Drako handed her a pair of saddlebags, his own set he draped over his shoulder. ‘Just bring a warm and comfortable change. I’ll see you at dinner if you’ve any questions.’
‘Ok,’ she acknowledged, and whilst he turned to go down to the village, she hurried into the school. It was far too cold to be standing around out here. There was not much time left before the last class of the day finished. She hurried up to her dorm and laid out her sparse clothes on the bed. She dithered, uncertain what she would need and so assembled a tiny selection of toiletries instead. Whilst she was grimly certain there would be no opportunity to bathe until they arrived, once there she did not want to continue stinking. These were animus people, their senses and that included smell, were acute.
The door opened and a liveried housemaid entered a little tentatively. Cassy noted the woman’s ruddy weathered cheeks and surmised she was part of Drako’s clan.
‘Lady Cassy?’
‘Yes, I’m Cassy. I don’t know about the lady bit though,’ she added lightly trying to ease the woman’s reticence. ‘Were you looking for me?’
‘My name is Annette. I apologise for the intrusion but I understand you plan to go with Lord Drako to Northwalt tomorrow?’
‘I plan? Lord Trent told Drako to go and update the others and then suggested I accompany him.’
‘Ah, I hadn’t heard this was Lord Trent’s order. I hope you don’t mind my asking, but why do you think he asked you to go?’ Annette asked.
‘He didn’t say, but I’m assuming he’s testing me, see if I’m hardy enough to travel this time of year. Whatever his reasons, I’m going so I can spend some time with Drako. We barely know each other.’
‘Drako has been very secretive about having a relationship, but we can all see there is a strong one between you. So hearing a lady is going to travel in the depths of winter to our secret winter camp has taken us by surprise,’ Annette explained. ‘Everyone is of course wondering if you’re going there to be married.’
‘Oh! No, we’re not. We’ve only been together a week.’
‘Did Lord Trent know that before he spoke of the trip?’
‘Yes. You think he was trying to frighten me off?’ Cassy asked, the thought only now occurring to her.
‘He chased off the last girl Drako spent any time with. She moved to another clan,’ Annette added.
‘Was Drako upset?’
‘Annoyed certainly, but I don’t believe he had strong feelings for her,’ Annette advised and Cassy’s worried frown cleared.
‘The invitation took us by surprise too, but we see it as an opportunity. Lord Trent is certainly not going to push me around and I think he already knows it,’ Cassy remarked. ‘I suspect I made an impression on him. Does he always bully Drako?’
‘He is a strong man; Drako is his youngest,’ Annette said carefully.
‘Yes and there appear to be an unnecessarily large number of obstacles for him to face before he can seek any personal happiness,’ Cassy observed.
‘What makes you say that?’ Annette asked uneasily.
‘Why does he need to seek not just his whole family’s permission but also every member of his clan to simply date me? He even felt daring holding my hand in public this morning.’
‘You held hands when you were accompanying Lord Trent, in the village?’
‘Yes.’
‘Ah, then he was daring his father to object,’ Annette explained. ‘I take it his father said nothing?’ Cassy shook her head. ‘Lord Trent has accepted you then. That’s the real reason for the fuss.’
‘I still don’t understand.’
‘That Drako openly showed his affection, and in front of his father, indicates to us how serious he is about you. I know you’ve said you barely know him but he’s telling us to speak up now or shut up because he’s chosen.’
‘He’s moving very fast,’ Cassy complained weakly.
‘I agree. He always goes directly after what he wants. But do you want him?’
Cassy nodded and noted Annette’s relief. ‘So what kind of journey do I face and what’s at Northwalt? I’ve no idea what I should be wearing or taking with me. Drako said pack one change of warm clothes.’
‘That’s all he said?’
‘He seemed more concerned I would mind sharing the tent with him and his men.’
‘Ah. So what had you planned to ride in?’ Annette said briskly turning her attention to the clothes scattered over the bed.
‘Probably what I’ve got on now. I don’t have much else. I was thinking of going down to see what’s in the stores but wasn’t sure what to ask for.’
