The Dark Point

By Marnie Forbes Eldridge

Things are not always as they seem...

When their grandmother falls ill, three children move to the countryside to aid her recovery. Whilst there, the nearby Manor once again becomes their favourite playground; only this time it is no longer deserted.
Compelled to investigate, the children embark on a journey; a journey that reveals a crossroads to the seven worlds, strange and wonderful creatures and a terrifying imprisoned force.

The Dark Point must stay closed!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marnie Forbes Eldridge
• Release date: Oct 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9780957597204

Marnie Forbes Eldridge

Marnie lives in Wiltshire with her family. She creates live and written tales with theatres, schools and individuals. Her stories and drama methodology are now becoming published through Fourpence Press. For more information please go to her website www.marnieforbeseldridge.com

Book preview

Part One

A Stirring of Shadows

Chapter 1: The Children

Tom Grant’s thick, mousy brown hair caught the wind as he cycled fast out of the back gate, on to the cul-de-sac and across the main road. He gained the momentum to jump up onto the pavement on the opposite side and then took a sharp left onto the dirt path into the woods. It hadn’t rained for a few days and so the mud path was hard. The air was cooler here and he slowed down.

Shafts of light danced through the heavily laden trees. It was quiet and Tom let his breathing slow. He took in the earthy smells and let a slight smile escape. The woods were very old. He didn’t know their exact age, but he was sure his brother would be able to tell him. He liked them. They calmed him.

A voice called out. Hey! What are you doing out? I thought you were grounded.

Tom stopped his bike and turned around. He looked back over his shoulder at his younger sister. She was standing on the pathway directly behind and must have stepped out from the trees as he went past. They’re still arguing, He shrugged so I took my chance. I needed to get some exercise in, especially as we’re going to be cramped up all day tomorrow. 

You’ll be for it if they find out. Katie looked at her older brother. The frown on her face made her look like their mother, and it unnerved Tom.

Well, they won’t will they? He had to make sure she wasn’t going to tell on him, but she looked away preoccupied, back into the woods. Where’s Ben? He’s supposed to be with you. Tom felt a shiver of fear run through him.

He’s here. It’s ok. Katie moved off the path once more and Tom followed. He pushed his bike and entered the thick undergrowth. There was a slight pathway which led to an ancient oak tree and sat next to it was Katie’s twin.

Ben was leaning against the massive trunk that had a hollow entrance, almost like a doorway. His legs were stretched out over the gnarled and dark roots. The twins looked very similar with their brown hair, almost black, and their serious frowning faces. Ben’s eyes were shut, but as Katie sat down he opened them and looked at her and then at Tom. He closed them again dismissively.

Tom glanced around him and said. It’s getting late, you two should head home. You’re too young to be out here at this time.

He doesn’t want to leave the tree, she said, her frown became even deeper.

Well tomorrow he’s going to have to. Tom placed his bike on the floor and moved closer to the oak. He knew his brother found comfort here. He crouched down. Come on mate. You should go home and finish packing. You know what Mum’s like, she’ll end up packing all the stuff you don’t want, he said, his voice calm and soothing.

Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Tom saw a dark shape moving from the undergrowth by the oak towards the denser foliage of the woods. He turned, but could see nothing, then shook his head dismissing the idea that he had seen a badger in the evening light.

Still with his eyes shut, Ben took a very long deep breath and then slowly got up. He placed his hand on the tree, opened his eyes and nodded his head sadly.

Katie stood up and shook her head. Boys, she muttered to herself as she followed her twin back to the main path.

***

Katie, go back upstairs and bring your brother down.

A please would be nice, Katie muttered under her breath. She retraced her footsteps out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

I really do wish you’d eat with your mouth closed, Mrs Grant said despairingly as she bustled around the kitchen, placing things into boxes as she went. She had to make sure her family ate a good breakfast before they left the house.

Tom glanced at his mother; he nearly snapped back at the comment, but thought better of it as he caught his father’s warning eyebrow. At least they weren’t arguing any more, he thought.

Why don’t you sit down and drink your tea? It’s no good for you, all this running around. Mr Grant spoke quietly from the breakfast table. Just take some time to…

To what? I have to finish packing the car, make sure the children are all packed, phone Dad and get the key to Mrs Timmons. She took a deep breath. No, you’re right… She sat down, and brought her mug of tea up to her lips with both hands.

Mr Grant smiled at her. Tom will help you with the car. Katie and Ben won’t take too long. Leave Mrs Timmons and the house to me.

