DL - Leave Takings

Eleventh chapter of the initial section of A House Fractured entitled Darkness Looming.

Beer and fatigue heightened the feeling of claustrophobia. With a wane smile, Li slipped through the crowded room to the door. As she walked over the threshold, the cool night air refreshed her.

Li sagged against the stone wall by the door. Wisps of fog curling about her feet. She was shocked by the people coming into the Gored Boar to wish her well on her journey; people who professed they cared about her. I always thought I was alone here.

�Quite a turn out.� Li looked up to see Eigyr closing the door behind him. He reached into a pocket, pulling out a pipe.

�Not what I expected.�

�I�m not surprised.� He pressed some leaves into the bowl.

�What do you mean?�

Eigyr smiled as he lit his pipe. �What I admire the most about you is you don�t see how important you are. How you�ve touched people. You just do what you want to do, without ulterior motives.�

�And look where it has landed me,� Li rubbed her forehead. �I�m here for a few cycles, trying to be invisible and over the past couple of days all I�ve been is visible.�

�I�m not surprised.� Eigyr offered the pipe to her. She recognized the smell. I have enough beer in me, I don�t need extra. Li shook her head.

�A�fe has told me much of what has been happening,� the barkeep continued.

�Oh really?� Li�s eyes narrowed.

�There is no need to get suspicious.� He took a long pull on his pipe.

�You seem to be in the know.�

�I stand behind a bar. You would be amazed at the things you learn serving drinks.�

There was something that didn�t seem right. �There is more.�

�There always is, Li. We always wear masks. What you see of me is different from Skena or Rhiannon.�

�No, there is more. I can sense it.�

�You would.� Eigyr laughed. �You are now starting to see the shadows that lurk at the edges. You are starting to see that there are more cream coloured pegs about.�

�Who are you?�

�I think the question should me more �What are you?� don�t you think? I am Eigyr ap Garwy. I have an annoying brother, Einion. I love Gaible yet I wonder if I can ever have her. I prefer cats to dogs. And I like collecting pewter jiggers.� Before Li could say something, Eigyr pointed the stem of the pipe at her.

�But that is not what you are curious about. Whose game is he involved in comes more to mind, does it not?�

�Yes.�

�I know. A�fe would have a fit but that is of no consequence right now. I am of the Order. My assignment is working here at the Boar. I am a Watcher.�

The name struck a chord in Li. The barkeep saw her reaction.

�Yes, one of our tasks is to seek those who are strong in magick. But when you came here, you were already an adult so I did not see that you were a l�eg.� Eigyr rolled his eyes. �Trust me, I got enough grief from A�fe on that.�

�But ... but ... you are a druid! Yet you pour ales and spirits?�

He arched an eyebrows. �Tis a good job. It pays well and I�ve had the chance to meet good people. Like yourself.�

�But ...� Li was confused. �You use magick. You are druid. Why are you here?�

�Each one of us has a journey.� Eigyr laughed again. �And not everyone in the Order wears a robe and cowl. Or hides in the shadows of the court. Being here, in a small way, I help the Land. As we are supposed to do.�

Li wrapped her arms around her chest. �Everyone is someone else, it seems.�

�No. My job is being a barkeep. But I learn invaluable information for Taliesin and now A�fe from the people we serve. We serve the Land and the people. Only by extension do we serve the House Su�bhn�.�

�That is not what people think.�

�Don�t you think I know that, working here? Yet there are times we have to be the brunt of anger. It deflects from the throne, especially when an unpopular decision is made. The important thing is to keep peace and stability. If the Order is misunderstood, so be it.�

�I�m just so confused.�

�I�m not surprised. Yet soon you can put this all behind you.�

�Are you so sure?�

�Yes. The attention span here in D�n Su�bhn� is short.� Eigyr started to frown as he glanced to the boulevard. Li saw R�n�n walking toward them. �I have to return.�

He knocked his pipe against the wall before slipping into the public house. Orange embers sputtered on the cobblestones. A broad smile came to R�n�n�s face as he saw her.

