Fast Falls the Eventide

By C. D. Hulen

A SHADOW FALLS OVER THE CHURCH

Forty years have passed since the Brethren saved humanity from extinction – but out of their victory, darkness has risen. The Brethren find themselves torn in their calling as evil pollutes the Church, kills in Christ’s name, and fills the world with fear. Richard, one of the five

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hulen Publishing
• Release date: Jun 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780998891552

C. D. Hulen

C. D. Hulen always had a dream and a hope. A dream to tell stories and a hope that they would honor his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. However, being dyslexic, he was unable to tell stories in the way he imagined them. At eleven, finally, C. D. could read and write at a very basic level. As time progressed, his passion for stories grew stronger and stronger until at fourteen he began writing, more than he had ever written before. 2 years later he had finished his first book, the Brethren Rise, and as he looked down the road of his future, he could not help but see the Dream of Hope was coming.

Book preview

The Dream of Hope Series

FAST FALLS THE

EVENTIDE

Westminster Abbey North Door

C. D. Hulen

© 2019

Fast Falls the Eventide

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author.

Trade Paperback ISBN 978-0-9988915-4-5

eBook ISBN 978-0-9988915-5-2

Copyright © 2019 by C. D. Hulen

Cover design by C. D. Hulen

Published in the United States by Hulen Publishing

www.thedreamofhope.com

@thedreamofhope

[e-mail]

To those who have failed,

To those who feel forsaken,

To those who have fallen,

He hasn’t forgotten you.

I wish to acknowledge the following people for their contribution, encouragement, and considerable help with this book:

Jesus Christ, Dan Hulen, Holly Hulen, Katelyn Mooney, Rachel Routhier, Ellyana J. Wenceslao, Naomi Adamson, Aidan Keller, Emmitt Keller, and my many friends on the OYAN forum.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Fast Falls the Eventide

Alicia Caddarik: is the youngest daughter of Edmond and April Caddarik.

April Caddarik: is the wife of Edmond Caddarik. She met Edmond between the events of The Brethren Rise and Fast Falls the Eventide. She grew up in Bristol, England, as a baker’s daughter and met and married Edmond when he was on a mission.

Billy Wilson: is the younger brother of Emily Wilson and son of Nathaniel Wilson. He works as a sailor and lives with his sister at Loch Ness.

Bruno Calloway: is a member of the Order of the Cardinal.

Clayford: is the son of a man who died at Stonehenge and he later joined the Brethren. He is Randolf Fuller’s first mate.

Donovan Elmsbirch: is the son of Feargal and Everly Elmsbirch.

Edmond Caddarik: was born in 1312 in Durrington, England, to Baldwin and Margaret Caddarik. He grew up with his mother and brother, Thomas, after his father went to war in Scotland and never returned. He helped found the Brethren with Richard Armistead and Andrew Freeman in 1329 and went on to lead the Brethren by Richard’s side. He eventually married a baker’s daughter, April, and raised a family.

Emily Wilson: is the daughter of Nathaniel Wilson and the older sister of Billy Wilson. She was close friends with Grayson Orion before he left Loch Ness.

Enzo Brooks: is a member of the Order of the Cardinal.

Everly Elmsbirch: is the wife of Feargal Elmsbirch.

Feargal Elmsbirch: was born in 1313 in rural England and grew up to be a sea captain who was later recruited by Andrew Freeman to aid the Brethren in the War against Apollo. He officially joined the Brethren before the Battle of Stonehenge in 1336 and became one of the five leaders of the Brethren. He married Everly Elmsbirch years later and raised a family.

Grayson Orion: is the son of a man who died at Stonehenge. His mother died shortly after, leaving him alone. He lived with his uncle at Loch Ness before leaving to follow the stranger.

Harry Redhill: is the twin of Hunter Redhill and the youngest child of Luke Redhill.

Hunter Redhill: is the twin of Harry Redhill and the second youngest child of Luke Redhill.

Jack Redhill: is the eldest son of Luke Redhill.

James Elmsbirch: is the eldest child of Feargal and Everly Elmsbirch. He was born in 1359 and married Laurel Redhill in 1384.

