Woven Fates - The Prophecy

"It's My Time To Carry You"

Todd and Lachlan carried Liam through to the front hall and straight into Todd and Amelia’s room. They laid him down on the bed and for the first time they got a really good look at him. Lachlan let out a small sob as he brushed back the matted hair from his son’s face.

“Just Todd.” Liam whispered.

Lachlan nodded. “Would you like to see Sabrina?” Lachlan asked.

Liam shook his head weakly. “Just Todd.” He repeated.

Todd shrugged as Lachlan walked to the door. He stepped outside to where Sabrina was pushing past everyone on the stairs to get to Liam. As she put her hand on the door to open it, Lachlan pulled it firmly closed, keeping his hand on the handle.

“Liam has requested that only Todd be with him at this time.” He said quietly.

Sabrina’s hand froze as she looked at him stunned. “He is my partner!” She yelled angrily.

“Then you must respect his wishes.” Lachlan replied. “I will guard this door if I have to but my son very clearly said he just wanted Todd.”

Miranda walked up to stand beside Lachlan. “If you think to use magic Sabrina, I will block it. If you think for a second, I don’t want to be in there with my son you are very sadly mistaken. What I want first and foremost is to know how to help him heal and right now that appears to be to give him space.”

Sabrina screamed and walked out, opening a portal and disappearing, closing it behind her.

Tears fell down Mirandas face as Lachlan held her. Amelia signalled to two of the guards to bring them chairs and a side table for food. If they were determined to stand watch, they could at least be comfortable.

Todd sat on the bed beside Liam holding his hand. Tears fell freely down his cheeks as he used the other hand to push Liam’s hair back off his face.

“You’ll have to burn this bedding brother.” Liam said, trying to smile.

“It’s only bedding my brother; it can be replaced a million times if needed.” Todd smiled. “Now tell me what you need.”

“A bath.” Liam rasped.

“Do I have a treat for you, my friend.” Todd smiled as he walked into the bathroom and turned on the taps to fill the bath. He put in some of his favourite oils, one he knew had healing properties, and when it was full, he went back into the bedroom.

Liam attempted to stand but fell back to the bed. “I’m useless.” He choked out between sobs.

“Brother, you are injured. Now is my time to carry you until you are healed.” Todd said as he put his arms under Liam’s knees and around his waist and easily lifted him off the bed. He sat him down on the side of the bath, supporting him with one arm as he removed his tattered clothing, then lifted him again into the bath. He pulled up a stool next to the bath and grabbed a sponge.

Liam sighed as he sunk down into the bath, letting the warm water ease his aching joints.

Todd took the sponge and the soap and began to wash his shoulders.

“Can I tell you something?” Liam asked quietly.

“Of course, anything.” Todd replied.

“I think the King and his father are still in that castle.” Liam said thoughtfully.

“What makes you think that?” Todd asked.

“Sometimes, we were so damn hungry I swear we were hallucinating but I’m sure they visited me. Goddess you look like them.” Liam attempted to smile.

Todd smiled. “I have no doubt they were there for you Liam, their grandson and nephew.”

Liam sat up, gasping in pain, and looked at Todd. “What are you saying?” He asked.

“You know we always had that stronger connection than everyone else, its what made us a perfect Alpha and Beta, even though I always saw you as equal.” Todd began.

Liam nodded.

“Brother, we are in fact cousins.” Todd said smiling. “And that throne that we will fight for actually belongs to your father.”

Liam looked at Todd, realisation creeping over his face. “When I was in that place, I thought about you constantly. I thought I was losing my damn mind; I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t Sabrina I thought of.”

Todd continued to wash Liam’s back and shoulders. “There were times I thought I was losing my mind without you. It’s like I lost a part of myself. When we learned Lachlan was your father and he was my uncle it all made sense. A piece of me was missing.”

“Lachlan is my father?” Liam whispered.

“And Miranda your mother.” Todd replied. “They are good people Liam. Lachlan had patrols on that castle every minute of the two years you were there.”

“We heard howls from time to time.” Liam nodded.

“That was Lachlan telling you not to give up. I was there sometimes too, or Micah was. I don’t know how I’ve got by without you.” Todd sobbed.

Liam reached up and put his arm around Todd’s shoulder as they sobbed together.

“I don’t know how to heal from this, I don’t know where to start. I just don’t want to see anyone just yet.” Liam whispered into Todd’s neck. “I often wondered if I’d managed to put a pup in Sabrina and if she was raising that pup by herself. I felt so much guilt for leaving her. Now, I just can’t face her.”

“It’s been hours. I know everyone is going to want to see you, but they can wait. If it takes days or weeks, this is about you.” Todd said as he began to wash Liam’s arms.

Liam nodded.

“Brother, it may be that we need to get a healer to look at these sores. They look infected.” Todd said, wiping the sponge over the sores on Liam’s arms.

“They were mite bites. The bedding hasn’t ever been changed in that dungeon; I swear.” Liam said. “Can you shave my head? I can’t stand the hair anymore.”

