‘I wouldn’t say he’s complacent,’ Drako responded. ‘But he and I have come to a mutually beneficial agreement. He was unhappy with being the only form of defence for the school. One man is vulnerable without backup. I do of course have some knowledge of fighting when it becomes necessary and have a few warriors to call on,’ and he glanced out the window to where Freddie and two of his pack were in view chatting on his veranda. ‘We have been driven, not only from our homes, but our lands too. All our friends have been squeezed out and put under surveillance. We needed to forge a completely new alliance and barter for a place to live. It is deeply unpleasant to find a nice spot, or have someone too ill to be moved, or to be starving but know you cannot stay because someone has decided we are not people but vermin to be ceaselessly hounded and stamped out. Cassy tells me not all wizards agree with the legality of what the King is doing to us. Nevertheless, it has been my experience that most seem able to ignore us. Jim has not. He sees us as people, as individuals with magic. Perhaps you do think he is being foolish or sentimental in some way, but he has thrown us a life line and we do not intend to forget his generosity.’
‘It might surprise you to know our Guild’s stance on this. It has ordered us to try not to get involved individually in case we interfere with their work on your behalf behind the scenes,’ Dorian said. ‘They do not agree with the King’s decree. They are quietly working on some of the nobles to lessen support, especially for letting the catcher teams wander through any territory freely, arresting anyone they choose. Perhaps the Guild hasn’t managed to speak with Jim or maybe it agrees with what he’s doing here and is sitting back to see if the experiment works?’
‘You think they know we’re here then?’ Drako asked, feeling a little unnerved by that assumption.
‘I would suspect so. Have you seen any evidence of large catcher teams in the area recently?’
‘When we first arrived a small army of them had been on our tail for months and that had caused us quite some hassle. We hid here, they left and we’ve had no sign of them in the area since. We had to deal with an Inquisitor team of one wizard and I think four soldiers that got in and set some bombs. Then a large team of six wizard Inquisitors came about a month ago, but that’s about it in over a year. We thought it was because they didn’t know where we were and we’d silenced the inquisitors before they could report. You think the local guild is helping to protect us?’
‘Lord Aubrey is one of the ones sympathetic to your cause and he has considerable influence with the guild, so probably yes. There is no love lost between him and the King. He has never raised any objection to this school continuing to accept animus students and in fact often cites it as a model others should emulate. I suspect the inquisitor teams you mention have not had his permission to be operating within his territory.’
‘So he probably can’t object openly, but he can make it more difficult by not re-provisioning them? This is a very intriguing suggestion. The local garrison Captain mentioned their horse-master’s complaint that six exhausted horses arrived one night and a fresh set stolen. It probably explains how the inquisitors have to operate without the benefit of local backup. Interesting! If this is truly the case, then my people will take heart.’
Dorian nodded and they moved on to less touchy subjects.
‘Cass, I need to talk to your father. Can you take your mum outside?’
‘Of course,’ she said feeling his intention.
Dorian noticed the exchanged glances and the feeble excuse Cassy made to take her mother out to see the flowers in the garden. He raised a brow at Drako once they were alone.
‘I’m sure you’ve already guessed what I’m going to say,’ Drako began, feeling very nervous then plunged on. ‘I would like to ask your permission to marry your daughter.’
‘I see. You’ve already asked her?’
‘She said yes.’
‘You plan to live here?’
‘Yes. As you can see, it’s not a tent.’
‘Is she already pregnant?’
‘No,’ Drako said, not liking the inference that he was only proposing out of guilt. ‘We would like a family in due course, but that isn’t my reason to ask for her hand.’
‘I can see you are committed to one another and have a remarkably strong bond,’ Dorian responded slowly.
‘But because I’m animus you don’t think I’m worthy of her,’ Drako said heavily.
Dorian could feel the desolation pouring off this young man. This was a warrior whose name was spoken of with mixed fear, admiration and respect, but no one really knew the man. He was a ghost, but here he was asking for Dorian’s daughter’s hand in marriage. ‘My concern isn’t that you’re animus. You are well-known, at least by name and reputation. You are a particular target and as a leader you have many responsibilities that might put you in the line of fire. As your wife, Cassy would also become a target.’
‘I cannot predict the future. All I can say is that I love her and want to build my future around her. I am trying to maintain a low profile and keep my people safe. If something were to happen to me, Cassy would not be alone. My people already think of her as one of us and would look after her and defend her.’
Dorian nodded slowly, sensing Drako spoke from the heart. Accidents and war tragedies happened. Drako at least was far better equipped to deal with anything threatening them.
‘I give you both my blessing,’ Dorian said simply and knew he had not only made Drako’s day, but Cassy’s too.
Cassy rushed in and gave him a hug proving she had been monitoring their conversation. She then proudly showed her parents Drako’s ring.
25. Lord Trent’s Arrival
A week later, Jim was very glad to hear that Lord Trent’s party had arrived safely. Whilst their last meeting had been a little tense, it was the result of a misunderstanding, rather than malice. He walked down to Drako’s house with Amelie, and of course, wherever Amelie went so did Daisy.
There were many more people wandering around in the village than usual. The newcomers were busy visiting kin, and friends separated for so many months.
