‘What’s going on?’ Ebony asked Drako one morning, noticing a large group of heavily laden people heading down the street. Some carried long, very twiggy poles; others dragged small carts piled high with branches and others had stacks of neatly woven brush panels. A small group were also walking down from the school to meet them.
‘We’re going to plant a hedge to screen the village from the main gates. It’ll eventually serve as part of our defences. Come and watch,’ he invited.
Ebony quickly pulled on her coat and boots, joining him outside in the crisp sunshine and following the crowd to the edge of the village. She watched headmaster Jim assessing the area between the road down to the main gates and the village. He raised a hand and pointed to the earth. Snow hissed and melted in a long straight line from the perimeter wall to the junction of the lane into the village. He continued the line the other side of the lane but now it flowed in a gentle arc to meet the copse of trees at the foot of Drako’s hill. Ebony exchanged a glance with her brother; the wizard had just marked out a large new area to be enclosed for their use. Drako smiled at her; he had obviously known about this concession. He then returned his attention to Cassy, standing beside Amelie.
The men unloaded the carts, lining up the densely woven fence panels and posts on the ground beside the line marked in the snow. Jim linked hands with Amelie and Cassy and in a rush of motion the posts jumped up and partially buried themselves in the earth on the inside of the line and at regular intervals. Next, the fence panels jumped upright and buried themselves to a hand’s depth in the soil, additionally supported by the posts. Because the ground undulated and sloped down to the village, the hedge at the top of the slope did not need to be overly tall to hide the buildings effectively.
‘Give it roots Am and link the panels together with the posts,’ Jim asked her. She took his and Cassy’s hands, drawing on their strength but what came out was her own unique blend of animus and wizard ability. Under her intent gaze, the panels twitched, wriggled and unravelled around the edges. Twigs writhed, wrapping around the posts for support and weaving one panel to another and those buried in the ground transformed into roots. The hedge soon looked astonishingly well established and sturdy. She stopped the hedge from sprouting tender new leaves that would not survive the icy cold at this late stage in winter, but she did ensure the roots had a good start in the spell-thawed ground before allowing nature to retake control of the ground. The posts used to support the wide hedge panels were taken from a variety of different types of tree and now her magic had given them roots, they would sprout and eventually become trees. Once spring arrived, everything would grow quickly.
‘How strong is that fence going to be?’ Drako asked coming out onto the drive to see what it looked like from the outside, now they’d completed one half and appeared to be taking a breather. ‘Is it growing?’ He stared at twigs that seemed to be moving and growing unnaturally fast before his eyes. The fence panels had been woven from freshly cut green brush, but they hadn’t uprooted complete plants and hence the panels had not had any roots.
‘Yes,’ Amelie told him grinning. ‘I seem to have a knack with fences. Thought it might come in handy down here. In a month or so when spring finally arrives, this will sprout properly and look like a hedge that’s been here years. I’ve given it roots all the way along and the posts will become trees, locking it all together into a very sturdy barrier. Anything need adjusting with the style before we do the other side?’
‘No, looks good to me,’ Drako assured her rather overwhelmed again by their abilities and control over unlikely things. Houses were one thing, but this was a living growing hedge.
‘Want to join us Drako?’ Amelie asked him and noticed he glanced at Cassy first and that Cassy jumped, her mind suddenly blocking even the lightest of snooping. They seemed reluctant to touch. Now she thought about it she hadn’t seen them together much recently.
‘What’s going on between you two Cassy?’ Amelie asked mentally.
‘Nothing.’
‘I can see that, but why? I thought you two were crazy about each other. What happened?’ Amelie demanded.
‘We were. Everything was wonderful until we got back here. Then he changed, that first night back. He got all clingy and demanding, and then his mood would swing to anger and jealousy. He scared me. His emotions were so powerful, raw and out of control. I don’t know what his problem is,’ Cassy explained in a miserable rush.
Amelie noticed Drako glance aside at Jim and a quick expression passed over his face. He looked defensive suddenly. Ah, Jim was looking at Cassy. Her own jealousy aside, she watched the two men regard each other. They were both leaders and dominant animus men. Was this instinctive rivalry? What had triggered it?
