Installment 42

I left the room and wandered down the stairs and out into the garden. The sun was shining brightly, but the February air was still crisp and cold. I took a deep breath and felt the air tingle in my throat.

"It's all a bit messy, ain't it?"
I jumped and turned to see Brin standing next to me.
"Oh, hi. I didn't see you there."
He smiled and nodded, "No, I don't suppose you did."
I turned and stood face on to him, "What have you got against me?"
He laughed. It was a smirky kind of laugh, "I ain't got nothing against you, girly. Not really," he leaned in close to my face, I could feel his breath on my cheek, "Thing is, you brought my sister back, didn't you?"

"I didn't... I didn't bring her back. She was just here."
"Because mum summoned her when she found out you had the pendant. I'd managed to keep that bitch out of the picture for 8 years, and then you show up and back she comes to get in the way of everything."
"I don't know what you mean."
"It took me years, but I managed it. I took the pendant and hid it. She just assumed that poor bastard was to blame. Get this, girly, I took it and I couldn't even see it, but I managed to get it to the car, then drove that to East Anglia and sent it over a cliff. I don't know how you even found it."
I stared at him, disbelieving what I was hearing, "I don't think you got it that far, Brin. I found it in Ogmore."
"In Ogmore?"
"Yeah, in the gift shop."
"The fucking gift shop?"
I smiled, slightly smugly, "The fucking gift shop."
"So... I..."
"So, you never got it out of Ogmore; guess you dropped it and didn't notice or something."
"And she never knew it was here?"
I shrugged, "I guess not."
He shook his head in disbelief, almost laughing.
"So," I asked, "Why were you so keen to get rid of your sister?"
"She's not my sister. She's... I dunno who she is."
"She's..." I laughed, "Nah, I don't know either. She's like Janet is. Whatever that is. An immortal?"

"Yeah, maybe, I guess. Me and ma, we're not human either, y'know?"
"So what are you?"
He shrugged, "I guess faeries is the closest way to describe it. Descended from the first Welsh folk; keepers of the castle in Ogmore, but there weren't no pendant originally."
"So, where did she come from?"
"I dunno," he said, "She just turned up one day, waving her shiny jewels around and ma got completely taken in. She seems to actually believe she's Arianwen's mother now, but me? I know better. I remember before."
"And Harry?"
"Angharad's father is mortal, as far as I know. Dunno what that makes her."
Brin looked over his shoulder, then briskly walked away from me. I turned to see where he was looking. Janet was walking toward me quickly.
"Hey love, what are you doing out here?"
"Just fancied some air," I smiled, "It's so beautiful out here."
Janet smiled, and I took her hand, "C'mon, I want to go in the maze."
She followed me, seeming slightly bewildered by my enthusiasm, but didn't mention my talking to Brin. I wasn't sure if she'd seen us talking, nor why Brin wouldn't want her to, but also, I really did want to go in the maze.

Installment 41

"I found it," said Arianwen, then looked at me, "Twice, it seems."
She held her hand out to me, and I stood up and shook it. She looked confused, then laughed, still holding her hand out, "Give me the pendant."
"Oh... I... I don't want to."
She looked mildly surprised, "You don't want to?"
"I... I mean, why?"
"Because it belongs to me."
Janet nudged me, "Just give it to her, Fi."
I looked down at her. She looked scared. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the pendant, placing it lightly in Arianwen's hand.
"Thank you," she said, putting it in her own pocket, "You're tired," she said to me. It wasn't a question.
"Yes," I replied.
"Angharad, darling," her voice softened slightly, "Show our guests to the guest rooms in the east wing."
Harry smiled at her mother and beckoned for us to follow her.

