‘It’ll be a challenge for us but the Great One will be with us and he’ll protect us as we go,’ her father reassured them. They believed him of course. To Aislinn and her siblings, the Great One was often spoken of by Papa and Mama – they had faith in him because their parents had talked of his love, but in truth they had never really experienced the Great One for themselves. Maddy, as always, was curious about the move and asked a million questions.
‘How will we know which village in Griswold to stay in?’
‘Don’t you worry about that Maddy. The Great One will direct our journey and show us a sign when we get there.’ Mac kissed the top of her head and was rewarded with an adoring smile from his trusting daughter.
The horror stories of Griswold had not escaped Aislinn’s ears over the years. She’d heard there were warriors who worked for someone called The Dark Lord who lived for destruction and bloodshed. Tales of creatures of incredible size and ferocity were abundant - dragons in Griswold that would crush you with one blow of their tails or fiery flames from their nostrils that would turn you to ash. There was another legend that if the Dark Lord looked upon you, that you’d become bewitched and that your heart would turn black never to be redeemed again - that was an even more terrifying thought than meeting a dragon. Mackenzie and Imogene Hamilton were wise in teaching their children about the goodness of the Great One they followed, but they had also revealed some stories to their children about the Dark Lord. He was one who wanted to rule and reign over as many kingdoms as he could. Griswold was just the tip of his iceberg dream. He was ambitious and would stop at nothing to get his own way - he would stand on anyone who hindered his progress. He never played fair or by the rules.
‘Be very careful of him as he will try to steal your heart with flattering words and promises of the world, but that is to cloud your judgment and confuse your mind. Nothing he tells you can ever be believed or trusted.’ It was well known the Dark Lord was the complete opposite of the Great One. The two had been at loggerheads for many years and the Dark Lord’s greatest desire and wish was to be more powerful than the Great One. He would do anything to achieve that purpose. While the Great One was generous, kind and loving; the Dark Lord was evil, cruel and full of hatred.
Aislinn stirred from her reverie, bringing her sharply back to the reality of their situation. She heard raised voices outside their tent. Two men were having an angry confrontation and seemed to be arguing over the events of the night before. She strained to hear what they were saying. ‘You promised no one would be hurt and that we were just there to scare the family,’ the first voice said.
‘The Dark Lord’s not interested in scaring people,’ the other man snorted. ‘He wants to eradicate those who are troublesome to him, especially those called by the Great One, like Mackenzie Hamilton and his family. The only reason we kept the children alive is because he believes they can be used to serve his purposes.’
‘I don’t like being manipulated and lied to. If he expects us to do his dirty work, then he should at least be honest about his intentions,’ the first man grumbled. It was clear he was agitated. This deception had caught him off-guard, and now he was equally responsible for the destruction that had been caused.
‘Don’t be so naïve. For what is truth really? Truth can be manipulated depending on the way it is presented as the Hamilton family will find out. You were as much a part in believing what was said about them as any of us, so man up and take responsibility. Get ready we are heading out shortly – your reward will come when we deliver these children.’ Aislinn fell back against the soft fur pelt she was lying on. It dawned on her that the reason for the attack was not random, but because they were seen as a threat to the Dark Lord and his kingdom. This baffled her. She thought of her father’s contagious laughter and charismatic personality, how he loved life and all the challenges that came their way. Why would anyone be intimidated by them? They only ever wanted the best for the people in their village and they tried to encourage people to believe that they could reach for the stars if they so wished. Surely that was a good and noble thing? Surely that would ultimately benefit Griswold? What did that man mean by his last comment? What did they believe about their family? None of it made any sense to her. Were they really so influential? One thing she knew for sure – they were on their way to the Dark Lord and the thought terrified her. The tent flap drew open with a slapping sound and a cloaked man peered inside. Aislinn recoiled, struggling with terror and fierce maternal instinct to protect her brothers and sister. She recognized him as the man who killed her father and mother. Instinctively she placed herself between her siblings and this heartless man. He looked at her coldly, with lifeless, empty eyes devoid of any compassion or pity. His face was in shadow but there was no mistaking the cruelty there or his menacing posture as he filled the tent entrance.
Something about him really bothered her – he seemed familiar but she could not quite work out what it was. Her mind urged her to remember but she could not. He heart felt that she knew him, but her mind and eyes told a different story.
‘Wake your family,’ he barked, ‘We need to be going soon, as the Dark Lord awaits us.’ She plucked up as much courage as she could. ‘Please could we have something to eat?’ For an instant she detected a glint of respect in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as she perceived it.
‘I’ll send someone with some bread for you. It wouldn’t do having you arrive before the Dark Lord looking like starving waifs’.
Before long they were on the move again. Mitchell was strapped to Aislinn’s back with a piece of cloth and for the time being he was content. ‘Mama, Papa?’ he asked in his limited vocabulary, ‘I want Mama.’
