Danl Tetley Thicker Than Blood A tale that runs deeper than family TT Publishing All rights reserved
Synopsis
W
ithin the consciously evolved realm of Asgourer lies nine kingdoms, once home to the creator of all life. It has since fallen to a darkness stirred by the treacherous hand of Lord Enil who spreads his lies like a plague.
It is said that Asgourer gave life to the myths and legends which washed upon our shores, but now destruction and chaos reign and its men, women and beasts have been enslaved or slaughtered by the Asterions and Insidions, who act as his Sentries. By their hand, chaos sweeps far beyond Asgourer’s boundaries. Indigo Moriarty and Burgess have no idea of the secrets they both carry or of the terrible danger that is pursuing them. Unknown to them, they are being called home. An ancient spiritual ritual is performed by Indigo’s aunt, Aishe, and the teenagers find themselves lost in one of the nine kingdoms that lie within Asgourer. Aramea was a once abundant land scattered with salty lakes, now baron and dying. It is home to many wandering bands of young shape shifters, warlocks and witches, but here their talents grant them no grace as they also become the hunted. wwIndigo and Burgess need to find friends quickly. A dark and bloody war is coming and only the mystics and sages of Optamia, found high in the snow covered mountains of Himadri, can unravel who they really are. But they must choose their paths and their friends wisely; because once their true selves are awakened...
they can never return home.
Chapter One
I
Burgess ’m not going to lie - I was shitting myself. The forest was drowning in blood and I’d been struck with a massive case of candy-ass. I was told I’d be safe sat inside the stone circle. I felt anything but safe while a boiling river of red made its way through the trees along a creeping shadow - a shadow that watched me as it spread.
The slow moving ooze was hotter than was comfortable and I wanted to run, but candy-asses don’t run - they can’t because their asses are made of pathetic candy. Closing my eyes made no difference either, I could still feel the moving shadows of red watching me, staring me out. I shivered when the smoke appeared and raged at me like a screaming mental-case, forcing its heat into my lungs – making me choke like I’d dragged on a cigarette. I imagined this was Hell with creatures lying in wait to eat me, enough was enough. Indie had gone too far, leaving me here, caught between two worlds. No more waiting. I shook her while manically praying to a god I didn’t believe in, just so she’d come back RIGHT NOW.
I didn’t want to leave her here, but I didn’t want to get eaten either, so I watched as the shadows inched closer, shaking my friend roughly to wake her up. I needed her to leave that other world behind - I needed to go home.
It had seemed like forever, sitting there in the creeping darkness, alone and swearing like a bitch every time a twig snapped. Indie had been gone too long, though I wasn’t complaining. I was back in the woods, no more weird shit and at least the darkness only wanted to eat me, not rip me limb from limb. The relief was immense when my friend coughed and she began blinking. She was coming round and that counted for a lot. Almost four hours had passed, and more than once I’d imagined us being caught here like rats in a trap when I’d witnessed her leaving me. Never again, I never wanted to see that shit again! I took a long breath and stared at her, listening to the welcomed silence around me. Now the owls had come out to feast and the moon was raised to play.
