Book One : The Prophecy : III: Moirai

III

Moirai

10^Th October 1940

Love is not a fire to be shut up in a soul. Everything betrays us: voice, silence, eyes; half-covered fires burn all the brighter…

Jean Racine.

“Eveline?” a familiar voice echoed within Eveline’s mind prompting her to open her eyes. Her body felt drained of energy, her heart faint and she felt disorientated as her eyes lifted to find the gaze of Estelle whose face was bent low over her. Briefly she closed her eyes again as the room began to spin. “Can you hear me?” Eveline felt Estelle’s hand upon her own and squeezed it in response, opening her eyes once more. The room was alit with candles that flickered upon the ceiling, drawing Eveline’s eyes to the end of her bed. Upon a chair sat Galean, his long legs crossed, his eyes on her. Eveline smiled weakly before drawing her eyes to the left hand corner in which she gazed upon a tall figure, shielded by the darkness, a pair of black eyes upon her. Eveline’s heart seized with fear, struggling to move her body further into the headrest, her eyes now upon Estelle, wide and dilated. “What is it? Eveline? Tell me child,” Estelle begged as she struggled to calm Eveline down. Eveline forced her right hand to lift itself from the sheets, pointing her index finger over at the far right hand corner of the room. Estelle followed the finger, seeing nothing before turning back to Eveline. “I see nothing,” she said with urgency. Eveline settled her gaze upon Galean who got up from his chair and lifted a candle, walking over to the right hand corner and standing before the shadowed man, drowning him in light. With one last glance, Eveline fell into a dark sleep once more.

*

                  

“You may sleep in Theodore’s room upon your stay here Mr?” Estelle held a lantern up high as she entered the small room that belonged to Theodore.

“Mr Galean Edwards,” Galean murmured as he entered the room, setting his suitcase upon the bed, turning to Estelle, who held Theodores letter in her hand.

“You may have this lantern,” Estelle placed the lantern upon Theodores writing table.

“There is no need, the sun is rising and the room is light enough for me to see,” Galean smiled, handing the lantern back to the exhausted Estelle, whose eyes were drawn and face pale.

“We serve breakfast at nine Mr Edwards, if you would be so kind as to join us?”

“Indeed, I will be down directly after I have checked on the patient,” Galean said with raised brows, eager to find out what exactly had occurred during the night.

“As you wish,” Estelle smiled, stepping out of the room with Theodore’s open letter by her side. Galean waited for the door to close before he sat down upon the edge of his bed, resting his head between his hands. He needed to find out what exactly had happened to Eveline, afraid that she had already been found. When he had given Estelle Theodores letter in the study she had sat down upon a leather chair in silence, reading its contents before raising her eyes to him.

“My son is well?”

“He is, he will make for Bath next week and hopes that you, Eveline and Belle will join him,” Galean replied, his eyes taking in the sheer volume of books that filled the shelves.

“He has never mentioned your name before?” Estelle said with accusing eyes.

“Well I would suspect that that may lead you to doubt my legitimacy,” Galean smiled. “And so Theodore bade me to pass on a piece of information that only you and Eveline would know, in order to prove that I am indeed who I say I am.”

“And the information would be?”

“That he proposed marriage to Eveline on the ninth of August, 1938 under a cherry blossom tree,” Galean announced clearly. Estelle sat quietly, observing the young man with keen eyes.

“Correct.”

Galean closed the study door behind him and took a seat opposite Estelle.

“Then we may speak frankly?”

“Go on.”

“When I arrived here early this morning, I saw your daughter hovering in mid-air before a man,” Galean said quietly aware that Belle was somewhere in the house.

“You saw what happened?” Estelle asked darkly taking in a deep sigh before crossing her arms before her.

“Not just I, the man that brought me here saw it also,” Galean admitted, seeing the fear in Estelle’s eyes.

“That complicates matters.”

“Indeed it does,” Galean said, moving his chair closer to Estelle. “Before we discuss this any further, I believe I must tell you something about myself and your son.”

“You may speak freely Mr Edwards.”

“I believe you already know that your children are gifted in ways that others are not, in ways that would lead others to hold them in distaste, to believe them to be creatures of the dark?” Galean asked quietly, watching as Estelle’s lips became to quiver.

“Theodore has told you this?”

“There was no need, Theodore and I have been friends for a very long time, long before he came to this house,” Galean muttered cautiously, seeing confusion in Estelle’s eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“I am like your son, I am gifted and am a creature of the light like he is,” Galean said, leaning back into his chair and giving Estelle time in which to digest this information.

