The Long Dark Cloak by Vicki D. Thomas

Author:Vicki D. Thomas [Thomas, Vicki D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: young adult; fantasy; brother; forest; goddess; courage; farmer; Kingwood Oak; lonley West Forest; Southern England;
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2022-01-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The Message

“I-I’ve heard my brother Peter Kimble is somewhere in the Forest.” He continued in a rush, “Do you know where I can find him?”

“Yes, he is here.”

Ivan’s knees twitched and felt like jelly. “H-he-he’s here?” His chest grew hot from the pounding of his heart. His mouth went dry. “W-where?”

The ancient tree seemed to see deep into Ivan’s soul. “Peter is not the person you remember.”

“I knew it.” Ivan blurted with a wide grin while meeting the tree’s scowl. “He was hurt in the war, and he’s lost his memory. That’s why he didn’t come home. That’s why he didn’t attend our parents’ funeral, but I’m sure he’ll recover.”

Fungoda questioned Sebastian. “I last heard Peter traveled north and is staying in the ruined Kingdom of Helvaka. Have you heard differently?”

Sebastian’s brow rippled. “I haven’t seen him for some time.”

Ivan’s breathing came quick and shallow. “Helvaka is a frightful place where Zephyrus and Tereus once fought for the kingdom’s throne, right?”

“That’s right,” Fungoda replied.

“What would Peter be doing there? He must be wandering aimlessly, not knowing who he is. I have to find him, take him home.”

“Your brother is not lost.” Fungoda’s rough eyebrows pulled into a slant. “He has chosen a new path.”

“What do you mean?” Ivan stepped back.

“An army is congregating there. In the last few days, I’ve sent warnings to Zephyrus, but he hasn’t responded. Now I realize why.”

“What does that have to do with Peter?”

“Your brother has joined them.”

“No. I don’t understand.” Ivan’s bewildered voice trailed. “What kind of army?”

Fungoda’s gray-bark face tightened as though in pain. “The Dark Army. They are recruiting, expanding their numbers. They plan to declare war against Zephyrus and the Forest’s garrisons. They’ll fight to take possession of the Forest and the South Castle.”

Ivan gave a shuddering gasp.

“Yes.” Sebastian’s eyes glistened. “Joseph has told me that war would come—and soon.” He sighed regretfully. “I was hoping my friend in the lantern was wrong, that he’d been absent too long.”

“But Peter? No, my brother wouldn’t go to war again. He just got back from World War II a few years before. Especially not to fight against Zephyrus. T-they were—are friends.”

“He didn’t join the British Army,” the tree said, his bark-mouth turned downward. “He stayed at the castle until the war was over.”

“You’re wrong.” Ivan pounded his fists against his thighs, fighting to hold back tears. “My brother is an honorable and decent person. He’d never join any army and plan to conquer the people who live here. It must be someone else.” A sob escaped from his burning throat.

“As I have said, he is not the person you remember.”

Anger pushed away Ivan’s tears. “I don’t believe you.” He spun to face Sebastian. “What do you know of this? Why is Fungoda telling these lies?”

“Ivan…I…you must understand the importance of…” Sebastian’s face scrunched painfully.

“Do you believe it’s true?” Ivan’s cheeks and neck felt hot with rage and betrayal. “Has Peter joined the Dark Army? You told me nothing, even when I’d asked.” His voice broke.

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