Indie sat hunched and cross legged as I watched the light brush her face, lifting her cheekbones higher than usual and casting a shadow which made her look older than her sixteen years. Sweat poured from her and she looked in pain, but at least she was back here, with me. The blinding red flashes had gone; I had to be grateful for that. They’d left no trace at all, and, instead the moon washed my friend with a pale light – as white as her hair. “Indie? Can you hear me? It’s Burgess – something’s not right. Wake up, please.” She stayed silent. I’d tried to bring her back from the trance she’d put herself in. I’d tried to give her my energy, but this was all new to me and way out of my league. I hadn’t wanted her to go in the first place, but she’s the most stubborn swine I’ve ever known – Indigo Moriarty does exactly what she wants. I’d never seen her like this before and to be honest – it scared the shit out of me. Disappearing into another world, as she’d put it, sent shivers through me – and not the good kind. I’m not comfortable with anything unnatural, least of all a world beyond my limited perception. Not that I’d thought any of it was real up till now. But I didn’t interfere. Instead, I waited patiently, watching that beautiful face of hers screw into a knot then relax again while she woke, and I quickly came to the conclusion that Indie may have been telling the truth about the things she’d seen in her dreams. I licked my thumb and index finger to pinch out the candle I’d gouged my fingers into. But I never took my eyes off her – not once. A cool breeze wafted through the wood, bringing with it the sudden smell of damp pine, it smelled of dead stuff too, something rotten. Least it wasn’t me I s’pose. I turned my head away to avoid the stench. This forest was no place to be after dark and I didn’t want to be reminded of death, not under a full moon. The heavy, woollen blanket I’d wrapped around me wasn’t enough to stop the sudden cold settling as the wind picked up, or the fear. I desperately wanted Indie to be on her feet, so that we could leave. “I need water… Burgess, are you there? Are we alone? Please say we’re alone!” She spoke, at last! Leaning forward, to reach for the bottle of water by my bag, my legs buckled under me and my clumsiness scattered the perfect stone circle. Nice one, Burgess! I caught the opened water just before it spilt and handed it to Indie while I put the stones back. I wasn’t taking any chances and I certainly didn’t want to break the protection it apparently gave.
I prayed we’d be safe, shuddering as the wind built momentum, listening as the trees whispered to each other like they wanted to snatch us with their bare arms. I heard, too, the faint sound of rain upon the dense roof of pine and oak above, tap, tap, tapping the leaves with gentle thumps. These were the only sounds I could hear, none of the usual scurrying of nocturnal feet, no hoots or snuffles, just the wind and the rain and the empty drone of things I couldn’t see. A dark feeling passed over and I checked to make sure no eyes watched from the shadows – you never know what’s watching in a place like this. Damn, this place spooked the crap out of me. It definitely felt like time to go.
whis girl, well… I just wanted to get the hell out of here now. Thankfully, I saw that we were nearing the road when I spotted the orange glow of a street light poking through the trees. We’d run off course slightly, needed to bear right, so I grabbed Indigo’s sleeve and glanced behind to see if we’d been followed.
“Indie? I’m here; keep your eyes open if you can - I’ve got your water.”
I wasn’t totally convinced, but I wanted to look calmer than I felt. I had no idea what was going on, but I knew where we were headed, to see Aishe, who in my opinion - should have been sectioned years ago. Things were going from bad to worse.
She blinked at the warmth of my hand when I pushed the glass up to her mouth. I watched her glug the water so fast that it ran down her chin and bounced off her lap. Funny how some things amuse, even at a time like this. I remembered her telling me that water ‘breaks the spell’. Let’s hope she was right. “Burgess.” She croaked. “It’s dark. How long have I been gone?” “Nearly four hours, it’s night now. Take your time, but make it swift… I feel like we’re being watched.” “Ah… the infamous Burgess contradiction! Take your time and hurry up?” She smiled with her eyes still flickering. I was grateful for her sarcasm; it meant we would be home soon and away from this wild place, with its magic.
“This way, Indie. There’s a small mud bank up ahead, if we get beyond that then we’ll be on the road, and safe, hopefully.”
I jumped the bank and stepped out, into the relief of artificial light, giving my hand to Indie. The air behind us had changed, gotten even colder, and although it was probably fuelled by my growing paranoia, it made me feel uneasy. I couldn’t get out of this place quick enough, but Indie held back and stood facing the black wall of the forest behind, her face empty and her breathing all weird and raspy. “Come on; stop being stubborn for once and just take my hand, will you?” Now was not the time, especially as we’d both begun to slip back down the bank. Her tone wavered as she spoke and then she glared. “I CAN do it on my own, you know. I just feel like I’ve left something behind.”
“Did you put out the candle?” “Like what?” “Yeah. I did that first, just like you said.” “I’m not sure, it’s weird. Maybe I should go back and take a look?” I’d remembered her words - ‘Don’t let them follow me back, Burgess’ - and I’d needed no further encouragement. I came from a world where black was black and white was white. Indie’s world was very different to mine – and I definitely didn’t want to meet ‘them’. “Good, in fact that’s great. Time to pack up then, and get out of here, I think. Help me put all this stuff in these blankets, will you? We may need it again.”