“He came to this house as a child, did you grow up with him in London before his parents died?”

“You believe Theodore to be twenty one years old, I can tell you that he is in fact two hundred and seventy one years old.”

“That cannot be true,” Estelle gasped into her hands, her eyes wide with shock.

“I am telling the truth, Theodore is an angel like myself and was assigned to shapeshift into a child so that he could protect your other child, Eveline.”

“How is this possible?”

“You have always known that they come from something greater than the human species, yes?”

“Yes but I have never allowed myself to bask in the idea for fear of what it could mean,” Estelle admitted through gritted teeth. “Such fears, such thoughts have stained my every day. They have clung to me so tightly and I…, I have never indulged in the idea that they may be greater than myself and others like me.”

“There is no time now in which to hide from the reality that faces us,” Galean exclaimed softly, trying to calm Estelle down.

“Has Theodore always been aware of this?”

“No, when he agreed to become her guardian, all memories of who he once was had been stripped from him. He has only in the last few weeks become enlightened as to who he truly is.”

“And my daughter, she is an angel also?” Estelle asked curiously feeling as though a door had opened and a bright ray of realisation had hit her hard.

“No. As to who Eveline is, you may find it hard to digest,” Galean frowned.

“You do not know whether it would be right to tell me, do you?” Estelle asked sternly, sitting forward and observing the man more intimately. “What keeps you from telling me?”

“The safety of Eveline hangs in the balance, she has clearly been sought out by those who would wish her mortal harm,” Galean replied clearly, keeping his gaze fixed upon her own. “I am afraid that if they were to harm you, they may draw information from you that could place her in terrible peril. If I felt that Eveline was safe from harm it would an entirely different matter. The fact is she is not safe, and if that man is who I thought him to be then we are in even greater danger than I had anticipated.”

“Tell me one thing then Mr Edwards,” Estelle said darkly. “I have watched her grow, I have noticed how she is stronger and more able than my son, is she that way because she is greater than an angel?”

“She is much greater than any angel,” Galean whispered.

“And does she come from another world? She often speaks of how she feels unconnected to this world, is she correct in her judgement?”

“She is, she comes from the same world as myself, for I am part angel and part being,” Galean replied gently, hearing Belle’s footsteps above.

“Who are you really Mr Edwards?” Estelle’s legs were clearly shaking as she asked Galean, her gaze steady and unyielding to the fear she felt within.

“In my world, I am heir to a Kingdom and ancestor to the angel, Gabriel. Do you know of Gabriel?”

Estelle was unable to speak, sitting before a man so much older, wiser and greater than she could ever have imagined. And for all he was, he had no air of arrogance or superiority about him, he was ironically a humble man.

“Gabriel who is spoken of in the bible?”

“Yes.”

“I know of him, he is God’s right hand angel, am I correct?”

“Yes you are.”

“Then I am guessing that my daughter is linked to this God you serve?”

“I cannot answer your question, but I believe you already have answered it.”

“Impossible!” Estelle whispered harshly, getting up rather quickly from her chair and pacing to and fro. “The bible speaks of one son.”

“The bible is man’s story of creation and God, in truth some of it is reliable in terms of historical events but equal amounts of it is false.”

“You mean to tell me there was no Jesus?”

“I will tell you that the God I serve had three sons and a daughter, all of whom have been killed by the serpent of Hell.”

“If you were before a minister he would say that you preach blasphemy.”

“And yet I am not before any such minister, I am before you. You know I speak the truth.”

“I was never much of a church goer myself, although Eveline has always insisted on having a small bible and many times when I am passing her room at night I can hear her praying.”

“She feels an ornate connection to God which makes sense when one thinks about it for a moment,” Galean pondered out loud, his curiosity in Eveline deepening.

“This man that you talk off, who is he? And what does he want with Eveline?” Estelle stopped pacing and turned to Galean, prodding him on with her gaze.

“Has she been followed before?”

“Now that you speak of it, yes,” Estelle admitted, her mind flying back to the previous afternoons talk with Eveline. “She and Belle were walking back from Keswick after collecting our weekly rations and were followed by a man not nearly as terrifying as the man I had witnessed last night.”

“What happened exactly?” Galean asked darkly.

“Well it is as I have said he followed them by the way of the lake until they made a run for it up through the woods. Fortunately Wordsworth, that is our dog,” Estelle smiled with affection. “Well his behaviour turned somewhat odd, I would go as far as to say he was somewhat violent. He turned on the man and the man fled.”