But I thought you had to get to London.

I’ll go tonight. Derrick can organise things for me and I need to get my research packed. It’s the least I can do, leaving you in the lurch again.

Okay. Good, she said, not looking at him. She still felt cross that he was going away again, and at such a time.

Katie came back into the room and sat down in her place. She took a piece of toast and began spreading butter on it, to which she added a small mountain of marmite and began munching. 

Ben came in, sat down next to Katie and began the same ritual.

Mrs Grant watched the twins. Are you both packed? Katie nodded. Ben didn’t look up.

Ben? Are you ready? Her voice was coaxing, and softer than it had been to anyone else.

Ben didn’t look up and just continued eating his toast.

Mr Grant cleared his throat and said Ben, come on, answer your mother.

Ben ignored his father and glanced at Katie, who sighed. "He doesn’t want to go. But before you both get het up again, he’s packed. We both are."

Darling, Mrs Grant said, leaning forward in an attempt to gain eye contact with her youngest son, I thought you would want to see Grandma?

Mum, leave him, Tom chimed in having finished his breakfast. His parents scowled at him. Okay, sorry I spoke, but if he doesn’t want to speak why force him? He got up and began clearing his plate into the sink. The silence became more intense.

The family had only lived in the house for a year. It didn’t seem a long time but it was their first stable home. Each of the children had their own room; they had all been to the local schools and had even made friends. Now everything was changing, again. None of them knew when they would be back - perhaps in a few weeks’ time, perhaps in a few months - but their grandmother was very poorly and their mum had to go and look after her. And they had to go too.

When will we come back? Ben asked quietly. He didn’t look at anyone as he spoke. It was the first thing he had said out loud for four days, the first thing he had uttered since they had found out their grandmother had been taken to hospital and their mum had rushed away to be with her. On her return she had told them that they all had to go and stay at their grandparents’ and the arguing had started, again.

I don’t know darling. You want to see Grandma and Granddad don’t you? Mrs Grant’s eyes were wide, her breath short. She wanted her son to talk, but she didn’t quite know what to say. She still didn’t quite know why he had stopped talking.

I’m supposed to wait for a message. Ben replied, still not looking at anyone. Suddenly he felt as if he were committing a grave betrayal - he wasn’t supposed to talk about it, not even to Katie.

Tom let out a low whistle and grinned to himself as he finished washing his dishes and left the room. His brother was making up stories, again. Tom hadn’t told his parents that he had found the twins by the old oak tree. He knew they would have taken their anger and confusion out on him for being out when he was supposed to have been grounded. He didn’t want any part of this and it was best he made sure he had everything he needed packed into the car rather than listen to more raised voices. He’d had enough of that over the last six months.

Ben, any letters will be forwarded on to us, and I will come back and collect more things depending on what happens. Mrs Grant got up and began clearing the table. I’m glad you’re speaking to us all again. You had me very worried.

Katie watched her brother’s face become tighter, as if he were trying to listen to something. It was painful to watch and because of that her face took on the same expression. Letting out a big sigh, Ben left the table.

Ben wait. Their mother called after him.

Mum, let him go. The tension in the house is making it really hard for him to hear properly.

The tension in the house is making a lot of things difficult young lady! Mrs Grant turned the tap on for more hot water and began washing up the things she had cleared from the table. She sighed heavily as she glanced out of the window. She was so preoccupied that she didn’t see the squirrel that was sat on the bird table. She didn’t notice that it looked as if it were watching the family and listening to the conversation within.

Go and help your brother finish packing. Go on, I’ll help Mum. Mr Grant offered giving Katie a small smile. She got up and quickly left the room.

"I really don’t understand what he’s talking about. Who is he waiting for a message from? Why is he spending so much time in the woods? He’s nearly eleven years old, not a baby. Is he crazy? Do I have to deal with that on top of Tom’s disgraceful behaviour, you going off to save the World, Mum so ill and Dad not able to cope with anything? It really isn’t fair." A plate she was holding in her soapy hands slipped and fell onto the tiled floor smashing into little pieces. Outside, the noise made the squirrel jump, sending it back along the fence towards the woodland.

***

Watching from the backseat window, Ben swayed gently left and right as the Grant’s car wound its way through the Cotswolds. The roads here always fascinated him as they never failed to surprise. One moment you were entranced by the rollercoaster silhouettes of the surrounding trees, the next, you were viewing a huge expanse of farmland or a lush green valley. It was truly a magical place.