‘Would you like a hand?’
‘Please. I can only take what will fit into those saddlebags. I don’t want to take the wrong thing.’
‘These won’t be warm enough,’ Annette said quickly, sorting through the pile and putting several items aside. ‘These will be good to layer and that’s the best jumper.’ She noted Cassy collected the rejected things, folded them, and put them in the large trunk at the foot of her bed. Annette spotted something else in there, received a nod of permission and pulled out a sleek deep blue long wool dress. ‘This is beautiful. You should take it.’
‘I asked Drako if I should bring something nice and he immediately seemed to think I would be dressing to impress his brother. Does Darius have wandering hands or something?’
‘It didn’t occur to him you might want to look your best for him?’ Annette asked with amusement. ‘Put it on,’ she urged.
‘It looks better with nice shoes and jewellery of course,’ Cassy said turning to consider it in the mirror. Annette handed over her boots and a black light cotton under-sweater she was already planning on taking. Cassy frowned doubtfully but put the long sleeved top on underneath, which greatly aided warmth. She was surprised it did not look wrong being on show. The boots finished it off, dressing it down but again without looking out of place. She now wondered why she had never thought of wearing it like this. ‘Do you think he’ll like this? I have a grey wool one too.’
‘The blue looks good and after days of hard riding it’ll be a welcome change. It should fold down well too. You need stronger and warmer trousers and a better coat too. You mentioned a store room?’
‘Yes,’ Cassy affirmed and hastily put away everything, including the partially packed saddlebags, into her trunk. Now nothing was on show; her bed looked as neat and unremarkable as all the others.
They found Mrs White and she opened the clothes store for them. Learning Cassy was going to be trekking in the current inclement weather, she found a number of useful items that would be far warmer and weather resistant than her current garments. Heavy leather chaps would help keep her legs dry and warm even if it was snowing. A full-length cosy sheepskin coat was the other major item. A matching sheepskin brimmed hat, thick gloves and scarf were added to the pile. Two pairs of long thick socks appeared next. Cassy tried them with her boots, they felt tight but she didn’t see any other riding boots in her size.
‘You’ll need a bedroll,’ Annette reminded and helped Cassy choose one that although a little tatty was going to be warm. Now Cassy felt far better prepared. She thanked them both and returned to her room, packing swiftly.
She again placed everything out of sight in her trunk. She had no particular wish to advertise to her dorm mates that she was off on an exciting trip tomorrow. There was also their security to consider. Drako had trusted her with the name of their winter hiding grounds. She was not about to tell anyone outside the clan that information and risk compromising their safety. It was simplest to pretend she had nothing unusual planned for tomorrow.
6. Uncertain Welcome
Cassy arrived in the dining hall and looked round. She was aware of being stared at and almost backed out of the room. Before she could flee, someone came up behind her; she knew that presence. Drako breathed in her ear. She glanced up at him and knew he had noticed his people’s stares. He took her arm and guided her to a table. Instea
d of leaving her there and taking his usual place at the head table, he sat beside her. His people stopped staring so obviously, although she was well aware they continued to watch. Drako ignored them and filled his plate, clearly in good spirits. Cassy followed his lead and quickly relaxed.
She noticed Drako’s sudden stillness and followed his gaze to a man who had just arrived, who was gesturing in some code. The man quickly found a place and sat down.
‘Where are you going?’ Cassy asked as Drako pushed back his chair from the table.
‘To see him; he has a message for me,’ Drako said aware she had seen the exchange.
‘Finish your dinner first,’ Cassy suggested. ‘If it was urgent he’d have come over wouldn’t he?’
‘Probably.’
‘Eat up before its cold then; unless you prefer cold food?’
‘Not particularly.’
‘You’re dithering,’ she observed. ‘I’m sure he’d also rather eat something while it’s hot.’
Drako was aware that, although she had spoken quietly, all the clan people sharing the table were watching the exchange with some amusement. Few of them would have thought of stopping him do anything.