“Was Eveline able to identify the man at all?” Galean enquired quietly, creating an image of the scenario that had unfolded the previous afternoon.

“No, she said only that his aura sent a sharpness through her and something about him feeling cold and dark.”

“Do you believe in demons Estelle? Shadows of the night?”

“If you are an angel then how can I not believe in the shadows of the night,” Estelle lectured quietly.

“Then you will understand when I say that Eveline is in great danger from those that bask in the darkness and that she is to them precious above all things.”

“That man who held her captive this morning, who was he?” Estelle asked firmly, standing before Galean.

“It would not help matters by my answering that question,” Galean said, shaking his head gently.

“If I am to protect my child and trust in you and all that you have said, I think you owe it to me to tell me who it was that caused my daughter to be dangling in mid-air.”

“Those of this earth know him by two names, the first is Lucifer and the second Satan,” Galean began seeing the horror seep through Estelle, causing her to fall back onto her chair. “Those like myself know him by another.”

“What is his name?” Estelle asked breathlessly. Galean got up from his chair and wandered over to the small window, looking outside and admiring the fine scenery. After a moment he turned to Estelle.

“His name is Lagar, father of the fallen, King of all shadows and mortal enemy of my God, Heiden.”

Estelle sat motionless, her face drained of any colour as she digested these last words carefully. Galean stood still observing the woman with compassion, all of her fears had come to the surface and in this moment he knew she would feel helpless to protect Eveline.

“What does he want with her?” Estelle whispered.

“Maybe we shouldn’t speak of such things, it will only increase the worry that you already carry.”

“Tell me!” Estelle said loudly, getting up from her chair and resting her hands upon her hips.

“I believe he wishes to kill her, not however before he claims something that belongs only to her.”

“Which is?”

“I am already saying too much, please don’t make me say anything more.”

“Fine we will not speak of it,” Estelle said abruptly.

“We must make for Bath immediately,” Galean said as he watched Estelle make for the door, her shoulders slouched heavily and her back hunched.

“We do not leave until Eveline is strong enough, Theodore shall have to be patient,” Estelle whispered to the door, turning the handle.

“Every day we spend here only increases the danger she is in.”

Estelle turned to Galean and stood tall and defiant.

“I may not have your powers or the ability to protect my daughter, I do however have a say over her health. We will leave for Bath when she is stronger and able to embark on the long journey south, is that understood?”

Galean felt as though he had been slapped.

“I understand,” he murmured, watching her leave the study and him behind.

*

Four days had passed since Eveline’s encounter with the serpent of darkness. Still she was bound to her bed, still weak and quiet. Galean had spent the nights by her side as she slept and the days keeping watch with Belle by his side, the child scared of the change that had taken place in the last four days. Galean had discussed, bringing Belle back to her parents with Estelle to no avail.

“That child has brought life into Eveline’s eyes,” Estelle argued as they sat before a lit fire. “Never have I seen her so alive and happy. No, Belle stays with us, she will be safe with you here.”

“You take an unprecedented risk by keeping her here with you, a risk her parents may not appreciate,” Galean had replied, watching the child play in the corner, her eyes lifting to meet his own.

“Eveline has lived in fear of who she is, a flower afraid to look upon the sun,” Estelle said gently, smiling across at Belle. “Never have I before witnessed such a change that Belle has waged. With Belle by her side, Eveline will stay strong, she won’t allow anything to come between herself and the child.”

“Such a bond of friendship you describe,” Galean said thoughtfully, a memory of his own daughter forming in the flames.

“Have you children Mr Edwards?” Estelle asked kindly, seeing the pain in his eyes.

“Once,” He murmured, keeping his eyes upon the flames.

“And a wife?”

“Once.”

“What happened to them?” Estelle asked gently, not wishing to inflict anymore pain upon the angel.

“They were murdered.”

Estelle set her cup of tea down upon a small table that stood beside her chair.

“I’m sorry for you loss Mr Edwards, truly.”

Galean looked up from the flames and smiled weakly.

“You will know then how it is that they can open your eyes?” Estelle mused, setting a hand upon his own.

“I do,” Galean said, his eyes filled with anguish.

“Belle has been a blessing in disguise for both of us, but no one more so that Eveline,” Estelle explained, pity in her own eyes. “Before the child came to live with us, she was withdrawn, quiet and almost sickly, unable to find a place within this cruel and unforgiving world.”

“And Theodore?” Galean interjected, wanting to know how he affected Eveline.

