Oak And Mist (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 1) (16 page)

‘Alma,’ he exclaimed, looking from her flushed face to Deryck, who still stood unnecessarily close, his hand resting on the wall next to her head. ‘Are you all right? The Elders sent me to fetch you – they are waiting.’

But it was Deryck who, a frown marring his handsome face, turned his attention away from Alma to address Caleb. ‘And why would she not be all right?’ he enquired, his tone icy. ‘I would not harm her.’

‘No, I’m sure you would not, Lord Deryck,’ said Caleb. His words were polite but his tone and expression made it perfectly clear that he did not, in fact, agree.

Deryck stiffened and was about to reply when Alma intervened, laying a hand on his arm. She turned to Caleb and with a smile said, ‘Of course I’m all right, Caleb.’ Her eyes pleaded with him not to take things any further; she knew he was still upset by the day’s earlier events. Turning back to Deryck, her hand still resting lightly on his arm, she added, ‘Please thank your father for his generous offer. I will let you know.’

Finally Deryck stepped back. He made a small bow. ‘Be sure that you do,’ he said curtly then, with a glare at Caleb, he reclaimed his book and walked swiftly away down the passage.

‘What was going on here?’ asked Caleb, and, though his tone was more gentle than accusatory, it still annoyed Alma. She was totally shaken, both by the closeness of her encounter with Deryck and the abruptness with which it had ended. This did not make her feel charitable towards Caleb, despite his obvious good intentions.

‘Nothing!’ she snapped. ‘He was just waiting for me, as I left my room. I don’t know why,’ she continued crossly, seeing the query in Caleb’s face. ‘He said he needed to speak with me alone, had an offer from his father for me to use the libraries of the Dark.’

‘What?!’ Caleb blurted. Alma clenched her fists, her mouth tight as she watched Caleb fighting with his own emotions. She did not need this. He looked away, then back at her. ‘No matter,’ he said, his tone mild. ‘You can tell Thorion when you see him, see what he thinks.’

Though Alma knew he meant well, his words only infuriated her even more and she lashed out. ‘Why should I tell him anything? Surely this is my business!’

Seeing Caleb recoil, a look of shock on his usually amiable face, she was immediately contrite. She felt tired and irritated, her good mood of earlier destroyed by the awkward tension of meeting with Deryck. The last thing she wanted to do was upset her closest friend.

‘I’m sorry,’ she muttered, not looking at Caleb. ‘It’s just, he, well-’

‘I know,’ said Caleb resignedly. He looked away for a moment, blowing out a breath. ‘It’s just, Alma, you need to be careful. With… him.’

‘Oh Caleb,’ Alma whispered, her eyes starting to well up. This was too much.

‘Come on,’ he said, gently taking her arm and leading her to the window seat where Deryck had been resting just minutes before. ‘Let’s sit for a moment. Here, have some of this,’ he continued, offering her a drink from the same heavy silver bottle he had on the day he met her.

Alma wiped her eyes and looked gratefully at Caleb as she took the drink, taking a long swallow before wiping the top and passing it back to him. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘What would I do without you, dear Caleb, to find me seats and offer me drinks when I need them?’

Caleb took a breath, his longing clear to her for a moment, his blue eyes ocean deep. Then he looked down, huffing out a laugh. ‘Well, you’d be tired and thirsty for a start,’ he teased, nudging her with his elbow.

Grinning, she nudged him back, relieved to see him smiling again. ‘I really am sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t mean to snap at you.’

‘It’s forgotten,’ said Caleb. He stood and offered his hand to Alma. She took it and they linked arms as they walked down the stairs to meet with the Elders, good humour restored once more.

