The Guardian

Chapter 2

Chapter 2By the time they reached Mam Eira’s cottage, Edison had to confess to himself he was glad of Gavril’s help. They’d walked the length of the village, then up a steep hillside track to find the cottage with its thatched roof looking like a natural extension of the land itself.

The fence was made of mismatched branches of wood that had obviously been found and not hewn from a living tree. The garden was a mix of flowers and herbs and the trees and shrubs lining the path were strewn with charms and wind chimes. It was exquisitely rustic, even to the roses growing to form an arch over the doorway and the horseshoes nailed into it.

But along with a surprising, if vague, sense of familiarity, Edison couldn’t shake the feeling that everything he could see, even the pretty charms, served a practical purpose. The loud cawing of a raven caught his attention and he glowered at the bird.

“That was at the station.” He nodded at it and Gavril raised an eyebrow.

“You can be so sure?” he asked. “Most would simply say it’s a bird like any other.”

“Well, it seems so to me. The cottage and garden are beautiful. She keeps a neat house. Even the step looks scrubbed.” Edison was certain Gavril expected a reaction and didn’t mind admitting how pretty the cottage appeared.

“She does most herself. But my sister has helped lately. To be out scrubbing was too much for Mam Eira. Here…” Gavril opened the gate, gave a quick bow, and gestured toward the path. “Be welcome and be safe. Bring not the darkness with you. It’s what Mam Eira would say.” Gavril met Edison’s quizzical stare without blinking.

“Very well.” Edison stepped over the threshold and felt a brief chill as if he’d walked from sunlight into shade and out again. He glanced back at Gavril, who seemed entirely too preoccupied with closing the gate, and he decided to ask questions once inside the house. I doubt he’d answer any of them now, anyway.

As Edison approached the door, it swung back slowly and he hesitated on the doorstep, trying to peer inside before crossing the threshold.

“Croeso. Dewch i mewn,” a woman’s voice rang out strong and clear.

“My Welsh isn’t what it was.” Edison hesitated, using the excuse to remain on the step for a few more seconds, feeling he was on the verge of taking a step into the unknown.

“Welcome. Come in.” This time the voice was musically accented. “And as I’m sure Gavril will have told you, bring not the darkness with you.”

“Thank you.” Edison sucked in a breath and crossed the threshold.

Nothing.

A flush of embarrassment washed over him, and Edison was glad that his skin didn’t glow red when he was embarrassed.

“Disappointed?” An elderly woman emerged from another doorway, a mischievous smile on her face.

“Pardon?” Edison wasn’t certain he’d heard right, but the woman chuckled as she came forward.

“That this is not a mansion and I’m not a rich, long-lost relative.”

If there was one thing that Edison was sure of as he gazed into eyes as dark as his own, it was that the woman before him hadn’t meant anything of the sort. He glanced back at the raven that quickly took flight.

“Well, given that the clothes you see me in, and the contents of this bag represent the sum total of my worldly possessions, I could ask you the same.” Edison set down the bag and stuck his hands on his hips.

“Not only do you look like my brother, but you also sound like him, too.” Eira chuckled again, coming closer to look him up and down. “He was a fine figure of a man in his youth.”

“Other than a resemblance to your brother, what makes you think we’re related?”

“I know we’re related. Your mother Helydd was my niece. She married Dewi Jones from Caernarfon and he took her away when you were but a toddler.” Eira looked Edison in the eye. “He didn’t like me any more than I liked him. But my niece loved him, and I loved her, and you when you came along. Now they’re both gone and only you remain. The last of the bloodline.”

“Sounds overly dramatic. But, yes, Helydd and Dewi were my parents.”

The high-pitched scream of a boiling kettle interrupted them and Eira rubbed her hands.

“Ah, good. Gavril hasn’t been idle while we chatted. “Good boy. Bring it through here. We’ll sit in comfort to talk.

The tiny living room held only a couple of armchairs and after Gavril set down the tea, he immediately returned to the kitchen.

“Don’t you be eating all my sweet treats now,” Eira called after him, chuckling. “He’s a good boy and a strong and willing helper. But he loves my cakes and sweetmeats. A little too much.”

“Allow me.” Edison began to pour the tea, its aroma bringing another elusive memory to life. He closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply.

“Yes, you do remember visiting here.” Eira settled herself into the chair. “That’s good. Dewi didn’t entirely wipe me from your mind.”

“I doubt that was his intention—” Edison began but a rude noise from Eira cut him off.

“That’s exactly what he wanted. As much as he may have loved my niece, he hated this village and didn’t like me. I wasn’t told they were going. He invited a couple of friends to stay, borrowed their clothing, used their trunk for your possessions, and vanished in the night with no forwarding address.”

Another buried memory surfaced. Tad holding me. We were at a train station. It was dark and the train was coming in. Mam was crying. He gave her a choice. If she stayed, she’d never see me again. That’s why she came. That’s why she was never happy no matter where we went.