Laurel (Redhill) Elmsbirch: is the eldest child of Luke Redhill. She is married to James Elmsbirch.

Luke Redhill: is the younger brother of Piper Armistead. He was born in 1315 in Scotland and was raised by the Catholic Church until he became a guard in King Edward’s court. He eventually joined the Brethren during the War against Apollo in 1336. He later married, however his wife died during the birth of Hunter and Harry.

Martin MacAskill: is a new member of the Brethren who joined at the new Enclave of Stornoway.

Nathaniel Wilson: is the father of Emily and Billy Wilson. He lived at Loch Ness and later chased after Grayson.

Norwood Hardwin/The Adversary: is an old friend of Richard and his family. He lost his wife and was turned into the Adversary by Apollo. As the Adversary, he killed Richard’s parents and later led the Varanus against the world in the War against Apollo. He was changed back to Norwood after Apollo’s defeat at Stonehenge and was taken in by the Brethren.

Ottaro Madarden: is a member of the Order of the Cardinal.

Piper (Redhill) Armistead: is the wife of Richard Armistead and the older sister of Luke Redhill. She was born in 1314 in northern Scotland where she and her brother were raised as orphans by the Roman Catholic Church. She joined the Brethren during the war against Apollo in 1336 and later married Richard.

Rachel Caddarik: is the eldest child of Edmond and April Caddarik.

Randolf Fuller: is a captain of the Brethren who serves as a messenger on occasions. He is the long-time rival of Varian Vandross.

Richard Armistead: is one of the five leaders of the Brethren and the husband of Piper Armistead. He was born in 1313 in London, England, and was raised by Phillip and Mary Armistead. He moved to Shrewton with his parents in 1323, and shortly after his parents were killed by the Adversary. After the death of his parents, Richard ran away to Durrington and there he lived with Andrew Freeman, with whom he helped found the Brethren with his friend, Edmond Caddarik.

Robert Redhill: is the son of Luke Redhill and the apprentice of James Elmsbirch.

Rose Elmsbirch: is the eldest daughter of Feargal and Everly Elmsbirch and the best friend of Alicia Caddarik.

Ryland Elmsbirch: is the youngest son of Feargal and Everly Elmsbirch.

Steven Caddarik: is the son of Edmond and April Caddarik.

The Cardinal: also known as the Black Cardinal, is the leader of the Order of the Cardinal and a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Lady Aundray: is the mother of Angus Aundray, the former Baron of Shrewton. She left Shrewton shortly after Richard’s parents and lived out her final days in London.

Timothy Groundston: is an old man who survived the Battle of Stonehenge.

Varian Vandross: is the son of one of the members of the Brethren who survived the Battle of Stonehenge and is the head messenger of the Brethren.

Wilfred Orion: is the uncle of Grayson Orion and a sailor.

The Brethren Rise

Andrew Freeman: is the mentor of Richard Armistead and Edmond Caddarik. He helped found the Brethren and eventually gave his life for Richard’s salvation. He was married and had a son, however his wife left him, and his son was lost.

Angus Aundray: is the former Baron of Shrewton and friend to Phillip and Mary Armistead.

Annora Aundray: is the wife of Angus Aundray. She passed away during one of Shrewton’s many plagues.

Apollo: is a dark mysterious being who created the Varanus and waged war against the world. His true identity is unconfirmed. He was presumed dead after the Battle of Stonehenge as he vanished into the Alignment.

Baldwin Caddarik: is the father of Edmond Caddarik. He was a soldier who fought in Scotland and fell in battle, leaving his sword to his son.

Bennet Burnell: is the childhood friend of Richard Armistead from London, who later joined the Brethren as a messenger and gave his life to stop Victor Blackheart.

Henry Forwin: is the son of Lawrence Forwin and former leader of the Brethren. He was captured by Roger Wilson and turned into a Varanus by the Adversary, thus starting the Battle of Salisbury Plain.

Isabell Hardwin: is the wife of Norwood Hardwin and friend of the Armisteads. She moved with the Armisteads from London to Shrewton where she met her fate by the plague.

