The Change of Time

CHAPTER 4

Elizabeth POV

As I laid down to sleep last night, I felt some kind of presence outside my window. I didn’t feel frightened by it; it made me feel safer. I needed to know what it was, so I went to the window and, as I looked out, I saw two figures in the shadows. It looks like animals... enormous animals...

I thought maybe it was because I’m tired that my mind was playing tricks on me. Then, in the distance, I could hear the howling of wolves. It was beautiful and mesmerizing, so I decided to go lay down and tried to sleep as nothing was threatening me. It was mere minutes until I was fast asleep and it was the best sleep I had in years, no nightmares and no worries.

As I finished with my morning routine, I saw Eric outside at the back already busying himself with the garden. There is something about him, a darkness but not threatening and it makes me feel safe. I know... darkness. How can it be safe, but he makes me feel cared for and that I deserve to be loved.

In my heart, I always believed it was my fault that my parents died, that I was the one taking too much out of them and no matter how hard my aunt tried reasoning with me... I still felt that why.

I entered my father’s office, and my head was swarming once again with memories. Maybe that’s it. Maybe my memories hold the key to all the answers. I just have to hold on and relive them, one by one. The worst memory I have happen in this office, it was the first time I got scolded by my father.

“Elizabeth, how many times must I tell you not to run in the house, especially on the stairs? Those scratches on you knees and hands are nothing compared to what could have happened! Do you want to die? Do you want to leave me and your mother without a child!

Because that will happen if you do not listen to us. We love you, but this was the last time you disobeyed. Do you understand me? The rules are there to keep you safe.” “Yes, daddy.” I say as I was crying so hard it felt like I could not breathe.

“I’m sorry, my Little Flower, come here, let me hold you. We love you so much and I was so scared when I saw you fell from the stairs. You could have broken your neck, my Little Flower and then I would have forever been lost without you. You and your mother are the only reason I live for. Please listen to the rules and be good.” .

“Yes, daddy.” “Hush now my Little Flower, daddy’s got you.” He said and gave me small kisses on my face to make me giggle again.

That day was the first time I saw darkness, and the darkness was in my father. I never thought a man like him could have that kind of darkness in him, but I guess that is why he and my mother were so well match she was purely light and she was the one that could always calm him down.

I see my father also liked his fantasy books. There are almost over a hundred books in here, all about creatures that lives in the shadows. Never took my father for that sort of person. There’s just one place I will not clean, and that is in his drawers. That is still a little too personal for me. It took me a good five hours of cleaning his office.

After my father office I had to move over to my mother’s office/library. She had so many books every time I was in there; it felt like I was in an actual library.

“Ha, someone is in my office. I wonder who that could be. Let me take a whiff of the air. Maybe I will know.” I heard my mother sniffing in the air and then...“Aha, I know who it is, the smell of sunflowers fills my nose and that can only be my Little One.

Come out, come out wherever you are, Little One. Hmm... maybe she is under my desk... nope, not hear. Ha, I know in the cupboards... nope, not here either. I’m going to find you Little One. The tickle monster wants you.” I couldn’t help it and I giggled behind the curtains. “I knew you were in here. Now I have you and the tickle monster will have its fill.” She said as she tickled me so much I forgot to breathe.

“Ha ha ha, okay Little One breath, just breath. To what do I owe the honor of you entering my realm, Little One.” “Story I want to hear a story.” “A story, you say. Now let’s see what we have here. What about Beauty and her Beast?” “I know that story mamma.”

“This one is different. It’s not Beauty and the Beast, it’s Beauty and her Beast. Now do you want to hear it or not?” “I do mamma I do.” She picked me up and put me on the couch as she lit the fireplace in front of us and pulled a blanket over us.

“A long, long time ago, there was a beautiful little girl that lived happily with her mother and father. She was their little princess, but little did she know she will become a queen.

