‘Thank you, Jim,’ Drako said and Jim and Amelie departed. ‘Come and see the secret rooms in the bank,’ Drako suggested to his father and led the way into the barn. He went into the small separate room on the end, where you would normally expect to store tack, or tools or sacks of grain for any animals in the main barn. He went to its back wall and lifted aside a whole section of panelling to reveal a black space behind.
‘A little light might be useful,’ Cassy remarked glancing round, but she realised no-one had anything to burn to serve as a torch. She shrugged and conjured a large globe light, which hovered, above her head.
‘Thanks love,’ Drako murmured and led the way along a dark passageway to their right. Quite a crowd followed them, trying to keep up with Cassy and the only source of light.
‘Oh now this is a handy space,’ Trent remarked admiring the large oval room they had just reached. The stone walls and ceiling were clean and dry and felt solid. ‘Is there another further on?’ Trent asked noticing the tunnel continued.
‘Yes, it’s actually bigger. It’s up against the perimeter wall,’ Drako said and they had to hurry to keep up and light the way for his enthusiastic father. The end chamber was semi-circular, being flat against the perimeter wall and curving gently in a broad arc either side of the entry tunnel.
‘You mentioned there were three of these rooms?’ Trent asked.
‘Yes. The last one is at the other end of the tunnel, where the bank meets the hill. Along with some other natural obstacles, no one can easily get around the bank without going nearly up as far as the school. But from this side you can go up the hill and get on top of the bank.’
‘Are there any other exits inside?’ Trent asked.
‘Not so far, but then this whole structure has only been built a week. We haven’t had a chance to think of refinements. What kind of thing did you have in mind?’
‘I don’t like the thought that anyone taking refuge in here might become trapped. We need some kind of exit. Perhaps we could tunnel under the wall into the forest so we could come and go in secret. The bridges and gates to the school are very exposed to anyone watching in the forest.’
‘It’s not just the wall and distance to the trees we’d have to dig though,’ Drako said. ‘Remember there’s a moat to go under too. I for one don’t fancy drowning underground.’
‘No, that wouldn’t be pleasant,’ Trent conceded. ‘Water is an added complication, but not necessarily an insurmountable one. I’m also concerned that if the door is closed behind us that we might run out of air.’
‘Any thoughts, Cass?’ Drako asked noticing her small frown.
‘Several. The side of the barn does back on to this tunnel; some holes drilled through should aid the ventilation issue, but may not be enough if many people are in here simultaneously. I’ll have to think about it, and remind myself of exactly how everything is laid out outside. Meantime, I must be heading back to the school. I’m due in my next class in twenty minutes.’
‘We’ll get proper lanterns made for in here,’ Drako assured her and led her back out. Everyone hastily followed, not wanting to be left in the dark. Drako noticed his people’s horses standing tethered to one side, crowding and fouling a large area beside their living quarters. Many also still wore harness and some even had burdens attached.
‘Release the horses in the field with the cows; they’re making a mess there. Those burdens shouldn’t still be on their backs either,’ he added disapprovingly.
Several people hurried forward to obey his orders, glad of somewhere safe for their horses to graze unhindered.
‘Oh, the cows belong to the school for milking. They are not available for clan to use or eat.’
Lord Trent watched Drako giving orders that Darius should have already dealt with and that the people jumped to obey him. Drako was every inch a commanding leader now. Then he escorted his little lady, back towards his village and out of sight. He idly wondered what Darius thought of the wizard’s declaration that Drako had leadership of the only functioning and beautifully constructed village, while the rest of them had to continue making do with living rough. He was rather glad the wizard had taken control and made the chain of command clear to everyone. He had even indicated what the rules were at the start, so all could see they were refreshingly simple. However, with this impressive set of secret rooms, in addition to the barn itself, they at least had solid walls around them and a roof to deflect the rain. Ok they were still crowded together, and outside would soon be trampled into mud, but the spacious dry storerooms were a real bonus. He quickly organised the unloading of the wagons into the storerooms where their few possessions could dry out and be accessible for use. Then he went out to explore. Their new home was a long rectangle bordered on the left and far end by the white perimeter wall. To his right the land sloped up gently to a wide belt of trees. The whole area felt safe from prying eyes and secure, especially as he knew the wall would keep out dangerous intruders.