The small village square was full of chatting people. Jim was aware of suspicious stares from the newcomers and that many conversations paused as they passed. It was an uncomfortable feeling and he was glad to turn up Drako’s lane out of their view.
‘Come on in,’ Cassy invited opening the door to them before they had been able to knock.
‘Hi Cassy, did you see us?’ Amelie asked.
‘We knew you’d be coming down so kept an eye out,’ she admitted cheerfully.
‘Is it convenient to call in just now?’ Amelie asked seriously whilst still outside the door.
‘Yes. We’re just sitting having a cuppa and catching up before we show them the new area.’ Cassy said, leading them through into the lounge and waving them to seats while she returned to the kitchen to pour them drinks.
‘Good morning headmaster Jim,’ Trent said genially. ‘You are looking well Amelie. You have a new addition to your family?’
‘Yes. This is Daisy,’ Amelie said proudly and Trent rose to come and see, much to Amelie’s surprise.
‘She is delightful,’ Trent said sincerely and had to retrieve his fingertip from the baby’s grasp before he could return to his seat.
‘Did you run into any problems in the last few days?’ Jim asked.
‘Not particularly, why?’ Trent asked.
‘A small contingent of soldiers visited me a few days ago. They patrol the area and had word of a change in leadership at the school. They could see the improved defences, so dropped in to check me out. The Captain had also heard a rumour that Clan Green Bear were in the area. He was warning me to be cautious of you! Of course, what was of more immediate concern, was that what he knew, so would the inquisitors. I don’t know if Drako has had a chance to tell you of the tragedy.’
‘Tragedy?’ Trent queried turning to his son anxiously.
‘Tosker, Seth, Rex
and Tony were murdered by an inquisitor squad,’ Drako said sadly. ‘Tosker managed to get home to warn us before he died of his injuries.’
‘And the squad, where are they now?’
‘There were actually six wizards split into two squads. They are all dead. We covered as much of the evidence that they were ever near here as we could.’
‘There were six of them? That’s highly unusual. Normally they just have one wizard and lots of zealous ordinaries.’
‘I know, but if they thought they might be up against Clan Green Bear, they might have felt the need to strengthen their numbers, although I would have expected them to have the usual ordinaries as backup,’ Drako mused. ‘But this is already the second attack they’ve made. They targeted Jim and me in the first attack. Obviously it failed and those wizards are also dead.’ Drako said with grim satisfaction.
‘Your reputation as a strong wizard, and defender of animus students, must have reached the wrong ears,’ Trent said to Jim. ‘They were obviously trying to remove the leader here, rightly deeming you a threat.’
‘Why would I be a threat to anyone?’
‘Because you have wizard students,’ Trent told him. ‘You are reaching and influencing the views of the next generation towards animus people, and through them, the students’ parents too.’
‘I hadn’t thought of it like that,’ Jim mused. ‘Is Darius with you and the whole of your clan?’
‘All the homeless ones came here with me today, yes. Those still able to stay with other family members have been doing that. Darius came with me yes. I thought it best that he go and start settling our people,’ Trent remarked, glancing at his other son and Cassy. He doubted Darius would be welcome in their home after their last meeting, but they did need to resolve their differences.
‘We had the thought that two separate villages would be the best arrangement,’ Jim advised Lord Trent, noticing the glance. ‘Obviously, for everyone’s safety, it is better that the less visitors to the school know about how many people have moved in here the better. The current village is open to view and clearly not overly large. It fits the picture of supportive industries to supply the school’s needs.’
‘Yes and very prosperous it looks too,’ Trent affirmed. ‘So where would the rest of us go?’
Jim went to the window and bade Trent join him. ‘As you can see, the village street runs parallel to the perimeter wall then stops at a barn. However, the area beyond that barn, where you can see trees, is double the size that the existing village occupies. The hillock helps conceal that area from the school too. We’ve built a bank to separate the villages visually and limit sound carrying. I understand a barn has just been finished that will at least give immediate shelter to all those you’ve brought today.’
‘No houses have been built for us then?’
‘No. We built a barn, but otherwise thought it best to let you decide how best to use the land. I also thought it sensible NOT to bring all my wizard students down into the Hideaway, as we call it. Whilst I trust my students would not spread the knowledge to their parents with deliberate maliciousness, equally, gossip is inevitable and the wrong ears would eventually hear. The fewer people who know all of clan Green Bear are now here, the better.’
‘I see your point,’ Trent responded. ‘Much as I would like to be able to live openly and in such well-built and tasteful homes, I know it’s not possible.’
‘It will take time of course, but there’s no reason your people cannot build the second village to match this one, if that is what you want to do. There is ample space and the materials are readily available.’
‘That’s a thought,’ Trent conceded, his spirits lifting. ‘I’d like to see the area now.’
‘Of course,’ Drako said and led the way, with Cassy and his father at his side. Jim and Amelie followed and were aware that all the newcomers, and indeed everyone they were talking to, came to join the procession down the street.
