Arach: Whispering Souls

ISBN - 978-0-620-60915-9

ARACH

Whispering Souls

BOOK 2

MG SCHOOMBEE

To My Mom and Dad

Always Believe !

An explosion hit Jan Mayn Island, off the coast of Iceland, just before sunrise two days ago and until now, no one has taken responsibility, nor have they found any evidence to what might have caused the blast. Correspondents on the island have reported that some fishers, a few miles off the coast, had seen a bright star in the sky exploding over the island. Authorities from Iceland were not available to comment, but an unauthorized source suggested that the witnesses must have been in shock; nothing of the sort was seen from the neighbouring islands. Meanwhile rescue workers are searching through the rubble on the tiny island for any survivors. None has been found. Dr. Jonathan Christie, from London, heading the rescue effort, said that it looked like the hand of God swept the island clean.  Nothing was intact, and no living creatures could be found. Not even stray dogs. In other news President Obama……

Gunnar closed his tablet’s sleeve, and sat back smiling.            Well done, Samil, well done. Where are they?

They have all been immobilized and transported to the storage facilities. Although we found only thirty humans, we are well stocked. He licked his lips. The faeries we found hiding beyond the veils on the island, made it quite a good catch.

And the stray dogs? Gunnar laughed.

The changelings had them for tea. It will be a beneficial understanding between us, he grinned.

Gunnar laughed, the blood dripping from the goblet in his hand onto his chest. The hand of God, my ass. This is pleasing to me, very good indeed, especially after the Galloxiáy fuck-up. Bring in one of them.

Who would you prefer my Lord?

The good-looking one, she looked like she was in control on that godforsaken island, well, now more so than then, he laughed, bring her in, I want to know why faeries were hiding there.

1

Back home.

Raph slowly walked up the path to his home, staring at the bright, blood red flowers growing wildly along the path. He could not remember planting them. He slowly pushed the door open, listening for Jo somewhere in the house. Laughter filled his ears and he followed it to the warm smug kitchen. As he pushed the door open he heard Jo yell and nearly fell to the floor as she suddenly jumped into his arms. Raphael, O My God, you are back she stuttered through kisses on his cheeks and mouth.

Slow down Mom, Raph giggled, holding her close, smiling at Zoë’s dad sitting at the table, cup of tea frozen halfway to his mouth.

Manny jumped up Where is Zoë he asked urgently, slamming the cup down, spilling tea all over the table where Murmura was sitting next to him, silent, with tears slowly slipping down her cheeks.

I think she’s gone home, Raph said frowning, wondering why his mom’s friend was crying.

Are you all right? he asked softly, trying to get Jo to stop hugging him.

Jo suddenly froze and turned What’s wrong? she asked worried, as Murmura walked closer.

Murmura laughed softly I’m so sorry, I’m just so happy for you, Jo, your Raphael’s safe at home after all these nights of worry. I’m so glad for you, my friend, she said hugging Jo to her and softly stroking Raph’s arm, So glad she smiled.

Raph returned the smile, but something in her eyes made him wonder if she was telling the truth.

Is everyone all right? Jo asked pulling Raph to her again, stroking the long hair from his face.

Everyone is fine Raph sighed. We only had a road trip mom, not a battle, he frowned at her.

Oh, of course Jo laughed, Of course, but you still worry you know, she glanced at Murmura, now sitting calmly sipping her tea, smiling.

Suddenly the door crashed open behind them and Ferin, followed by Nemue rushed into the kitchen. Hey Ya, Jo he said hugging Jo tightly.

Hey Ferin, oh my, who is this creature she said bending down to ruffle Nemue’s ears.

Nemue licked her face and grinned.

Jo laughed as Nemue rushed off to Murmura, where he slowly laid down at her feet without a spit-flying greeting. Murmura rubbed her bare feet over his back.

Got something to eat, for me and Nemue? Ferin asked looking over at the cake on the table.

Of course Jo laughed, always.

Raph explained, in between bites of cake, how Nemue hijacked their car, while Zoë was hugging a tree.

Good for her Jo said and Murmura agreed with a nod.

Raph looked over at her and tensed, he was sure that he could feel something otherworldly in her. She had the same presence as Selene.

How long have you and Jo been friends? he asked.

How long Jo? About twenty odd years, I would say.

So long, that is about all of my life Raph said frowning.

Jo looked up from her tea and coughed.

How did you meet? Raph asked slowly. Ferin looked up curiously at Murmura.

We met at a music festival up in Scotland, remember Jo?

Hmmm, I think so, yes, Jo whispered.

