‘This is just the beginning,’ he vowed vehemently.
***
The atmosphere in Lionsgate was of extreme joy and celebration – the complete opposite of Griswold. The Great One’s arrival with Ziah and Aedan at his side was announced by heralds sounding their trumpets. The sky displayed a rainbow so intense that it seemed to be alive and dancing with life of its own. Aislinn, Struan and Maddy marveled at the sight. Their parents had spoken of this place but they never imagined it to be so real and so incredible. There was real love here and a life force that surged. It was the most magical place they had ever been. They entered the castle through the large wooden gates. This place was so different to the Dark Lord’s castle. A large banquet hall hosted an amazing feast set out before them and the children squealed in delight at the food choices.
‘Eat and have your fill,’ the Great One encouraged. ‘You must all be very hungry.’ They ate the succulent fare, chatting together, feeling relaxed and secure for the first time in days. It was good to see Struan back to his old self – his appetite back.
‘Here’s the scroll, Great One.’ Mac handed it to the old man. ‘You’re the one who should have it more than any of us.’
‘Do you remember what you saw in the golden book regarding your life?’ Mac was momentarily confused, but then remembered how they had seen no record of their past mistakes, only good things they had done. He nodded. The Great One saw understanding dawn on his face.
‘I’m not keeping that scroll’ he stated. ‘I can’t, because I chose to forget the mistakes you made. You need to do that too and that will not be possible if you keep that document.’
‘Then we will destroy it,’ Mac said emphatically.
***
Later that night when all was quiet and the children slept peacefully for the first time in days, Mac and Imogene pulled out the scroll. This was the written word of everything that was perceived by others about their service and lives. Their very integrity was laid out and challenged in this document. It was hard to believe that words on a piece of parchment could hold such power and change their lives so much, but it had.
‘Do you want one last look before we destroy it?’ he asked Imogene.
‘No, what’s past is past –there’s no point dredging up hurtful memories again.’ Mac was relieved. He was not sure what he would have done if she had wanted to read through it. He knew it would anger and hurt them both afresh if they looked at it.
‘So be it. This is the start of a new beginning for us. We must learn from the past, but never allow it to define who we are. Imogene we have been given a second chance at life – our destiny is in our hands and we can choose to do whatever we wish from this point on.
‘Do you want to go back to doing what we did before,’ she asked tentatively.
‘I am grateful for the past and all we have experienced – yes, believe it or not even this sordid mess, because we learned so much about ourselves and the real nature of the Great One. There is no way I can ever go back to what we did before Imogene, even if the Prophecy declares it’ because I think differently now and I can only do what my conscience and conviction allows.’
‘Mac, I am so happy to hear you say that.’ They raised their goblets and drank agreement upon this statement, then took the scroll and threw it into the hearth to be consumed by the hungry flames. It was sealed and the beginning of a new future for them. The scroll caught fire, the words caught up in smoke, never to be seen again.
CHAPTER 23 - GUILT
Mitchell had not settled well in Morelock’s home. He wanted his Mama and Linnie and he couldn’t understand who this overbearing, suffocating woman was. He turned his face away in frustration and irritation when she tried to cuddle and kiss him. He was at a loss as to what had happened to his family and this was displayed through his demanding behaviour. He threw tantrums and yelled, holding his breath, turning deep purplish-blue in the face. This frightened Rozanne as she was not used to dealing with children and had little experience of how to resolve it. She was terrified that he would indeed stop breathing and succumb to the grip of the torment that seemed to be chasing him. She felt inadequate and frustrated and wondered how she could learn to be a good mother.
‘Don’t fret so much,’ Morelock would say to his wife at the end of each day when she would besiege him with tears of frustration and failure. ‘Give yourself some time to adjust. The wee one needs time too. This is all strange for him. Why don’t you take him out a bit more during the day into the fresh country air, instead of keeping him cooped up in the house.’ The truth was that she was afraid to take him out in case she lost him or an accident befell him. Her lack of confidence only made the situation worse. She decided then and there that she could not keep up this way of life. She needed help and she needed it fast.
