Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 3 )

Part Three

 

Picture by pixabay free images.

 

 

As the door slowly opened a shiver ran through Mina, not only from the cold but also at not knowing who would be out there. As she turned Mina saw the tall figure of her dad appearing around the door, his lengthy dark hair snaked in a plait down his long, black leather coat, which reached below his knees, with his black leather cap to match.

 

Most people, even family thought her dad's dark beard gave him an air of mystery, along with his black leather boots which matched his coat, as did his trousers.

 

In his hand he carried his wooden staff which he claimed to those that didn't know, that it was a leaning stick he took everywhere, but in actual fact was embedded with a magical crystal so that he could enter through the veil of light. Anyone who didn't know him might have thought he was intimidating to behold, but really he was as gentle as a lamb, though as strong as a bear.

 

There was an expression of sadness in his eyes, as if he already knew about Nina. Without saying a word, his daughter turned away from him unsure of what to say after so long. Kendrick had been gone at least four months though it seemed longer, he'd never tell Mina or her mother when he'd be back or where he was going, never speaking about his travels.

 

The child felt his presence moving closer till he was behind her, but at that moment she never turned to look, though Mina did wonder where he'd been and what his feelings were.

 

“There's a storm brewing this night,” he uttered in a deep voice as if Willowmina really cared. His cold hands rested on her shoulders, fingers massaging though it didn't release the tension or grief the child felt.

 

How could two people be that close, yet so distant? This was one of the many mysteries Mina asked herself time and time again.

 

Her dad would disappear for months on end, then return as if he'd never been away. Mum had no problem with this arrangement, giving him as much love as if he'd been around forever.

 

Mina hated the fact she'd made the unfortunate mistake of telling a girl from school in her second year at juniors about her mum and dad. She'd thought the girl her friend as they'd both seemed to be getting along fine, what a mistake that had been, as soon as Mina told her about their families magical powers, the girl immediately began calling her a weirdo and didn't want anything more to do with Mina.

 

Mum said it was because the girl was scared, Willowmina on the other hand wished she'd never uttered a word, which was why she kept herself to herself. But Mina was glad she now had her closest friend Mia. After that episode Mina withdrew, keeping away from the other kids...nobody seemed to understand which left Mina so distant.

 

Looking down now at her dying mum, Nina's body was so weak from visits to the hospital for chemotherapy treatment, her once blue eyes now blood shot seemed to be gazing into thin air at nothing. The hospital had wanted to send her to a hospice to see out her days, but Nina wouldn't have any of it. She'd given the address of Kendrick's brother to the hospital and stayed there for a while, but missed home so much eventually she returned to the forest.

 

Even though the nurses had no idea where she lived, they had to honor the woman's wishes “Home is where my heart is,” Nina announced so many times. “This is where I belong.” So Kendrick had bought her back to the cabin in the forest.

 

“It won't be long now butterfly,” Mina's dad interrupted her chain of thought. “Mum's soon for the summer lands, then she'll be at peace.”

 

At that moment Nina was aware and called out in a croaky voice, reaching for him. “Kendrick you've returned, come closer let me see you.”

 

Mina moved to the side as her dad bent down so they were able to kiss. It was so sad to watch. Mina could never work out what he meant by the summer lands and the nonchalant way he spoke, as if she were going away for some holiday. She'd never questioned him on the subject until now. “Will the sun always shine when she gets there?” Mina asked confused.

 

Dad turned to face Mina and smiled cupping her chin in his palm. “My little butterfly, I'm sure the sun will shine down on her, she will be peaceful and prepare for rebirth.

 

Nina reached out for her daughter's hand and squeezed it tight. With lips parted she began to talk in a whisper telling Mina to come closer.

 

Releasing his hand from Willowmina's chin, her dad smiled again as Mina turned to connect with mum. “Your dad's right butterfly, you should listen to his words.” She uttered softly.

 

Mina had heard enough .“But I don't want you to go to the summer lands.” She was becoming angry with all this casual talk. “Dad, I'm only ten, how am I supposed to look after myself if mum's not here?” She waited for an answer as both mum and dad gazed at each other.

 

“We have made arrangements for you to live with a foster family, just until you're old enough to cope on your own,” replied Kendrick.

 

Now Willowmina felt like they were throwing her away like an unwanted doll. “No, no,” the girl screamed, not believing what she was hearing. “I want to stay here even if I'm alone.” By now Mina was shaking. “I won't go, do you hear me? Not ever.” She ran to her corner of the room, throwing herself down on the bed and crying into the pillow, punching it with rage. “I hate you...I hate you all.” Of course Mina didn't mean it, the words just seemed to slip out.

 

As if understanding, Kendrick came over and sat down on the edge of Mina's bed. “I know this is a shock to you, but you're too young to take care of yourself butterfly, I've met the family you'll be living with and they're really nice people, they've already got two of their own and three other foster children, one of which is your age.”

 

Mina wasn't interested in other children, particularly those of her own age, they were all lost causes as far as she was concerned. “Why can't I stay with you dad?” She said feeling rejected. Mina felt like her world was falling apart and she didn't know what to do. “How will I carry on learning about plants without mum's help?” She was really now conscious of the pressure of having to move away.

