‘So where are the rest of the clan now?’ Drako asked.
‘I’ve scattered my group. Darius’s bunch is already with our friends at Northwalt where we wintered last year. They were most distressed your group had not arrived before them as scheduled.’
‘I’m sorry; it was not my intention to cause concern. I did not think they would be there so soon. I’ve been so busy setting this place up I lost track of time. At least we are not going to be such a burden to Northwalt this year.’
‘So what are your plans here?’ Trent asked eyeing his son keenly. ‘This does not appear to be a temporary arrangement.’
‘No, it’s not meant to be. What Cassy told you is about the size of it. We’re all tired of running; of living hand to mouth as outlaws. It’s time to make a stand. As you know, our people are close to losing faith and leaving us. We need a safe place to settle, to call home, somewhere out of sight. I think this is it. Jim has offered us space and has made us all welcome. Once we’re set up sufficiently to at least feed ourselves independently, some of the others can join us if they wish. The village is spacious and each building has room for more people.’
‘But why tie us here on wizard land, where we will always be living on wizard sufferance and under their control?’ Trent asked.
‘I don’t see it like that and I’m sure Jim doesn’t either. This is a mutually beneficial alliance.’
‘So far it looks markedly one sided. He has granted land, provided a designer and even undertaken the considerable work necessary to build an entire village for our people. What does he get from this alliance?’ Trent asked uneasily.
‘Whilst I was here to meet with Jim, I had word that our camp had been found. Our people were running for their lives with no safe place to run to,’ Drako said bleakly. ‘Jim suggested we come inside the walls to hide. Obviously, we jumped at the chance to accept his offer, but while we waited for everyone to get here, Amelie was shot through the wing, as she flew in the forest.’
‘Flew? Do you mean the panther?’
‘Yes. She is truly remarkable; she can take any shape. She had become an eagle to check our defences. Our pursuers sneaked up and shot her just because she looked like an animus. She managed to call to Jim and I followed him to her aid. She went down heavily with a broken wing and as if that nasty fall wasn’t enough, the archer and an animus dog immediately attacked her. Jim was livid as you can imagine.’
‘Where is this traitor now?’ Trent asked his eyes flinty. That dog might have been following orders but betraying your own kind was contemptible.
‘Max the owl held the dog off her until I arrived. I snapped his neck, but Jim, with merely a gesture, incinerated his body to dust. He was more lion than man, then. He can be frightening. When his eyes turn green, you can tell he’s getting annoyed, but when they turn yellow, the lion is close to taking control and he becomes quite a different character. You were lucky today he didn’t kill you for threatening Amelie. It’s the one area we all know to avoid; especially now she’s pregnant.’
‘So you tiptoe around this man?’ Trent asked.
‘No. Normally, he’s exceedingly generous and patient and I consider him a very good friend. I would not wish him as my enemy though,’ Drako added seriously.
‘Can he multi-shift like her?’
‘I don’t think so. I can’t see him fitting into something else’s skin when the lion has claimed him. He’s calmed a great deal since he allowed the lion out. It has been growing in him for weeks. He wasn’t animus and it was quite a shock for his body to start shifting on him. He and Amelie have healed each other extensively and shared their power. He believes he has soaked up a portion of her ability, allowing him to shift, and the lion has emerged.’
‘That is most disturbing. You won’t become wizard if you marry that girl will you?’
‘Why would you think that?’
‘You were able to call her to you without opening your mouth. That’s not very usual for us,’ Trent added, frowning at his son anxiously. ‘She’s clearly changed you already and I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.’
‘I don’t know how I called her. It wasn’t intentional. Jim says that animus magic can be just as strong as wizard magic, it’s just structured differently. Cassy and I have shared minds. We have a link,’ Drako said.
‘I trust that’s all you’ve shared?’ Trent asked bluntly.
