L.A. Millett's Blog, page 3
April 27, 2019
April 25, 2019
A Haunting in York
We normally associate haunted happenings with the cooler months. With shorter days and chilled nights; it’s easy to forget the activity that heat brings.
Taylor spoke to me about Thursday 21st June 2018. He remembers the day specifically.
The Summer Solstice.
Taylor and a few friends, Mark, Jacob, and Laura headed to York for the celebrations.
The air was electric. Intensified by the upcoming solstice.
The friends had planned a glorious long weekend. It would be filled with fun, ghostly stories, and one too many glasses of cherry wine.
They arrived shortly after 3pm and checked into the inn. Luggage was quickly placed inside their home for the next few days.
The Rose and Crown Inn had stood since 1335. Originally named The Crown Inn, it later showed its allegiance for York with a simple white rose.
To start the celebration a few drinks were gulped quickly inside The Rose and Crown Inn.
Swiftly after, the four friends made their way around the small village. Visiting everything from crystal shops to tarot card readers. As the evening went on so did the drinking, until it was time to watch the late night fireworks explode in the sky.
One more round was had before they knew it was time to call it a night. Collapsing into the four separate rooms; Taylor, Jacob, Mark, and Laura settled in for a long sleep.
The next day at breakfast Taylor noticed something wasn’t quite right.
‘I think we should leave today, we’ve had the solstice now’ Laura suggested.
Without any argument they finished what was left of breakfast and headed upstairs to grab their bags.
‘You’ve paid upfront for four day? I’ll see if I can get you a refund’ the receptionist who booked them in knew not to question this further.
Taylor politely declined the refund and thanked the receptionist for all his help.
No one spoke a word on the journey home..
Two days later the four friends met up at Taylor’s home. He knew there was something wrong.
Laura went first…
Throughout the night she was awoken several times after having the same repeated nightmare. Laying in bed her skin would bubble. Huge boils would spread across her skin until with one scratch across her back, they would burst covering her in blood. The final time she woke up but a man stood hovering over. He was covered in the same boils. The putrid man grunted flipping Laura onto her stomach. As she screamed a burning sensation ran down her back.
As Laura stopped speaking, Jacob confessed. He had the same experience.
Lifting up their tops slightly revealed three deep slashes down their spine.
Although in shock, Mark continued with what had happened to him.
Mark couldn’t sleep when they got back to their rooms, it was too hot. Instead he browsed through social media. Half way through watching a video his phone screen went blank. Thinking the phone had lost charge he grabbed a charger.
Mark must have fallen to sleep when a scratching noises started at his window. Thinking it was the branch outside, he went back to sleep.Cold breeze of air woke him up. This time he could see what was causing the scratching noise…
A woman stood weeping as her nails clawed at the wooden window frame. A faint murmur of ‘help me’ could be heard. As Mark slowly got out of bed the woman dressed in a white chemise gown screamed as she ran through him.
The room was silent.
Finally, Taylor began to explain his reasons for leaving early.
Taylor fell asleep straight away when they got back to The Rose and Crown Inn. At about 3am he was woken by a loud crash.
Dashing out of bed he began to look around. Nothing was out of place. As he got back in bed laughter could be heard outside. Looking outside he saw three young girls and a boy all holding hands in a circle.
They started to sing…
Ring-a-ring o’ roses,
A pocket full of posies,
A-tishoo! A-tishoo!
We all fall down.
As soon as they sang down, all four stared straight up at Taylor and continued to laugh.
Naturally, Taylor, Jacob, Mark, and Laura wanted to understand what had happened to them.
Upon further research Taylor had found some terrifying information…
The Rose and Crown Inn did date back to 1335. By June 1348 The Bubonic Plague had reached London. Summer Solstice 1349 it found its way to York. The landlord of the pub at that time had been one of the first struck with it. His family watched on as the boils broiled his body, screaming in agony.
The landlord’s wife was terrified she and her three daughters and son would face the same end. So instead, she waited until the Summer Solstice had been celebrated before poisoning her children’s drinks.
Ensuring that they were dead, she poisoned herself.
The Rose and Crown Inn is a year-round busy place. Except for the solstice. Residents know to stay away.
However, there is always some unlucky tourist who meets the family that haunts the inn every summer.
April 20, 2019
April 19, 2019
April 15, 2019
April 14, 2019
RMS Titanic – Remembering the Musicians
The below piece is an emotive fictional story. 1503 people died as the Titanic sunk. Here I dedicate to the 8 musicians who bravely continued to play.
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Icy winds pierced my lungs as the sound of passengers screeching filled the night. A paradox, an unsinkable ship, sinking fast.
Somehow, courage surged through our bodies as the first note sighed into the chaos. A calming melody flourished as women and children scrambled into the last of the lifeboats.
There were those, who unashamedly, took lost screaming children and claimed them as their own. Granting them a lifeline.
Once the lifeboats had gone we held onto anything. Our instruments, our hopes, perhaps something more solid would be needed.
To die engulfed by the sound of your instrument was the only way I could accept my fate.
The water might freeze my body. Falling debris could kill me.