‘I know you miss them Mitchell, but they are visiting the Great One at the moment and I’m here to look after you now.’ It was easier to pretend they were away than trying to explain the truth to him right now. Soon enough he would realize they were on their own. Maddy cried softly to herself, her little lip quivering as her salty tears left grubby streaks down her sooty face. She clutched her little doll that Grandma had made, grateful that Struan had thought to grab it when they had escaped the burning home. Struan knew how precious it was to her, and how she drew comfort from it while sleeping each night. It was the only possession they had left from their life at the cottage, so in some ways it was precious to each of them for different reasons. Aislinn whispered to them as they walked slowly through the bleak landscape, ‘We are champions, winners, favoured, we are Hamilton’s – remember the Great One is with us.’ She was careful the men did not hear her, as she was certain that they would be annoyed, but she was also determined they would not be bewitched by the Dark Lord.
The terrain was rough and unforgiving and they needed to rest often. Thick mist rolled over the moors playing hide and seek with them, slowing them further. Aislinn begged the young man she assumed had challenged the cloaked man. ‘Please,’ have pity on my little brother and sister. They can’t walk another step - they’re exhausted!’ He looked at her blankly and then a flicker of sympathy registered in his eyes. ‘I’ll see what I can do about getting them a seat in the cart’ Soon the children were settled into the supply cart for their limbs were too leaden to move any longer. They slept erratically and dreamed of days when laughter and joy filled their lives intermingled with dark creatures that snatched them from this happiness. The last time they had travelled in a cart was when they had embarked on their adventure to find Griswold.
***
Mackenzie Hamilton and Imogene, together with their three children had left their Homeland with the clothes on their backs, a trunk of clothing, linen and a wagon drawn by one horse. They owned nothing else but the dreams of a new life in Griswold. Although they had given up all they had, they did not feel burdened by the task before them. They eagerly anticipated their new life and found the adventure they were starting exhilarating. That journey had taken them three months and was arduous. The combination of slow travel, a wea
ry horse, the forces of nature and needing new supplies presented daily challenges for them. Eventually they reached the place that Imogene had seen in her dreams one night. This was a place where hope had been lost and where the Dark Lord’s powers had become evident – located deep in the heart of Griswold. The land was beautiful if you looked at it with your natural eye, but if you perceived it with your heart and soul it was a superficial beauty that was not lasting. This was where the Great One needed them. They bought a small piece of land with money the Elders had given them before they left. There they set up a home building their stone cottage with a thatch roof. The same cottage that was now a pile of burnt stones and smouldering rubble!
‘Thank goodness for your family thatching experience,’ Imogene had teased Mac. ‘Some inherited family skills are helpful,’ she giggled as they had bundled the straw together. So in time they had established themselves in the community, and they were well loved by the people. Imogene cared for families by providing meals when needed, for the ill with basic herbal medicines and the children by teaching basic reading and writing skills. Mac would spend hours talking to the Great One, inquiring of Him how to help the people. Although he never experienced the Great One as in his childhood, he felt sure he whispered mysteries to him and showed him what he needed to teach those around him. It was a good and satisfying life for the family, so they believed.
Griswold had not always been such a wasteland. It was once a paradise before the Dark Lord had made his home there. It swarmed with living creatures of every kind and the air had been sustaining. There was never drought and the trees produced fruit all year round. Strange mythical creatures like unicorns had been found in the land and there was a peace that presided over the country at that time. All that had changed when the Dark Lord invaded this paradise and taught the people living there about distrust, deceit and war. He bewitched them so that each man would think only of himself and his needs, and so selfishness was born. Unicorns fled to hide in the forests and could no longer be part of the landscape as people began to hunt them for their horns which they believed had healing powers. No one was completely safe anymore in Griswold. Paradise was a dream of the past. The Hamilton’s noticed this change in Griswold as the years passed – the lifeless land and forests devoid of beautiful creatures and plants. It was dying little by little, everywhere except their piece of farmland. It miraculously flourished and produced healthy crops, the weeping willow growing tall and strong year after year, the Great One’s goodness and favour evident to them all.
CHAPTER 2 - FEAR
The cave was dark, hidden deep in the hills of Griswold, Two bodies lay huddled together and the air crackled with burning twigs as firelight danced around the stony cave walls. Someone watched the figures from the dark recesses of the cave walls – watching and waiting.
***
Night fell and the cart carrying the children climbed up the steep hill toward the dark castle that lay perched at the top. It was eerily etched against the skyline like a crooked, evil hand ready to snatch up those who passed, never to be seen again. The children were hungry and tired and Mitchell whimpered quietly against Aislinn’s chest. He had cried earlier in the day when the cloaked man had yelled at him and threatened him with his sword.
‘I’ll cut out that tongue of yours, and then we’ll see just how much noise you’ll make.’ Mitchell had whimpered and sought comfort from his sister.
‘Shh Mitchell, don’t be scared. I’m here to look after you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.’ She whispered soothingly in his ear, glaring at the cloaked man with contempt in her eyes. How could he be so mean to such a little boy? Mitchell snuggled closer to his sister drawing comfort from her. They had always had a very close bond and he trusted her implicitly. Maddy and Struan curled up together in the corner of the cart, pretending they were on an adventure. It was their way of keeping up their spirits, pretending they were exploring new and exciting places.