“He is her best friend and confidant with her best interests at heart,” Estelle said with a faint smile upon her lips. “I was at first slightly wary at them marrying but they wished to be married, Theodore more so I believe than Eveline. He has been gone for over a year and their married life has not even begun.”

“As is so with many war time couples,” Galean smiled as Belle came to his side and sat down by his legs with her doll in her arms. She had taken an instant liking to the new guest.

“Can you play Mr Edwards?” she asked, turning her blue eyes upwards to meet his own.

“The piano?” Galean replied, settling a hand upon her golden curls.

“Yes.”

“I can play very well, it is one of my favourite past times. Why do you ask?”

“We have a piano in the music room, Evie usually plays to us but…,” Belle stuttered, her eyes watering.

“Would you like me to play to you Belle?” Galean asked gently, his heart filling with warmth as she smiled through her watering eyes.

“Please.”

Galean looked over at Estelle who shrugged lightly.

“Just be careful not to awaken Eveline,” she ordered lightly as Galean rose from his chair and made his way over to the music room, Belle at his feet.

“I would think you happy that she should awake, she has been asleep these last three days,” Galean said warmly as he entered the music room and stood before the piano. “Would you like me to play anything in particular?” he asked Belle who sat by him upon the piano stool.

“I don’t mind, something beautiful if you will,” Belle ordered, watching as Galean let his fingers hover above the ivory keys in a manner similar to Eveline.

“I happen to love a piece of music by Tchaikovsky, however I warn you it is a little long,” Galean smiled down at Belle, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“What is it called?”

“It is his piano concerto No. 1: Allegro non troppo e molt maestoso. You will have to imagine that we are surrounded by an orchestra, can you do that for me?” Galean asked.

“Yes, Eveline asks me to do that as well,” Belle smiled. “We pretend we are playing in Vienna, she tells me that she should love to visit Vienna for the music but cannot do so because of the war.”

“She would be right, Vienna is indeed a dangerous place to be right now.”

“Everywhere is,” Belle whispered her eyes darkening.

“You are safe here,” Galean said with furrowed brows.

“What about the bad men?” Belle asked faintly.

“They won’t return I promise,” Galean smiled down.

“I hope not,” Belle mused.

“Ready?”

“Yes,” Belle beamed. Galean sat up straight and began to play, filling the house with music and filling his soul with much needed comfort. Estelle sat in the living room amazed at the skill that Galean demonstrated on the piano, completely forgiving of the louder sections of the piece. She was herself an avid fan of Tchaikovsky, being a lover of Russian classical music like Eveline.

Upstairs, Eveline moved slightly, hearing the music and letting it fill her senses, prompting her to awaken. She knew the piece of music well, before the war she and Theodore had travelled to Bristol to see a concert in which the very piece of music that now filled the cottage was played. A smile played upon her lips as she listened to the piano, forgetting the weakness in her bones and the dread that filled her dreams. She wondered who had claimed the piano downstairs and found herself struggling to get out of bed, her neck still sore from the bite. When sat at the edge of the bed she found her nightgown and slipped it on. With a moment to breathe she swept her long hair off her shoulders and gently stood up, wobbling at first, her right hand upon the edge of the bed for balance. Her body had been greatly weakened due her being in bed for the last three days, but with determination to seek out the pianist she carefully and slowly made her way out of her room and down the corridor, the music getting louder and filling a very deep part of her with a rush of untold beauty. As she came to the narrow and winding steps she took in a deep breath and took her time as she made her way downstairs.

Once Eveline had descended the steps she turned and entered the music room, walking slowly to the window seat that was positioned to the right of the piano. Quietly without wanting to ruin the piece of music for the man that sat upon the stool, she sat down and watched on in awe, such was the beauty of the music that filled the room. Eveline noticed that Belle was sitting beside the pianist and smiled deeply, she had missed her little friend and when she had been more alert had worried that Belle would be scared. Seeing her face alight with passion and excitement brought relief to Eveline as she lifted her feet up from the ground and curled them under her legs.

Estelle noticed a shadow pass and opened her eyes. She sat forward and turned her head, seeing Eveline pass through the door of the music room. Suddenly she got to her feet and made for the music room, stopping at the door and looking in. To her right, Eveline sat curled up in the window seat watching Galean play, her face filled with colour and her eyes sparkling. Estelle felt her heart tighten as she watched her daughter so frail and withdrawn, surrendering herself to the music and the moment. Suddenly, Eveline’s eyes found her own and she smiled warmly holding her mother’s gaze before returning it to the pianist.