King Alfonso IX: was the king of Castile and ally of the Brethren. He was a member of the alliance that formed at Stonehenge.

King David II: was the king of Scotland and ally of the Brethren. He was a member of the alliance that formed at Stonehenge.

King Edward III: was the king of England and ally of the Brethren. He was a member of the alliance that formed at Stonehenge.

Emperor Louis IV: was the emperor of the He was a member of the alliance that formed at Stonehenge.

King Philip VI: was the king of France and ally of the Brethren. He was a member of the alliance that formed at Stonehenge.

Lawrence Forwin: is the father of Henry Forwin and the friend of Baldwin Caddarik.

Margaret Caddarik: is the mother of Edmond Caddarik.

Mary Armistead: is the wife of Phillip Armistead. She was killed by the Adversary in Shrewton after the plague passed.

Phillip Armistead: is the husband of Mary Armistead. He was killed by the Adversary after saving Shrewton from the plague.

Roger Wilson: is the brother of Nathaniel Wilson and former leader of the Brethren. He was drawn into Apollo’s evil and was last seen in Shrewton before the Battle of Stonehenge.

Thomas Caddarik: is the older brother of Edmond Caddarik.

Victor Blackheart: is a pirate who confronted Richard and the Brethren as they tried to escape France during the War against Apollo. He was cast into the ocean by Bennet Burnell.

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PREFACE

I urge those who choose to inquire further upon the story of the Brethren, to consider first, as a reminder and an encouragement, a retracing of my father’s story of redemption and rise to leader of the Brethren. If you wish not to hear this retelling, I give you my leave; however, if the tale of the Brethren’s rise is unknown to you, then I beg that you would linger and learn before proceeding onward.

My father, Richard Phillip Armistead of London, began his story by leaving his place of birth in London to journey back to his family’s origin, Shrewton, England, along with a family friend Norwood Hardwin and his wife. Upon arrival in Shrewton, my father, my grandparents, and the Hardwins, were met by the Baron Angus Aundray and his wife, old friends from times past and there was much celebration in their reunion. All was well until the sudden death of the Lady Aundray and the onset of plague. Death took the town by storm, claiming the lives of many, including Norwood’s wife. In the midst of the catastrophe, Norwood vanished only to return as the Adversary, and he slew my father’s family.

Consumed by sorrow and hatred, my father ran from Shrewton and met Andrew Freeman and Edmond Caddarik, the former of whom became a father to him and the latter a brother. As the years went by the three men formed the Brethren, a paramilitary force committed to sowing peace where there was war, and hope where there was despair. Over time the Brethren grew and many other joined them, among whom was the traitor, Roger Wilson.

After the establishment of the Brethren, catastrophe struck the world in the form of the hideous plague of creatures called the Varanus. These creatures conquered at the bidding of the dark being Apollo with the Adversary as his commander. The Varanus attacked with ferocity and when their venom entered a man, the man himself was transformed as through fire into a Varanus as they delivered the world into flames. In the midst of the fire, the Brethren fought to understand its source and end the conflict, meeting allies along the way in Feargal Elmsbirch, Luke Redhill and his sister, the woman who would become my mother, Piper Redhill. Eventually, the Brethren’s journey brought them to Stonehenge where they met a gathering of five kings with their forces and waited for the Alignment – the Alignment at that time being understood as no more than an aligning of the sun’s and moon’s light over Stonehenge. What they did not realize was the great power that would emerge in the form of the five Orbs, each possessing power over a force of nature: fire, wind, water, earth, and light.

Upon the fields of Salisbury Plain the Brethren confronted the commander and Adversary, Norwood Hardwin, and the traitor, Roger Wilson, leading to the battle where the allied forces of France, Italy, Spain, Scotland, and England were driven back to Stonehenge by the Varanus. There, upon the brink of man’s extinction, my father accepted his Savior and forgave the wrongs done to him in his past, becoming the leader of the Brethren in the wake of Andrew’s death.

My mother, Luke, and Feargal all joined the Brethren then and spoke the old pledge before the Battle of Stonehenge: On my honor, in union with the Brethren, I hereby pledge to do Christ's will in all my power, to Heal all Offenses, to help all those in need, and to Protect the Earth and those in it from whatever perils should come.