Who are you really? Raph asked, as Ferin’s hand flew to his coat.

Nemue growled and stepped closer to Ferin, ready to attack.

Geessh Nemue, I’m on your side, we want to know who SHE is? he growled back, pointing his sword at Murmura.

It does not matter now, Murmura said rising. We will meet again Raphael and maybe then, you will find out who I really am. She smiled and disappeared in a shimmering purple haze.

What the hell, what was that all about? Ferin said pushing Nemue away from him.

Raph turned to Jo Mom?

I can’t tell you anything Raph, you know that.

Who is she? Raph demanded.

I… Jo stammered.

I know you are hiding something. Just tell me the truth please, we have been through so much, seen things I never wanted to see, please Mom. Tell me the truth Raph sighed, slumping into the chair, his head in his hands.

Her name is Murmura, but I think you knew that. She is your real mom, Raphael Jo sighed, sitting down at the table.

What the hell? That is your mom, the faery!, Ferin exclaimed.

Yeah, I knew it. I could feel it the minute I walked in here, that she was not human, she felt like Selene does some times. Like a faery. Why did she just disappear like that?

I don’t know, she keeps saying that the time is not right, that you have to learn things, on your own. You have to find your own path to the truth.

It would be much easier if I was told what the truth is or what path to follow – why must everything be so difficult Raph sighed.

Anything worth the heartache will be difficult. In the end you would not have wanted it any other way. Ferin mused. Anyway there are too many truths, you have to find the one that feels, in your deepest heart, like the one truth, you are willing to live…or die for.

Ferin?

What?

Are you feeling all right? That is deep coming from you.

What, you think dwarfs are shallow and dumb? Ferin giggled. Well enough of that now. I came to fetch you, Minos wants us at the pub to discuss something. We can’t do anything about Murmura now. Let’s go.

Mom?

It’s fine Raphael. Go, we will talk some more when you come home.

Raphael kissed her nose and hugged her I love you Jo, you are still my favourite mom, remember that.

Tears slowly slipped down her cheeks as she watched them walk out of the house. Fear gripping at her heart.

‘The Skinny Pig’ looks different. Cleaner, brighter. Flowery. Pink.

Raph falls into the booth with the rest of the gang.

What’s wrong here? Things look and feels strange.

You remember Lucy, right? Selene said pointing to the tiny blonde haired woman standing behind the bar chatting to some nicely dressed ladies.

Shit! Ferin tried to hide behind Minos. My Lucy.

And Vinny’s ex-wife Selene shrugged.

So where is Vinny, and why is she back here? Billy asked laughing, playing with the foam of his beer.

Well, Selene breathed deeply and dramatically.

Oh, just tell us Zoë giggled.

Well, the story goes that after we left, she begged Vinny to take her back. He never really agreed, but she just moved in and made herself at home. Then Vinny walked in one morning, said he was tired of the pub and was going to travel the world. Threw his keys on the bar, told everyone to have a drink on him, and left.

What!?, That’s not like Vinny Ferin exclaimed.

Yeah, I know, Lucy says he has always been strange, kind of like Zoë apparently, but now his gone off his rocker. He said that vampires and werewolves exist and he is going to look for them. She looked at the gang.

What? Raph nearly let his beer fall.

Yeah, it looks like Billy’s spell to remove their memory did not last so long. Ferin smirked.

He said he knows a vampire personally and he will find him again. Luckily Lucy thinks he is mad.

But we know better, Zoë smiled, where would he have gone looking for us?

Who knows? Billy grinned.

Lucy says, he packed and left, said he was going to Scotland.

Scotland Minos whispered.

But we never went there Ferin shrugged where did he get that idea?

Maybe, you guys are not who he is talking about, maybe he knows another vampire and went looking for him, maybe …Zoë sat deep in thought.

Maybe what, and where would he have got to know another vampire, what are you on about? Ferin asked irritated.

Nothing, I was just thinking. Where is Lófi?

He went to send something to his parents. He will join us shortly.

Cool. So Minos?

Oh Yeah Minos sat up quickly, I think I got us another gig, but get this…It’s near Glasgow.

Glasgow – Scotland? Selene asked awed.

Yeah, that’s kind of weird, don’t you think, Vinny has gone looking for us, or another vampire, Minos said quickly silencing Zoë’s interruption, in Scotland, and now we have a possible gig there.

Nothing is weird around us anymore Raph sighed I sometimes feel like we are puppets, and someone, somewhere are pulling us here and there.

What’s up with you? Zoë asked.

He just met his faery mom, Ferin grinned, and it did not go well.

What? Selene gasped.