***
‘Mac, Imogene!’ The voice called to them as they wandered in the beautiful grounds of Lionsgate. They had much to talk about and what life would hold for them now as a family. Mitchell was never far from their minds, and they knew the time would come to get him back, but they would need a solid plan for that to be a reality. Then they could make a fresh start anywhere they chose to go. They glanced around looking for the voice. Regent was leaning against a tree eating the juicy, delicious fruit from it, wiping his mouth with his arm as the juice ran down his chin.
‘Regent!’ He smiled, noting how time spent in this place had taken years off them and how freedom agreed with them. It was evident in the way they moved, spoke, but most of all in their eyes. ‘I have news of Mitchell for you.’ Imogene caught her breath. She was afraid and yet hungry to know more. ‘I’ve been watching over the little one as the Great One asked me to,’ Regent continued. Again Mac and Imogene realized how much the Great One cared for their family. He had never let Mitchell out of his sight, sending Regent to be there for him. They should have guessed Mitchell would be watched over.
‘What can you tell us? Is he all right?’ The questions tumbled out of Imogene’s mouth one after another.
‘He’s healthy, but missing you. I have some other news you might be interested in.’ They waited, expectation written all over their faces.
‘Rozanne, Morelock’s wife is looking for a young girl to help her with the little lad. Rumours abound that she is struggling with his strong will,’ Regent smiled. Imogene and Mac smiled too. So she was discovering that even at his tender age, Mitchell could be quite a handful and stubborn on certain things.
‘This could be an opportunity for someone to get close to Mitchell and get her trust so that he can be brought back home,’ Regent suggested, letting the idea sink into their minds. After Regent left they talked about the possibility of rescuing Mitchell. The information Regent had provided was useful but there was no way to implement it.
‘You can’t get the job looking after Mitchell, Imogene,’ Mac said seeing the desperation in his wife’s eyes.
‘She’s looking for a young girl to care for him, and although you are young and beautiful to me, they may not quite see you the same way I do,’ he said, a mischievous look in his eyes. She playfully punched him on the arm, feigning indignance. ‘I know,’ she said ‘but it seems a wasted opportunity if we don’t do something. Maybe Serena could help us – she’s young and beautiful.’
They turned back to the castle, each with their own thoughts and plans mulling over in their minds.
‘Mama, Papa,’ Aislinn skipped down the marble stairs toward them, eager anticipation on her face.
‘What’s the hurry?’ her father called.
‘I’ve been speaking to Regent and he tells me that Morelock and his wife are looking for someone to help care for Mitchell and I thought….’ Her words were cut off by her father’s emphatic tone. ‘No Aislinn, you have done enough to help us get back the scroll and Ziah’s keys. There is not a chance we will send you alone to that place. It’s far too dangerous and I will not discuss this any further with you,’ he said. Her face fell in co
nsternation and frustration.‘But Papa, why?’
‘It was one thing to let you come with us when we went to get the scroll. There was a whole band of us to help you if you got into trouble. This time, there won’t be that support. It’s far too dangerous.’
‘But I know I can do this,’ she continued to press the issue. Her desire to see Mitchell safe and the guilt she felt dared her to cross the line.
‘Enough!’ Mac roared, losing his temper and then just as quickly feeling the shame of it. It was so out of order in this perfect place and it seemed as though everything cringed at his sharp tone. ‘The matter is closed,’ he said gently but equally firm. Aislinn’s tears ran freely down her face - she turned away from them and ran out of the castle into the beautiful day. She sat under a tree alongside the river and wept.
‘Don’t cry Aislinn. Lionsgate is not used to people crying – you might upset the balance of nature,’ Regent teased. He had seen the exchange between daughter and parents and guessed what had transpired.
‘They don’t understand how I feel,’ she confided in Regent. ‘I’m the one who let them take Mitchell- I feel responsible for him.’
