He'd saved me, and I'd always owe him for that.

  And besides, I told myself, having him as a grandparent would be great. I liked him. He held a vast amount of information in that wrinkly head of his, and it would even out things for Jen having a fun, more open grandfather as opposed to a very closed, uptight, serious grandmother.

  If she lived.

  "Play ball with Woofer?" asked the wagging Lab sat in front of me, ever hopeful.

  "Hey buddy. So you're finally awake? I could play ball. But listen, you have to let the ball go so I can throw it, okay?"

  "Okay," he agreed eagerly.

  "Right, um, so where's the ball?"

  Woofer frowned in confusion, then opened his mouth wide and stared at the ground, clearly expecting it to fall from his mouth. "Not here?" he inquired, puzzled.

  "No, it isn't," I laughed, my mood already lifted. "Come on, let's go find it. It must be here somewhere."

  We set off around the grounds, searching for his elusive ball. It was nice to stretch my legs and spend some time with him, and the morning was truly joyous. Birds sang, bees buzzed, already busy collecting pollen and nectar, and there was even a slight morning dew which was rarer than gold these days.

  "Found it!" I called in triumph and nabbed the orange ball before Woofer could get it. He bounded over, excitement building, and I threw it across the clearing. He shot after it, joyous in the hunt, as happy as any animal had ever been. Content to be lost in the moment and focused on what made him happy.

  I smiled as he snatched up the ball with expert timing on the rebound and turned sharply to race back with his prize.

  "Good job. Now, listen carefully," I told him seriously. Woofer's ears pricked to attention and he stood stiff, ready for my wise words. "You must let go of the ball. I know it's difficult, as you love it, but you love chasing it more, right?" Woofer nodded, keen. "Okay, so here we go." I took a deep breath and commanded, "Drop the ball!" in my best dog trainer voice.

  Woofer paused, thought about it, then his tail wagged manically as he ran around me, grunting and shoving the ball at my legs, smearing me with dirt and having the best time ever.

  "What are we going to do with you, Woofer?" I asked, happy to know some things would probably never change.

  And then, miracle of miracles, Woofer dropped the ball, stepped back several paces, and eyed it with incredible focus.

  "Okay, I'm going to reach down and pick it up now. Hold steady, you can do it. Congratulations for making it this far." Knowing what would happen, I nevertheless bent to retrieve the ball, waiting for him to snatch it away.

  My fingers touched the hard plastic. I cupped it in my hand, then lifted it aloft in astonished triumph.

  "I got it! I actually got it!"

  "Throw. Throw," he pleaded, close to having an utter meltdown, so deep was his excitement.

  I threw the ball back into the orchard and he tore after it once more, again catching it on the rebound. He was back in a flash, panting and happy, and before I even asked he dropped it, backed away, and eyed it intently.

  I bent again and grabbed it quick. Woofer remained still, eyes on the ball. Another throw, and he sprinted away yet again.

  Moments later he returned, and the same thing was repeated.

  Over, and over, and over we played our game. Woofer was unstoppable. Having finally, after all these years, got the whole point of fetch and release, he appeared to have become utterly consumed by the repetitive act.

  He ran, he caught, he fetched, he dropped, he waited. Then he ran again.

  We both became lost to our game. There was nothing else. Just a man and his dog having fun in the morning, doing what dogs and people did.

  "Are you alright?" asked Phage, appearing beside me without warning.

  "Damn, where'd you come from?" I asked, wiping the sweat from my eyes with my sleeve.

  Phage frowned. "I just walked across the clearing. But I've been watching you guys play for at least half an hour. How long have you been out here?"

  "Depends what time it is. I didn't notice, though." I bent and picked up the ball, then threw it for Woofer again. He tore off, oblivious to Phage.

  "It's mid-morning." Phage smiled, a puzzled look on her face. "Are you okay?"

  "Yes, I'm great, thanks. Did you see? Woofer finally learned how to play fetch properly. He's so crazy." I grinned at Phage then moved to hug her, but Woofer barked and nudged the ball forward with his nose. "One minute." I threw the ball then reached for Phage.