“I don’t bloody think so, get up here now and stop being an idiot! Two more steps and we’ll be out of here.” I think she got the message when she grabbed my hand, scowling. I didn’t want to be so rude but why the bloody hell do women have to be so awkward! I couldn’t explain to her how I knew we needed to keep running, I just did. Something had gone wrong back there, I felt it and I wasn’t hanging about to see what it was.
“Agai…?” “Come on, we have to get to Aishe’s like you said, remember? Shouldn’t take us long, only half an hour if we run quickly.” She grabbed the blanket from around my shoulders and I froze, staring above her head. “Yeah, sure.” She had that look again. “Did we forget anything? I feel like we did.” Indie turned her head upwards. “We’ve got everything, Indie. Just get your arse up here and get moving!” “What are you looking at, Burgess?” “You tell me!” We looked into the air between us, towards the blackness. Only inches above our heads, the rain had suspended in clear, crystal droplets. Perfectly formed pools of silver water held tight in the air, only moving from side to side when the breeze caught them. The moon light shone through them, creating a kaleidoscope of an even brighter light which seemed to make the forest move closer each time the light flashed back and forth. “Burgess? Did I do this?” “I have no idea, but I know it ain’t natural. Maybe now would be a good time to LEAVE?” For once she didn’t argue, neither of us spoke as we rushed to gather up our things. We slung the bags on our backs and ran along the boggy path that led us back to the main road. I didn’t dare to look behind. “This is more than I signed up for, Indie, way more.” I didn’t bother to tell her about the weird, red light which had filled the forest while she’d been gone – I decided I’d rather forget that one myself, too. “I know it is, Burgess. And I’m sorry.” Indie turned to face me, a white lock of her plaited hair falling over one shoulder. The look in her eyes offered me no reassurance that things were going to be okay after this. I was fuming, but I kept that to myself as well. “I’m afraid this is just the beginning, Burgess. I’ve unlocked something; at least, I think I have. What’s done is done. I’m sorry.” She ran two steps in front of me but glanced back to finish what she was saying. “We have to speak to Aishe, tonight! We have no choice now. I’m so, so sorry; I shouldn’t have dragged you into this.” Three sorrys in a row? What the hell had she done? I’d known that we’d be playin’ with fire when she’d asked me to come. Even my emptyheaded friends had warned me that messing with this occult stuff was going get me in some deep shit and, maybe, if I hadn’t had such a thing for t
She nodded vacantly and I knew I had to get her away from this place before she disappeared back into the woods. I disliked Aishe with a passion; she was a bitter old cow in my opinion. But for once, I would be more than glad to see her and let her bitch at me. Maybe then she could tell us what was happening, what had already happened…
Indigo
Chapter Two
“Upon the Lowland plain, And high winds breath at sea, A tale ago forgotten, And buried well it be…
Of curse and lies once told, A spreading blackness we… Could do no-thing so bold for, That sent the clans to flee.
Until such time doth rise, When eyes once more can see, And a girl near grown, who’s past, Is as present as is she.
A freedom must be fought, And the curse broke for a fee, Come forth the wingless shifter, Make swift our victory.”
“And what exactly are your intentions with this boy, Indigo? You know we shouldn’t break blood…that’s where it all went wrong with your mother. Mixing makes for nothing but trouble. They don’t understand…they can’t!”
I took her hand away from Burgess’ face before her claws dug any deeper.
S
weating and out of breath from the run, I struggled to unbutton my jacket, my fingers numb from the biting cold.. My head felt strange too, not an ache but more of a heaviness…a bit like déjà vu. The door of Aishes’ cottage was already cracked open, and the faint light coming from a candle inside silhouetted the old woman.