When he returned, the long barn and surrounds looked quite different. The horses Drako had sent out to pasture were gone. Their wagons had been offloaded and the resultant mountain of belongings tucked away inside. The land suddenly felt spacious and serene. Heading inside out of the rain Trent noticed someone had assembled stones to create a safe hearth in the middle of the barn and a fire was now burning. People were gathering around this cheery blaze and he collected his tack and joined them. He was happy to sit round the fire cleaning his own horse’s harness whilst his people moved around him. Sitting doing a familiar daily chore was relaxing and he knew it calmed his people too. Many took up their own kit to clean, or began shelling peas, or mending clothes. The casual setting invited chat and enabled them to question him or air their concerns. The main topic was safety. The magic imbued defensive wall around them was very reassuring, built as it was by a wizard lion, already proven in battle defeating wizard inquisitors. There seemed universal agreement that Drako had done exceptionally well to forge this new alliance. Their clan was safe, no longer divided and had gathered some very powerful allies.
‘We have everything we need here and have been given leave to create the kind of village we want to live in. Of course it will take time to build homes for everyone, but we do have shelter in the meantime and most importantly, we are safe and don’t have to keep moving on every day.’
A crowd arrived from White Haven village around midday with a couple of carts. The larger cart was laden with planks of wood and carpentry tools. The other cart drew everyone around it eagerly, for it held the scent of hot roasted meat. Space was cleared around the fire and a spit assembled over it. Soon, the smells intensified as the pig rotated over the fire to finish cooking. Whilst that cooked, all idle hands were commandeered, to unload the wood and carry it into the barn. A ladder, much like the one in the stable block, was fixed securely to the wall in the feed room. The planks were hefted up and many hands made short work of beginning the boarding over and creation of a loft room. They managed to floor over nearly half the barn before they ran out of wood.
Trent watched in amusement as several of the younger couples quickly rigged up their tents in the loft where it was warm and more private. The tent walls created private living spaces despite one tent being within touching distance of the next. Those preferring to keep their feet firmly on the ground followed suit down below, throwing the guide ropes over the low beams. Soon the barn filled with a parallel row of tents with a central walkway. With the loft area available and the storerooms for bulky items, there was ample space to pitch all the tents. Now each family had their own familiar “home” in which to set out their scant belongings and where they could go to relax.
Roast pork with lots of crispy crackling, fresh bread and new greens for lunch went down very well indeed with the new hideaway residents. Lunch took on the atmosphere of a party, with everyone getting together to catch up and chat. Later, once most visitors had gone, Trent counted the tents and realised three were missing. He me
ntioned it to Darius.
‘Yes, three families have managed to be invited to stay in the main village. Where will you stay tonight?’ Darius asked, aware his father’s tent was also conspicuously absent and indeed, he had seen it packed up in a storeroom.
‘I’m going to be lodging with Drako and Cassy in the short term. Since Ebony is staying up at the school, I can use her room. It’ll mean one less tent down here, which does of course help everyone with space at a premium. Certainly our people don’t need both of us around all of the time.’
‘So, it’s not possible for me to join you in that accommodation?’ Darius asked.
‘It is Drako and Cassy’s private home and isn’t a big house,’ Trent said carefully.
‘I’m not welcome then? That’s what you’re trying to say?’
‘No one has said so, but given what happened last time you were together, it’s a fairly safe assumption don’t you think? You have a lot of ground to make up with your brother, not to mention Cassy.’
‘So, I’m expected to calmly accept staying here in a tent while he lords it up? I thought I was the heir. That house should be ceded over to me and he should take a turn down here in the tents.’