  Woofer barked again.

  I threw the ball.

  "Soph, I think you need to stop. You're soaked in sweat, it's horrendously hot out here, and Woofer looks like he might have a heart attack. You too. Have you got sunscreen on?"

  "No, I forgot. I didn't realize we'd been playing for so long. But, ugh, my arm is very tired and Woofer does look exhausted. So, how did you sleep?"

  Woofer barked again.

  "Last throw, so make the most of it," I warned him.

  "I slept like a log. Amazingly. Jen's still out cold. And I don't know where Mawr is."

  Woofer returned and dumped the ball, but I wagged a finger at him. He barked once, then staggered off to the water bowl Mawr had put out for him.

  "He's probably gone to inspect the forest. I can't believe how different it is already."

  We both studied the trees; things had moved on apace since yesterday. The healing process had accelerated, and I didn't doubt that in a day or two it would be healthier than it had ever been.

  "You think this is all down to him telling me he's my father?"

  "I'm sure of it. How are you about this? Yesterday was a lot to take in. This going to work?"

  Phage beamed. "I think it is. I've been mulling it over this morning, just lying there, wondering, trying to put it all into place, and yes, I believe this will work."

  "He's a good guy. One of the best. I know he screwed this up, but maybe this has worked out for the best."

  "I'm not so sure about that. But you might be right. Once again, my bitch of a mother has ruined things. What is wrong with her? Why does she act this way?"

  "Mawr said a little about it. That her past is complicated and it's the way she was brought up," I said.

  "But that's not an excuse. I was brought up by her, and look at me."

  "I know, you broke the mold. Look, I don't have the answers, don't pretend to know what's for the best, but what if you had known he was your father from being a baby? What then? He wouldn't live with you, you'd hardly see him. Would that be better or worse?"

  "Soph, it would have been better. I could have visited, stayed here sometimes. Been a part of his life, and him mine."

  "And what would life at home have been like? Knowing Peth kept him away?"

  "Worse," she admitted.

  "It's complicated, right? And these truly old Necros, they have a different perspective. They see things so differently. It's hard to put yourself in their shoes and know what you'd do."

  "Even for you?"

  "Yes. You know I've had other children, and you know about Adina. She's my daughter, Phage. A daughter I'd believed was lost to me. Maybe even dead. When I saw her again, knew she was alive, it was beyond hard. But I'm not part of her life, and she isn't part of mine. Does that make me a bad person?"

  "That isn't the same thing. She was taken from you. She's grown up now. She never grew up with you."

  "I'm not making excuses for him, but isn't that similar to Mawr's situation? He was denied his child, just like me. But unlike me, he's trying to connect now, be part of your life. I'm not doing that with Adina. And why? Because that time is past. It would hurt us both too much, and it's too much to ask of either of us. It pains me so much that I lost her, but now it's too late."

  "Soph, I'm so sorry. I know this has been hard for you. That you dwell on the past so much and miss her and your boy so badly. It kills me to know you lost so much."

  "And I never tried to find her, Phage. I let her mother and her go and never tried to get them back. Not really. Not hard enough."

  "You tried, but you couldn't. I understand."

  "I'm sorry, but you don't. You can't. This is all so hard to explain, and it's so complex, but we have it so lucky. We are a family, together, and would never dream of taking our girl away from the other. For Necros like Peth and Mawr, things are undeniably more complicated. They come from such different times, where life was brutal and losing children was expected. The norm. They have a different outlook, and they grew up in ways we can't even imagine. I mean, Jen, and even you, can't really imagine how it was for me before the digital age. The world was so different. And even I can't imagine the life Peth had."

  "And all of that is why I have decided to let him in, be part of our family." Phage smiled warmly, clearly delighted now she'd had time to think of it, yet still with doubts, as should be expected. "I like him. I forgive him. I want him to be my father. If Mother doesn't like it, then she can go to hell."

  "Good. That's good. I agree. I think you made the right choice, but I'll stand by you whatever you decide. Jen loves him already. Especially as he's a proper wizard."

