I'm not 100 happy with this part but thought I'd post them and see what people thought! So all reviews with constructive criticism greatly appreciated. Jx
Virginia Beach, New England, April 2nd 1609
It had been a difficult crossing from England. The ship now standing at anchor just off Virginia Beach had been battered and pelted by wind and rain, tiring both her rigging and her crew. Now, as the calm water lapped at her hull, she seemed to be catching her breath, waiting with relieved patience as the crew went back and forth with new wood for her body and fresh supplies for her hold.
The passengers had gone ashore as soon as they could, and now stood watching the small boats transporting huge logs and barrels of water back to the clipper.
"Well, Betsy, we made it."
"We did."
Brian Braddock looked across at his sister, trying to sense her mood. Since they had left home, Elisabeth had been moody and withdrawn, refusing to spend time with any of their group. He had no idea what the sailors had made of this silent, brooding woman who spend so many hours staring out from the bow of the ship. He didn't know if it was melancholy or fear, neither of which were usual for her. Moving closer, he put an arm round her shoulders.
"You might show a little enthusiasm. There aren't many who can say they have visited the New World."
"I know." She stepped out of the circle of his embrace. "But don't you ever stop to think, Brian? Don't you ever wonder what we're doing here?"
"Betsy…"
"I'm serious. You know I did not want to come. I am now asking you to think more carefully before following Ross without question."
"It is a little late to worry about this. We are here. We have a job to do for England. What more is there to know?"
"Oh, Brian." She turned her back on him and looked inland at the thick forests that covered this part of the coast. "I just want you to think for yourself."
"I am thinking for myself." He shot a look at their servants, standing at a respectful distance, carefully within earshot. Following his sister, he pulled her round to face him. "You know the situation. I had you to think of, and Jamie. What else was I supposed to do?"
"We could have come here ourselves." Betsy's eyes flashed with sudden anger. "We could have come to join these people instead of hunting them down. I know you take your responsibilities seriously, Brian, but I wish you would also think of what is right."
"This is right." Brian tried to keep his voice low, knowing that Piotr and Katherine would be listening eagerly. "We have no chance of a future without the sanction of the authorities. And I don't just mean our family."
Betsy held his gaze for a long moment before letting her eyes fall.
"I still say you are wrong. But I will follow for now. Do not disappoint me, Brian."
"I won't." He pulled her towards him and kissed her forehead. "I promise. Come on, Pitor. Let's see if we can do anything to help the crew."
There was little for Elisabeth or her maid, Katherine, to do except sit and watch the men work. Unhappy at the forced inactivity, Elisabeth wandered through the edge of the forest, investigating the flora of this strange new world. Katherine trailed behind, silent and resigned as her mistress to the necessity of their task. As the day wore on, the torn rigging was repaired and the string of little boats between the ship and land became less frequent. Finally, as the sun was setting, the captain was satisfied that they could leave.
"But not until the morning. This coastline is dangerous enough by day. We will spend the night here and weigh anchor at dawn."
They ate at the captain's table as usual, with Elisabeth providing a welcome distraction for these rough men. The captain himself was serious and surprisingly gentle, but none of their passengers were under any illusions as to where the authority lay. After a surprisingly good meal, Elisabeth retired to allow the gentlemen to smoke, and took her usual stroll around the deck. When she reached the prow, she paused a moment, letting her eyes and mind wander. The ship was never silent, the murmurs of the crew providing a constant background hum. To her, the hum was louder, encompassing the men's very thoughts, their hopes and fears. For most of them, this was unknown territory and they worried about meeting strange natives or running onto hidden shoals. Beyond them, she could sense the outspread people of this New World, covering thousands of miles and hundreds of tribes. She knew that what her fellow countrymen regarded as free land was already inhabited and that there would always be trouble where the two interests collided. The minds she encountered on land were unfamiliar to her, their thoughts covering unknown subjects and very different in their dreams.
