Enchantress Awakening: Part One of the Book of Water (The Elemental Cycle 1) (12 page)

“Very good, that is a beginning.”

“Is there much more to learn?”

“Oh yes, for now you are throwing up barriers within your mind, which is better than nothing. It only offers limited protection, however.” Caleigh heard a slap and felt a pain in her cheek. It took her a moment to realise that she had just slapped herself in the face. “I am still in your mind. For a shield to be truly effective it must be placed between yourself and the spell. If the spell reaches you then how well you can resist is down to your willpower as much as anything.” Gideon flicked his wand and Caleigh toppled onto her back. “Like a real shield defending from an arrow, you should not place it inside yourself; you should project it in front of you where it can intercept the missile with no harm to yourself.”

“So I have learned almost nothing of how to defend myself.” Caleigh sighed righting herself.

“I would not say that. You’ve made significant progress. Quite often with magic the largest part of the process is the part which produces little measurable effect.” Gideon stood up laying the wand aside on a side table near the looking glass. They were in Caleigh’s chamber tonight and he moved to the satchel that he had laid down when he first entered the room. From inside he produced a long open fronted robe the same light blue colour as those he often wore. They were open fronted with a sash attached at the middle to bind them and a hood at the back. “This is for you. You may wish to wear them when we are on the road. Try them on see if you like the look.”

“I think I will.” Caleigh said taking the robe and hanging it between her hands to examine it. It was long-sleeved and flared at the cuffs, with deep pockets both inside and out. She was reminded of Loreliath’s robes, except these were a thicker quilted material. Laying them down on the table over the wand she turned her back on Gideon and to his surprise slipped out of her dress and undergarments.

“Err these robes are usually worn over other clothes.” He managed, trying not to stare too obviously at her peach-like rear.

“Are they?” Caleigh answered innocently over her shoulder then picking up the robe slipped it on and tied it around the waist. She stood in front of the mirror and admired the effect. Although her modesty was protected a still considerable amount of her extensive cleavage was on display to, what she thought, was a pleasing effect. Turning to Gideon she posed in her new outfit for his admiration. “I think it looks better this way. Do you not agree?” Gideon wide-eyed tried to muster a reply and at his moment of hesitation Caleigh grasped the wand he had left lying and pointed it at him whispering “I bedazzle thee.” His eyes went blank and Caleigh pushed him back onto the bed following up and landing on top, pinning him down. He recovered a heartbeat later, by which time she was already atop him laughing in triumph. “Ha, looks like I have broken through your defences.”  The room moved in a dizzying spin and suddenly, though neither had apparently twitched more than a muscle Gideon was lying on top with Caleigh face down underneath. Putting his arms around her middle he hauled her upright so that she was in his lap and in his hold.

“That was very naughty.” He chided not crossly.

“You deserved it. How did you get behind me?”

“By magic, of course”

“I must learn that spell.”

“One step at a time” Gideon released his grip and Caleigh rolled onto her side next to him.

“Hmm, we should sleep now. Tomorrow will be a long day.”

“Yes, of course.” Gideon agreed rising stiffly and brushing his clothes into place. “I shall see you on the morrow.”

“Goodnight.”

A small party gathered to wave them off including Sir Marc, Dame Edith and Caleigh and Ellie’s fellow chambermaids. Caleigh waved back at them from inside the canvass-roofed cart pulled by two ponies that she, Ellie and Dana sat in along with their belongings. Penric and Gideon trotted ahead on horses leading the way onto the dirt track road that led away from Connlad. A two miles out of town they came upon their first waypost. Directly north it pointed to the Shrine, northeast it listed Crowbridge and Stonebury, which was the first town they would pass through if they were to take the road to Minerva. Following this sign they finally left behind all that was familiar.

