‘Of course. Students enrol at a school to receive tuition, not to stand guard. Part of my role is to ensure a safe environment conducive to learning. Their parents naturally insist on that too. To do the building works and take care of our day-to-day security I have of course needed assistance. It made sense to take on some men.’
‘You hired strangers to see to your security? Are you sure you can trust them? These are troubled times and those I saw at the gate look as if they’ve seen action.’
‘Well, there is little point in employing people who don’t know what they’re doing. Captain, I am a wizard. I can read any mind I choose. No-one is going to work for me if I have reservations about their trustworthiness.’
‘I apologise, I didn’t mean to imply you wouldn’t check on prospective employees backgrounds before hiring them. It is clear you are taking precautions and the school’s safety seriously. However, as I’m sure you can appreciate, challenging the truth of someone’s story doesn’t always occur to everyone. I just needed to check you’d thought about it.’
‘Thank you for being concerned enough to warn me,’ Jim said easily and noticed the Captain’s relief. ‘So, what actually brought you here today?’ Jim asked.
‘Well, a number of reports have come in that may be relevant to the school’s wellbeing.’
‘Such as?’
‘Your new wall, moat and tower defences have been remarked upon as well as the change of leadership to a very powerful wizard outsider.’
‘Really?’
‘Your students tell their parents and they in turn gossip. Naturally that in itself warrants a visit to check all is well, and of course to meet you.’
‘I see. Do you have any information useful to me now you’ve satisfied your curiosity?’
O’Brien winced a little but knew he had not told the wizard anything of value so far. He was right to be a little annoyed for someone wasting his time.
‘I’m sorry sir. I needed to know that the fortifications you’ve built here are for the students benefit rather than for some obscure reason of your own. You are a newcomer and no-one knows where you came from or why you’ve stayed. You are very young to be saddling yourself with such heavy responsibility, unless you cannot go home. For all we know you are setting up a stronghold against enemies we don’t yet know of.’ O’Brien wondered for a moment why he had spilled all that so readily. Of course, he’d experienced his mouth running away with him before, under a wizard’s “truth” prompting.
‘Creating my own little empire and peopling it with cranky teenagers?’ Jim laughed. ‘No! As I said before, in these troubled times more measures are required to ensure a safe school environment for all my students. However, you are wrong when you say I’m not known. I received an invitation from Lord Aubrey and accompanied Captain Vorn to Cedar Castle before the snows. I spoke with him at some length, together with his wizard advisor, Tobias. They, and the Edmoston Wizard’s Guild, are well aware of what I’m doing and where I came from. I know this may appear to be an unusual job for someone my age to take on, but it’s rarely dull and I like it. You must appreciate that with the majority of Edmoston’s wizards watching the borders, all wizards have had to step up to keep things going, regardless of experience. Vako had never been a senior teacher never-mind headmaster and found it far too demanding to take on permanently at his age. His request for a replacement is doubtless on file. So, what else can you tell me?’
‘We have heard rumours that the animus warrior Clan Green Bear are headed this way. No one knows why they’re in this area, but they seem to return periodically. They are dangerous.’
‘Really? They are unlikely to be dangerous to us though. I believe many of them went to school here in years past. I’ll keep an eye out for them of course. Have you heard of any inquisitor squads arriving in the local area? I imagine if the Green Bears are nearby then the inquisitors won’t be far behind them.’
‘That’s of more concern to you?’
‘This school has always had animus students and at some point the inquisitors might decide to drop by to try and murder them. Of course that’s of concern to me.’
‘You think they would murder children?’
‘I don’t think it, I know it,’ Jim said grimly. ‘What do you think has happened to all those arrested by the squads? They are never heard from again, are they? In my travels, I’ve spoken to escapees who were arrested as children. Some of those children were locked away for years, in adult prisons amongst real felons, with the knowledge they were destined for execution without trial. So, do you know of any inquisitor squads in the area?’