�Peace be with you.�

�And you.�

�I had hoped to see you before you left. I didn�t realize you were leaving until I heard some people in the castle speaking about you.�

�It is time to move on.�

�To help other people,� R�n�n nodded. �That is your way.�

Li groaned. She didn�t want him to start up again about angels. R�n�n dug into his pocket. He pulled out a silver chain, a small opal hanging from it. The iridescent gem glittered in the gaslight.

�I wanted you to have this.�

�I can�t accept it.�

R�n�n pushed the necklace into her hand. �Please. Excluding it would look lovely on you, I want you to have a reminder of the good you do.�

�Pardon?� Li asked, confused.

�I heard many things about you when I broke fast. I�m not surprised. It just confirmed you are an angel.� R�n�n cocked his head. �Whether you see it or not. I�ve heard of the trouble brewing in the court, so I wanted you to have something to remind you not to stop. Lendar would agree.�

Li looked at the veined orange-yellow opal. She was touched by the thought. R�n�n started to walk away.

�Wait.� R�n�n stopped. �Would you like to join us? Have a glass with me?�

�No.� R�n�n shook his head. �I had a long, honest talk with the Vicar today. I�ve cleared my place of all bottles and vow now not to drink any more.�

�You did?� Li felt proud, seeing the new strength in his eyes.

�It will not be easy,� he admitted. �But as you said, there is new ground to sow seeds into.�

--------------------------------------

�But we�ve just begun.� Skena slurred her words.

�It has been a long day. We�ll continue this tomorrow over one last flagon.�

�When do you leave?�

�Once the sun has set. You and Rhiannon have an early shift, so we can meet before I leave.�

�You don�t have to leave.�

�For a short while, I do.�

Skena�s hand fluttered in the air. �I know, I know. Duty, missions. It all sounds like a bad romance novel.�
�The difference is I don�t have a good looking, strapping man coming with me. I�ll see you later.�

Li moved quickly before her friend could say anything more. She made her way to the bar. Eigyr stopped pumping a tap.

�Leaving?�

�I have a lot still to do.�

�I understand.�

�Could I ask a favour of you?�

�Any time.�

Li pointed to a table with a pile of unexpected gifts. �Could you have someone bring those to my room later?�

�No problem.� He stared at her intently. �You�re not heading back to your room?�

�I need a walk. To clear my head.�

�I see. Be careful. The fog has rolled off the bay.�

�I will.� Slowly she made her way to the door. Nearby, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed. Kynan by himself. He waved to her. Li groaned, wanting to leave. A rosy blush coloured his cheeks; his eyes were a little unfocused.

�Are you leaving already?�

Li nodded. �It has been a long day. And I have another long one ahead of me.�

�But it is early.�

�Maybe for you.� Li patted his shoulder. �Go. Enjoy yourself. And get to know some of the people here. They�re good people. Especially if you need one in the court.�

�Alright.� Kynan paused. �Do you need an escort? It is getting thick out there.�

�I�m fine.�

�Alright.�

�Have a good time.�

�Will I see you again?�

The faint plaintive sound his voice touched Li. �Of course. When, I cannot say.�

�Maybe MidSummer. I always go home then.�

�That is not so far off. We�ll see.�

Kynan�s face brightened. �We will.�

As Li left the Boar, Kynan rejoined the crowd. She pulled up her collar from her cloak. The gaslight fought the thick wisps of fog clinging to D�n Su�bhn�. She walked toward the castle complex, her heart heavy.

She had not expected leaving would be so difficult. Rhiannon and Skena had been the only people she thought as friends. She had not expected the turn out at the Boar for her going away party; especially on such short notice.

The bells tolled half-night as Li moved off the main boulevard to a slip. Maybe a little time in the garden will clear my mind. The guard at the small entrance nodded to her as she entered the gardens adjacent to the castle.

The pungent smell of cherry blossom filled the air. Tulips and roses competed with the dominating trees. The fog shrouded the bright flowers, gripping to everything. The crisp air soaked through her cloak.