‘It was never your fault Aislinn. There was no way you could have prevented that from happening. Believe it or not, they are protecting you because they love you and are fearful they will lose you too.’
‘I know, but this could be the only chance we have to rescue him. I have to do it. Will you help me Regent?’
At dinner they all gathered in the great hall for another feast. The food, as always was sumptuous with flavours to tempt every tastebud.
‘Where’s Aislinn?’ Imogene asked, noting her daughter absence.
‘She’s probably still sulking in her room,’ her father replied. ‘I will not give in on this matter – she needs to do as she is told.’ Imogene excused herself from the table to look for her daughter. Sulking was not tolerated in the Hamilton family. It was one value they wanted their children to learn.
‘What is your concern?’ the Great One asked noting Mac’s agitation.
‘Aislinn has this crazy plan in her head. She thinks she should get the job looking after Mitchell – Morelock and his wife are looking for someone young to fill the position. She thinks she might be able to get him back.’
‘And why would you assume that it is a crazy plan?’ the old man asked Mac soberly.
‘Well she’s too young, and it’s too dangerous and …. it’s just a crazy idea, that’s all,’ he said defensively, taken aback at the Great One’s question.
‘Perhaps the truth is that you are afraid you don’t believe she’s capable and you fear you will lose her,’ he gently chided Mac.
Mac looked stupefied. Was the Great One really challenging his parenting ability?
He couldn’t seriously expect him to let her go.
‘Sometimes,’ he continued unperturbed at Mac’s disbelief, ‘one has to let one’s children go, to experience challenges and hardships that will grow and benefit not only themselves, but others in the family too. This is how they learn to make wise choices and become responsible adults. Your Aislinn has grown up a lot in the last few days looking after her siblings. I chose to forgive you and forget your mistakes, maybe you should choose to forgive her and forget her mistakes. She feels responsible for the little lad being taken away and in her mind she needs to rectify that.’
‘But it isn’t her fault,’ Mac said.
‘Yes, and some of what happened to you and your family wasn’t your fault either, but I chose to allow you the opportunity to get back the scroll that was stolen from you and because of it, you are now able to move on with your life and start anew,’ The Great One pointed out.
Understanding filled Mac’s face. Of course he understood how that felt. It had felt good taking that scroll back and having the power to decide what to do with it. In fact, it had made all the difference in healing their hearts. Even though they didn’t blame Aislinn for Mitchell’s disappearance she was carrying guilt for it and to move on she needed to do this. He would talk to Imogene and convince her that the plan may yet work. She came rushing into the hall, worry etched on her face.
‘Aislinn’s gone,’ she cried holding up the note she had found in place of her daughter.
The note was short and scribbled as though she were in a hurry.
Forgive me for disobeying you both. I love you, but I love Mitchell too and this may be the only way to get him back. Don’t worry about me, Regent is with me and will send news regularly of our progress. I hope you don’t mind, but I have taken the glasses and the truth ring with me.
All my love, Aislinn.
Mac smiled. ‘Well I guess that is that and there is no more we can do.’ Imogene looked at her husband as though he were mad. She could not believe he was going to do nothing and she stormed out of the hall.
‘Looks like you might be sleeping on the chaise tonight,’ the Great One chuckled.
***
Aislinn and Regent crossed the Glass Sea and travelled back toward Griswold. Morelock and his wife lived in a humble cottage on the Dark Lord’s estate and Aislinn knew she would have to be careful that no one recognize her, as it could jeopardize the entire mission. She had covered her curly hair with a scarf. Her attire was neither opulent nor that of a peasant as she did not want to attract unnecessary attention to herself. Regent was disguised as a weary traveller passing through with her. As they came to the cottages and the humble inn in the little village they made an effort to neaten themselves and dust their clothing. They were tired and their feet ached from the journey. It was dark and dreary inside the little inn. The only air of homeliness that it had was the crackling fire in the hearth and the wafting smell of soup in the air. It was almost empty as the hour was not late enough for the serious revellers to arrive. A middle-aged woman who looked tired was behind the counter polishing silver goblets. A cat stretched on an old armchair and a young girl stoked the fire sending embers into the air.