  "You have your own gifts," she consoled, patting me on the head like a good boy and grinning devilishly.

  "Why, thank you. But seriously, I understand how monumental this is. I mean, Mawr is your father. It's unbelievable. He got us together. He wants to be part of our lives. It's late for it to happen, but it is a good thing."

  "I know. I'm pleased, truly, but it doesn't seem real yet. Like a dream. There's too much to think about. Too much to go over. I don't know if I should be hitting him or hugging him."

  "You'll figure it out. For now, just be glad that you accept him as your dad. The rest will come with time. You can't be expected to be totally happy about it. Just bear in mind, and I hate that I'm saying this, that your mother had her reasons. That she did what she thought was best. She's so old, Phage. We have to make allowances."

  "Hmm, maybe. But she's done so much wrong that it isn't easy. And now we have to go there. And you have your note." She left it hanging, knowing we were skirting danger.

  "Yes, we do. But Jen will always have her grandmother if I have anything to do with it. We'll find a way."

  "I want her to have her father, too. More than anything. You hear me? More than anything."

  "I hear you. Come on, let's go wake sleeping beauty. And I'm sure Bernard needs a good moan, so we better wake him up so he can get started. If we leave it too late, he'll be playing catch-up all day and we won't get a minute's peace. You just wait." I rubbed my hands together with glee. "You're going to hate that you understand him now. He'll drive you mad in an hour."

  "Don't be silly. I still can't believe I can hear them now. It's so nice. And Mawr did that for me."

  "With a little help from Woofer," I reminded her.

  "Yes, Woofer helped a lot. Where is he?"

  We looked towards the house. He was keeled over, legs twitching as he chased balls in his sleep.

  "I think he might have overdone it," I noted.

  "You too. Go get a shower. You stink."

  "Yes ma'am."

  "Come on, we really do have to go. At this rate, it'll be tomorrow before we get going. Move it, slow coach," I told Jen.

  "Aw, do we have to? I want to stay with Boppa."

  "Why Boppa?" I asked, intrigued.

  "Dunno," shrugged Jen. "Just sounded right. "All cuddly and like a grandpa, but different somehow."

  "I have never once been called cuddly in all my years," said Mawr, face serious. Jen blanched, but then he smiled and held his arms wide.

  She dashed over and hugged him tight. He enveloped her in his large wizard garb, staff still clutched tightly. Such a strange sight, but a welcome one.

  "Miss you already, Boppa," said Jen as she battled the tangle of smoke-infused robes.

  "And I miss you too. All of you. Phage, it has been a pleasure to meet you. What a fine woman you are, and I am immensely proud of all you have accomplished. Please don't think too badly of me, and please let me know the moment you are home and safe. I have always worried, but now I will worry even more."

  "We will. And it truly was lovely to meet you, Father." Phage smiled awkwardly, the words clearly strange on her tongue.

  "Oh, that makes my heart sing. You give me so much. Have blessed me with your kindness. Please do forgive this old man his terrible sins."

  "I told you, I already have. I just need a little time to think this through, but it has been great. And Jen loves her Boppa, right?"

  "Sure do! Hey Woofer, come on, sleepy." Woofer's ears twitched, and he reluctantly roused himself from his slumber and came over to say goodbye.

  "Nice sausages," he said by way of thanks.

  "Glad you liked them," said Mawr. "And keep this between us," he whispered, "but I snuck a nice large pack of them in with your provisions."

  "Woofer love Boppa." He licked Mawr's hand and wagged happily.

  "See you soon," I said, then grabbed his shoulders and stared into his eyes. "Thanks for everything. I mean that."

  Mawr clasped my forearms and nodded. "No, thank you. Be safe. Do what you must."

  "I will."

  "Safe travels, Bernard," Mawr told him.

  "Thank you. I'll be fine. I always am."

  "Then that's a good thing, is it not?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

  "Suppose," grumbled Bernard.

  I shook my head at the grumpy unicorn, then we piled into the cart.

  "Oh, one more thing," called Mawr. "Phage, a moment?"

