Oak And Mist (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 1) (2 page)

Deryck woke and stretched, feeling his muscles moving against the down pillows. The servants had already been in to set the fire, his clothes for the day were laid out for him and breakfast was waiting on the small table by the window. All he needed to do was get up. He smiled, green eyes narrowing to slits as he thought of what was to come. His father’s great plan – today was the day it would be set in motion, that the Dark would start to rise again, to take the power that was rightfully theirs. Sitting up, he ran his hand through his golden hair, pushing it back from his face as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Time to get on with the day.

After eating, he dressed quickly and was soon in the gardens, moving down the Long Walk. His green velvet cloak swirled around him as he walked through the patterns of light and shade made by the trees and topiary shrubs lining his path. White gravel crunched underfoot as he strode along, nodding to the occasional acquaintance, seeming nothing more than another member of the Court enjoying the gardens on a beautiful day. Smiling to himself, he quickened his pace. Only a few minutes more and he would have her – the Child of the Prophecy. Deryck couldn’t wait to see the look on Thorion’s face when the High King realised the Light had failed and the Dark were ready to take control. Reaching the edge of the gardens he stepped onto the ancient path that wound white across the green meadow, leading to the door between the worlds. But then a voice rang out, calling his name. He stopped, his face twisting with annoyance. He dare not ignore a summons from the High King. Composing himself Deryck turned to face him, bowing as was proper, waiting for the King to speak. Thorion smiled at him, the sun glinting from the gold circlet around his brow.

‘I need to talk with you, if you please, Deryck. Will you walk with me?’

Deryck and Thorion walked through the gardens together, the King taking one path after another as he talked. Keeping pace with him, Deryck nodded in response to yet another question about the upcoming festival, trying to keep his temper. Then he realised the King was waiting for an answer.

‘Well, ahem.’ He cleared his throat, his desperation choking him. ‘I think the group who play in the Hall most evenings would suit. They seem to be popular with everyone. I know my father enjoys their music.’

Thorion nodded, seeming to be deep in thought. Then he smiled. ‘A good choice, I think. And the refreshments?’

Deryck shook his head, frowning a little. ‘I don’t know,’ he muttered, unable to conceal his lack of interest completely. Thorion glanced at him, one eyebrow raised. Deryck pulled himself together, straightening his shoulders. ‘I mean, my Lord, whatever they normally serve at such things will be more than sufficient, I’m sure. Would not some other courtier be better placed to tell you? I confess I do not notice, other than the wine.’ He smiled, but it was more of a grimace, his hands clenching briefly as they moved further away from the Gate.

To his surprise Thorion laughed, clapping him briefly on the shoulder. ‘Too true,’ he said, smiling at him, though his eyes were midway between blue and grey. ‘Perhaps the Lady Adara would be more helpful in that regard. Still, I do appreciate your input, Deryck,’ the High King went on, his tone still pleasant. ‘It is vital that both sides contribute towards the shape of the festivities, especially with things as they are, don’t you agree?’ He turned along the path leading back to the palace. Despite his frustration, Deryck felt bound to follow.

‘Yes, my Lord,’ he replied, fighting to keep his tone moderate. ‘If that is all…?’

‘Well, there was one more thing,’ started Thorion. Then he stopped, considering. ‘No, I think I’ve kept you long enough. You may go, with my thanks, Deryck.’

With a muttered reply, Deryck bowed to the King, then turned on the path and started back towards the woods, aware that he must not run, must not be seen to hurry or else he would give the game away. With an inward curse, he realised he wasn’t going to make it – he was too late.

As she staggered between the trees, Alma felt so dizzy she didn’t know which way was up. Light seemed to swirl around her, sparkles moving across her vision and blinding her. She stopped and sank to her knees, putting her hands on the ground. Really, on top of everything else, fainting was the last thing she needed to do. As the spinning sensation gradually decreased Alma scrambled to her feet, ready to run. Then she took in her surroundings and stopped short.