‘Good afternoon Madam,’ Regent said politely bowing his head momentarily. ‘The young mistress and I have been on the road many days and we are very weary,’ he said indicating Aislinn. ‘Her father is a merchant and often away and her poor mother has departed this world. My wife I are all that she has and her father has entrusted her to our care while he is away,’ he continued noticing the curiosity in the woman’s eyes. One did not often see a young fair skinned girl with a man whose skin was as dark as the night.
‘Where is your wife?’ the older woman asked, mistrust in her eyes.
‘Well that’s the problem,’ said Regent. ‘She has taken ill with fever and a rash, so I needed to get the young one out of our home till she recovers. My master would never forgive me if his daughter became ill.’
‘Where are you taking her?’ the woman questioned.
‘I have nowhere to take her, but I was wondering if she could take a room here at the inn? She could help with some chores, just till things get back to normal,’ he asked.
‘We have no room here,’ the woman insisted. She had no desire to be responsible for a young girl. What if she had caught the fever and infected her entire inn?
‘However there is a young woman looking for help with her wee one in the village. Perhaps she could help you in return for the young lass helping her,’ she added.
‘Where do we find her?’
They could hear Mitchell throwing a tantrum as they arrived outside the little house. Regent cautioned Aislinn with his eyes not to get emotional – this was important or their cover would be blown. He knocked loudly on the door. A dishevelled, fraught looking woman opened the door, desperation in her eyes and face.
‘Yes,’ she spat out rudely to them. ‘What do you want? I’m rather busy.’ Regent explained their plight and how they could help one another. This was music to Rozanne’s ears– she was at the end of her tether with her situation. She could not control this little boy any longer. She flung the door open wide and gratef
ully invited them in. To her surprise, Mitchell stopped crying the instant Aislinn walked into the room. He looked at her through tearful eyes, his trembling lip turning up into a little smile. He toddled over to her and put his hands out looking for a cuddle, which she duly gave to him. Rozanne was astounded.
‘It seems the young lad is taken with you Miss,’ she said amazed. ‘Would you be willing to stay awhile and help me with him? We’ll feed you well and give you a bed to sleep in, until you are able to return to your father.’ Aislinn nodded her head demurely, but inside she was jumping up and down in excitement. Their plan had worked.
‘What do want our little Mitch to call you,’ she asked.
‘Linnie,’ Aislinn said. She knew that Mitchell would use it. She had been terrified that he would call her by name when he first saw her. The fact that he had not, was a miracle and she could use her nickname safely now. No one would associate Linnie with Aislinn.
‘Linnie,’ Mitchell echoed and they all laughed. Regent made sure that Aislinn was settled in and then said his goodbyes.
‘I will never be far from you. Sometimes you will not see me he said, but know that I am near – you are not alone,’ he reassured her.
‘I hope my parents forgive me for this.’
‘They will,’ he said. ‘They are learning in all of this too Aislinn. Now, make sure you use the glasses and ring when you need to. If you’re in trouble, leave this red ribbon tied to the window latch in your room. If I see it I’ll know you need help.’ They hugged one another and then Regent left the little cottage. Aislinn had some concerns that Morelock would recognize her. She had been cleaning the Dark Lord’s chambers a couple of times when he had met with the Dark Lord. She hoped that he had not paid her much attention and that his memory would be foggy on the details of those meetings. She had never directly spoken to him and she hoped this would be in her favour – still it was a risk she would have to take. She spent the rest of the day cuddling Mitchell and playing with him. She helped to feed him and bathe him and she felt happy protecting him again. She had to continually remind herself to call him Mitch and not Mitchell as it would arouse suspicion if she used his full name.