Cassy followed Amelie’s musings and Drako’s feelings took on a new light. She still didn’t know what might have caused them though.
‘Have you finished talking about me?’ Drako asked Amelie.
‘Only because Cassy doesn’t know the answer,’ Amelie said bluntly but smiled at him gently, hearing hurt in his voice.
‘What’s the question?’ Drako asked hopefully. Amelie had a knack for seeing and cutting right to the heart of any problem.
‘Chat later,’ Jim said abruptly, rejoining them. ‘Ready to do the next bit?’ he asked, but took both women’s hands immediately.
Amelie noticed Drako clench his teeth, his eyes on Jim touching Cassy. His expression blanked quickly, hiding his emotions, and he backed off out of the way. He turned to watch the continuation of the hedge, from the lane to the foot of his hill, spring into place. Once the fence was positioned, they took another brief breather. The contrast between this raw dead new fence and the sprouting, woven hedge on the other side was clear.
‘Can you take it from here Am? Or do you need me for the sprouting bit?’ Jim asked her. ‘I want to have a look at that copse and decide what kind of barrier will work best over there.’
‘No go ahead, dear,’ Amelie told him and watched him saunter off. ‘Drako can replace you quite nicely,’ she added. That comment brought Jim up short and he almost came back. The look the two men exchanged was direct, neither bowing to the other. ‘Come and join us Drako,’ Amelie invited, ignoring Jim’s yellow-eyed frown. She raised a brow questioningly at Cassy and Cassy abruptly held out her hand to Drako. That invitation he did not resist. His mental presence meshed with Cassy’s easily and decisively. ‘You’re getting stronger Drako,’ Amelie commented and smiled to herself that his presence suddenly vanished behind a shield. Cassy was protecting him. Yet Amelie could tell a private link was strong between them. ‘Spoilsport Cassy, your man glows beautifully,’ Amelie told her whilst Jim was not attached to them. ‘He’s a joy to hear.’
‘He can’t shield. It’s not fair for other wizards to meld with him,’ Cassy told her.
‘You should teach him to shield his mind. I’d be very surprised if he couldn’t learn that; he’s strong,’ Amelie told her. ‘Ready?’ she warned and feeling their merged power flow into her, she directed her attention to the new fence. The flavour of this merge was more animus than wizard, and the fence rooted itself and began growing far more easily. ‘Your animus magic is far better than Jim’s wizard magic for this kind of work Drako,’ Amelie told him warmly. ‘You encourage the natural growth of life whereas Jim forces its compliance. Plants react quite noticeably to such things.’
‘Is that why this side looks thicker and different?’ Drako asked, noticing the writhing twigs moving over the panels weaving them together into a single dense hedge. This side already looked a stronger more substantial barrier. The woven branches continued to swell and grow even after they had stopped the initial spell. He liked the thought that he was better than Jim at something to do with magic.
‘Yes. So what do you think you’ll use this area for?’ Amelie asked surveying the grassy slope. It seemed larger somehow than when it had been open field.
‘I had thought of building a stable block int
o the bank with a store room. The school’s stables are already full and they aren’t too convenient for us down here. I was thinking there was probably space for three houses on the upper side, each with a vegetable plot. Yes, I’ve been thinking about it, but really I need to sit down with someone who can make plans. It needs to be worked out properly,’ he added.
‘All that does sound a lot of work,’ Amelie conceded and shivered in the bitter wind. ‘I can’t wait for spring and some nicer weather.’
‘I’ve got tea and a warm fire lit at home,’ Drako offered. ‘Jim will probably be awhile deciding what he wants to do next and you’ve the baby to consider.’ He was aware Cassy had not intended to open up her mind so fully to his, but their link was strong and he knew how to trigger access. He’d felt her dismay and then grudging admiration for his determination and increasing skill and let the link alone rather than trying to force the issue. Nevertheless, he could tell there were many things Cassy still kept from him; he could only see her more public upper thoughts.