Nevertheless, the outcome would be the same. So, we bravely played out one last time, with honour and privilege, as the water sang us into a new symphony.
April 13, 2019
Truth or Scare
If you’re a fan of all things creepy, horrific and ghostly then this might be something for you.
April 9, 2019
The Grand National – Teddy’s Story
He was named Teddy but his mother never gave him that name. Teddy stayed with his mother until his around two years old. His father had been stationed elsewhere but never returned to see young Teddy.
When he hit the fine age of two, a headcollar was placed over his head. Long, strange ropes were attached. He didn’t know what to do. The crack of a whip made him move and the gentle tugging on the rope made it clear to him what direction he needed to run in.
This was only the beginning of his training. Eventually, the whip became his best friend as he refused one too many jumps. He was useless in their eyes. Teddy failed his training, a lucky escape. So, as the Winter melted and Spring appeared he found himself helping the young riders on the farm.
That Spring his mother birthed a new foal. One who, hopefully in two years, would be able to clear jumps at a good rate. Frolicking in the fields, Teddy cared for his new brother as his spindly legs tried to find balance. For two years they ran the width and length of their patch. Until Teddy had to say goodbye to Midas. Midas would train for gold.
Midas was promising, a good pick; what they expected Teddy to have achieved. So, the following Spring Midas would get his chance. Thousands flocked every year to The Grand National and this would be his chance to shine.
A thudding in his heart. Tearing of the grass. Muscles ached as they overstretched trying to make the last jump but Midas did it. The assault course he faced, a mission to ensure he survived, it was over.
Celebrations took place, alcohol overly consumed. Ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finest.
For Midas, it was time to breathe. He didn’t understand why he had the whip at his hind and a small man punching his withers. Was he in trouble? Was someone chasing them? Did his life depend on it? Questions that would baffle him for three years.
The stable hand Catherine came to his aid. Helping to remove the heavy tack. Brushing down the sweat embedded into his coat. He would go back to the farm and see his brother again.
Teddy didn’t understand why he smelt of other horses, of leather, of the old smell he had got used to as a foal; the stinging smell of whipped flesh. They were free though, to run in the fields at their own choice.
So it was, every year when the snow melted and the nights were longing Midas would disappear for a few days, only to return to be with his brother.
This year Teddy was confused. Midas didn’t return. The heat of Summer had already started but still no brother. The autumn breezed past and glided into the icy winter nights. Still, no Midas. The ice thawed and the flowers bloomed but Midas never returned. Teddy pined for his brother and friend but no matter how many times he kicked his stable door, Midas never returned.
In memory of all the innocent horses that have fallen.
[image error]Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Author’s note
What Teddy didn’t know was that Midas fell at The Grand National. He broke his leg so they shot him. Useless to them after that.
Every year humans flock to The Grand National. They dress in the best clothes they can find. Women often seeking advice from their friends. Men trying to find a suit in time for the event. Too much alcohol is consumed. Residents have to face the yearly clear up of human trash as many start fights after the races have finished.
However, humans fighting humans because of high levels of alcohol doesn’t bother me. Let them fight each other.
It’s the horses my heart beats for.
Every year horses are killed in this so-called ‘sporting event’. A disgrace is what it is. How have humans evolved and banned things like fox hunting and fur coats and yet given the chance to dress up, drink stupid amounts, gamble and suddenly they accept animal cruelty?
I can guarantee the majority of those who attend claim to love animals. That they would never agree to harm an animal for sport. That they think animal cruelty is disgusting. I bet one or two of them have even signed a petition to ban fox hunting, to try and keep it illegal.
I have spent many years around horses and my belief? The best type of horse is a wild horse. A horse that can run with its herd.
We don’t deserve the love, compassion, and intelligence that horses bring. Sit with a horse, not on, for five minutes and I can assure you their beauty will reduce you to tears. Then think of this animal being forced to endure the brutality of The Grand National while you sip your poison.
[image error]Photo by Jakob on Pexels.com
March 26, 2019
The Keepers of Verdorso: A Traitor’s Return. First Chapter
As promised the first chapter of the second book in the Verdorso series. Excited for this to be released soon!
Chapter One – Snake Tongues
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to accept you will never walk to the same rhythm everyone else does. Life is not always as clear as we would once expect it. Yet, discovering that your own rhythm has been taken as you mindlessly follow a path set out by others can become an unbearable truth to discover.
A truth that was very much still in the forefront of Nataleena’s mind.
Still moping in her chair, Nataleena sat thinking how Babaleena would have thought she was dreaming to see someone thought to be dead. This was only a small distraction before her thoughts wandered right back to herself and how lost her childhood really had been. How she should have had her mother and father there to raise her and not left behind in a sick tale in a land far away. Nataleena believed they should have kept her safe here in Verdorso, it would have made more sense. Should have known the lands better, understood what had happened a lot sooner and be in a land she felt was more her home than anywhere else.