***

Further along the hall, around the curve where the tower ascended to its highest level, stood Deryck, still seething. Caleb! Always Caleb! A thorn in his side, the boy constantly irritated him just by existing. Deryck didn’t know why he disliked Caleb so much but he did, had for as long as he could remember. His closeness to Alma was just another layer of irritation. Deryck wanted Alma; there was no doubt in his mind now. Not just for the Dark, but for himself. He thought back to their encounter, how she had looked in the soft velvet gown, wine dark against her pale skin, the way she had trembled as she stood with her back to the wall, fighting for self-control. He’d had to work to control his own feelings, for he found he wanted nothing more than to kiss her, to be close to her. He had almost had her, but then Caleb had come along to spoil things. Furious, he threw his book to the ground, then, ashamed at such a childish gesture, bent to pick it up. He knew she would come to him eventually – he just had to find the right moment. Then she would be his.

***

Sitting in the small circle of Elders, Alma framed her questions carefully, not wanting to reveal her longing for Deryck. But she couldn’t believe that the boy who stirred her so was of the Dark, that his beauty and charm were not of the Light. She wanted to understand their nature for her own reasons, for all that she firmly told herself it was just part of her learning here.

‘But what is the difference?’ she asked, looking around at the group. Adara and Thorion exchanged glances, Adara hiding a smile while Thorion answered. Caleb, sitting to one side, folded his arms and looked away.

‘On the surface it appears that we are the same. As you know, it is impossible to tell simply by looking at us whether we are of the Light or the Dark – however the reality is that we are quite different. Those of the Light believe in truth, beauty and love as they happen: truth in our undertakings, in being honest with ourselves as well as with others; beauty found in all things, from the love of a mother for her child to the play of light on a single drop of water, and love for yourself as well as others – loving yourself enough to choose what is right for you, to become the best person you can be, but also to care for others as you care for yourself.  Balance in all things is very important to us.  That is why the Light have always been guardians of the Regalia.’

‘And why we are shamed that it has been lost,’ boomed another voice, that of a stately and dignified older lord, his wavy hair and full beard silvered with age.

‘And also why the Dark has ever been seeking to take this control from us,’ continued Thorion, his blue eyes stern. ‘To them, our loss is their gain. For the Dark also believe in truth, beauty and love. But truth only as it appears to them, not how it is in reality, beauty in its most superficial aspect, that of the physical, regardless of the nature that lies within, and love in its most selfish form – the love of self and of one’s own aims at the expense of all others. This is what makes them so dangerous. With their physical beauty and seductive tones they can easily confuse others into believing their lies; in fact, over the centuries they have crossed over into your world to do just that, whispering their ideas into receptive ears, fanning the flames of hatred and fear, simply to bring about the chaos and disorder in which they delight. It is their meddling that has led us to this tipping point and caused the Regalia to be lost.’

‘So the stone you carry is a precious gift indeed,’ said Adara with a smile. ‘Shame, though, that you do not seem to be using it,’ she added slyly, her golden eyes bright in her mischievous face.

Alma blushed to the roots of her hair. She didn’t dare look at Caleb. She had thought her infatuation with Deryck was a secret but now, listening to the soft laughter of the Elders, realised her feelings had been clear for everyone to see.

***

Walking along the stone corridor with Caleb, Alma was deep in thought. She needed to go home, she decided. Forget about staying the night here – if she ran into Deryck again she wasn’t sure what she would do. What she really wanted was normal things around her, like Sara and her mother and her room and even her brothers, annoying as they were. She just needed a break from all the magic and confusion of Ambeth. Caleb was quiet as he walked next to her, seeming to be deep in thought. Then, as they reached the foyer, he nudged her with his elbow.

‘Are you all right?’ he said. ‘Shall we go for a walk? I thought maybe later we could-’

‘I’m sorry, Caleb,’ said Alma, looking at him with stricken eyes. She hated hurting his feelings. ‘But I think I need to go home now.’

‘What?’

‘I’m sorry,’ she said again. ‘Come on, I need to get changed and grab my stuff. Will you walk me to the Gate, please?’

Caleb looked at her for a moment, saying nothing. Alma could see how disappointed he was. Then he pulled himself together, managing a half smile.