Just before noon they passed another way post where the road forked between Crowbridge and Stonebury. A little further on from this they stopped to eat lunch beside the road. Thus far it had been a warm and dry day and there had been no sign of the dangers that had been warned of with such earnestness. Caleigh shook her robes to get some air inside. Underneath she wore only a petticoat and boots. Even so, on hot day such as this it was still enough to build up a significant sweat. Looking at her clothes and over at Gideon wearing a like coloured cloak over a blue tunic of thick rough material she could not help but notice that they were both dressed much as people would expect wizards to be and voiced this opinion to Gideon.

“What is your concern?” He responded.

“Well, if so many are against wizards then surely we are risking unwanted attention by dressing thusly.”

“Hmmm, ‘tis a matter of weighing one thing against another. In fact, we are wearing the colours of the Order of the Royal Secret Keepers, these days referred to as the Librarians.”

“So why are we wearing their colours?” Caleigh invited, sure that there was a story behind this.

“It goes back to the days of The Kingdom. Cynric will probably tell you all about it if you ask him. I will give you the brief version. During Albion’s time a number of Knightly Orders were founded to perform specific and often sacred duties outside of the control of local liege-lords. Personally, I suspect this was Albion’s way of having more warriors answerable directly to him rather than his vassals and allies. When Albion was away they answered to their Grandmasters, usually prominent friends of Albion, whose part it was to interpret how they should perform their sacred duties. I expect you encountered the Order of the White Maiden when you visited the shrine.”

“Yes, we did.”

“The Order of the Royal Secret Keepers was actually founded by Caerddyn. He was concerned that as literacy was encouraged and more and books and scrolls were used by the court that the enemies of The Kingdom might try to steal or destroy the secrets and lore they had assembled. The Secret Keepers were charged with protecting all official documents. So when Caerddyn or Albion wrote to each other, for instance, the message would only ever be entrusted to a Secret Keeper.”

“I assume their duties must have changed after the fall of The Kingdom.”

“Yes, in the volatile years after Albion’s death their main duty was guarding Albion’s wife and children. I think Caerddyn did not trust that duty to anyone else and indeed Elevered was first founded as a sanctuary for the Secret Keepers and the royal children were kept there in secret for a time. When the Royal heirs were murdered by witches some years later and the Kingdom fell to ruin there was a great tide of hatred against all the magically gifted and even any who pursued wisdom or was literate. All writing was seen as part of the evil that had brought down The Kingdom and much lore was destroyed in that time. Against this the Secret Keepers made it their duty to protect the remaining lore and those who studied it. That is how they became known as Librarians, for they are the keepers of written lore. Therefore to wear their colours says merely that we are scholars under their protection.”

“Does this not still mark us to our enemies?”

“The enemies who should concern us most, likely have better ways of finding us than by noting our clothing. To the rest it is a deterrent. They know that if they attack us the Librarians will come looking.”

“Will they?”

“Yes, of course. Elevered is still their sanctuary.”

“I understood that Tovrik was master there.”

“Tovrik is merely a travelling performer, why would he have a castle?” Gideon said in mock seriousness. “That is what we say at least. A good wizard does not act in the world of temporal authority. Tovrik owns no land; he leads no army and has no subjects. He has a home and friends whom are loyal to him that is all.”

The appearance of a loaf of bread stifled further serious discussion as the party of five sat down on the dry grass near the roadside munching their way through the first of their supplies. Ellie finished eating first and, uncharacteristically, immediately went into the carriage rather than joining in the chat. She reappeared dressed in the battle gear she had worn on the way to the shrine of a leather cuirass, short sword and a small round wooden shield over brown leggings and a dust-coloured tunic.

“Now I can be a proper bodyguard to you, Caleigh.”

“Why did you wait until now to change?”

“Hmm, I thought my parents might be looking on when we left Connlad.”

“Oh, Ellie”

“Could you call me Elwyn when we reach Crowbridge?”

“Your name is Eleanor, why should we not call you that?” Penric asked impatiently.

“In truth my name has always been Elwyn I merely told everyone it was Eleanor because Elwyn sounds like a man’s name.”

“Hehe, this is fun.” Caleigh chuckled. “Does anyone else have a true name they do not use?”