Eveline returned her gaze to the man and found herself observing him. He was tall and lean with thick, blonde hair that reached his shoulders, a style very uncommon among men. As the candles glimmered about the room, she was struck at the beauty of his deep blue eyes as they glinted. His face was firm and square. His eyes were to Eveline deep set, buried beneath heavy brows. His cheekbones were prominent and well structured, his nose pointed and his lips thin and red, his skin pale and smooth. His thick hair was curled and wild and altogether she would have thought him a remanence of a Viking. His back was long and straight, his shoulders broad and perfectly stationed as was his neck, long and graceful as his head was bent over the keys of the piano. When she finished observing his physical being she allowed herself to observe his attire. The man wore a simple navy blue, pin striped suit with twin pleated trousers. No silk handkerchief lay within his breast pocket. He was simply dressed which suited him well as a more flamboyant suit would have taken away from his Nordic looks.

Soon the song drew to an end and the pianist lifted his fingers from the piano and opened his eyes, his shoulders visibly relaxing.

“Evie!” Belle cried out, jumping down from the stool and bounding across the room to where Eveline sat, curled up upon the window chair.

“Belle!” Eveline cried out as the child wrapped her arms about her neck. For a moment the firm friends held each other in their embrace, eyes closed and heads together. When they withdrew from their embrace, Belle turned to Galean who sat still upon the stool, his eyes upon Eveline and Belle. After a moment Eveline found his gaze and held it, a smile upon her lips.

“You play well.”

“You should be in your bed resting,” Galean replied sternly, his blue eyes betraying him.

“I found myself guided by your beautiful gift,” Eveline said, her cheeks colouring slightly, her weakened body feeling suddenly strange under his gaze.

“I promised your mother that I would not waken you from your sleep,” Galean retorted as Estelle entered the room.

“Such music gave life to my sleepless form,” whispered Eveline. Galean did not reply, he simply allowed himself a moment to take in the woman before him, the grand child of Heiden. She was indeed tall and petite, her skin as pale as the moon. As Belle found her way to Estelle, time somehow paused allowing him time to observe the beautiful and tragic creature before him. Her face was oval, her eyes a bright golden hue with what he guessed to be specks of yellow around the rim of her iris. Her round eyes were protruding beneath her thick brows. Her cheekbones were high and her nose pointed like his own, hovering above her full lips, a light shade of red. Her fiery auburn hair, thick and curled flowed down her back and nestled at her waist. Hidden beneath her luscious hair, her slim shoulders lay, her shoulder blades slightly protruding from her back. Her neck was long and fine, her collarbone beautifully set beneath her oval face. He drew his eyes away from her chest, feeling shame and let instead let them observe her legs, long and curled up beneath her petite feet.

“Galean?” a voice called out to him, causing him to break with his observation. Estelle stood by the doorway, looking down at him with furrowed brows.

“Could you bring Eveline in, to sit by the fire whilst I make her some broth?”

“Of course,” Galean replied. Estelle moved away from the doorway and waited as Galean strode over to Eveline, who sat back against her chair in what appeared to be anxiety. “I won’t hurt you,” Galean promised as he reached down for her.

“I remember you,” Eveline whispered, the memory of him by her bed coming back to her. All at once she could feel his hand upon her heart and trembled as he looked down into her eyes. “Galean?”

“And you are Eveline?”

“Of course you must know my name by now, but what brings you here?” Eveline asked as Galean brought her up into his arms. With shy eyes, Eveline wrapped her arms about his neck and let her gaze settle at his throat.

“Such matters can be spoken of tomorrow,” Estelle interrupted, breaking the moment.

“I am a friend of your husbands,” Galean said as he brought Eveline into the living room, gently setting her down into one of the leather chairs before the fire.

“You know Theodore?” Eveline asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“Yes,” Galean replied, walking away to the window, picking up a rug and bringing it back, laying it across her legs tenderly.

“Is he coming home?” Eveline asked with hope in her eyes.

“I am afraid not,” Galean replied, bringing another seat over, placing it by Estelle’s.

“Why ever not? He has not been home for so long,” Eveline groaned, bringing the blanket up to her chest lightly.

“As your mother said, we can discuss it tomorrow,” Galean smiled weakly, seeing the anguish in her eyes as they dropped away from him.

“I understand,” she murmured as Estelle and Belle re-entered the room with a tray.

“Now here we go, some warm broth for you to eat,” Estelle cooed, setting the tray upon Eveline’s knees.

