by M. J. Haag
“Before news came from Turre, my father left with a supply laden wagon. He trades there once a month. It usually takes him four days. He's been gone eight. Nine now,” Atwell said, looking at the dark window. “It's not like him to be this late, and with the news…”
He needn’t say more. Many people were speculating things about the current state of Turre. Since the news of the queen's death, no one had come from the passage through the Dark Forest.
“Do you have something of his. Something personal?” Elspeth asked.
“Just myself,” Atwell said.
“Does your father love you very much?”
“He does.”
“Very well. Margaret, I will need you to prepare everything.”
I handed her the tea to sip and followed every instruction she gave me. When it came to saying any words, I brought the bowl to her.
“When I'm finished, the water will show us Turre, Drisdall, and the path between. If your father is anywhere within those boundaries, we will see a spark of light in the water.”
She spoke a few words, and the water began to shimmer in the bowl. A mist rose in two places. One cleared, and I saw the symbol of the House of Drisdall. The other remained murky. Between the two, a very small speck of green light moved in minute, unpredictable twitches.
“He is alive, and it looks like he is slowly making his way to Drisdall.” She frowned and studied the water some more. “I don't believe he is with a wagon. A horse perhaps? His movement is too erratic.”
She sat back as the magic faded.
“I know this is hard to hear, but be patient. Do not go into the passage to look for him. Too many have gone in and not returned in recent days. Your father is a strong, intelligent man. If he loves you as much as you say, he will find a way home to you.”
Atwell nodded.
Elspeth closed her eyes with a sigh, and I motioned Atwell to the door. I waited until we were outside to speak.
“I'm sorry the news wasn't better.”
“It was more than I had before.”
I reached out and clasped his hand. He looked down at it for a long moment.
“Why did you use a spell to make yourself different if not for a prank?”
“My name is Margaret,” I said softly, “of the House of Thoning. That night, my parents wanted me to meet someone important. A marriage prospect. A man twice my age who has no interest in who I am but only the poise I possess and the quiet intellect to go with it. The spell was a test of his character. He failed.”
I met Atwell’s steady gaze.
“But you did not. You came to my rescue and spoke to me civilly, despite my appearance.”
“A wart and crooked teeth couldn't hide your beauty, Margaret. I'm surprised this man didn't see the same thing I did.”
I smiled slightly. “Many people are blind.”
He squeezed my fingers gently then released me.
“What do I owe for the spell?”
I waved away his question. “Go home; wait for your father. I hope he returns to you soon.”
He nodded and turned to leave. After only a few steps, he paused and looked back at me.
“Can I call on you tomorrow?”
I smiled widely.
“I would like that very much.”
I could barely contain my squeal when I went back inside. Elspeth, who had had her eyes closed, now watched me with speculation.
“Well, out with it. What happened that put such color in your cheeks?”
“Atwell asked if he could see me tomorrow.”
Elspeth sighed. “For all your fascination with magic, I knew it would never last. Which is just as well because you don't have much ability my dear. You're good for stirring, though.”
I grinned.
The next morning dawned bright, and I dressed quickly, excited for the new day. Quietly making my way down the ladder from the loft space above the kitchen, I saw Elspeth still lay in bed, an indication that she continued to feel the pain from the spell.
It would be hours yet before anyone would call on Elspeth. Or me. To keep myself busy, I decided Elspeth could use a long soak in some healing salts. With a bit of effort, I managed to drag the large copper bathing tub near the fire and began the arduous process of filling it for her. She roused as I poured the last pot of steaming water in.
To give her privacy and some peace, I left to visit the Market district. My mind kept returning to thoughts of Atwell along the way. I wondered what time he might arrive. If he’d heard from his father yet. What kind of meals he preferred. I shook my head at myself and focused on the task at hand.
I wanted to buy some fresh bread with some of the coin the queen had given us. Although I knew much of the coin would go to helping others, I didn't think Elspeth would mind a hot breakfast.
However, when I reached the Market district, there wasn't the usual bustle and din of voices. People spoke in hushed tones, and there were far fewer of them.
I went straight to the baker.
“A loaf of bread and news,” I said, laying five coppers on his counter.
“There are rumors that some of the folk living in the outskirts have gone missing,” he said, collecting the coins and setting a loaf on the counter. “Just disappeared. Overnight. No one saw or heard anything.”
I nodded, took my bread home, and shared the news with Elspeth as she dried her hair by the fire.
“It's not the first time folks near the woods have disappeared,” she said.
I dabbed cream on the burns on her back and handed it to her so she could do her legs.
“When folk disappear, the magic creating the barrier to protect us needs to be strengthened. I'm sure the king and queen will send someone out to test it today.”
Her words reassured me until sometime later when I answered a sudden knock on the door and saw a guard there.
“The queen summons you.”
It took longer to reach the queen this time because of the sores on Elspeth’s feet. The guard didn't offer his horse along the way, and my friend leaned on me heavily the entire time.
