cried constantly. Finally it was Melanie who managed to calm her.
“Loanna, do you remember when you discovered you were with child, with Brittany?” Melanie asked, sitting next to Loanna on the bed. “Yes, next to marrying Devon, it was the happiest day of my life.” Loanna sobbed. “And how did you feel when you found you were with child again?” Loanna looked at Melanie. “Melanie, I miss him. I cannot go on without him.” The despair in Loanna’s voice, cut into Melanie’s very fiber, “Loanna, Devon needs you to protect Brittany and your unborn child.” Loanna now sat up and put her arms around Melanie, “Yes, Devon would want that.” Melanie hugged her dear friend, “I will miss him too. He gave more than anyone could have expected."
Gareth decided he would go to the forest and seek out Igus. If any hope existed, surely he would know. As he came into the clearing, he could see Igus and Arianna sitting upon the Great Rock, facing each other. A soft light surrounded them. He stood at the base of the rock watching, not sure if he should interrupt. Slowly, Arianna opened her eyes.
“We know why you are here Gareth. No, we have not sensed Devon’s presence.” She said, sadly. “His body was never found. Are you saying he is dead?” Gareth asked. “It means what it means.” Arianna answered, abruptly, “Now please, do not think me unkind, but you must go. Do what you can. But do not disturb us again until the danger has past.” As Arianna finished, she again closed her eyes. Gareth turned and left the forest.
On the ride back to Cashell, Gareth turned the events of the past two weeks over and over in his mind. I should have led the men to the bog, he thought. But the enemy was invisible! What could I have done different? Philip had done exactly what I would have done. The attack stopped when the men regrouped. Perhaps that is the answer, he said to himself. “Sheer numbers!” He now exclaimed out loud. He gave Sojourn’s son, Tacit, a nudge to quicken the pace. As the manor came into view, he could see many men, horses and banners. When he got closer, he could see the crests signifying the manors of Joycen and Braxton. He could see Ian racing to meet him.
“Gareth, my old friend. Lady Katryn has told me of Corsea.” “Yes Ian, I am afraid we may be in great danger. However, it appears we have an army at our disposal!” “Your messages to Geoffrey and I were very vague. We brought over two hundred knights. If Lord Thomas saw this, he might think we were going to invade him!” Ian said, laughing. “Yes, perhaps we should send him a message to make him aware.” Devon suggested. “Of course you are right. I will have Douglas do so immediately.” “How is Douglas? I have not seen him two years.” Gareth asked as the two men dismounted. “He has become what you might call, portly!” Ian replied, pointing to a stout fellow walking toward them. Gareth almost did not recognize him. Though his brown eyes still held an ever-present innocence, he had changed considerably. His brown hair was receding and resembled a monk’s haircut. His normally lean face was now filled out. A chubby cherub, Gareth thought.
“Lord Gareth! It has been a long time!” Douglas said, extending his hand. “What has happened to you Douglas? You must have put on eighty pounds!” Gareth exclaimed, shaking his hand. “My wife is an excellent cook! The next time you come to Joycen, you must drop in.” “Married? What manner of a woman would have the likes of you?” Gareth said, slapping Douglas on the back. The three men walked though the courtyard. Gareth told a squire to ask Geoffrey and Philip to come to the study. Loanna and Katryn were already there.
“Did Igus have any news?” Loanna asked, anxiously as Gareth walked into the study. Gareth went to her and put his arms around her, “Igus and Arianna are in some sort of trance. Arianna was only able to speak briefly.” Gareth paused for a moment. Loanna knew what he would say, and softly cried. “Arianna said that they could not sense Devon’s presence. I am sorry Loanna.” “Thank you for going Gareth. I need to except it, to get on with life. But how can I tell...Brittany?” Loanna asked. Katryn went to her, “It will not be easy, but she is young and resilient. She will be all right.” Loanna managed a weak smile then turned and left. Gareth and Katryn remained silent, it was as if an unheard prayer were being said.
Geoffrey, Ian, Philip, Wayne and James walked into the study and could sense the somber mood. “Is there a wake going on?” Geoffrey asked. “Devon was with my men when they were attacked in the bog. He was missing, but now he is believed dead.” Gareth replied. “We are all saddened Gareth, but we have to be concerned for the living now.” Ian stated, as a matter of fact. “Yes! We must decide what to do!” Katryn exclaimed. Gareth looked at his mother. He knew she was right. But what to do!?