My father then led the final stand against the forces of Apollo at Stonehenge as the Alignment emblazoned the world with light. There upon the fields before Stonehenge, the Varanus were slain, the murderer Norwood was freed from his imprisonment though his mind remained behind bars, and the dark being Apollo was sealed away within the Alignment, either in death or rest until the light aligns again at the end of the millennium.

As for the Brethren, the powers of the Orbs were bestowed upon them. To my father was given the power of light, to my mother the power of wind, to Edmond water, to Luke fire, and to Feargal the power over the earth. With the Orbs was given freedom from the bonds of time and the fears of mortal men, and as years passed, time touched none of them. And my father received a new commission for the Brethren in the form of a vision of the world’s final battleground, to fight no more in the wars of men, but stand against that which lies deeper – against the rulers and against the principalities of darkness, preparing for the days to come.

That is where the story ends, and now the story of my family returns where just forty short years have passed. In those years, no child was granted to my parents, though Edmond, Feargal, and Luke all married and raised families.

Edmond married a baker’s daughter, April, and together they had Rachel, Steven, and Alicia Caddarik.

Feargal married a young woman named Everly who bore James, Rose, Donovan, and Ryland Elmsbirch.

Luke married Rebecca and they had Laurel, Jack, Robert, and Hunter and Harry Redhill, the latter two being twins, but upon the difficulty of their birth, Rebecca succumbed.

United together, the five heads of the Brethren became a family of families, raising their children to carry on the Brethren’s calling when the time came.

With the new commission, my father ordered that the Brethren be hidden in the castle of Northisle far to the north, to wage a new warfare against the heart of man and watch as a new generation of Brethren began spreading peace throughout the world.

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PROLOGUE

Nathaniel pulled a cloak over his shoulders and leaned heavily on his cane. He turned back into the house to see his friend laying on a bed in the corner. Nathaniel could barely see him through the old scar on his face from the fire years before. Wilfred, he said.

Wilfred looked up from his place on the bed, grunting as he did.

I will bring your nephew back, Nathaniel said as he limped across the earthen floor, his wooden leg digging into the dirt. He knelt beside the bed, clasping Wilfred’s hand. I promise you.

If only the Cardinal had come in time, Wilfred gasped. He would have banished that demon from our homes

The stranger is gone now, but I will bring Grayson back, Nathaniel assured him. Believe me, I will not rest until I find him.

Wilfred smiled. I would go with you if I could, he glanced down at the bandages around his torso. I…I would if I could.

Rest. Emily will take care of you, Nathaniel said as he turned to see his daughter on the other side of the room taking care of her younger brother and trying to keep him quiet. I will be back. Nathaniel tightened his grip around Wilfred’s hand, then let go. He crossed the room to the door and pulled it open, stepping out into the evening light. A horse waited, saddled for him. He wondered if perhaps this would be his last ride.

He tied his cane to the horse’s back and pulled himself up into the saddle. He prepared to depart but his daughter ran out of the house. Father! she called.

Nathaniel looked down at her and smiled. I will be back, Emily. Take care of your brother for me, will you?

Please, she said, reaching up to him. I love you.

Nathaniel leaned down, and she placed her hand on his scarred cheek, laying a kiss upon his cheek.

I love you, he said and smiled down at her. I will bring Grayson back, I promise. He pulled the horse by the reigns and galloped off to the south. He reached the shoreline of the great loch and followed it southward. He peered out over the water, picturing what lurked within. Just a few days before the town was as calm and as still as the water of the loch, but since the stranger came and took Wilfred’s nephew, everything changed. The town and the loch were no longer peaceful. They were scarred by what the stranger left behind. He left part of his evil in the town, staining it. Nathaniel had to stop him – not just by bringing Grayson back, but by bringing an end to the terror the stranger left behind.