Unlike him, his brother and sister had got bored very quickly with the changing countryside. Almost immediately Tom had plugged himself into his PSP and now wore the expression of a madman. In revenge for the lack of conversation, Katie had decided to take the opportunity to doze. Encouraged by the unusual quiet in the car, Mrs Grant spurred the vehicle onwards to their nearing destination; Holloway Village.

Reaching the outskirts, Mrs Grant took one of the two routes that lead into the small centre. Steering the car down the lane that took them past the Dowager’s house, they drove on under a canopy of trees. Being midsummer the branches had stretched across the road, creating a spiralling dark tunnel. The car swept forwards, passing the great wrought iron gates of the old Manor. For a moment they stood like a yawning black mouth, before the car passed and the illusion was broken. Distracted from his PSP, Tom looked up and Katie woke with a start. In unison all three craned to get a glimpse of the Manor beyond the lodge, which like its charge, lay empty.

The lane quickly bore right and headed towards the church. They passed a handful of cottages, the Village Hall and suddenly they had arrived at the Quad. Mrs Grant swung the car into the gravel drive and brought it to a crunching halt. Disturbed by the unwelcome commotion below, five large crows lifted skyward from the roof of her parent’s nearby house. Ben watched them through the window and unexpectedly felt very uneasy. He shivered. Perhaps it was because his Gran was ill he thought to himself.

Quickly getting out of the car, Mrs Grant spoke over her shoulder to her children. Well, here we are. You’ve been so good today. Could you get yourselves out? I’m going to let Granddad know that we’re here. She hurried through the gate, up the path and there, framed in the wooden door stood her expectant father.

Although slightly shrunken at the edges with age, Mr Hamilton was still a tall man and exuded a warm presence. Bending slightly to the beaming face of his daughter he kissed both her cheeks and embraced her like a giant bear.

Clambering out of the car Tom looked around him and began stretching. Beyond the Quad he could see the rooftops of the village, but his gaze lingered on his favourite field that led down to the river. Huge fir trees lined the view as the field continued into the distance before rising to meet the old Manor. Taking a deep breath, Tom smiled contentedly. This always felt like home.

Katie and Ben fell out of the car together as their mother returned with their grandfather. Seeing their Granddad, the twins hurried to his side and grabbed a leg each. Not for the first time Mr Hamilton felt like a wishbone. Not to be outdone, Tom strode forward and deciding to show his siblings how it was done, extended his hand. Smiling broadly, Mr Hamilton took Tom’s hand and almost shook it off and then with a roar bent to hug his other grandchildren.

It’s so wonderful to see you all! Let’s get this car unpacked and then I bet you could all do with some food? Am I right? The four smiling faces answered his question and they all began to unload the car.

When its contents were finally emptied into the drawing room they all trooped to the back of the house, to the kitchen for lunch. Sitting at the table eating their sandwiches the talk fell to the children’s grandmother. We can go and visit her after the operation this afternoon. Mr Hamilton said with confidence. If it all goes well she can come home in a few days. I think a strong Tom and I will be able to sort out the back sitting room? At this he winked at Tom trying to keep the conversation light. We can move one of the single beds down and set it up nice and cosy for her, with all her things. That way, everything will be on one level. Mrs Grant was nodding eagerly, trying to remain calm and in control. However, the concern for her mother was seeping out in every look she gave. The children, recognising the danger signs, kept their heads down; they knew their mum could flip at any time.

Carolyn, this is all so very good of you all. Is James fine about the move? Mr Hamilton asked his question quietly, sensing the tension in his family.

It’s okay Dad. James is sorting out the house and then he’s off to London and then on to Greenland to do some research. For the time being the house will be fine and we can always bring more things up if we need to. Puffing her cheeks up and exhaling deeply Mrs Grant continued. The children can help out here and if we have to stay on we can always address the issues of schooling later. At the mention of another new school, all three children raised their heads like a family of meerkats. Ignoring the various tortured faces before her, their mother continued. What’s important is that we make sure you and Mum are okay. At this, she finished her sandwich and drank her water quickly. Her frown furrowed and her thoughts came tumbling out. I still don’t understand why she fell. Has she been suffering from any dizzy spells at all? It was very lucky somebody found her. You really are quite cut off here.

Mr Hamilton looked thoughtful and replied gently. No my dear I don’t think we are, and no she hasn’t been suffering from any dizzy spells. She was simply taking a walk up to the farm to collect some eggs and it happened. They don’t know why she fell or why she was unconscious for two days. The hip operation will help for sure, but, we will, be fine. He emphasised the last word carefully and stared lovingly at his daughter.