Something was terribly wrong. It was no longer autumn. The air was warm and blossom drifted around her, swirling in delicate drifts to settle softly onto the leafy forest floor. And she was not alone. A boy stood watching her, dressed in tunic and breeches of green and brown that echoed the colours of the forest. 

‘Hello,’ he said, nodding his head, an amiable expression on his face. Alma stared at him a moment before looking behind her, expecting to see Ellery and her friends pushing through the bushes in search of her. But instead she saw only more forest. 

‘Where…where am I?’ she stammered, starting to panic. ‘Where is the park?’

The strange boy moved closer, smiling, and held out his hand. Not knowing what else to do, Alma took it.

‘Caleb’s the name,’ he said. ‘I’ve been waiting for you’.

***

Thorion made his way along the winding paths he knew so well, the gardens stretching green around him. He chose not to see the flirtatious glances thrown his way by both male and female members of the court, indifferent as always to their romances and intrigues. There were rumours, of course, that he had once loved someone, that she was lost and that he grieved for her still. But today as always, Thorion kept himself apart, murmuring only the occasional word of greeting to those he passed. As he trailed his hand across the feathery tops of wild grasses, Thorion recalled his studies many years before and the words of his old master, Merios…

‘Since the dawn of time we have been here,’ the ancient Elder said, his deep voice rumbling, eyes bright in his wrinkled face. ‘Guardians of the great life force, always at odds with each other. The Dark always seeking to gain an advantage over the Light, yet both sides in their own way working to maintain the Balance so necessary to the world as we know it.’ His eyes twinkled as he looked around the Great Hall at the eager young faces, avid for the knowledge he could impart.  Slowly getting to his feet, he paced the floor, gesturing animatedly with his hands as he talked. ‘Understand, if you will, that both sides studied the skies at first – watched the stars as they burned and wheeled through the heavens, traced the paths of the planets, followed comets as they streaked across the skies. This knowledge was sought and recorded by both Light and Dark, each working towards their own goals, yet weaving together perfectly so that there was a Balance in all things.’

He stopped, looking back for a moment to a time long gone. One of the original Elders of their realm, his age was immeasurable. Returning his gaze to the roomful of rapt acolytes he went on.

‘Then the first of the humans was born. Child of Light and Dark, conceived unknowingly, cast out, unwanted in our perfect world. Dark of skin and hair she was, as beautiful as night, so who could blame her when, belonging neither with Light nor Dark, she found love with the only other one of her kind, born soon after she was, an outcast himself. But blame her they did. The Elders banished them both to the wilderness beyond the Gates, to find their way in the other world alone.’ For a moment his ancient lined face was filled with sorrow and the students held their collective breath, waiting. ‘There are those who mourn that decision still, laying flowers at the Gate each Feast Day, regretting the lost chance to forge a closer relationship with the humans who, surging in numbers, created a society that both feeds us and feeds from our lands.’ His voice grew stronger as he went on. ‘Humans are linked back to us, Light and Dark, by their original ancestors. As they love and worship and are born and die, as they murder and fight and hinder and heal, their human energy becomes part of the great life force – all that is positive flowing to the Light, all that is negative bringing power to the Dark.’ Loudly now, marking each of them in turn with his bright glance, Merios finished his lesson. ‘This is why preserving the Balance is so vitally important. This transfer of energy is circular and unbreakable, flowing from humans to Ambeth, then from Ambeth back into the human world. If the Dark are allowed to gain the ascension, we all suffer, while if the Balance prevails, life is as it should be, with enough Darkness allowed in that we may appreciate the Light. Truly, we are all connected and have been so from the very start.’

‘Ah well,’ Thorion sighed to himself, his stern expression causing a lady of the court to sigh in response as he moved past her. ‘What will be will be. We can only shape events so far before they happen.’ Then, turning with purpose down a narrow path running alongside a tall hedge, he prepared himself to meet one who could be the saving of them all.

***

‘Um, I’m Alma.’

Caleb shook Alma’s hand gently, his smile fading as he took in her agitated state.

‘Pleased to meet you, Alma. And please don’t worry,’ he added. ‘I’m here to look after you – to show you around.’