Nathaniel galloped on, keeping his eyes peeled for Wilfred’s nephew and for the stranger. Night darkened the sky and the still water reflected it like a mirror. Nathaniel finally put the loch behind him and charged into the night, guided by the moonlight shining above. As the moon reached its peak, an orange light entered Nathaniel’s view, bright and flickering. Smoke filled his nostrils as it curled up into the sky.

Nathaniel urged his horse forward and crashed through the trees toward the light. It grew brighter and the smoke grew thicker until he burst out onto another road, flames all about him from wagons and carriages. Horses and soldiers lay dead upon the ground with severed swords and shattered shields. Amid them all stood statues, stone and glimmering in the firelight. One carriage had crashed into the trees and the horses fought to break free of it.

Nathaniel’s horse reared up at the sight, nearly throwing him off its back. He placed his hand upon the beast’s neck to steady it and he let out a shaking breath.

Sparks fluttered through the air, joining the stars in the sky. Nathaniel swallowed as he stared at the flames and felt their heat upon his scarred face. His breath shook as he remembered the fire that scarred him so many years before. Before the Varanus, before Apollo, and before he left his family in London. When he and his brother Roger played with their neighbor without a care in the world.

He dismounted his horse and closed his eyes a moment, exhaling. He had left his family once before and never returned. This time, no matter what danger lay ahead, he would return to Emily. He would find Wilfred’s nephew – find Grayson – and bring him home.

He tied the horse to a branch and pulled his cane from the saddle. He bent and scooped up one of the unbroken swords, feeling the warm handle. He then inched out into the road where burning wagons lay overturned and soldiers either stood as stone or lay dead.

Upon the ground, trampled in the dirt, lay a crucifix. Nathaniel stabbed the sword into the ground and knelt, lifting the cross. He looked around him once more. His breath quickened as he realized what was burning. The entourage belonged to the church – the Cardinal that was supposed to come to the loch.

Nathaniel let out a long sigh, placed the crucifix into his belt, and pulled himself up with the sword.

A scream pierced the air and Nathaniel jumped. He darted through the flaming debris toward the sound but froze when he saw what made it.

The stranger from the loch, the man Nathaniel sought, stood, watching as Wilfred’s nephew dropped a crimson clad body to the ground.

Nathaniel stepped back, his grip on the sword loosening. Grayson, his voice shook.

The stranger turned to face him. Kill him, he said.

Grayson turned to face Nathaniel but did not move.

Nathaniel tightened his grip on the sword again as the stranger’s bright eyes came to rest upon him. Let him go! Nathaniel demanded.

The stranger stepped toward Grayson as the young man stared down at the dead cleric. The stranger waited for Grayson to respond, then started walking toward Nathaniel.

Nathaniel stepped back, his wooden leg digging into the road as he tossed the cane aside and gripped the sword tighter. Get back! Nathaniel swung his sword around, but missed the stranger, who closed the distance between them and knocked the sword from Nathaniel’s hands.

Nathaniel stepped back and stumbled to the ground. Please, let Grayson go.

The stranger knelt before Nathaniel. Quite a scar you have there, he ran his finger across Nathaniel’s face. I do not suppose you know the story behind it?

Please sir, Nathaniel pleaded as he backed up, just let him go.

The stranger looked back at Grayson, then at Nathaniel. You came here to save him, but it seems to me that he is here of his own free will.

Nathaniel looked at Grayson who simply stared down at the ground where the cleric lay dead.

Please, Nathaniel looked up at the stranger. I beg you.

Beg? the stranger’s jaw tightened in a restrained scowl. Beggars die by the wayside or in prison.

He has a family! Friends, Nathaniel pleaded further.

Family should never take the place of destiny, the stranger stood and gripped Nathaniel’s collar, pulling him up. He then drew a black sword from beneath his garments and pressed it against Nathaniel’s throat. So, tell me, Grayson, who is this man?

Grayson at last looked up, his eyes dark and his breath heavy.

The stranger watched Grayson as he pressed the sword closer and Nathaniel’s head lurched back. Who is he to you?

Grayson shook his head, He is no one. Grayson met Nathaniel’s eyes. No one.

Grayson, Nathaniel begged. You have to come home. Your uncle…

Grayson shook his head and turned to the stranger. Please, spare him.