‘That sounds wonderful Drako, doesn’t it Cassy? You’re so thoughtful.’ Amelie said and she took Drako’s arm prompting Cassy to take his other arm. She winked at Drako while Cassy wasn’t looking and his teeth gleamed. Ebony joined them walking first one side then the other as she chatted with Cassy and then Amelie whom she didn’t know so well.
Drako glanced over at Jim and knew by his yellow eyes that he was jealous. Particularly since the three young ladies ignored him completely. Drako didn’t care that this visit was primarily a chance for the ladies to warm up and have a lazy chat amongst themselves. It was good for Ebony to have some female company but more importantly, as far as he was concerned, Cassy was here in his house where he felt she belonged. He was content to simply watch and listen to her covertly. He filled the kettle and put it on the stove. He fed the stove more wood and realised he needed to bring in more for the main fire too. Stoking the lounge fire he was aware all three women were watching him, doubtless waiting for him to leave so they could talk privately. He grabbed the log basket and went outside. Sure enough as soon as he had closed the door, he heard voices talking quickly but he couldn’t make out the words. It was disconcerting and rather depressing to know they didn’t want him there. He took his time loading the basket and then straightened the firewood stacked neatly on the veranda against the wall. He began to get cold and decided they had had long enough to say what they needed to.
He went in and noticed Cassy was in the kitchen. Ebony and Amelie were in deep discussion by the fire. He dumped the logs and went directly to the kitchen. Cassy passed him bearing two mugs, which she gave to Ebony and Amelie before returning to the kitchen. She poured two more cups of tea and placed one before him.
‘Thank you,’ he said and curled his fingers around the hot mug. ‘This feels good. It’s so cold out.’
‘You were a long time out there getting the wood,’ she acknowledged. ‘No wonder you’re cold.’
‘You all seemed to prefer me out of the way so you could talk,’ he said with a shrug. ‘What were you talking about?’
‘Women things mainly. As you know, Amelie’s baby is due very soon but she doesn’t really have anyone to talk to aside from Jim.’
‘She needs other women at such a time,’ he finished for her. ‘Were you able to help? I mean, I assume nothing’s amiss?’
‘No nothing’s wrong,’ she reassured quickly, feeling his genuine concern. ‘As for the advice thing, well what do I know? But fortunately your sister seems to know what to say.’
‘She likes babies and has looked after quite a few, helping out the mothers,’ Drako told her, trying hard not to picture Cassy with their children. He suspected she would be able to sense his thoughts but he had already wistfully imagined it, and the image floated before him in full detail.
‘Do you like this table?’ Cassy asked him abruptly, passing him to go to the dining area.
‘Not really,’ he admitted knowing she had deliberately changed a subject she found uncomfortable. She had been in the kitchen leaving the others to talk about babies without her, after all.
‘What would you prefer?’ she asked watching him run his hand over the wood, lingering with a frown at the sharp corners. He met her eyes and held out his hand. She tried to calm herself so when they linked he would see nothing other than the question and only what she wanted him to see. She took his hand and felt swamped with his conflicting emotions. He was not nearly as calm as he appeared. ‘Shush love,’ she whispered instinctively into his mind. She felt his immediate rush of hope at the word, mixed with despair that she could not mean it because he felt no emotion from her mind. His raw and powerful need of her robbed her of her ability to think.
‘I never stopped loving you,’ she reassured him, hating to feel his pain.
‘Show me,’ he demanded now realising she was hiding from him. It was the complete lack of feelings, which clued him in. He pulled her out of sight of Amelie and his sister; not that they seemed to be watching. He wrapped his arms around her and felt her physically catch her breath and shiver. She did not push away but still her mind blocked his. Her head was tipped back to watch him calmly but her body had moulded itself to his and she held him unconsciously. She was a mess of mixed signals. He leaned down slowly and brushed her lips gently with his. She didn’t pull away and he heard her breath hitch. He kissed her with increasing passion as her arms slipped around his neck and she returned his kiss. Now he glimpsed wild emotions breaking through chinks in her shield. He discovered she was every bit as miserable as he was that they had been apart.