“On my ride back to Cashell, I thought of Philip’s account of the attack in the bog.” Gareth began, “He said the attack stopped when his men regrouped. Philip, did all three groups come to your side?” “Yes my lord. James’ and Wayne’s men were there in less than two minutes.” “But your group was the only one attacked.” Gareth said, half to himself. “I think there must be something to that. Your group lost two knights and apparently Devon. Do you remember hearing anything?” Gareth asked, thinking back to what Devon had said. Philip looked at James and Wayne, then back to Gareth.
“As a matter of fact, we all did. But it made no sense.” Philip answered, wondering what Gareth was getting at. “What are you thinking Gareth?” Ian asked, just as confused as everyone else. Gareth held up his hand to quiet everyone, “What did you hear Philip?” “At first, I thought Devon was saying something to me, then realized someone was talking to him. It was like a growl. ‘I told you to leave it be, Priest.’ I could see fear come over Devon’s face, then he was thrown from his horse. That is when the attack began.” “Did you smell anything odd, Philip?” Gareth asked, noticing that everyone was now listening intently. “Why yes! It almost seems that you must have been there yourself! I would have to describe it as a stench.” Philip allowed. “More like a rotting carcass!” James now added. “Is this making sense to you Gareth?” Geoffrey asked. “Yes, it makes sense. But how to fight him?”
Gareth needed more information. He knew that Igus and Arianna were somehow keeping Corsea contained in the bog. That is where the battle would take place. But how to fight an unseen enemy. Suddenly the study door flew open. Melanie came in crying, “Gareth! Michael and Brittany are sick! Come quickly!”
Loanna was standing at the foot of the bed, where the two children slept. As Gareth came in his eyes grew wide. A green fog seemed to cover them both!
“What magic is this!?” Gareth yelled. “They will not awaken!” Loanna cried out. “He attacks helpless children!” Gareth exclaimed, realizing immediately that this was Corsea’s doing. “Get them ready to travel! We must go to Igus!” Gareth ordered, as he headed back to the study.
“Ian, Geoffrey. Will you have your forces prepare to mass at the Haunted Bog!?” Gareth asked as he walked into the study. “Gareth, you know we stand behind you! But we need a plan.” Ian replied, trying to calm him. “There will be a plan old friend, but we need to have our forces at the bog and ready to attack. It is a two day ride from here, two days we might not have if we wait!” “Yes, I agree with Gareth also.” Geoffrey now offered. “Yes, I can also see it as a wise move.” Ian relented. “Thank you both. I must go to the forest with the children. Sir Philip! Assemble the knights and archers.” “Yes my lord!” As Philip left, Ian looked at Gareth oddly and asked, “Why go to the forest?” Gareth now realized he would bring them along. They should be made to understand, else they think him a raving madman.
The combined forces of the three manors was a grand sight. Almost four hundred strong. As they crossed the Serenity near the Parish, the main mass broke off and headed toward the bog. Gareth, the children, Loanna, Melanie, Ian and Geoffrey headed to the forest.
As they made their way through the underbrush, they all noticed an odd smell and concluded that must be what Devon and Philip had talked about. Gareth warned Ian and Geoffrey to be calm. The old warriors laughed when Gareth suggested something might scare them. When they came into the clearing, Ian
and Geoffrey suddenly stopped. “I told you!” Gareth chided.
“Igus, our children are sick!” Loanna exclaimed, from the base of the rock. Silence. Ian and Geoffrey moved closer. “Please Arianna! Corsea is affecting Brittany and Michael!” Melanie pleaded. It seemed to take great effort, but Igus managed to open his eyes.
“We know.” He said, barely audible, “You must get them to the Blue Isle. Corsea cannot harm them there.” ‘The Blue Isle! How?’ Ian asked in his mind, knowing the Blue Isle was a month’s distance. Igus’ eyes slowly closed. It was Arianna who spoke next.
“Loanna, climb up here and take the pink crystal from my pouch. Go to the Cave of Lights. The vine gate will already be open. I have instilled enough energy in the crystal so only the mothers and children will be able to go into the water. Once in, the crystal will take you to my home. My twin sister, Alanna, will meet you there.” After Arianna finished, Loanna retrieved the crystal and they went to the Cave of Lights.
The gate was indeed open. Loanna took the lead, she had been here many times before. She thought of Devon, but knew she must protect the children.