He will go back to the loch and speak of what we have done here, the stranger’s iron grip rendered Nathaniel immobile as he spoke. Your opportunity will be lost.

Grayson stepped toward Nathaniel and the stranger let him collapse to his knees. Please, Nathaniel, do not make him kill you.

I failed my brother, Nathaniel said. I failed my friend. I cannot fail you or your uncle, he looked up into Grayson’s eyes. I will not fail again.

Please, Nathaniel! Grayson’s voice rose. You were never supposed to follow us!

Come home, Grayson, Nathaniel stared into his eyes – eyes so dark and lost that Nathaniel could hardly see the boy he once knew.

Grayson glanced down a moment, then shook his head.

No, he looked up and met Nathaniel’s eyes. My home died when my father did. And my mother. And my brother. The loch is your home and Emily’s, not mine. He stood up and turned his gaze to the stranger. He need not die.

The stranger glanced down at Nathaniel and nodded. Nathaniel stared into the bright eyes of the stranger, then turned his gaze to the ground.

Run, the stranger said. Never return to the loch. Never breathe a word of this to anyone. If you so much as speak Grayson’s name or tell tale of this – if you so much as speak of me, it will be known.

Nathaniel dropped his gaze to the ground, but the stranger grasped him by the chin and forced him to look into his eyes. If you disobey me, you will kill not only yourself but everyone you care about. Your son, your daughter, your brother. Your friends.

You are a monster.

No. The stranger bent down to meet Nathaniel face to face. A smug grin pulled at his lips, But I left one behind.

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1: TEARS OF WESTMINSTER

Richard Armistead

July 5, 1377

The low rumble of thunder shook the foundations of England as rain splashed onto her King’s wooden effigy. The plaster eyes of the King’s death mask covered the wood face and stared up into the sky. Water soaked into the plaster, darkening it as clouds veiled the sun from view.

The Great North Doors cried aloud as they swung open, awaiting the entry of the fallen King; crying like all those gathered around the Abbey of Westminster. No monk beckoned the weary into the candlelit hallways that day; no joy sounded with the toll of the bells to call the lost souls to kneel before their God. The sobering reality of life’s ultimate end marked the faces of those in the crowd, all clothed in their dark dress on that dreary dawn.

The crowds stood like a flock of crows before the Abbey, all watching the coffin move toward the doors. Behind the crowds, within an alleyway facing the spires of the Great North Doors, stood Richard Armistead. His dark cloak billowed in the wind, flipping off droplets of rain as they plunged from the turbid sky. Piper reached out beside him to grasp his hand as they watched the procession which started a week before when the King died, carrying the coffin across the English countryside to its final resting place within Westminster.

Forty-one years passed since the Battle of Stonehenge – the battle for humanity itself – and with the passage of time, so passed an ally and a friend in King Edward III.

Richard’s gaze periodically fell to the ground, but time and again he forced it back upon Westminster. He wiped his eye and watched as a procession of monks and men of the cloth offered their final promises and prayers for their King. A priest stood off to the side, a large Latin Bible clutched to his chest as he swayed forward and back, chanting what Richard could just make out as one of David’s Psalms. Three cardinals stood behind, their lips moving with the priest’s words. Once the psalm was complete, one of the cardinals took his leave from the others as the rest stood in mourning.

We have been gone too long, Piper, Richard forced his eyes to stay open as water and sorrow battered them in a ceaseless assault to close. With all the Brethren’s power – all our numbers and reach across Europe, we still could not get here soon enough. His gaze dropped, then rose again, coming to rest upon the Abbey. After all these years and still we cannot win the peace.

Piper remained silent, her scarlet hair blowing in the wind as her eyes followed Richard’s gaze. She wrapped her arms around herself as rain battered her dark cloak.

Richard’s heart raced – his hands as cold as the King’s coffin as it vanished behind a great door of Westminster…shutting the world out from the Abbey as a dead man closes his eyes to life…shutting out the world as he enters the presence of his God. He believed in us Piper; he trusted us.

It is not your fault, Piper whispered. His heart…God called him. She turned to him, offering a smile. He does not have to wait any longer for home.