‘Show me around? But…where am I?’ asked Alma, her voice rising. What was happening to her?

‘Why, Ambeth, of course,’ replied Caleb, his hand warm as it held hers.

‘Of course…’ whispered Alma, her knees suddenly weak. Letting go of Caleb’s hand she sank down to a sitting position, putting her head down as dizziness washed over her again. Caleb squatted down next to her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

‘It’s going to be all right, I promise. You’re safe with me. Trust me.’

Alma peeked from behind her hair to see Caleb’s concerned face close to hers. She shook her head, still unsure.

‘Come with me,’ Caleb urged. “I’ll explain all I can, I promise.’ But Alma could only stare at him. She started to shake.  ‘You are safe with me, I promise you,’ he went on. Please, come with me and I can help you.’ He sounded really worried now. He had a nice face, she decided. The way his blue eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, you could almost see his good nature coming out through his skin. Realising she didn’t really have any other option she smiled uncertainly, taking his hand as he helped her to her feet. She brushed the leaves from her jeans and tried to pull herself together.

‘I’m sorry, this is all so strange – I mean, I still don’t understand.’

‘I know,’ he said, sounding sympathetic, rubbing a hand through his unruly blonde hair. ‘But, will you walk with me? I’ll try to explain.’

‘Wait – where to?’ asked Alma, looking around nervously.

‘It’s OK,’ he said again. ‘Really it is. Just come with me and I’ll show you.’

Sure, why not. Feeling as though she had fallen into a dream, Alma started through the woods, keeping close to Caleb. Tall trees stretched to the sky all around her and flowers filled the air with their sweet scent. It was beautiful. Wondering if perhaps she’d hit her head and passed out, she pinched herself hard on the arm and then grimaced in pain. Well, wherever she was, it was definitely real. Caleb shot a concerned glance at her and she shook her head, smiling, not wanting him to think she’d lost it completely. He grinned back but said nothing, though he kept glancing in her direction as they walked.

After a few minutes the trees started to thin out. Beyond the edge of the forest lay a huge open field covered with closely cropped grass, the greenest Alma had ever seen. A white pathway curved through the meadow towards expansive gardens and a distant blue smudge of ocean. The fresh breeze carried the scent of ozone and green growing things. At the centre of it all stood a building so magnificent it stopped Alma in her tracks.

‘Wow,’ she breathed. ‘That building… it’s amazing.’ She gazed at it in awe, forgetting her worries for a moment. From out of an immense structure of white stone came towers topped with tiles that gleamed like mother of pearl. Stained glass windows glinted beneath soaring arches set into the thick walls. It shone so brightly in the sun that Alma blinked, shading her eyes.

‘It is the Palace of the Elders,’ Caleb said, sounding pleased. ‘You’ll get to meet them, next time you are here.’

‘Wait. N-Next time?” Her fear returned, swirling around her stomach and she looked at Caleb, her eyes wide. ‘But… I don’t even know how I got here.’ She stopped, feeling weak at the knees again. ‘I don’t even know who you are, other than your name.’

***

Deryck struggled to stifle his rage as he walked through the gardens towards the forest. Of all the bad luck, to run into Thorion. Realising he couldn’t possibly make the intercept he started to slow down – what the hell was he supposed to do now? His father would be furious with him. Hearing voices approaching, he stepped quickly behind a tree. He needed time to think. Peering out from behind the trunk, he watched as Caleb and a girl he didn’t recognise walked slowly along the path. He smirked – so Caleb had finally found himself a girlfriend. Looking at the girl his mouth relaxed, curving in a half-smile. She was strangely dressed and almost as tall as Caleb, her long red hair cut with a fringe that fell in her eyes so she was always pushing it back with her hands. Her skin was pale and her eyes blue in her heart-shaped face. As she spoke to Caleb, the way she moved her arms lent her an impression of grace that was strangely appealing to Deryck. Overall, a very pretty girl, much better than any he imagined would ever be interested in Caleb. Once they had long passed he stepped out from his hiding place and walked away in the opposite direction, deep in thought.