I wish I could have stayed. Li shook her head. She had to leave. The ale was getting to her. Another flagon might have loosened her tongue. She had to keep the facade up. There were things she did not dare tell her friends. If they knew, they definitely would not want me to leave.

�Leave takings are never easy.�

Li stopped, recognizing the voice. She turned, the sidh� from the falls was behind her.

�Personally, I�ve always hated them.� His pale blue eyes glittered in the shrouded gaslight.

�I�ve never had this before. I thought I would leave, no one noticing save my two friends.� Li pointed toward the city. �I never expected all those people.�

The sidh� clapped her shoulder, surprising Li. �We touch many in our journeys. All too often, we don�t see it until it is too late. That is why I prefer the shadow of the night to move on. Less painful.�

�I wouldn�t say painful,� she said. �More wistful. Now I know what I�m leaving makes me regret I did not see it earlier.�

�Yet that knowledge might have made your decision even more difficult.�

�I suppose so.�

�Yet I sense you are not here because you are wistful.�

Li cocked an eyebrow. �Why do you say that?�

�Over many, many, long cycles, I�ve learnt to see how people carry themselves. It is amazing the knowledge you can gain looking at a person�s posture. Their gait. Their facial expressions. Your body exposes more of your inner self than you realize.�

�And what do you see?� She was flippant.

�Confusion. Fear. Indecision.�

Li pursed her lips before answering. �You have no idea what I see before me. And, yes I am scared.�

�Why?�

The simple question annoyed her. �I�ve seen a path before that may lead to my death.�

�I see. Yet all paths lead to death. That is the end of the journey for most.�

�You don�t understand. I�ve seen it.�

�Ah,� the sidh� grew serious. �So you know this for a certainty? That it may or will lead to your death? Mayhap then it is not a path to follow.�

�No, I don�t know for sure!� Li snapped. �Do you think I am a fool?�

�Most certainly not. But I see someone who is overwhelmed by what is happening. Questioning if what she wanted to do is the right thing to do.�

�What is I make the wrong decision? The wrong choice.� Her voice rose an octave.

�My child, I have learnt there is never a wrong decision.� Before Li could answer, the sidh� shook his head. �Some are better, some are worse. We focus too much on the potential outcome yet we never know for sure what it may be. Yet even if it does not work out in the end, you learn from your mistakes. That is how we grow.�

�Did you not hear what I said?� Li shouted. �I may die following this path!�

�As I said, death is an inevitability for most. Is that stopping you?�

Li became exasperated. �This is something I have to do. No one else will. I have to stop Dalldav!�

The sidh� frowned. �Yet he is dead.�

�I�ve seen him.� She shook her head. �He will be preparing someone new. I have to stop him.�

�That person no longer exists.� The sidh� spoke slowly. �What was once Dalldav is now but a hunger.�

�Be it Dalldav or just a hunger, it exists.� Li stopped, her eyes narrowing. �Who are you?�

�A journeyman. That�s all.�

Li stepped back, anger growing. �Do you think me simple? You speak of something the druids dare not speak of. You speak of it as common knowledge. What game are you playing at?�

The sidh� raised his hands, palms out. �I play no games, my child. That is not my way. All too often, my journeys lead me to people that need guidance. Which I give, if I can. But I do not seek them out. I suppose I am just a nexus, like you?�

�A nexus?�

�I believe there are people that become focal points, a point where events coalesce. In many ways, a central knot in part of the weave.�

�Not again!� Li rolled her eyes. �I�m getting a little tired of that metaphor.�

�Yet it is apt. For you, the loom has been built. The threads are being pulled. The weave is starting.�

Li turned, walking away.

�Wait!� The sidh� sprinted to her side. �You cannot just leave like this.�

She stopped, looking him in the eyes. �Yes I can. I will not be a peg in your game.�

�You are not a peg,� he protested.

