Chapter 1 ~ Ten Years Earlier ~

• ~ Ten years earlier ~
• A frail, warm smile lit up her face as her beloved family members entered her sick room. "Mimi!" her only granddaughter softly said as she motioned her feet over to her grandmother.
• With a leather hand, Grandma Lancashire beckoned Rosa closer. A bony finger pointed at the nightstand, "Open the drawer, my dear!"
• Obeying her grandmother's request, Rosa pulled out a weathered brown envelope. "Mimi, what is this?" Rosa asked.
• "Open it up and find out!" Grandma Lancashire's hands clapped together joyfully in response to Rosa's question.
• Grandma Lancashire giggled as Rosa disclosed the passports for every family member. Along with those were round-trip tickets scheduled to depart in two months. The destination was set for Ireland. Grandma Lancashire outlined their journey to Ireland, plans for cozy places to stay, and an enticing list of must-see tourist attractions.
• With twinkling eyes, Grandma Lancashire said, "There is also one last thing I want you to do!" The old woman's voice was excited. "Visit Lancashire Mansion." It was a legacy she longed to see, a beautiful reminder of their roots.
• "Everything is paid for!" Grandma Lancashire told her son and his wife. Patting George's hand, "Take this trip in my name!" Grandma Lancashire began to cough. "Promise me you will go!"
• ***
• A week later, the Lancashire family gathered in a small office to hear the contents of Grandma Lancashire's will. As everyone had expected, George, the head of the family and Grandma Lancashire's only recognized son, was granted the family home. In each generation, the house and the plot of land had been handed down to the eldest child. Along with the deeds to the house, the promised funds had been granted as well.
• Laura, George's wife, received $50,000 and access to the family heirlooms. Grandma Lancashire’s only recognized grandchildren, Arthur and Rosa, also received money, an inheritance substantial enough to cover their tuition for higher education, with extra funding remaining.
• Upon Grandma Lancashire's request, the lawyer handed each family member a white envelope. Each member opened the envelope in silence, reading the handwritten letter penned by Grandma Lancashire herself. Tears of happiness rolled down their faces, except for Arthur, who appeared to have other thoughts in his mind, wanting to do better things than being in the old musty office.
• ***
• The family stood at the entrance of the Lancashire Mansion. Outside, there stood a man who appeared to be in his late 30s. Dressed in a suit and tie. With blonde hair cut in a style that is suited to the newest trend. He greeted the family with a smile. Beside him was a lady in her early 40s. With her hair pulled back into a bun, she was wearing an outfit similar to the male's but more feminine.
• "Welcome to Lancashire Mansion! My name is Aiden, and this is my co-worker Bridget. We will be showing you around the Mansion today." He motioned with his arm toward the front door, "If you would follow us!"
• Aiden stepped confidently into the grand Mansion. His footsteps echoed against the wooden floor. "Come on in!" Aiden chirped.
• Bridget paused for a moment, making sure the family was close behind. With the foyer doors closed Bridget began sharing captivating snippets of the history of the Mansion. "This section of the house was constructed in 1190." Recounting the era when the Mansion was constructed. The more she got into the story, the more elaborate the detail had become.
• George and Laura exchanged warm smiles as they strolled through the foyer, hand in hand. Their conversation flowed easily with Aiden, who eagerly listened to their tales of their family history. And the reasons behind their family visit.
• Off to the side, Arthur and his longtime girlfriend, Violet, chatted alone. Lost in their own world. Meanwhile, Rosa wandered through the foyer. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she absorbed the original architecture. Marvelling at the history woven into every corner. Knowing her Grandma Lancashire would have loved every second of their adventure.
• Rosa was immediately captivated by the rich history surrounding her, a trait she had picked up from her grandmother. "Mimi, you would have loved this!" Her chest ached for a moment. Not yet healed from the loss of her grandmother. Rosa hoped wherever her grandmother was, she had met up with her grandfather.
• The wooden floors creaked softly underfoot. While the aged stones and bricks spoke of a time long gone. Grazing her fingers over the stone, she imagined what life must have been like during that time. Her head motioned to the far end of the location. A grand fireplace stood as a centrepiece, a relic of the Mansion’s storied past. On each side were entryways to locations she did not know.
• Rosa glanced at her parents, then at her elder brother. Each of them continued with what they had been doing since Bridget had finished her introduction to Lancashire's history. Rosa's eyes wandered to the striking portrait that dominated the wall. An impressive 80 inches by 36 inches, it commanded all of Rosa's attention.
• "That must have taken a long time to finish!" Rosa spoke out loud, her first thought.
• On the side of the wall, the accompanying tag read, "Lady Niamh Lancashire, born 1379 died 1446." Beneath it, the year of the commission had been 1445. There was a palpable sense of reverence in the air, as if the very essence of Lady Niamh lingered.