Janet stood up, and we all walked out of the room.
Harry leant toward me as we walked and whispered, "You didn't say that you had the pendant. I thought this was just another wild goose chase, but you found it. That means she can stay this time."
I tried to smile, aware that it may be more of a grimace. Harry didn't seem to notice and almost skipped ahead of us as she led us to the east wing, and to a large room containing a big, ornate sofa and an open door to another room, which seemed to have a four-poster bed in it.
"Here you are," she said.
"Thanks," I said, still trying to smile.
Harry stood by the door, looking like she wanted to say something. She opened her mouth, but Janet interrupted, "Look, Fi's tired. They get tired, you know? Mortals."
Harry's face creased up in a confused scowl, but she left us alone.
"Bit harsh, Janet," I said, once Harry was out of earshot.
She shrugged and threw herself down on the sofa.
"What's wrong? Who is she?"
"She," Janet paused to make a face, "Is the one who was sent after Elena and I to make sure the pendant was retrieved. She was supposed to help us. Seems like she just nabbed it and kept hold of it here," she shook her head in disbelief, muttering a string of insults under her breath.
"But they'll come here, won't they? Daniel and Elena?"
Janet nodded, sheepishly, "And she'll destroy them."
"Destroy?"
"She's not like us. She has no human feelings at all. Entirely immortal. She takes what she wants and she will destroy anyone or anything that gets in her way," she seemed to be nearly in tears, "Look at what she did to that man; The man she was supposed to have loved. She used him to get what she wanted, a child, probably half-human, I don't know, then she got rid of him. Do you really believe he stole the pendant? Given how few people can even see the bloody thing?"
"But she did lose it, didn't she?"
"Yeah, that is kind of weird... and you found it here, in Ogmore?"
"Yes," I said, "In the gift shop."
She shook her head in disbelief, "In the gift shop..."
"So, what happened, do you think?"
Janet thought for a moment, the looked at me, "I just don't know. I really don't."
I laid my hands on her shoulders and rubbed them lightly, "I wish I could give you nice dreams like you do for me."
She looked up and smiled, "You know what?" she said laying a hand on top of mine, "It helps just knowing that you'd want to."
I sat down beside her, "Look, about that; I've been thinking, and I think it's ok for you to, well, use anything. Well, not the fights, but..."
She smiled and nodded, "Not the fights. Check," and she put her arm around me, and I was home watching some crappy film that Kelly had chosen solely because Guinevere Turner was in it. I didn't see the appeal, personally, but I was happy to watch any old shite if I was with Kelly. We were slap bang in the middle of those few weeks at the beginning of the relationship where everything she did was endearing and we just had to be holding hands or touching knees under the table or just somehow connected to each other at all times. I still smiled every time I thought of her and still couldn't believe how lucky I was. I nuzzled my head into her shoulder and turned slightly, to put my legs over the edge of the sofa. She stroked my hair absent-mindedly as we watched the film. Well, she watched the film. I had my eyes closed, revelling in the feel of the touch of her fingertips on my scalp. I could feel my head getting heavier and knew I was close to falling asleep. I fought it, wanting to let the moment last longer, but soon, I couldn't fight it anymore.

I awoke with the sun shining brightly onto my face, still leaning on Janet. I squinted as I sat up. Harry stood by the curtains, grinning.
"Mum wants to see you," she said.
"Hmmm? Ok," I said.
Harry shook her head, "Just her," she said pointing at Janet.
Janet nodded solemnly and followed Harry out of the room. I shook my head from side to side, trying to shake myself fully into consciousness. I rubbed my eyes and walked over to the window. The grounds of the castle were magnificent. They seemed to go on forever. About 100 metres from the castle, I could see a large labyrinth of evergreen hedges, surrounded by vast lawns and flowerbeds, and a small shubbery a little closer in. I threw open the window and took a deep breath. The air was fresh and smelled of cut grass and pine needles.

Installment 40

I realised Janet was gazing at me, and probably had been for some time.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. Just looking at you.”
“Why?”
She smiled and kissed me on the cheek, “Because you're beautiful.”
I grimaced, “You're weird.”
“And you need to learn to take a compliment.”
“Whatever,” I could feel my face getting red and tried to change the subject, “So, it'll be weird going to the guesthouse and Tim not being there.”
“We're not going to the guesthouse.”
“Where will we stay then?”
“In the castle, of course.”
“Wow. I've never slept in a castle before. That's pretty cool.”
Janet smiled, “It's just a big house, Fi.”
“I know, but still... It's a huge, pretty house that's really old.”
“Fair enough,” she said smirking.
“What will we do when we get there?”
Janet shrugged, “Wait, I guess. Get ready to fight, or to run.”
“I've had enough of running,” I said, all the fear and uncertainty gone, “I don't even know how long it is since I left London, but I've been going too long, and it's time to stop running.”
She smiled, looking almost proud, “That's my girl,” she said, “You're braver than you think, but if it's a fight we can't win, then we run. Understand?”
I nodded, somehow knowing that it wouldn't come to that.