�Yes, I am. You give guidance just to advance what you think is right. Correcting what you think is wrong. Mistakes you made.�

The sidh� was taken aback. �I beg your pardon?�

�You are right about reading the language of the body. Yet you omitted listening to how someone phrases their speech. Or how magick enhances one�s vision.�

He chuckled. �Ah, I stand before you uncloaked.�

�I will not be part of your games. You were once a great person who spoke truths. Now you lurk in the shadows.�

�There you are wrong.� The sidh� waggled his index finger at Li. �I�ve learnt from that time. Speaking words is only part of the truth. Actions put the truth into focus. That is why I stepped into the shadows, unlike my brother.

�You have to look at my goals, not my actions. I do not give guidance for myself or expected gains. There is no goal to my involvement in events about me. What I present to you is up to you to do what you will with it. I do not try to force an outcome. I have no expectations.�

For a moment, Li wanted to say something. She took a deep breath, shaking her head. �I don�t understand. There is so much you could do.�

�I�ve tried that and it didn�t work. Look about you. In some ways, my arrogance and pride got the better of me. I know better now. Influence is not the answer.

�Now I travel the world gaining knowledge. Which I can give back to my fellow Chosen.�

�Why?�

�Look about you.� A tint of anger laced his words. �Too many people care only about themselves and their small lives. Many of the problems about the world is that people do not care. I believe what little I can do helps. One Chosen at a time.�

With the back of his hand, the sidh� stroked Li�s cheek. �The world is still young for you. There is so much for you to still see. But I believe you are on the right path.�

�What do you mean?�

�Your drive is not for yourself. I heard of what you did for the families in sanctuary. And now you step onto the dusty road for someone else.� The sidh� beamed. �And it reminds me that there are good people about.�

�You don�t understand,� Li said in a small voice. �What if I fail? What if I die?�

The sidh� shook his head. �It is the effort that counts. Every action causes a reaction. And no action is ever incomplete. Never underestimate your ability to affect change.

�You asked who I was. Yet you know an old name. Here I am known as M�th. In the Dasra, the great desert that dominates the east of Larn� I am known as Yas �bar�nar�fazel. The dolphins know me as,� strange squeaks came from M�th. �Which means �The dry one who can�t shut up�. Yet names mean naught, in the end.�

Li laughed. �I heard dolphins are unusual.�

�I would say refreshing. The freedom of the sea make them different than the rest of the land-locked Chosen.� He sighed. �I know you are full of doubt, misgivings and scared. I have been there many times before and will be there again. And it may seem things are going too fast.�

�Oh really?�

�Don�t fight it. Embrace it. Change is terrifying yet it is the only constant in life I love. It keeps me fresh, excited, looking forward to the next day.� M�th paused. �If there is one piece of advice you take with you, be it - trust yourself. Follow your instincts.�

He pointed to her head. �Your brain is important but it can paralyse you. Try to convince you to analyse when in reality you are but over-analysing.�

�I wish I was out of here. Now. Another day will be brutal. I would like this part, this chapter to be at an end.�

�You may get your wish.� M�th�s eyes twinkled. �But it is time for me to take your leave.� Slowly he walked away. Li could not find the words, at first.

�Wait!� M�th stopped. �Will I see you again?�

He looked over his shoulder. �I have no idea. The threads of the future, right now, is numerous. That is why I am here. I have not see this in a long time. Something is about to happen. And the beginning and the end I feel lies with you.�

�Me?�

�May the wind always be to your back, and the rains gentle on your face, child. I hope we meet again.� M�th walked away, melding with the shadows and fog.

It was a few moments before Li stirred. Part of her was thrilled by his comment of beginning and ends while part was terrified. What am I embarking on?

Li pulled on her cloak, shivering. She hurried to the side entrance of the castle complex. She was surprised to see a guard at the door. On seeing her, he bowed.

�We have been looking for you.� The guard said as he rose. �Word had been sent to the Boar yet you had already left.�

�What is going on?� Li said, alarmed.

�The court druid awaits you in your chambers.�

�Bla�?�

�No, A�fe.�

�Of course.� Li shook her head. How could I have forgotten? She rushed into the building, her heart pounding. Something was wrong, she could sense it. The corridor to her chambers was empty; her slippers brought hollow echoes about her. As she came around the corner, Li noticed her door was closed. She slowed down. At the door, she paused, listening. There was no sound. When the door opened, all she found was A�fe, sitting in a chair.