Yeah, Nemue wanted to attack me, when we were questioning her, but then she just got up and disappeared in a purple haze Ferin mocked kicked Nemue, who growled softly.

Raph, are you OK? Zoë asked concerned.

I’m fine, I just wish she would tell me something, not that it is not the right time. What bull shit is that?

Ahem, so Minos, where in Glasgow is the gig? Billy asked quickly, to try to lift the tension around the table.

They all stared at Billy.

What? Minos asked confused.

Where is the gig?

Oh, In Falkirk.

I will do some research tonight, to see if there are any entrances close by Zoë mentioned.

You know, we could just have a gig, with no otherworldly stuff Raph mused.

Why? asked Selene, Are you now giving up on all of this?

"No, but I don’t want to give up on our dreams either. We wanted to be bigger than the ‘Guns’. Now we are just searching for evil vampires all the time. It is not what I wanted to do."

Well, that is not what any of us wanted. But I do not think we have a choice any more Minos sighed.

Puppets Raph reiterated.

No, concerned creatures, who were placed into positions, where we could make a difference to what is going on in the world. If you were not on the island, Gunnar would have killed us off like animals. You were there to save the island, to save all the dwarfs of Galloxiáy. You were needed there and you were there. That is all that matters. Who and why is not important. Not now, what does it matter anyway? We have to search for the truth, but we have to continue to fight, till the end. Lófi sat down in the booth. We just have to he stammered in between licks from Nemue.

We will. The dwarfs have lost too much already. We will fight I promise you that Ferin said solemnly. We did not bring you here for nothing.

Hi, Can I bring you a beer? Lucy said suddenly next to Lófi, making them all jump. Oh, I’m sorry.

That’s fine Lucy, Yes will you please bring one more round for everyone? Thanks, Selene said quickly.

Lucy glanced at them nervously over her shoulder, walking to the bar.

Please, don’t you want to sit here with us for a while, Raph asked as she returned, his sweetest smile playing around his moist lips.

Lucy sad down breathless, staring at him OK, she said softly.

Don’t be scared, I just want to ask you a few things about Vinny Raph said stroking her arm.

She smiled softly, looking into his eyes Who?

Vinny! Selene said loudly.

It’s all right, Minos said taking Selene’s hand with a strict glance, we are all friends of Vinny and we just wanted to know what happened.

Oh, he just left, Lucy said staring at Raph, her lips slightly parted.

But why and where did he go? Zoë pressed.

Since, your gig here at the pub, he’s been stranger than usual. Distant. Always in the garage with his stuff. Mumbling ‘it is true’ the whole time.

What stuff and what is true? Billy asked softly.

He had all kinds of things in the garage. I was not allowed in. Anyway, I never did like the look of the things he collected, too dark, too evil… she sighed, he believed in creatures, and collected bones and mumbled verses in the moonlight. I did not like it and I told him so. Then he started talking about knowing vampires and werewolves and doing magick. I laughed at him. ‘This is not movies you know, this is real life. There are no such things’ I kept telling him. He just grinned, ‘You will see one day’ he kept saying. That scared me, so I told him to stop, I did not want to hear or see any more of this rubbish. I sneaked in one night and set it all alight. He was so mad at me. I was so scared.

Oh, my, Zoë breathed knowing how upset she would be if that happened to her magick tools.

What happened? Raph asked, still stroking her hands.

He just stood there ‘This will not stop it’ he said. I asked him ‘then what?’ He just smiled ‘nothing can stop it now’ he whispered. That was the last thing he said to me. Next morning he left. I tried to stop him, I tried everything, but he just left.

So he went to Scotland? Billy asked.

"Yes, he’s got family there, but they have not seen him. His mom was not surprised; she said he has always been a

strange child. I did not find that amusing. She was not even worried she wiped a tear from her eye I did love him you know" she smiled at Ferin.

Ferin nodded.

So you don’t know what he was doing or anything? Selene asked curious.

No, I… we had an understanding, he does not check up on me and I… she glanced at Ferin blushing.

Did he have any friends, like him, who visited in the garage? Lófi asked.

No, he used to go visit someone, taking some of his things, and come back late at night. But, I never met them.

Thanks Lucy Raph smiled, you helped us a lot, I’m sure he will come back to you someday.

Hmmm, do you want to come for tea later at my house? she asked eagerly.

I don’t think so Lucy, Vinny was a friend, is a friend.

Of course, I’m sorry she stammered, confused as Raph broke eye contact and stopped stroking her arm. Do you need anything else? she asked rising.

No thanks they said uncomfortably.