“Thank you mother,” Eveline said, lifting her face to Estelle who promptly kissed her cheek.

“I’m so glad you are feeling better,” Estelle exclaimed, taking the pot of tea from Eveline’s tray, setting it down upon her own table before returning and retrieving the cups. “You had me scared.” Eveline didn’t answer, wishing to refrain from the topic that everyone clearly wished to discuss. “Would you like some tea Mr Edwards?”

“Yes, and you may use my Christian name if you please,” Galean said taking a cup of tea from Estelle, his eyes upon the withdrawn Eveline, who sat quietly, sipping her broth.

“Of course,” Estelle smiled broadly, sitting down with her cup of tea. Belle made herself comfortable at Eveline’s feet, biting down on a biscuit. “Now you really must be off to bed Belle, you’ve had a long day and need to rest those eyes.”

“Oh please can I stay up for a while?” Belle begged, her eyes large and filled with hope.

“Only for an hour and then you and Eveline will be going straight upstairs,” Estelle ordered kindly, letting her back fall into the chair, her shoulders falling with exhaustion. The group sat in silence for a long time as they sipped on their tea and broth. When she had finished, Eveline set her bowl down upon the tray and let her eyes fall to the fire.

“Belle tells me that you play also?” Galean asked, wanting to bring Eveline out of the miserable place in which she found herself. Eveline turned slowly to meet his gaze, her face withdrawn and pale once again, as though the realisation of what had passed had suddenly transcended through her.

“I do,” she said quietly, her gaze unyielding.

“Do you have any particular favourite pieces of music in which you like to play?”

“Two.”

“May I ask what they are?” Galean asked, setting his empty cup down upon the side table, his gaze never leaving her own.

“Vaughan Williams, piano concerto in C Major, known as Toccata Allegro Moderato and Mozart’s piano concerto number twenty three in A Major. Do you have a favourite piece?”

“Fredric Chopin’s piano concerto number one in e minor, known as romance or Larghetto, do you know it?”

“It is a very beautiful piece of music,” Eveline smiled, wishing she could sit at the piano and lose herself in it.

“I also happen to love Sergei Rachmaninoff’s piano concerto number two in c minor.”

“Also a beautiful piece of music. Do you play often?”

“Not nearly as much as I would like,” Galean sighed inwardly. “But I do attend the odd concert, although they are scarcely rare now.”

“I have only ever been to two concerts in Bristol,” Eveline replied quietly, turning her eyes to the fire once more. The kitchen door opened and in came Wordsworth, who bound over to Eveline and stood on his hind legs, settling his forelegs upon her knees whilst nestling his head in her hands. “Oh Wordsworth you silly boy, don’t think I haven’t noticed you sleeping on the end of my bed.” Wordsworth barked happily.

“He’s ever so good,” Belle beamed as she wrapped her arms about the enormous wolfhound with love. “He saved us from that mean man you know,” Belle exclaimed turning her head in Galean’s direction.

“So I heard,” Galean smiled. Upon hearing Galean speak the wolfhound released himself from Eveline and made his way over to Galean, sitting down at his feet and falling to sleep.

“I see he has a new friend,” Eveline smiled widely. Galean bent down and rubbed the dog’s ear kindly.

“Well they do say that dogs are man’s best friends,” Galean teased much to Belle’s disgust. Belle crawled over to the dog and lay down beside him.

“Silly men,” she whispered into Wordsworth’s ear. Galean and Eveline chuckled lightly as Estelle closed her eyes before the fire, tired and in want of some rest. Eveline watched as Belle also closed her eyes, letting her body mould itself into Wordsworth.

“You have a close bond with her,” Galean stated quietly as Eveline shuffled her body, getting rid of the ache in her hip.

“She has been a miracle,” Eveline whispered, standing up from her chair and walking over to Belle, sitting herself down beside her, wrapping the blanket over her. “Children are precious,” she said wistfully, turning her eyes up to Galean who looked down at her with warmth.

“They are indeed, it is as I sometimes admit a shame that they have to grow up.”

“They see the world in a way that we adults cannot,” Eveline whispered, stroking the child’s blonde curls.

“Indeed.”

Eveline yawned as she stroked Belle’s hair, the heat of the fire and warmth of the broth making her sleepy.

“How is my husband?” she asked shyly.

“Very well,” Galean said gently. “He misses you greatly.”

“I miss him too,” Eveline replied quietly, her eyes shy and wavering.