‘Okay,’ he said. ‘Let’s go.’ Resignedly he followed her up the stairs, waiting while she got changed and collected her bag. Then they walked together in silence through the trees towards the Gate, the occasional splat of raindrops from above and the rustle of their passage the only sounds. Finally, after huffing out a breath, Caleb spoke.

‘So, what do you see in him?’ He sounded belligerent, unlike his usual self. Alma stopped and looked at him, frowning.

‘What are you on about?’ she said, though she knew. Caleb had been in a bad mood all day despite her best efforts and she knew it was because of Deryck. Well, it wasn’t her fault! Her temper rising, she looked at Caleb with her mouth tight, her eyes challenging him.

‘You know who I mean,’ said Caleb, meeting her stare with his own as he folded his arms. ‘The Prince of Darkness.’ Alma had to laugh at this, a short sharp yelp that surprised her almost as much as it did Caleb.

‘Oh, come on,’ she said, then stopped. Caleb deserved better than this. Her anger subsided. ‘He’s not bad, you know. He can’t help who his father is.’

‘He cannot change it either, Alma. Nor can he change what he is.’

‘And what is he, Caleb?’

‘He is Dark,’ the boy replied. ‘And no matter what he does, or tells you, that is what he will always be, what his nature will be.’

Alma looked down, biting her lip. She knew all this, of course she did, but it didn’t change how Deryck made her feel. Or how she seemed to make him feel. Lifting her head, she brushed her red hair out of her eyes. She wanted to make Caleb understand. ‘He likes me, I think,’ she said hesitantly. Seeing the pained look on Caleb’s face that he quickly tried to hide, she wished she hadn’t.

‘Oh Alma,’ he said, before stopping, unable to go on. Alma felt it like a physical pain in her chest – hurting Caleb was the last thing she ever wanted to do.

‘Caleb, I’m… sorry,’ she said quietly. Sorry for what though – for liking Deryck? She couldn’t be sorry for that. For not loving Caleb the way he did her? Perhaps, but she couldn’t change the way she felt. ‘I wouldn’t hurt you for all the world.’

He came closer, putting his hands gently on her arms, looking at her with eyes that shifted from blue to grey. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it again and Alma met his gaze, not wanting to look away, wanting him to see how much he meant to her. Finally, he spoke. ‘I will always be here for you, whatever you choose to do. I will always look out for you.’

Alma felt close to tears. Blinking in a vain effort to contain them, she wiped her cheek with her hand, her heart full. ‘I’ll be here for you too, Caleb – you couldn’t be a better friend.’

Again he looked as though he was about to say something, then thought better of it. Instead, he pulled her into a hug, sliding his arms around her back, his hands gentle on her hair. After a moment’s hesitation she hugged him back, gently breaking his hold a moment later. They stood close together in the damp woods, a few errant rays of sun coming through the trees, and as Caleb looked at Alma one corner of his mouth lifted in a half-smile.

‘So, see you here on Friday as usual?’

Alma smiled back at him and nodded her head. ‘Yes, I’ll be here,’ she said. Stepping away from Caleb towards the Gate, she placed her hand on her bracelet and started to focus, then stopped. She ran back to him, impulsively kissing him on the cheek. His face broke into a delighted grin, as did hers. Moving back to the Gate she began to focus again, still smiling. The bracelet’s magic started to work and Alma stepped through, back to her world and her normal life, just as she had wished.

Humming along to Christmas songs playing on the radio in the kitchen, Alma licked the spoon she was holding, savouring the mingled flavours of raisins and spices. This was her favourite time of year. She was making mince pies, something she had done each Christmas since she was small, first as a helper then taking over the job once she was old enough. Her mother and the rest of the family wisely stayed clear of the kitchen when Alma was cooking, not wanting to be in the firing line if something went wrong. Still, Eleanor liked to check on Alma every so often and did so at just that moment, sticking her head around the door.