Casting wider, she felt a ripple in the fabric of her mind. She sensed the world by covering it as though her mind was a blanket. She now sensed something different under the cover, something that disturbed her equilibrium. After a moment of concentration, she pinpointed two origins for the disturbance, both two the north and both powerful. Her gentle investigation had not alerted either of them and she withdrew with equal care. She would have to tell Brian of this, tell him that the ones they had come to seek were indeed here. The presence of two such minds meant either their intelligence was very wrong or they were not the only ones currently on the hunt. If King James could conceive the idea of sending like for like, it was not unfeasible that another could do the same. She decided to tell Brian of the second presence, the one traveling the coast as they would tomorrow. That was the immediate threat. As long as she had something to report, she supposed he would be satisfied. The other could always wait.
Roanoke Forest and coast, Virginia, March 2nd
The moment that thought returned was always a shock. He was grateful that there was no memory of the beast, only the last moments before the change. But he spent the first few moments as Banner trying to remember who he was and why he was so far from where he last remembered. There was also always a relief to have clarity restored. There was no memory left from the monster he became, just a feeling of rage and anguish, of pain and torment. Everything dimmed and blurred beyond the realms of knowing so that when the world snapped back into focus, it made his head swim.
He raised his face to the sun, trying to refocus on the here and now, to forget the darkness of night. In the distance, he could hear voices and noises, bangs and shouts of men at work. These weren't the usual noises of the forest, nor of the tiny homesteads he sometimes stumbled across. Weaving his way through the trees, he could made out individual voices and words, and his step became more cautious. He didn't want to be found and caught, dragged out to the laughs and jeers of men.
From the very edge of the wood, he could see the ship down in the bay and the men traveling to and fro. They were cutting down trees from the edge of the wood and carrying them back to the shore, singing and shouting as they worked. His vantage point provided ample cover to observe the newcomers. Apart from the crew, he could see a small group of better dressed men at the shore's edge. They were overseeing the work and discussing a map that was held between them. From time to time, one of them would glance over a shoulder to another group of people a short distance away. Shifting position to get a different view, Banner could see three figures, two small and slim ones either side of a tall, bulky shape. All wore dark cloaks with deep hoods, two of which were pulled up despite the heat from the sun. The third had been thrown back to show a dark haired woman with pale skin, almost shining in the bright light. As he watched, she turned her head to scan first the shoreline then the land up the slope of the hill. For an awful moment, he felt her eyes sweep across the place where he stood and he feared he could be discovered. She was too far away for him to see her clearly, but he could feel the intensity of her gaze raising the hairs at the back of his neck. With an effort of will, he forced himself to stay calm and pushed the beast, roused by his fear, back into hiding. His fears were truly eased when the bright stare moved back to the shore.
He stood for a long time, just watching the men come and go, the other men confer and the black-cloaked group watch in their turn. It felt strange to be close to other people again after so long alone. He knew that even now he wasn't really with any of these men and that any approach from them would send him running back into the safety of the trees. But for now, he just enjoyed being in their oblivious company.
The day wore on and Banner realized they would be leaving soon. Whether it was the thought of being left alone again or just a yielding to temptation he didn't know, but some impulse made him take a step out of the cover of the trees. Instantly, he knew it was a mistake as the dark woman's head snapped towards him. Then her companions turned as well, looking up to the wood on top of the hill. There were shouts from the sailors and some of them began to run towards him. Caught in an awful moment of indecision, Banner froze. He was terrified of disocovery and condemnation, while the rational part of his mind hoped that these people might be able to help him.
"Don't be afraid."
The words came directly into his head, a woman's voice, low and calm.
"We can help you. Stay where you are."
Looking down, he saw that the other small figure had cast back its hood to reveal pale blonde hair, glowing in the sunlight. The running sailors were closer now and he knew this was his last chance to flee. The indecision still pulled at him, his fear and his hope battling for supremacy. At the back of his mind, the beast stirred again, alarmed by the conflict in Banner. It began to rise as the sailors approached and he knew he would not be able to control it. He began to back away, raising hi hands to ward them off, warn them not approach, all the time knowing that it was too late. It was free.