“I see you recognize the truth of my words. Your father wasn’t a bad man, Edison. Just a scared and a selfish one. He wanted Helydd, and you, safe as well as to himself. In the end, no man can escape his fate. For all his attempts. Here you stand once again. Or sit. Then I found they had died.” An expression of hurt and pain flashed across Eira’s face, then she shook her head. “I can’t change the past. I can only live in the present and look to the future.”

“I don’t think Mam wanted to leave.” It was all Edison could offer and Eira smiled at him.

“You’re a good boy. I knew you would be.” She sipped her tea. “I’m going to need help. Probably for a few months. I can offer you food and board. They’re always looking for miners if you’ll mine for copper.”

“A mine’s a mine.” Edison didn’t miss the way Eira watched him over the rim of her teacup. “Not that I’ve agreed to stay. Yet.”

“I’m not strong enough to be on my own here.” Eira nodded in the direction of her kitchen. “I have good, caring friends, but I need family. To stay here. To help me get strong again.”

Although Eira sounded a little over-dramatic, Edison couldn’t deny that he felt a pull to the woman, her cottage, and even the village. I did feel as if I was coming home. I have nowhere else to be or a job to go to. Mining’s in my blood. I took to it like a natural. And after all, she is my only living relative.

“All right.” Edison nodded. “I’ll stay awhile. But I make no promises as to how long.” Edison quickly added the proviso as Eira gave a gap-tooth smile of triumph.

“My only expectation is that you’ll stay for as long as you’re needed.” Eira sipped her tea, then fixed Edison with a bright-eyed stare. “One day, this cottage and all that it holds will be yours. It’s your inheritance. From what I’ve seen so far, you’re a worthy heir. Don’t disappoint me.”

To his surprise, Edison felt a swell of pride at Eira’s words and realized that he didn’t want to disappoint her. Not that he could imagine why, or how, he would ever do so.

“Gavril, my nephew is staying,” Eira called and the other man came in from the kitchen, a wide smile on his face.

“Welcome, Edison Jones. My family and I are at your service.” He gave a short bow.

“Thank you.” Edison returned the smile. A thrill tingled down his spine, and his groin tightened as he looked at the other man. That was a sensation he’d not felt in a while. What men did behind closed doors was one thing, but it was dangerous to be open about such yearnings among the dour miners he’d worked with before.

“Not that one, Nai.” Eira’s voice was soft, without censure, but Edison heard her clearly and his heart sank.

Then he looked at her and saw the glint of mischief in her eyes. She said not that one. Edison smiled slowly and Eira chuckled.

“Well now, since that’s settled, show Nai Edison where he’ll sleep, Gavril. Those stairs are too much for me to climb.”

Edison followed the direction of Eira’s gaze and saw the steps she meant. They were little more than a ladder behind which she’d set a table. There was a bowl in its centre, and it was filled with dried herbs, some acorns, and flowers. Small, multi-coloured stones encircled it and there was a thick, squat unlit candle. For some reason, Edison found the sight relaxing.

“Follow me, Edison. I’ll take your bag. I’m used to these steps. I’ve slept up here on occasion.” Gavril bounded across the floor, scooped up Edison’s bag without waiting for a reply, and was halfway up the steps before Edison had even stood.

At the top of their stairs, the attic had a low bed, piled high with blankets, and there was a tiny fireplace to provide heat. The bedhead was near to a small window, where a wooden chair was positioned for the sitter to gaze out, and between the bed and chair was a small table with a single drawer on which stood an oil lamp.

There were even some hooks from which Edison could hang his clothes. It’s a little more luxurious than my last place. That had no heating and no window. Despite Eira’s warning, Edison couldn’t help but stand close to Gavril. The man smiled, but still took a step away from him.

“Mam Eira is right. I’m not the right one for you. Although I admit, you are a fine figure of a man.”

At the admiration in both Gavril’s tone and gaze, Edison stood a little taller.

“Then is she wrong?” he asked.

“I like men. I like women, too.” Gavril laughed softly as Edison stared at him. “One day I’ll find who’s right for me. Oh, I’d take a tumble with you any day. But you’re Mam Eira’s heir. There’ll be someone extra special for you, my friend.”

Edison had never heard anyone speak so openly, or so honestly, before. Especially regarding being attracted to men and women alike. He may not be willing to be a lover, but I’d be glad to call him a friend.

“We’ll have to see, then, won’t we?” Edison c****d his head. “You wouldn’t want to bet one of those tumbles, would you?”

This time Gavril laughed out loud.

“I’m flattered, fy ffrind, but no. I have too much love and respect for Mam Eira.” Gavril shrugged. “Be patient.”

“I’m not renowned for patience.” Edison sighed. “And this is a small village. If you refuse me, I doubt any other will approach me.”

“As I said, someone special.” Gavril’s grin was nothing short of sinful, but as much as Edison was tempted to kiss the man senseless, he reined in his arousal instead.

“You win.” Edison held up his hands in surrender. “How do I go about getting a job in the mine?”

