by Janet Woods
Laek smiled at the thought of having sweet little Jynx as his wife. ‘If she agrees ... no, I wouldn’t object. Have you thought of taking another husband yourself, Lady Mother?’
Her mouth twisted into a sneer. ‘I would sooner take Bane for a lover and bear him a child.’
* * * *
Azarine dreamed that night. It was as if the act of killing Cynan had freed something inside her, and she had the freedom to choose a lover
He came to her, his oiled body sliding under the silk sheet. This was a man whose presence seemed more than imaginary, and her lust was raised as soon as she set eyes on him. His legs parted her thighs and his hands sensitized her body. Skin as dark and velvety as night slid under her seeking tongue.
It had been a long time since she’d indulged in the delights of the flesh, even in her dreams. As Cynan’s wife she’d been untouchable to any other man. She lay still, savouring the sensation.
He captured her mouth, cutting off her first rapturous cry. His eyes were level with hers and were dense black with a flickering redness in their depths.
‘Who are you?’ she managed to whisper.
His eyes held their own answer, and his low chuckle singed her flesh. ‘Didn’t you wonder, when you cut the boy child from your dying mother’s womb, that you might be meddling with something you didn’t understand. The Gods play their own power games. I’ve watched you all this time and have experienced the hate that powered you to kill your husband. You called upon your own evil, Azarine, and that drew me to your heat.’
Azarine was suddenly afraid and she drew on the power that had brought him into her dream. But the hypnotic spell that had held Cynan captive to her, failed to quell this man. He was not mortal and she had not meant to call him forth. Helpless, her body was only able to dance to his bidding. He took all from her, bent her to his will, making her feel powerless and wanton.
She wanted to scream when she felt the frenzy of heat inside her. A thousand small fires began to smoulder. She couldn’t bear the burning intensity of it, but couldn’t stop it, and the pain of her lust seemed endless.
He’d taken her power, was bending her to his will. There must have been something in the sleeping draught she’d swallowed to cause such a reactive dream, she thought.
It was a long time before he left her. Azarine watched him leave through slumberous half-hooded eyes, his walk as arrogant as befitted the Lord of the night. She was satisfied for a while, satiated, but he’d left inside her a craving for more of him. She placed her dagger under her pillow. If he came again she’d kill him.
She rested for a while, perspiration coating her body, and then she was overcome by disgust, for she could smell his vileness on herself.
Her stomach roiled. It was as if she’d gorged herself on a large meal and had reached the point of vomiting. She felt violated. Sore. Soiled ... like a whore who’d entertained too many men in one night.
Swooping in a breath, Azarine held her hands over her stomach and called for her maid. Inside her the bile rose into her throat, choking her. ‘Fetch me a bowl, Esbel; I’ve had a bad dream and I feel sick and need to purge myself. And fetch me some warm water ... I need to wash.’
Propping herself up on her elbow, she gazed at Esbel. ‘What was in that sleeping draught you brought me?’
‘Something to relax you.’
‘It was too relaxing ... a man came to me in my dream.’
Esbel giggled. ‘No wonder my lady looks satisfied.’
Now Azarine was fully awake, the dream was fading ... and it wasn’t as if he’d come again. She wouldn’t let him.
But memories of her dream came flooding back, and her body was plagued with lusts she’d never experienced before, so she was restless and short-tempered all day. Her body was warm, as if there was a fire inside her, and she was uneasy.
‘You don’t look well,’ her brother said as night fell.
‘I’m just tired ... I’m going to my chamber.’ As she traversed the corridors Azarine wondered if he’d come to her again this night ...
Chapter Sixteen
Tighe had not investigated the route across the fire mountains – he didn’t have to. He knew the landscape well and knew of several safe routes along the length of them.
Whether Azarine knew it or not, her revenge on Cynan had unleashed forces that would have better been left dormant. Arles and Karshal could never be ruled as one. Eventually, Laek and Falcon would face each other on a battlefield.
Much as Tighe liked Laek, his friend been brought up by a callous stepfather. That early training would come to the surface if he were thwarted. Falcon would make a better ruler.