This little princess was a little naughty and didn’t always listen to her parents, she will go out into the woods by herself even after her parents warned her about the Beast living there. So like always when she can get out she went into the forest, but on this day she met a boy, a little prince of his own kingdom and they become friends, playing, laughing and just having fun.

So every day, despite her parents’ warning, she will go into the woods and meet with the boy and they will play. But one day as she went into the woods, he wasn’t there and the day after that and the day after that. It went on for a long time, where she would go into the woods and call for him, but he never comes.

She felt very sad, and she felt like it was her fault. Maybe she did something wrong. So as she was about to go home, three Beasts came out of the shadows.”

“No, mamma.” “O yes, they were gigantic wolves with blood-red eyes and they smelled of burned wood. They started walking in circles around her, liking their teeth wanting to bite her.”

“No, mamma no I don’t like this story.” “As they were about to pounce on her, four other Beats came out of the shadows, but these wolves were different. Their eyes were not red, and they protected her.

As the bigger wolves were fighting, the smallest of them all was enfolding her with his tail, protecting her from any harm, but as she saw the dead filthy Beats that wanted to hurt her laying on the ground, she got a frighten and ran out of the woods to her mother.

Her mother was so glad to see that she was safe, but because she disobeyed, she got grounded and was not allowed to leave the house. So every night she will sit by the window and listen to the howls of the wolves and she will see the little one at the edge of the woods looking at her, wagging his tail and singing her a song.

She couldn’t take it anymore and she snuck out of the house at night to meet the little wolf, but as she neared the woods, he would walk backwards. Then he disappeared behind an enormous tree, and out from behind came the little boy she has longed to see.

She was so happy she didn’t even notice that he was the little wolf. She ran to him and hugged him tight and asked him to never leave her alone again. So they grew up being best friends and she will always wait to see him at the edge of the woods before she will go in.

Then one day as they were sitting against a tree talking a big beast with red eyes come again and right there in front of her the boy she grew to love turned into a huge wolf and protected her from the beast. She was so shocked at what she saw she ran to her house up to her room and locked herself in there.

He would come everyday to the edge of the woods looking at her in her room and wait patiently for her to come to him. She could not stay away as there was something magical pulling them together.”

“What was it mamma?” “It was the mating bond.” “What’s that?” “I will tell you when you are older Little One. Now do you want to hear the rest of the story.” “Yes mamma.”

“So the next day she went to him and listen how he told her about his kingdom and why they were meant to be. After that they got married and live happily ever after.” I laid there on my mother’s lap looking at the fire and was half asleep as I asked her. “Mamma will I ever meet my prince?” “Of course my Little One, but not now, now you need to go to bed.” And so she picked me up taking me to bed.

O how I missed her wonderful stories. She always made them so exciting. As I was about to leave this lovely room, I heard her as if she was really there. “Little One you need to see, you need to know.” Then an icy shiver came over my body and all the hairs in my neck was standing up. Looking around me, scared of what I might see or scared that I won’t see, but there was nothing.

I fell to my knees and started crying. This is getting too much for me. Then I felt two arms enfolding me and by the smell of garden I knew it was Eric that came and hold me. I cried in his shoulder until I couldn’t cry anymore and he would just stroke my hair and whisper sweet nothing into my ears.

“I heard her Eric, I swear I heard her.” “Who did you hear beautiful?” “My mother! I swear I’m not crazy. I heard her.” “Anything is possible Elizabeth, I believe you.”

Then I heard her again. “Little One, get up, there is work to be done.” “What work mamma? What do you want me to find out? Please, mamma tell me?” I looked around the room, but once again did not see anyone except for Eric, that only had compassion and understanding in his eyes.

“What do you think she wants you to know?” “I’m... I’m not sure.” We sat there for a bit and then went out of the room, but just as I was about to turn to go to the living area... I saw her... she was standing at the entrance of my father’s office and I looked to see the shocked look on Eric’s face and I knew I wasn’t imagining it. She was really there.