“I understand you both married in a rush,” Galean smiled, leaning back into the chair.

“We had been engaged for a year and he wished to be married before heading down to Kent,” Eveline said, her eyes suddenly sad.

“I wouldn’t worry too much, that is quite normal during war.”

“I hear that there has been a heavy german bombing campaign taking place.”

“Yes, London is a physically altered city but psychologically they have a great ability to adapt and push through as all who live in Britain do.”

“I wouldn’t say we are all that strong,” Eveline smiled shyly. “I’m not quite sure that I would be able to push through if I lived in London.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Galean smiled.

“If you knew me then you would be sure.”

“If you were without strength then I doubt you would have survived the attack that happened a few days ago,” Galean said cautiously seeing her face drop.

“It was not strength that saved me, it was my mother,” Eveline whispered faintly, her gaze falling to Wordsworth.

“Do you always have such a low opinion of yourself?” Galean said with feeling.

“I am honest.”

“Hmm.”

Estelle groaned and awoke from her slumber.

“Gosh I must have dosed off,” she said with coloured cheeks. Eveline smiled at her mother.

“We should get Belle to bed,” Eveline announced getting up from the ground, her legs shaking. Without thinking, Galean got up immediately and swept her into his arms, causing Wordsworth and Belle to awaken with a fright. Estelle’s brows rose at the sight.

“Come Belle it is time for bed,” she announced getting to her feet and holding out her hand. Belle got up, groggy and tired and placed her hand within Estelle’s, following her up the stairs.

“Night Evie, night Galean,” she whispered as she ascended the stairs.

“Night pet,” Eveline replied, her arms once again about Galean’s neck.

“Night Belle,” Galean announced as he made his way to the stairs. Wordsworth got up at once and followed him as he also ascended the stairs with Eveline. Eveline kept quiet as Galean brought her into her room, setting her down into her bed as Wordsworth jumped up, falling asleep at the end of the bed with a grunt. Eveline lay still as Galean quietly placed her sheets around her, his eyes not quite meeting her own.

“Thank you,” she whispered quietly, digging under her pillow to find her little bible and bringing it forth. Galean smiled as he caught a glimpse of the black leather bound bible in her petite hands.

“I will go and put out the fire before I take my place in the corner,” he whispered, leaving the room and closing the door so that she would have time in which to pray as was her custom. Eveline watched as the door closed and sighed heavily, closing her eyes briefly before opening them once more. Her lantern burned quietly upon her table, enshrining the room in a golden hue. After making sure the corridor was quiet she turned onto her side and closed her eyes.

“God, thank you for keeping me safe and thank you for mother and Belle.” A tear lay in the corner of her eye. “I know we have not always seen eye to eye and I would not proclaim myself to be religiously devoted, but I happen to believe in you, I’m just not so fussed on the rituals of the church. I do however see you in all that surround’s me, nature and its beauty, family and its love and music in all its forms. Keep Theodore safe where ever he is and send him my love.” She stopped and took in a deep breathe before shutting her eyes tightly again. “I’m afraid, afraid of all that is happening about me and within me. I know I am not like others, I know that creatures of the dark are real. I’m afraid and confused.” The tear that teased the corner of her eye fell upon her pillow and she sniffed quietly, rubbing her eyes before placing her small bible under her pillow once more. It was true, she was no proficient Christian and never claimed to be one either, she could not for all her intelligence allow herself to be fooled by the rituals of the church and refused therefore to attend. She did however believe in a creator and found it hard not to believe when she was surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. She loved above all things to watch things grow and it was her love of all things that bloomed that reassured her in her faith. Putting her bible away she turned onto her back and looked up at the ceiling, wiping away any remnants of salty water upon her cheek. After a moment she heard the door open and watched on as Galean entered with a book, sitting down on his chair in the corner.

“What is that you have?” Eveline asked quietly.

“A book by Charles Darwin,” Galean replied, setting the book down upon his knees and glancing over at Eveline who seemed to smile.

“A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, of the manifestations of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty – it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute the truly religious attitude; in this sense, and in this sense alone, I am a deeply religious man.”

“You read his work too?”

“I do although I will not lie and pretend that I understand all of it, for I am no natural mathematician or scientist, but I like him very well,” Eveline said grandly sitting up and placing her pillow behind her back to get a better view of Galean.

“Who else do you like?” Galean moved his chair over to the side of her bed, so that they could speak freely with one another.

“I like Marcus Aurelius’ above all, I know not why for I am sure there are better philosophers but I have a keen interest in him,” Eveline replied, turning her head.

