The Regency Witch and Werewolf

Chapter 6. Renor Deloren Black

Chapter 6 Renor Deloren

“Mr. Black. Good of you to join us. This make my job much easier,” said Mr. Branson a brow arched. Though I must say I am surprised to see you here with the recent events of last night.”

“I would deem you a fool my good sir,” replied Mr. Black as he started to close the distance between us,” If you did not find it odd. But unfortunately I made inquiries to visit Miss Scarlet after her spell yesterday. And offered to bring my younger sister as well. Sadly that has nothing to do with the sad death of Duke Waywenth. But if I can be of any service then I am all ears and hopefully answers.” Coming to a stop behind me Mr. Black gently placed a hand on my shoulder, and squeezed gently, but his eyes remained on Mr. Branson. “Do you wish to question me with or without Miss Scarlet's presence?”

Mr. Nelson coughed bringing a still Mr..Branson back to life. “I would much rather question you alone. Nelson why don't you see Miss Scarlet back inside.”

Standing I told myself not to steal a look at Mr. Black. Instead I focus on delivering my hand to the arm of Mr. Nelson. Bringing his handkerchief up to my eyes I continued to dab at them. Mr. Nelson reached over and patted my gloved hand. At least I seem to have won him over. Giving him a sad weak smile I nodded my thanks.

Once inside I allowed Mr. Nelson to lead me to where my mother was in the day room. Annabella and father also had join mother. I shouldn't have been surprised, but yet still I was as my eyes landed on Abigale whom was currently in a deep conversation with Annabelle their heads bowed their voices low as they whispered among themselves. What could Annabelle and Abigale have to talk about. Their mindsets were on different landscapes as far as I knew. Briefly they lifted their heads in unison and glanced my way. The brats were definitely talking about me. Deciding it was best now to go and sit with my mother I headed in her direction, but not before I flashed a glare in the direction of the girls.

Mr. Nelson on the other hand headed back out into the gardens to continue with the interrogation of now Mr. Black.

Mothers eyes had been on me since I stepped into the room. She patted the chaise lounge empty space beside her. Sitting down on her right she reached out and squeezed my hand. I could only think it was for show. She knew I didn’t want to marry the Duke. Looking upon her face I read regret not sadness. I suppose she was upset about losing her money ticket. Father remains silent standing now at one of the windows looking out into the driveway of our home.

“My brother did not return Miss Scarlet with you ,"came the sweetest of voices. “ My eyes flashed from my father to Abigale who was now sitting tall her hands in her lap a smile of an angel on her lips.”

“ No I am afraid they’re questioning your brother on an important matter. I am sorry you have visited us at a most terrible time. Excuse me as I didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself. I am River Ann Scarlet. I met your brother last night at the Irewicks Sorie.”

“Pleasure to meet you Miss Scarlet. I am Abigale Elizabeth Black.” I am truly sorry for your lost.” Her face even changed to that of sweet sorrow. Note to self never trust this girls poker face ever.

“Thank you ever so kindly for your words……...The Duke was a good man and will be missed. “ Glancing down at my gloved hands I found my mother's still there lightly hovering over mine. Abigale now having introduced herself and spoke all the words that would be needed in such matters returned to whispering with Annabelle until the sounds of boots tapping the wooden floors were heard approaching ever closer to the sitting room. As Lord Black, Detective Branson, and constable Nelson entered the room, we all stood.

“Please be seated, “said Mr. Branson lifting his right hand and lowering it. Though no one did as he suggested. We’re done with the questions. And hopefully if you think of anything else that might be helpful you will reach out to us. Once again Miss Scarlet I am sorry for your loss. “ Bowing his head in my direction I slightly bow my head in return.

“I shall see you gentlemen out,” said father stepping around the well placed furniture towards the doorway where the rest of the gentlemen now stood. Mr. Black side stepped around him to let him pass his eyes roaming around the room landing on Abigale for the briefest of moments before coming to fall on me once more. A slight smile was given before he moved to sit on one of the couches.

As Mr. Black sat so did the rest of us. We all sat in silence as we listened to the footfalls of father seeing the Constables to the door. And at last we listened until he returned to us once more. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he entered the room. His eyes falling on me. “ My dearest daughter……..” He held out his arms not caring that we had visitors still. Standing I walked over to him accepting the embrace before stepping back a few moments later.

” I really would rather just take a stroll out in the gardens for a moment father………..” glancing back around the room.” If you will all excuse me. I know we have visitors but I just need a moment to gather my thoughts……..”

“I will walk with you a bit Miss Scarlet.” Came Mr. Black's voice dark and gentle to my left.” That's if you wouldn’t mind the company. My mother once said the best way to remember a loved one is to talk about them. “ He held out his arm for me to take. But I knew this was not an offer. This was a demand. Nodding I smiled glancing briefly towards Abigale whose eyes like my sister were on me. My mother when I glanced at her direction looked almost excited. So quickly she had forgotten to look sad.

“Perhaps that's a good idea.” Said father.” I am going to go into my study. If you need me River you know where I shall be.” Leaning forward he kissed my cheek before leaving the room. With a shaky hand I took Mr. Black’s arm and he lead me out into the gardens once more.

We had been in the garden for maybe fifteen minutes, and Mr. Black hadn’t said a word. Our steps had been slow. He led me cautiously about the gardens. More so because he probably didn’t know which way to go. Our gardens weren’t overly large. But it was lush and green. Rose bushes perfectly placed. A bench or two here and there. But my favorite was always the weeping willow tree in the center of the garden. A small moat surrounded it with a stone brick wall separating you, the moat, and the land that the large weeping willow rested upon. “ To the willow tree……..we can talk under it please.”