“Mamma!!” But as I got closer, she disappeared. I just want to hug her and tell her how much I need her. “I’m here, Little One, but you need to focus now.” As I looked into the office, I saw her standing at my father’s desk opening a draw and then she disappeared again.

“Well, this is not at all weird.” Eric said as he came into the office. “You telling me...” I went to the drawer and saw an old leather-bound book with my father’s initials on it. “This must be his journal.” “Let me see...” Eric look at the cover and confirmed that it was indeed my father’s journal.

“O wow, this feels wrong, like I’m invading his privacy.” “Well, under circumstances, I think your mother wants you to read it. Maybe there is something you really need to know....” “But what, I mean my father was a Broker or that is what they told me.”

“I think you need to take some time and clear your head then sit somewhere relaxing and read.” “Ya, you probably right, I need to know what my mother is trying to tell me and somehow it is in this book.” Then Eric turned and left the house and me...by myself... I went back into my mother’s library and light up the fireplace. I got comfortable on the couch, draping the blanket over me as I read my father’s journal.

Today is the 17 of April 1835, and it led me to a small town between the hills. The town’s name was Black Woods.

The town was coated with a beautiful layer of freshly fallen snow and there was no one in sight. I checked into the Inn to get some much needed nourishment and sleep, as it has been over forty-eight hours since I last slept. I just couldn’t rest, not when that man was on the loose.

I went into the Inn and was met with a lovely old lady. “Hi, I’m Pat and welcome at my inn. Do you require a room or just something to eat?” “Good afternoon mam, I will need both please.”

“O please call me Pat and for how long will you be staying?” “For about a week at most.” “Okay Dearie, here is your key. Your room is up the stairs second door to your left. I will serve dinner in fifteen.”

“Thank you Ma... I mean Pat.” “My pleaser.” She turned and left the lobby as I turned and went to my room to get freshened up. The room was quite plain, white painted walls and white bedding, fresh towels folded up and put on the end of the bed, and fresh flowers on a table near the window. Immaculate, I liked it.

After that, I went down to the dining area and there was the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, sitting at the table nearest to the fireplace. She had long blond hair, her skin looked like delicate silk, I just wanted to touch it, her lips red and plumed, her eyes dark green like the forest in the summer and the light I saw within her was as bright as can be.

She, of course, ignored me and I went to sit at the table opposite to hers so that I can catch glimpses of this beauty. Dinner was served, and it was a home cooked meal, just what I needed. I was still busy when I notice the beauty standing and leaving. She was taller that I thought, but the clothes she had worn were not what I was used to seeing ladies in.

She had on tight trousers with a blouse and knee-high boots, even had gun holster strapped to her belt. She was definitely not your average lady. I turned in for the night, but my mind would not shut off as I was seeing her in front of me, memorizing everything of her.

18 of April 1835

Today I went to the Sheriff’s office to great him and to find out what he knew about the man I was after. Sheriff Dawson was his name, and he knew exactly what I was talking about. He also informed me that this is not the first time that someone like that came to their town and tried creating havoc on the little town.

I promised him I will do everything in my power to help the town and him.

20 of April 1835

It’s been two days now and I still don’t have a lead and I was getting restless. I knew the man was still in town. I could feel his presence here.

I went back to the Sheriff’s office and there I found the beauty with her hand around the sheriff’s neck, asking him where he was and that she knew he was hiding him.

As I tried to intervene, she literally kick my ass and left just like that. Looking at the door, flabbergasted, I didn’t know what to make of it. I then asked the sheriff if she was right and he promised me he had nothing to do with this and I believed him.

I could see that the darkness within him was not so dangerous that he will hide something like that from me. He then informed me that three children has already gone missing and that the townspeople were getting scared. I needed to find the beauty, because if I’m right, she is just like me and we will work together and catch this madman. I knew how he worked.

He always just take six children and then disappears. My time was limited and I can use all the help that I can get. I went to the Inn and into the dining hole where she was sitting near the fireplace again. I introduced myself, but she ignored me, until I told her exactly who and what I was. That got her attention, and I was right. We were the same and her name was Elsa. She then agreed to work with me to catch the guy.