The roar shook the leaves on the trees and the grains of sand on the beach. Tessa, who had been watching the strange scene unfold, pulled her mistress into the cover of the rock that jutted into the sea. Emma Frost did not resist the rough handling, allowing her servant to shove her into a crevice for protection. Her uncharacteristic passivity was due in part to her trust in the other woman and in part to the distraction in her mind. The creature that lurked in the darkest corner of Banner's mind was wild and uncontrollable, ripping through the psychic bonds with which she sought to bind it. She had sensed the brooding darkness and primeval instincts in the man but had not expected the physical transformation. Ever since they had arrived, he had watched them with such longing and sorrow that she had hoped he would come to them, out of curiosity and need. Instead, she could hear the beast ripping through the undergrowth and the cries of the sailors as they scrambled out of its path. And Emma Frost knew, with absolute certainty, that the creature was coming for her.
In front of her, Tessa and Lucas watched the sailors try to steer the huge monster away from the shore. It was not deterred by their shouts or the long spars that they thrust at it. Even a huge log, hurled by four burly sailors, was simply brushed aside, like a child swatting at a moth. Roaring again, the beast changed direction and began to make for the pile of rocks at the water's edge.
"It's coming for us. Get her out of here." The Bishop was already shedding his swirling cloak as he shouted the instruction at Tessa. She hesitated for a second, as though she would have stayed to fight alongside him, then she grabbed Emma's arm and began to climb over the rocks, dragging her mistress behind her. In truth, Lucas had no idea what he could do against the wall of green flesh coming towards him; all he knew was that he must give the women time to get away. Not for the first time on this journey he was grateful for the disguise in which he had travelled. As Bishop Lucas of Almeira he would have been encumbered by robes and skull cap, rosary and crucifix. As Lucas, servant to Lady Emma Frost, his loose fitting shirt and hose allowed him all the movement he would need. And he did need it as the monster bore down on him.
He ducked the outstretched fist, hearing it crack the rock face behind him. His foot lashed out in a blow that should have smashed the creature's kneecap. Instead the limb barely moved under his assault, not even enough to throw it off balance. The attack left Lucas prone under the beast, and in that awful moment he thought it was over. Then the shadow was gone from above him, and the creature was gone, scrambling over the rocks after Tessa and Emma.
Cursing in words that a churchman should not have known, Lucas threw himself after it, landing on its back and managing to get one hand on the giant's face. He tried to get his fist into an eye, hanging on for dear life with the other hand. He lasted barely a moment before his wrist was taken in an impossibly strong grip and he was thrown through the air. From the pain in his arm, he guessed that at least one bone was broken, and the jolt of the landing knocked all the air out of him. Apparently having decided that he was more than just a slight annoyance, the beast advanced on him, ready to stamp out his life. Still numb and winded, Lucas knew he would not have time to roll out of the way before the huge foot crushed his skull. He felt no fear of death, only the stinging rebuke of failure, as he prepared his soul with the words of the final confession.
Before he could say amen, he smelt the stink of brimstone and was struck with the sudden horror that his absolution was not complete. He cried out in anger and horror as a demon appeared above him, landing on his chest and wrapping its arms and legs around him. He saw its tail rise and was about to attempt to fight it off when the world vanished around him.
He came back to himself a moment later and a hundred yards away, brimstone and smoke clogging his throat and making his eyes water. With surprise, he realized he was still on the beach, lying on his back and that a hand was on his face. Choking and gasping, he looked up into Tessa's face. She was calm and impassive as ever, but he thought he read concern in her deep blue eyes.
"What-" he broke off, coughing.
"Don't try to speak yet. We'll get you some water when we can." Tessa glanced over her shoulder. "It seems we have been rescued."