“Of course.  Let’s have a go at washing it to make it a little easier and I’ll get some clippers brought over from home. I have battery operated ones.”

Liam slid forward and Todd picked up a jug to wet his hair. He took some shampoo and gently massaged it through his hair as best he could. When he was finished, he used a conditioning treatment Amelia favoured for her hair.

“You know, I could possibly save the hair if you wanted me to.” Todd said thoughtfully, as the hair began to soften.

“There were days my hair fell out in clumps in my hand. Underneath it all its bound to be a mess. I think they were feeding us wolfsbane, neither of us could feel our wolves the whole time we were there. It meant we couldn’t heal either.

“So, fresh start then?” Todd asked.

“Fresh start.” Liam confirmed.

“I’ll ask Amelia to get my clippers and some scissors. I’ll be right back.”

Todd got up from the stool and walked out to the door. As he opened it he almost stumbled over Miranda and Lachlan who were sitting in front of the door. “What the hell?” Todd asked.

“If our son has requested no visitors, we will ensure no one sneaks in.” Lachlan shrugged.

Todd smiled. “He knows.” He said quietly.

“Thankyou.” Miranda reached up and squeezed his arm.

“Is Amelia around?” Todd asked.

“I’m here my love.” Amelia smiled as she walked up the steps.

“Can you go to my place and get my battery operated clippers and a sharp pair of scissors?” He asked.

Amelia nodded and disappeared down the stairs.

“Todd, how is he?” Miranda asked.

“Broken, it will take time. He is soaking in a bath at the moment. He has a lot of sores that look like infected bites so if you can make something to help it would be appreciated.”

“Can his wolf not heal him?” Lachlan asked.

“Kai has left him. They suspect wolfsbane.”  Todd said sadly.

“I’m going to tear that vampire’s heart out.” Lachlan growled.

“I think we’ll save that honour for Jordan.” Todd smiled.

“Oh Todd, you don’t know?” Miranda began quietly. “Jordan was bitten. He hasn’t regained consciousness.”

Todd felt his chest tighten but he nodded. “Who is with him?” 

“Rose and the healers are all working on it.” Lachlan answered.

“You must keep Whitney away from him. She can not be allowed to heal him.” Todd whispered, looking around anxiously.

“What do you mean?” Miranda asked.

“Please, just don’t let her near Jordan.” Todd plead.

“I don’t know what this is about but I respect you so I will ensure she is kept away. She is currently in the human world with Esmeralda and Will.” Miranda replied.

“I will tell you everything when I have all the answers, I promise.” Todd said as he closed the door.

Liam was laying back in the bath with his eyes closed.

“Still with us?” Todd whispered, not wanting to wake him if he wasn’t.

“How do you ever leave this place?” Liam sighed.

“My favourite place in the world.” Todd admitted.

“I can see why.” Liam replied.

“Amelia will be back soon, and we will get to all this hair. Miranda will make you something to help with the healing.” Todd said as he sat back on the stool.

“You mean my mother?” Liam asked.

“As far as parents go, you could have done a lot worse. Amelia and I have spent quite a lot of time with them, they are fantastic.” Todd began.

“I felt Lachlan’s energy. He helped us get by. There is another wolf that came by daily. We could always feel him.” Liam mused.

“That would be Rohan, he is one of the wolves from Lachlan’s village. While we have only just learned of Lachlan’s heritage, they have always treated him as their leader.” Todd replied.

“What is Lachlan’s heritage?” Liam asked.

“He was sired by King Richard illegitimately.” Todd began. “From our understanding one of the staff in the castle poisoned and then lured him into a room. Under the influence of the potion King Richard sired Lachlan. I understand King Richard and Queen Caroline chose to raise him in the castle alongside my father. I can’t fill you in on your own conception though. That has never been discussed. While the blocks on the memories of our people could be lifted, we do not know who has put the blocks on Mirandas memories. We do know it was your mother who poisoned my parents though.” Todd said quietly.

Liam nodded his head slowly. “So, I did see Richard and Aldrich?” Liam said slowly.

“I think they would have helped you anyway they could. I had given up on that castle but if my father and grandfather reside within its walls still, then I will fight for it to be in their family’s hands, no matter who sits on the throne.” Todd replied.

There was a knock on the door and Todd stood up and went to answer it. It was Amelia with the items Todd had asked for. Miranda was no longer there.

“Sabrina is fuming.” Amelia whispered. “She wont let me in to the house.”

“Give her a bit of space. I’m afraid right now Liam is my priority. A broken mind and body trumps hurt feelings.” Todd shrugged.

Amelia nodded as Todd shut the door.

“Sabrina is not happy with me?” Liam asked.

“We will do our best to support her Liam. I’m sure she is hurting but you come first right now.” Todd replied.

“I just can’t Todd. I don’t even know why. I just can’t do it right now.” Liam sobbed.

“Brother, you have been underfed and tortured for two years. You and Jordan are our only priorities right now. Sabrina will understand.”