‘How are they coming along?’ she asked, smiling she took in the dab of flour on her cheek and the spread of utensils, pastry and raisins across the scrubbed pine table. Outside it was cold and dreary, but the kitchen was a cosy haven, light gleaming off the golden wood and soft sofa and the oven pumping out heat, making the room even warmer.

‘Oh fine,’ said Alma, smiling in return. Holding out the spoon, she offered her mother a taste of the mince mixture. Eleanor shook her head.

‘Oh, I shouldn’t,’ she began, but then gave in as Alma gave her what she liked to call ‘The Look.’ An expression somewhere between love and exasperation, she had done it since she was small whenever she thought her mother was being silly. It reminded Eleanor so much of Alma’s father that she always gave in, though with good humour.

‘Oh, all right then,’ she said, coming over to take the spoon. ‘Mmmm!’ she exclaimed, tasting the mixture. ‘What have you done differently? This is delicious!’

‘I marinated the raisins with orange and lemon zest before adding the spices,’ Alma said, pleased. Each year she challenged herself to try something new and creative when she made the mince pies – it didn’t always work out but when it did, the results were always appreciated. She was happy they’d turned out well this year, as she planned to take some for Caleb when she next crossed over.

‘So, any plans over the holidays?’ asked Eleanor, settling herself down in one of the chairs and looking expectantly at her daughter.

Alma looked at her, raising an eyebrow. ‘What – other than the whole Christmas and New Year’s thing?’

‘Well, of course I know you’re going to be celebrating with us,’ said Eleanor, giving her daughter a look of her own. ‘But what about the other days? Are you going to see Sara?’

‘Oh, yeah,’ said Alma, turning her pastry dough out onto the floured surface of the table. She took a moment to round it and sprinkle it with yet more flour before starting to roll it out using the old wooden rolling pin that had been her grandmother’s. ‘Yes, we’ve got some stuff planned, parties and things. And we’re going out shopping tomorrow.’ Getting the pastry to the thickness she desired, Alma took the little circular cutter and started to cut out the tops and bases for her pies. ‘I think tonight though,’ she said casually, glancing at her mother, ‘I might just go for a walk.’

‘In this?’ said her mother, gesturing out to the cold garden, the light already fading even though it was not yet four o’clock.

‘Yes,’ said Alma, starting to put the circles of pastry into the baking tray so they made little cups. Once she had done that, she started spooning in the spiced raisin mixture. ‘I don’t mind this weather, you know? And I want some fresh air after being in the kitchen all day.’ She darted a smile at her mother with that comment, knowing how much time Eleanor spent in her beloved kitchen.

Her mother smiled back at her, shaking her head. ‘Well, just make sure you wrap up warm, OK?’

‘OK, mum,’ said Alma in a mocking tone, though she softened it with another smile. How old did her mother think she was? Still, she got it - the love behind her words. Gently she brushed the edge of the pastry cups with some milk before placing the little circles of pastry on top, completing her pies. After pricking each with a fork she stood back, wiping her hands on her apron with a look of satisfaction on her face. ‘All finished,’ she said. ‘Now, time to put them in the oven.’

‘And then clean up,’ said her mother, an amused look on her face as she surveyed the general devastation.

‘Hmmm, yeah,’ said Alma, as if noticing the mess for the first time. ‘A messy cook’s a good cook, right?’ she said hopefully.

‘Well then, your mince pies should be especially tasty this year, Alma,’ said Eleanor, getting up. ‘Good luck!’ she said as she exited the kitchen. Alma could hear her chuckling as she went down the hall to the front room.

Letting out a sigh, Alma placed her pies carefully in the oven, before starting, slowly, to clean up.

***

Though the night was dark and cold, the park was still populated with die-hard exercise enthusiasts and dog walkers. Alma threaded her way through them on her way to the Oak Gate which waited, dark and imposing even without its crown of leaves. She had dressed in layers, looking forward to the warmer weather of Ambeth and feeling the sun on her skin. In her backpack were half a dozen of her mince pies, carefully wrapped as a gift for Caleb. She wasn’t sure whether he even celebrated Christmas but he meant too much to her to let the season pass without marking it in some way.

