Shadows Of Desire

After stopping to rest only twice, Rowan found that he could go no further. “Please, Thaden. We have to stop. I need to sleep.”

“It’s just a little further and then you can sleep.” Thaden assured him.

The light from the morning sun crept up around them casting a soft, golden, hue across the dew wet ground. The horse trotted along. It’s hooves crushing grass and fallen leaves as it went.

“Can’t we just...” The words cut off as Rowan slumped forward, his body going limp as all energy had quickly drained out of him. He would have fallen right off the horse if not for Thaden’s quick reflexes. Thaden grabbed him and held him tightly, bringing the mare to an abrupt stop.

“Rowan?” Thaden gently shook him but got no response.

Quickly, Thaden dismounted and carried Rowan off the horse. He lay him on the ground so that he could properly examine him. “Rowan?” He said again. When no response came, he lightly slapped the side of his face. Rowan groaned but his eyes remained closed. His breathing slowed and Thaden could just barely make out a heart beat. His skin was pale. More pale than normal. Thaden sat back, running a hand through his hair a look of worry etched across his young face. He had no idea what was wrong or what to do to help his mate.

“Goddess Danu.” Thaden whispered as a tear dropped down his face. “Please help us. You blessed me with this wonderful gift. I beg you now, don’t take him away from me.” Thaden took Rowan’s hand in his and cringed. Rowan was so cold. Cold, like death. He began to weep.

***

Thaden had no idea how long he sat there, holding Rowan’s hand like that. Every so often he would bring Rowan’s fingers to his lips and kiss them, softly calling Rowan’s name. He tried to give him water and even a small bit of food but Rowan was too weak to even drink. The water just ran out of his mouth and down his chin. Thaden sat there and watched as Rowan slowly slipped away. Every minute that passed he became colder, and his breathing more shallow.

So many thoughts swirled around in Thaden’s brain. Had he been poisoned? Had some creature stung or bitten him without Thaden knowing it? He found no bite marks anywhere on the boys body though, no rips in his clothing. It just didn’t make sense to him. Vampire’s were supposed to be strong, resilient, and able to heal from even the serious of injuries. Rowan didn’t even appear injured. It was like he just gave up and lost the will to go on.

Thaden was so deep in thought that he failed to hear the heavy footfalls coming up behind them and he didn’t notice the large boots that stopped beside him. It wasn’t until the strange musty scent of swamp grass and mud filled his nose and assaulted his senses that he finally looked up.

“You?” He whispered through his tears. “But how...”

“She sent me.” Bhalor said as he crouched down beside Thaden.

“She?” Thaden blinked, not understanding what the giant meant.

“Ye prayed ta’ er. She sent me.” Bhalor explained.

Thaden looked down and nodded. “I’ve prayed to her all my life. This is the first time she’s actually answered my prayers.”

“Not true, Lad.” Bhalor reached out and placed a large hand on Thaden’s shoulder. “She always listens ta all ’er children. ’An she helps ’em when she kin. Just cause ya don’t always feel ’er presence don’t mean she ain’t there.”

“That’s what I’ve been told all my life.” Thaden said. “It’s what I was taught to believe and I found my faith restored when Rowan came into my life. I just don’t understand how she can bless me with my mate and then take him from me. It’s not fair.”

“That’s why she sent me ’ere, boi. The young Prince ain’t dead, child. He’s just needs to feed.”

Thaden shook his head. “I tried giving him food and water. He couldn’t take it. He’s just too weak.”

“It’s not food and water that he needs.” Bhalor stood up. Thaden watched as he opened a burlap sack that he had slung over his shoulder and pulled out a tall pewter goblet. Bhalor placed the goblet on the ground then reached into the bag again. This time he pulled out a live rabbit. It’s front and hind legs were tied together but it still squirmed as Bhalor lifted it, holding it upside down by his hind legs.

