He closed the door softly behind him and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Bessie glanced up from an armchair that had appeared next to the fire. “I thought you were going to bed too. Is something wrong?”
Finn sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t think I can sleep just yet. I’ve too many questions spinning around in my head.”
She was silent for a moment, her thoughts connecting to his. “Your mind does appear to be somewhat overwhelmed.”
“Do you have anything that can help? Something that doesn’t involve me taking a bath? Not that I am against bathing,” he added quickly. “I wouldn’t normally ask but it’s been a difficult day.”
“I imagine seeing your father again has been quite painful for you.” Bessie rose from her chair and patted his hand gently. “I’ll prepare something.”
Finn nodded and shifted his gaze to the fire whilst waiting for her to return. Mesmerised by the flicker of the flames, and the sound of crackling wood, his thoughts drifted to the memories of his youth, and the nights he had spent camping in the Spring Stones with Indigo and the soothing melody of his pan pipes. What had become of his elven friend since leaving Valoria? Mercadia had made no mention of his arrival into Astyllis, and up until this moment, Finn had never really given Indigo much thought. Strange that he should suddenly pop into his head now.
“Perhaps you are meant to reconnect,” Bessie said, reappearing with a small bottle in her hand.
Finn frowned. “We were best friends once. I don’t understand how so much time has passed, and why I had forgotten him?”
She tipped the liquid into a glass, and filled the remainder with water. “I am sure the answer will come. In the meantime, drink this.”
Finn sniffed at the contents suspiciously. “What is it?”
“That which you have asked me for,” Bessie replied.
He stared dubiously at the violet substance. “Should I drink it now?”
“I would wait until you are in your bed. The potion will take effect almost immediately.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate you doing this for me, and for everything that you have done for Rowan.”
Bessie’s eyes flickered with sadness. “You’re welcome. I do understand why you have asked for this, and know that it is my choice to give it to you. It is imperative that you have strength of mind for what is to come.”
Finn studied her face. “What is it that you are not saying?”
Bessie shook her head and lowered herself into the armchair. Biscuit moved from his basket and jumped onto her lap. He gave a small yawn and curled into a tight ball.
“No more words are required. Off to bed with you,” she said, stroking the little dog.
Reluctantly, Finn did as she requested and carried the glass with its strange violet contents carefully upstairs and to his room. Placing it down on the bedside unit, he undressed and slipped beneath the covers. The sheets were soft but cool against his skin and he gave an involuntary shiver.
Reaching for the drink, he downed the liquid and returned it to the unit as the potion took its effect. Heat rose instantly through the soles of his feet and spread out through his core. His limbs were weighted by an invisible force, eyes heavy. All thoughts of his father and the events of the Meridian were now a fuzzy fog as he fell back against the pillow. The name, Indigo, whispered somewhere from the depths of his subconscious as he slipped into slumber. Finn entered the realm of dreams and with his burdens released ran through the forest once more, wild and free.
Chapter Eighteen
Achavanich, Scottish Highlands
Aliyah crossed the room and took his hand in hers. “Thank you for coming, brother. I am sorry to have called you.”
“What is it? You look upset.”
“The Lightkeepers have allowed David’s visitations to continue. It seems to be working, and Christine’s energy is restoring. I haven’t invaded the time that they have shared at David’s request, but something she has said concerns me.”
“About Rowan?”
She shook her head. “About Jake. Should I tell Harry?”
“To do so may upset the balance, particularly if Harry were to intervene.”
“Even if Jake were at risk? I know our role is to guide our wards along their path and assist when it is their time to return. But these events are influencing a path that to my knowledge was never agreed. It could cause significant harm to their soul if we are not careful and do nothing.”
“What is it Christine has said?”
“She is repeating a mantra, ‘I will not release Jake’s light’. I just have a feeling she means Jake’s spirit.”
“What does his life map say?”
“That’s the problem. The Lightkeepers have refused me entry to the hall of records.”
Charles shook his head. “Strange that they would do this. Since when? Did you explain?”
“Yes, I’ve just left Raphael but he would not comment. I am not sure what he knows and thought perhaps you might find out when you next speak with the Lightkeepers.”
“I’ll talk to Nicolai, but I cannot promise he will share their reasons.”
“What about the Sages? Will they know?”
“Eleanor, possibly as she is the closest to Raphael.”
Aliya hugged him. “Thank you, brother. Should I say anything to Harry?”
“For now, the safest option would be to let Harry know that he’s to keep a close watch on his ward. All the guides have been instructed to do the same. The threat has not passed; the creatures remain in our world. We all need to remain vigilant.”
“Understood. I’ll speak to him,” Aliyah replied.
Charles nodded. “Now I must ask a favour in return.”
“What is it, brother?”
“As you are aware, the Meridian has changed Rowan. She is coming into a different power. Her aura radiates energy that has never been known to exist in our world. It is a highly attractive beacon. Last night, one of the lost ones tried to attach itself whilst she was in the dreamscape.”
“Rowan knows not to allow them entry. She has rescued many spirits and knows the dangers that her gift can bring,” Aliyah said.