“We should have said no,” I said under my breath as we slowly made our way up the final flight of stairs.
“You know better,” Elspeth panted. “One does not refuse the queen.”
This time when the guard knocked, the door swung open immediately.
“Come,” the queen said, stepping aside. She was dressed in a similar fashion as the day before. A plain dress with a simple hair style.
As I guided Elspeth to the waiting chair, I wondered if the queen dressed plainly to confuse people or if she preferred it.
Elspeth refused to sit. Instead, she watched the queen pace in agitation.
“Is something wrong with the amulets, Your Majesty?” Elspeth asked when the queen remained quiet.
The queen abruptly stopped pacing and faced us.
“The amulets seem to be fine. Have you heard news of people going missing?”
“We had heard such news,” Elspeth said. “It has been known to happen when the magic holding back the beasts of the Dark Forest weakens.”
“We sent someone to check the strength this morning. The wards are fine. I believe it is something more than a simple magical enhancement. Not only are people from the outskirts missing, I've heard that children from our Houses are missing as well. A girl from the House of Thoning has been missing for days.”
Chapter Five
I couldn't help the glance I cast at Elspeth. She looked at me as well before addressing the queen again.
“Your Majesty, I never properly introduced my apprentice. This is Margaret, formerly of the House of Thoning, disowned for not wanting to marry the man of her parents’ choosing.”
My insides felt like they wanted to come out. I twisted my hands and endured the queen's scrutiny.
“I see. Do your parents know you're alive, child?”
I thought it humorous that she called me a child when she was barely a handful of y
ears older than myself.
“Considering I took three dresses and a few other belongings with me when I left, I have no reason to believe they would think otherwise, Your Majesty. However, I will be sure to send them a message to let them know.”
“Were there any other reports of missing children, Your Majesty?” Elspeth asked.
“None from our gentry. Many from the outlying homes near the Dark Forest.”
The queen studied us both for a moment.
“I called you back here because of your frankness. And because of your willingness to sacrifice yourselves to protect the royal family. Do not think I did not notice how you continue to stand even though you suffer. Sit. Let's speak frankly.”
We all sat.
“The children who are missing are not just from the outlying homes here in town. We have received word that children have been missing in towns almost a day north from here. The disappearances began the day before we received news of Turre’s Queen.”
“Tell me, Caster Elspeth, what do you think this means? Do you still believe this has anything to do with the magic barring the creatures from us?”
Elspeth slowly shook her head, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow.
“Have any bodies been found?” she asked after a moment.
The queen glanced down at her folded hands. Had I not witnessed her pacing moments ago, I would have thought her serene and relaxed. When she looked up, her eyes were filled with sorrow.
“One body so far. Unmarked, pale, and cold, found near a river. The parents thought the child had perhaps drowned. I'm guessing you think differently?”
“I can't say for certain, Your Majesty. But it sounds like a very perverse form of caster magic. An unnatural form of blood magic.”
The queen pressed her hand to her bust and looked at a closed door.
“And will this form of caster magic be repelled indefinitely by the amulet?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
She exhaled slowly then clapped her hands. Maids entered with refreshment. After they left, the queen asked endless questions of Elspeth about magic, and my mentor’s eyes began to droop well after the tea was gone.
“Why don't you heal yourself?” the queen asked finally.
“Healing cannot be done with a temporary manipulation of energy. It’s deep and altering and takes far more energy than I or any caster can channel. Those with blood magic are able to heal others; however, most will refuse as it creates an imbalance.”
“That answer diminishes my faith in the trinkets you provided.”
Elspeth chuckled.
“I imagine it would. Yesterday, I explained that we’re all born with a different level of ability to manipulate energy, which is how some of us can perform magic. The same holds true with every plant, animal and rock that exists. However, the ability of those objects and creatures isn’t in their manipulation of energy but their possession of it. That trinket is made up of four very strong items that, when combined, have the ability to not only absorb but deflect endless amounts of manipulated energy.”
A knock sounded on the door from which we’d entered.
“I apologize I cannot spend more time discussing magic with you,” the queen said standing.
“We understand,” Elspeth said, also standing. “Your time is precious and many seek your audience.”
“Your time is precious as well.” The queen withdrew a leather pouch the size of my fist from her skirt pocket. “While you’re here, you are not able to sell your potions. Please accept this as payment for your time.”
“There is no need, Your Majesty. The coin would be better put to use helping the families who have lost lives to the woods.”
“Which is why I placed extra coins in the pouch. You can go where I cannot, and I have heard that you already do so.”
I accepted the purse from the queen and felt the heft of the coins inside. These were no blunt silvers or high silvers weighting the bag. She'd filled it with gold. Enough to give a coin for each missing person.
“It doesn't ease the suffering and sorrow of the families. But perhaps it will keep food in their bellies while they grieve.”