�We must be quick,� the druid said before Li had time to say something.

�Why?�

�Teyrnon is demanding a summoning. It is important to leave now.�

�You�re not telling me why.�

�This is a delay tactic, Li.� A�fe rose. �The longer you are here, the more eyes will turn to you. Teyrnon wants the Houses to focus on you, play on the tensions in the court. Thus preventing you from leaving.�

�But a summons,� Li paused, sorting her thoughts. �He can still demand I return from Tuaim Inbhir. I am not leaving Llangeinwen.�

�You don�t understand. This is but a ploy. We will be able to stop him but it will take a day or so.� A�fe stared at her intently. �But you cannot be here. Hydwn will make sure the route you take will keep you out of sight. Once you arrive in Tuaim Inbhir, this will be resolved.�

�But what of my things?� Li protested.

A�fe looked about the room. �I would say you are well organized. Take what you need now. I will have the rest sent in a few days.�

�No!� Li put her hands on her hips. �I am not just going like this. I will not be pushed about.�

�You do not have a chance here ...�

�I always have a choice!�

�Li, listen to me.� A�fe said softly. �You wish to find the truth about S�danta. Because of that, you are now involved in a complex web you know naught about. You don�t know how to subtly move about. If you did, you would not have revealed Buino as you did.

�I know it does not seem that I have your interests as a priority but I do. You have no idea what your actions over the past few days have wrought.�

�Maybe I do.� Li said defiantly.

�Please listen to me,� the court druid pleaded. �Did you know Cet is Teyrnon�s youngest brother?�

�What?� She sagged, stunned by the news.

A�fe moved to a wall sconce and removed a lit candle. She thrust it in front of Li.

�Look at the flame.�

�Why?�

�Look at it.� She did. �You are that flame. You were safe in this room, as this flame.�

The druid walked to the window. As she opened it, a strong breeze came into the chambers. The flame flickered and sputtered. It fought against the onslaught.

�You are now this flame in the wind. Do you want to end as this flame?�

There was a faint snap before the fire was extinguished.

�You said you have a choice. And you do. Yet if you want to find the truth, right now there is only one option.�

Blood throbbed in Li�s temple. Her hand reached out to a chair for support. She felt overwhelmed. There was nothing before her but chaos. Everyone about her wore masks; she had no idea who was who. I wish I was out of here. Now. What she had said to M�th came back.

�Fine.� Li said slowly. �Give me a few moments.�

�You have it. Hydwn has a small cart ready. Choose what you need now.�

�Alone.�

A�fe nodded, leaving the room. As the door closed, Li looked about her room. Quickly she gathered her things. The two laundry bags with letters were put by the door. Without thought, she stuffed a rucksack with some clothes. Another bag was filled with sentimental pieces and trinkets. Li prepared a small travel bag with the items she wanted to carry.

At her writing desk, she pulled two sheaves of parchment. Quickly she wrote notes to Skena and Rhiannon. She blew on the parchment before carefully folding the papers. From the bag with trinkets, Li rummaged to find a bronze stamp Rhiannon had given her a cycle earlier. The papers were stamped with a wax image of a dragon. She left the notes on the desk.

When Li opened the door, she was startled to see A�fe was not alone. A tall sidh� wearing a travel-worn cloak stood beside her. The corridor light gleamed off his pale bald head. Li could not read anything from his dark brown eyes.

�Are you ready?� His voice was deep and gravelly.

�Yes.� She pulled the bags into the corridor. The sidh� hefted the bags with letters and her rucksack. A�fe took the bag of clothes.

Without a word, the sidh� lead them back to the side entrance leading to the gardens. Near the door, a young sidh� stood waiting. A hood covered his head, his cobalt eyes shining with excitement. The bald sidh� put the bags on the ground, the druid following suit.

�Put these in the cart,� he said brusquely. �Then head to Tuaim Inbhir as I told you.�

�It will be done.� The voice was of someone who had not come of age yet.