‘I’m not certain,’ O’Brien said slowly. ‘I did hear of things which lead me to believe some might be nearby. But we are never told and are not allowed to ask or report sightings.’
Jim lightly skimmed O’Brien’s mind trying to ensure the man didn’t feel his intrusion. He collected the information that had triggered O’Brien’s suspicions. In particular, the garrison stable master had been angry enough to complain that six horses had been abandoned at their stables in very poor condition. Six fully fit mounts destined for the lord’s hunt had vanished, appropriated without permission, obviously as replacements. Jim decided O’Brien ought not to see the clan’s new stables or he might recognise said horses.
Jim noticed O’Brien’s mind become a little agitated; ah, his eyes had turned green. He hastily concentrated on calming himself before implanting the suggestion in O’Brien’s mind that it was merely a trick of the light. He didn’t dare tinker with O’Brien’s memories. The Captain would naturally have to report his findings on his return to the garrison. If a wizard were asked to check the Captain’s mind, he’d be on the lookout for any tampering; he had arrived with a number of reservations after all.
There was a hasty knock at the door and Max rushed in. ‘Sorry to disturb you sir, but there’s been a serious accident in my class.’
‘An accident? Who’s hurt?’ Jim asked quickly.
‘Laurence; I think he
might have broken his back,’ Max explained, wringing his hands anxiously.
‘Excuse me Captain, I must go and deal with this,’ Jim said, already striding around his desk and ushering them all out of his office. ‘It’s nice to have met you Captain. Feel free to drop by again. I trust you can find your own way out?’ Jim asked gesturing them down the corridor.
‘Certainly. Thank you for your time,’ O’Brien responded, knowing he’d been dismissed. The wizard nodded then turned on his heel and hurried off after his colleague. O’Brien was very tempted to follow and find out how a wizard would deal with such a serious and often fatal injury.
‘This way, sirs,’ a voice spoke from the corridor’s gloom, making them jump. They had not heard the tall man arrive but he stood waiting to escort them out of the house. Under his watchful gaze, they had no option but to make their way directly to the exit.
Hearing the sound of many voices O’Brien peered in to the dining hall as they passed and was surprised at how many young people were there relaxing with mugs of tea and chatting animatedly. He didn’t remember there being quite so many on his last visit. He stepped aside as a crowd came towards them from the front door and went in to join the others. These were hot, sweaty and dusty; obviously, they had been doing something energetic outside. They eyed the soldiers but seemed reassured by the man accompanying them, although none asked any questions. The huge building fairly buzzed now with life and it was a welcome change, albeit a worrying one. Where had they all come from? However these were youths; they were not a disguised army. The teenagers and young adults varied greatly in height and build too, reassuring him they were not all animus people and thus a potential problem.
‘There seem far more than when I was here last,’ O’Brien observed.
‘It is likely. Parents prefer to send their children to well managed schools,’ Freddie told him simply.
O’Brien supposed that was true enough and as good a reason as any. H
e had seen ample evidence of the structural improvements the young headmaster had instigated. Parents would see it too. ‘Do you think your wizard can mend a broken back?’
‘Who has a broken back?’ Freddie asked straightening up, anxiously.
‘I believe the name mentioned was Laurence. You know him?’
‘Only in passing. Poor lad,’ Freddie added. ‘I’ve no idea whether Jim can mend something like that but I do know he will try.’ He scanned the students and found Cassy. He fixed his gaze on her knowing she would feel it and would then open up the means for him to communicate.
‘What’s the problem Freddie?’ a feminine voice blossomed in his mind.
‘I was going to escort these soldiers out the gates but I’ve just heard young Laurence has had a bad accident. It’s not going to occur to Jim to consider Kathy. She is wolf and has no family here to lean on. She needs us to help her through this trauma. I’m going to send these soldiers on their way. Could you ask Drako to have someone ready to divert them before they take the opportunity to wander into the village? This Captain O’Brien might be an ordinary, but he doesn’t miss much.’
