A Tailor's Son (Valadfar) Page 22

  “Is he dead?” She asked glancing over at the body that had fallen to the ground behind Harold.

  “Yes, it’s over. It’s finally over.” Harold said as he kissed Muriel. Her lips were still as soft as he remembered. Her smile afterwards still as sweet, and the feeling still as perfect. “I can’t wait to show you the coast.” Harold said helping Muriel to her feet.

  Epilogue: The Sun Sets on the 16th The sun set over the canals that night and Neeskmouth continued under its deep red rays. The evening newspapers filled with the story of the killer priest denting the faith people had in Sacellum but it would not be hindered for long as soon farmers would come in from the fields with more stories of the shadow demon Rinwid and people would flock back into the pews of Saint Anne’s. The catacombs would be sealed shut to bury the sins of this mad man forever in the bowels of Saint Anne’s. The flooding below the Queens would wash Williams’s body into the canals and eventually out to sea. It would not be long before people forgot about the poor dead prostitutes as more flocked in to take their place. A city is a fickle beast and Neeskmouth had always seen more than its share of death and pain.

  Neeskmouth ridge fell behind Harold and Muriel a mile at a time as they headed west. The cart rolled onwards with its windows pulled shut to the setting sun shining through the lush blue material. There was silence, apart from the clatter of horseshoes on the uneven road and the gentle sound of Muriel’s snoring as she slept in Harold’s arms. Harold would propose once they reached the beaches. He didn’t know what would become of him. If Paul was right he would be able to control his hunger. If not then the lands of the north would have another monster to fight. Somehow though, Harold felt that with Muriel on his arm he’d battle his demons and win. The horrors of the last few weeks fell into oblivion in his dreams as he wondered if the beaches would look as wonderful as he remembered. Harold slid his eyes open slightly, just enough so that he could see her. She was sleeping still. Harold pulled her closer, a slight murmur signalling Muriel’s ease in his embrace. He knew he would one day have to face the choice he made but until then he would be with her.

  Dante’s journeys led him to the Cassandra and climbing up the wet chain of the anchor marked a new journey for him. One that would take him all the way to the Green Stone Isles, oddly this little creature’s journey would play a part in the events of Neeska long after his death that would one day be legendary. The letter from William still tied to his tail was also a story for another time, much like that of the match girl and Granny, for we have not seen the last of the haggard old woman of the north.

  * * * * *

  In the abandoned tailors shop on East Street, a couple of mice played happily around a dusty ball of string. A strange odour filled the air. A memory of fresh tobacco smoke sailed through and went as quickly as it came. It was gone. Spinks and Son’s had shut for the last time.