There was such true sorrow in her gaze that I knew the coin wasn't a thoughtless gift to quiet the masses but true concern from their ruler. She was doing the only thing she could.
“I hope the next time I have a need...”
“We will always answer your call,” Elspeth swore, and I agreed.
The market was crowded and noisy. It felt good to sit amidst all the bustle but odd to be on the opposite side of the table. I was used to walking the streets and looking at the wares, not trying to sell my own.
Well, not my own but Elspeth’s. She sat further back under the awning of her booth, trusting me to sell her potions and collect the money for each sale while she napped. Yesterday had exhausted her. She seemed in less pain today, though.
Between selling love potions that took effect just long enough for an ill-timed kiss, which led many to forced wedlock, and potions that enhanced beauty, I watched the crowds.
There were many faces that I recognized. Boys with whom I had danced and girls with whom I had spoken. However, none of them gave me a second glance. Again, the clothes helped to disguise the face even when in plain sight.
I was only interested in one particular face, though. Atwell had promised to call on me yesterday and had never shown. I understood his concern for his father was probably foremost in his mind. However, he was foremost in mine. The night he had saved me had shown me his true character. It was a characteristic I had dared not hope to find in a boy of my own standing. My parents would be furious if I married beneath my position. But now I was free. Free from their manipulations. Free from their influence.
Not forgetting my promise to the queen, I had written a letter this morning and found a messenger as soon as I arrived at the market. By now, Mother and Father both knew I was alive and well. Elspeth was certain they would demand that I return. So I had taken precautions to ensure they would not be able to find me. I didn't want to return. Not now. Not ever. There was too much to look forward to in this life.
The day wore on, but I did not give up hope that I would see Atwell. Instead of his handsome face, I saw the familiar face of the messenger boy who lived near Elspeth's house. The one I had trusted with my letter because he never succumbed to bribery.
“I didn't expect you to return,” I said when he slipped behind the booth.
He gave me a nervous look and handed me a folded and sealed bit of paper.
“I didn't say nothing,” he said. “I didn't need to. They just wanted me to deliver a message back. I made sure I wasn't followed. Walked around most of the day.”
I accepted the note and broke the seal as the boy ran off.
* * *
Margaret,
Your father and I know you ran away rather than face your obligations. Since you have no love or consideration for us, we have none for you. You are dead and will remain so regardless of your letter.
Mistress of the House of Thoning
* * *
I stared at the letter for several long moments then crumpled it into a ball.
“You shouldn't waste parchment, Margaret,” Elspeth said from behind me.
“This needs to be burned.”
She took the letter from me and slipped it into her pocket.
“Tonight,” she promised.
I pretended not to notice her reading it when I helped the next customer.
By the time we returned to Elspeth’s peaceful cottage hours later, my feet were tired, and my lower back ached. I tried not to let my disappointment show while making our dinner. Atwell hadn’t appeared at all. I hoped that he was all right and that his delay wasn't due to lack of interest but rather his need to care for his father.
“Don't let their words hurt you child,” Elspeth said from her chair. I looked up from chopping carrots, a new skill I'd acquired in the last few days.
“What do you mean? Whose words?”
Elspeth chuckled and withdrew the letter from her pocket.
“If you're not thinking of this bit of nastiness, then what are you thinking of that has such a long look on your face?”
“Atwell,” I said. “He was supposed to call on me yesterday. Perhaps he's so worried about his father he forgot.”
“Very likely,” Elspeth said. “So why don't you go remind him?”
“You mean I should go call on him?”
“Why not? You're no longer a Miss from the House of Thoning. Your parents made that quite clear. Why must you follow rules of the gentry when they no longer apply to you?”
I grinned widely. “Very true.”
“Leave the carrots. I will work on dinner while you're gone. Go while it’s still light. I believe Atwell Cartwright lives near the Market district. A stone and wood home that has a sign for the Cartwright’s hung above the door. Ask anyone in the district, and they should be able to point you in the right direction.”
I had my cloak on and was out the door before she could blink. It only took asking a few people to find out what home, and before I knew it, I stood beneath the Cartwright sign.
Taking a deep breath to settle my nerves, I straightened my skirts, squared my shoulders, and knocked on the door. The smile curling my lips was completely genuine. I tried not to think about why this boy out of all the others I'd met so deeply stirred my interest.
The door opened after the third knock. Atwell stood before me, disheveled and pale. The smile faded from my lips.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes. Margaret, I'm sorry for not calling on you as I had promised.” He glanced over his shoulder, seemed to catch himself, and looked at me again. “I've been unexpectedly detained. Please don't think disfavorably of me. My intentions are still to call on you. However, I might not be able to do so for some time.”
The scent of blood and wet dog tickled my nose.
As my gaze raked over Atwell again, I noted his shirt was more than just wrinkled and askew. It was stained as well. Although few, the small patches were dark. Like blood.