• Two candles stood sentinel on either side of Lady Niamh Lancashire. Rosa studied the details of the painting. Dressed in a stunning dark green gown that cascaded elegantly to the floor. Rosa pushed the air out of her lungs softly, whispering, "The detail is remarkable, I can't even see the paint strokes."
• Rosa continued to study the portrait. The painter made Lady Niamh radiate with grace and strength, which Rosa knew Niamh's title demanded.
• "You are absulutly stunning!" Rosa whispered as she fixated on the gown.
• In the fashion of the era, Lady Niamh showed off her sophistication. Her hair was styled according to the trend. With little makeup on her face, her eyes seemed to sparkle like emerald stones.
• Whispering again, “Wow! This painting feels so real!” Rosa gasped as she studied the background details. The artist made sure the room around Lady Naimh was a cozy haven. It was filled with bookshelves and classic chairs gracefully encircling a charming round coffee table. Underneath was a rug with a mix of warm colours. The painter made sure the atmosphere was inviting and pleasing to the eye.
• Bridget, noticing how much time Rosa spent observing Lady Naimh, figured that the youth would find enjoyment in the other details of the foyer. Pointing to the ceiling, above them hung a candle chandelier. A bronze wheel with twelve candle holders adorned with a few Celtic knots etched into the metal. Bridget noted how impressed Rosa was with the rich history of the Mansion.
• "If I may have your attention!" Aiden bellowed, gaining the family's attention, "please follow me!"
• Aiden strode confidently through the right door. Mutterings of Laura and George could be heard as they were the first to follow their guide. Arthur and Violet rolled their eyes as they obediently followed with Bridget behind them.
• Pushing the air out of her lungs, Rosa took a few steps. "What!?" Rosa hesitated. She listened to a strange noise from behind her.
• Her hands were opening and closing rapidly, 'This can't be happening! Not here, not now!' Rosa turned around slowly, expecting to see a ghost behind her. With her instincts on high alert. Her gaze landed on Lady Niamh Lancashire. “That is impossible!” she whispered harshly.
• Instead of the sombre demeanour that had been etched in her memory. Lady Niamh Lancashire was now smiling. A change that was so subtle, yet it defied the very situation.
• Her brows were knitted together, "What the hell!?" Rosa cursed softly.
• “Naimh," Rosa's father’s voice had distracted her, "Come on!” He waved, a smile spreading across his face as he beckoned Rosa to join him.
• Slowly, Rosa moved her feet, not wanting to upset her father. Only glancing back once at the portrait. Still pondering how the lady could go from a sombre expression to smiling.
• The corridor stretched on endlessly. The power-operated lanterns that lined the walls were the only source of light. To the left, a row of doors stood sentinel, each leading to the private chambers of those who dwelled in the Mansion.
• In the heart of the kitchen stood an exquisite antique table surrounded by eight sturdy chairs. The charming wood stove not only heated the room during the chill of winter but also served as a means to cook their meals. The kitchen, much like the rest of the Mansion, was built with a delightful mix of stones that were found in the region and timber that most likely was local. The only thing that was not old in style was the fridge that was tucked away in the far corner.
• A grand window framed the view of the lush backyard. Natural light spilled in from the sunlight. While a nearby door would give them access to the backyard.
• But what truly captivated Rosa's curiosity was a locked door. With a few questions, Rosa found out the door led to the cellar, where the food was stored. Bridget had gone on to say that back when the area was being cultivated, the lower floor was used as a dungeon. "May we see it?" Rosa was quick to ask.
• Aiden quickly informed her that only employees were allowed access to the cellar. Rosa nodded her head, "That makes sense! " She accepted the fact that only certain personnel had permission to enter an off-limits location.
• Pointing in the direction of another corridor, Rosa posed questions that lit up Bridget’s face with a warm smile. Bridget was delighted to share her insights with the eager young girl.
• Her imagination was running wild, "May I see the location?" Rosa asked with a wide smile.
• Rosa noticed the slight change in Bridget's body language. The smile still relaxed, but her body seemed rigid.
• "I am afraid not!" Aiden regretfully informed Rosa, "The Earl of Lancashire had explicitly requested that the area remain off-limits to visitors." He was not about to disobey his master.
• Though disappointment clouded Rosa’s bright eyes, she quickly masked her feelings. "The story's are more then enough for my imagination." She forced a smile, not wanting to put Bridget and Aiden in a difficult position.
• "If you would follow me!" Aiden had opened the back door. Leading the group to the backyard. With bright smiles plastered on their faces, Aiden and Bridget eagerly guided the group on their tour. Building the anticipation for the grand finale.
• Before them were the stunning Lancashire gardens. In the flyers, this was the crown jewel of the tour. It was an area known to captivate the hearts of every visitor. Bridget had taken over the conversation. Retelling the story of the massive gardens.