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”

“Do you believe in fate Mr Edwards?”

“You may call me Galean,” Galean smiled. “I’m not quite sure if I do. What about you?”

“There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed,” Eveline smiled, her cheeks warming.

“I believe you quote good old Bonaparte,” Galean laughed. “For all his faults he was a master at military strategy.”

“Indeed but his pride and his unfortunate bout of piles got in the way,” Eveline chuckled.

“Power is the demon of man, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Certainly it is for that very reason that I strive to live a simple life, surrounded by the beauty of nature to keep me humble and the love of my family to keep me standing.”

“How very wise you are,” Galean said with great thought attached to his words. “Tell me have you never yearned to walk out your door and venture into the world?”

“If I tell you my truest answer you shall think me mad,” Eveline said with a serious face.

“I promise I will not,” Galean said with equal seriousness, his voice deep and his tone kind.

“I have always felt torn,” Eveline sighed, placing her arm under her head for comfort. “A part of me wishes to stay hidden and safe within this cottage. And yet another part, much wilder and raw seems to have grander ambitions for my life. For there are things about me that unsettle other people and they would be correct in feeling unsettled about my unfortunate qualities. But sometimes I let myself go and I feel wildly filled with something akin to magic,” Eveline smiled, her eyes shining. “It is nice on occasion to feel stronger or more powerful than another, but then I am slapped by humility and am reunited with my rationale being. Power is as you say a terrible demon, it changes the very contours of our soul and I never wish to change who I am, even if that means I am shunned by those who see me as odd.”

“You must bare terrible powers,” Galean teased knowing full well the burdens she carried. He understood perfectly the dilemma that power brought with it and the darkness that could swallow a man whole.

“Some may agree with you,” Eveline said darkly, the golden hue in her eyes subsiding to give way to a deeper part of herself, laid bare before an unknown man who seemed to partner in her worries.

“You may not heed my words for you barely know me, but listen when I say that you are no evil witch,” Galean leaned forward, placing his elbows upon the side of the bed. “We are all the bearers of good and bad. You do not strike me as woman with whom I and those alike should fear.”

“How I should love to heed your words,” Eveline said tightly. “But you do not know me and therefore can bare no judgement upon my nature.”

“I have met with evil and it wears a mask of seduction, you do not. You are as honest as the sun is bright, you speak of nature as though it was the very being of you. Men of evil have no love for things that grow, no love of all that blooms; they cannot bare to touch those blessed with the good fortune to love others, they must always cause destruction where ever they go. You do not strike me as a woman who hates all that flourishes in the light.”

“And you…, do you love all that flourishes in the light?” Eveline whispered softly, her eyes penetrating his own with friendship and understanding.

“I have been on the receiving end of those that glorify in the darkness, much that has flourished with me has perished under the wrath of men with no capacity to love all that is good,” Galean said with sorrow. “But I do love to watch things blossom, I love too love though it has brought with it great hardship and pain. We suffer to stand in the light, it is what separates us from those that linger in the shadows; we would rather suffer for the light or die without it. It moves us to do things we wouldn’t necessarily think possible, though destruction and the acts of oppressors bare their marks, those who love others bare greater marks.”

“And if the light becomes our oppressor? What do we do then?” Eveline whispered darkly.

“You must ask yourself who is it that provides you with the light and is it they that are indeed at fault,” Galean replied gently seeing the anguish in her eyes.

“Did you see what befell me a few nights ago?” Eveline asked quietly, budging herself closer to Galean afraid of the shadows that lingered within the room now that the thin flames of her candles were beginning to die.

“I did.”

“And?”

“The sun has set to sleep and so should you,” Galean said with a gentle smile. “Such horrors are not for the night, to which would suck you into its abyss. We will talk about it in the light of the day, for it is our protector.”

“I may sound brash as I know you so little, but I am glad you are friends with Theodore, you are a good man Galean and yet to be proved likewise,” Eveline smiled, yawning into her arm.

“And you a good woman,” Galean said. “Now go to sleep and fear not the darkness for I am here to protect you until the sun rises.”

“I see him standing in the shadows sometimes,” Eveline said darkly as she curled under her sheets and closed her eyes. Galean did not answer for she fell instantly into a deep sleep, leaving him to ponder over her words, his eyes upon the shadows of the room. No shadow would enter whilst he drew breathe.

© Iseult O'Shea and OneCrown&TwoThrones, 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Iseult O'Shea and OneCrown&TwoThrones with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.