The castle loomed over the village. I hadn't noticed it the first time I came to Ogmore. I had been so caught up in what had happened with Kelly, that nothing else seemed to matter. Now, the whole world had changed for me and Kelly was nothing more than a series of memories brought to life for my pleasure and entertainment.

I could feel the excitement Gwendolyn was feeling. It was the excitement of a woman who's been away from home altogether too long. Brin also seemed energised by our proximity to the castle. Harry continued playing games on her phone, not even seeming to notice that we'd arrived in Ogmore. Every so often, she would let out an exclamation of victory or frustration, but didn't seem interested in interacting with us at all. I wondered how this young girl managed to just shut out all the drama that surrounded her and carry on as if nothing was wrong. I guess if all your life is weird, weird is normal.

The car pulled into the grounds of the castle and we all piled out. Brin opened the boot and handed bags to Harry and Gwendolyn, and threw a large backpack over his shoulder. Janet and I followed as they led the way up some steps to a big wooden door. I felt like I should be handing over money to the national trust, but when we walked through the doorway, the decor and furniture was surprisingly modern. The walls were stone, of course, but instead of the renaissance paintings of dead ancestors that I would usually expect, there was a large abstract expressionist painting, and then a collection of postcards and photographs. The opposite wall held a large mirror, reflecting the painting back. It was strange being so utterly surrounded by the strange shapes in primary colours.

The family dropped their bags in the hallway and led us through to a living room area. Harry launched herself into a big armchair and resumed the game on her phone. I felt tired and nauseous and more than a little worried about what was going to happen. My stomach gurgled and I realised that the nausea was probably really hunger.

"Um... would I be able to get something to eat?" I asked timidly.
Gwendolyn and Brin turned and looked at me with confused looks on their faces, as if I'd asked something completely ridiculous.
Janet reached into her bag and handed me a small packet of crackers, then turned to the others, "Mortal, remember?"
Brin grunted disapprovingly.
I opened the crackers and wolfed them down. Janet watched me, looking sad.
"I'm sorry I don't have anything more appetising. I picked them up at a motorway service station a couple of days ago, but didn't think to get you anything better on the way here."
I chewed up the remainder of the cracker in my mouth, and swallowed it before I should have, leaving a small piece stuck in my throat, "It's ok," I told her, "You've had bigger things on your mind."
She smiled and put her hand on mine, "Feeling better?"
I nodded.
"I'll go into town later and get something more substantial."
I smiled, "Thanks."

A woman walked down the stairs. She wore dark trousers, and a long flowing shirt of crimson silk. Her hair was a deep auburn and fell down to her waist. Harry looked up from her phone, then dropped it and leapt out of the chair.
"Mum!" she ran over and threw her arms around the woman. Arianwen, I assumed that's who it was, smiled and kissed the top of the girl's head holding her close.
Gwendolyn turned and smiled at her daughter. Brin's face stayed grim and he merely nodded at her.

I went to stand, but Janet, grabbed my hand and stopped me.
"What?" I whispered.
"Just wait, darling," she responded.
I shot her a quizzical look, but the worry on her face stopped me from arguing. She was looking down, trying not to make eye contact with Arianwen. It didn't work. Arianwen let go of her daughter and walked over to where we were sitting and stood in front of Janet.
Janet looked up and smiled weakly, "So, you found it then?"

Installment 39

When I awoke, the sun was rising. The whole sky glowed red and the clouds seemed to be on fire.
I sighed, “Red sky in the morning...”
“What's that?” Janet asked me quietly.
I shook my head, “Nothing. Just stupid superstition.”
“Sleep well?”
“Um... yeah, I guess,” I rubbed my eyes and sat up.
“We'll be there in half an hour or so.”
I forced a smile, “What then?”
Janet shook her head, “I'm still playing it by ear to a large extent.”
I nodded, “Fuck all else we can do, I guess.”
She smiled, “Nope. Really isn't.”