‘Why have you been avoiding me?’ he asked anxiously. ‘What have I done wrong?’
There was no way he could hide his hurt from her and he didn’t even try. That honesty disarmed her. ‘You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s me that’s not ready,’ she admitted. ‘I’ve been so swamped with work, catching up with my lessons and preparing for my exams. Then your people still need me to help them with their homes. They’ve also been seeking me out to help with personal issues. I thought they’d prefer your sister for that. Why would they come to me?’
‘I’m sorry, I didn’t know they were bothering you.’
‘They’re not bothering me, I mean I don’t mind. I was just surprised. Don’t tell them off, please,’ she added quickly realising that was how he viewed her comments.
‘Perhaps they were trying to make sure you were still committed to us. Or maybe they just felt more comfortable talking to you. I don’t know,’ Drako mused. ‘Perhaps as their leader’s chosen, they might feel your opinions carry more authority than their leader’s sister.’
Cassy nodded considering all those aspects probably played their part. She was wryly amused that he should so innocently remind her he was still waiting for an official answer to his proposal. If the clan knew she had his engagement ring round her neck because she didn’t yet dare accept his proposal properly, they’d be disgusted with her. They would probably think she was slighting their lord too. She carefully kept those thoughts from Drako.
‘I’ve had to concentrate on all that rather than try to work out what had gone wrong between us. I thought you were angry with me. Then I hoped there would be some explanation and we’d work it out.’ She hung her head and held him tightly, her face hidden against his chest.
‘I’ve never been angry with you. Why would you think that?’
‘You were really upset and angry that first night back. Your moods were scary; they were swinging back and forth so erratically. I don’t know what upset you. But you did seem disappointed in me.’ She searched his face and suspected for the first time, that the anger she had picked up had not been directed at her.
‘I was jealous of you going off with Jim and his hold over you,’ he admitted. ‘Then you seemed to be actively avoiding me and choosing to remain with your wizards. Only when I stopped searching for you did you stop running from every room I entered. Why?’
‘It was painful
for me to see you. It reminded me we had something unresolved between us to work out. I was scared you’d tell me you’d changed your mind about us. I thought you must have, you always seemed so angry and miserable. Everyone has been tiptoeing around you.’
‘Have they?’ he snorted then looked into her eyes seriously. ‘I have never changed my mind about you. I’ll admit Jim has been getting under my skin; it’s an instinctive animus rivalry thing we both feel around you. I’m sorry.’
‘Why around me? What have I done?’ Cassy asked in confusion.
‘Because of that healing he has seen into your very soul and felt your intrinsic beauty. I know he is attracted to you. Haven’t you noticed he touches you at every opportunity? I know you don’t seek him but you don’t avoid him either. He is also well aware you are still single and have made no promises to me. All of that makes me uncomfortable,’ he added, knowing that was a woeful understatement.
‘I had no idea you felt like that,’ she told him gulping at the misery and helpless jealousy she could feel emanating from him. ‘He means nothing to me personally, but he is my headmaster. When he needs assistance in a merge, I cannot say no, especially when it is something like the work today to help you and your village. Whenever something needs doing here, he calls on me. Not that I mind, it is for you and our future I do what I must to remain here.’
‘I understand; well I do now,’ he admitted. ‘Take the time you need, but please don’t shut me out. I love you,’ he said simply but infused the word with all the depth of emotion and feeling it inspired in him.
‘Thank you,’ she said simply and swamped him with her own relief and love.
‘Well that’s a better sight,’ Amelie said and watched the pair break apart. Both wore smiles however and had been pressed together closely enough to be linked. ‘I can feel Jim coming up. Is there any more tea in the pot? You know Jim and his need for tea!’
‘I’ll make a fresh pot,’ Cassy offered. ‘You should be resting surely,’ she added watching Amelie leaning on the table. Amelie was very pregnant. ‘That reminds me, I was going to reshape this table. Those corners are way too sharp.’
Clan Green Bear: Wizards of White Haven Page 20