Umm, Mrs Grant muttered unconvincingly and got up from the table. Right you lot, listen. Tom, you can come with me and we’ll sort out the rooms and put all our things where they need to go. Tom and Ben, she continued, will be in the attic, Katie in the spare room and I’ll stay in your grandmother’s room. Turning swiftly to the twins, You can help Granddad clear up here and I’ll let you know when you can come and unpack. Finishing her orders she turned and marched out of the kitchen like a drill sergeant. Tom raised a mutinous eyebrow and then reluctantly, but obediently, followed his mother.

Katie began clearing the table whilst Ben sat momentarily in silence before rising to help her. After watching him closely his grandfather spoke up. Your mother tells me that you’re not speaking much at the moment. Is there anything wrong? Can I help at all?

Katie answered for her brother, There’s not much for him to say at the moment Granddad. He’s waiting.

Mr Hamilton raised both eyebrows; nodded slowly and not wanting to push any further said simply, We all are dear. He then stood with an aching sigh and began to help them. A warm and comfortable silence descended about them as they set about their chores.

Ben began to dry the endless dishes being passed to him from Katie. After about the third or fourth dish, he began to gaze out of the kitchen window at the bird table outside. As he did so, there was a flutter of wings and flash of red and a robin landed on the windowsill. Amazed, Ben lent forward a little and was startled to realise that the robin was looking directly at him through the glass. He stood still as he observed the bird’s rounded features, its dark sharp eyes and its warm red markings. He slowly lowered the dish in his hands and muttered almost imperceptibly, Will Gran be alright?

From behind, Mr Hamilton gently placed a hand on his grandson’s shoulder and spoke. I think so Ben. She’s a tough old thing and with you all here, she’ll soon be back to her old self. Ben craned his neck to face his Granddad and his expression broke into a huge smile as he saw that he too was watching the robin.

Oblivious to what was going on Katie took her hands from the water and flicked the suds from her fingers. They sprayed the window and startled the robin into flight. Grandma will need to regain her strength, she said and turned to her brother and Granddad. Both of them were gaping at the window and each wore a big stupid grin. They had obviously not heard her speak. Hello? Anybody there, and she waved at them both. What was it with the male sex she thought to herself and flicked the remaining suds at them? As I was saying, Grandma will need to regain her strength, so I’ll cook lots of nice food and we’ll make her fresh juices and soups. Katie adored cooking and loved staying with her grandparents as they grew their own fruits, herbs and vegetables. Her grandma had taught her many wonderful recipes all packed with the nutritional and healing properties of plants.

Mr Hamilton turned to his granddaughter. You my dear are an angel. I think I‘ll have to show you what we have outside and then you can be in charge of food. You’d like that wouldn’t you? Not waiting for an answer, he leant forwards conspiratorially and cupped his hand to Katie’s ear. Between you and me, your mother was never one for cooking. Katie giggled. Come along you two. Let’s have a look at what we’ve been up to. And with that, Mr Hamilton herded them out into the courtyard.

Standing before them was a beautiful garden. It was quartered by two pathways that converged as a cross. Mr Hamilton led them towards the main junction. As you know, we have our variously fragrant herbs on the left and the mysterious greenhouse on the right. And yes before you ask, it still smells of musty earth and cardboard pots. And yes I am still debating whether to forgive you or not for locking me in there the last time you rapscallions came visiting. Behind him, Katie and Ben laughed audibly and grabbed one of Granddad’s hands each. Continuing the tour we have our vegetables as always, but this year we have a lot of fruit on the go. As you can see behind the trees, the strawberries have almost gone, but the raspberries and blackberries are looking like a bumper crop. Moving further to the wall at the back of the garden, Mr Hamilton continued towards the sole wooden bench that shared the sun with the roses and lavender; the perfect place to relax and enjoy the garden.

Sometime later Tom came outside calling for the twins who were now in the greenhouse watering the tomatoes. Finding them inside, Tom lent against door and played with the lock in his hand. I hope you two aren’t plotting again are you? Anyway, Mum wants you to unpack as we’ve put your stuff in your rooms. Protesting, Katie and Ben watered Tom’s shoes with the watering can, before running back inside. You wait! Tom shouted after them.