• As Rosa gazed around the outside of the Mansion, her attention was drawn to the subtle movement of the upper floor. A location she felt sure would remain off-limits.
• 'What the ..." Her eyes saw the curtain move back to its spot. Counting five windows, 'There must be five bedrooms, if not more!' she speculated.
• While Bridget narrated tales of the landscape, a shiver ran down Rosa's back. In the middle window, a silhouette had pushed the curtains to the side. Eyes were peering down at them from above.
• Rosa was about to point out what she had seen when her father wrapped an arm gently around her shoulders. Refocusing her attention on Aiden and Bridget’s lively conversation.
• The family had unlimited time to explore the surroundings. Aiden and Bridget couldn’t take their eyes off the family. Wondering what the master was going to do next. The two employees lingered off to the side, casting furtive glances back at the kitchen window. Whispering, "Lady Mother is letting them wander freely in the gardens unharmed!" Aiden had told Bridget what he had heard in his mind.
• Bridget stepped closer to Aiden, "I am glad to hear that." She paused as she watched Rosa wander away from her family. "I am quite fond of the little one!"
• Laura and George stood in awe of the enchanting Celtic knot garden. "I have never seen anything like this before!" Laura commented, focusing her eyes on the different-coloured flowers planted on the edge of the bushes.
• Their eyes were drawn to the meticulously manicured bushes that wove in an intricate design. George could only nod his head in agreement as he studied the garden. "Some of these flowers I have no idea what they are called!" He added his thoughts.
• Laura turned to her husband, “Just imagine,” she said, “creating a scaled-down version of this beauty in our own backyard!” The idea danced in her mind. "It would cost a pretty penny, but I could make it work!"
• George kissed the side of his wife's head, letting her know he would support her new landscaping project idea. All she had to do was make the plans.
• Rosa scrunched her brows together. Snorting, she was growing more frustrated with her brother and his girlfriend's behaviour. They were supposed to show enthusiasm for the family trip.
• Rosa grumbled under her breath, "Twit!" Her eyes narrowed on her brother.
• Instead, Violet found every opportunity she could to pull her brother off to the side. Only interested in their own company. Huffing and puffing, Rosa strolled down the winding brick pathway. Her gaze landed on a meticulously trimmed hedge peeking out in the distance.
• "I think that is the outline of the maze!" Rosa whispered as she continued to head in that direction.
• Aiden had told the family about the five-acre maze, which was a tribute to Lancashire's rich Celtic heritage. She remembered him saying it took seven long years for the trees to grow to maturity, creating a natural wonder that was both a challenge and a delight.
• At the time, a smirk had been on Aiden's face when he spoke to the family. "Navigating the entire maze, would take about an hour! That is assuming no one gets tangled in the twists and turns of the maze." he had told the family.
• Rosa had shrugged off Aiden's warning. "It can't be that hard!" Snickering, she approached the entrance.
• Rosa's eyes were drawn to the circular opening. She studied how the lush vines framed a wooded arch, weaving their way throughout the entire structure. "I have to admit," she smiled, "this does give off a mystical vibe!"
• Stepping through the entryway, Rosa saw scattered realistic sculptures along the manicured hedge. Capturing the essence of women, children, and men in exquisite detail. Yet, it was the sundial that captured her attention. "I wonder how old this is?" she spoke out loud. "What stories would Bridget spin about you?" Rosa's fingers brushed over the Roman numerals. Counting out loud each time, her fingers rubbed over each number that was etched around the rim.
• There was a glow in Rosa's eyes as she stepped further into the maze. "I bet I can finish this maze in record time," she whispered to herself.
• A few feet into the maze, the joyful echoes of little girls’ laughter reached Rosa's ears. "What the ..." Rosa stopped moving her feet. Curiosity sparked within her, following the sound of the giggles.
• Before long, she found herself standing in a clearing at the very heart of the maze. Four different entrances can be taken in or out of the heart of the labyrinth. The center was five feet by five feet. An old, ornate bell was situated on a cement block.
• To Rosa's delight, the silhouettes of twins, zipping around the bell, were seen. 'This is a lot better than the other things I have witnessed!' Rosa thought to herself as she continued to watch the girls play around.
• "Your it!" one of the little girls yelled to her sibling.
• Thinking to herself, 'They are so adorable!' Rosa could imagine that in life, the girls would have had an abundance of energy.
• Rosa could not resist letting a giggle slip out of her mouth. Covering her mouth with her hands. It was too late! In an instant, their feet and laughter halted. With a haunting gaze fixed on Rosa, they began to chant in unison, their voices rising in a rhythmic echo: "Fathlia! Fathlia!"
• Rosa stood there, not understanding a word the girls were screaming. The girls’ figures swirled into a wisp of mist. Leaving Rosa standing bewildered and alone. "What the hell is a fathlia?"