“What are you talking about?” Harry asked leaning over the back of the seat.
“Um... just stuff,” I responded.
“What stuff?”
“Uh...”
“Morning, Cerriadd,” Gwendolyn interruped, “Did you sleep ok?”
“Yeah, fine, gran, until I got woken up to go god knows where in the car in the middle of the night.”
The old woman laughed, “Well, we'll be back in Ogmore soon.”
“Ogmore?”
Gwendolyn didn't respond.
“Gran? Ogmore? We're going back? You've found mum?” When Gwendolyn still said nothing, she turned to me, “You know where my mother is?”
I started to shake my head, but got a warning look from Janet.
“We think we know where to find her,” Janet said.
Harry looked at Janet, not knowing what to say. After about 30 seconds, she said, “I don't believe you.”
Janet smiled, “That's ok, Harry. When we find her, you'll know.”
The girl blinked a few times, “Can you really find her?”
Janet put her hand on Harry's arm, “I hope so. I really do.”
I stared at Harry. She must have been around thirteen or so. Poor kid; being dragged around by her family with a couple of strangers in tow. Really, she was coping very well with it all.
Harry shrugged, as if she could hear my thoughts, “Doesn't really matter anyway. She'll just go away again.”
“Oh! No, she might not this time,” I told her. Janet shot me a look to shut up.
Harry gave me a patronising look, “It's ok. I'm used to it. She's not been around since dad took off. Uncle Brin and gran look after me.”
“Do you remember much about your dad?” I wanted to hear Harry's side of the story.
“Nah, not really. Not that interested. He's a bastard and I hope he's really unhappy wherever he is.”
She didn't know he'd died; that her mother had killed him. I wondered if she'd like that, or if it would upset her.
“My dad left when I was eight,” I told her, trying somehow to relate.
She shrugged, “Was he a bastard too?”
I thought for a moment, “No, I don't think so. Just didn't work out, I guess.”
She looked disappointed, as if she wanted someone to share her anger with. I wondered if her mother still shared it.
“So,” she said, “Without meaning to be rude, who the hell are you?”
I laughed, “It's kinda complicated. I guess our paths just collided a bit.”
“What does that even mean?”
“Honestly, I'm not sure.”
“So, you just got in our car and left yours in Beddgellert and you don't know why?”
“I mean, I guess there's more to it than that, but pretty much, yeah.”
She nodded and smiled sarcastically, then sat back in her seat, took her mobile phone out and ignored us.

I looked out of the window, recognising some of the landmarks on the way into Ogmore. It seemed so long since I was last here, but it can't have been more than a couple of weeks. I shuddered slightly at the memory of seeing Errol and Tim in that car. I tried to imagine walking into the pub and Errol not being there. It seemed to me that if I went back, he'd magically just re-appear, but I knew things like that didn't happen.

I thought about my dad then. He'd left, but he'd still always been around. He spoilt me rotten at first and it drove my mother mad, but after a couple of years, they managed to come to some kind of arrangement and I no longer got everything I wanted, just because I asked for it. I remember being pissed off at the time, but I guess it was better in the long run.

I tried to picture his face, but when I closed my eyes, I could only see Errol's face, twisted in pain and angry. I tried to picture my mother then, but still I couldn't see her face, and then I tried to picture Kelly. Every feature was clear. Her auburn hair, her bright blue eyes, her freckled skin and that gorgeous smile; I could see it all so clearly, but I'd killed her. Then I began to wonder whether Arianwen had felt the same about her lover – the man who'd stolen from her and run away. She must have felt so betrayed, but to leave her daughter to go looking for the pendant, that seemed so strange to me. What was so special about it that it was worth all that? There must be more to it than just making people invisible. I mean, that was kind of cool, but not worth killing over.

I took it out of my pocket and looked at it. It had a thin leather cord, and what looked like a large purple tear with a hole drilled into it. When I held it up to the light, it looked almost crimson, but in the shadow, it was a dark indigo colour. I tried to imagine losing it; someone stealing it from me, and it seemed a completely impossible concept. I couldn't imagine what I'd do. I'd been ready to give it up just to get away from Daniel, but now, the idea of him taking it from me made me so angry.