Trent observed that the wide well paved street really did look like it ended at the solid wall of the barn. However, once they got there he realised the path turned at a right angle along the front of the barn wall and led to a row of three houses tucked away behind other buildings. Instead of going up the lane past the houses, Drako turned down the broad gap between the barn wall and the first house. Behind the barn, a new path led away, continuing in line with the main village high street. A large fenced field bordered the path on the right where cattle grazed and on the left, between path and perimeter wall, was an unfenced tilled area. Clearly this was being farmed, although a variety of shrubs and a grove of young trees at the end were all that were visible as of yet. The new barn they had spoken of was not visible. Looking closer he realised the grove area contained a large number of fruit bearing trees and shrubs; this orchard would be very useful when it matured. The path wound around some dense shrubs and a large tree and suddenly he found a pair of his clansmen standing flanking a dark archway in a wall of green.
‘So this is the bank you mentioned?’ Trent asked, staring in awe at the massive structure, which curved away on either side of him in a substantial grassy barrier. He hadn’t noticed any hint of it until he was right beside it!
‘Like it?’ Drako asked, aware his father was staring wide-eyed. ‘Wait until you see the rest. Cassy came up with the idea for the bank; impressive, isn’t it. We can get inside it and have three big store rooms too.’
‘I can’t wait to see that,’ Trent said eagerly and walked through the broad arch, noting the neat stonework visible roofing the arch. Many conversations suddenly assaulted his ears as they passed through the tunnel; obviously, the bank did a good job of muffling sound. Here was where many of his people had already congregated. Those that had followed Darius’ lead closely, had rushed to get the best places, rather than stop to talk with other members of the clan, despite their months of separation. He noted the many glum faces and wasn’t entirely surprised. It was exceedingly disappointing to find a big shed was all that had been prepared for them, having seen the village of wonderfully solid homes the wizards had already built. Many clearly felt rather hard done by. They parted and watched Lord Trent and Drako come through them to view the land beyond them.
‘I’ve set aside this whole corner from the wall to those trees on the right for your people’s use,’ Jim told Trent. ‘I don’t mind how far you go into the trees on the hillock there, just so long as any buildings are not visible from the main drive or house,’ Jim said. ‘Also, please warn your people not to try climbing the wall. There is a defensive spell on the outer face that’ll knock any wizard, or animus for that matter, unconscious.’
‘Is that designed to trap us?’
Jim turned to the new voice. ‘Ah, you must be Drako’s brother, Darius,’ Jim said eyeing the big man coolly and silently until he received a nod of acknowledgement. Jim smiled pleasantly enough but he would watch this man. ‘I am wizard Jim, headmaster of White Haven School and this is my lady, animus warrior wizard Amelie and our daughter Daisy.’
‘Pleased to finally meet you both,’ Darius managed, aware his father was listening and had specifically warned him not to upset the wizard.
‘It’s a very nice area down here,’ Trent said attempting to ease the sudden tension between the wizard and his son. Damn Darius; his lack of respect was uncalled for. ‘It’s private and quiet and with that bank, it looks very defendable. You mentioned a spell on the wall? How does that work?’
‘We had a bad experience with an inquisitor wizard climbing the wall and setting a number of bombs targeting me, my animus students and also Drako. Drako and I were both injured, but fortunately nothing serious. I decided to put a stop to anyone with magic being able to climb the wall and get in unannounced. The entire perimeter wall has the trapping spell, not just here. I have also used animus magic in the mix so it cannot easily be undone by a wizard.’
‘That’s good to know. What happens?’
‘Those with magic feel a subtle “tou
ch me” invitation from the wall. However, as soon as anyone does touch the wall on the outer face, their magic drains out of them. It won’t kill them but it is severely debilitating. Most people pass out, which of course gives us time to deal with them. Away from the wall, people will recover their magic in two or three days. It’s not going to harm anyone this side, so it’s quite safe. We dug a moat to stop anyone accidentally touching it and of course to deter battering rams. But, in answer to your son’s question, no, the spell is not meant to trap anyone inside. Each of you is free to leave, if you’d prefer to be somewhere else. This place is first, and foremost, a school and everyone contributes. It is my primary duty to care for and provide a safe environment for my paying students so they can learn to use their magic. Drako’s village has a valid purpose to supply the school’s needs. It needs to remain open and uncluttered. Parents don’t turn up too often unannounced, but it does happen. When they’re looking for the right place to send their children they often like to check out all the facilities and they will be curious about this village and its function. Last week a patrol from the local garrison turned up to inspect us. They’d heard reports of our new fortifications and change of leadership. Interestingly enough, the commander warned me Clan Green Bear was in the area and I should be on my guard. We dealt with six wizard Inquisitors the other day, but I think we can expect them to be searching locally for your people. That knowledge has curtailed hunting as well as logging and quarrying. But Drako can obviously fill you in on what the supply priorities are and how things work around here.’ Jim glanced round at the crowd gathered to listen. ‘Let me know if any of your young folk want to join our classes. I’m sure we could find them a place. They would be with their own age group and most would then stay up at the school in the dormitories. See Drako with any questions. He’ll know what needs to come to me and Cassy can always reach me. Over to you Drako,’ Jim said gripping his arm for a moment.
Clan Green Bear: Wizards of White Haven Page 32