As I turned the page, there was ink thrown on the back and the rest of the pages were ripped out. Who... What... Why? I had more questions than ever and now it looks like I will never get the answers.

“Mamma... mamma...! Please answer me!” But there was only silence. Some words on the ink spilled sheet I could have made out. The words were Dawson, Warlock, Hunters and children. What the hell did that mean. I needed to go see the sheriff... the old sheriff and find out what he knows, but it was already dark out, so I laid back on the couch looking into the fire and that is where I drifted off into a restless sleep.

The next morning I woke up with the following words, “It’s time to find out Little One.” And then the cold chill afterwards, just like yesterday. I got up, showered, and dressed. As I was leaving my house, I saw Eric coming up the driveway with that death trap of a ride. Honestly, who in their right mind will get on a bike? It’s an accident waiting to happen.

“Morning Elizabeth, you slept well?” “No, not really. I need to see Sheriff Dawson... the old Sheriff Dawson.” “O... that... may be a problem.” “O don’t tell he passed away...” “Nope, he is still in town, but he’s in the old age home. He has Alzheimer’s.”

“Well, that is not so bad. As long as he can still remember what happen in 1835, I will be fine.” “Seriously, that long ago I don’t think he will remember.” “I need to try...” “Okay fine I will go with you then, you need the new sheriff’s permission to see his father or they won’t let you in.”

“That’s fine by me, park your bike there we will take my car.” “Aww... come on Elizabeth you would love it I promise.” “I am not planning on dying today Eric, we will take my car.” “Fine... we will take your car.”

“Seriously... did you just make a face at me.” “No... What... Me... I would never.” “Just get in the car.” We both climbed in, laughing.

“So where will we find the new Sheriff?” “It's breakfast time so your best bet will be the Diner.” “I just hope his mother won’t be there.” “Why? What’s wrong with Mrs. Dawson?” “She has been trying to get us together since I was a child.” “O... Well... If you are in to men that is a little on the heavy side, then you will love him.”

“Really... he was always so thin when we were children.” “Yes, well, the Sheriff’s live has been treating him well.” “Wow, that is a surprise. His father was always so neat and well build, I would have never thought.” “The town is much safer now with the new family pro...”

“What? Why are you suddenly quiet?” “O nothing... we’re here.” “No, no, tell me. What is everybody hiding?” “I’m sorry, beautiful, but it is not my place to say.” “And here I thought I could trust you, but you are just like everyone else around here. Keeping me in the dark.” I didn't realize that I was raising my voice until I saw everyone outside looking at us. I just shook it off and went to the Diner.

“Elizabeth... Elizabeth! Don’t be like that. You know you can always trust me.” I just ignored him and kept on walking. As we entered the Diner all eyes were on us once again. It’s so annoying and his mother was with him. She got a huge smile on her face as soon as she realized I was walking up to them.

“Good morning Mrs. Dawson and Sheriff Dawson.” “Well good morning Darling, came to meet the new Sheriff I see.” “Actual Mrs. Dawson I’m here to ask the Sheriff if I can see his father.” “Now why would you want to see my father?” “I need to ask him something?” “I’m listening.” O, he is a f*****g prick. I see Eric standing a little closer to me and giving him a hard stare.

“Now Peter, be nice, this is not the way I raised you.” “Yes mother. I’m sorry Elizabeth, what do you want to ask my father.” “It’s about my father... when he just arrived here.” Just then, the whole diner went silent and everyone’s attention was on us. “Now why would you want to know about that Darling?” “I just have a few gapes I need to fill in Mrs. Dawson.”

“O you have such good manners, Peter... let the girl see your father.” “On one condition I come with, my father is not at his best.” “That is fine with me. Is it possible that we can leave now?” “Sure, mom can you take...” “I will take care of things here. You run along now.” “Thanks mom. Follow me.” “Good day Mrs. Dawson.” “Buy Darling and I hope you find your answers.” There it is again, the snake coming forward in her eyes. She’s up to something.