‘Of course. What do you take me for?’ Drako growled, affronted he could even ask. Any woman he wanted to court would have to be approved by the clan and of course his family, before it could be considered serious. Holding her hand openly in the village today, with his father alongside him, had subtly but officially announced he was interested in courting. Bruce held considerable standing with their people and he seemed to approve, even going so far as to ask for her help, and acknowledging her expertise, in front of his father. ‘You think her a poor match for me then?’
‘Not necessarily,’ Trent admitted slowly. ‘But I don’t yet know her. Of more concern to me, is that neither can you, from just a few days acquaintance, yet you seem set on her. She is a wizard; she will always be incomprehensible to you. Is that what you really want?’
‘Is that why you’re always so against getting close to wizards; because you don’t understand them?’
‘No one can predict what a wizard will do. They have strange powers over the most unlikely of things. It makes me, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this, feel uncomfortable in their presence.’
‘I find that aspect fascinating,’ Drako admitted. ‘I’ve watched them building the village. It’s physically hard work to cast spells. The bigger the spell the more energy is takes out of them. They don’t do big spells if they can help it. I must say I don’t feel worried by wizards any more than I do any other group of people. Jim is my friend. I know I can count on him. I also know I can go to him if I need to. Likewise, he knows he can come to me. Although the only real thing I’ve given him is a start in combat training. He hasn’t had any instruction and since he’s considered the main line of defence, it was a lack he wasn’t comfortable with.’
‘You surprise me. I’d have thought him the sort to seek such training in school.’
‘From what I understand, he’s changed a great deal in the last year. He would have had to toughen up to survive imprisonment and from being wrenched onto a different continent. Both he and Amelie know what it’s like being on the run month after month. I think that’s why they sympathise and support us. Did you know he was the wizard that stopped Prince Casper’s battle by diverting the river?’
‘That was him? So how much of the story is exaggeration?’
‘Very little actually. The truth is hard enough to swallow. The deputy-head here, animus owl Max was there and confirmed it. What you won’t know is that Prince Casper didn’t order Jim to create a spell to save the day. Jim did that simply to stop Casper’s enemies messing up his escape. They are remarkable but honest people,’ Drako concluded.
‘I’ve got to go north to check on the other settlements. I need you to get over to Northwalt urgently and explain the situation here. You could take your little wizard, assuming you think she’s up to it.’
‘It’s not a very nice trip in this weather,’ Drako objected but his heart leaped. He was not sure he liked his father’s snide comment casting doubt on her abilities. He was also clearly thinking to test them. Nevertheless, this would also be an opportunity for the rest of his family, and of course the other half of the clan, to meet her and pass judgement. As far as Drako was concerned, the sooner he gained official approval to court her, the better. Sharing her mind meant he felt he knew her better than would normally be the case after only a few days. It was how he knew she was genuinely attracted to him.
‘I will see if she can be released from her studies,’ Drako said instead. It suddenly occurred to him to wonder if she could even ride. He kept that thought to himself though. He noticed movement out the window and realised
a crowd of the villagers were walking up to the school. They must be going for lunch. So much seemed to have happened, yet it had only taken the morning.
‘Where are they off to?’ Trent asked. This house did indeed have useful views.
‘To the school for lunch. Some of us already cater for ourselves if we’ve the supplies, but most go up for a good hot meal at least once a day. When you’ve had a hard day it’s handy to have someone else prepare a real dinner and put it on the table for you. I’m sure there’ll be enough for you if you’d like, but we need to get a move on or we’ll miss it.’
Trent was at first rather reluctant, knowing he had doubtless made an extremely poor first impression on the wizard and his lady. He was however, very aware he ought to try to repair any ill feelings before he left and they festered.
Drako was eager to go; he’d see Cassy there. He led his father quickly across the snowy grass to meet the drive and join the few laggards also hurrying up the drive. Drako walked to the head table slightly nervously, his father just behind him causing his sudden unease. He met Jim’s eyes and Jim rose from his seat.