Thaden watched as Bhalor held the creature over the goblet then, with his other hand, he held onto the creatures ears, pulling it’s head back and stretching it’s neck out. He nodded towards the dagger that Thaden had hanging from his belt. “Take that dagger there ’an slit it’s throat.” Bhalor instructed.

Thaden hesitated a moment then pulled out his dagger and did as he was told. The rabbit made a high pitched squeal as the blade sliced across it’s fur and skin, opening it’s throat and allowing a gushing of blood to rush forth. The rabbit went still, hanging dead, as Bhalor let the blood spill. He filled the goblet to the brim then sat the animal aside. “That’ll make some good stew later.” He said as he picked up the now full goblet. A small drop of blood splashed out of the goblet and landed on Bhalor’s hand. He didn’t seem to mind or even notice.

“Hold ’is head up.” Bhalor looked over to Rowan’s prone body laying on the forest floor.

Thaden narrowed his eyes. “Why? What are...” Suddenly, Thaden understood what Bhalor was doing. Thaden felt like an idiot just then. How had he not realized the problem himself? Rowan was a vampire. He needed blood. From what Thaden knew of his mate, Rowan resisted drinking blood as much as he could but eventually he would have to give in and drink or he’d grow weak and sick. Thaden had no idea how long it had been since Rowan fed but he suspected it had been far too long. Especially with all the energy he’d used up over the past few days.

Thaden nodded and at once went to Rowan. Sitting behind him, Thaden lifted Rowan’s head and placed it in his lap. Bhalor handed Thaden the goblet and Thaden brought it to Rowan’s lips, allowing a few drops of blood to fall onto the young Prince’s lips. The drops slipped down between his lips and into his mouth. Thaden tipped the goblet again and allowed more blood to drop onto Rowan’s lips and into his mouth. He repeated this action several times before looking up at Bhalor, defeat evident on his face. It’s not working. He thought. He was about to voice his concerns aloud when he noticed that Rowan began to stir.

He opened his mouth, licked his lips, and then pushed himself to sit up a bit as he reached for the goblet. His eyes were slightly open as he brought the rim of the cup to his mouth and began to drink. He drank it down greedily, tipping the goblet back in an attempt to get every last drop out. He even ran his finger around the inside of the goblet then brought his finger to his mouth and licked the blood off. Thaden took the goblet and sat it aside. Rowan whimpered and groaned at the loss.

“We can get more.” Thaden told him. “You don’t need to lick the cup clean.”

Rowan nodded. “Please...more.” He managed to say in a crackly voice.

“Alright. We’ll get more.” Thaden looked to Bhalor who was already pulling a second rabbit from the bag.

“I only brought the two. If this one ain’t enough, I’ll have to set some snares.”

Thaden nodded. “Let’s hope it’s enough.” The two men filled the goblet as they had done the last time and Thaden handed it to Rowan. He drank it down quickly, licking his lips clean when he was done.

Bhalor was already skinning the two now dead rabbits when he looked up. “Do ya need more?” He asked.

Rowan shook his head. “No, thank you. I’ve drank plenty.”

“Yer sure now?”

Rowan nodded. “Yes, thank you, Bhalor.”

Bhalor gave him a quick nod then went back to his work.

Thaden wrapped his arms around Rowan and hugged him close but when he went to kiss him, Rowan turned his head and pulled away.

“What’s wrong?” Thaden asked, his voice thick with concern.

Rowan looked to the ground as tears welled in his eyes. “I-I’d understand if you hate me. I must seem disgusting to you now.”

Thaden narrowed his eyes. “Why would I ever think such a thing of you?”

“I had hoped you’d never have to witness that.” He said sadly, pointing to the goblet. “I didn’t want you to see that side of me.”

Thaden smiled as he pulled Rowan back and against his chest. He kissed the top of Rowan’s head and Rowan lay his head back against Thaden’s shoulder. “Rowan, I love you. I can’t say it enough. You were made for me and I was made for you. I knew what you were when we met and I accepted you. I accept you now. I know you have to feed to survive. It’s only natural.”