As for Azarine, her destiny chart showed that a dormant, dark thread was due to be woken ... if it hadn’t already. Tighe suspected it had.
Tighe’s meditations had shown him a land razed by fire, and he’d seen famine. Troubled, he took time to visit his father to ask for his counsel. He dressed for the meeting in a ruby tunic embroidered in gold thread, and worn over dark breeches. He drew his hair into a neat braid. He bowed when he was announced, palms together and pointing towards his father in a sign of respect.
‘Come, join me, my son.’
The old man held out a hand and Tighe kissed it before seating himself opposite his father around the central fire. It was winter in the North and the long shadows of the mountains covered the enclave as he held his hands out to the fire to warm them. ‘Revered father, it’s so good to see you again.’
‘You’re welcome any time, Tighe. Your spirit is troubled and your energy is low.’
‘I have journeyed far and am in need your advice.’
‘I’m glad you came then,’ Saire said, and poured his son a glass of warm spiced wine. ‘Bane has been called from his slumber by Azarine and it bodes ill. You must be careful, Tighe. Already your powers are pulled in several directions, and that weakens you. You must not allow friendship to sway your mind to one side or another, and you must reveal as little of your power as you can, lest others seek to use you. They are mortal, and must sort matters out for themselves.’
‘What about love, father?’
‘Ah ... love. Along with hate it’s the most powerful emotion of earth. It makes fools of men, who will die for it, and it will turn a woman into a slave.’
Saire threw a handful of powder into the fire and a shower of coloured sparks exploded up the chimney in a pretty display of cartwheels, cracks and flashes. ‘Are you in love then, Tighe?’
Father and son exchanged a smile. As a child, Tighe had always been amazed by his father’s display of pyrotechnics, but he’d never been tempted to become an alchemist. Instead, his natural talents had emerged as an ability to change shape, and to perceive the thoughts of others.
‘Thank you, father, but I’m too old to fool in that way now.’
‘But still, I like to see your eyes light up with the pleasure it brings you when you remember your childhood. You were a happy child, who saw beauty in everything nature provided. Your mother loved you dearly ... can you remember her?’
‘Yes ... she had a haunting voice and a sweet smile. I remember feeling sad when she grew old and died. Now I feel warm when she comes to mind.’
‘That is the cross we immortals have to bear. Tell me about this love you speak of?
‘I’ve always known I’d meet a woman of my soul ... one to accompany me on my journey through eternity.’
‘Am I to understand you’ve met her?’
‘You sent me to guard the twin children of Yegan Colban. Jynx is the female of the pair.’
‘Ah yes, Remy’s sister ... such a delight. She and Remy arrived in spirit to take possession of the same infant when it was conceived without a soul. I had to split it in two. Neither of them was suitable to be the children of that couple ... and indeed, the mother didn’t want them, a sentiment that was carried forward through their childhood. It was fortunate that they had each other.’
Remembering Jynx’s love for her brother, Tighe smil
ed.
‘Hmmm ... could that be why I gave you that task in the first place? Remy is safe with the ancients, which was always his destiny. But danger surrounds that perfect little creature called Jynx. Luckily, you’re powerful enough to deflect it. Jynx is so young and tender, a new spirit. Yet darkness gathers its forces around her. For selfish reasons, all those who surround her would bring her down to their level.’
‘She’s no longer innocent of the ways of men. I’ve used my power to deceive her into thinking she loves me in return.’
His father chuckled. ‘I imagine she does love you ... after all, did you not transfer your loyalty to her? If she does not happen to be the one who will love you through eternity, then enjoy her while you can, and encourage her in your enjoyment you.’
A click of his father’s fingers and the gaudily colored smoke thinned to reveal an image of Jynx. Clad in a white robe, she was bathing the face of a woman. Tighe’s breath caught in his throat.
The father gave his son a sideways glance and smiled. ‘She resembles Lady Tiana, who bore her first son with Kavan for the Gods. That’s probably where her immortality comes from. Tiana’s mother was a Goddess, the daughter of light.’