‘No, Darius, that place and that village is his. He’s more than earned it. I have had nothing to do with that and nor have you. You’re my heir, not his and besides, last I looked, the only things you’re heir to are my title, my horse and my tent. You will have the same opportunity to build whatever kind of house you want. In the meantime, your place is here, looking after the bulk of our people and setting up this new village. Let that be enough.’ Darius turned on his heel and walked off, clearly in a temper. Trent sadly watched him go then headed off to the main village. He wanted to visit each family he hadn’t seen for so long, check on their welfare, and learn what had happened since they had settled here. This re-affirmation of clan ties and bonding was something Darius would never think to do. He had never understood the importance of knowing and being in touch with your people. It was too easy to stand back and decide the ordinary people were not important. However, without their clan bond being as strong as it was, they would have scattered. Other animus people had been picked off one by one, after being driven from their homes, and then their home territory. Trent had pride in their clan identity, and knew his people shared it. They had put their trust in his leadership and now, through Drako, he could reward that trust. The wizard was right; they could create the kinds of homes they really wanted. It would take time and hard work, but what of worth, did not? The only threat to this was the continuing danger posed by the Inquisitors.
26. The Wedding
Ebony smiled reassuringly at Cassy in the mirror. Drako’s house had been buzzing with feminine activity since yesterday. Banished from the house yesterday morning, Drako had stayed over at Freddie’s cottage. She knew male pre nuptial preparations and an all night bachelor party had taken place overnight just a few yards away. Max had been invited, and had staggered home in the small hours of the morning, smelling strongly of alcohol. She hoped for Cassy’s sake Drako hadn’t partaken too excessively. Cassy’s hen party had been fun; inebriated wizards could be very entertaining and conjure the most amazing tricks!
‘Sit still. It’s your wedding day and he’s not going to go anywhere,’ Ebony chided whilst twisting and pinning Cassy’s long blonde hair into elaborate loops and curls. She then settled a bronze circlet on her head, arranging the curls so both were shown to best effect.
‘I do like your hair that way Cassy, it really suits you. Well done Ebony,’ Juliette said coming into the room. ‘Here’s your dress,’ she added, draping the very bulky, carefully wrapped, parcel across the bed. She had been keeping an ear out, waiting for Ebony to say she had finished arranging Cassy’s hair. She knew she was fidgeting too much today, which wasn’t helping Cassy’s nerves, so she’d stayed out of the way. ‘You look absolutely wonderful,’ she said a few minutes later as Cassy was finally buttoned and laced into her dress. ‘Your father’s complaining I’m blocking him,’ Juliette confided cheerfully as she helped with the finishing touches to Cassy’s makeup.
‘They all seem to want a sneak preview,’ Cassy agreed. ‘They’re ready and waiting?’
‘Yes, but no need to rush,’ Juliette said. ‘Waiting in anticipation is good for a man and a bride’s prerogative.’ They shared a laugh, releasing some of the nervous tension.
‘I’m ready,’ Cassy finally decided and they followed her out and down the stairs.
‘Wow, you look absolutely amazing, my dear,’ Dorian exclaimed as Cassy came into view. He had been waiting on the veranda and now stepped forward to escort his daughter to her wedding. Juliette and Ebony followed, making a small procession.
They walked around the side of the house and found a large crowd assembled, seated in orderly rows either side of a broad paved aisle. Cassy nervously fixed her eyes on Drako waiting for her at the end. A small platform had been built, with three broad steps up and an arch covered in flowering vines. She knew Drako loved the serenity of this picturesque spot so she had arranged for flowers to decorate it. She barely saw the guests watching her on either side; Drako was smiling at her and his aura swirled with the colours of joy.
They reached Drako, with his father beside him, at the foot of the steps. Dorian took his daughter’s hand and placed it in Drako’s with slow ceremonial emphasis. Releasing her hand, he felt them instantly link.
Cassy stared up into Drako’s eyes, her excited feelings meshing with his. He was not as calm as he appeared on the outside whereas he thought she was calmer on the inside than her nervous stance indicated. ‘We really are a pair of opposites,’ she giggled mentally.