“But it’s not.” Rowan turned to look at Thaden. Tears were streaming down his pale cheeks. He looked so heart broken that it nearly made Thaden weep. “What I am is not natural.” Rowan cried. “I need blood to survive but it sickens me. I can’t stand the thought of hurting another living creature, I love the sun but it hurts to stand in it too long. I’m dead, yet alive. I care when I should have no feeling. There is nothing about me that is natural. I’m just a...freak.”

“No.” Thaden cupped Rowan’s face and looked deep into his eyes. “You are no freak. Yes, you are different, but you’re not a freak.”

“Then what am I?” Rowan asked, pain and sadness glistening in his eyes.

“You’re Kind.” Thaden told him, kissing his lips. “You’re gracious. You’re compassionate. You’re a rare and beautiful flower, Rowan Rochfort, and you are mine.”

Rowan beamed as he looked at Thaden, then suddenly threw his arms around him and hugged him tight. “Thank you.” He whispered against Thaden’s ear. “I love you.”

“I love you so much.” Thaden hugged him back. He slipped his fingers into Rowan’s hair and cupped the back of his head. Rowan meant the world to Thaden and he would do anything just to see his mate smile. He had such a beautiful smile. It was just a shame that he hadn’t had more occasions to use it. Thaden vowed to change that though. He’d spend the rest of his life just trying to make Rowan happy. He deserved some light and happiness in his life. He’d already spent far too long in the darkness.

***

Rowan rested while Bhalor busied himself first cleaning the rabbits, then cutting the meat from the bones to ready it for the stew he planned to make. Thaden gathered wood to start a fire then fed and watered his horse. There was a small stream nearby so Thaden also refilled the two flasks he’d brought along.

He was about ask Bhalor what he planned to cook the rabbit stew in when he saw Bhalor once again reach into his burlap sack and, amazingly, pulled out a large cast iron pot. Thaden gawked at the thing then glanced to the burlap sack. There as no way that pot was in that sack. It barely looked full of anything yet Bhalor kept pulling item after item out of it. He even pulled out a mess of carrots, potatoes, and some herbs for seasoning.

Bhalor looked up when he saw Thaden staring. “It’s enchanted.” He said, glancing to the sack. “An old friend a mine give it to me. Thought it’d come in handy. Old codger knows more that he lets on.” He chuckled. “Seemed to take a likin to our boi over there though.”

Thaden smiled as he looked in Rowan’s direction. “What’s not to like?”

Bhalor raised an eyebrow as he watched Thaden. A small grin appeared on his face. “I got ta say. Was a wee bit shocked ta find out ya was the boi’s mate. Guess I should’a seen that one comin though.”

“Yeah?” Thaden looked at Bhalor, curiously. “Why is that?”

“The Lady Folen tol’ me the boi was on ’is way ta meet ’is destiny. Dinna realize she were talkin ’bout you though.”

“Folen? She was Rowan’s servant at Basmorte, wasn’t she?”

“Ah, she be much more ’n that.” Bhalor said with a smirk. “But, she knows things. She set the young Prince on this path I suspect knowin he’d met ya sooner or later. Ain’t nothin she does without a purpose. If yer here now, it’s because she wanted ya here.”

“Why?” Thaden asked. He sat down on the ground across from Bhalor. The light of the fire flickered across his face as he started intently into Bhalor’s red eyes.

Bhalor shrugged as he stoked the fire. “Only she knows that fer sure. I learned long ago not to question ’er. I just do as I’m told. Usually works out all right in the end.”

Thaden sat back and watched the flames of the fire flicker and dance. Bhalor already had the pot on and was stirring the contents. The aroma of rabbit stew filled the small clearing and made Thaden realize just how hungry he was. Bhalor had certainly come at the right time. Apparently his arrival was no coincidence though. This Folen, whoever she was, had been watching over them. How, though, was the real question.