A voice drifted down from the end of the garden. So young man, I hear you’ve been in trouble again. Looking up from his dripping shoes, Tom could see his grandfather sitting upright, but relaxed on his favourite bench. Shuffling towards him, Tom could feel the shame of the past few months come flooding back to him. He couldn’t look his grandfather in the eye. Yes, he muttered.

Well it can’t have been easy being excluded from your school in your exam year. Mr Hamilton patted the empty space next to him.

No, said Tom sitting, still unable to raise his eyes.

I suppose that will go against you if you decide you want to go back to school to further your education, he said observing his grandson. Well, let’s put that to one side for the moment. You’ve been given a chance to make amends now. I want you to look after things here. Your mum and I will be at the hospital all evening and we may get back late. Can I trust you to be my second-in-command?

Yes, of course you can. Tom said almost too curtly.

Well. Put the past behind you and focus on the present. Forget about your results to come for the time being. He turned and looked at his grandson, with his baggy clothes and long hair. He has had no focus poor thing, he thought. However, he knew that would soon change.

***

Katie, wrapped in pyjamas and dressing gown, entered the drawing room, which was now their sitting room. Tom and Ben were sprawled on the floor engrossed in a computer game. Tom wore his madman expression again and was almost fighting his controller whilst Ben was like a mannequin apart from his moving fingers. She turned, sighing, "Well I’m off to bed to read. You know, a book!"

They didn’t look up but both called ’night to her as she left the room and headed upstairs.

Her room here was much larger than her one at home. Ordinarily it was a twin guest room, however, with the other bed now downstairs it was all hers! She waltzed across the room, savouring the space as she made her way to the window. As she moved to close the white flowered curtains on the sunset over Holloway, she glimpsed the Manor bathed in gold. It was full of splendid opulence for the briefest of moments, before the sinking sun spread shadowy fingers over the view. Transfixed, Katie stared as the Manor became steadily engulfed by the dark until it resembled a giant skulking bat, squatting on the horizon. Its imposing form seemed to be calling to her. She shivered and snapped the curtains shut telling herself it was just her imagination.

Whilst his brother tidied and checked the house below, Ben lay alone in the other attic room and listened to an owl outside. He knew he felt stronger. It was definitely better here, he thought to himself. He could hear once again and how much clearer! It was as if the static were being tuned out. After their move he’d still be able to receive the message he’d been waiting for. What’s more, they would still be able to find him.

Chapter 2: Lord V

Firelight danced throughout the stone room, adding to the flickering illumination from the candles that were imprisoned in large upright holders. Framing the lower part of the walls, rich wooden panels glistened between the deep, red, velvet curtains that hung to the floor. Everything here exuded opulence and grandeur. It was, after all, one of the state quarters of Delci, the principal city of Halcyon.

If you didn’t know, you would never have noticed, but standing upright within the shadows, stood two wilcons. To you and me they would appear like small, dog-chewed sticks, no larger than a school ruler. On closer inspection their bark bodies concealed arms and legs; both twisted and gnarled in the manner expected for five year olds. Only the movement of their eyes betrayed their presence.

One person who knew they were there, was their master, Lord V the Orb Guardian. He was sat in one of two leather chairs, warming himself by the fire. He was not alone in his study.

A brooding voice, edged with tension drowned the sound of the fire. Perhaps the council will send the news we need? It would enable us to make a more informed decision. His chair creaked as Marius lent back and began to drum his fingers incessantly on his arm rest.

Swirling the large glass he was holding, V calculated the words he was to utter. He did not want them to be misunderstood, nor agitate his guest any further than was necessary. He was far too aware that not all seemed as it should be. Raising his head from his reflection in the glass, he met Marius’s unnerving gaze. I hope the council will reaffirm my concerns, for without Shona, an informed decision will take a very long time; time, that we do not have. He paused to stare again at the swirling eddies of crimson in the glass. Nodding to himself as if some mental puzzle had been solved, he quickly drained the liquid, viewing the distorted image of Marius through the bottom of the glass.

Hmmpff. If the Caller had something to say she would have answered the council’s request to be here! Marius’s voice rose with him as his dark green robes spilled onto the floor.

Measuring his guest’s impatience, V spoke calmly. Perhaps we should send for her again?

She, will, not, answer! Marius’s frustration was etched deeply on his middle aged face as he began to pace the room. V’s eyes traced his steps, back and forth. This is futile! Marius stammered. Surely she will be nestling down for the Solace time? Stopping abruptly in mid stride he contemplated the floor, his back to V. I no longer have a choice in this matter. I will speak with our dear Chancellor. A long sigh