Well, that did not help much, Billy grinned, nice work Raph, you had her hanging on your lips, I wish I had that power over woman.

Oh, do you? Zoe asked.

No, I mean…I… Billy stammered, to raucous laughter.

OK, so it seems we are on the road again Ferin grinned.

Loola was shining and smelling of fresh garden flowers, when Raph arrived at Ferin’s the next day.

What the hell, what is that smell? Ferin asked.

Fresh garden flowers Raph announced proudly She has had a wash, valet and has been perfumed with fresh garden flowers. Nice hey?

Humph, won’t last long with us in there. Let Billy just take of his boots and it will smell like six month old cheese Minos grinned.

Yeah, we won’t talk about your kilt, has it ever been washed, Billy smirked. Smells a bit fishy, you know.

Wait till Nemue gets in, then it’s a dirty dog smell Lófi laughed.

Hey Nemue smells like the sea, she will fit in great with Minos’s kilt Selene grinned.

Thanks Babe Minos laughed hugging her close.

Are we packing Loola or chatting about her smell? Zoë asked, her hands full of stuff.

Lófi rushed over to help her Why didn’t you call me, my lady? he smiled.

Billy glanced over irritated. Yeah, let’s pack, it’s a long way.

Loola was lying low on the road, with all the equipment, baggage, creatures and a dog filling her to the brim. The music was pulsating in the van and through the open windows. Pedestrians in Dublin’s streets stopped and stared.

An old man had to step back quickly, as Billy nearly hit him coming around the corner.

Watch out Billy, Minos screamed.

Sorry! the van roared back at the old man.

He shook his head the youngsters of today he growled.

Zoë waived at him, and he nodded, smiling. She turned around and slapped Billy over the head with her book.

Watch it Billy.

Yeah, whatever, he yelled back, singing loudly. The music ran eagerly ahead, knowing the van would soon follow.

They missed the Larne-Troon ferry later that night and decided to sleep at a small motel next to the road.

Yeagh, it does not look to clean and that smell Selene grimaced at the entrance to their room.

It’s fine, my faery princess Minos said pulling her into the room.

Minos I told you not to call me that Selene fumed.

Shut up and kiss me Minos kissed her mouth and pulled her into the room.

Zoë giggled as she and Nemue pulled their door closed.

Immediately the door opened again.

No, that room is scary, I’m not sleeping in there, alone Nemue was whimpering at her feet.

Nemue, what’s wrong? Raph asked bending down, Nemue’s fur was all on end and he was shivering. What the hell…

Raph pushed the door open and froze. The room was ice cold and smelled of blood. Fresh human blood. It was making his senses reel. He had not had a drink in a few days. He felt the coldness rise in his body and turned to Zoë for help. Zoë yelled in fright, and dug in her bag for the mixture to feed Raphael.

Minos came running out of the room, fangs and claws ready.

What the hell is going on? Selene asked from the door, This place just feels wrong. Raph? she froze.

Blood, lots of human blood, was spilled in that room, it’s making me hunger for more. He watched Zoë mix the powder in a water bottle and hand it to him shaking.

He drank it down in two gulps and sank to the floor of the passage.

Raph, you OK? Ferin asked.

Fine, we can’t stay here, we have to go now.

We can’t the next ferry is only in the morning. Selene said nervously.

We are not staying here, something very bad happened here, and I do not want to know what, or find out who, Raph took a refilled bottle from Zoë gulping it down again, we have to go.

I will go get our money back and ask some questions, Minos said pulling Selene with him.

We will go and check out the room, Lófi said, pushing Ferin towards the room. My lady, you and Billy get Raph to Loola, and stay there.

Nemue stayed sitting at the door.

Zoë kept feeding Raph the artificial blood, while Billy kept the van running, just in case.

Ferin and Lófi returned to the van, Nemue running ahead of them.

Yeah something horrible and otherworldly happened in there, for sure. We found some signs of a struggle. But my guess would be vampires had one hell of a party in there, with some very stupid humans. I have heard of some humans, who sell their bodies for the vampires to feed on and what ever happens after that, but most of the times they get a lot more than they bargained for – if they are lucky, death. Lófi said stroking Nemue to calm her down. Sush Nemue, calm down, we don’t want a dragon running around wild.

Nemue licked his face, his eyes on the office, nervously watching for Minos and Selene.

Selene and Minos came running towards the van. Followed by the ugliest, grossest creature they have ever seen.

It rushed after them on the hooves of a hart, haunches of a lion bristled with power, its body shaped like a leopard glistened in the van’s light. The serpent neck and head slashed at their heels.

They closed their ears to the barking and howling of a pack of dogs.