Thaden made a mental note to speak to Rowan about his friend and former servant when he was feeling better. He wanted to know more about this Folen and why she had helped Rowan. Thaden was almost certain that Folen knew more about Rowan than maybe even Rowan knew about himself. If that were the case, Thaden had questions that perhaps only Folen could answer. For now though, he would just remain thankful that Rowan had good friends who were watching out for him.

By the time the stew was done, Rowan was sitting up and yawning. It wasn’t quite noon yet but all three of them were famished. Bhalor scooped out three bowls full of the stew--bowls he had pulled from his magical sack--and handed one to each of them. They ate hurriedly, not wanting to spend any more time in one place. By now Thaden and Rowan’s absence would have been noticed and Thaden was certain that his father would have the guard out hunting them. Thaden wasn’t so much worried for himself as he was Rowan. Their only hope of escaping the King’s wrath was to travel far enough where King Elandor’s authority could not reach them.

Bhalor looked to Thaden as they began packing everything up to go. “So, where is it ya headin, then?” He asked.

“North.” Thaden answered. “Towards Ansonia then into Pickaway Village.”

“That’s a good three or four day ride from here.” Bhalor told him.

“I know.” Thaden finished strapping the last of his things to the back of the horse. “It’s the safest place I can think of to take him. My father will probably be expecting us to go South, towards Millbarrow as Rowan had originally planned. That should give us an advantage and a good head start. If he does finally catch up to us we’ll in in Fae country and I know King Vorigan will grant us sanctuary. He’s held a grudge against my father since the Spring Gala ten years ago when my father got drunk and vomited all over his throne.” Thaden chuckled some. “He’s been looking for a way to get back at him ever since.”

“Tis a good plan.” Bhalor nodded. “Keep to the forest as long as ya kin. The trees’ll hide ya. When ya reach The Plains, got to Lockbourne tavern. The owner there is a friend o’ mine. She’ll feed ya ’n give ya a place to sleep the night. I’m afraid that’s all I kin do fer ya now, but wish ya luck on yer journey.”

“You’ve done so much for us, and I am eternally grateful.” Thaden offered a hand and the giant accepted. The two shook then Bhalor slung his seemingly empty sack over his shoulder.

“Tis I who am grateful, yer highness.” Bhalor said as he bowed to the Prince. “If not fer you, I’d still be locked in that dungeon. Yer kindness will not be forgotten.”

“Nor will yours.” Thaden said, smiling at his new friend and ally.

“Take care of ’im.” Bhalor said, nodding to Rowan who stood patiently next to the horse the entire time, listening to the two in conversation.

“That I promise.” Thaden assured him.

Bhalor gave each of them a nod but before he could turn to leave, Rowan ran up to him and threw both arms around the giant’s large waist and hugged him tight. Bhalor chuckled and gave the young Prince a kind pat on the back. “No tears now, child. I’m sure our paths will cross again.”

“I hope so.” Rowan wiped at his tears and smiled. “You have proven yourself a true and trusted friend.”

“A faithful friend be hard to find.” Bhalor told the boy. “And even harder to hold onto. One day, when yer the Queen--and ya will be--remember the kindness of others and return that kindness when ya kin. Do that, ’n yer people will love and honor ya.”

Rowan nodded sadly. “I promise you, one day I will find a way to help the people of Basmorte. I would free all the slaves now if I could. Under my rule, no one would ever be enslaved again.”

Bhalor gave the Prince a knowing smile. “Yer time will come, yer Majesty. Until then, stay safe. Be happy while ya kin. There be dark days ahead ta be sure.” Bhalor gave one final nod in farewell then turned and walked away, disappearing into the tree line.

His last words to Rowan stuck in his mind. Dark days are ahead. Rowan knew this to be true. He could feel it, like a storm approaching in the distance. He could almost smell it on the air. He didn’t know when and he didn’t know what but something was coming. And it was bad. Very very bad.