Struggling up, Lucas looked back to the rocks where the creature was still lumbering about. He was about to ask why it hadn't followed them, when there was a clap of thunder and flash of smoke and the demon appeared again. It was everything the Bishop remembered. It seemed to hover in midair again, just long enough to plant a blow on the back of the monster's head before vanishing again. Enraged, the beast turned to swipe a massive hand through the cloud of smoke, yelling and roaring in frustration. The demon reappeared behind it again, landing another hit and evaporating with the now familiar sound and smell. The dance continued, the demon never materializing long enough to be caught and the creature becoming increasingly enraged. The demon was driving his adversary back over the rocks, back the way it had come, then there was a noise louder than the thunderclap the demon normally produced and the combined guns of the crew were fired at the monster. This last blow seemed to be too much for the confused creature and it began to flee again into the shelter of the woods. Some of the sailors got up enough courage to throw loose rocks at it, just to encourage it on its way.
Bishop turned to Tessa, cradling his wrist.
"Do you have any idea what that was?"
Instead of answering, she gently pulled his arm towards her, probing at the injury.
"Tessa?" he said again. "Do you know what that was?"
"What makes you think I might?" She turned his arm over, running cool fingers over the damaged skin.
"Because you don't seem to be nearly as surprised as I feel." He broke off with a yelp as her probing discovered a tender spot.
"I was very surprised." Everything in her voice and manner denied this statement. Even after three weeks on board a ship with the woman, Lucas still didn't know how to read her.
"Really?"
"Really. I think a bone in your wrist is broken but it appears to be a simple break. I will find a splint for it." As she started to rise, Lucas put his good hand on her arm.
"Tessa, tell me what you know." He didn't try to shout, cajole or threaten her, knowing that there was little point. She met his steady gaze without fear or reluctance.
"Until just now, Bishop," she emphasized his title, "I had no more idea about that creature than you did." Her tone was frank and clear as always, but Lucas knew an evasion when he heard one.
"Which creature, Tessa? The big green one or the small blue one?"
She smiled at this. "Either. Now, I must find something for your wrist. The captain will be over here soon and I must see to her Ladyship." Removing his hand, she rose and strode towards the edge of the wood.
The Bishop had almost forgotten about Emma Frost in all the confusion. She was sitting a few feet away, her golden head bowed and eyes closed. Lucas had never seen her look anything other than cool and composed; this disheveled woman was far from the proud countess he had come to know.
"Lady Emma? Are you alright?"
Shaking her head, she looked up at him.
"Not really. I'm so sorry, Lucas."
"For what?" He was genuinely puzzled.
"For bringing that thing down on us. I thought I could control him, let him come to us when he was ready. I though we could use him."
"Use him?" Lucas repeated. "My Lady, what are you talking about?"
"That creature, when in human shape, used to be Banner, servant to King James of England. I saw it all in his mind, the light that changed him, the life he has lived since then, the loneliness and the fear of his existence. I thought, if we helped him, he might be able to help us. I was wrong."
"Very." Lucas had little time for weeping women. He had respected Emma on the voyage for her forthright views and quick tongue. Now, he suspected, she just needed jolting out of her gloom and guilt so he kept his tone gruff. "Do you know what that was that saved us?"
"No." When she spoke this time, it was with some of her usual spirit. "Our guardian devil, perhaps?" She brushed the sand from her cloak, her hand now steady and manner more assured. "What is galling is that I didn't get anything useful."
"From that thing? What could you want?"
"Nothing. I meant from Banner, the man inside the monster." Emma pulled the clasp of her cloak back to center and shook out the folds. "Between the solitude and that thing inside him, very little of his original purpose is intact inside his mind."
"What about our rescuer?" Lucas asked.
A shadow fell across them and they looked up into Tessa's grave face.
"I believe I can answer that question." She said. Her companion was barely taller than her, enveloped in the robes of monk. "This is brother Kurt, of the Benedictine order," she went on. "I thought you might want to thank him in person."