“I hate to disappoint you but Dana is my and always has been my name.”

“The tribes to the west of here render my name differently, yet not truer.” Gideon added for completion. “Now Ellie, forgive me, Elwyn is ready shall we be on?” The party nodded in agreement and returned to the carriage and horses for the second part of the journey.

13. A Muster in the Vale

Towards late afternoon the party began to ascend a ridge from whose summit it was possible to see into the vale below where sat Crowbridge, a scattering of houses either side of the river Eddon joined by a sturdy arched bridge of stone where a family of corvids nested on its underside and from which the town drew its name. On the western bank, the sprawl of wood and thatch was dominated by the Hall of Cynric, utterly unlike Sir Marc’s hall in Connlad. Where the latter was tall and compact Cynric’s hall had only one floor and spread out over a distance with several adjoining wings and annexes. In the centre of this was the great hall itself raised on stone steps, high-roofed and set with a large pair of wooden doors reinforced with iron.

Behind the hall on the flat fields outside the town there was a gathering of men and horses, near two hundred in number, dressed in battle gear coming to a halt and slowly filtering towards the stables and the hall itself. “It looks like we arrived amidst a muster. The great hall will be in loud voice tonight, I wager. Let us see if we can find a friendly face ere we announce ourselves to the assemblage.” Gideon advised from the front of the group.

There was no wall surrounding the town, for all its size and importance as a base of warriors it was not somewhere that was oft attacked due to its location deep within Sommerwold borders. The closest incursion in recent memory was four years ago when Connlad was threatened. The party entered by the modest gateway near the riverside where a small wooden barrier was swung across to check the traffic from the southward road, less a defence than a checkpoint to keep the Earl informed of who passed this way. The two guards sitting lazily by the gate stood to their feet at their approach and armed themselves with their long axes, more for form than out of intent.

“Well come travellers, from whence do you hail?” Greeted the nearer of the two.

“We are come from Connlad on a journey to Elevered.” Gideon spoke for the group.

“What is the cause of this journey?”

“The cause is our concern alone. We are friends of Sir Marc, this is his squire.” Gideon pointed to Penric. “And we ride under his protection. We are known to the Lord Cynric and Sir Ceolwulf and would be grateful if you would inform them of our presence.” The guard seemed to hesitate then suddenly looked alert.

“Yes sire, I will send word at once.” He answered briskly and made in the direction of the hut by the gate. The second appeared bemused by his colleague’s sudden promptness and after a while moved over to examine the newcomers. 

“Are you scholars?” He asked regarding Gideon’s cloak and Caleigh’s robes. “You were here a month ago, were you not?” Gideon leant forward in his saddle with a meaningful look upon his face.

“Are you certain of that?” He questioned holding the eyes of the guard all the time.

“I…mayhap I’m confusing you with someone else.” The guard shook his head groggily. “You may as well wait inside the gate.” He offered moving the barrier aside. “Ah, here comes someone.” Alongside the first guard walked another man in red leather and brass armour over a mail hauberk. He removed his tall helm as he strode near to the group and for the briefest of moments Caleigh prepared herself to greet Ceolwulf, closer to this man was slightly less broad and with narrower features and longer hair.

“Well met, Gideon.” He greeted then turning to the carriage looked at Caleigh. “You must be Caleigh. I am honoured to meet you. I am Aysric, son of Cynric. My brother and father will be anxious to see you once more. Please follow me I shall show you to our hall.”

Aysric led off and mounted a palomino charger ahead of them. Through the predominantly brown scene of wooden buildings and dirt roads they came up to the grey steps before the hall and there dismounted, walking the rest of the way to the now open doors. Inside their feet echoed loudly on the stone floor of the near empty room. At the far edges beyond the supporting wooden columns that held the roof aloft came and handful of men and women carrying stools, dishes and barrels in preparation for the evening feast. Directly before them was a single high wooden throne flanked by three others of slightly lesser stature. Entering from a doorway to the left of these chairs stepped Earl Cynric, at a slight hobble, followed by a stately-looking auburn-haired woman about ten years younger than him in appearance, and the Earl’s younger son, who like his brother was still in battle dress.

