Part 15 (2/2)

What did you find out?'

Othman glanced at Owen. The questions were inconvenient. Not much. I don't think the Murkasters used this building very often. It was built for the villagers. And it was just a church.'

Oh.' Owen looked disappointed.

Othman began to dress himself.

Are you psychic?' Owen asked him That's one word for it, I suppose.'

Owen sat down beside him. I have a friend who's like that. Daniel Cranton. You'll meet him tomorrow.'

Oh, really?' Othman's interested perked up.

Yeah, well, Daniel doesn't know it, and certainly can't use it, but it's just a feeling I have. I get feelings like that.. and other things...'

Othman patted his shoulder. Well, we're all psychic to a degree.'

How much do you know about that kind of stuff?'

Enough.' He s.h.i.+vered. A listening presence seemed to have crept up on them. It was similar to the feeling he'd picked up at the house: cautious, wary. I think we should go now.'

Owen glanced around himself nervously. Yeah. I think so too.'

Outside, Othman looked back at the church for a few moments. A wind had come up and the rain was coming down harder.

Let's get back,' Owen said. You'll catch your death out in this. Come and have a coffee or something.'

Othman gave him an arch glance. Didn't think I'd be welcome.'

Owen shrugged. Forget it. I was just... confused about what happened the other night.'

Want to talk about it?'

No, yeah, maybe.'

They walked back down to the lych-gate. One thing I must tell you,' Othman said. You and Lily are special people, Owen. Different to everyone else around here. That is one of the reasons why you are lovers. It has nothing to do with incest and you mustn't feel bad about it.' He could tell Owen was extremely uncomfortable listening to these frank words, but Othman felt there was no point in skirting the issue.

We don't feel bad about it,' Owen said mulishly. We do what we like, and I don't give a f.u.c.k what anyone else thinks. Neither does Lily.'

Of course you don't. And you shouldn't. I don't have a sordid interest in your affairs, Owen. I find you both very attractive, and have become fond of you quickly. I also appreciate your difference, and would like to help you.'

We don't need any help. We're fine.'

Othman sighed. Had he chosen the wrong way to deal with this? What about this Cranton boy? Lily resents him, doesn't she?'

She's just jealous. Daniel's an outsider, and we've never become friendly with outsiders before.' He glanced at Othman. Except for you.'

I'm not as much of an outsider as you think,' he said. What do you propose to use this Daniel for?'

Nothing!' Owen said, too loudly. Clearly, he felt he'd said far too much already, and was now regretting it. He certainly didn't want to talk to Othman about what happened at the High Place. That, more than anything he did with Lily, made him feel guilty, Othman could tell. Owen knew that something about the High Place and its properties were forbidden.

Oh come on, Owen!' Othman said harshly. Stop treating me like a fool. I know you want me to think you're more stupid than you are, but you can't hide the truth from me. If you want to keep secrets, learn to control your thoughts and your feelings. They glare out of you like TV advertis.e.m.e.nts half the time! I asked you a reasonable question, and I expect a reasonable answer. What do you propose to use Daniel Cranton for?'

I don't know,' Owen said. He stopped walking, forcing Othman to halt as well.

Rain ran down Othman's face, his drenched hair. He waited patiently, allowing Owen to wrestle with the difficult decision of confiding in him or not. You can trust me,' he said.

Owen stared at him. You know that place in the woods I took you to,' he began.

The High Place?'

Owen nodded. Well, Daniel can.. when Daniel's there, something happens. It's like an electric current or something, but you can absorb it.'

You will have to show this to me.'

Owen sighed. I don't think Daniel will go for that. Most of the time he won't even admit to me that he has psychic talents. Also, he doesn't know you.'

Then you must convince him.'

Mmm.' Owen began walking again.

Do what you feel,' Othman said. Exactly what you feel. There are no judges upon this earth, other than human judges, and their judgements are worthless.' He laughed. You are trying to live by their rules, aren't you, and it doesn't work. Always, you are driven to break them. Then you feel bad about it. Like when we were all together the other night.'

Owen looked at him. Don't get the wrong idea. I've no problem about what happened, just what you might be getting out of it.'

Well, now I hope you realise I'm concerned about you, and wouldn't do anything to hurt you or Lily. That's all the problems cleared up?'

Yes.'

So there's no reason why you shouldn't follow your instincts concerning Daniel Cranton, then?'

Owen was silent. Othman could sense that a realisation came to the boy concerning what Othman was actually suggesting. Eventually Owen said, You want me to, don't you?'

They had arrived back at the cottage. At the gate, Othman leaned forward and kissed Owen briefly on the lips. Soon, I will be showing you unimaginable wonders,' he said. Just be patient and trust me. I won't come in. The White House is only up the road. Just think about what I've said, and I'll see you tomorrow night.'

Owen watched him go. What is that man? he wondered. Is he dangerous or useful?

Lily rapped her knuckles against the parlour window-pane. She'd obviously been watching out for them. Owen raised a hand, went inside. Lily came flying into the kitchen. He kissed you! I saw!'

Owen took her in his arms, hugged her tight. I love you,' he said.

Lily was laughing. He realised she was excited. The remark about the kiss had not been made in censure, but desire.

Chapter Twelve.

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