  Phage rejoined Mawr and I watched as he spoke a few words then she pulled the matchbox containing Malka from her shirt pocket. She slid it open and Mawr peered inside, smiled, then nodded to Phage. They exchanged a few more words then Phage got back into the cart.

  "Everything okay?" I asked.

  "Yes, he just wanted to have a look at her." Phage shrugged.

  "Wizards!"

  "Yep."

  "What were you doing?" asked our nosy daughter.

  "Just saying goodbye. Right, off we go, Bernard."

  With plenty of waves and shouts of farewell, we were sucked in by the happy trees and heading in the direction Mawr instructed.

  Soon the forest wrapped us in its welcome embrace, back to being a place of joy and growth, of contentment and satisfaction.

  Mawr was happy.

  THE STORIES WE TELL

  The journey continued in a frustrating manner. Bernard was still miserable, the roads were crap, and often congested with carts and a plethora of unstable contraptions, and I couldn't get my brain to switch off.

  I hated dragging my family into this, but I'd hate myself more if something happened and they were stuck at home without saying goodbye to either me or Peth.

  Trying to appear in control, calm and confident, was difficult when the same thoughts swirled in my head like an endless whirlpool. My usual sense of purpose and utter confidence in my abilities was waning by the minute, replaced with an ennui, an almost pathological desire to just give it all up and let this cruelty be done with. I wouldn't, of course, but it was only Jen and Phage that kept me going.

  Without them, I don't know what I'd do, but bringing them was still a mistake as much as the right thing. It was the not knowing that was getting to me. Not knowing who the mark was, when I would find out, and if my most beautiful women would be safe when the shit inevitably hit the fan. After everything I'd learned over the centuries, I was at an utter loss.

  The heat, the dust, the bugs, and the humidity were not helping my mood, but I sucked it up, remained calm on the outside, and reminded myself that whatever I was feeling, it wasn't their fault.

  Drones watched our every move, spies that were out in record numbers to ensure the populace were behaving. Tyr was right, they looked different. Even the matt-black casing was menacing, and there appeared to be small munitions chambers and muzzles spaced at regular intervals around the middle. It was impossible to get a close inspection, but they certainly gave off a fascist vibe.

  Big Brother was most definitely watching, and it left people on the road uneasy. Everyone we met had something to say about the state of the roads, the insanity of crushing cars, the bloody cheek of being forced to plant a tree, and the endless list of tribulations the country, and the world, was currently experiencing.

  Nobody was coping. Heating fuel costs and rationing meant most people couldn't have hot water on a regular basis, electricity prices were crippling everyone, even though we'd grown accustomed to using next to nothing now. The drones buzzing about, watching us, set everyone's jaws to grinding—every conversation was interrupted as people looked to the sky and scowled. The mood was dark, the sun harsh. Tempers were fraying.

  People were hungry, dissatisfied, and the older the man or woman, the more pissed off they were. It was the loss of what they'd known, what they'd expected to always have. Now everyone was fighting just to keep a roof over their heads and their children fed and clothed.

  Scowling at a particularly insistent drone, I was jolted when Bernard came to a sighing halt. He had little choice in the matter. The Shire horse confronting us snorted, then neighed as it shook out its long, thick mane. The impressive creature lowered his head and moved forward a few steps, pulling the cart where a man lay sleeping with ease. Nonplussed, I watched with interest.

  Once they were nose and nose, the Shire horse towering over Bernard who merely stared vacantly, doing nothing, the larger creature snorted loudly. Bernard jumped back a step at the sudden gust.

  "As jittery as ever, I see," grinned the horse.

  "I'm not jittery. I'm just cautious," Bernard told the stranger.

  "Still getting that daft horn stuck?" asked the Shire.

  "Daft? What's daft about it? I'm a unicorn. We have horns. You're just jealous."

  I smiled at a confused Phage, genuinely pleased to have a distraction, then jumped down and reached out my hand for her. She took it with an uncertain smile, then joined me beside the two very different animals.

  Jen was comatose in the cart, so I figured it was best to leave her to rest. With her body going through so many changes, she slept so much these days it was amazing she got anything done.

 

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