“The cave floor is damp, watch your step.” Loanna warned. Ian finally spoke for the first time, “It seems so bright, for a cave.” “Yes! But look, it is getting even brighter up ahead!” Geoffrey said, having just found his own tongue. Gareth felt a little relaxed. The children and their mothers would be safe. They would not be touched by the upcoming battle.
As they came to the water’s edge, Gareth could see Melanie’s concern, “Not to worry my love, I have done this before.” “I know I must have been here before, but I cannot remember.” Melanie replied, knowing that Igus had taken her back to Landon those years ago. “As he says Melanie, there is nothing to fear. When we get in, just hold on to me.” Loanna said. Then a thought crossed Melanie’s mind, “But the children do not know how to hold their breath.” “They will not need to.” Gareth assured, remembering how silly he felt, at taking such a great breath.
Melanie kissed Gareth, then Gareth hugged Loanna, sensing how alone she must feel. They watched as the foursome got into the water and disappeared. “Unbelievable!” Ian shouted. “Come, it is time to plan a battle.” Gareth said, a determined look came over his face.
Melanie was amazed by the colors that surrounded them. As Gareth had said, the journey was almost instantaneous. When they came out of the water, Loanna and Melanie could see that the children were already better.
“Thank God!” Melanie said, looking at Michael and Brittany. “I wonder where Arianna’s sister is?” Loanna said. “Let us go outside.” Melanie suggested, pointing to the cave entrance. As they exited the cave, a wonderful aroma permeated their senses. “That smells good mommy!” Brittany said. “It tastes good too!” Loanna and Melanie both turned toward the voice. Both were taken aback by the beautiful, young woman standing before them. Both women were thinking, ‘twins’?
“Are you Alanna?” Loanna asked. “Yes, Arianna told me to meet you. To protect you.” “I am Loanna, this is my daughter, Brittany. My friend is Melanie and her son is Michael.” “You should eat now, we will have plenty of time to talk.” Alanna said, pointing to plates that had already been set. Both women thanked her and sat to eat.
“This is very good! What is it Alanna?” Melanie asked. “It is rabbit bisque. Igus said he had never tasted anything like it before.” Alanna said, proudly. As they ate, Loanna studied Alanna. She had Arianna’s pale green eyes and black hair. But that is where the similarities ended. Her features were softer, more...feminine.
“I have watched you study me Loanna. Is there something wrong?” Alanna asked, somewhat amused. “No, I guess I just pictured you somehow, different.” “You sound just like Igus! When he found out that I was Arianna’s twin, I could feel his eyes trying to find a resemblance.” Alanna said, laughing. “Ouch! Just like Igus! That hurts!” Loanna laughed, for the first time in recent memory.
Loanna, Melanie and the children were safe. Gareth could concentrate on the problem at hand. He could see Igus and Arianna as he entered the clearing. They looked so vulnerable.
“I should send some men to protect the two of you.” Gareth said, from the base of the rock. “We are in no danger Gareth, unless Corsea cannot be contained.” Arianna said, almost whispering. Gareth wished he knew more of Corsea. He was obviously a powerful entity, but everything has a weakness.
“Can you at least tell me how to fight him?” Gareth pleaded. “Igus said he had never found a weakness, he was only able to trick him in their last battle. That will not work again. Go now Gareth, and good luck. We fear, that if he is not stopped here, no one will be safe.” When she finished, Gareth noticed her subtle look in the direction of the sun. “We still have no clue.” Ian said, sadly. “Come Gareth, we must try to understand this enemy.” Geoffrey added.
As they made their way back through the forest, they noticed that the odor was growing stronger. “What is that!” Ian exclaimed, pulling his sword from it’s sheathe. He moved some dead leaves to reveal a bone dry earth, “Look at this Gareth! If I did not know better, I would swear it has not rained in months.” “Very odd indeed!” Geoffrey offered. Ian began digging with his sword. They all noted how much stronger the odor got, the deeper he dug. Suddenly, a bolt of lighting shot up the length of the sword, knocking Ian unconscious! Then a voice, that sounded like a wounded animal, rang out.