Stopping at the Gate, Alma closed her eyes, reaching within for the focus that helped her to cross at her chosen time. Hearing the slap of feet on the path coming nearer, she opened her eyes and stepped back to let two joggers go past, one of whom gave her a curious look. She smiled back innocently, though she went cold at the thought of how close she had come to being seen. Once they had passed and she had made sure there was no one else nearby, she tried again. Closing one hand over her bracelet, she breathed deeply, waiting for the answering warmth in the stone that would let her know she could pass through safely. Feeling it flare under her palm, she opened her eyes and, checking once more that no one was there to see her, stepped through.

This time she stepped into early summer, the forest glossy and green, the blossoms almost gone. The rich smells of earth and foliage filled her nostrils, birds sang in the trees and small forest creatures rustled in the undergrowth. Unzipping her fleece she stuffed it into her pack, enjoying the warm sunshine as it filtered through the green canopy above. Caleb was waiting in his usual spot, a smile lighting his face as he saw her.

‘Alma,’ he called out. She ran to meet him, matching his smile with one of her own, squashing down her mild disappointment that it wasn’t Deryck waiting for her.

‘I made it!’

‘You always do,’ laughed Caleb. ‘Took your time though, I didn’t think you were coming.’

‘Why, am I late?’ asked Alma. ‘I’m still working on getting the timing right – I thought I had it this time, although I had to wait for a couple of joggers to pass before I could step through the Gate.’

They fell into into step together, taking the well-worn path through the woodland to the open green and gardens beyond. Alma’s face was full of joy as she took in the familiar view and Caleb grinned at her obvious delight, purposely bumping into her and making her giggle. He laughed as well, his eyes full of affection for her.

‘Hey,’ Alma said, stepping out of Caleb’s way as he tried to bump her again, stopping on the path. ‘Be careful! I have something for you and I don’t want it to get squashed.’ She smiled at him, shading her eyes from the sun.

‘Really?’ said Caleb, his face lighting up.’ Because… I have something for you as well.’

It was Alma’s turn to be amazed. ‘I didn’t know you celebrated Christmas!’

‘Oh, we don’t,’ said Caleb, ‘but we do mark Midwinter in your world, regardless of the season here. It is a Feast day for us… anyway,’ he went on, blushing slightly. ’This is for you.’ He held out a package wrapped in soft green tissue and tied with string. Alma’s eyes widened.

‘Wow, thanks!’ she said, taking it from him. ‘Can I open it now?’

‘Of course.’ He looked down to the side, rubbing his hand through his hair and making it messier than ever as Alma started to pull the string undone. Then she glanced at him and stopped.

‘Wait,’ she said, ‘let me give you your gift as well.’ Reaching into her backpack she brought out a small rectangular tin, dark blue and covered with gold stars, a red bow tied around it. Passing it to Caleb, she said, ‘Merry Christmas.’

Caleb took it from her, his eyes crinkling as he smiled at her. ‘Thank you,’ he said, turning the tin around to look at it before undoing the bow. Opening the lid released the scent of spices and pastry and he inhaled with pleasure, looking at Alma with amazement.

‘Oh, I hope they’re OK,’ said Alma anxiously. ‘I made them today, so I hope you like them.’

Caleb, already munching his way through one of the mince pies, nodded his appreciation, his blue eyes bright with enjoyment. Alma, pleased to see him enjoying her gift, turned her attention to her own. Pulling the string off and tucking it in her pocket, she opened the tissue to find a little notebook, bound in green leather with a tree embossed on the front cover and two leather ties to hold it closed.

‘Oh Caleb,’ she breathed. ‘This is beautiful. I love it. Oh, and I only gave you mince pies.’

Caleb swallowed his mouthful of pie and brushed some crumbs from the front of his tunic before answering. ‘Are you kidding?’ he said. ‘You
made
these for me. It’s the most thoughtful gift I think I’ve ever had.’