I watched her rock back and forth in the chair while she chanted the old rhyme, her gnarly fingers clutching at the wooden frame and her long, brittle nails tapping in dull thuds. Thinning wisps of grey hair moved against the draught of her rocker and showed the hollows under her cheekbones, but her eyes held shut, hiding their vivid green. She continued to chant as if we weren’t in the room and chewed distastefully on a stick of cinnamon, coughing every now and then when the spice hit the back of her throat.
She was my aunt. A distant cousin of my mother’s so she’d said, but still an aunt by way of our tradition. I’d lived with her after my mother died. There had been no-one else.
Burgess and I looked at each other, then at Aishe as she mumbled to herself.
The room breathed in and out as the shadows from the candle flame bounced off the uneven walls, making the huge fireplace it sat on look like an open mouth.
She chanted the old poem again, quieter this time, before she finally stopped her chair by standing on its foot. I watched Burgess move back a step or two when she took Humphrey, her fat old cat, from her lap and placed him on the floor while she slowly stood up.
She walked over to the door, and slammed it, turning the key and bracing the latch with a small chair which sat to its side.
“Visitors?” Her eyes recognised me with little more welcome than I had come to expect over the years.
“Indigo! You’ve gotten too skinny, my girl. Scrawny, in fact! Still on that crappy rabbit food I expect. A bit of meat’s what you need to fatten those bones of yours.”
“I’m fine, Aunt Aishe.” I knew this lecture but I didn’t have time for it. “You know I haven’t eaten meat in years.” I stood still as she pinched the flesh under my arm and eyed me up and down. I caught Burgess from the corner of my eye, urging me to get to the point. But Aishe was more stubborn than I was, there would be no hurrying her. She cast her usual look of suspicion upon us both, flashing those beady green eyes of hers as she studied us more than was necessary. Then her gaze shifted and stopped at Burgess.
“Hmm, and who’s this stray? You always were one to pick a vagabond, Indigo!”
I smirked. Only slightly, but Burgess caught it and blushed, narrowing his eyes at my lack of loyalty. I mouthed ‘sorry’ to him as Aishe pinched at his cheeks and dissected him like a lab-rat.
“He’s not one of us, you know! You shouldn’t have bought him here; I told you that the last time you two was fishin’ about. No doubt you’ve found trouble, it sticks like a pig in mud when you cross those lines…or did you forget?” She turned to face me.
“Let him be, Aishe. He’s different, he listens.” “Listenin’ is one thing. Understanding’s another matter altogether. You shan’t convince me no matter how you put it.” Aishe’s diplomacy clearly hadn’t improved with age. A broken heart at seventeen had left her with a bitter taste towards anyone whom she felt did not belong.
“Well, I don’t have time to convince you of his worth, Aunty. Something’s happened. It’s found a way in, or out, depending on which way you look at it.”
I started to explain myself more clearly, but she showed no interest and turned her back to me, scattering piled up newspapers and sending them flying to the floor. I nodded at the kitchen door and gestured for Burgess to follow me, calling to Aishe as she muttered away to herself.
“I’ll go and make us some tea shall I, Aunty?”
“Yes, yes, that’ll be fine, dear.” She barely raised an eyebrow, her head buried deep in a bookshelf. I wasn’t going to make tea, but Aishe was up to something so I would give her the space she needed.
“I left it here, I’m sure I did. Or did I put it under the sleepers?”
I left her in her own world and shut the kitchen door so that Burgess and I could talk in private.
“Ignorant cow! Did you see that, Indie? I thought Aishe was going to help you?”
“She is, she will...just in her own time. Pass that box of matches, will you, Jay?”
I called him Jay because B or Burge or Gess didn’t sound right for the street thug he was at times. He’d never complained, which was unusual, because he could be something of a wimp when he was with me. I think I scared him.
He held out his hand and shook the box.
“Here you go. Want me to check it for eyeballs or frogs legs?”
“Very funny, she’s not that bad!”
“Are you serious? You have got to be kidding me, Indie? Didn’t you see that rotting bird hanging from the ceiling above her chair, with its eyes all popping out of its sockets? Or is that what Feng Shui is all about these days?”