‘You’re right of course,’ Drako said easily and returned to his meal. Rather than being annoyed at her interference, he suddenly felt pleased she was considering his wellbeing. He was surprised she should feel that way already, but it was strangely satisfying. She also seemed to be anticipating him. Twice she asked for serving plates to be passed up the table and placed them within his reach without comment.
‘How did you know I was hungry?’ Drako asked her, accepting a plate he hadn’t asked for but wanted.
‘You look it,’ she said easily and had more than she normally would too. She had no doubt the days of travel would burn up lots of fat and she had very little to start with.
‘Are you having more so I don’t look quite so greedy?’ Drako enquired.
‘No, it’s cold out. I can’t grow a fur coat like you; I’ll need to eat plenty,’ she explained but glanced at his plate with amusement.
‘You haven’t anything spare on your bones,’ Drako commented. ‘You’re animus thin.’
‘Magic uses your body’s reserves in the same way, whether you’re animus or wizard. I suppose I’ve been doing too much,’ she added. ‘Mrs White said she’d been inundated with students needing new clothes because they’d lost weight. The building work takes a lot of strength. But better to use it than grow fat.’
‘True, but it’s very rare for animus to become fat; presumably then it’s the same for wizards?’ Drako asked.
‘Exactly; unless they don’t use their magic,’ Cassy confirmed.
‘Cassy, is that your full name?’ Drako suddenly thought to ask.
‘No, it’s Cassaria. Cassy is fine.’
‘But that’s a really nice name. Why don’t you let people use it?’
‘It’s too formal,’ she shrugged.
‘Sometimes it’s good to be formal,’ Drako said simply. ‘I’d better go and speak to the messenger. Will you wait for me?’
‘Of course,’ she assured him and now many people were leaving she sat back in her chair to watch him. He moved with a fluid grace she knew she’d never tire of admiring. He glanced back and smiled that she was watching him. She felt a stronger presence and glanced up as Jim approached.
‘Hello sir,’ Cassy greeted as Jim sat down opposite her. She glanced at the remaining clan noting they were unsure whether to stay with her or not. She smiled at them in dismissal and they departed, obviously getting the message.
‘They seem remarkably protective and attentive of you,’ Jim noted. ‘What’s the story?’
Cassy glanced at the arm he was leaning across the table and moved her hand towards it before meeting his eyes. He nodded so she put her hand flat on the table and slid it to his arm so only her fingertips touched him. In a matter of moments, she had told him, mind to mind, what she had learned today; that Trent had not forbidden Drako to court her and that all his people had to make up their minds very quickly whether or not to accept her. Drako suddenly seemed very keen indeed. He was seeking her in a shockingly single-minded manner. Then she felt Jim’s response; he was not remotely surprised Drako was so eager.
‘What did you expect after caressing his bear and then kissing him? Of course he would feel you’ve moved beyond the first date hurdle. You’ve also linked Drako’s mind to yours sufficiently deeply for him to be able to call you magically. Don’t you know you were the first and only one he instinctively wanted by his side when his father was bullying him? You answered his call, rescued him, well all of us actually and defused a potentially very serious situation. So, do you still want to go with him tomorrow? You don’t have any reservations?’
‘Of course I have reservations,’ she admitted. ‘Not about him, but more the reception I’ll get from his people. His brother is in charge as the heir. Drako’s group split off from the rest for safety. Darius probably still officially has overall say over them. I think we pulled Trent round though.’ She glanced at Drako again; he was watching her and probably not really listening to whatever the messenger was trying to tell him.
‘But what if his brother hates me and forbids Drako from forming a real relationship with me?’
‘I think that’s why he wants to get that hurdle out of the way early, before you’ve both developed too strong an attachment to each other,’ Jim advised. ‘Although from the emotions coming off you and the way he’s looking daggers at me, I’d say it was already too late.’
‘Were you talking about me?’ Drako asked coming over swiftly.
‘Of course,’ Cassy told him. ‘I don’t have anyone else on my mind,’ she added and stroked his cheek.