Liam sat up as Todd took the scissors and began to trim his beard. He let the hair fall on the floor as he continued to cut. When he was done, he walked to the cupboard and got out his razor and shaving cream. Liam rested his head back on the edge of the bath as Todd smoothed the shaving cream over Liam’s face and began to shave. Liam couldn’t speak and so he laid back and relaxed. He felt Todd get up and go over to the sink, running the hot water and putting a face washer underneath. He brought it over to Liam and placed it on his face. Liam sighed again.

“Now for the hair. Are you sure about the shave?” Todd asked.

“Bald as you can manage.” Liam smiled.

Todd used the scissors to cut away the matted hair. As he got closer to the scalp, he could see what Liam meant. There were clumps of hair missing and patches on his skin that held infected sores where the hair might not grow back.

He cut Liam’s hair until it was ready to be shaved. “Ok, I’ll start with the front and top, then you’re going to have to sit up for me.” Todd said as he turned the clippers on. Todd began at the front, trying to be gentle around the sores. When he had done as much as he could he tapped Liam on the shoulder. Liam sat up, leaning forward so Todd could finish the back. Hair was falling into the bath and Todd could see there were still mites in the matted pieces.

He committed every moment from when they had picked Liam up out the front of the castle until now to his memory, not that he thought he could ever forget. Someone would pay for this one day.

When he was done, he looked down at the water. “Time to make a decision brother. Do we refill the bath, or have you had enough?”

Liam sighed. “Can I refill? My body feels much better in the bath.”

“Of course, can you stand yet?” Todd asked. Liam tried but slipped.

“Let me, let me. The bath is not the place to take chances on stability.” Todd laughed. He lifted Todd out of the bath and placed him on the garden bed next to the window. He placed a towel across his lap.

Todd emptied the bath and began cleaning it out as Liam looked out the window.

“Did you know that dungeon has no windows? We had no fresh air for two years. We had no sunlight or moonlight. We didn’t see a flower or a tree. I don’t think I could ever take these things for granted again.”

Todd looked down so Liam wouldn’t see his tears. The filth in the bath was like nothing he had ever seen before. He continued to pour water and scrub the bath out, head down to hide his tears.

“I don’t blame you brother. Eva told us you had been killed. I mourned your loss but then I couldn’t help feeling I would know. I felt that even with Kai gone I would know.” Liam said.

“I felt the same. Not one single person here ever gave up on you, I want you to know that. Those magicians Eva has were just so strong until we realised Whitney had powers.”

“The child? Is she Em and Wills daughter?” Liam asked.

“That’s a whole other story brother.” Todd frowned. Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Todd walked out into the bedroom to answer it. Miranda was standing there with a bottle. She held it out. “For Liam for the infections. It will kill any mites that might remain under his skin.”

Todd shivered.

“Todd, what you are doing for Liam, I could never thank you enough.” Miranda said, grasping Todd’s hands.

“I never realised the depth of feeling I had for him until I thought him lost. Now I know I would do anything for him.” Todd smiled. He took the bottle and shut the door. He returned to the bathroom and began to fill the bath again. Todd poured half of the bottle into the bath and swirled it around.

“What is that?” Liam asked.

“Miranda made it, she said it will help your skin.” Todd answered. “How about I get you back in the bath and then I organise some food. What did they feed you in that place?”

“Please don’t feed me what they did.” Todd didn’t miss the look of horror on Liam’s face.

“I only ask because we will have to take it really easy to start with. I might look into getting you some protein bars and bananas. Maybe some bread.” Todd said as he turned off the tap.

Liam sighed and nodded as Todd came to lift him into the bath again. “How long do you plan to do this?” Liam asked.

“As long as you need me to brother.” Todd smiled weakly.

“You haven’t mentioned Jordan.” Liam began.

Todd sighed.

“He is with Rose and the Healers.” Todd began.

“How is he?” Liam asked.

“Liam, he was bitten. I don’t know the full story yet, but they are working on him.  He is unconscious.”

Liam nodded. “She threatened him constantly. In the end he was ready to negotiate to be turned if she let me go. Is that how it happened?”

“No, not at all. George and Robert had him, ready to run. He wasn’t putting up a fight at all.” Todd said. “We were quite a bit ahead, so I don’t know exactly what happened but nothing I saw gave me any indication that he had any plan other than to leave.”

“Can Rose save him again?” Liam asked.

“If not then she turns him. Either way we will see that he survives.” Todd replied confidently.

“Without his wolf?”  Liam asked.

“With or without his wolf.” Todd agreed.

“This stuff is amazing; my skin feels better.” Liam sighed as he lay back in the bath.

“I will ask Miranda to make some more. Jordan will need some too.” Todd smiled.

“He had a cough. We were worried the mould was getting into his lungs.” Liam said quietly.

“We will look into the Doc checking him over. You too when you’re ready.” Todd replied.

“Look at me Todd.” Liam wept as he looked at his bony arms. “I just don’t know how to heal from this.”

“Slowly.” Todd replied.