At my words Mr. Black moved in the direction of the willow tree. As we came to a stop at the wall he lifted his head and pulled his arm free of my hand. Reaching up with long fingers he ran his fingers along the leaves. “ This is a beautiful tree. How old is it?”

The wall came up thankfully to my knees. Turning I sat down and glanced up towards the tree with a smile.

” Mrs. Hearch and Mr. Hearch planted this tree and made this moat and island when I was born. They added the brick wall once they realized I really loved to play in the moat and soak myself on a daily basis. So in that respect it’s 16 years old.”

Lifting his coat Mr. Black took a seat beside me.” 16 you say…….Yes about the time we start marrying off our spawn. “ Frowning his eyes rested on the house before turning on me.” You didn’t tell Mr. Branson and Mr. Nelson much I see. I appreciate that Miss Scarlet.”

Lifting my eyes briefly to meet his I shrugged. “ The Duke was a very horrible person. Whomever his murder is I would rather much kiss and hug them than to turn them in. They have done the world justice."

“As we would love to believe. Yes whomever did this has done quite a good deed. But the question that needs to be asked now is whom and why? Abigale informed me that you knew about what the Duke did. Or rather you seem to act as if you were well aware of it……….”

Biting my bottom lip I wasn’t exactly sure if I wanted to tell this man beside me the answers that he wanted to hear. He himself was just as bad as Mr. Waywenth. He was a murder himself.

“Mr. Christian Waywenth was in search for only one sort of woman or girl. One with a special gift. All of the women or girls he killed were psychics of some sort. They could see things like the future…..His interest in you can only mean that you have this gift as well……….”

Staring down at my gloved hands I let his words sink in. He was telling me of course that he knew what I could do. But to the extent of it I was sure he didn’t know.

” I wouldn't’ call it a gift. It's a curse. A curse that god has given me. And that has destroyed my life. This is no gift Sir. “ I could feel real tears beginning to sting my eyes. I fought them back. Not before him. I would not cry before this man.

“It's only a curse if you choose to see it that way. You were given a gift. And unfortunately you were not taught how to deal with it. Which happens to a lot of what we call Seers. Perhaps me and Abigale can help you with that. But first we need your help.You can trust us River. We’re here to help. Look at me.” His hand was on my chin before I knew it. Soft tingles could be felt where his fingers rested. He gently turned my face upwards.”Trust us.”

Blinking I stared up into his dark brown eyes before pulling my face back out of his reach. I noticed his skin town was a bit darker now that we were sitting so close. He obviously spent more time in the sun than one thought.

” I will be the judge of that………...may see your hand?” This was a first for me. Requesting to touch someone. But already my left hand was removing my right hand's glove. I never got a choice on what I was allowed to see. But At least I could get a choice on when or whom I wanted to see. His head lowered watching me remove my glove before cautiously holding out his right hand to me. His expression was that of someone who was curious.

“Very well if it will get your trust. “

Taking a deep breath I reached out and held his hand. Sometimes it could take a moment. Even rarer sometimes I would get nothing. But almost instantly the ground felled away only to be replaced by a more open greener landscape. I was now standing in an open green field. To my left and right stood shadow figures. It seems I was not allowed to see these beings. But I knew I was Mr. Black.

Looking straight ahead a woman stood before us. Her hair like the sun it flowed about her touching the ground here and there only to lift again and flow about her once more. She wore a gown that shimmered like the sun. Flames danced around the bottom licking the ground but not burning it. Her eyes are completely white. For the briefest of moments I thought I saw wings fluttering on her back. But just as soon as I saw them they were gone. She seemed to float to the right as she waved her hand.

“You have chosen the path of the Guardian that walks amongst the mortals in the other realm. You have chosen to guard and lead them in their life spans. To protect our mother earth from all that harms it. Once you take your first steps through the gate way your choice and path has begun as a Traveler Guardian. You will face many trials that might change you. Some of you may not return to us at all. I only hope that when you do return that the light has kept you safe and that the world opposite of ours does not taint your glow. Before you go, bow and say your goodbyes properly.”

At her words I dropped to the ground on one knee. One hand dug into the earth. A serge of what felt like energy surrounded me. Peaceful and pure of life was all that I could think of. Then my mouth opened and words I did not know fell out. Mr. Black spoke a whole other language it seems. When I stood the woman was gone. And already the others were going through what looked like a large golden archway. It had not been there before. I took a deep breath before sprinting and suddenly passed all those that walked cautiously shouting at the top of my lungs.

“ I shall take down all that stands before me. As a Guardian ShadeWolf. I will strike down those in the dark. My enemies will know my name only at their death. I am Renor Deloren my path has been chosen!”

My eyes closed as I jumped head first. But what was waiting for me on the other side was not for me to see. Suddenly I was back on the wall with Mr. Black……..No Renor Deloren. Slowly I took my hand back. I had so many questions. Guardian?……….was that,what he was? That place, where was it? That woman………..was she a god of some sort? Was Abigale from the same place? Had he stayed on the path of the light?........I knew the answer to that. When I touched him his body felt gentle…….Hot but gentle. Sometimes I could tell a person's well being or personality just by touch itself. The Dukes had been cold and made my skin crawl. With Renor it had been calm, strong, and yet gentle.

“Okay…….I will tell you.” But I have questions as well."