Trudy tried her hardest to speak to Nataleena, to stop this self-pitying, to stop her morning the loss of her parents so many years ago but she could not stop her, just as she could not stop Grace’s thoughts and the rushing of her feet growing closer. Swiftly, wisely and without a word Trudy left Nataleena alone, ensuring she was nowhere to be seen when Grace arrived.
The chair was still warm from Trudy as Grace sat down staring in annoyance at Nataleena.
“Do you think you are the only kin who has lost a loved one in this inn? The only one never to have known their parents? To have been told a lie to protect them?” Shards of guilt pierced through Grace the moment the words left. The truth was simple, she could not allow Nataleena time to grieve. Grieving time was a luxury that right now they could not afford. From Freyothrot finding her to Grace’s recent words were all planned just as Nataleena’s life had been. She needed to know what had happened to her parents but sadly did not have to time to register it all properly. Something Grace would eternally feel horrendous for but she knew when the time was right she could apologise to Nataleena. Right now, was not that time. Babaleena was back, they needed to move.
“I know others have lost parents. I’m sorry it’s just a shock.” Nataleena voice started to crack, upset by Grace’s cruel tone.
“A huge shock for you yes Nataleena but right now Babaleena has retreated in shock of seeing you. That gives us an upper hand it buys us time but not a lot. We need to move on this.” Grace confirmed.
“But we already know it’s Babaleena and we know she wants Verdorso, should we not just be ready for when she comes back?”
“Nataleena,” sighing heavily Grace continued, “I wish it was as simple as that. We still need to find out who or what curses the marsh land of Gorgorson and probably travel to Incapatok to find the prophecy stones.”
The vacant expression emitting from Nataleena’s face confirmed her confusion.
“In the marshland, there are the Crackta who live in the water, the land is cursed of course. Wherever there is a curse there is always a reason, kin, that started it all. That wanted the land to be cursed.” Grace’s further explanation did not create a moment of clarity for Nataleena.
“You don’t think a careless whisper about how to get what you want, to cheat time and circumstance is ever just that? Careless? Deliberate acts from desperate kin are always at the starting point of any cursed land. A contractual agreement where only one side of the party knows the full extent. Often the first to fall victim is given a bargain, told they will not meet the fate intended for them if they bring the first group with them. Then one from each group thereafter will survive the curse with a hidden clause, to bring more to the same fate. Until the curse becomes infamous enough to carry itself with tales of survivors it lures kin in.”
“Who would want to inflict such misery upon kin?”
“Nataleena, if I knew that we would be several leaps ahead of Babaleena.” Grace was right there was such little time for them to keep ahead of Babaleena. Other than Nataleena, they had nothing. They knew she was starting to use Vantrasco and Crackta but again she was steps ahead of them. They needed to act upon Babaleena’s emotions and confusion if they were to have any chance of defending Verdorso.
They sat quietly for ten minutes both thinking about the sort of kin that would want to see the downfall of many kin and encase them in their own gloopy trophy in the marshes.
“Where would we even begin to look?” Nataleena’s thoughts broke out into speech.
“Prophecy stones would be a good start actually.”
“What are they?”
“They are exactly what you think Nataleena. Stones with a prophecy. Every kin had their own prophecy their own doom and glory. Every kin to enter Verdorso has one, even you Nataleena,” Grace could see how naturally invested Nataleena had become in this explanation, “not as simple that meets the eye, always in riddles or poems. No one would ever be careless enough to dictate how someone’s life should go. Most kin are joined to another stone, a loved one or someone who will be significant in their life.”
“Could mine be joined to Babaleena’s?” Nataleena asked.
“Possibly but they move and re-join constantly. The oddity is in the prophecy itself when parts of one prophecy is linked into another’s, that has not been seen in centuries Nataleena.”
As Nataleena started to speak Grace softly hushed her to listen. Nataleena’s ears pricked up hearing the disgruntled screams coming from upstairs.
“It’s Thyno he’s woke up, come on!” Grace grabbed Nataleena’s hand pulling her alongside.
After the easy ascend up the single set of stairs they reached the room Thyno had been moved into after last night. Sweat streaming from him Grace flung open a window.
The screaming stopped and he looked directly at them.
“She’s back isn’t she? The screams that night… They saw her!”
Grace ignored what Thyno was saying, he was completely delirious from his wounds. Heating up a glass of Topah on the small fire in his room Grace helped him drink it easing him back to sleep but leaving the window open for him to keep him cool. Hopefully, the heated Topah would keep at bay any starting of infection with honey being its main ingredient, every kin knew the healing charms of honey.
With water being poured over the fire, Grace let the room go cooler, keeping his temperature down.
Thyno’s screams had been a wakeup call for the kin that morning as they emerged passing Grace and Nataleena as they left Thyno to sleep.
“Will he be alright now?” Nataleena asked.
“Yes, just have to keep the infections away but he will be fine.” Grace moved down the stairs heavily as if each heavy step was a relief as her heart rate slowed to a normal steady beat.
Loud tins crashing sounded from the kitchen once more, Papou’s personal entrance music, as more kin congregated at the Pentoak table. Taking their seats there was a gentle lull of humdrum conversation over how they all slept. No one really cared, they all slept badly, what the actual question that was waiting to escape was “now that she’s back what are our plans?”. No one dared ask just yet.
