The Infernal Society

Chapter 6

Another morning of cold winds that showed no mercy to the day ahead. The warmth of his skin defied the icy kiss of the early winds that danced through the countryside. A hushed gray sky was heavy with clouds that threatened rain, and the fresh winds carrying the smell of the earth...which inspired serenity. The sun was no where to be found, and it's as if the world had gone silent, with only the sound of rustling trees could be heard.

Alfie put on his cap and the gray wool coat he's had since the age of ten. At sixteen, he was still able to fit it, despite his growth spurt that came about last summer. Most of what he needed was packed and ready to go. He walked back and forth in loading his belongings in uncle's black Ford T model, a most well-kept vehicle which will be used to their commute to the train station.

As he loaded the last of his things inside the trunk of it, did reality hit him. He'd hoped saying goodbye would be easy, but staring into his uncle's tearful eyes made him want to drop my things and stay. But that wasn't an option anymore. He'd made his decision, and knowing Tommet, he would be sure to make Alfie keep his promise.

"We should be off in a few minutes." suggested Tommet.

Alfie adjusted the flat cap on his head "Just a moment uncle." His voice was soft, almost a whisper.

He crept inside his home...for what would be the last time he'd see it. He studied every single detail of his home, from the old floorboards and the pictures attached to the walls of faded paint. The memories attached to them, he'd never forget. From the creaky wooden floors that him and his mother used to dance on when he was a toddler, blissfully listening to music that played on the radio, to the roughness of the brick interior always captivated me; he wanted to have a good look and remember it all. To make sure he'd never forget it. For when he is to step out that door, it would be for the last time and for a long time until he'd see Lournet Valley again.

He wandered aimlessly through his home. The grandeur of it all.

"I remember when she got this house," Startled, Alfie turned around to see Alistair a few steps away from him. He stood and admired the photos on the wall. "She was so happy to have accomplished something on her own. To start a new life and build a better one for you." grinned Alistair to himself. "It's always hard to say goodbye, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Alfie cleared his throat. "I suppose it is." he stood by Alistair's side and admired the collage of memories nailed to the wall. "Will it ever get easier? Living with it. The grief...I mean."

There was no expression on Alistair's face. But his eyes threatened to expose his thoughts. "Time heals all things, Alfie." he simply replied and placed a comforting hand on Alfie's shoulder. "Even wounds as deep as this."

***

King's Cross station had its usual overflow of people. It was like this everywhere. As the season began its great shift into months of cold, people who once vacated were now traveling like crazy to return to their loved ones.

Everyone walked practically shoulder to shoulder. There was no personal space, no escape, nowhere to run. All walks of life favored the popular train station, and Alfie tried his best not to be overwhelmed by it all. Of course, Alfie knew that people existed beyond his stay. He wasn't ignorant to civilization. But to be part of it like this...it did inspire some him to be a bit flurried.

He made sure to keep close to Alistair and Tommet as he hauled his belongings between them, struggling to keep up with their long and hurried strides. Tommet was tall, no doubt...but still Alistair was a Titan.

"Hurry up Pippy, mummy's waiting!" A man smiled to his blond haired son who skips along the pavement with his little oxfords as they passed by. His nose red and runny, with a huge grin that made his rosy cheeks  puffy.

"Okay, papa!" The little boy chirped as he held his father's gloved hand tightly, trying to keep up in a desperate pace.

Alfie smiled at the heartwarming sight and held his head down. The wheels of his suitcase trembled from behind as he proceed forward, trying to keep to himself and get away from the pair as quickly as possible. For a quick moment Alfie closed his eyes and wondered what life could have been like if he'd had the same relationship with his father, in a city as big and vibrant as London. Perhaps one day, Alfie thought.

Clouds of his breath escaped his mouth as he released a sigh. And he  thought the valley was cold. Somehow the city was worse. It was certainly cold enough to know the infernal heat was fighting against it. The infernal body heat was consistent of course, but there were moments were it is paused, especially when overwhelmed or lost in thought, when human frailty can easily become summoned. And this was one of those times.

Alfie cursed under his breath. He couldn't stop his teeth from chattering. He pittied his naked hands, especially the one that dragged the suitcase by the handle, while his left hand was balled into a fist to collect warmth from within the pocket of his coat.

Out of all the days for my infernal heat to not be active, why'd it have to be on the coldest day of fall?

They arrived to the 10th platform. At this point Alfie seemed desperate to get leave from England and get to Edinburgh. He hugged himself and kept warm as he watched his uncle and grandfather embraced on another before the train. Tommet then turned himself to Alfie and gave him a tight hug.

"Remember to call." he said.

"I will." Alfie replied.

"Take care of him." Tommet glared at his father with teary eyes.

"You needn't doubt me so harshly Tommet," replied Alistair. "My dearest grandson will be safe."

Clearly half pleased but acceptant of Alistair's reply,Tommet nodded.

"Will you be okay?" Alfie asked. "Why aren't you coming with us?"

"I will join you guys in time. There's business I must situate here in England. And I promise you will hear from me." Tommet promised and Alfie gave him another tight hug, crashing his face into his chest. "Oh Alfie, I'll miss you too,"

"Write to me. Or ring me on the telly if you can?" sniffled Alfie.

"Of course, kiddo. Be good, yeah? Do right by your grandfather, will you?"

"Yes uncle.  I'll try my best."

"Your best will be enough."

An uncle, a grandfather, son and father, grandson and nephew, all said their goodbyes.

Having boarded the train, Alfie watched as Tommet grew smaller in the distance, eventually disappearing behind crowds of people that roamed the platforms. Alistair gave Alfie's shoulder a gentle pat on the back before he gave his attention to a small book made of white leather with a golden cross in the center.

Alfie rested his head against the cool glass of the train window and farewelled all of England with his eyes. For soon he would come to great his new home deep in Wales, where The Infernal Cross Institue awaited.