Richard shook his head, his hair dripping water into his eyes. We received word he was in danger. We received word of a threat, his voice trembled as he recalled the reason they left Northisle. There was nothing wrong with his heart, Piper.

Richard, he was old – time will always exact its price, Piper sighed and wiped her hair out of her face, allowing her sad blue eyes to meet Richard’s. Even if he was in danger – with ten thousand of the Brethren you could not have predicted this. You could not have foreseen this.

But what if I could have? he whipped his head toward her, water flying off his face. Piper, we did know. I knew. He drew in a deep breath and looked away. I knew something was wrong. I felt it, and I still do. Something… his voice trailed off.

We came with all haste, she placed her hand upon his arm, but Richard did not respond. And the message, she paused. We do not know if it was true. It could have simply been a rumor.

Richard knew all too well what she meant, but he had made sure that never happened again. After the false letter the Adversary gave them so many years before – the letter that nearly brought about the end of all things – Richard made sure each member of the Brethren was verified. The portraits of many Brethren members were stored in Northisle upon joining, and medallions with the emblem of the Brethren were given, forged by Feargal with his power.

The messengers bore the emblem and found Northisle, he replied, picturing the hidden island fortress. They gave the pledge and we have their images. Varian and Randolf were their names. They were of the Brethren – captains even.

Silence stung the air around them as Richard recalled the two rival messengers. The message of the king’s danger had been the one thing they agreed on.

Piper then spoke once more. So, you want to go to Richmond?

Richard set his jaw and gave a sharp nod. We have over a thousand men and women abroad constantly bringing information back to Northisle…a web of news and happenings. I remember many of their faces. I know many by name, he let out a sigh. If we received word that Edward’s life was in danger, then by England, his death was unnatural.

Piper glanced down at the ground. I am always with you, Richard, she looked up at him. Wherever you go.

Richard placed his arm around her shoulders. I know.

Together they turned and began walking away from the Abbey, their boots splashing in the puddles as they strode through the alley and out into the street.

What if Edward was not in danger? Piper asked as they came around a bend in the road leading northward.

I must see it for myself, Richard stopped on the grey cobblestone, and stared down into a puddle, the sky reflected off the water like a mirror staring up at him. He was the last one, Piper.

She paused a moment and opened her mouth, her voice little above a whisper. I know.

They are all gone, Richard’s voice trembled as he stared down at his reflection and the memories returned. The day they stood together with all mankind under one flag and under one God.

David, the small frail king of Scotland appeared in Richard’s mind as he spoke his name, picturing him as he stood with his sword raised for his people, so young then and so full of life, but now gone. Louis, the mighty Emperor who lay down his pride and took up his sword for his people. Alfonso, the man filled with contempt, but who stood to fight off the darkness. Philip, the man who broke, just like Richard himself in times past. Philip, the man who lost his people, his kingdom and his pride. The man who lay everything down and became the king his people deserved. Andrew, Richard’s voice broke as the final memory sealed itself – the memory of the man who gave everything. The man who gave his life and calling so that Richard could live. They are all gone, Richard drew in a deep breath. Edward was the last king in the alliance.

Piper opened her mouth to speak but caught herself. Richard already knew what she was going to tell him – remind him of the war now raging between France and England. Edward believed himself to be the heir to the throne of France due to the victory over the Varanus. The French people, however, would have none of it, and war raged to the very day of Edward’s death.

Piper, if he was not murdered, then we know that someone lied to us. If he was murdered, then we know something is very wrong with England and not only does someone have grave plans for the country, but they are willing to kill the King in order to fulfill them. Either way, we must find out. Richard fingered the sword at his side – the sword given him at the Battle of Stonehenge. If we do not, there is either a murderer in the King’s court, or a liar in the midst of the Brethren.

I know, Piper replied, slipping her hand in his and looking up into his eyes. I trust you.

***

They made their way through the streets and alleyways of London, weaving swiftly through the city. Onward they pushed, through the rain in their faces and wind in their hair. Nothing quelled the silence except the growl of the thunder and the splash of their feet through the puddles.

