by Janet Woods
‘Have only sweet dreams,’ she whispered, drawing the cover over them both and snuggling herself against his body. ‘Take my love to heal your spirit, take my warmth to heat your body and take my heartbeat to strengthen your own.’
As an afterthought, she said by way of insurance, ‘If Lady Tiana was related to the High Alchemist, and if I resemble her ... and if he was as fond of her as he claims to be, may his spirit watch over us.’
When a rumble of laughter came from the back of the cave, Jynx smiled.
‘Thank you, for your help,’ she said.
Chapter Eighteen
In the Karshal palace all was in disorder as the plaster and stones tumbled around them.
Yegan and Greer were crushed under the rubble as they tried to escape.
Azarine called on Bane to save her. A shaft of flame surrounded and seared her. Her skin blistered and blackened, her teeth grew sharp points and her arms and legs were absorbed into her writhing body.’
‘You did this, Esbel, with your scheming and watcher tricks.’ The eel Azarine had become tried to snap a chunk from Esbel’s leg.
The watcher maid kicked out at her former mistress. ‘It was you who invited Bane to join you. You couldn’t bear to lose control.’ Esbel screamed with laughter as her mistress slithered off down the nearest drain.
Helise snatched the whip that the dark man held out to her. She’d thought that Falcon had been the one with all the power, but she’d been mistaken. She stalked after Esbel.
Seeing the intent in her eyes Esbel began to run across the heaving floor.
Laek, Jon and Iago looked at each other, horror in their eyes.
‘I assure you, I didn’t know any of this,’ Laek whispered.
Ever loyal, Laek’s childhood friends chose to believe him. ‘We’ve never wanted to rule Arles. Now you’re the same as us, Laek. At least we won’t have to bow any more. What shall we do?’
Falcon offered, ‘You could stay in my service if you wish, Laek. You can be my representative in Arles. John and Iago can go with you. I’m sure you can find a position worthy of their skills.’
The three of them looked at each other and grinned, then nodded.
Iago said, ‘What about Danea?’
Sadness filled Jon’s eyes. ‘The followers will care for her and she’ll be a beloved sister to us, should she survive.’
Falcon stepped forward. ‘Danea is a sweet, gentle soul, and with your permission I will set her up above all others. I’ll give her time to recover and then offer her the position of Lady of Karshal, if she’ll have me.’
‘And Jynx?’
‘Jynx has made her choice. She and your friend Tighe have disobeyed a command. The pair of them will answer to me for their actions when they’re found.’
‘I’m ashamed of my actions towards Jynx today. My mother has caused enough mayhem on your behalf, without you adding to it. What has happened to her is well deserved and is her destiny,’ Laek said. ‘Tighe has been badly injured in Jynx’s defence, whilst Jynx has been forced to flee from those she loves. My only consolation is that she has chosen the right man. Tighe will keep her safe.’
Jon and Iago murmured in agreement.
‘As for my sister, Danea - and yes, I still regard her as such. She is as near to death as a body can get and her mind must be in turmoil. She’ll never trust anyone ever again. As far as I’m concerned my mother’s feud with the Colban family is over, and if you harm one hair on Jynx’s head I’ll kill you. That’s not an empty threat; it’s a promise.’
‘First, we must catch them,’ Emrys said, making his position clear.
‘She’s your sister, so who better to know the workings of her mind. You can make that your task, Emrys. Accompany him, Thornwall. I think you’re better able to handle Tighe. Bring them back to me safely ... so at least I can be shielded from the wrath of my brother.’
Laek huffed with laughter. ‘I will be the first to admit I was wrong in my treatment of them. But I only wish them well. I knew Tighe was different, but I never suspected he doubled as Jynx’s guard dog. I thought he was going to bite my arm off in her defence. It was only a warning. The moment I dropped the sword, the crack in the bone healed.’
Iago frowned. ‘We’ve always accepted that Jynx has needed protection ... but we have never asked the question: Why ... and from whom?’
Emrys and Thornwall exchanged a glance.
Did it matter, when they had all betrayed her? Laek thought. The exception had been Tighe, who’d made it plain he’d die for her. Emrys and Thornwall would never outwit Tighe. He’d appeared in their lives, a man with no past except a connection to a wise man called Saire who resided in the forest behind the High Place. He doubted if Saire still lived there.
‘Rule in peace, if the followers allow you to,’ Laek said. They might withdraw their services when they realize what happened to one of their own here today.
When the humming noise suddenly stopped and the water began to drain away Laek knew that Jynx and Tighe had reached a place of safety.
The three of them strode off, pleased to be heading home to Arles.
* * * *
Tighe woke, feeling rested but disorientated. His body was relaxed, the energy it contained concentrated across his chest and in his neck.
Someone was healing him ... such a tender feeling. Under his weakness his natural defences were still intact. His body vibrated with it in a thousand different ways. Tears trickled down his cheeks.