“Ha, Burgess that’s a terrible thing to say. She’s got her strange ways and they’re a little unorthodox I know, but we need her so quit the sarcasm, will you? Now, pass me those cups and make some noise so Aishe can’t hear us.”
“Sure, but if I find anything weird in these cupboards, I’m off!” I didn’t bother to answer.
He handed me the chipped and stained mugs, clanking them together as he took them from their rusty hooks, cautiously looking inside each one. And he stared at me like I was about to grow another head or something. It was enough to make me uncomfortable, but I could tell he felt far worse, even though he was smiling. The last time I’d forced him here, he’d been made to wait outside in the pouring rain. The porch, which was riddled with holes, had emptied the heavens on him, drenching his mood along with his clothes. I was surprised he had come back at all.
“Jay…do you think something is wrong with Aishe? It’s only been two months since we last saw her, but she seems different, more aged.”
He stopped clanking the drawers of the dresser and turned to me with a serious look, something which didn’t happen often.
“Do I think something is wrong with Aishe? Well now, where do I begin? Firstly, I don’t think there is anything right with Aishe, but that’s not what you’re asking.”
He cupped his chin and tapped at it.www
“If I’m honest, Indie, she’s always looked like the living dead. Skin as cold as her expression, eyes that chip away at you like a pick. What can I say? I’m a bloke…I can’t tell any difference. Although there is one thing I noticed.”
I leaned in and held my breath; maybe he’d seen it too.
“Come on then Jay, what?”
He put his mouth to my ear and whispered.
“I noticed…that she smells more rotten than the last time I was here!”
“JAY! Pack it in, this is serious!”
I was about to throw the hot teabag from Aishe’s cup at him when the kitchen door latch lifted and Aishe burst into the room, sending the already cracked picture behind the door crashing to the floor.
“I’ve found it! Get in here quickly, both of you. We’ll have to work like the clappers, before the moon’s gone, or it’ll be too late.”
“I have your tea here, Aun…”
“No time for that now, follow me. The pair of you!”
That took the smile from Burgess’ face. I grabbed him by the hand and rushed after Aishe, hoping that she hadn’t overheard what we’d been talking about.
Chapter Three
‘P
Aishe riceless’, I thought to myself. The boy was damn near wettin’ himself as he followed my Indie like a lap dog into the room. His face was a picture too, slack jaw…I have a cure for that in one of my jars.
“Hurry up, will you? The moon is near full and won’t be here long once it gets dark.”
The boy couldn’t help but answer, giving me the chance to have some fun with him.
“What on earth are you on about, woman? That makes no sense at all, it’s already dark...and when else does the damn moon come out? Indie, she’s mental, let’s go!”
I stopped him as he made his way to the door.
“Ah, the boy has a voice! And there was me, thinking my old ears were packing up as quickly as the rest of me. Well, in short, for the benefit of the outsider, it means the witching hour, the stroke of midnight...and there are many shades of dark, you fool. We are only a day short of a full moon; this is the last quarter of her waxing and during this time, she becomes invisible. Keeping up? And it would not be wise to leave just yet boy.”
I didn’t need to look at him; I could feel his blood boiling. I laughed silently and waited for the reply.
“I do have a name, its Burgess, and why are you always such a twisted old cow? Or does being civil only happen once a year during your stupid waxing moon, maybe?”
This boy had balls. Impressive, though I hated to admit it.
“Burgess it is, then. And never mind about the small print, all you need to be knowin’ is that we only have a few hours to keep Indigo safe…a door has been opened and it can’t be shut!”
I eyeballed the boy as I started to gather up my things. He looked as though he wanted to punch me clean off my feet. Good. He would need that kind of fight when the time came. I picked up my basket and began to pack my dried herbs and flowers for potions, candles, resins, crystals, acorns and the old marble pestle and mortar I’d searched for earlier. I could hear the teenagers behind me and I listened to them carefully whispering away to themselves. The boy hung on my Indie’s every word, like a love-sick pup. I allowed them a few moments of speculation whilst I pretended to gather more than I needed…they thought I was deaf anyway, I could take advantage of that.
