The Galloping Lantern Chapter 5

8/9/2019 The Galloping Lantern Chapter 5

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The Galloping

Lantern

Chapter 5

Farwolian

All copyrights belong to Rowan Visser


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Farwolian

Flora felt cold water on her face and tried to ignore it.

Flora, a womans voice said above her and then giggled softly. Come on sleepy, I know

you are awake.

Mum? She nestled herself into the soft lap she felt beneath her head.

Sorry child, I am not your mother, but I am a friend. the voice said and a hand stroked

across her forehead.

Slowly Flora opened her eyes. A beautiful womans face looked down at her with care.

Instantly Flora sat up.

What happened? she asked the woman.

I honestly dont know child. I found you behind a headstone and when I called your name

you fainted. You looked so frightened, it must have been as much as you could take, being

out there all by yourself like that. The woman had the softest kindest voice Flora had ever

heard.

I was not by myself, Flora said quickly, what was that thing? She didnt want to think

about it, but the thing was going to haunt her for a long time. All black, moving like a ghost

and then doing what ever it was that it did to that poor wolf. It was awful.


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The woman looked confused. What thing?

That black thing, the thing that killed the wolf. Did you not see it? Flora looked at the

woman disbelieving. I was hiding from it behind the tombstone.

No, I think Id remember if I had seen it. The woman said and smiled a beautiful smile.

Flora believed her instantly. Maybe if you told me what it looked like Id be able to tell you

what it was.

Flora described the creature and added what it had done to the wolf. It was the most awful

thing I had ever seen. It just ate its soul, just like that. She breathed in sharply through her

nose, explaining how the thing had killed the wolf.

That is scary, the woman said. It sounds like you were really lucky to get away. How did

you stop it from coming after you? She was intrigued.

I dont know. It must have thought I was dead. Flora suddenly thought and decided that was

what had happened.

Must be, the woman agreed, because what you saw was a very, very dangerous and wicked

creature called a black goblin.

A black goblin, Flora repeated, mulling over the words. That sounds really nasty. She was

glad to have a name for it, made it seem slightly less scary somehow.


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It is really nasty, the woman said, even nastier than it sounds. Her eyes were wide as she

spoke. Black goblins feed on the souls of creatures, as you saw for yourself. They live deep

in the forest and only come out at night when they can dress themselves in absolute blackness

and sneak from tree to tree, looking for prey. I dont think there are any animals or creatures

in the whole world more evil and nasty than a black goblin. She knew she was laying it on a

bit thick, but the woman decided that Flora was scared enough as it was and a few white lies

would not do her any harm, just for in case they came across any more that night.

Flora shivered. Do you think they are still around? she stepped closer to the woman and

looked over her shoulder. Suddenly the graveyard seemed for too big and dark.

I dont think so, no. The woman smiled. They usually leave quickly after they have fed.

Flora sighed. It had not occurred to her that she did not know the woman, had never seen her

before in her life. It was just so good to have someone else there with her. It had been the

worst ordeal of her life and she felt utterly exhausted.

I am so glad I came when I did though, the woman continued. She lowered her head a

second and then took Floras hands in her own. You were the second person the wolfs saw

tonight, Flora. I really know if there is an easy way to say this, but on their way to the house

they met your father. Flora froze and braced herself for what the woman said next. He

fought bravely child. Did everything he could to stop them from getting to the house before

you did, but they were too strong for him


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She did not have to finish saying it. Flora sobbed quietly.

Im sorry, child, she said and put her arms around the girl, patting her softly on the back.

After a while Flora stopped crying and pulled herself away from the woman. She was sad and

she was frightened, but more than anything she just wanted to go to bed, her bed.

My name is Farwolian, Flora. I am a traveller. She waited for Flora to calm down a bit more

before she carried on. The girl looked so frail. I was passing through the other side of the

forest this morning when I stopped for a cup of tea and, just out of interest, had a look at my

tealeaves She paused while Flora wiped her face. The leaves showed me what was going

to happen to you and where you were, so I hurried over here as quickly as I could. I didnt

know what I could do to help, but now I am really glad I chose to come. She rubbed Floras

back gently.

Thank you, Flora said quietly, looking up at the woman with big tearful eyes. She was

really grateful to have Farwolian there with her. It would have been unbearable to have been

here all alone after everything that had happened, especially now she knew her father was

dead.

No need to thank me child, Farwolian said, rubbing Floras back harder. I would not have

been able to live with myself had I left you out here all by yourself. For a moment they were

both quiet, Farwolian rubbing Floras back and Flora collecting her thoughts, trying to come

to terms with things.


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Flora dear, Farwolian said at length, tell me, do you have any relatives around these parts,

where I can take you?

Floras head dropped to her chest. As far as she knew she did not have any relatives at all,

never mind just around these parts.

No, she said, sadly.

Oh dear, Farwolian said, thats not good. She was quiet for a while and then said more

cheerfully, I tell you what. You can come and live with me!