Oh my god! Zoë exclaimed.

Ferin jumped out, and rushed towards them, his sword blinding them momentarily in the motel’s flashing bright red sign. Selene and Minos ran passed him and jumped into Loola.

Go Billy, go get Ferin and let’s get out of this place. Selene screamed terrified.

Ferin was fighting the creature, it suddenly lurched forward, and its fangs tore his chest open in two clean cuts, pumping the venom into his heart. The spurting blood fascinated it for a second.

Ferin jumped forward and slashed. The creature’s head flew through the air and landed in front of Loola. The snarling fangs glistened in the headlights, dripping Ferin’s blood onto the dirty parking lot. 

Zoë screamed.

As Billy stopped next to Ferin, Minos and Raph gripped him and pulled him into the van. Billy drove off with screeching tyres.

We can’t just leave it there Selene said looking out of the rear window.

The vampire scum will come clean their rubbish away,

Lófi remarked, they will not let their secret, slip out so easily. Go Billy, let’s get away from here, we can come back to the ferry tomorrow, hopefully safely.

We must get somewhere safe, so I can have a look at Ferin’s wound. Zoë said pressing down on the wound trying to stop the bleeding.

I saw another motel, a few miles back, we can try there, what are the chances of it being another vampire hovel? Billy asked.

Go Billy, I’m sure it will be fine Raph said looking at Ferin’s pale face. Ferin come on, don’t you go do something stupid, like die on us now, OK, you are our warrior, come on little man.

Ferin grinned sickly and groaned as Loola jerked over a bump in the road.

Zoë was lying over Ferin, chewing the tasteless herbs Murmura gave her. She pushed it roughly into the wounds. Ferin groaned loudly. Sorry Ferin, it will soon be over. She called Billy over. Billy took her hand and together they murmured the healing spell over his feverous body. She sat back on her heels murmuring prayers to all the gods and goddesses she knows, to please heal Ferin.

Ferin groaned, softer this time and tried to sit up.

No, take it slow, Zoë said pushing him back onto the bed, you need to rest now. Allow the herbs and the magick to work.

Thanks Zoë he whispered, smiling softly.

Where did you learn this magick, my lady? Lófi asked curious.

Raph’s mom, gave me the herbs and the spell, she looked up at Raph who turned suddenly towards her.

You and my mom have met, when, why did you not tell me?

That night after Minos woke in the forest, she came to visit me, she made me promise that I would not tell you anything, sorry Raphael. She looked up at him, scared of his reaction.

Why is she avoiding me the whole time, she visits my mom, hmm Jo, she has visited you. Has anyone else met her? he asked the gang.

They all shook their heads.

Raphael, she will come see you, when the time is right.

And when the fuck will that be Zoë? He screamed at her, When will it be the right time? Tell me now.

I do not know, calm down, OK.

What did she tell you, you are going to tell me the truth now, no more hiding things, OK he pulled her closer to him, tell me he demanded.

Calm down Raph Minos said slowly.

I’m fine, I just want to know everything she knows and I want to know it now Raph sighed, start talking, he looked at Zoë.

She told me that a lot of humans and creatures are under a deep spell, and that they will start awakening at the right time, when their path in the prophecy starts. She told me that Minos’s path was changed and forced upon him by Gunnar, when he had him bitten at birth by a werewolf, but Murmura stepped in and healed him and put him under the spell. More will awake, they won’t be with us, but they will fight where they are needed, she called them the earth warriors. She then told me what my destiny is and what I needed to do, if I so choose.

If you so choose? Billy asked.

We all have a choice, it will not change the final outcome, the war is going to happen, but if we choose not to take part, our role in it changes and the outcome could be altered, for good or bad.

So, we do not really have a choice, it’s like you do this and everything will be fine, you do not do this and it might not be. But hey, you choose! Raph growled.

Why me? Minos whispered.

They knew you were supposed to be the human friend of the leader in the prophecy, so they thought if they made you a werewolf, you would be enemies and not friends, werewolves and vampires are usually not friends, and the prophecy would seize to exist. But they made it even stronger, you are more powerful as a werewolf than as a human.

What about me, and Ferin and Billy, what did she say about us? Selene asked angry.

She did not speak about you guys, she said we will find many answers on our journey, we will get to know things, when the time is right. You awoke Selene, when you needed to rescue Ferin from those faeries, when the time was right. She looked apologetically at Raph. I’m sorry Raph, she made me promise, I’m so sorry. Zoë slumped on to the bed.

Raph sat staring at the wall. The room was silent, the air stretched over a bow, ready to explode.