“Yes, but the lost ones grow bold. In the guise of a child grieving to be reunited with its parent, they can all too easily manipulate her compassion and use it against her. Had I not arrived to her when I did, it would have attached itself, subdued her spirit and attempted to seek possession.”
Aliyah frowned. “It should never have been in the dreamscape. How did it cross the boundary?”
“A matter for the Lightkeepers. I have spoken with them and they do not want Rowan to enter the dreamscape, at least for the present time. That is where I need your assistance. Is there a temporary spell that you can do that prohibits her entering?”
“Yes, I can prepare one for you. When do you want me to cast it?”
“Not tonight. Rowan has asked me to regress her in the hopes of finding the amulet that Bessie spoke of. I will send for you when we are ready. I must speak with Rowan first, and ensure that she understands this action is necessary.”
“I shall prepare it as soon as I have spoken to Harry.”
“Thank you, Aliyah. I am grateful to you. I must go, I sense Rowan drawing close.”
She nodded.
Charles gave her a brief peck on the cheek and took his leave.
He returned to Rowan’s bedside and immediately connected his energy to hers, pulling her back to the edge of the dreamscape, and away from the images that were taking shape. Her confused eyes met his own.
“You wanted me to regress you, Rowan.”
A flicker of recognition crossed her gaze, and she nodded.
Charles reached for her hand. “I must ask first. Are you sure you want me to do this?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“Very well, but you should know that when this is done, the Lightkeepers do not wish for you to astral project or travel to the dreamscape.”
“You are evolving. The lost ones are drawn to the source of power that is emanating from your aura,” Charles said.
“But they should never have been in the dreamscape in the first place.”
“I know. While the Lightkeepers deal with the breach, I must protect you. Bessie and Finn seek to arm you with power to aid their world, however neither of them know of the threat that exists in ours. I have therefore asked Aliyah to prepare a spell to prevent you from entering. It is temporary.”
“As long as it is, then I agree. When will she do this spell?”
“It will be soon. She is preparing it tonight. That will give us time to complete the regression. Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Rowan said.
Charles recalled the words he had been taught by his Sage Eleanor and spoke them softly into her ear. Rowan’s eyes closed briefly, and the dreamscape faded away.
Darkness surrounded them.
Rowan trembled at his side. “Nothing’s happening,” she whispered.
“Patience. It may take a little time.”
They lingered in silence until an explosion of light and the first incarnation revealed its memory. Charles felt the stir of a breeze and shuddered beside her.
Rowan gave a small gasp as her gaze fell to the youth laid on the blanket. His arms locked around a young woman with auburn hair. She cradled the slight swell of her belly and sighed.
“Who am I?” asked Rowan as tears trailed down her face.
Charles stared at the mirror image of himself. “Anna, my beloved wife.”
“We look happy together.”
For the first time, Charles lifted her hands to his lips and kissed them softly. “We were, Rowan.”
“You never told me of our connection. I felt the love from you, but I had no idea that you were my husband.”
The light around them dimmed and the image faded. Another appeared in its place. Anna stood alone, her gaze locked onto the paddock and the young Charles riding a magnificent black stallion. He turned to beam at Anna.
Charles groaned. “Please not this.”
“What is it?” Rowan asked.
He squeezed his eyes shut and gripped her hand tightly, knowing of the anguish to come. The horse’s squeal, closely followed by her cry of horror, ripped through him. When Charles opened his eyes, his dear Anna knelt to cradle the man he once was in her arms and repeatedly begged him to come back to her. Rowan cried beside him.
Charles pulled her into his embrace. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I never meant to leave you so soon.”
“The horse… it just….” Her words trailed off as she stared across to the sobbing Anna.
“It wasn’t Goliath’s fault. He was startled by a prairie snake. My foolhardy decision to ride him before he was ready.”
Rowan wiped her tears and cradled her stomach. Her voice was strained. “I lost our baby too that day. The grief was too much for me to carry.”
Charles choked back the tears. “I am so sorry. The Sages wouldn’t let me see you, my spirit too traumatised following my transition. But I swore as soon as I was able, that I would be there for you. I will always be there for you.”
Rowan smiled. “And I’m so glad you were. I can feel how much Anna loved you. How much I love you. Do you know what became of our child, Charles?”
“I am told we would have had a son. He reincarnated before I healed. I do not know any more than that,” he replied sadly.
“I hope he was born into a happy family,” she sniffed.
The image vanished, returning the two of them into darkness. Charles released her from his embrace and together they waited for the next incarnation to arrive. He prayed it would be less traumatic, for both of them.
The second brought with it the scent of desert. Charles appraised the landscape around him, a flow of blue rippled against golden banks occasionally splashed with greenery. Behind him palm trees stood unaffected by the gruelling heat, a welcome contrast to the stark sand dunes that spread out for miles. In the distance, the monolithic splendour of the ancient pyramids stood proud. He turned his attention to the woman alone on the riverbank. She was clothed in a simple sheath dress, her hair plaited and adorned with gold ribbon, her emerald eyes pleading to the sky. “Isis, I beg of you to return him to me.” She fell to her knees and cradled her stomach.