He was too weak to move – vulnerable to attack. Opening his eyes a fraction he gazed through sodden lashes at his kindred spirit.
He was joined to her, his hand wrapped firmly in the moonbeams of her hair. Her smile was like mother to child, her eyes as green as the shallows of the sea where it kissed the shore.
‘Trust me and let go, Tighe,’ she whispered, and her mouth covered his in a kiss so soft and loving that it felt like a butterfly alighting on his mouth.
He relaxed completely and gave himself to her to healing hands, sinking into a cloud of dark softness.
The next time he woke he was stronger ... and alone. His need to protect her came rushing back. Alarmed, he came upright. ‘Jynx!’
‘I’m here.’ She came to sit upon the bed and gazed down at him, her smile wide.
‘Where are we?’
‘We’re inside the High Place. The gentleman whose spirit resides here has given us sanctuary.’
‘You brought me through the door into the High Alchemist’s tomb? That was a big risk when I was in an altered state.’
‘The risk outside was more immediate. We were about to be devoured by eels, which seemed a rather messy way of disposing of our bodies in this life. This might sound silly, but one of them resembled Azarine. Besides, I’ve only just met you properly, Tighe, and already I can’t bear to part with you. If anyone was about to have me for dinner, I’d rather it was the bird, than Azarine.’
Tighe chuckled. ‘That sounds like the better option to me, too.’
‘The spirit is quite pleasant when he can be bothered to speak. I think he likes having company.’
A rumbling noise came from the back of the cavern and Tighe couldn’t make out whether it was laughter or disapproval. ‘Well healed, son of Saire ... your lady brought you to the right place, walk in my light.’
‘Walk in my love, esteemed ancestor.’
Jynx stared at him in disbelief, then she snorted and laughed at the same time. ‘Ancestor, indeed ... your poor brain has been overtaxed and is creating illusions. Allow me to inspect your wounds. I was worried Thornwall had poisoned the arrows.’
‘I love you, Jynx. That is no illusion.’
She said with some alarm, ‘I do hope not. There is something I must tell you?’
‘What is it?’
‘Although we managed to get in, I have no idea how to get out. The passage I used has sealed itself.’
Tighe sighed and drew her into her arms. He wouldn’t complain if he had to spend eternity with her i
n this tomb. ‘Once we came through that door there was no going back. We’ll find a way forward when I’m a bit stronger. Is it day or night?’
‘I know not. We’ve been here for a long time ... though time seems to have no relevance. When you’re ready we’ll find a way together.’
‘I’m not ready yet.’ He kissed her mouth and felt hers tremble.
She lowered her voice to a reverential whisper. ‘Is he really your ancestor?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I just have.’
‘Well, why didn’t you tell me you that you weren’t really a wolf?’
He grinned. ‘You wouldn’t have believed me, though it would have saved me from having to wear ribbons and garlands to match your clothes. ‘I did get some insight into your thoughts. Falcon would have blushed had he known how hard he made your blood beat. Why didn’t you take him when you had the opportunity?’
‘He’d changed, and I didn’t want to spend my life stuck in a palace and juggling with the politics that go with it. Besides, by that time I’d met you, and you were irresistible.’
His laughter rang out. ‘So were you. We would still have become lovers. Then I would have killed Falcon, or he would have killed me and our destinies would have changed direction.’
She pressed her hands against her rapidly heating cheeks and tried not to giggle. ‘I should have left you for the eels to eat.’
‘Would you send me on alone Jynx my love; and when we’re only at the beginning of our journey together? You know we’ll be pursued, don’t you?’
‘I must admit I’ve not given it much thought, since I had other things on my mind.’ She gazed into his silver eyes and laughed. ‘You were a magnificent peregrine.’
His grin curled into her heart. ‘I was fond of that bird ... and before you ask, no, I will not change into one for your amusement or pleasure.’
‘I like you better as you are, but I will miss having Wulf at my side. Do you think Falcon will make a good ruler for Karshal and Arles?’
‘He’ll try, and to be fair, because of his early training he will try to be a wise one. But he hasn’t been brought up to rule and others will influence him. They will make their own destiny without you, and it will be as if you and Remy never lived.’
‘But we will be pursued. Why? Why do I have your protection? Who are you Tighe?’
‘I’m part of the air that flows around you and the deepest ocean that cleanses the shore and the soul. I’m part of the earth that gives us sustenance, the sun that warms you, part of your heart and of your smile ...’
She placed a finger over his mouth. ‘I know all that, and know I adore you. Who are you ... apart from being a descendant of the Grand Alchemist?’
‘A knight of the true brotherhood.’
‘And who am I?’
‘You’re a descendant of the Spirit of Light. The soul that pursues you comes from the pit of darkness and would extinguish that light. Remy guarded you from the moment you entered Greer’s womb, until it was time for you both to leave.’
Fear made her tremble. ‘
‘I’ll protect you. That is my quest.’
She placed her mouth against the pulse beating under his jaw and he brought his face round to hers, murmuring. ‘I could eat you, my Jynx.’