Drako sat beside her his jealousy gone.
‘What do you want me to tell the students and teachers regarding your absence?’ Jim asked Cassy.
‘I’d rather keep it quiet since I haven’t told my parents. Just say I’ve been called away on a family emergency and you expect me to be back to resume my studies shortly.’
‘I will tell my people to carry on as though I was here,’ Drako said, ‘and try to pretend I’m still about somewhere. I’d rather our enemies didn’t get wind of the fact I’ve left the safety of these walls. I’d hate to lead them to everyone else.’
‘I’ll let people think you’re spending your time in the village, and that now you have a bakery and some other food supplies, you’re able to eat there too. Certainly with Cassy away people will understand you’d have less reason to come up here.’
‘They would think that?’ Drako asked in surprise.
‘Drako, your interest in Cassy is far from secret or ambiguous. Your people are also drawing attention to you both. You two are hot gossip,’ Jim told them gleefully.
‘We haven’t done anything to warrant hot gossip,’ Cassy objected.
Drako put his arm around her to pull her close and laid a kiss on the top of her head. ‘Maybe we should behave as they expect us to then?’
She met his glinting eyes and suddenly laughed. ‘Your people would be scandalised,’ she told him and noted his shrug of indifference. She flushed feeling his swirling thoughts and desire through the hand still touching her. He was giving her glimpses intentionally she suddenly realised, testing how she felt.
‘Can you narrow down the band width of your link?’ Jim asked.
‘Why?’ Drako asked then eyed Jim more closely. ‘Are you hearing what we’re saying to each other?’
‘I’m picking up more than I’m comfortable with,’ Jim admitted. ‘Have you stopped talking?’ he added.
‘No, I fine tuned our link,’ Cassy told him, acutely embarrassed that Jim might have heard something very private.
‘I’m glad not to hear it!’ Jim smiled. ‘So, when are you planning to go in the morning? First light, before most are awake to witness your departure?’
‘That’s my preference,’ Drako agreed. ‘
It’s a matter of getting Cassy out; unless she sleeps at my place tonight? Then no-one need be disturbed.’ He noted their looks and frowned. ‘I built myself a bed but still have the school bed at home. I do have separate and private bedrooms remember. I’m not suggesting anything inappropriate.’
‘Drako, everyone knows what you wish for truly,’ Jim said gently. ‘Are you sure your people will accept such unsupervised arrangements?’
Drako growled at the inference that his self-control would fail him faced with such temptation.
‘Who is going with you?’ Jim asked.
‘Far too many were willing,’ Drako admitted. ‘I will take three of my hunters. Their homes aren’t yet built so I won’t be dragging them away from projects. I know them best too.’
‘I suggest they also sleep in your house tonight,’ Jim said. ‘Then Cassy’s presence won’t be inappropriate.’
‘That’s a good idea,’ Drako said gratefully and raised a brow at Cassy making certain she agreed with these arrangements before he took them for granted. ‘Are you packed yet?’
‘Yes.’
‘Perfect. Can you get your stuff? Just bring it out onto the landing and I’ll meet you there. I’ll go and organise the men.’
‘Safe travels,’ Jim said and watched them head up the stairs together. She diverted off at the first floor while he continued up to the top.
Unfortunately, Julie, one of Cassy’s dorm mates was already in their dorm when she entered. No chance of sneaking travel gear and luggage out unnoticed now. Cassy opened her trunk and put on the new coat that fell to her ankles; damn it was heavy but it was divided at the back for riding. Then she brought out her other gear hidden beneath the bulky coat.
‘Where are you off to?’ Julie asked seeing full saddlebags come out and that Cassy was pulling on hat and scarf too.
‘I have to go away for a few days. They’re coming for me very early tomorrow, so I’m staying in the village tonight so I don’t disturb anyone. See you,’ Cassy gave her a quick wave and left, ignoring the questions as to where she was going and who could she possibly be staying with at the village.
Clan Green Bear: Wizards of White Haven Page 10