Papou made it out of the kitchen in one piece offering up a modest meal to break their overnight fast. A few bits of bread and some eggs. Some ate, some just pushed the food around the plate while others took sips on some warm tea that had been brought out a few moments before.
“How did you sleep?” Lavito looked weathered and beaten, there was no guessing how his night had been.
“I got some sleep not much, Lavito,” Nataleena drew closer and whispered into his ear, “you look awful, have you not slept?”
“I spent most of the night patrolling around the inn and the surrounding woods. I wanted to be ready in case she came back. As I entered my room this morning I heard you walk past but I was too tired.” He replied.
At best Lavito had managed to get an hour nap before starting the day. The paranoia and lack of sleep were so obviously written into his skin. Instead of touching a soft face tickled with soft bristles of his dark beard, Nataleena reached out to a leathery tough coat of skin covered in coarse hair. Verdorso was starting to take its toll on Lavito. He sat for a moment perfectly content to let Nataleena hold his face in her hand, feeling the warmth her palm provided, Lavito’s eyes bobbed close just for a second. Nataleena ran her thumb across his cheek hoping to softly keep him awake, just until they had discussed what they needed to.
Opening his eyes, Lavito smiled at Nataleena and placed his hand over hers.
Grace sat smiling, in all of this darkness and the pending doom fast approaching, there was still light. Nataleena and Lavito gave them all hope to cling on to. Even if was just to see them grow together, wanting to survive through another troubling time in Verdorso was soon turning to a need for survival. When any kin is pushed into a need for their life it is amazing what they can achieve. The mind and body may know no boundaries.
“And how is Thyno? I sat with him a while last night.” Inpa turned to Grace.
“He seems stronger, was a little too warm this morning but I think that may have come from his dream. Awfully delirious though.” Grace replied.
“He mentioned something about screaming one night, they saw her? No idea what it was about, frightening really.” Nataleena added.
“That’s right, the night we stayed at The Camthrin River, after Fríton made his way back that’s when all the screaming began.” Lavito shuddered in memory of the piercing sound.
“I know King Freyfrosat hired you for your sharpness but my word you can be as sharp as blunt knife sometimes Lavito! Why did you fail to mention this? We all thought the screaming started when you came back! Fool!” Grace paced the small stretch behind the Pentoak table.
At the time Lavito did not think anything of it that the two could be related, the screaming and Fríton but Grace knew that scream. She had only heard it before in her dreams and visions when something bad would happen or someone would die. The fact everyone had heard it was Babaleena’s way of mocking Grace without her knowing. Had she known that it only started when Fríton came back suspicions would have been raised at that point.
“Does anyone, ANYONE, have absolutely ANYTHING, they think might be a clue or even just a small help, anything?” It had been a long time since Grace had become this angry but the thought of Babaleena mocking her almost drove her insane.
“Well I don’t know if this has anything to do with us but the first time we stayed at The Camthrin River, you know after Eyakata, I was out snooping around and I saw Fríton with someone in a hooded cloak. Like one of our cloaks so I just assumed it was something to do with The Keeper’s duties.” Nataleena gingerly offered this information.
“You know when you were younger Nataleena and you were taught English literature and language. There were many sayings like I before e except after c, yes?” Grace’s questions were odd considering the conversation.
“Yes, that’s right,” Nataleena answered.
“Well I’m not aware if you were taught this one but here’s a small piece of advice. When you assume… You make an ass out of you and me!” Grace slammed her fists on the table.
“Grace! Calm yourself now!” Papou entered just at the right time.
Instead of being shocked, Nataleena tried not to giggle at Grace, she always had a talent for wording things in such a way.
“It’s ok, it was stupid of me not to mention it, I guess I thought it had all been arranged.” Nataleena finished.
“Oh, it was definitely arranged but it was nothing to do with The Keepers of Verdorso that’s for sure.” Grace added. “Tell me what made you think it did have anything to do with us? Did he say anything?”
“Well yes, he said he had a job to do with the boat. So, I thought that the person was here to do something to the boat plus he gave them a letter with your seal on it Grace.”
Grace rubbed her brow and tried to stay calm. This was no fault of Nataleena. Grace started feeling completely dependable for not seeing what would happen.
Exhausted from her rage, Grace flopped into a chair at the table.
“I gave him that letter. His other request that night was entirely a selfish reason, I told him to take his Star of Life and the letter and quickly get to Papou, I knew he had said it was broken so I accepted he would be a little longer, I was not aware it never arrived.” Grace sighed.
“It did arrive, your letter at around four in the morning, there was a strange banging on the inn door. I opened it and the letter sat outside.” Papou offered the information.
“Was the letter sealed or not?” Nataleena asked.
“It was sealed but I could tell a new coat of wax had been placed over with no added seal, trying to put it back together again. I just thought you probably added more on to it Grace.” Papou answered.
“I did but it was before I had sealed it. It all makes sense now. Why we could not catch her each time.”
“Why?” Lavito asked.
