Dark Soul Silenced - Part One (7 page)

The third held what he needed.  A woman in the prime of her life, life force radiating off her strongly.  He moved closer to the house then paused near the door, knowing it would be locked and heavily bolted.  People in the area knew enough about Rafael and his like to take precautions.  They all knew that staying indoors behind a solidly locked door would keep them safe. 

Rafael smiled slightly at the thought.  What they knew was wrong of course, a complete lie, but one that he had helped to spread many centuries before.  The Chosen needed a supply of fresh food, but back then almost no one would come to live in the area and those that did quickly left — those that survived at least.  The gruesome killings that were the mark of the Chosen drove all settlers away.

Then one of their number, Alex, had a brilliant idea.  People already knew that the creatures plaguing them only attacked at night.  Alex suggested that the Chosen only needed to make people feel safe at night to encourage more to stay in the area, to encourage the settlement of hamlets, villages and even towns eventually.  Even in those days the Chosen had servants who were enthralled, their pitiful mortal minds completely enslaved.  The Chosen sent many of those servants out into the wider world, spreading the myth that a strong door with solid locks and chains offered safety.  They spread other rumours too, tales of the riches to be found in the wild lands — jewels, gold, fantastic creatures, the secret of eternal youth. 

The tales were many and varied, and they had the desired effect.  First a trickle then a flood of people came in search of their fortunes.  While some left, many either chose to settle down or spent their lives still searching.  The first hamlets became villages as they supplied the needs of those still attracted by the wondrous tales, then those villages became towns as they supplied and traded with villages settled farther into the wild lands.  Every resident knew the dangers the night held, and every traveller heard the tales.  The gruesome killings continued but became a part of the area.  Everyone knew that staying securely locked up from sunset to sunrise was the only way to be safe.  The Chosen watched in delight as people invented reasons for each new gruesome killing — maybe the victim had been drunk, had been ill, had been recklessly brave.  In some cases neighbours even muttered darkly about a husband or wife being thrown out to face the darkness.

That was many centuries before, Rafael no longer bothered with counting exactly how long, but through all that time he and his kind had been careful.  A few mistakes would be dismissed, but too many and the myth of the secure home would be broken.  If that happened there could be an exodus from the lands.  Though having studied mortals for so many centuries Rafael suspected many would still stay, most even.  Bound by their ties to the land, to family or simply by poverty — unable to afford to start again somewhere else.

Now, for one victim, Rafael was about to shatter that illusion of safety.  Focusing on the mind within he reached out with his power.  He had the ability to ghost into a mortals mind, to plant fears and suggestions without them even knowing anything was wrong.  Centuries of experience had given him great skill.  Tonight he chose a different path, the frustration of his earlier failure to feed driving him.  He reached out and overwhelmed the mortal, swamping her in his power.  Not completely though, he left enough of her consciousness to understand what was happening and to feel the terror that knowledge brought.

The woman stood and walked towards the main door, body completely Rafael’s to command.  He could sense her screaming inside, shaking and sobbing within the core of herself as she realised what was going to happen.  He savoured it, the intense emotions sending a shiver down his spine.  Managing to gain some control he slowed her actions, making her slowly release the chains, bolts and finally the locks.  Stretching the pleasure out. 

Finally she undid the final lock and pulled the door open.  Rafael made sure he was standing where the dim lantern light would illuminate him, clearly showing her his sharp incisors.  His eyes needed no illumination, he knew they would be glowing a deep crimson.  The woman’s terror reached new heights as she took in the sight of him.  She would have passed out if Rafael’s grip on her mind wasn’t so tight.  Rafael studied her, pleased with his choice.  She positively radiated life, mature enough to have a full figure while young enough that it was still firm.  He realised with delight that she was with child, though so early that even she might not know.  He smiled contentedly at the thought of taking two lives rather than one.

Once, long ago, he would have asked her name, maybe even asked about her family and her life.  He was interested in his victims then, wanted to absorb their stories as well as their lives.  Those times were long gone.  He’d learnt soon enough that there were only a handful of stories, that each time he asked he just received a variation on something he’d heard many times before.  At least that was how he saw it, each person seemed to feel their story was unique.  Now he simply fed, focusing purely on the exquisite feel as life drained from his victim and flowed into his veins.