 

Dad looked at her with his usual casual gaze, as if all the world was fine. “Butterfly, you don't realize it yet, but you already have a whole lot of knowledge which lies deep within, it's always been there and will keep growing, just don't stop questioning everything you see around you, that's the beauty of being a witch.”

 

He turned his daughters face towards his own and smiled. “If you're ever in need, just think hard of me and call my name on a breeze, it might not happen straight away but I'll be listening out and as soon as possible I'll be there, don't ever feel you're alone.”

 

“But what about the Sabbaths, how will I be able to celebrate without coming back here?” I know that other people don't understand our ways, it'll be so hard on my own.

 

Kendrick pondered on the matter and knew he must be careful with his answer, he didn't want his daughter to feel like an outcast, but he also needed to know she'd be safe. “It will be hard at first, but you can learn to travel using your mind, it's a bit like an out of body experience where we can meet wherever I happen to be.”

 

It was all so confusing. “Why can't I just come back on my own and visit, then return to this family you're putting me with?”

 

“Butterfly, you will return one day, but for now you need stability in your life to mix with the others. When mum dies there won't be any magical protection for you here, so it's imperative that you don't come back till the time is right.” Dad paused as if catching his breath. “Try and treat this as a challenge, there's so much more for you to learn about the outside world. Nothing's half as bad as it seems. You're my daughter and have inner strength...so mote it be.” He rested his hands on Willowmina's head as he spoke those last four words that always meant so much to the girl.

 

Mina felt a tingling sensation run from the top of her head down through to her toes and knew it was his blessing giving courage. It was a warm experience that gave the feeling Mina could take on anything the world threw her way, but only time would tell.

 

Torrential rain began to fall lashing against the window pane while the wind continued to whistle around the cabin. It would be a wild night and Mina wasn't sure she'd get much sleep. Mum moaned as if delirious as Kendrick sat with her.

 

“Kendrick,” she whispered, pulling him closer.

 

He leaned forward resting his hand on hers. “What is it my love?”

 

“You will be needing your family around for support upon my death.” She sat up gazing at Mina, drawing the girl closer. “Inside my chest at the bottom of the bed is a small blue bottle wrapped in blue material, go get it for me butterfly.”

 

Mina made her way around the bed and opened the lid. Inside were many objects which Mina pushed to one side. Finding the blue cloth, she took it out and unwrapped. “Is this what you want mum?” She asked.

 

“Yes, that's it,” Nina replied. “You need to take only one drop, it's pretty powerful stuff.” Nina took her daughter's hand. “Your dad will need his brother Cedrick to help bury me. That will mean inviting his family through the veil. When you take this, it will give you strength to open the veil wider to let them through.” She squeezed Mina's hand as tight as she could. “But on no condition must you use this concoction for anything else...do you understand butterfly?”

 

“Of course I won't mum, I don't want people coming and going through the veil either.”

 

“Good...good, then that's settled.” Nina lay back down on the bed, a relieved expression on her face.

 

Mina began to feel ashamed at her outburst, knowing how much it would upset mum. “Can I get you a hot drink dad?” She had to somehow make up for her unnecessary display of anger.

 

“Have you anything stronger? I could do with some of mum's brew.” Dad rubbed his hands together in anticipation, he just loved her concoctions.

 

“Mum's made some liquor that tastes like cough mixture, you can try that, it'll warm you up.”

 

Dad laughed at Mina's remark about cough mixture, knowing how strong her liquors could be. “Go get me some then butterfly, let's have a taste, see if I like it.”

 

With that Willowmina lifted a green bottle from one of the wooden compartments dad had made in their kitchen area. Uncorking the bottle she poured the liquid into a small glass. It was blood red and so strong the aroma hit her straight away, it smelt of aniseed, cherry cordial and a hint of some alcohol that knocked the girl back just breathing it in.

 

“Why don't you go and get some rest butterfly, I'll sit with Nina and drink her brew,” he declared taking the glass from his daughter.

 

Sighing, Mina gazed down at her mum, Nina's eyes closed as she rested. “Don't worry if there's any change I'll wake you.” Kendrick noted, as if reading Mina's thoughts.

 

Kissing him on the cheek, she yawned and agreed, sleep was something rare these days as it was only her looking after mum.

 

Taking herself off to bed and stretching out under the covers, Mina was so relaxed it wasn't long before sleep took her. How long she'd been in a dream Mina didn't know, but all the child could hear was a voice shouting her name as suddenly she awoke to dad calling out.

 

“Willowmina! Willowmina! Come quick, it's time to say your goodbyes to mum.” The desperation in his voice had the girl jumping out of bed very quick.

 

“She's fading fast butterfly.” Tears in his eyes told Mina this was it.

 

Kneeling down beside her mum, Mina brushed strands of hair back from her face. “Mum, I love you so, so much.” She tried to be brave and hold back the tears, but they filled her eyes with the inevitability of her mum's death.

 

Nina gave Kendricks hand one last squeeze very gently, then she said in a quiet whisper. “I love you both...we'll be together again one day.” As she lay staring into thin air, Nina took her last breath and that was it, mum was gone.

 

To be continued...