“Indie, please remind me why we are here? I’m going out of my mind and your so-called Aunt has a screw loose!”
“Burgess, stop that! I’m worried too, but I can’t really tell you why we’re here, because I don’t know. All I do know is that something’s coming for me, something dark and it wants to take me back. Aishe is the only person I know who may be able to stop it. ”
“Something dark? Back where? What does that even mean, Indie? It’s me, Burgess, the lad who nicks cars and hangs out with morons, as you so often point out. English, please?”
“I don’t know what it means, exactly. And yeah I know this is all a bit weird for you, but I can’t really explain it. That’s why we need Aishe.”
“You’re damn right it’s weird, this is far from my normal Saturday night.”
“I know it is and I’m sorry. Anyway, all I can say is that this is happening whether you like it or not. And that all of this is probably to do with... this.”
“I think I do.”
I snapped at him. Too much had been said already, and now the silly girl was lowering her jacket to show him her shoulder. Indigo was more important than she yet realised. I’d known it the moment she was born, and so had Rosa, her mother. The midwives had tried to wash the mark from her, thinking it was dried blood, but as soon as Indigo had taken her first breath we’d both known what the mark would mean for her. The boy had no right to know about it.
“Do you want to know or don’t you? I have no time for indecision!”
“Then yes I do, Indie’s my best friend, I won’t let her down.” “Put that away Indigo, it is NOT meant for eyes outside of the tradition! You know that very well, young lady!”
“But Aunty, he needs to know if he’s going to help.”
“Then I will give you two choices, boy, but I warn you now, once you have made your decision, that’s it, I will not have my time wasted! We face a serious dilemma, one which will surely lead to danger, maybe even the death of us all.”
“That may be, my girl, but right now the less he knows, the safer he will be!”
“I understand old woman! What are my choices?”
“He has a right to know the truth, Aishe. I’ve brought him into this; the least we can do now is be honest with him, surely?
“You leave now, run away from here and safe from any harm. And, you forget about my niece.”
“No, and I’ll hear no more of it! Have you forgotten what happened to your mother all these years passed? It’s a risky business, bringing in someone who’s not a true-blood, it unsettles the balance.”
I waited, wondering if he would stay long enough to hear his second choice.
“That’s not an option.” “But he’s already involved, Aishe!” “Hear me out before you decide.” “Be quiet child!” “I said it’s not an option. What of the other?” She was right. The boy was involved, up to his skinny elbows, the fool!
“Let me sit for a moment Indigo, let me sit quietly. I need to think.”
I faced the boy and softened my look. I didn’t like this situation one bit, but I felt I had no choice but to trust my niece’s instinct, after all, it was my job to protect her. I studied the boy closely, while I wondered what I should do about him. His floppy black fringe waved about as he turned his gaze from Indigo to me, quite a handsome face too, with pale blue eyes that sparkled. He’d done me no wrong and for a second I regretted unleashing the sharp end of my tongue on him. Indigo was right of course and the boy had shown some courage by following her here. I’d best cut him some slack.
“That you are initiated, straight away...and told of the Imoogi curse which Indie bears on her shoulder. It’s not a light matter...and the initiation will take place if you wish be at her side!”
I got my answer quicker than I’d expected it.
“Initiate me now. I choose to be told.”
It’s not often I’m speechless. So I stood quickly, picking up the long, thin iron by my chair and I thrust it into the fire and stirred the coals. I sat in my rocker and turned it to face the West. West is where my instincts speak the clearest. I breathed deeply before I spoke. “Indigo, remove his shirt.” “As you wish, Indie. I will offer your friend one chance and one chance only. But I hope for your sake that you are right about him.” She looked disgusted with me, but it was her tough luck. If she wanted him to be involved, then we would do this properly. She touched my shoulders and kissed the top of my head while I sat. “Thank you.” “Is this really necessary, Aunty?” I cleared my throat and went against my better judgement. “Do not waste my precious time child, do as I say.” “So, boy, you wish to know the truth about my Indie? There’ll be no way back once you’ve made up your mind, so think carefully.” The patterned end of the iron soon glowed bright red. It was ready…and the boy? He stood rigid and stripped to the waist. There was a small, uneasy pause.