‘Really?’ smiled Alma, while at the same time feeling a little sad for Caleb.

‘Really,’ echoed Caleb. He raised his eyebrows then, his expression teasing. ‘In fact, they almost make up for waiting in the woods half the morning for you.’

‘Oh, come on,’ she laughed. ‘Are you serious? I was that late?’ She placed her little book safely into her pack while Caleb closed his tin and tucked it under his arm, linking his other one with Alma’s as they started to walk towards the gardens.

‘We-ell’ said Caleb, regarding her affectionately as they walked, ‘you’re actually about an hour late – just a few seconds in your world can make a difference, I guess. Why couldn’t you have just stepped through anyway – does it matter if anyone sees you?’

‘Yes, actually, it does matter, silly,’ said Alma, playfully elbowing Caleb. ‘I can’t just disappear in front of people – they would have the papers and television there and the next thing you know, half the world would be trying to get through the Gate. Or they would think aliens had taken me, or something. It would be a huge drama.’

‘Really?’ said Caleb, sounding unconvinced. ‘I bet stuff like that happens in your world all the time. Stuff that can’t be explained,’ he went on as they passed under an archway weighted with clematis, green leaves and feathery seeds trailing all around. ‘People just choose not to see it a lot of the time, I think. They explain it away as something else. I’ve heard the Elders talking about it, how so much Mystery has been lost from your world.’ The way he said the word ‘mystery’, as if it were something with material presence rather than just a simple noun, intrigued Alma.

‘What is this Mystery?’ she asked. ‘Is this what the Elders are always talking about, the force that governs us all? And no, stuff like that doesn’t happen all the time. I’ve never had anything like this happen to me before. Well, except…’ Alma stopped talking for a moment, thinking about the strange valley of her childhood.

‘No, Mystery is a part of it, that’s all, it’s-’ started Caleb, before he realised what Alma had said. He looked hard at her and she tried, unsuccessfully, to look innocent, but it was no good. Her expressive face, as always, gave her away.

‘Something happened to you!’ he exclaimed. ‘Something weird, something other than coming here, something in your own world. Come on, you can’t hide it from me. Tell me!’

‘No, it’s nothing,’ said Alma, wrinkling her nose and shaking her head. Damn. She knew Caleb wouldn’t let this go.

‘It is!’ cried Caleb. ‘I knew it – you must tell me!’

They reached the Long Walk when Caleb suddenly pulled her onto a path twisting off to the left. ‘Hey!’ she protested, laughing at him and trying to pull away, until she realised where he had taken her. It was a small garden fragrant with herbs. Mint and rosemary scented the air in the sheltered space, where beds were laid out in a complex knot pattern edged by low stone walls. The high hedges blocked out any cool winds. Alma was instantly enchanted. She picked some of the fragrant leaves and held them to her nose, breathing in the mingled heady scents. Meanwhile, Caleb sat down on a bench near the hedge, patting the seat next to him with an expectant expression on his face. Alma smiled at him, shaking her head. ‘You’re not going to let this go, are you?’

‘Nope,’ replied Caleb, ‘so you might as well start talking.’ Realising she had no choice in the matter, Alma gave in and came to sit down next to him, pausing to sniff from her posy of herbs as she gathered her thoughts.

‘Well, I was ten years old, at the park near my house,’ she began, twirling the herbs in her fingers. ‘And, it was the weirdest thing. I mean, I know the park so well, but that day I found a valley.’

‘A valley?’ Caleb sounded intrigued and she half smiled at him before continuing.

‘Yeah. I mean, it shouldn’t have been there. It couldn’t have been there.’ She brought the herbs to her nose again, breathing their scent, her eyes distant as she thought about the strange events of the day.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, where I live, it’s all houses. And then the city. And the park is surrounded on all sides, so there was no way… It was just so strange. But it was exciting, you know?’ Caleb nodded. ‘So anyway, the valley was all pines, mist under the trees and a track running through the middle of the wood. I was about to run along it when I heard the scream.’