Flora was so relieved. From the minute she met Farwolian the woman had been very nice to

here and the prospect of going to live with her, even though she was a complete stranger,

seemed very welcome indeed. It was also the case that Flora did not have many alternatives

and she knew shed be stranded without Farwolian.

Do you mean it?! Flora could not believe her luck.

Sure, Farwolian answered and Flora thought to herself that Farwolian was the most

beautiful, loveliest woman she had ever set eyes on. I think some things happen for a reason,

like you being in my teacup this morning. Farwolian said. There is just one thing, Im

afraid. I need to ask permission from my people to bring you with me and I need to go to

them alone when I ask them. Do you understand? Farwolian sounded really apologetic.

Flora nodded. Yes, of course.


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Im sure they wont have a problem with it. Farwolian quickly added, Ill tell them what a

wonderful girl you are and how you had been so brave. They have a lot of respect for bravery

like that and as soon as they know that about you theyll definitely say yes, dont you worry

about a thing.

Flora instantly liked these brave people where Farwolian lived. She could see herself and

Farwolian living amongst them and it was exciting. Where would I stay though, while you

are away? Flora asked desperately.

Farwolian seemed reluctant to answer. I am afraid I know of only one place near here.

Luckily I know the people who run it very well and theyll look after you, I promise.

Where?

Lasiandra House. Farwolian said as if she hadnt wanted to say it, It is not too far from

here, just a few hours

I know where it is. Flora interrupted, disappointed. She had heard horrible things about the

orphanage and was not looking forward to it.

You ungrateful little cow. A voice in Floras head growled and she quickly looked up at

Farwolian, but the woman was smiling at her and Flora instantly felt bad for thinking the

beautiful woman had said something so mean. Instead she shook her head quickly and

wondered what had caused her to think those words. Suddenly it occurred to her that the


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words were right and that she had to be a little bit more appreciative of what Farwolian was

trying to do for her. Lasiandra House might a horrible place, but it was better than being left

out in the forest all by herself. Great wolves, black goblins who knew what would have

happened to her if the beautiful woman with the bright red hair had not turned up when she

did.

Im sorry, Flora said to Farwolian, I dont mind waiting for you at Lasiandra House. I

mean, I really appreciate what you are doing for me and I promise Ill be good and wont

disappoint you.

Dear child, it is my pleasure, honestly. Farwolian said and squeezed her shoulder gently.

Come, lets be on our way. The sooner we get to Lasiandra House, the sooner you can come

and live with me. She took Floras hand and led her to the graveyard gate where the biggest

shire horse Flora had ever seen was tied to a post. It had a red saddle on its back that matched

Farwolians red hair and her red dress. It also had red patches on its white coat. She could

imagine that Farwolian had chosen the horse very specifically. They looked great together.

When Farwolian had mounted the horse she lent down and offered her hand to Flora. Easily

she pulled the child up to sit behind her and together they rode away from the graveyard

heading for Lasiandra House.

You must feel dreadful, Farwolian said after a long while, noticing the tension in the child

behind her, dont worry, well be at the orphanage by the morning and then everything is

going to be just fine. You just try and rest your little head.

Flora instantly felt herself relax and she lent forward into the womans back, snuggling up to


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her warmth.

The trees with their crooked claw-like branches towered above their heads. Below

them the horse trod carefully on twisted roots. Every now and then an owl would hoot in the

distance or the noiseless flapping of wings would sound a bat passing, but there were no more

wolves that night as much as Flora wished for them. She wished that the horses footfalls

would be louder so wolves would be attracted from far and wide, giving her the chance to

have her vengeance. She did not know how she would hurt them, but she knew that she

would fight them with her teeth and nails, if she had to, until she had killed them all or was

left bloodless on the forest floor. Quietly, with her thoughts on these things, she rode behind

Farwolian for hours until it was so dark that she did not know if her eyes were open or shut.

At length Farwolian stopped and dismounted into the pitch blackness.

We have to make our camp for the night, my horse needs a rest. she sounded tired.

Flora dismounted carefully, her step unsteady in the pitch black. She felt her way

forward, trying to reach where she had heard the womans voice when a fire leapt up to her

left and made her jump.

Ha, ha. Farwolian laughed a sweet laugh of enjoyment and brushed her hands

together. Dont fear the flames, child. I just thought you might like some heat and a fire to sit

by.

How did you she looked around at the camp that was there, where before there

was only blackness. A wide circle had been swept clear around the flame, where a cooking


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pot stood on some rocks. The smell of stew suddenly filled the air. Two thick, richly

embroidered, blankets lay either side of the fire and Farwolian walked over to take a seat

opposite where Flora was stood with wonder in her eyes.

Oh, it was nothing, a simple trick really. Farwolian now held a long stick with

which she stoked the fire underneath the pot. Mmm, doesnt that just smell divine? she

smiled at Flora as she breathed in deeply through her nose.

It smells great, yeah, Flora answered and she was suddenly hungry, starving hungry,

but she still wanted to know where it all came from.

Wait until you taste it! Farwolian laughed another one of her sweet laughs and

stoked away at the fire. Shouldnt be long now.

But it has only been on for a minute Flora said, bewildered.