‘Welcome back. Do sit down,’ Jim said easily although Drako was certain there was less warmth than usual. His father sat quickly and without fuss. ‘Everyone, this is Lord Trent, Drako’s father,’ Jim announced courteously, for the staff table’s ears only, since they’d all be wondering who he was and why he had a place set at the head table.
The conversation was rather stilted initially, since many of them knew Trent to be behind Tring’s murder. Max came to the rescue, keeping Trent’s attention on animus matters. He was also the one Trent was most interested in talking to as a respected owl. Whilst they spoke quietly, everyone listened to the latest developments in animus persecution, unveiled by Max’s adroit questioning. The meal passed surprisingly quickly and soon people were leaving the tables, many of the staff making a quick exit too.
‘You’ll leave in the morning?’ Trent asked.
‘Yes,’ Drako acknowledged, aware that although he’d phrased it as a question, his father’s tone made it an order.
‘Good. Well I shall take my leave of you then. I’ve many miles to cover yet today.’ Trent glanced at the young headmaster. Those pale blue eyes were direct and unflinching. Drako was right; there was a lot to gain from an alliance with such a person. His animus creature was a lion, which said it all about his character. His age was not a weakness. Noticing most of the staff and students had gone and they now had reasonable privacy, he turned to the wizard properly.
‘I apologise for my behaviour earlier. I was leaping to the wrong conclusion. It is a poor habit of mine,’ he added with the ghost of a smile.
‘I understand your mistrust of wizards and general caution with strangers,’ Jim said quietly. ‘It has served your clan well. Safe travels,’ Jim added and noted his relief. Trent then nodded courteously and left, Drako by his side.
‘You aren’t travelling alone are you?’ Drako asked once they were outside.
‘No. I left my guards outside the gates,’ Trent said. ‘I didn’t want to cause alarm, or not until I knew what was going on here. I could see many changes had taken place that indicated strong new blood. That in a wizard means a cautious approach is sensible. Guess I forgot that when I went inside and saw such a desirable tithe and that there was a youngster in charge.’
They walked down the tree-lined drive in companionable silence for a few minutes. Trent gazed at the beautifully designed and built village as they came alongside. He could smell the smoke from their fires and see peaceful activity. There were no signs of terror, or the beaten apathy he was becoming accustomed to. Instead, this village had achieved an air of hope.
‘Young Cassy is right; you’ve achieved a lot here. I’m proud of you, son.’
‘Thank you,’ Drako managed, unused to any praise from his father. They passed through the gates and beheld Trent’s guards tucking in to a substantial picnic. They balanced white porcelain plates in gloved hands.
‘Where did this come from?’ Trent asked in surprise, then noticed a familiar woman chatting with them.
‘My Lord,’ she murmured respectfully. ‘Wizard Jim came to the kitchens. He thought your guards would be missing their lunch and asked if we could make something up for six men. I offered to bring it down.’
‘Ah, thank you. You work at the school now?’ Trent asked the matronly woman who had been in Drako’s group, whilst trying to cover his surprise. He was aware Drako was laughing at the undeniable evidence Jim had known of his guard’s presence even outside of the gates.
‘Yes sir. We’ve got a nice apartment in the house too,’ she added uneasily hoping Lord Trent was not about to wrench them away again.
‘Good. I’m glad to see so many of you settled,’ Trent said to her surprise. ‘The wizard doesn’t miss much, does he Drako? That actually relieves my mind. No, finish eating lads; that looks a lot better than what’s in our saddlebags,’ he added. He watched Drako talking with the warriors and even heard him laugh. He hadn’t laughed in such a long time. This place or maybe it was simply Cassy, was good for him. Trent headed on his way, his heart much lighter.
‘So, where are you being sent?’ Jim asked as soon as Drako reappeared.