He grabbed the woman, threw her over his shoulder effortlessly and sprinted from the village at a speed that would have thrilled his victim under other circumstances.  He didn’t go far, just far enough into the woods to ensure he wouldn’t be disturbed.  Laying his victim down on the ground he could feel her frantic pleading and sobbing within her mind, it seemed she did know she was with child and she was pleading for mercy — for her child, not for her.  She couldn’t see anything of him except his eyes he knew, in the darkness they glowed above her.

Unable to restrain himself any longer he leaned forwards and plunged his teeth into her neck, directly into the artery.  Greedily he drank down her blood and her life force, far sweeter than the sweetest nectar, far more intoxicating than the strongest spirits.  Her silent screams only made it sweeter.

Chapter Ten

Daniel sat quietly, staring out to sea while Sarah prepared the meal.  Giving her space to think.  As time passed he realised the smell of the cooking was making him hungry.  It was the first time he’d felt hunger, for food anyway, since he had been beaten by the outlaws.  He welcomed the feeling as another sign that the darkness had truly left him. 

Sarah’s doubts had made him confront his own certainties, made him question whether the darkness was truly gone from his mind.  He came to the same conclusion as before.  He was certain that it was gone.  Right from the start, the morning he woke after having been attacked, he had felt something was not right, something was out of place.  Looking back he could now see that even then he had sensed the darkness within, had been aware of the changes in his body and mind.  That was gone now, replaced by a deep sense of peace.

Mary woke soon after, the smell of the food pulling her from sleep.  She stood up and ran to her mother, both hugged the other tightly — but Daniel noticed a slight pause on Sarah’s part.

“Mummy, I’m hungry.  Is it time to eat?”

Daniel was pleased to hear the strength in Mary’s voice, to see that she had thrown off the strain of healing her father.  Sarah chuckled in reply.

“Nearly.  Just a couple more minutes.  You can use that time to go wash up in the sea.”

“
Oh… all right.”

Mary scampered off towards the waves.  Sarah stared after her, uncertainty and worry mixing on her face.  She realised Daniel was studying her and abruptly returned to her cooking.

“You worry about her,” Daniel said.  It was a statement, not a question.  “Do her powers worry you?”

“
She’s my daughter,” Sarah snapped in reply.  “You know what she has been through recently.  Of course I worry about her.”

Daniel held up his hands and nodded, deciding it was best to keep quiet.  He knew there was more to it, that Sarah was worried by her daughter as much as for her.  She clearly wasn’t going to discuss it with him though.

Mary was having fun by the water’s edge, chasing the water out then fleeing as the next wave came rushing in.  Her delighted squeals seemed to touch something in Sarah, she looked at her daughter with a warm smile on her face, not clouded by any worry.  Daniel made certain he didn’t seem to be studying her, not wanting to break the moment.  She returned to stirring the food with a smile on her face.

Finally Mary grew bored with her game, splashed her hands in the water then came running back up the beach.

“Is the food ready mummy?  I’m starving!”

“
Almost.  We need to wake your father.  Gently!”

The last was shouted when it looked as if Mary would leap upon her father.  She settled for shaking his arm instead.  Jon opened his eyes and focused on his daughter.

“Mary!” he said.  His voice was in stark contrast to Mary’s.  Subdued and weak, it was clear that he hadn’t fully recovered from his ordeal.  While the physical damage had mostly been healed his body was exhausted.  He sniffed and a little more life returned to his face.

“
Something smells good,” he said.  “I hope it’s ready and you made lots.  I’m starving!”

“
Yes, but it’s hot.”  Mary started to dish out the stew.  “Be careful — that means both of you.”

Once Mary and Jon were settled with bowls of stew she spooned out some for Daniel and herself.  Daniel took a sip.  The flavour was amazing, partly because it was the first thing he’d eaten in many days he was sure.  He took a larger spoonful and nearly burnt his mouth.  Mary laughed as he breathed heavily through his mouth to cool the food.

“You forgot to warn him!”  She paused for a few seconds, then spoke again.  “I don’t know your name.  What is it?”

“
Daniel.”

“
Daniel… that’s a nice name.  I’m Mary.”

