Beyond the Veil of Yonder (Book 1)

28. The Storm (1)

Lord Harold invited William's family to leave their small forest hut and move to Lindor Castle, but they declined his generous offer. They feared the vengeful lord might still pursue them. However, Owain agreed to work as a blacksmith in one of Lord Harold's forges. Meanwhile, William was fortunate to receive an education alongside Edward. Lord Harold hired tutors to teach the boys essential skills for nobility, including reading, writing, arithmetic, and combat techniques like sword fighting and archery.

William's parents expressed immense gratitude for Lord Harold's help. They trusted him deeply and eventually revealed the reason for their secretive life: Cathleen, William's mother, had fled her father's castle to avoid a forced marriage to her father's neighbour. Despite learning this secret, Lord Harold kept it quiet, prioritising the safety of his new friends and offering them unwavering support and protection.

As William approached his eighth birthday, his family expanded. Cathleen gave birth to two beautiful children, a boy and a girl, whom they named Dylan and Seren. William eagerly helped his mother care for his younger siblings, embracing his new role as an elder brother and finding joy in the responsibilities.

As his siblings grew, William spent time with them, playing, laughing, and sharing his knowledge of the world. Their family home was filled with affection, creating a loving and joyous atmosphere. Surrounded by his loving family and dear friends, William felt deeply content, knowing he was cherished.

Although happy at home, William didn't forget his best friend, Edward, and regularly visited Lord Harold's castle. He still enjoyed his solitary hikes in the woods, often exploring new territories and sometimes staying out until late evening, savouring the quiet solitude that contrasted with his noisy family life.

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One summer day, while taking a leisurely walk through the woods, William noticed the sky darkening unusually early—a storm was coming. Leaden clouds gathered rapidly overhead, and powerful gusts bent the trees toward the ground. The trees groaned and screeched as they collided, and branches fell from above. The air turned heavy and stifling, punctuated by the first distant rumblings of thunder. It was dangerous to stay longer without shelter, so William decided to return home immediately.

As the boy approached his house, he paused. The front door swung wildly on its hinges, slamming and creaking in the wind. A wave of unease washed over William, but he cautiously stepped inside. An eerie silence engulfed the house, soon broken by the sound of heavy raindrops drumming against the roof. The dark interior made it difficult to discern anything.

"Mother?" William called out softly, but there was no response. He called out again for each family member, one by one, only to be met with the same oppressive silence.

A metallic scent wafted to William's nostrils. It was too familiar, one he'd encountered often when his father returned from a hunt. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he took in the disarray: belongings thrown about, as if there had been a struggle. Among the scattered items lay Dylan's favourite toy, a wooden horse their father had crafted, discarded on the floor. It was strange to see it like this, since his younger brother always kept it close.

Instinct held William back, stopping him just short of the next room. He hesitated, a foreboding sensation gnawing at him. Deep down, he knew what awaited him inside.

With his heart racing, he took slow, cautious steps, his shaky legs forcing him to reach out to the wall for support. The dimness of the room made it hard for him to make out any details. His mother always lit a candle in such weather, but now an unnatural darkness mingled with a deathly silence.