So, he finally broke the silence. I awoke when Minos attacked me, he awoke when he felt me close. Selene when Ferin needed her. Ferin when his family needed him. Nemue when I needed her. We are a group of needy things he smiled.

Minos took a deep breath for the first time in a while, as Ferin’s soft giggle filled the room.

They drove into Falkirk early the next morning. Nemue’s head bobbing in and out of the open window.

So what the hell was that thing that attacked us last night? Selene asked Zoë.

I think it was a Glatisant Beast, or some call it a Barking Beast. Did you hear that sound, like a pack of dogs barking and howling?

Was it only that thing making that noise? Raph asked.

Yeah, it’s scary and lethal, Ferin is a lucky man.

Ferin is lucky, you were there, my Lady Lófi smiled.

Shall we go straight to the pub? Billy asked quickly cutting off Zoë’s reply.

Yea, ‘The purple Boot’ should be on the main road, just around this corner here Zoë navigated Billy.

They stopped in front of a huge light purple building. Hundreds of boots, in every colour of purple were hanging from the roof, windows and doors.

Oh that’s so cool Selene grinned. Think they would notice if a pair disappears? she asked Minos taking his hand.

Are you suggesting that I steal a pair for you, Babe? Minos asked eyes twinkling.

No Never, just borrow indefinitely Selene laughed.

You will never find the matching ones among all of these boots, Billy said lifting a few boots up.

I was just joking Billy Selene giggled.

Of course Billy blushed.

Selene hugged him and whispered, but if you maybe find a pair, you know, she smiled sweetly.

Billy turned scarlet.

Zoë walked out of the door with a huge Scotsman - dressed in a purple kilt and his long blonde hair tied back in a purple ribbon.

Guys, this is Angus, he owns the pub.

Good day, he roared above them I’m so happy you finally made it, I saw you play at the ‘skinny pig’ and wanted to get you here since then. So glad.

He slapped Raph on his back. Raph stepped forward slightly before grabbing onto Nemue, regaining his balance with a laugh.

Damn, you are a strong one.

Oh, Sorry lad, I forget sometimes, he roared. Let’s get you to your rooms to unpack and I’ll show you the pub, where you can set up for tonight.

Everything, everywhere inside the building was a shade of purple. Walls, floors, furniture.

Raph grimaced at Minos, eyebrows raised.

So you like the colour purple? Ferin blurted out, Selene slapping him against the head.

Billy choked.

I like it, I have always liked purple, Lófi remarked stroking the dark purple walls.

Well, me too, so there you go, Lad, you can have the main bedroom, just for you Angus grinned slapping Lófi softly on the shoulder.

Should the ladies not get the main bedroom? Zoë asked envious.

No, you can have the small room. He showed the girls their room, and shoved Nemue in with them. There you go, see you in an hour in the pub. Angus laughed heartily.

The pub filled the whole basement floor of the building and was painted bright green with purple boots everywhere. Hanging from the roof, the bar, the stage, everywhere.

Selene winked at Billy, who turned scarlet.

What? Zoë poked Billy.

Where did you get all these boots, Angus? Minos asked.

Souvenirs of everybody I’ve killed Angus roared to the shocked gang.

What? Zoë choked.

Heh heh he laughed, I put an ad in all the Glasgow papers that I needed old boots, and then they turned up and are still turning up.

Well, people are probably thinking it’s for charity, that’s not very nice, is it? Billy frowned.

I never said so, did I? Not my problem if people think what they should not.

Suppose not Ferin grinned.

They set their equipment up and tested it until Billy thought it was ‘acoustically pleasing.’

Let’s get a drink Raph sighed.

Angus poured them each some whisky shots.

Freedom and whisky gang thegither – Tak aff your dram! Angus roared.

I’ll have what the man on the floor’s having! Billy yelled.

To life and good times the gang cheered, laughing. Nemue’s happy bark echoing through the pub.

So you were at ‘Skinny pig’s’? I never noticed you there… that is weird, you’re very noticeable Raph said, downing a shot of tequila.

Jip was there, hanging with a bunch of loony’s in the back, you guys are good, damn good. Pity about the storm, would have loved to see more. The lass I was with did not want her hair to get wet. Frizzy you know, so we rushed off, pity.

We will give you a good show tonight, I promise Raph grinned.

You better, I was promised a good one by Minos here, if not I would have to take yer boots, he laughed winking, and walked off.

He is so cool Ferin remarked, I want a purple kilt, and don’t you think my dreadlocks will look cool in purple ribbons, hey?"

Watch it, I wear the kilts around here, got it Minos growled.