While walking down the street to the old age home, I saw two strange-looking men in long coats monitoring us. There is something familiar about the man on the left. He has a scar running from his eye to his neck and I’m sure I saw him before, but were I’m not sure. I felt Eric moving in closer to me half protectively, and then there were the three guys from the woods, also standing around, monitoring us and the men opposite the road. My gut is going crazy at this point and the tension in the air is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Something’s up and I feel that Mr. Dawson holds the key to unlocking everything.

Good day, father.” “Who are you?” “It’s me father... Peter... your son.” “O yes yes... Wait is that... Elizabeth?” “Yes father, she came to ask you some questions.”

I felt so guilty. Here Peter stands and his father is struggling to remember him, but me he recognizes. “Good day Sir, how are you.” “Ag, I’m fine, just these people never giving me time alone! How are your parents doing? Is your father at least more at home now with the resent....” He looked around him and leaned closer to me as if he wanted to share a secret and whispered. “Help from the wolf folk that moved in?”

I didn't know what he was talking about, but I needed information, so I will play along. “Yes, Sir he is, and it is going very well with them.” “What is the question you wanted to ask me?”

“O my father asked if I could find out for him if you might remember the first time he came to town and what happened? His memory is also not what it used to be.” I said and gave him my most innocent smile.”

“When he first came here.” “Yes Sir in 1835, I think that was the year.” “Yes, I remember. I must tell you if it was not for your mother and father, this town will surely not have been here anymore.” I remember my parents gave a lot of money to the town, but I have the feeling he is talking about something else.

“Walk with me my dear Elizabeth and I will tell you a story.” He hooked my arm into his and walked to the river that flows thru the resort. There he held on to me as his eyes went to the distance as he told me his story.

“It was a freezing day, and the snow had already settled in, when I saw a figure walking down the road in a black hooded cloak and as he passed me I saw a golden staff in his had, but as he was walking he just disappeared. That is when fear settled in my bones and I knew he was one of the Shadow Monsters.

About 3 days after that, your father came to my office and introduced himself. He asked me about the man and if I knew anything about him and I told him, I knew what was going on in the shadows, but this was a new town and the man was not the first of his kind to come to us, but still we did not have the equipment to handle this.

So he gave me his word that he will do everything he can to help the town and their residence and believe me, your father did just that. He even saved me from your mother that believed I was part of everything and the missing children and that I was helping the Warlock get the children.

She kicked your father’s ass so good I wondered if he would have been able to get up from the ground, but he did. After that, your father and mother worked together, and they found out where the next child will be taken from.

We went at night hiding in the bushes waiting. Your mother had a crossbow in hand and your father had some kind of gun with three barrels and some sort of liquid bullets that he loaded in the gun. When the hooded man appeared, your mother shot first and got the man to look our way. That is when your father shot him. .

I knew the man was not dead, but he was definitely out cold. After that, your parents took the man away. I don’t know where or what they did with him. I just know the next morning all the children were back at their homes.

For three weeks, I did not see your parents or hear from them. When they returned, your father bought the land up the road and built his house. O and your parents were married by that time. I never found out what they did with the Warlock, but from then on, this town was one of the safest towns to live in, and they even changed the laws for people living in the shadows. That they could live amongst normal people as long as they will not harm them.

And that’s it. I hope that will help your father remember.” “I’m sure it would. Thank you for your time Sir.” “It is my pleasure and tell your father to come and say hello.” “I will do so, have a nice day Sir.” “Be safe Elizabeth.” At that I just turned and walked away.

My head was spinning with even more questions. My parents fighting a Warlock and people from the Shadows, what is going on...? The biggest question is, why did my parents never tell me about this, or did they... My mother stories, no... no that can’t be true, or can they... I need help. I need to speak with my mother.