“What do you remember?” Charles asked.
Rowan’s face lit with anger. “My husband committing adultery with my sister.” She shuddered, her expression one of disgust. “When I discovered her betrayal, we fought. I lost. I remember praying to Isis to save me. She took pity and healed my wounds but she failed to return the child growing in my womb.”
“These are painful memories, Rowan.”
“I know. I cannot help but think in my lifetimes there has been a pattern emerging. Maybe I was never meant to bear a child.” Her voice hitched.
He waved his hand and released the memory, returning them both into darkness. “It’s time we stopped. This is too much for you.”
“But I haven’t found the amulet yet. We have to try again, please.”
“One last time,” he conceded. “I need you to focus your desire to be reconnected to the amulet. Imagine how it would feel against your skin once more. Let its energy combine with yours. Only when you are certain, release the memory.” He waited.
“I feel it,” she finally murmured and reached for his hand.
They were pulled so fast into the next incarnation, Rowan lost her balance and tumbled head first into a pile of straw. Charles chuckled and lifted her free. Rowan picked the pieces from her hair, her expression confused as she stared around the empty barn. “I don’t understand. What is this place?”
Charles had no opportunity to respond as the doors to the entrance suddenly flew open, and a woman with thick raven hair garbed in a long red gown, ran inside. Her companion, much younger, wore a dull grey linen dress, and clutched a small baby to her chest. “What are we to do, Mistress Aurora?”
Rowan gasped as the dark-haired woman unclasped a silver chain from around her neck. She held it out in front of her, the green pendant swaying momentarily before she thrust it towards her companion. “You must use this. Take Abigail through the gateway. Start a new life with her. On her thirteenth birthday give her the amulet. Its power belongs to her now.”
“But I cannot raise a child,” the younger woman wailed.
“Deliverance Hobbs, you can and you will. Now go before he discovers us both and realises what I have done.”
“Please come with me, Mistress Aurora. I don’t know how to use the amulet and I cannot travel to another time alone.”
“Impossible, Damon has marked my soul. Wherever in time, I travelled he would find me. I’m afraid it has to be you, there is no one else in this world that I trust. The amulet will work for you, Deliverance. Abigail is with you and will activate its power. The portal I have already prepared.” Aurora grimaced and clutched her face. They both glanced towards the doors. “He’s near. Deliverance, you must leave now. The gateway will close as soon as you are through.” Holding her cheek, she lowered to kiss the top of the baby’s head. “Goodbye, my sweet Abigail, know that I will always love you.”
With a frantic wave of her hand, Aurora signalled for Deliverance to leave. The younger woman obeyed and hurried to the other side of the barn. She pressed along its wall until the concealed panel clicked open. Deliverance stepped through and sealed the gap behind her.
“That baby was me,” Rowan said softly.
Charles didn’t reply, his attention fixed firmly on the woman that now stood alone. Something about her expression, and the thick mass of jet hair that fell around her shoulders all too familiar to him. When Aurora released her hand from her cheek, he felt a surge of anger at the spiral welt that glowed so fiercely from her skin.
Rowan nudged his arm gently. “Why hasn’t the memory ended when Deliverance left with the baby?”
Charles was interrupted by the sound of wood splintering. A man with silver hair burst into the barn, his face full of fury. Charles presumed this was Damon.
“Thought you could hide from me, Aurora?”
She shook her head. “You are too late. The last egg has turned to dust.”
“You lie,” he spat out and seized her arm. “Where is she?”
“Gone where you can never find her. Use your power, dear husband, if you do not believe me.”
“You whore.” Damon flung her to the ground.
Aurora laughed hysterically. “There will be no more of its kind. You’ve lost.”
“We shall see about that.” His hands grasped her waist, and he tossed her onto her front, pushing up her skirts. “I shall make another child, and with it return the creature’s fertility,” he snarled.
“Do what you like. You could put a thousand babies in my belly, and none would give you what you want. She will age and die by the time the season changes.”
“You’re wrong, and I shall prove it.”
The vision ended abruptly.
Rowan turned to Charles and smiled. “I know where the amulet is.”
His response was cut off as Rowan was shaken violently awake.
Chapter Nineteen
Achavanich, Scottish Highlands
“What is it?” she asked, her eyes squinting against the sudden onset of light.
“Get dressed, we need to leave now.” Finn thrust a rucksack into her hand.
“Where did you get that from?”
“Courtesy of Bessie, there’s no chance of taking that case with us now.”
Heart pounding, Rowan scrambled out of bed and reached for her clothes. Finn turned his back as she changed out of her pyjamas.
“I’m done,” she said and hurried to the chest of drawers. Grabbing a handful of clothes, she rammed them quickly into the bag.
“I don’t understand,” she muttered.
“Neither do I,” Finn replied angrily. “Why did she do it? It makes no sense.”
“She? You mean, Bessie? What did she do?”
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