Oh and who made you the kilt king, I can wear one if I want to, you are not going to stop me.

Angus and Minos gets away with it because they are so huge, I’m not so sure you will, little man, Raph giggled.

Argh, are you on that again? Ferin growled.

What songs do you want to do tonight? Selene asked.

"The usual and that song we did in ‘Andreas’s Hole’ that got the people going."

It was appropriate for that day, do you think it will have the same meaning here? Billy asked.

I think it will have meaning anywhere, we are all fighting something in our lives. Aren’t we?

Hmm, I suppose you are right, but that was unplugged and Ferin had his African drums, shall we do it the same?

Keep it for the last song, then we go unplugged, will make quite an impact, Minos agreed.

Cool, I will do that, Ferin we will need your drums here then.

Jip, I will bring my babies in Ferin grinned.

Purple boots bounced softly, as the music vibrated through the building. The huge ceiling fans created another wave of dancing boots along the walls. The pub was packed to the brim, pulsating beautiful people. The mosh pit in front of the stage was a blur of colour in movement. Figures flew out of the pit as if propelled by strange powers, joining again in laughter. Raph stage dived into the crowd and was carried back and forth in front of the stage.

He stood in front of the adoring, worshipping eyes and felt the blood race through him. This is it. This is what I live for, what I want, my dream, not this damn fighting a war, we can’t win he thought rebelliously.

He looked over at Minos and saw the ecstasy in his eyes. This is his dream too. Ferin, Selene even Billy and Zoë, we all share the same burning desire inside us. Why can’t we have it?

He saw Billy signal that they were going unplugged now, and stepped forward to the microphone. We wrote this song, at a very special place and at a very special time.  We would like to share it with you.

The lights dimmed and Ferin banged the pulsating heartbeat on his African drums. The pub went quiet, no one moved, everyone stared at the bunch of misfits on the stage, stirring emotions, most would rather not feel.

Raph ended the song and silence filled the pub before thunderous applause rocked the walls, purple boots rising and falling with the rhythm of life.

My god, you rocked and that last song, Man that was good, that is so hot, you have to get to a recording study with that, damn Man Angus stuttered as he led them to the back stage area, You rocked! he roared.

Thanks Angus, Raph laughed.

You are not going to take my Docs? Minos grinned.

Nah, I think you are all safe, to keep your boots, Lad Angus roared.

Cool, do you think you would notice if any of your boots disappeared? Selene winked.

I would, Lass, but for you, a might just turn a blind eye he winked back.

And for me? I saw a nice pair at the back of the bar Ferin grinned.

I only have so many blind eyes. But you, my lad, can play a mean rhythm, so for you I will take them off myself Angus laughed and slapped Ferin on the back, who gave a few steps forward coughing.

Lófi laughed, Yea, he might need some help to get up there.

As if you wouldn’t Billy smirked.

Oh sush Billy, Zoë giggled, Can I have a pair as well Angus? she asked, honey dripping from her lips.

Oh, My beautiful, lass, of course you can, I would never be able to say no, to the likes of you, which pair would you like? No Nemue, I have no boots that would suit such honorable paws as yours he laughed.

Nemue bounced, his huge body bumping around the room.

Calm down boy Raph laughed grabbing Nemue’s collor,

I will make you some shoes, special ones just for you he grinned as Nemue licked his face; his stage makeup smudged all over.

Cool, drinking time Ferin yelled, Oh yeah, I saw the sexy red head in the front row, first, OK.

Yeah, Yeah, as if, Billy smiled.

Do you want to take a bet, I will have her tonight Ferin insisted.

Sure, 50 Euros, you don’t get close to that one. Billy smirked.

Soft rain fell, as morning broke, washing the grime and rubbish down the road. Zoë was sitting in a huge lilac chair in front of the windows staring out at the raindrops slipping down the pane. She sighed.

And that sigh? Raph asked behind her.

Hi Raph, how’s the head? she smiled.

Fine, think it's getting used to tequila now he laughed You did not answer me?

Oh, rainy days just make me blue, I prefer the sun.

Then you must have a tough time living in Dublin, dear?

Jip, I do, try not to think about it, I’m sure I was a Caribbean princess in my previous life she giggled.

Yeah, did you find any otherworldly places around here? he sat down in the chair with her.

There is the valley of Glen Lyon, apparently there is a very old Yew tree there. Unfortunately it’s not an ash, thorn or oak tree, they are the faerie trees, you will always find them close to faeries and together they form a portal. But I thought a walk in the forest might do all of us some good, and you never know what we could find.

Hmm, could do some tree hugging he poked her, Where is it? he smiled.