“Go home to die! There is nothing you can do!” Gareth ran to Ian, “Why not show yourself, coward!” He shouted into the air, as he bent to check on Ian. Silence. Geoffrey, who had drawn his sword, now screamed into the air, “Yes! Show yourself, so I can make quick work of you!” More silence. “How is Ian!?” Geoffrey asked, visibly shocked by the finality of the message. “He is coming around all ready.” Gareth answered as he helped Ian to his feet. Geoffrey then saw Gareth’s eyes go blank, “Gareth! What is wrong!?”
Gareth stood silent for a moment and Geoffrey went to his side, “Gareth?” Gareth’s eyelids fluttered, “I am all right Geoffrey, Igus was communicating with me.” “This gets stranger and stranger!” Ian now said, rubbing his tingling arm. “Igus said, that for a brief second, he felt Corsea weaken.” Gareth relayed. “Weaken Gareth?” “Yes Ian, he said this was the second time.” “Would the first time be when your men were attacked in the bog?” Geoffrey asked, now thinking there might yet be a solution. “Yes, but we must remember, Corsea is still entombed. Once he is free, I fear that the true battle will begin.” Gareth warned.
He had not seen anything for what seemed an eternity. Total darkness surrounded him. He thought he must be blind. Occasionally, he would hear something shuffling near him. ‘A rat perhaps?’, he would think. No, rats do not bring food and water! He thought it strange that someone would take such good care of him, only to keep him locked away. He was not even sure of how long he had been there. It was impossible to keep track of the time. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. But was only able to take short naps. Then he heard the noise that signified his captor was bringing food and water.
“Will you please talk to me! At least tell me why you brought me here!” He pleaded. Finally, a voice broke the silence, “You are safe and well fed, is that not enough Devon?” A girl! Devon thought, “I appreciate that, but I am not an animal. You must let me go home.” He said, trying to stay calm. He was happy just to hear a voice. “You think of your wife and children, it saddens me to keep you here.” “Children! Have I been here so long that Loanna has had the baby?” “No, the boy has not come yet, but I could sense your concern for the unborn one. They are safe.” ‘A boy!’ Devon thought proudly then asked, “What is your name?” The silence that followed, was deafening.
“Please, do not stop talking!” Devon pleaded. “I am Jessica.” She finally said. “A very pretty name. Jessica, how long are you going to keep me here? And unless I am blind, why not allow me some light?” “You are not blind. If I light this cave, will that keep you happy?” Devon would not be happy u
ntil he was home, but light would make it bearable, “Yes Jessica, that would help.” With that, Devon could see a glow coming into the darkness. As the light got brighter, Devon’s eyes started to adjust. He could now see his captor!
After they left the forest, Gareth, Philip, Ian and Geoffrey headed to the bog. The events of the skirmish in the bog kept turning around in Gareth’s head.
“Corsea did not actually kill anyone. Both the knights were killed, when they were thrown from their horses.” Gareth thought, out loud. “And apparently Devon, but die they did.” Geoffrey countered. “Philip, you say you and your men were kicked and punched. Was anyone hurt badly?” Gareth now asked. “No my lord, but now that you mention it, no broken bones, no blood. Is that important?” Philip asked. Gareth went silent again. Igus and Arianna were keeping Corsea at bay. Gareth did not know how long they could keep it up. He knew he had to find a solution and again turned his attention to Philip.
“Did you have any sense of the strength behind the blows?” Gareth now asked. “I remember thinking, if I could have seen anyone that is, that I would have easily crushed the enemy.” Philip recounted, wondering what Gareth was looking for. “Then you regrouped and the attack stopped.” Gareth said, to no one in particular. “Yes my lord. The area was totally lit up by the fire from all our torches.” Philip replied. A light seemed to come to Gareth’s eyes. He remembered Arianna looking at the sun and a smile crossed his mouth. They all looked at him, wondering what plan had just been hatched. “It is time to visit the bog.” Gareth said, as he nudged Tacit on.
Loanna looked out over the lake and thought of Devon. She could not bring herself to tell Brittany. “I just cannot believe he is gone.” She thought out loud.
“Perhaps he is not.” Alanna said, walking up behind her. “What are you saying!?” Loanna asked, allowing hope to slip into her voice. “No body was found. That has never made sense to me.” Alanna allowed. “But it has been weeks since the attack. Surely he would have found his way home by now.” Loanna asserted. “Many of the Children of Nature exist in all parts of the world. One of them may be protecting him.” “From what?” “It has occurred to me that Corsea has been trying to get to Igus through his friends. That is why you, Melanie and the children are