“I’ll take you to the foreman tomorrow.” Gavril wrinkled his nose. “Well, close enough anyway. The local squire of the manor owns it, but Anand Wraith is the man in charge.”

Edison scowled. “You don’t like the squire?”

Gavril shook his head. “He got the manor, land, and mine as part of a package when he married Lady Seren. He’s lazy and indolent and loves nothing more than to strut like a peacock as if he’d created the mine himself. And, so I hear, sees me and my family as no more than thieves and vagabonds.”

“Sounds like a fool to me. But I can deal with him for as long as it takes to secure work.” Edison bunched his hands into fists but relaxed at Gavril’s hand on his shoulder.

“Best he doesn’t see that side of you, fy ffrind. He’ll tolerate workers who deal with us. And Mam Eira is respected by most in the village. Take a minute to settle yourself. I’ll be downstairs.”

“Thanks.” Edison set his bag on the bed. Not that there was a lot in there.

First, he hung up his good jacket, shirt, pants, and a bowler set with goggles for Sunday best. Another shirt and pants to wash and change with those he already wore, a vest, socks, and a couple of pairs of drawers. Edison preferred to change that item more frequently.

With his clothing hung or away from sight in the drawer of the table, Edison looked at the more precious items he’d carefully wrapped in his clothing. A framed photograph of him with his parents, which he set beside the lamp.

Next was a book that had been his mother’s. Although Edison had learned to read, he couldn’t read the tome. His mother’s beautiful print was clear enough, but the words weren’t English or even Welsh. Some had illustrations of flowers or herbs, but Edison was certain it had nothing to do with herblore or cookery.

The last thing was a crystal ball set on an intricate lattice of polished copper. Another possession of his mother’s and one she’d been at pains to protect. One day this will show your future. Edison smiled despite the pain in his chest. He’d lost both his parents on the same day. His father to a mine cave-in and his mother who, despite being seriously ill, still ran to the mine.

Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Edison touched the ball. I was lucky to get out. You lived long enough to see me safe, then you died in my arms. I felt you down in the darkness. You were my light. I don’t know how, but I still feel to this day that you used the last of your strength to guide me to safety.

A gasp escaped Edison as the crystal beneath his fingers felt warm and the smokiness of the glass became less opaque. He leaned closer, peering at an image that he’d never seen before.

It looked like a man, but one Edison didn’t recognise. His long hair billowed as if in a breeze. His bare chest was adorned with dark hair and a golden medallion glinted as he moved, reaching out toward Edison. It was impossible to make out his features, as his hair hid all his face except for a smile of joy.

It took Edison a moment to realise he was also reaching out and that seemed to break the spell. The image vanished and the ball resumed its normal cool, impenetrable state. Edison sat heavily on the bed, his legs suddenly unable to support him.

Satan’s bollocks, what did I just see? Edison clenched his hands into fists to stop them from shaking and concentrated on breathing deeply, just as he’d been taught down the mine, to calm himself.

After a minute, Edison felt composed enough to peer into the ball once more, tentatively skimming his fingertips over its surface. But there was no heat, no shift in the pattern of the swirling colour, and no strange images. I imagined it. All of it. I’d been thinking about a lover, and I saw an ideal image in my mind’s eye, nothing more.

The more Edison reasoned it, the more it sounded right. After a couple of minutes, he laughed at his own foolishness and headed from the room down the steep steps.

“Everything all right?” Eira asked. Edison hesitated for a moment when he saw the raven sitting beside the mantle over the fireplace.

“Yes. Very good.” He nodded. “Better than my last place, in fact.”

“It’s a hard life down the mine.” Eira clucked softly. “The squire wants a high return from it. Too high, to be told. But it’s the main work here. This is Cydymaith, he and I have been companions for many years. Ravens are highly intelligent.”

“Yes, I’m sure they are.” Edison glanced at the bird, then looked quickly away from the dark eyes that regarded him with such intense scrutiny.

“Gavril says he’ll take you to the mine tomorrow. But let me give you some advice for when you’re there.”

“Very well, Modryb. What would that be?” Edison sat down.

“Pah, auntie indeed.” Despite her apparent disapproval, Eira’s eyes still twinkled. “You’re a strong, confident man. When you go to the mine foreman, pretend you’re at the end of your tether. You’ve had to come here and throw yourself on my kindness. Don’t let him know you and I are related. It’ll come out in time, but get yourself a job first. Work hard so that he doesn’t want to lose you.”

“I’m not ashamed of who or what I am.” Edison scowled. “Nor of my family, either.”

“Trust me, Nai. It’s important. To me, even if it’s not to you.”

There was something about Eira’s tone that made Edison close his lips even as he went to object again.

“Very well. If it’s what you want.” Edison picked up his cup. The tea was still warm. “What now, then?”

“Now you can stay in here and relax.” Eira picked up her own cup. “It’ll be a long time before you’ll have an opportunity again to indulge in doing nothing.”