mustered what remained of her willpower and pulled herself free from his embrace. “Maybe a cold shower for you,” she teased.
Finn’s jaw clenched. “Then you’d better go now, as standing there looking at me like that, is killing me.”
“I won’t be long,” she promised and quickly retreated from the room.
Chapter Thirteen
Middlesbrough, North East England
Kane drummed his fingers on the table and took another sip of his wine. Where is she and how long do I have to wait? He scowled at the tavern keeper. You told me she would be here by now, do you lie? He finished his wine and stalked to the counter, throwing down some notes. “Are you wasting my time?”
The tavern keeper pocketed the cash and refilled Kane’s glass. He shook his head and gestured towards the door. The brunette entering caught Kane’s gaze and flashed him a huge smile.
“You really don’t want to be doing this, mate,” the tavern keeper warned.
“Oh, I do,” Kane said and swaggered back to his table. His thoughts shifted to the previous night and the Fallen’s conversation he had eavesdropped on.
The Entity had led them to believe the Tracker and girl were hiding in the village and under its protection. But what if Barrock is right and that it is all indeed a deception? Allowing them to escape unnoticed?
The time that had passed before Barrock’s suspicions were raised could mean they were anywhere in this world and even with the Fallen’s heightened sense of smell, the Tracker’s scent would be too faint to obtain a location.
Before Kane had passed out he had formulated his plan. I may not be able to drink from the vial but she said nothing about spilling its blood. He knew his mother’s grimoire, safely tucked beneath his mattress, held inside the spell he needed, having witnessed her perform it once before. Kane patted himself on the back for the foresight that he had to bring this with him.
A map of this world is all that I require to bring my plan to fruition. He glanced across to the brunette walking eagerly towards him. Yes, and you will be the one to give me exactly what I need and much more.
“You came back then, sugar,” the brunette purred, taking a seat opposite him. “I’d hoped I would see you again.” She nibbled at his ear.
Kane smiled and leaned closer, his hand reaching beneath the table to brush against her leg and then slipping beneath the scant material she was wearing.
She shuddered and let out a small gasp. “Not here,” she whispered.
Kane sat back in his seat and downed the contents in his glass. “Where would you like to go?”
She glanced at the strange ticking bracelet on her wrist. “We can’t go back to mine. Ronan’s there.”
Kane smirked at the direction of the door and the heavy-set man tearing a path towards them. “Actually, I believe Ronan is here.”
The brunette’s eyes widened in horror. “Shit.” She spun in the direction of the bar. “Jason, you bastard, why?”
Kane eyed the tavern keeper. The little turncoat squirmed. “Sorry, Nicki, I had no choice. I did warn you, mate.”
“So, it’s alright for him to put it about but not me?” she complained.
“I ain’t getting involved. I like my face the way it is,” the tavern keeper said.
“Wise choice,” Ronan spat out. He seized her by the wrist and dragged her to her feet. “You think you’re going to cheat on me?”
“It’s what you deserve,” she fired back.
Kane rose from the chair, anger bubbling to the surface.
The man turned on him. “You sit down if you know what’s good for you, mate. You’re lucky I ain’t gonna bust your knee cap for screwing with my girl.”
The tavern keeper intervened. “Ronan, I don’t want any more trouble in my gaff. You’ve got a problem with him, then take it outside.”
Kane glanced towards the tavern keeper and nodded. “Outside it is.”
Ronan released his grip on the girl. “You’ve got some front, mate, I’ll give you that.” He clicked his fingers into the air, and two other men approached from the back of the room.
Kane had not noticed them before. He laughed as he recognised the one from the previous night. “What is this?”
Ronan smirked. “It’s the warm-up act, mate, and after they’ve finished with that pretty face of yours, I’m going to break your legs.”
Kane strolled to the bar and placed a handful of notes down. “Jason, is it? Get the lady a drink, whatever she wants.”
The tavern keeper shrugged. “Sure thing, mate, it’s your funeral.”
Kane turned his attention back to Ronan. “After you, gentleman, lead the way.”
He paused as the brunette suddenly reached for his arm. “Sugar, I really like you, but Ronan’s right, you won’t be walking away from this.”