“Greetings, greetings, welcome to our humble hall.” Cynric began. “Let me introduce my wife, Hilda.” The auburn-haired woman stepped forward.

“I am pleased to meet you. I’m sure my husband need not detain all of you let me to show you to your rooms, you must be keen to settle down after your day on the road.” Hilda said skilfully parting the company so that Gideon and Caleigh were separated from the rest.

“Caleigh, Gideon would you care to join us in my council chamber?” Immediately inside the doorway there was a turn off leading to a fur strewn room centred by an oval-shaped oak table.  “Well, it seems there was more to your story than you realised when we last spoke. Needless to say, I have heard of your encounter with the White Lady of legend and of the warning she bore from both Ceol and Tovrik. I say to you now that I reaffirm the promises my son gave to you on your last meeting. We stand by you and Tovrik and all who are opposed to the rising darkness. What are your plans from here?”

“We intend to join Tovrik at Elevered for the time being. It is important that Caleigh is able to develop her abilities first.”

“And once this has happened what will you do next?” Caleigh’s ears pricked up at this question. So far there had been no mention of plans beyond reaching Elevered.

“You have spoken to Tovrik more recently than I so I cannot tell you more for certain. My guess would be that we shall make efforts to find more magically-gifted people and try to bring them under our protection, as a priority.”

“Can we help in this regard?”

“If, by chance, you encounter such people then help them as you would us. What did Tovrik say to you when he came hither?”

“He warned me not to wage wars, if that were possible, and to listen for word of those who persecute wizards for they may secretly be supporters of this dark Beast.”

“I assume by the presence of men we saw on our arrival that war is not to be easily kept at bay.”

“Alas, warriors do not always go into wars of their choosing. On this occasion, war may be too strong a term. Over the last few days there have been reports of raids between here and Elevered by men from over the western border. Thus far our riders have seen nothing of concern and it may be that these raiders have returned yonder. Do you intend to take the most direct road from here?”

“Yes.”

“Will you not consider taking the road to Minerva instead?”

“If you are concerned about the safety of the passage then it seems to me wiser to spend the shortest time in the open and that means taking the direct road.”

“I thought you would say as such. I ask two things of you then, first that you stay here for a few days before setting out and second, that you accept Ceol’s company for your journey.”

“We would be glad to accept both your offers, my lord.” Caleigh answered for both of them.

“Very good, well you may wish to rest a little before the evening meal. Ceol, would you show our guests to their rooms?”

“Certainly.”

Ceol led out into the corridor Hilda had led the others down earlier and turning off into the adjoining southern wing there was a line of rooms, which must have been kept especially for guests. They reached an empty room and Gideon stepped aside for Caleigh.

“No, you take this one. I will take the next.” She insisted.

“Since we are not leaving on the morrow we have time for a lesson instead. Find me when you are ready.” With a nod he went inside and Ceolwulf continued down the corridor.

“I wanted to thank you for agreeing to accompany us to Elevered. I am sure a knight has more pressing duties to fulfil than escorting us across the country.” Caleigh said when they stopped outside a further empty room.

“You are most welcome, though I can think of no duty more pressing at present than ensuring your safe passage.” At Ceolwulf’s gesture Caleigh moved past him into the simple bed chamber. “Your belongings, such as you need of them, will be brought to your rooms. We feast in two hours hence, if you care to join us. If not, food will be brought to you.”

“We shall join the feast, naturally.”

“As you wish, I should warn you, though, that there will be a great muster of warriors present tonight. I think it will be a more ribald occasion than those you are accustomed to in Connlad. It might be wise if you stay close to my father and do not stay longer than he.”

“Am I in peril here?”

“Of a kind, the men here will know you are no-one’s wife and you have no kin here. They may see you as a waiting prize.”