“To keep Papou from worrying I put in our plans for Arías and my thoughts that we would be going to Gorgorson itself. She knew to stay away and to keep watch.” Grace had resumed her normal composed self.
“Grace what else did you put in that letter?” Freyothrot asked.
“Excuse me? It was a private letter not intended to be read by anyone other than Papou.” Grace answered.
“Well it’s not such a private matter now, Babaleena knows. Would there have been any information that she could use against us now?” His questioning was so crucial now. Any hints or clues about The Keepers of Verdorso could damage them.
“No and Nataleena was never referenced. I just confirmed our next move and Gorgorson that was it and that there would be a meeting. She knew about that though. The night of the screaming Fríton probably told Babaleena the plans for the meeting.” Grace confirmed.
“Just to be clear, Babaleena knows no more other than what Fríton may have told her. She is back, she is using Vantrasco to turn Crackta into her army and we still have no clue who curses the marshlands of Gorgorson or what the secret compound to Vantrasco is. Babaleena grows stronger every day that we do nothing and know nothing. So what are we going to do now?”
“Prophecy Stones.” Looking at each other Grace, Freyothrot and Inpa realised that in unison without realising they were in sync.
The Keepers of Verdorso: A Finding of Kin. Chapter Thirteen, final chapter.
Chapter Thirteen – Trudy
Childhood amnesia is a cruel way of making us forget our earliest memories. There are very few adults who can remember before the age of seven and even less remember anything before they were three.
We depend upon pictures, stories, and our parents to tell us what happened when we waddled around aimlessly in wonder the first time we saw snow. Or cried in discomfort in the heat of the sun.
Steadying herself back into her chair, Nataleena prepared to be told some of her own forgotten memories. Samuel was always an odd man and true to form as the others including Trudy took their seats back at the table, Samuel stood still where he was.
Almost waiting for the right time to breathe.
Sitting next to Nataleena, Trudy grabbed her hand. Of course, Nataleena recoiled from her clasp and stared deep into Trudy’s eye.
“Nataleena, Samuel and I are married. We have been for many years.” Trudy started.
Stuck for words, Nataleena thought instead. Thought of all the occasions she had caught Samuel and Trudy in an intimate embrace or his arms locked around her waist. The odd smile here and secret kiss there that they did not know Nataleena had seen.
In her mind, Nataleena had always just put it down to her father’s loneliness. Him seeking companionship. Trudy was the obvious choice after her mother had died. “So, somehow you managed to find me here, just to tell me you and my father are married? Congratulations, I’m happy for you but I have a lot to do here… I won’t be coming back.” Nataleena said firmly.
“Nataleena, Samuel is not your father.”
“What?”
“That’s right, Nataleena Samuel isn’t your father.” Grace knew Nataleena would listen to her words.
“Nataleena,” holding Nataleena’s cold hand Trudy continued, “you were very young. Nati, your mother, we were very close friends. I made a promise that no matter what happened or what it took I would keep you safe. Not a promise I took lightly. We all made that promise.”
Nataleena fell silent. What could she say? So many questions to ask. Her eyes were heavy and exhausted from Babaleena’s return.
“Why? Why did you tell me he was my father? For all them years.” Nataleena’s head hung low to her chest.
“I ordered them to. It was my choice.” The unexpected announcement from Grace sent Nataleena into a spiralling confusion.
In the peak of the silence Samuel let out a breath of relief and finally sat as Queen
Trininastas stood to address the table.
“It is drawing closer to my limited time on land I must head back to the water. Nataleena, questions will be answered but I fear this evening’s events have weighed too heavy upon us all. Try and rest easy, all of you.” After addressing the kin Queen Trininastas left, with questions still left unanswered.
The ruffles of Queen Trininastas’ dress moved the air as she walked through the inn, like a dancer, moving to a beat, a rhythm that no one else could hear. As she left the music of her dress ended, leaving the inn once more in silence.
Standing, Nataleena slowly moved over to the window that held The Shield of Verdorso. Running her hand over the handles she pushed the shield open letting in the late-night star’s glaze over the sky. She stood perfectly still, gazing at every star.
“What happened to my parents?” Nataleena’s voice was so faint it was barely heard. “Nataleena, please rest tonight. It is too much to learn in one day.” Papou’s words were almost lost on Nataleena. His reassuring hold on her shoulders let her know, somehow, he knew she needed some sort of sleep before this news.
“And you promise to tell me the truth and no lies? No more made up stories? No more protecting me against things I do not know?” Nataleena faced them all as
Papou closed the open window, stopping the icy air getting through.
“Of course Nataleena, but first you need to rest.” She could see in Fuítsan’s eyes the sincerity of the promise made.
Collapsing onto her bed Nataleena did not see Lavito following behind her nor did she care at this point. Falling into her own self-obsession, wishing she could just ignore him and everyone else. This, she knew, would do her no good so instead Nataleena pretended to be shocked he was there. Even managing to force a fake jolt.
“I always manage to scare you.” Lavito laughed.