“
Pleased to meet you Mary.”

After that there was little conversation as they all tucked into the food.  Mary and Jon had second helpings, wolfing down the food.  Daniel declined — he could have eaten more but didn’t need to.  He was able to get most of the energy his body needed from the world around him, and both Mary and Jon needed the food far more than he did.

Once the meal was finished Sarah placed the bowls and spoons into the cooking pot and held them out to Daniel.

“
Can you wash these off in the water please?  Mary, you go and help Daniel.  Take your time and make sure they are properly clean.”

She caught Daniel’s eye then glanced towards Jon as she spoke.  Daniel took the hint.  She wanted some time to talk with her husband.  Daniel was sure that he would be the main topic of conversation, especially the fact that it was he who had attacked their camp the night before.

Standing he picked up the pot and a cloth then walked towards the waves, Mary already streaking ahead.  He chose a point some way down the beach, telling Mary it was a better location.  It was — but for giving Sarah and Jon space, not for washing the pot and dishes.

Once the pots and dishes were cleaned of any suggestion of dirt, and Mary had tired of throwing stones into the sea, Daniel walked back to the fire.  He sensed tension between Jon and Sarah as he drew close.  Uncertain what to say, especially with Mary walking beside him, Daniel drew to a halt.  Sarah walked over and relieved him of the pot and dishes without a word, then started packing them away.

“Right,” she said briskly.  “We need to get moving.  Jon is still weak.  He’s too weak to walk far I think.  Can he ride your horse?”

“
Of course,” Daniel replied.  Then he turned to Jon.  “How do you feel?  Are you up to riding?”

“
I’ll live,” Jon replied with a smile.  “Thanks to you and Mary that is.  I just feel so damned weak right now.”

“
That will fade.  You seem stronger already.  The food must have helped.”

“
I can help!” Mary almost bounced towards her dad, hands already reaching out.

“
No!” Sarah snapped out, moving to intercept Mary.

Mary’s face crumpled in shock and she started sobbing.  Sarah quickly picked Mary up and held her close.

“Mary… Mary… I’m sorry.  You have to be careful though.  The power you have is dangerous.  You mustn’t use it unless you really have to, and even then you have to be careful.  I don’t want you to get hurt.”

While Sarah walked to and fro with the crying girl, Jon beckoned Daniel closer.  He knelt by the injured man.

“Sarah told me it was you last night.  She says you think you were possessed by a dark power and that it’s gone, but she isn’t convinced.  She’s scared by the power Mary has, terrified really.  She feels the same about you.  I’ve got a different view.  If you meant us harm then you wouldn’t have saved me.  Saved me twice in fact.  And after what Mary and you did for me I’m not convinced her power is a curse, that it does come from darkness.  I’m willing to believe you if you say you mean us no harm, but I want to look you in the eye when you do.”

“
I mean you and your family no harm.  I want to see you to somewhere safe.  You have my word on that.”

Daniel maintained eye contact with Jon throughout.  Jon nodded and smiled .

“That’ll do for me.  Sarah… well, she’s going to take some convincing, but give her time.  She just…”

He stopped talking as Sarah walked back towards them.  Mary had stopped crying but was still clinging to her mother.  Daniel stood and walked to his horse, checking the saddle and arranging the bags to ensure Jon would be comfortable.  He led the horse back.

“This might be difficult,” Jon said.  “I feel weak as a newborn lamb.  Damn embarrassing it is.  I think it’s gonna take both of you to get me on the horse, if we can manage it at all.”

“
I think I can manage,” Daniel said.

He bent down and easily picked Jon up, one arm behind Jon’s back and the other under his knees.  Moving close to the horse he lifted Jon higher, leaning him forward so he could lean on the horse’s neck.  Jon was able to swing his own leg over, though Daniel steadied him when he wobbled.

“Wow.  You’re stronger than you look,” Jon said.  “Thanks.”

“
My pleasure.”

In fact it had been exceptionally easy for Daniel.  He realised that he hadn’t yet tested his newfound strength.  If he could lift a full grown man so easily what else could he do?  The thought was interrupted by Mary throwing her arms around his leg.

“As you’re so strong, can you carry me?” she asked, pretty blue eyes opened wide.