‘Drako’s sending your pack up. He agrees with your assessment. Just get rid of the soldiers before you change.’
‘Thank you Cassy.’
Freddie ushered the men into motion, walking briskly ahead of them out the door and to the hitching rail where their horses waited.
O’Brien mounted his horse and glanced back at the tall man on the steps. Something about him was a little unnerving. He exuded strength and competence, and his direct gaze screamed predator. O’Brien knew, without a doubt, that this man was animus. He followed his gaze noticing he was watching something. Three very large wolves were trotting across the grass towards them, their yellow eyes fixed on the soldiers still on foot. ‘Mount up, quickly,’ O’Brien ordered hastily, drawing his men’s attention to the predators approaching. He had no idea if they were actual wolves or animus. The last few men still on foot mounted very quickly indeed.
‘They patrol the grounds,’ Freddie told the anxious Captain. ‘They know not to harm anyone sticking to the road. Don’t worry, they won’t chase your horses when they know I’m watching them,’ he added. That comment had the desired effect for the soldiers began trotting swiftly down the drive and away from the approaching wolves.
Freddie walked down the steps and turned to cross the grass bordering the house wall. He moved into the shadows where he hoped he would be less visible to the soldiers trotting away. He was aware his pack had joined him and would keep an eye on the soldiers for him. They would warn him of anything amiss while he turned to peer in windows. He stopped once he found the animus classroom. His wolves could not resist standing up on their hind legs to look inside too, despite being aware the soldiers might see them.
Jim and Amelie crouched over a prone figure. They watched Max fail to get Kathy’s attention to give her clothes back to her. Instead, he draped her naked body with her shirt as she knelt near Laurence. Clearly, they’d all been changed when the accident happened.
‘Laurence has broken his back and is out cold. Kathy looks terrified. We must help her,’ Freddie said to his pack and knew they agreed. He glanced back towards the soldiers but they were still just within sight. He ground his teeth watching both scenes until the soldiers were completely out of sight and he could change. He climbed slowly through the window and went to Kathy. Rupert followed him immediately leaving Dustin and Johnny no option but to wait outside. They stood up on their back legs to watch however.
‘Change Kathy: we are here to lean on,’ Freddie urged her gently.
‘Let us help you Kathy,’ Rupert added sitting close but not quite touching her other side.
‘Ah, Freddie, Rupert,’ Jim murmured identifying the wolves who had appeared beside them while he and Amelie had been immersed in Laurence’s injuries.
‘Why do you think I need help?’ Kathy asked the dark coated wolf Jim had called Rupert, sitting so closely beside her. ‘It’s poor Laurence that’s hurt.’
‘We know, that’s why we’re here,’ Rupert told her. ‘You shouldn’t be watching this. You’re stopping the wizards doing what they must for him,’ Rupert told her gently. He noticed her cheeks colour suddenly and she shimmered into her wolf. Doubtless, she had only just realised she was in human form and essentially naked, not that he minded of course.
Kathy could hear Freddie talking quietly with Jim. Both Jim and Amelie were sitting resting just now. Were they waiting for her to leave? She met Rupert’s hazel eyes and knew he was watching her with more than a casual interest.
‘Come outside and leave them to it. Dustin and Johnny are here too,’ Rupert added drawing her attention to the two wolf faces at the window. ‘I’m sure Jim will keep us informed of any changes.’
