Beyond the Veil of Yonder (Book 1)

10. The Bedtime Story

Dense woods, fading over the horizon, encircled the village of Oakwood. Scattered across the fields and gardens, small dwellings stood alongside their outbuildings. Narrow paths, meandering unpredictably, wove between the houses. Farmers worked the land at some distance, their horses pulling ploughs through the rich, dark soil, while cows and sheep grazed contentedly in the verdant fields.

Manoeuvring among animal droppings, the group followed Ciaran to his home. Elizabeth tried to step carefully, but Dan was less attentive. Within moments, he wiped his boot on the grass with a look of disgust, muttering curses under his breath.

When they passed a vast lake, Elizabeth stopped to watch for a moment, gazing in admiration. Its far shore appeared as a faint blue line punctuated by jagged mountain peaks. Nearby, worn-out boats lay beside drying nets, all set against a backdrop of trees where rustling reeds swayed in the wind.

Soon, they arrived at a simple house with freshly whitewashed walls and a tiled roof covered with emerald moss. A modest garden in full bloom surrounded the house, brimming with fragrant herbs and vibrant spring flowers.

Ciaran showed William a ramshackle barn where they could leave their horses. While William unsaddled the animals, Ciaran approached the house and knocked on the door. There was a moment of anticipation before it creaked open, revealing an elderly woman. Her light-blue eyes, striking against her grey strands, widened upon seeing the strangers. But when she recognised her husband, her expression shifted to one of concern and relief. "Ciaran! I feared I would never see you again!"

"I went astray, Mairéad," the old man replied. "These people helped me find my way home."

Ciaran's wife looked at the newcomers for a moment, then a broad smile spread across her face, and she welcomed her guests in. She promised them fresh clothes, a hot bath, and a hearty meal by the hearth.

As they stepped inside, the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air. The interior was modest yet clean, with simple wooden furniture and handmade decorations. Handwoven tapestries and dried flowers hung on the walls, making the room cosier. A large, crackling hearth dominated one corner, casting a soft, flickering glow that filled the space.

In one room, Mairéad had prepared a small bathing area. It had a wooden tub filled with hot water and fragrant soaps, offering them a much-needed rest from their journey. Fresh clothes were on a nearby chair, ready for the travellers to change into.

A sense of comfort and safety enveloped Elizabeth within the walls of Ciaran and Mairéad's home. The warmth of the hearth and the simple meal that awaited them showed the kindness and hospitality of the old couple.

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Elizabeth, dressed in a comfortable dress, sat at the table in the main room. She relished a sense of cleanliness after taking a hot bath. Dan sat beside her while Mairéad served the table. Elizabeth's mouth watered at the sight of the dishes. The meal was simple, but it was a big improvement over the dry food from their supplies.

She looked around, studying the interior until her eyes settled on William, who was removing his shirt in a discreet corner. Her gaze lingered on his strong, well-built physique, and it was impossible to look away. She knew she should, but she continued to stare at his bare torso. When their eyes met momentarily, a rush of embarrassment sparked within her.

William's gaze was intense but cautious before he masked it with an indifferent expression. He glanced down, pretending to be occupied with folding his shirt. In that instant, she turned away, her cheeks burning.

But what remained in her mind were William's numerous scars. These scars silently narrated a life marked by danger and strife. Despite her initial confusion and the fact that William was a stranger, Elizabeth's heart clenched with profound empathy for the man. Each scar spoke of challenges he had faced and overcome. Whether from cruel battles or other ordeals, they were evidence of the pain he had endured as his wounds healed.