Smiling, Tighe tenderly whispered her name. ‘Jynx.’ She abandoned what she was doing and tilted her head, as if she were listening. The luminosity of her hair was caught back behind the ears with red flowers that reflected a blush on her translucent cheeks. I adore you, he thought and a smile touched her mouth. He turned to his father. ‘Can you tell me where the danger comes from?’
‘It comes mostly from Azarine. Falcon’s sister swallowed a small amount of eel venom when she killed Cynan, and it has affected her brain. She called out Bane’s name and he took advantage of the weakness it created in her to encourage her dark side to emerge. He has no power over the immortals, but Jynx is inexperienced and he might attempt to take her spirit and debauch it, so he can use her for his own pleasure at whim. To do that he’ll place her in a position where she’ll have to sacrifice her mortal life prematurely. It might damage her.’
‘Bane?’ Tighe felt a tremor of fear for his love. ‘I must get back there, for she’ll not know of the source from which the threat comes, let alone know how to deal with it.’
‘Wait, Tighe ... there are others to be aware of.’
Unease seeped through Tighe’s body. ‘Who are they?’
‘Laek and Falcon will nearly come to blows over her. She will be stubborn and refuse both.
Tighe grinned at that.
‘Then there is a man called Emrys.’
‘He’s her brother, though I don’t believe she’s in any danger from him now.’
‘All the same he cannot be trusted, for another one has gained control of his mind and he’s unstable. He has a connection to Bane ... through one of Bane’s sons, I think. Jynx has sensed the darkness in him and she doesn’t trust him. He’s alert to that and might see her as a threat. He is stealthy and has fast reflexes. I see a warning for you regarding him. Be careful, my son.’
Tighe nodded. ‘His name is Thornwall and he’s Falcon’s guard.’
Saire clicked his fingers and the image of Jynx was gone. ‘Guard her well. At the first hint of danger you must bring her out and across. She is the light, and there are those who would plunge the world into darkness and chaos.
Tighe knelt before his father, his head bowed to receive his blessing. His father’s hands were wrinkled and gnarled, but a feeling of peace flowed into Tighe’s body and filled every cell like a cool stream of water, so he felt refreshed.
As he rose, so did Saire, and the old man placed a scrolled leaf of paper in Tighe’s hand and a small leather pouch. ‘These are for Jynx. The first is a note from Remy and it should stop her grieving for him. Her heart was wounded by the abruptness of his departure. The second is the antidote she needs. Tell her to use it sparingly. I must try and make an opportunity to meet this young woman face to face.’
‘You will like her, that I promise.’ Saire kissed him on both cheeks. ‘Walk in my light, son of my heart.’
‘Walk in my love, beloved father.’
With that Tighe was gone, travelling fast through a dark blue twilight towards a faint glow of light.
* * * *
Jynx was pleased with the way Helise’s scars were healing. As she shed each skin to reveal the one beneath they were gradually fading. But the skin would never be the same again. Her sister’s eyes still caused her trouble, and Jynx had been unable to find anything to soothe the damage done by the wasp venom.
Helise was fractious and demanding, and nothing seemed to please her. She kept Jynx running back and forth, and was rude to the sisters who’d saved her life and were helping to nurse her.
‘When are you going to find something to bring back my sight, Jynx?’
‘I’m trying, Helise.’
‘I thought you were a healer.’ This was said so petulantly that Jynx gave a small sigh of frustration. The door opened and one of the sisters came in, smiling as she took over ... and just as she was about to tear her own hair out by the roots and strangle Helise with it. But hadn’t Helise been punished enough?
She remembered the wishing dish. Perhaps that would be of use. If nothing else she could talk to Laek. Collecting it she went to the chimera chamber, using the nearest door, now she’d worked out how to do it. As usual she found herself in the High Place.
She scooped water into the bowl and thought of Laek. But could only see her own reflection, for the water remained dull. Obviously her childhood friend had forgotten about her.