Kathy gazed once more at her boyfriend lying so still, pale, and twisted on the floor. She reluctantly got to her feet. Rupert walked beside her to the window and gestured for her to precede him. She jumped up onto the windowsill and leaped down. Rupert immediately followed her and again positioned himself by her side. She didn’t notice the other males exchange glances at Rupert’s defensiveness and his assumption of the primary position at her shoulder. As far as she was concerned, it was simply a relief to have silent, understanding company. She trotted slowly away from the shadow cast by the house and settled into the meadow grass nearby but in the sun. The snow had gone, but the wind was still bitter out of the sun. The males surrounded her loosely but she didn’t feel trapped, rather she felt safe and guarded. She had never been in the company of other animus wolves and didn’t even know these, but something about them was peaceful. She was touched that they would come to share this vigil with her. She could not bear the thought Laurence might die, or become crippled, so she refused to consider it a possibility. He was in the hands of the best help for miles around. She glanced at the wolves; they might not be putting any pressure on her but she was very aware she was not a member of their pack. She was also well aware they were all single men and she was the only female wolf on campus. Normally she never gave it a thought. She knew these clan men were honourable and that they would respect her relationship with Laurence even if he were a dog rather than a wolf. Something about Rupert, sitting closest, unsettled her. She lay with her nose on her front paws, pointed in his direction, breathing him in. His pose and scent was that of an assured adult male wolf. He was so different to her teenage dog boyfriend. She turned away, confused and guilty for instantly being attracted to someone else, particularly when Laurence was so badly injured.
‘Have you heard anything yet?’ she asked the red alpha wolf Freddie when he re-joined them.
‘They’ve straightened his back and mended the bones. I understand he’s still unconscious though, and there’s much tricky repair work still to do. They’ve just moved him to sickbay. He’s at least somewhere clean and comfortable now so they can continue treating him.’
She couldn’t help a small anxious whimper. She hastily trotted round the side of the house to be outside the sickbay windows. She approached a window nervously and Rupert came to her side. Somehow, his presence, along with the others, bolstered her courage. She rose up on her back legs and peered in the window. This was the general ward. Never having been there, she was surprised at just how many beds were occupied. But then again, wizard spells could easily go awry with unexpected consequences. There were also always pranksters and victims, but Jim came down heavily on troublemakers. The number of people injured by bullies was now at an all time low. Inevitably, however there were injuries, either in accidents, or during the combat lessons.
‘I don’t see him,’ Kathy said anxiously.
‘Maybe he’s being treated in a private room,’ Rupert suggested. He began peering in windows further down the row, saving her from doing it. ‘Here he is.’
Kathy joined him and watched Amelie sitting by Laurence’s sheet clad form. Her eyes were closed and her hands were flat
on his bare chest. Clearly, she was in the midst of healing. Kathy was scared of making something go wrong by interrupting and got down. She walked away from the window slowly. She held on to the fact Laurence obviously still lived and was being treated by the best possible people. Alongside the nursing staff’s experience, Jim and Amelie had considerable strength and ability. If anyone could put him back together then it was them.
‘He’s awake,’ Freddie announced a while later, Jim appearing in his head for a moment. ‘You may see him now.’
‘Thank you Freddie, and all of you,’ she said meeting Rupert’s eyes for a moment before dashing back to the house.
Rupert went to the window and saw Kathy arrive, now changed and clothed, but she didn’t notice him.
‘I thought you’d be here when I woke,’ Laurence said peevishly. He hated sickbay and there was no disguising that is where he was.
‘I wasn’t allowed in until now,’ Kathy explained. ‘How are you feeling?’
‘Flattened. I don’t think I could best a mouse at the moment. What happened? I remember wrestling with Jonas one minute, he threw me and I slid but I was ok. Then something happened and I woke up here.’
‘You slid under another team’s feet and tripped them. I think you must have been trying to get up and were twisting at the time. Either way they both landed on you and we all heard something snap. Jim said your back was broken. He and Amelie have been working on you for hours. If it weren’t for them you’d probably be dead.’
‘I nearly died?’
‘Yes. What did they tell you?’
‘That they’d set some bones and put everything back into place but I wasn’t yet healed. They said I’d have to stay here and not move for several days at least. Who is that?’
Kathy followed his gaze to the window; four wolves were there, obviously on their hind legs. They nodded to her and disappeared, the dark one reluctantly following the others.
‘The hunters. Obviously word of your accident has spread.’
‘You don’t know their names then?’
Clan Green Bear: Wizards of White Haven Page 27