Nataleena smiled, she did not have the energy or the drive to flatter anyone’s ego with a forced laugh. Lavito, however, was well aware his presence was not wanted here tonight. He knew Nataleena would need him at some point, after she had learned of her past.
“Here,” Lavito gave Nataleena a mug, she knew what was in it, “I hope this helps you to rest well Nataleena, it is your favourite.”
Lavito left the mug next to Nataleena’s bed, after gently kissing her forehead he left the room.
It was the perfect temperature to drink quickly and so that’s exactly what Nataleena did, sending her into a deep sleep.
It did not last long. The dreamless peaceful passing of sleep turned to the everlasting nightmare of the day just gone. The lining of fire marking Babaleena and Fríton’s entrance replayed over again until the nightmare drew darker. Reliving the dreams from the crystals once again Nataleena saw a woman begging for her life, face blurred and screaming.
The sound of the empty mug being knocked over woke Nataleena up. Realising she must have been tossing and turning so much in her sleep.
Opening her curtains, she let in the paleness of the moon’s fading light creep into her room, illuminating her sweat drenched clothes.
Rushing to get changed into some clean clothes, the cold air combining with her wet clothes made Nataleena start to shake.
Sitting at her desk Nataleena looked at the picture of her mother and knew she would not make it back to sleep tonight. She would not want to anyway if it meant being greeted by such horrendous dreams.
Leaving the comfort of her desk and padded purple chair, Nataleena picked up the mug that ended her nightmare and quietly left the room.
The doors knew not to slam this morning allowing Nataleena to easily move through the Inn without waking anyone up.
She found herself once again running her fingers over The Shield of Verdorso, over the Tamotine and down to the dancing willow tree that sat proudly joining these elements together. Breathing out heavily her breath fogged up the panes of glass surrounding the shield.
A chubby finger dressed in dripping gold rings and precious gems appeared on the glass spelling out the word, hello. Turning around Nataleena was faced with
Freyothrot’s saddened face.
No words needed to pass in those few quiet moments but Nataleena knew why he was here. Freyothrot knew what he must tell Nataleena; it had kept him awake most of the night. How do you tell someone the painful truth behind why they were unknowingly orphaned at such a young age?
Freyothrot opened the window to smell the settling cold air outside and to keep him awake while he does what was needed.
“Nataleena, we have met here before. The morning you asked me what a Tamotine was. Do you remember?” Freyothrot’s question helped him prepare.
“Yes, I remember.” Nataleena’s voice was quiet, almost self-contained. Not allowing anyone to hear her.
“That morning you told me you had a dream, an odd dream. Nataleena, what was that dream?”
Nataleena focused her glare out of the window. The dream she had that night she was realising was a her only real memory of her mother, so precious to her. Too precious to tell, just in case it left her forever. Turning her eyes to Freyothrot she could see how red they were, almost filling up with tears. Nataleena had no choice but to share her dream.
“I was looking up at my mother, I must have been a baby. I think it might have been my only memory of her. One that is mine. Not other’s stories or pictures. But my memory.”
“Do you remember your cot? From your dream?” Freyothrot asked.
“No, I am not sure. I think… I think it was an odd green. Not sure.” Nataleena’s eyes had moved away from Freyothrot back out of the window in a bid to try and remember.
“It was, quite rightly as you said, an odd green. Painted green with the metal from Helthros. The green paint would crack around the heat of the black metal it would create a strange green colour with a black underneath,” Freyothrot paused for a moment taking a breath, “I made that for you Nataleena. My gift to your mother and father. Nataleena, come sit a moment.”
Sitting down at the Pentoak table Freyothrot snapped his fingers with instantly two very large pewter mugs of hot chocolate appearing. It had become apparent to
Nataleena how well this tasty treat was received by the kin of Verdorso, especially Fithro. Unknown to Nataleena the word had already travelled to the sweet loving kin, seeing every Fithro trying it. Although she was growing tired of the same drink, it was a warm welcome and a reminder of home.
“Thank you,” Nataleena began sipping the warm chocolate drink.
“It is my pleasure. Nataleena, that morning I found you down here with The Shield of Verdorso, I also had an odd dream that night.” Freyothrot sat for a few moments basking in the glory of his drink, trying to think of the words that fit best what he needed to say next.
“That night I relived the last time I saw your father, your real father, before…” Freyothrot wiped the sweat pouring from his forehead and slightly shaking breathed in deeply. “Before I killed him.”
The warm drink dribbled down Nataleena’s mouth as she tried to shout only to find
Freyothrot’s hand gently holding her scream.
“Nataleena, all is not what it appears but everything appears in time. Please sit and listen to me before you tarnish me with your wicked thoughts.” His eyes grew redder as he held in his emotions.
“You killed him?”
“Nataleena, how did your mother die? what were you told about Nati?” He asked. “That she had an accident, hit her head falling.” Nataleena’s mumbled words were becoming lost as Freyothrot let out a sigh.
“Your mother was beautiful, Nataleena, just like you. Any kin that encountered her always wanted to be near her. She had this glow that no one could shy away from. She was the light and the kin were her moths. Fergal, your father, was such a contrast to her. So quiet. A man of very few words but every word thought out, methodical, calculated, odd. But he seemed like a good man and Nati was so in awe of him.”