"Of course." Emma appeared unperturbed. "Although we may be more sensible to move away from the crew. We do not want to be overseen or heard."
They went a little way into the wood, where Emma settled herself at the foot of a tree and gestured for the others to join her. The Bishop felt as though he was attending a summer picnic rather than conferring with a demon in monk's clothing. As he rested his aching back against the rough bark, Tessa sank down next to him and pulled his wrist towards her.
"I think you may dispense with the hood, Brother." Emma said. "We have all seen your true face."
With obvious reluctance, the monk obeyed and Lucas noticed that the hands that tugged at the rough cloth had only three fingers. The face beneath the cloth had been mere inches from his own but in the dappled light it was less fearsome and terrible. The lips were closed over the pointed teeth and the yellow eyes no longer seemed to glow with a light of their own. There was intelligence in those eyes now as they met the Bishop's.
"I trust your arm will heal." The voice was not, as Lucas had expected, hissing and screeching. There was a faint trace of a Germanic accent and a purr behind the smooth syllables.
"He will be fine." Tessa was binding Lucas's hand with strong sticks and cloth that looked to have been torn from her skirts. The pain had dulled to a constant burn, flaring when Tessa's fingers found a tender spot.
"It appears I must trust my doctor." Said Lucas with a smile. "And my rescuer." Kurt acknowledged the thanks with a brief nod. "I thought you were the devil himself at first." Lucas went on. "But you are witchbreed, are you not?"
"Aren't you?" Kurt's voice held the edge of a challenge.
Emma just laughed.
"Aren't we all? No, Bishop," she forestalled Lucas's protests, "it is a fair question. Mother Rome grants us deliverance from our wicked natures and in return we remove the thorns from her side, is that not so? God forgives all who repent but the church prefers to see repentance in action."
"Be careful, my Lady." Bishop warned. "Your words might be taken as treason."
"Against whom?" She threw back. "I speak my mind, as always, Bishop. It is a little late now for the church to have scruples about me. I am assured of salvation through my works despite the black stain on my soul."
Her voice was light and assured but something in her eyes made Lucas wonder just how black that stain was. Aloud, he said.
"Very well, I believe the point is made." To Kurt, he said, "So you were sent to protect us?"
"To watch you and assist you where necessary, yes."
"Watch us?" The Bishop repeated. "Spy on us, you mean."
"A little." Kurt's pointed teeth showed as he smiled. "The Cardinal is a very suspicious man."
"But he trusts you." Tessa said, finally releasing Lucas's arm.
"Enough." The smile faded, leaving only the tips of two fangs showing. "Let us say that I have proved worthy of the necessary amount of trust."
"You sound more like a courtier than a monk." The Bishop said, cradling his injured wrist.
"And you are more like a wrestler than a bishop."
"Gentlemen." Emma broke in, her eyes far away. "We are missed. We must return before they send a search party for us."
"What about our furred friend?" Lucas asked.
"Do not worry about me." Kurt stood and bowed to each of the ladies. "It will be there when I am needed." With a last grin, he disappeared into cloud of brimstone.
Shaking his head, Lucas stood and offered Emma his good hand.
"I do not trust him."
"Despite his saving your life?" Tessa asked.
"Despite that. I do not trust what I do not know."
"In that case, Bishop," Emma said, "you had better take your guard against the world, for there is more in it unknown to you than known. Come Tessa." They swept down the beach to intercept the search party while the Bishop watched them go. Bright and dark, one hidden in shadows and silence, the other dazzling so that you could barely see. Lucas heartily resented the Cardinal's implication that he could not manage the task alone as much as he resented no knowing about their extra help. If this much was unknown, he would begin to question the very basis of his mission. Since he had little choice at present, he would have to proceed as planned and he swore to carry out his duty, whether helped or hindered by the others. Swinging his cloak over his shoulder, he strode down to the waiting long boat.