What can I say? It is a very, very quick recipe. Farwolian produced two plates from

thin air. Perhaps Ill show you one day. For now, could you be a darling and hold your plate

while I serve up supper?

Flora walked over to her side and took the plate Farwolian held out to her. She sat

down on the blanket opposite and waited while the woman hooked the lid off the pot. The

smell was truly amazing, deep meat and onion odours, rich with herbs and a faint scent of

pepper. A meal fit for a king, a very lucky king.


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Come on dear, I cant reach your plate from over here. Hold it a little closer. Flora

leant over a little and watched as the beautiful tall woman scooped big chunks of meat and

potato onto her plate. It look delicious. She was about to ask for a spoon to eat with when she

looked up to see Farwolian holding one out to her. This woman was the most amazing person

Flora had ever met and she decided that she wanted to be like her when she grew up. She

wanted to walk like her, talk like her, laugh like her, dress like her, cook like her, she wanted

to be exactly like Farwolian. Flora sat thinking this as she stared at the woman. Suddenly she

noticed the womans face was sad.

Are you not enjoying the food, Flora? she asked.

Oh, no, no. The food is great, it is terrific. I was just looking at you she dropped

her eyes to her plate, Im sorry, it was rude of me. Its just, just that you are so beautiful

and you do such amazing things.

Oh child. Farwolian put her own plate down next to her and looked up at Flora, her

food untouched. You are sweet, thank you. She blushed beautifully and Flora again thought

how much she would like to be like Farwolian when she grows up.

When their plates were empty the woman stood up, without a word, and walked off

into the woods, leaving Flora with her thoughts and the soft crackle of the camp fire. As

much as she did not like being left alone besides the fire like that, Flora was glad for the

quiet, because it felt as if her head was going to burst with all her thoughts and feelings. In

her mind she could see the face of her mother and father, then the big grey head of the wolf

which nearly ate her came howling past followed by the mysterious black figure she thought


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she saw standing in the kitchen. In her mind he was about to lift his hat, as if to say hello,

but before his hand to reach the brim of his hat a shadowy figure started etching its way into

her nightmare. A figure so evil that it froze its enemies with fear. Flora moaned in her sleep.

Just beyond the light of the fire, hidden amongst the trees, the woman in the red dress

sat. She was watching Flora and writing on a black leather parchment with a quill-pen. The

pen had a bright gold feather as its quill and a finger piece which was inlaid with purple and

black gems. Her slender fingers held the quill carefully and she moved her lips as she wrote,

whispering every word over and over again.

Her notes read:

The Office of the Chairman

Mortimer Building

C.D.C.

Wambridge

From: Patricia Swithering

Grimforest

Today

Subject: Flora Aines.

Interest: Being the sole survivor of the Aines blood line,

Being the only child and direct inheritor of the powers of:

Annabel Aines - the highest ranked White Craft Leader ever.

Also, I suspect she might have been an Ellyllonian.

Brief on events and actions taken:

After much investigation I managed to track down Flora Aines, daughter of Annabel


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Aines, the former head of White Craft. My intention was to lure the child away, but on

approach of her parental home I witness the killing of great wolf by a seriphis. The

wolf had been attacking the child. The child was shaken by what had occurred. She

did not know the seriphis was protecting her, instead I led her to believe that it was a

black goblin attack she had witness and that she was lucky to survive. She is also

under the impression that she is to wait at Lasiandra House Orphanage to be

collected by myself at a future time. She hopes to take permanent residence with me.

I will conclude my report once I have taken her all the way there.

P.S. She does not seem to possess any force qualities, but it might well

be that she is merely unaware of what she has potentiall y inherited. My

advice is to continue the investigation and make a full assessment

when we have her back at our headquarters.

Forever Loyal

Patricia Swithering (Former chief of public relations and expert in

deception.)

As soon as she signed her name the letters started vibrating on the page. A sound, like

a swarm of bees rose from the page and grew louder and louder as the letters sprouted wings.

Starting with the first letter, they took off, one at a time and hovered over Patricia Swithering

where she was chanting softly to them. Over and over again she said:

Fly now, my words and phrases,

Fly and make no glow,


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Across the forests and open places

Fly now, fly like a crow!

They circled around her head until the last letter she had written left the page and

together they swooped away to the City of Wambrigde where the C.D.C. had a big office

with lots of windows for all these letters to fly through and place themselves gently on

another piece of black parchment with a heading that read, To Whom It May Concern.

After she watched her words fly off she sat watching Flora for a long time. The girl

was a mystery to her. So fragile, but yet so resilient. It was clear that Flora did not know her

powers, but what would happen when the Council come to extract her from the orphanage?

Would the Council react to her message before Flora learned any more of her true self?

Patricia pondered on these questions all night and then had an idea. She pulled a piece of

plain paper and a normal pot of ink from her saddle bag and made some quick notes before

waking Flora up.

Come child, it is time. she said with a sweet smile after removing all traces of the

camp with a swipe of her hand. They mounted her horse and went off to Lasiandras House.

The Galloping Lantern Chapter 5

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