“So why did you kill him?” Nataleena’s voice grew louder. Freyothrot placed his hand over her fist on the table and eased her anger.
“Your mother never met her end by some ridiculously untrue accident. It was Fergal, your father, who killed her. Nataleena, I am so sorry you are having to learn this but I feel as I was the one who did what I did, that it must be me to tell you.”
“Why would he do that?” Her words were once again quiet, silently choking on the tears of sadness and rage building in her.
“Babaleena. She gave him a wand at the Battle of Babaleena. She enchanted him and gave him magic. It is forbidden to give Hidis Kin such power but of course it was all part of Babaleena’s plan. It was obvious to us all he had been placed under some sort of trance like spell but it was only me who realised his intentions. As he turned the wand upon his own wife, she kneeled in the ground begging for her life and yours,” Freyothrot rubbed his eyes with his thick fingers occasionally poking himself with one of his many bands of jewels, “as the spell left the wand I tried to counteract it with a different spell but it was too late. Nati laid dead upon the floor, her tears bathing into the mud.”
Nataleena sat forward, listening to the most horrifying news in her life. With facts laid in front of her she could understand Grace’s thought process. A way of never asking about her real father’s actions by curbing it with a stand in father. Freyothrot stood to close the window to stop his shaking though Nataleena knew it had nothing to do with the cold air climbing inside.
“I stood half screaming in anger half crying for the loss of Nati and the worst betrayal of all from her husband. Fergal, sorry, your father, turned the wand on me. I knew Babaleena would not be stupid enough to only supply him with a one spell wand. That is when he met his end. Before he could aim the wand, an extension of my own kin, he was faced with Meerofras. A spell of the furious fires of the snake, Meerofras.
That is the first and last time I was ever able to conjure up such a frenzy of anger.
The flames ate him whole. Nothing left but the wand he was holding.”
Nataleena’s skin grew a cold white layer as she imagined the painful end her father met but afflicted with what he had just done. Nataleena finally reasoned with herself that he deserved what happened to him. Finally looking up at Freyothrot, Nataleena notice the solemn hanging over his shoulders and eyes.
“Nataleena I am sorry.”
“No please do not apologise. Thank you, for trying to save my mother. And keeping me safe.” A slight sparkle came back to Freyothrot’s eyes as he knew there would be no need to carry his guilt around any longer. In the shortness of her reply, Nataleena had, unknowingly, released Freyothrot from years of torment in his own mind.
Freyothrot stood up taking Nataleena up with him and over to the window. The window opened gifting them with the view of what was left of the Verdorso woods. Still a beauty to behold even missing a few of its oldest trees.
“Lavito cares very deeply about you Nataleena. Although you remind me so much of your mother there are times you remind me of your father. Do not shy from his affection he has only the best intentions at heart.” This comment took Nataleena by surprise. Was it so obvious her coldness last night?
“I do not mean to be. I just…”
“Nataleena you have spent many years alone without many kin or friends around you. In those years, it was hard for us to see you lonely, to destroy any chance of you had of being raised normal. It had to be this way and for that I am sorry for. But Lavito, he has nothing to apologise for. Do you remember the first thing he showed you Nataleena?”
Instantly, she was thrown back to when they first properly met, in the woods and he scared her. They walked never wanting the conversation to end until they came to the Excrosk flower. Lavito had explained what they were shortly before holding
Nataleena close to him to stop any tears from escaping.
Thinking back now, Nataleena knew why he had held her so tightly.
“It was my mother’s Excrosk flower.” Nataleena looked out of the window and straight
at it.
“Yes, he took you there to be closer to her. If you ever need to speak with her sit with the Excrosk. She can hear you.” Freyothrot smiled at her and Nataleena threw herself into Freyothrot’s chest hugging him with thanks. Nataleena sat back down and Freyothrot excused himself to walk outside in the air for a bit. His intentions to let this all sink in for Nataleena. A lot to think about before Papou had even woke up to poke the stove alive.
Baffled, Nataleena wondered how and why her mother came here. Why did her father betray her? Betray Nataleena as well. If he had not killed Nati then they would have all been here together, no lies, no confusion and definitely no loneliness. “Everything happens for a reason Nataleena,” Trudy’s voice broke her thoughts, “I have just seen Freyothrot leave to go outside.” Trudy’s gentle mention of Freyothrot was all Nataleena needed.
“Thank you, for so many years keeping me safe. I know it must have been hard losing a friend that day.”
“Nataleena, we did what we must do to keep you and Verdorso safe. You put Verdorso in danger and Verdorso put you in danger. We had to take you away from that. I’m guessing Freyothrot has had his talk with you?” Trudy asked, knowing what the answer would be.
“Yes, he told me everything about what happened that day with my mother and father and him and Meerofras,” Nataleena paused to take a breath, “I have known you all my life but I never knew you.”
