Whispers from the Dark

6.2 The Caretaker

We turned away from this terrible battle scene and disappeared in the shadows. I suddenly felt so tired, drained from all my energy. This was probably what my mother meant. Using your own body to drain magic from, took a lot of energy away. My entire body was trembling from exhaustion. Still I urged it to go on, following Spook through the dark alleys. Artemis at my heels. The pale moon appeared between the clouds trying to light up the city. But she failed and only deepened the shadows around us. "Where are we going?" I panted for air as I tried to keep up with him. He abruptly stopped at the end of an alley and I bumped against him. He shoved me a side and said: "Tonight I'm going to bring you to a place where you can sleep. Tomorrow I'll show you the way out."

I nodded in agreement and leaned against the wall to catch my breath. I felt weak and had a strange feeling as if I could faint any minute. "Follow my steps," Spook breathed out the words. He crouched down low to the ground. The street he was about to cross, was enlightened by the shops and inns. There were also some lanterns hanging above the streets, the special candles inside were lit and checked by the lantern man. He would walk every night to enlighten the candles in the lanterns in his neighbourhood. Every part of the city had a lantern man.

It wasn't really busy in the streets, but Spook and I were wanted by the guards now. So, we had to be extra careful. Avoiding even the tiniest bit of exposure. Spook waited until the street was quiet and sneaked to a bunch of barrels in front of a closed shop. The doors from the inn across the street opened and closed behind a group of drunken men. Loudly singing and balancing on each other's shoulders. Spook waited for them to turn their backs to him and leaped towards the shadowy alley next to that inn. He completely disappeared, and I knew that it was my turn now to cross the street without being seen. I tried to control my heavy breathing and crouched low to the ground. The moon disappeared behind a cloud and I sneaked to the barrels. Artemis, stealthy as a wolf can be, appeared next to me. try to find a balance between walking softly and fast, Artemis suggested. I realised I was holding in my breath and released it. I looked around me to see if the coast was clear. At the end of the street, a group of Silver Soldiers appeared from the side. As far as I could see, it seemed they were looking for someone. And that someone might as well be us. So, when the Silver Soldiers looked the other way, I tried to run as silently and fast as I could to the safety of the shadows. Avoiding puddles and loose stones. In the alley, I first couldn't find Spook, until he suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me with him to a side door of the building left to the inn. He knocked thrice on the door and someone opened it a little. I couldn't see his face for he stood in the darkness. "How may I help you?" the voice spoke.

"We seek shelter for the storm," Spook answered.

"In whose name?" the voice asked harshly.

"The Basilisk," Spook said calmly. The door creaked further open and we walked in. With a loud thumb the door closed quickly behind us, plunging us in complete darkness. But the man lit up a lantern and led us to, what appeared to be, his living room. The cosy room was well lit, candles were burning and gave the room a sweet honey smell. There was a good, warm fire burning in the fire hearth, illuminating the Bordeaux red room in golden light. There were four comfortable arm chairs, with soft, thick pillows, around the fire place. On the table in the middle stood a fancy tea set and a plate with sweets. The place was decorated with beautiful art works and extraordinary weapons hanging on the wall. "Make yourselves at home," the man said while he poured in some tea for us. "Here is your tea, lad." He gave one of the fancy cups to Spook and turned to me. "And who is the girl you brought with you?" With this light, I had a good view of this man. He had a kind face, heavy eyebrows and a small beard of a few days old. He didn't look much older than forty-five. His light brown hair was short and neatly combed to one side. He wore a simple garment decorated with silver buttons on red silk. I noticed he was bare feet. When I looked back at his face, he lifted one eyebrow at me. I could see his nose had been broken several times and a small scar showed on his right check. He had dark blue, watery eyes. Before Spook could say anything, I already answered. "My name is Faelwen and this is my friend Artemis," pointing at my wolf who was already fast asleep by the fire place. The man smiled to my wolf. "I try to keep her safe, she is wanted by the Silver Soldiers. Tomorrow I'll escort her out of the city."