“I thank you for your warning.”

For the early part of the evening Ceolwulf’s warning seemed over-anxious. The atmosphere during the meal and after was lively and ribald yet it stopped short of debauchery, and though Caleigh was aware of a large amount of attention being focussed her way it did not reach the stage of being untoward. Indeed, she was grateful to be here on this night for she had never partaken in such a gathering in all her days in Connlad. The hall reverberated with tales and song as much as with the throb of conversation. Smoke curled across from the rotating spits mixing with the oaken air of ale and the sweeter scents of mead and cider and everywhere the close press of bodies filled the room with a clammy heat. This was the real world and not a safe corner where a girl might hope to pass her years unaffected by the tides of human deeds.

Then there came a palpable change in the atmosphere. Gideon had gone from her side and as she watched a serving girl being drawn into the arms of one of Cynric’s riders the heat in the room seemed to steadily increase as though several more fires had been lit around the perimeter.

She looked up at the head table and saw that it was now unoccupied, both the Earl and Hilda had retired and with them had gone the restraint that had hitherto been present. The serving girl yelped at being pulled down to bench level and smothered by beer drenched lips though she made no efforts to pull away. Without needing to look Caleigh could sense that in the wings and side rooms just beyond the main part of the hall, clothes were being shed.

The gazes upon her grew more intense and purposeful and she knew it was only a matter of time before the first of them made their move on her. Vainly she looked down at herself and tried to limit the spread of her charisma charm to no seeming avail. One of the men began to make strides towards her and was only prevented from reaching her by the sudden return of Gideon to his seat, physically blocking to her for the moment.

“Thank the Gods, you’ve come back. I cannot seem to hold in my charm, I can feel half the room readying to pounce on me.”

“Well, keep trying but it may well be fruitless.”

“Why?”

“Your looks are against you when it comes to deterring men.” It took Caleigh several seconds to appreciate that this was a compliment of sorts.

“What shall I do?” She asked but it was too late. Someone had distracted Gideon long enough for a new man to appear in front of her.

“Hearty evening to you” he slurred “me friend says he saw you dance last time he went Connlad way. Would you care to show us some steps tonight?” A reasonable and polite enough request normally and Caleigh might have accepted were she not wholly aware of the lecherous motivation behind it.

“Forgive me but I have travelled far today. I would rather rest my feet this night if you do not mind.” The man stepped back and raised his hand in an exaggerated gesture of placation.

“As you wish, if you feel more energetic later please let us know.”

“I will do as much.” The man returned to his friends to groans of disappointment. Caleigh smiled pleasantly at them knowing that the next approach would not be so courteous or so easily discouraged.

So it proved and Caleigh had to resort to tugging her hands free on several occasions to avoid being dragged away. Not only was it getting physically harder to reject these invitations it was also becoming harder to reject them at all. As always her empathy for these feelings of desire ignited her own desires to a point where she found it hard not to parade herself before all the men of the hall.

She returned to her place on the bench and before she could retake her seat a further admirer took it ahead of her, squeezing himself into the space so that she all but fell on top of him. “Whoa, lucky for the soft landing!” He exclaimed grasping at her breasts crushed against his arms. Almost at once his nose plummeted into her cleavage and he went limp in his hold. Caleigh twisted free of him and Penric, coming to her aid, scooped his drooping form away from her and carried him outside. She looked down to where he had been and saw that Gideon was holding a wand discretely under his folded arms.

Caleigh was not able to retake her seat as another pair of arms seized her aggressively from behind. She pushed him against him, there was a flash of red light and he went sprawling from her grasp. There was a cheer from the hall when he hit the ground, the obvious assumption being that he had drunk too much to stand straight. Nonetheless Caleigh was worried that she was not alone in seeing the spark of magic. More worrying still was that she found she could not regain her composure after. The urge to shed her clothes and give in to the desires afflicting her was all but overwhelming. When a new pair of arms took her by the waist she could hardly bring herself to resist.