‘Northwalt,’ Drako told him guessing Jim had been purposely waiting for him. ‘It’s where we were meant to go to before we decided to stay on here. The others need to know we are ok and why we won’t be joining them,’ Drako said quietly and pausing whilst someone passed them in the corridor. Jim noticed the pause and led Drako along to his office where they could close the door and talk privately.
‘What does he think of your staying here and the village?’ Jim asked.
‘I think he was shocked by this and our good fortune. He was obviously concerned by what you’d want in return for the considerable work you’ve put in,’ Drako said honestly, it was something that he was still a little nervous of too. He had no wish to become indentured in some way. A wizard could easily stop them leaving if he chose.
‘Only time will tell if our arrangement is going to work,’ Jim said with a shrug. ‘But if you’ve got concerns I’d rather know about them.’
The hurt in his tone cut at Drako, because Jim truly was a selfless person. ‘The village is built on school land as opposed to neutral land. Dad is worried other wizards would see us as servants to the school; take advantage of us in some unexpected way. He’s the suspicious type, that’s all,’ Drako apologised.
‘It’s a valid concern,’ Jim conceded. ‘We did talk about setting out a new agreement between us. Perhaps something in writing would ease everyone’s concerns?’
‘Yes, we should work something out. This does involve more than you and I. I’m thinking of a scenario where either one of us decides to move on from here. A new leader might not be so flexible or understanding.’
‘True, and that’s how the school and your clan fell into such a misunderstanding it cost the last headmaster his life,’ Jim added. ‘It must have been a verbal agreement and never written up.’
Drako was relieved Jim now understood. He had not intended to slight Jim or show any distrust in his motives. ‘I’ll get Louis thinking about it while I’m away and we can draw something up,’ Drako suggested.
‘When do you leave?’
‘Tomorrow. Dad suggested I should take Cassy with me,’ Drako added tentatively.
‘He doesn’t like her then?’ Jim enquired.
‘Why would you think that?’
‘She can’t grow fur like you,’ he commented glancing out the window at the snow. ‘Travel isn’t pleasant this time of year, certainly not camping out in a tent.’
‘I know and I’m not allowed to court her seriously yet either,’ Drako admitted.
‘Your father’s permission isn’t sufficient then? Or didn’t he grant it?’ Jim asked curiously.
‘He tentatively accepted her, but the clan must also accept her. She is a wizard and therefore different to
the rest of us. The other half of the clan would meet her if I took her with me,’ Drako explained.
‘I daresay her family would want to meet you too before any commitments were made,’ Jim added.
Drako had not wanted to consider that might also be an awkward obstacle. ‘Can she ride well do you know?’
‘Call her to you,’ Jim suggested. ‘Only she can answer whether she would actually want to go with you.’
‘How do I call her? I don’t know what I did before,’ Drako asked ignoring Jim’s comment.
‘Picture her in your mind and just call her name,’ Jim advised.
‘Drako?’ Cassy’s voice whispered in his mind. ‘You have need of me?’ she asked, her voice becoming stronger. ‘Can it wait until tea break? We’re nearly finished. Good. Drako you’re making me blush,’ she added and abruptly her presence disappeared.
‘You’re grinning,’ Jim observed. ‘You made contact then?’
‘Must have done,’ Drako admitted in surprise. ‘She said it’s nearly break and she’d come to me then.’
‘You don’t know if she’ll be a hindrance then on the trip?’ Jim asked.
‘We’ve spent so little time together. She’s always rushing off either to classes or to design my people’s homes. This would give us time to learn more about each other.’
‘Are you going to take anyone else with you, for safety?’ Jim asked seriously.
‘I should,’ Drako admitted although he wanted Cassy all to himself. Unfortunately, these were dangerous times, and whilst their enemies had probably gone home for the winter, particularly whilst the weather was so bad, they could not count on it. There were plenty of natural hazards to consider too. ‘I’ll ask for volunteers later.’
Clan Green Bear: Wizards of White Haven Page 8
