Child of Conquest

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

A Warning

Over the next few days people began to arrive at the gates of Arden tired and cold they were brought into the large hall where they were given food and warmth.  Chatter and noise filled the previously empty corridors; it was a relief to Seraphina who was continually aware that the Ealdraed were watching her.  She often caught sight of an old man huddled behind some pillar peering at her; Aldwyn confirmed that it was the same man who had escorted him to the tower when he had arrived.  Trying to ignore the eyes on her movements, she watched the worried groups whispering as they huddled together in groups.  Watching a mother holding a young child and trying to shut out the memories that still haunted her, she suddenly noticed a familiar figure it was Rosalyn. 

“Seraphina it’s so good to see you.” Rosalyn’s teeth chattered.

“Come sit down, you’re cold.”  Rosalyn took a seat on one of the long benches as more people came in from behind.

“Tell me, how is your father?  Is there any more news?”

“My father was well, last I saw of him. He chose to stay behind like most of the men and help.”  Seraphina could hear Rosalyn’s fear.

 “But we have seen or heard nothing more. Some people are saying that the Einar have left, that perhaps it was just a scouting raid, others say they are waiting somewhere.”

 Rosalyn looked terrified, Seraphina wanted to tell her that the threat had left but she couldn’t lie to her.   

“They’re still here, waiting in the mountains of Talfryn, but you will be safe here.”

Rosalyn broke into tears, “For how long, how long before they eventually come?”  Seraphina turned away, she was right it was only a matter of time. Rosayln was now weeping and holding onto Seraphina who felt extremely uncomfortable with the situation, she was grateful when Aldwyn arrived and took Rosalyn into his own arms.  Leaving the pair to consolidate each other, she noticed a cloaked figure stood by the fire beckoning her.  As she got nearer a hand reached for her arm, Seraphina turned to face the recognisable old crone.

“I thought you would be gone by now, there is so much to do.” Croaked the old voice.

Agnes leant right up close to Seraphina who noticed the old woman had wrapped cloth around her head to mask her empty eye sockets. 

“You must go it’s not safe here, eyes still watch you.” 

Agnes whispered in a low tone

 “They will come for you tonight.” She warned

“Who will come?” asked Seraphina.

Agnes ignored the question “You have your fathers Talisman, good.”

Seraphina wondered how the blind woman could know that, she looked down at her neck to see if it was showing, it wasn’t.  She looked back at Agnes whose head had not moved from facing the wall opposite.

 “I was sad about that, wish it could have been different, you will have to come to terms with what happened and learn to forgive.”

“Forgive, the Einar are you mad?”  Seraphina's voice rose to that of anger.

On hearing her shout, Aldwyn glanced up.

“Here he comes.”  Said Agnes.

 Seraphina turned around and noticed Aldwyn approaching, wondering if the old woman could see, she waved her hand in front of Agnes face but there was no reaction.