Sitting back Trudy began to tell her story and how she was involved in all of this. Trudy was a land walking Hermativa, just like Grace. Only her name was not Trudy it was Trudencian. When she first met Nati, she could never pronounce or even remember it. One day they were sat just outside The Tailgate Inn on a hot summers day in Verdorso, easing their feet into the cool water that ran behind there when Nati said “Trudy! I can remember that and it kind of sounds like your name.” They had laughed at the random outburst but from that moment everyone who knew
Trudencian called her Trudy, even her husband, Samuel.
“When did you and Samuel meet?” Nataleena asked.
“Gosh, it was a long time ago, we’ve been married for ninety-nine years now. Our one hundredth anniversary is coming up soon.”
Nataleena tried to hide her surprise, Trudy barely looked forty never mind being married for almost three times that. Trudy continued to tell her how her parents warned her to stay away from Samuel. He was quiet, reserved and a cross kin, a Hidis Kin cross Hermativa, they thought he was trouble. In fact, he was quite the opposite.
“One day we were talking about Incapatok as young Hermativa did then,” Trudy’s mind broke off, “and I asked him ‘do you not grow tired of people asking you why you are so quiet’, he smiled at me and told me no. He said he was not so rude to ask people why they were so loud and seek attention in the oddest form. So, he would not justify them with a response. He said perhaps if they had better manners they would not ask.”
He was right, Samuel confidently did not need to explain why he was not so obviously vocal. If you knew him, you would know his love for Yagayoska, he thought they were so graceful, undeniably intelligent and of course outstandingly beautiful. You would also learn he was left a home many years ago in a will and that he always had a lemon drizzle cupcake drenched in lemon icing with a cup of tea just before he ate his nightly meal. A creature of routine.
“You were close with my mother?” Nataleena’s change of subject was expected. Trudy had been waiting for this moment as soon as she came down.
“Yes, I guess you could say I was one of her best friends. It was always me, Nati and… Babaleena. As the years went by we saw less and less of Babaleena, always thinking it was how smitten she was with Fríton but…”
“But that is enough of her,” Nataleena finished.
“Yes, you are quite right. When you were born, Nati would not leave you for a moment. Scared she would waste a second. One day I found her crying because you had a cold but I knew the tears ran deeper than that. She asked me if anything was to happen to her and Fergal, if me and Samuel would take care of you and raise you like our own. Of course, I promised that day that I would. Nataleena I’m sorry I was not much of a mother figure that I promised and wanted to be.”
“Trudy, you do not need to apologise.” Nataleena so far had held herself together well but on the inside, she was screaming. How could so many people who swore to protect and care for her lie to her for so many years? Not one of them had the courage or want to tell her what had happened all them years ago. That her own mother and father had walked the same path she did. Visited the same places, spoke to the same kin. Her sadness was sparking hateful thoughts.
“Do you know how we became such good friends Nataleena, your mother and I?” Trudy asked to which Nataleena shook her head in response.
“I can pin point it to one moment. We had travelled to The Mountains of Arías and found ourselves stuck halfway between the mountains and the archway. We thought we were on an adventure to climb down these mountains. Well it was a stupid mistake but a fun one we always remembered. I fell directly into a bath of mud and Nati lost a shoe trying to help me out! We laughed so much as we sat, literally, stuck in the mud. That was until your mum started singing for her Yagayoska. Trifo I think she called him. They were inseparable always together. I am surprised we did not travel down the mountain that day on him. Samuel loved him. But anyway, what was I saying? Oh yes, so Trifo arrived saving us from the mud. When you are stuck in a sticky, well muddy, situation like that, good friends will spend their time lost in their own thoughts of how to get away. True friends will laugh at the situation knowing they are both in it together. One falls, they both fall, one survives, they both survive.” Trudy sat with a warm smile kissing her face remembering that day and possibly many more that had happened.
Her long description and story did not have the desired outcome on Nataleena. Trudy had hoped that this story would silence her inner screaming but now outside a very real and visible tear could be seen falling from her eye. Selfishly Nataleena knew that although all these kin had selflessly given their own lives to protect her, she sat in silence thinking about how her entire life had been one lie. Nothing was real until she came to Verdorso. Nothing before that existed. The only childhood memories she clung to were not really hers. They were not really anyone’s. They were a fabrication needed to cover the very real person that lives underneath. “Nataleena, we tried to give you the best and real life we could considering the circumstances. I am so sorry we could do no more but we all had our part to play in keeping you safe and away from Verdorso until it was time.”
“Time for what?”
“Time for you to understand without the reactions say a child would have. To think more levelled.” Trudy’s words were more of a warning to Nataleena to stop acting like a child.
“Still no one has told me why Babaleena was so shocked to see me. Still another lie.
Still no answer. If they were best friends surely she knew about me.”
“I cannot give you the exact answer Nataleena. I have been away for so long. But one thing I do know the morning Babaleena had attacked your mother very proudly wore the headdress of the Hidis Kin, just like you did last night. That was teamed together with her favourite white and gold cloak. Perhaps something is familiar to you now.” Trudy sat and gazed at Nataleena as this settled into her mind.
Babaleena was not shocked to see Nataleena. Babaleena was shocked to see Nati.