“Give him this.” I passed Indie the flat lid of a wooden box and she put it between his teeth, while I clutched his arm to hold him steady.
porch.
“Shut your eyes boy, the pain will only last a second or two.”
“Right then, we must leave straight away, to the brook under Knowle Bridge. Boy, take a deep breath and put your fears aside; you’re part of this whether either of us likes it or not now. Are you ready?”
I gave him no chance to change his mind. I pressed the iron hard into the centre of his chest, his skin sizzling as the emblem burnt itself there. The boy screamed and fell to his knees; I withdrew the metal and threw it to one side.
He nodded and made some kind of grunting noise as he put his jacket on, helping Indie with hers too. I felt the air drop another degree or two and noticed the long branches of the sycamores banging against the back of the house. Something was amiss, and that was enough warning for me to hurry the others.
“Indie, get him to my chair.”
“Well, don’t just stand there. Indigo, grab those blankets on that stool, and Burgess get my cloak, over there by the door. Come on, come on, we haven’t a minute to lose.”
He sat slumped, but we were running out of time. Already I felt a presence within the woods, I would need to work quickly now.
“Sit him up child, I need to finish.”
I ripped the curled edges of his blackened skin and cast them into the fire. And in my head I covered him with the protection of the clan, binding him to me and Indie, lord rest my soul!
I ushered them both out into the blackness and we walked silently, side by side. The path was still lit by the moon, but only just. I swapped places with Indie, stepping nearer to the boy and I quietly handed him a small, musty book. It was old, older than me. No words were exchanged as he hid it beneath his jacket; wincing when he caught his sore spot. But he never made a sound and showed some discretion at least, when he realised my intentions. I didn’t want Indigo to think that I might fail her. The book was for the boy, just in case. We strode at a healthy pace but the wind still got into my old bones, and, as I glanced back at the old cottage, I spent but a moment recalling the last seventy years of my life there. Indigo sensed my longing and took my hand as she moved closer. “It’s okay, Aunty, we’ll be back before you know it.”
He yelled as Indie re-buttoned his shirt before he could see what I’d done...and he looked at me with eyes that could kill.
“Forget your pain, boy; we will need to leave right away and I have no time for pity, this was your choice after all. Now, Indie, show him your shoulder, child. ”
She let her clothing fall from her left shoulder and moved her hair to one side. The mark was strong and the boys jaw dropped to the floor.
“Is that the Imoogi?”
“It is.”
“It doesn’t look real, it’s moving.” “That’s because it’s part of her, living and breathing and biding its time. Once she is seventeen, in only a few days, the prophecy will begin.” I watched the boy as he watched the mark. An iridescent vein of blue passed between the bold, red outline of two distinct wings. The wings were a sign of what my Indie’s future should’ve held – but things had changed. Now I feared her exile, and the looming fate of the previous Imoogi serpentines. It was only small, for now, but it would grow once she came of age. Before things had changed in the other world, bearing this mark would have brought my niece great opportunity. But now, it only brings her the burden of its curse. “What is the Imoogi? None of this makes any sense!” The boy had paled from his pain, or perhaps it was from his world crumbling around those floppy ears of his. Either way, we had no time for a history lesson – or rest. “An ancient warrior boy, one meant for the skies. Those wings won’t catch a breath of wind though unless we get going. I’ll explain more to you when we leave, boy. For now, put this on your skin and tape it tight. You don’t want it to get it infected.”
He snatched the dressing from me and stood up, leaving me to fetch my willow basket. Unbothered by his dramatics, I made my way to the front
I smiled at her kindness. “Yes dear, I’m sure we will.” But I knew it would not be so.
Thicker Than Blood is part of a chilling Trilogy Part Two, Thicker Than Thieves is on its way Make sure you are ready because the Dark Ones are coming and YOU could be their next victim...