‘Whatever happens,’ whispered Aislinn, ‘do not look the Dark Lord in the eyes. We don’t want to be bewitched by him. We have to stick together.’ They all agreed that they would do everything in their power to stay true to the values their parents had taught them.
The men shouted and cheered as they approached the castle - clearly they were delighted to be home. What brought them happiness as they passed through the arch brought fear and unease to the children. The large, creaking gate opened, reminding Aislinn that their freedom was at an end. She felt a little hope in her heart waver. They were now at the mercy of the Dark Lord – at the very centre of Griswold’s evil.
***
The sleeping man stretched slowly, then sat up startled, unsure of his surroundings He looked around, wild-eyed. He saw his companion lying beside him in the dark cave. How did they get here? Soft fur pelts formed a bed for them and a warm fire glowed and crackled beside them sending sparks into the air every now and again. At his stirring, his companion roused from deep sleep and looked around equally confused as he. It took them a few moments to adjust their eyes and for reality to sink in. The large man who had been watching them stepped out from the shadows of the cave startling them. He was huge, his form filling the mouth of the cave, leaving them no escape route. His chiselled body reminded them of a warrior, but it was his eyes that captivated them – even in the dim firelight he could see into your soul. Around him was an electric charge that was both powerful and frightening.
‘I am Nuada,’ he said, his deep voice echoing through the cave. ‘I have been sent to protect and watch over you as you journey on.’
‘Who sent you?’ the man asked - suspicious, unsure.
‘The Great One.’ Relief settled upon them both at the name spoken – they would be safe now.
‘He has a special for task for you.’
***
The children were bundled into a tower room of the castle, which Aislinn assumed was just a little better than the dungeons. The room was not very large and contained a bed, a small table and two chairs and a chamber pot. The strong metal bars across the windows reinforced the fact that they were now prisoners of the Dark Lord and trapped in a situation that seemed impossible. Aislinn carefully laid little Mitchell down on the bed and covered him with the threadbare blanket that was folded at the bottom of the bed. He looked afraid and bewildered by all that had taken place. Softly she sang a song to him in her beautiful voice, soothing away his fears. Struan and Maddy explored the little room, which did not take long.
‘How are we going to get out of here?’ Struan asked although he expected no answer to the impossible question.
‘We can escape whenever we want to,’ said Maddy earnestly.
‘Don’t be silly Maddy,’ Struan scoffed, a little annoyed at his sisters stupid comment. He was tired of playing pretend games – it got them nowhere and he had humoured her enough – she needed a reality check.
‘It’s true,’ she retorted boldly standing her ground. ‘Papa says that whenever we use our imagination we can go to many places and enjoy them as if we were really there,’ Maddy persisted, desperately needing a ray of hope to cling to.
‘Papa doesn’t know everything Maddy. He said we would have a good life if we fulfilled the Prophecies and look where that got us,’ Struan spat out meanly. Maddy’s eyes welled with tears, the reminder of her parents’ death raw.
‘Stop it! There’s no point arguing - we need to work together and make sure we keep our strength and our spirits up,’ Aislinn reminded them. ‘The most important thing is to stay together and keep one another encouraged. Papa did say that hope and faith are two of the most important things in overcoming hard times - and our imagination, Maddy,’ she added fondly for the benefit of her sister. ‘Whenever one of us is sad or losing heart, then the rest of us need to be strong. We need faith to see, hope to dream and love to be…’ The use of this expression reminded them of their aching hearts– Mama often used this expression and it was one that had become a fami
ly joke and eventually the family motto, but there was truth in it – they would need faith, hope and love to see them through this mess. Aislinn kept her fears of the Dark Lord’s plans to herself - she did not want her siblings losing courage. She knew after eavesdropping on the cloaked man’s argument that he was going to try and entice them into his kingdom. She had heard the tales that he could be charming and winsome. That was part of his deceptive and lying nature. Papa had told her all about it - how he had convinced many people to rally to his kingdom with persuasive words, subtle deeds and promises of things he never delivered on.
‘Don’t ever believe him, Aislinn,’ Papa had said. ‘He will promise you the world for your allegiance, but will suck the very life out of you when you follow him. He does not know of love, joy and peace and the only person he cares about is himself and his own power and prestige.’ Somehow, Aislinn would have to remind her siblings of his nature without terrifying them more. But that would come in time. For now, she needed to trust in the Great One and whisper words to Him to encourage herself for the battle that was certain to come. She thought of her parents and hoped that the Great One had welcomed them home with the love and honour they deserved. She missed them and knew that the days to come would be tough for them all. She was all her siblings had left. They would never know the love of their mother and father ever again.
***
The two cave-dwellers eyed the warrior standing before them, questions written all over their faces. He smiled reassuringly at them.
‘It’s true’ he laughed, ‘you really are here.’ The man looked at his companion and then at his body. This was incredible – he felt so good – there was no way he could be in this condition – the times they lived in had caused this – his blood had flowed furiously. He remembered leaving his body – the shell that had housed him for the last thirty-eight years. He lifted his shirt which he noticed was clean and crisp – not the one he had previously been wearing. He gasped, running his hand over the scar that stretched across his body. The wound was pink but perfectly healed- a reminder of all he had endured. This was not possible.