‘Pray, do not. I can offer you a bowl of nutrient broth instead.’
He made a face.
‘Swallow it without fuss. Then, my brave knight of the true brotherhood we will sleep, for in your present condition you couldn’t protect me from a rapier wasp. When you wake your life energy will be restored and ...?’ Her expression teased, ‘who knows what you might be capable of?’
* * * *
Tighe woke before Jynx did and gazed down at her. She was pale from being inside the cave. Her skin was translucent and she was unashamedly naked under the thin sheet covering them. Her hair was a luminous frame for the delicate, ethereal beauty of her face.
He ran his fingertips over the perfection of her uptilted breast and the nubs came awake, like buds to the first touch of spring.
His body came awake too, suddenly and urgently – as rampant and lustful as a man who’d been denied for a lifetime.
He took her mouth to his in a gentle, loving possession, and sucked her bottom lip into a small, delicious pout.
Her eyelids flickered, and then opened. She gazed into his eyes and made a murmuring sound deep in her throat, like the purr of a sleepy and contented cat. Then she stretched and the sheet slipped from her body. She moved into his arms, her skin cool and satiny against his.
His mouth dried and he tried, without success, to keep the lust from his smile. ‘That feels very much like encouragement to me.’
It was.
* * * *
Tighe left her resting and explored the cavern.
He found the body of the Grand Alchemist in a sealed crystal chamber. He was bearded, and gowned in a purple robe decorated with a jewelled collar. He held a book open in his hands.
Tighe knelt before him. ‘Esteemed ancestor, I ask for your blessing and request your guidance.’
As if a sudden draught had moved them, the pages of the book ruffled, then settled on a different page.
‘He who harnesses the power of the Dark Lightning will find the light.’
‘Dark Lightning,’ he whispered, and remembered the sword. Jynx had picked it up, and the strength of it when combined with the power of Jynx had kept him from faltering entirely.’
There was a rustling noise in the cavern as he made his way back to where he’d left Jynx.
She was wearing a midnight blue tunic and breeches. Neatly folded on the mattress was a pile of folded garments. ‘I thought you’d prefer that to the robe.’
He grinned at her flushed face and kissed her mouth. ‘You’re beautiful. Have you still got the sword.’
She pointed upwards and he saw the sword hovering about them. ‘It has guarded us all night. I can ask the wishing dish to bring it down.’
‘You have no need too.’ He held up his hand, murmuring, ‘Dark Lightning.’ As light as a feather, the sword floated down to fit snugly into his hand.
He laid it on the mattress and changed into dark leather breeches, jerkin and boots and a cloak, approving her choice. There was a pack apiece, containing a change of clothing and some dried food and water bottles.
She set about tidying up. Pointed fingers disposed of any signs of their presence. Smoke and sparks rose, along with a cloud of dust.
At the back of the cavern someone coughed, and grumbled, ‘You should teach your woman how to do the housework properly? Hasn’t anyone told you to crook your fingers girl, it bends the beam and slows down the direct force.’
Tighe laughed. ‘She’s young, and will learn. Ready Jynx?’
She nodded, and he could see the excitement glittering in her eyes.
She gazed at the body of the alchemist with awe, and tiptoed past it, clinging on to his hand.
They came up against a blank wall. Placing the tip of the sword against it, he said, ‘Make a safe passage.’
The crack was deafening, the resulting cloud of sparks enormous.
Jynx laughed, then whispered in her ear, ‘Hah ... and he said I made dust.’
The rock melted before her eyes. He held out the hand that grasped the sword and opened it. The weapon drifted off towards its rightful resting place in the cavern behind them. The gap in the rock behind them closed.
Jynx gasped. They were standing on a ledge high on a mountain. Beneath them, and as far as the eye could see, was a landscape of glittering lakes and greenery. A group of some half dozen animals grazed.
‘Landflights with wings,’ she whispered. ‘I saw one in a museum at Arles. Its wings were outspread and it was a magnificent creature. Where are we, Tighe? Is this a chimera?’
‘It’s real. We’re on the other side of the fiery mountains.’
‘I thought there was no way th
rough.’
‘There are several, and the land area is vast and fertile.’ He whistled. A moment later a landflight spread its wings and circled the valley. It headed straight for them and hovered, making soft trilling sounds.
Sliding astride its back, Tighe held out a hand to her. ‘Come, my lady, you’ll enjoy this better than the flight of the peregrine.’
She sat before him, circled by his arms.
Jynx was certain the animal was Uffo, because when she tickled him under his wing he made the little trilling sound that sounded like laughter.
She grinned at him with sheer delight. ‘Where are you taking us, Uffo?’
It might have been her imagination, but the animal turned his head and looked at Tighe, who gave a chuckle. ‘Surprise her.’
As they soared high into the air, Jynx knew she could only wait and see.
Copyright © 2013 by Janet Woods
Originally published by Belgrave House
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.