Restless and frustrated her arm went around Wulf for comfort as she said angrily to the dish, ‘I’m doing my best, but something is preventing the healing from taking place and I don’t know what it is. I’ve consulted all my sisters, but to no avail. Can you help me find the wasp antidote for Helise’s condition?’
The water in the bowl quivered and the face of a man appeared in the shadowy depths. He whispered, ‘No, don’t look behind you. Just hold out your hands and close your eyes.’
Something was placed in each hand, and at the same time a kiss Jynx imagined, stroked against her ear. It was as soft and velvety as the voice had been. There was nothing more ... not like the last time, when everything she’d ever dreamed about had taken place? But perhaps her imaginary lover wouldn’t have such intimate memories as she had, which seemed rather a pity, since he appeared to her to be real. After a minitix or two savouring the kiss, she dared to open her eyes.
There was a small scroll and a leather herb pouch in her hands. The couch smelled of cloversip, bitterbate, eringo and dropwort ... what else? She searched out the scent and isolated it in her mind ... then she smiled. She had smelled it once before, but couldn’t remember when or where.
‘Firebolt weed,’ a voice whispered in her ear.
She had read about it in Sybilla’s herb book and smelled the rubbing on the page. ‘The root was picked in the dead of winter in the dark hours of the morning, when the plant lay dormant under the ash. It must be used sparingly, for it was potent. But where had her visitor got it from when it only grew in the fire mountains, and then only under the ash where it couldn’t be seen?
Puzzled, she shook her head and asked, ‘How do I know about it when I’ve never heard of it before? Somebody is playing games with me. Come out and show yourself.’
There was a soft chuckle and her eyes sprang wide when she saw an old man standing on the water, surrounded by crackling colours. ‘My, that’s a flashy display. Who are you?’
‘It was you who brought me here, and just as I was settling down for a nap. So who do you want me to be?’
‘Who you are, of course.’
‘An excellent answer young lady. I’m glad that’s settled because I wouldn’t want to be anyone else. Now I’m off. Good-day to you, Jynx.’
‘Wait!’ She managed to stop him from leaving altogether by freezing the water in the wishing dish. She used too much force and th
e waterfall froze and he stuck to the surface. He was considerably shrunk. Icicles grew on his beard and he began to shiver. Snow fell out of the sky.
‘Oh Lord ... how do I get him out of that, Wulf?’
Wulf rolled on his back and kicked his legs about, giving the short, growly barks he usually used when he was pleased with life. It sounded as though he was laughing.
She shot a warming bolt at the old man, mumbling, ‘Sorry.’
There was a crack and his hair stood on end. Steam writhed from it. He patted it down. ‘Yeah Gods, girl, you nearly blew the hair off the top of my head. It’s singed.’
She apologized profusely. ‘I’ve never used the spell before; I didn’t know I could. It was instinct. Good job you’ve got plenty left on your chin. I could cut the singed bits off.’
‘I refuse to let you loose on me with shears.’ He sighed. ‘You beginners always want to develop your powers in a hurry. You should crook your fingers when you use such spells otherwise it shoots out as a bolt. If you bend your fingers, like so ...’ and he demonstrated, pointing them towards Wulf, then straightening them gradually. Wulf froze into position and the old man smiled. Clicking his fingers Wulf was brought back. ‘See ... gently does it. You then have some power left in reserve to strengthen the bolt if need be ... in case you needed to kill Wulf.’
She moved in front of Wulf to shield him. ‘Thank you, that’s handy to know. I’m just learning, you see. Who are you? I know you’re not part of my imagination.’
‘I’m Saire.’
‘Oh, the wise man from the High Place. My brother Remy used to visit you, and you gave him this wolf. Remy always shared his secrets with me. Do you remember him?’
The old man smiled. ‘I believe I do. The wolf is rather odd-looking.’
Jynx tickled Wulf’s back and he huffed. ‘I think he’s handsome. He also does tricks and dances on his hind legs to amuse me when he feels like showing off.’
Saire gave her a wide smile. ‘Really ... I should like to see it.’
She took her hands away. ‘Dance, Wulf.’
Sinking on to his stomach with his back turned, Wulf put his chin on his paws and sighed.