�We�re not taking these with us?� Li wondered.

�Our horses await us at the lift.�

�Safe journeys.� A�fe said to the three. She turned back into the castle before Li could say anything. As the door closed, shutting out the light, she felt abandoned.

�Hydwn,� the youth pointed to the bags. �It is just these that are to come?�

Hydwn looked at her. �Is there anything else you wish to transport now?�

�No.�

�So be it.� The sidh� looked at the youth. �Just take this. And don�t dawdle. I expect when we arrive in Tuaim Inbhir four days hence you will be there.�

�I won�t.�

�And no stopping by Eryri, is that clear?�

�Yes.� The youth sounded disappointed.

�Mong�n can wait.� Hydwn said gruffly.

Without another word, the youth grabbed two of the bags and walked away. Hydwn motioned down the path.

�Our horses await.�

�Why are my bags going separately? We could go together.�

�That is not the plan.�

�I don�t understand.�

�I don�t question.�

Quickly the sidh� lead Li through the garden, to the narrow path along the Tywi. When Li came upon the familiar junction, she stopped at the stone bench. A faint pain came to her heart. She ran her hand over the wet back.

�The horses await us.�

�They can wait a moment,� Li snapped. Hydwn�s eyes showed sympathy. He bowed his head.

�Take a moment. I will wait down the path.�

Li sat down. Ale and fatigue gnawed at her. The fog and heavy mist wrapped about her. The roar of the falls filled her mind. She felt completely alone in the world.

And the mists wash away the old for the new. Li looked about, hearing the voice. But she was alone. She closed her eyes, taking in deep breaths. A warmth filled her; embraced her spirit. The fatigue and ale washed from her. The beads of mist on her cloak evaporated. It is time for the new.

Li rose. I will miss this place. She put her hands into her pockets to find the opal R�n�n had given her. Carefully she slipped it around her neck. It felt right between her breasts. A smile came to her face. I am ready.

She started up the path. Around a bend she found Hydwn waiting. A faint smile was on his face.

�I apologize for being so harsh with you. I forgot how difficult this must be for you. It is not easy leaving the life you know behind to quickly.�

Li�s eyes widened. �Fegs! I forgot.�

�What?�

�I left two letters for my best friends. I did not tell A�fe.�

Hydwn chuckled. �If that is your only concern, my dear, worry not. Your friends will get the letters. A�fe will make sure of it. Shall we continue?�

Li nodded. Slowly they moved up the path. She had never been above the junction. The path grew steep and slick. The roar of the falls grew louder. The pounding of the water seemed to emanate from the ground itself.

Suddenly the path veered to the left, away from the falls. Li knew it was following the sheer cliff of the Escarpment. They were close to the lifts that went up the stone face.

After a little while, the trees opened to a clearing with several stone buildings. Four stood against the Escarpment, housing the lifts. The gaslights illuminated nothing of the sheer rock face, unable to pierce the fog and night.

Hydwn lead her to one of the four buildings. As they approached, a man in simple clothing came out. The sidh� handed him a piece of parchment. The man glanced at it quickly and nodded. With a wave of a hand, the two headed wooden lift.

With a single hand, Hydwn grabbed the bottom of the gate and pulled it up. He motioned Li to enter. As he entered, he pulled the gate down. The man went back into the building.

They stood for a few moments in silence. There was a lurch and grinding sounds as the lift started to rise. It creaked and groaned, slowly pulling them above the treetops. In front of her, Li could see a wadding of grey with a few speaks of light. D�n Su�bhn� was enshrouded in fog.

When they reached the top of the Escarpment, Hydwn pulled open the gate on the other side. Li glanced up to see the massive pulley system that brought her up. A single stone building stood on the edge, a light streaming from the window.

�Our horses are ready.�

Li looked out, one more time to the city. There was nothing to see. She turned around and followed Hydwn. It was time to leave.

Author's Note

Being a major revision of the first draft, I am looking for everything - grammar, POV problems, plotting issues. This is new material, that is draft 0. And please note, spelling is Canadian not American so don't point the differences. Hit me with your best shot!