The sun broke through the clouds as they drew close to Richmond Palace, invigorating Richard as he pressed on into the light of the summer sun. It brought hope with its warmth and determination with its light.

He did well that day, Piper spoke up, tearing the silent curtain draped around Richard’s mind. We all did.

Richard glanced down at her. He forced a smile upon his face. The joy of knowing that his lost friend now sung with the angels above lifted his smile.

I love you, she smiled and nudged him.

He quickened his pace. I love you.

They arrived at Richmond within the hour and made their way toward the Sheen Palace where the body of the King was discovered. The massive structure reached up for the sky as a tree with many branches and pinnacles. The sunlight shimmered off the wet surface in a blinding display of beauty.

Richard led the way across the turf, the soft lush grass bending beneath his feet as the wind blew across the open ground. The clouds in the sky pressed to blot out the sun, but all that was produced was a shining silver lining, illuminating the darkness and shimmering off the River Thames.

As Richard approached the entrance of the palace, Piper walking beside him, a guard leveled his spear in their way, and a second guard strode up from their left.

You cannot go in there, he growled. His right hand clutched the spear’s shaft like a lifeline.

Richard met the guard's gaze, then turned to the second guard, a giant of a man. Both were too young to remember Stonehenge; both were ignorant of his name. All just as it should be, for that day forever was to be shrouded in secret. The world did not need to know that monsters actually existed aside from those men create in themselves by their greed and lust.

I was a friend of Edward’s, Richard pushed the dripping black tip of the spear away from him and winced as a black substance burned his finger. He furrowed his brow a moment and glanced down at his hand but made no more of it when the shorter guard spoke again.

And I was his wife, the first guard scoffed. I have been working for the king for twenty years boy. Every day standing by his side and guarding his life. Now if you would like to turn around and go home, we can forget this ever happened. The giant stepped forward, his spear looking like a twig in his hand.

Forty years ago, do you know what happened? Richard wiped his finger off on his surcoat, paying no mind to the burn.

Richard… Piper whispered, placing her hand upon his shoulder.

The shorter guard’s round bearded face quivered and his eyes narrowed. War broke out between France and England, he spat. War that let the world fall into fire.

Richard shook his head. You really do not know?

You told them to forget, Richard, Piper spoke up again. How could they know?

Know what? demanded the giant, waving his spear in their faces.

I just need to see the room where Edward died, Richard pushed the spear away, this time not touching the tip, and addressed the first guard.

And I just told you, no, the guard replied.

Yes, you heard him right. No, the giant retorted.

Richard set his jaw. They could stay and start a fight, but what good would that do? Making enemies was not his mission. Good day, Richard exhaled through his teeth and turned away from them.

That is right, the guard jeered after him. Right back to where you came from, boy.

Richard stopped. Why did we keep it a secret? Why not tell the world? His brow tightened.

Piper stayed his racing heart, placing her hand upon his chest. We will find another way in.

Richard glanced back at the guard, then continued walking away from the palace. Sometimes I wonder… Richard muttered under his breath. Should they have kept it secret?

What if we try a window? asked Piper, as she veered to the right.

Richard nodded, letting out a long sigh as they left the guards behind. Can you get us up there? he pointed to a window high above the ground.

Can I? Piper's eyebrow rose as she smirked. I did not fight monsters and demons at Stonehenge for nothing.

Is that a yes? Richard dared.

Piper simply nodded with a smile as the winds whirled around them, blowing faster and harder with each passing second until a great tempest tore through the air surrounding them. They lifted off the ground, rising into the air until they dropped upon the windowsill.

Sorry, Piper smiled, sarcasm filling her tone. This was as close as I could get to the window. Maybe next time I will do better.

Richard smiled as well and gripped the window frame to keep from falling. Well at least you could have gotten us inside.

The window blew open with a thunderous wind. Are you happy now?

Could you possibly be louder? Richard smiled, drawing in a deep breath as he turned to peer into the palace – the place his friend died. We need to find his room before anyone finds an open window – or us.

Piper nodded. Of course, her voice returned to its usual northern timbre.

They stepped into a small chamber of stone, furnished and well-kept with