‘That’s a striking dress. You’re so beautiful, you take my breath away,’ Drako told her and felt her laugh of delight. She had chosen the dress with his preferences in mind. The sleeveless laced in bodice hugged her narrow waist whilst the full skirt with its panels of bronze and cream swirled about her with elegant extravagance.
‘So are you. Is this green your clan colour?’ she asked of his deep forest green jacket. She had never seen him in lace, but the white collar was a subtle, yet lavish contrast and complemented the tailored jacket hugging his broad shoulders.
‘Yes. We’d better go up.’ Together they turned to join Bruce the blacksmith, who was presiding over the ceremony. Their vows were simple, the public affirmation of what they had already promised each other. The months of angst when he thought she no longer loved him, the fear her parents would reject him were all forgotten in their combined joy.
‘I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride,’ Bruce announced. He watched the practiced way Drako bent to her, that her arms circled his neck and her feet left the ground. The animus guests whooped in approval and Cassy turned pink, but she had a broad smile, laughed, and joked with those making comments.
Cassy and Drako happily mingled with clan, her school friends and the few members of her family they trusted with an invitation, collecting compliments, congratulations and well wishes. Everyone was smiling; even their parents seemed to be getting along. Cassy was aware her father was feeling a little nervous and in awe to be in the company of pretty much all the Clan Green Bear lords, leaders and warriors, but it was good for them to see this relaxed side to her new family.
Dorian and Juliette were agog that their wizard daughter was so warmly welcomed into a lord’s family that was also animus, when traditionally there was distrust or uneasiness between them. She moved amongst them easily laughing and joking, the other animus people clearly at ease with her too.
Lord Trent meanwhile had taken Cassy’s father under his wing, circulating widely and introducing him to those clan members of importance. In return, Dorian introduced Trent amongst the wizards present. Trent chatted with a polished charisma to all, learning who were who and their ranks. He was determined to make friends and influence as many wizards as possible, proving his clan were normal people. Getting
Cassy’s father on their side was the most important and crucial step. The news that the Edmoston Guild was quietly supportive of them gave him hope. He suspected that was down to Lord Aubrey working on the Guild; he had always been a true Clan friend, particularly since Drako had been his squire.
‘Have you ever seen such a two-way merging and exchange of magic with an animus?’ Dorian asked his brother Martin quietly, once everyone was mingling around the bride and groom’s house.
‘No,’ Martin admitted. ‘I’ve seen something similar with a married wizard couple though. They had quite different magical skills from one another, which actually complemented and enhanced the other’s strength and ability. Singly they were weak; but together they made a formidable team. Drako clearly has higher than average magical strength for an animus. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he could learn minor spells.’
‘She seems to be absorbing his magic every time they link and he hers. Do you think it might alter her ability?’ Dorian asked anxiously.
‘There’s no real way of knowing. She is naturally strong in her magic; I doubt such a blending would have any negative effect on her ability,’ Martin reassured, ‘and they look so happy. I doubt they’d care even if they did start changing.’
Dorian nodded; there was no way of knowing what might happen when blending differing forms of magic occurred. Only time would tell whether it would fundamentally alter one or both of them, or have no effect at all.
Music started up, courtesy of a small band. Where everyone had been seated outside on the grass, the chairs were moved to the edges to make space for a dance floor. Drako led Cassy out into the centre. Holding her closely he matched his steps to the beat, swaying or twirling her to watch her laugh. The first dance was for them alone and was decidedly slow and romantic. After that dance, the fun began. The beat speeded up and everyone was free to grab a partner and join in. The animus in particular led the way, relishing the opportunity to let off steam in some energetic dancing. Laughter, beer flowing freely and the guests all mingling well meant the party was quickly in full exuberant swing. They had more reasons to toast Drako than simply his wedding, after all.
Clan Green Bear: Wizards of White Haven Page 33