Ronan laughed. “She’s a smart girl, my Nicki.”
Kane deliberately turned her face to his and brushed his lips briefly across hers. “Enjoy your drink, I shall be back for you in a few minutes.”
The laughter fell away from Ronan’s face. “Outside now.”
One of the men shoved Kane forward, almost tripping him. Kane studied the man’s appearance, noting the strange metalwork that buried into his skin.
So, this parasite can tolerate pain, can he? Well, I shall certainly look forward to testing that. Fists clenched to his side, Kane followed Ronan through a back entrance and outside into an alleyway. His mind toyed with different ideas until he finally found the one that would satisfy his anger.
He feigned surprise. “Why gentleman, we are completely alone. I take it no one can hear me scream or come to my aid?”
The one who had shoved Kane positioned himself behind Ronan and sneered. The other man from last night moved behind him and roughly seized his arms, holding on tightly.
Ronan chuckled and rolled up his sleeves. “That’s right, mate, no one to hear you scream or beg for forgiveness. You know, I cannot deny Nicki’s an incredible lay, but not one worth losing your legs over. You’re either desperate or stupid.”
Kane’s mouth curled. “I am neither as you will soon come to realise, and I’ll be the judge of how good she is at satisfying my needs.”
“That will be difficult from your hospital bed. Hold him still,” Ronan ordered.
Kane had no intention of moving, intrigued to see what they would do next. The man with the metalwork stepped forward and cracked his knuckles. Kane waited for the contact.
The pain inflicted was insignificant in comparison to what the Master had delivered the previous night. Despite the aching throb of his abdomen, Kane started to laugh.
“How is it he can even breathe?” Ronan shouted. “Hit him again.”
Kane absorbed the second blow, although with more difficulty. A third and fourth consecutive strike and he could barely force a smile to his lips. The fifth blow had him sinking to his knees. Kane pulled the air into his lungs. He was dragged to his feet. Kane shook his head at the shadows. The man behind tightened his grip once again. The other had resumed his position behind Ronan.
“Not so cocky, now, are you?” Ronan sniggered.
Kane considered for a moment. Perhaps I should let them feed, yet I want t
hem to see and know my power. Closing his eyes, he summoned the incantation. A scream from behind signalled its success, the pressure releasing.
Kane’s captor slid to his knees, both arms hanging limply at his side, eyes wide with pain and shock. “My arms, Ronan, they’re broken.”
“How the hell could he do that? He hasn’t even touched you,” Ronan shouted.
Kane laughed and reached forward to rip a piece of hair from his scalp. Another incantation filled him with pleasure as the man suddenly threw himself backwards and rolled from side to side. “Get them off, get them off me, they’re eating me alive! Ronan, help me.”
“Well, don’t just stand there, help him,” Ronan yelled.
Kane immediately opened his hand and released the cluster of hair into the wind. The scarab beetle dropped un-noticed to the ground and joined the others.
Kane turned his attention to the man now hurtling towards him. Ronan, like a coward, stood back. No matter, Kane mused, he would deal with him later. Raising an arm into the air, Kane called forth the same power the Master had summoned the previous night, only with one slight adjustment to the spell. Before his assailant’s fist could make contact, he levitated into the air. Kane laughed as the man thrashed around helplessly.
“Ronan, save me, get me down!” he squealed.
Ronan sprinted forward and wrapped his arms around his companion’s legs, pulling him backwards. It was a hilarious sight to behold, and Kane marvelled at the sheer stupidity.
“You won’t get away with this,” Ronan huffed.
“You said it yourself. There is no one around. No one to hear your screams or hear you beg me for forgiveness,” Kane sneered. Turning to the one who dared to lay a finger on him, Kane focused his gaze to the small pieces of metal buried in his nose and lips.
“Ronan, what’s he doing to me? It hurts my face, help me, make him stop.”
Ronan crossed himself and fell to the floor. Kane laughed insanely as the metal continued to grow in size and multiply. Each slithered like worms and repeatedly pierced through face and scalp until finally fusing around the neck to sever the head. The body fell with a thud to the ground.
The Veils of Valoria Page 15