There is a village, Hmm, I think it was For… something, Oh wait, Fortingall, the valley is close to it.

Maybe we can go for a ride later, when everybody is awake. Did you enjoy last night?

Yeah, Billy was irritating me a bit. He is so mean to Lófi, always bringing him down. I don’t know why.

Maybe because he is jealous.

Of what?

All the attention Lófi has been giving you, my lady.

Arrgh Raph, you are talking shit, we are all just friends.

Hmmm, but Billy does not know that.

What do you mean, does Billy like me?

Hmm, I think he does, my Lady.

Stop that, this is nonsense, I do not have the time or the heart for a man in my life, not now, not ever, well not soon anyway.

Who broke your heart, sweetie? Raph asked looking into her eyes intently.

Don’t do your tricks on me, Zoë blushed.

Never, I just want to know?

Someone, I prefer not to think or talk about, OK.

OK, and Billy?

We are just friends, we can never be more than that.

A loud noise made them both jump in their seat.

Raph jumped up and saw Billy running around the corner.

What was that?

Nothing, a cat or something Raph lied.

Not Nemue? Zoë grinned.

Let me go chase everybody out of bed, maybe we can get to this valley of yours today. Raph sighed.

Now you sound like me.

Two hours later, Loola was struggling up a steep hill, the soft rain drumming a melody on her roof.

As they got to the top they cheered, You go, Loola.

The valley lay below them, green and misty. Thousands of trees shining with wetness.

Do you really want to go in there now, it is raining. Ferin groaned.

Look, there at the end of the road, is a house or something, maybe we can get something to drink there. Raph mentioned.

Billy drove on to the little dwelling. As they drove up and old man walked out of the overgrown building.

G’day he whispered in an ancient voice.

Good day, do you perhaps sell coffee or tea? Selene asked hopeful.

Ai, we do, come on in he croaked.

They spilled into the tiny room. It was old and smelled of lavender. Tiny tables and chairs stood against the walls. Sit, I will bring you some hot chocolate, my wife’s favourite he smiled and shuffled out of the room.

Minos and Selene stood by the window staring at the pigs playing in the pen around the side of the house. This is so prefect, I would love to live here, Selene murmured.

Me too, just you and me and twenty kids Minos grinned. Hmm, that could be fun Selene winked.

The old man walked in carrying a huge tray, he was followed by a tiny woman Hello, my dears she said joyfully. We don’t get much visitors on days like these.

Told you, Ferin growled.

Sush Raph smiled, we thought of visiting the valley, hoping the rain would stop, but…

Yeah. I think it will let up in about a half an hour, just enough time to drink your chocolate the old lady smiled. It’s my great, great grammas’ recipe, I love making it for visitors.

Minos took a huge sip of the scalding hot liquid and sighed Hmm, I’m in heaven he grinned.

The old lady shone with pride.

The others followed; a collective happy sigh filled the room, followed by a very proud giggle, and laughter.

My name is Raph, and these are my friends Raph introduced them to the couple, as the old lady poured some chocolate in a bowl for Nemue.

I’m Caleb, and this is my lovely sweetheart, Marian the old man said proudly, we have lived here close to the valley for many, many years, and love meeting the people visiting the valley of the sun.

The sun, I thought is was Glen Lyon? Zoë enquired.

Glen Lyon is Gaelic for the Sun god, we call it the valley of the sun.

Is it a special place, are there special places to go to? asked Minos.

What is special to you my child? Caleb wanted to know.

Oh, like ancient stone circles or anything like that Selene answered quickly.

Well, you are visiting two ancient ones now Marian giggled, but the Yew tree is slightly older than us.

Slightly? Ferin smiled.

Ay, it’s over 5000 years old, it has seen many a wondrous thing, and not so Caleb sighed.

Do you think we can go there now? Zoë asked.

Nay. It’s too late, you will have to start early morn, it’s a long walk to the tree.

Then we will have to come back tomorrow, to see it Raph sighed.

Oh good, I will prepare you some food for the road, and a scrumptious supper for your return from the valley. Marian smiled.

Hmm, I can’t wait Billy smirked, finishing his chocolate.

Nemue suddenly started barking and ran out of the door.

Those damn vagabonds, Caleb called rushing after Nemue.

What? Raph asked jumping up.

The gypsy kids, probably took something from your van, Marian shook her head.

What? Ferin and Minos jumped up and ran out of the door, followed closely by the rest of the gang.

Caleb was holding Nemue back, watching three young ones running across the field, laughing, and heading for the forest.

"You won’t get them now, and if the dog ran in