He glanced at Sarah who shrugged.

“I want to travel as fast as we can, so that we don’t
inconvenience
you by having you guard us for too long.  We will move a lot faster if Mary doesn’t have to walk all the way, and I can only carry her for short periods.  She’s growing up so fast.” 

The last words were said wistfully.  Sarah turned away quickly, but not before Daniel saw the tears in her eyes.

The sun was sinking low over the forest, casting long shadows over the path and the beach.  They would need to stop soon, Daniel knew.  Mary was nearly asleep in his arms, while Jon was looking increasingly pale despite having ridden all the way.  Even Sarah looked tired, but she wanted to push on a little longer.  Daniel had tried to argue once but the fire in her eyes soon made him back down.

The land had been curving to the right for some time, blocking their view of the coastline beyond, and Sarah had insisted they at least travel that far.  Daniel hoped they would find a sheltered spot for the night soon after.  If not they would have to make camp as best they could under the edge of the forest.  Even he felt the need to rest soon.  While his strength remained, a weariness had worked its way into his mind.

Finally they rounded the spit of land and the coast ahead came into view.  The land gently curved in a large bay, maybe eight or ten miles long.  Daniel carefully scanned it for a suitable place to rest for the night, but was interrupted by movement farther down the beach.  He concentrated and the area seemed to jump closer.  It must have been four or five miles away but now he could see it as if it was only a few hundred yards.  He was too weary to be amazed by his latest ability, instead focusing on what he saw.

“
There is a village,” he told the others.  “A fishing village I think.  It is quite a long way but I think we can make it before we lose the light.”

“
Are you sure?” Sarah asked.  “I can’t see anything.”

“
I am certain.  I can see it clearly, somehow.  My eyes seem to be able to focus in precisely.”

“
Like a hunting animal,” Sarah muttered under her breath.

“
Do you want to try to reach it tonight?”

“
A village.  People.  Shelter and safety.  Yes.  Oh god yes!  We can make it.”

Daniel glanced at Jon who just shrugged his shoulders, too tired to argue.  Mary was fine where she was, he could easily carry her as far as the village.  They set out once again.

Sarah plodded on grimly.  The sun had long since set and the light was fading fast as they approached the village.  Mary was asleep in Daniel’s arms.  Jon was focused solely on staying in the saddle.  No one had spoken for some time.  She had been studying the village as they approached.  As the sun started to set they had seen frantic activity.  People rushing home and disappearing inside.  She worried over the strange behaviour as much as her tired mind could, but mostly she concentrated on placing one foot in front of the other.

As they neared she noticed that one building wasn’t completely sealed up.  It was larger than many of the others and appeared to have stables attached.  She thought it might be an inn, though there was no sign outside.  The door was closed but the shutters on one window were open.  Daniel said he had seen someone in the window a few times, their features hidden by the dwindling light, and that once or twice they had aimed a device out the window.  She saw no reason to doubt his words, despite her continuing doubts over his intentions.

The forest had long since become a darkened mass to their left, and the sea a shapeless darkness to their right.  Now what little light remained was fading fast.  The forest merged into the dark sky, and the sea did the same.  She could hardly see the village now, only the occasional chink of light showing between shutters and the one open window kept her on course.

After what seemed an age they finally reached the village.  The door to what might be an inn was flung open and a large, middle aged woman rushed out.

“For the sake of your souls, and of mine, get yourselves inside right now.  You can tie your horse up by the door.  If you aren’t inside within a minute I’m locking up and you’ll have to sleep in the stable, may god have mercy on your souls.”

Sarah was so tired that it took precious seconds for the womans words to sink in, but Daniel had already reacted.  Running forwards he shoved Mary into the startled villagers arms, then ran back and grabbed the horses reigns.  He caught Sarah’s hand and pulled her forwards, releasing it again as soon as she was moving.  Daniel pulled the horse forward and tied it’s reigns to the door frame.  Jon fell out of the saddle, groaning and too stiff to move, but Daniel caught him.  He followed the villager who had carried Mary inside.  Sarah hurried in after and the woman shoved Mary into Sarah’s arms, then slammed the door closed.  She then started to throw bolts, turn keys and fasten chains.  Only once they were all secured did she turn back to her visitors.