Natalya: Wizards of White Haven

by Frances Howitt

  ‘You were looking upset about something,’ Natalya remarked quietly and sat down beside her sister, Daisy in her lap.

  ‘Seeing you reminds me of family,’ Amelie admitted. ‘I never heard whether sister Trudy’s marriage worked out and whether she’s safe. She probably has a family of her own by now.’

  Natalya searched her still partially fragmented memories and frowned. ‘We left before she was married, so I hope that it actually took place and they didn’t change their minds. It would of course be risky having her join the family so I wouldn’t blame them for backing out. Our sister was a latent though, as far as I know. She should have passed any inspections or purges. Although if she was reported to the authorities as being of our bloodline things might have been tricky,’ Natalya said with an unhappy shrug. They simply didn’t know. ‘I prefer to think of her as being happily settled with a family of her own.’

  ‘Yes, that’s really the only way to picture her,’ Amelie agreed. ‘I still hope we’ll find mum.’

  ‘I do too. Living here, and with your Jim making a name for himself in wizard circles, we stand more likelihood of hearing about her, or her hearing about us. For all we know she’s one of the wizards they have patrolling the Edmoston border. She probably has no idea where we are either.’

  ‘You really think so?’ Amelie asked hopefully.

  ‘To be honest, I’ve no clue, but there’s no point in worrying. The best thing we can do for her is keep our eyes and ears open for news. Someone must know where she is, even after all these years.’

  22. Derek

  There was a knock at the door. Jim eyed the closed door for a moment and sighed softly.

  ‘Come in Derek.’

  ‘Thank you sir,’ Derek responded and limped to the chair Jim waved him to, hanging his stick on the arm of the chair.

  ‘How are you doing? I see you’re still limping.’

  ‘I’m told that will pass in another few days and it won’t be long before I’m fully fit again.’ Magical healing could achieve many repairs quickly but the fusing of broken bones was not an instant or strong fix. Whilst magic meant the healing time was reduced by about a third, bones did need time for the body to solidify the repair or the bones in question could simply come apart again.

  ‘Glad to hear it. So, I notice you’ve been having a good wander around in the last couple of days since you were allowed out of bed,’ Jim remarked.

  ‘I am curious about what goes on here,’ Derek admitted, not entirely surprised Jim had been keeping track of his movements.

  ‘To see if I’m turning out monsters?’

  ‘Many teenagers have rebellious tendencies all of their own,’ Derek said with a small grin. ‘However, I see no sign that you are influencing their behaviour in anything other than a positive way.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Jim said in surprise.

  ‘I find I am relieved and impressed. Many things have changed since I was last here.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘I was a student here. A lot has changed in ten years.’

  ‘You were a student here? Ah, that explains many things,’ Jim mused absently. ‘So what was different?’

  ‘It was quite divided in those days. The animus students had completely separate lessons, predominantly spent up at the training ground. By contrast the wizard students barely left the classroom; it was all academic tuition. We mixed in the dorms, for meals and in the evenings, but when you’ve been so segregated, very few ever mixed with people outside their own class group.’

  ‘I don’t believe that’s healthy. If they learn to mix now, they will tolerate and perhaps befriend one another later in life.’

  Derek nodded, understanding how that view would of course worry the traditionalists who believed wizards were the elite and that animus were little more than animals and should accept their place as even being behind ordinary humans.

  ‘You also seem to have attracted some powerful students. The whole end of the building was reverberating with power a few days ago and it wasn’t you or your wife. I know you felt it because you went to investigate. Who was that?’

  ‘As you say, we do indeed have a number of strong students here in training.’

  ‘You don’t trust me,’ Derek remarked, understanding his evasiveness. ‘It might interest you to know that I contacted my Guild. Apparently they thought I was dead!’

  ‘That must have been a rather disconcerting conversation.’

  ‘Yes. They said they looked for me but because you had taken all their magic they couldn’t use their senses to detect me.’

  ‘Jared’s magic was intact. He ought to have known. However, I believe he didn’t even wait for your team to wake. He left them unprotected and ran away. Your men were fortunate that my gate guards kept an eye on them overnight while they were unconscious.’

  ‘What! He abandoned them at their most vulnerable?’ Derek cried in dismay.

  ‘Unfortunately, my men didn’t know you’d been separated. No one wanted to risk going out into the woods foraging until your wizards had left or they’d have found you sooner. I’m sorry. I assumed they had taken you with them so didn’t think to scan.’

  ‘Jared has been suspended from office. You can be sure I will be reporting these additional transgressions that the others may not be aware of. I’m not sure whether they have appointed anyone in his place yet. I’ve asked them to keep me informed, although they let slip that someone else has already taken over my job.’

  ‘What did you do there?’ Jim asked curiously.

  ‘I was responsible for warrior training and led one of the defensive teams. The team that you did of course thrash, single-handedly. I suppose it’s little wonder they sought to replace me. Who would believe that a team could be overcome by one opponent unless they were led or trained by an incompetent? As you probably know, unless you are innately a warrior wizard, fighting skills don’t come naturally and require extensive tuition.’

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t mind the odd lesson.’ Jim remarked and laughed when Derek paled. ‘Come on, you must know I was winging it entirely. Fighting does not come easily to me.’

  ‘Yes, I did notice that,’ Derek remarked breathing again. ‘Your nature is entirely protective.’

  ‘Well, you could always work here,’ Jim suggested, watching him closely. ‘We have a severe shortage of wizard teachers. Wizard Vako is alone in that role and as you mentioned earlier, we have some strong students. How would you like to teach a true warrior wizard?’

  ‘I thought Amelie was an animus warrior wizard? They need little magical training.’

  ‘I’m not talking about her,’ Jim admitted.

  ‘You have a second warrior wizard student?’ Derek asked in amazement.

  ‘Yes. Natalya is her sister and she was the one shaking the house and making Vako quake in his boots.’

  ‘Oh. Now that would definitely hold my attention,’ Derek admitted. A school led by a Leach, with two warrior wizard students? How many other schools could claim to have attracted such rare talents? ‘Do you realise that this school is already considered the place to go for warrior training?’

  ‘Is it? I suppose our warrior classes are the ones that are overflowing with applicants,’ Jim mused. ‘I haven’t advertised our classes as such though. How do you know that’s how it’s viewed?’

  ‘I interviewed a number of the parents who’ve been here and enrolled their children. You might not have said so, but the fact every student is expected to participate in some form of self-defence class, was clearly stated. They could also see that you have a well-maintained training area with ample space for several classes to run simultaneously and dedicated areas for specific disciplines. I haven’t been up there yet myself but the images I was receiving were clear, as were the parents’ approval. It was also apparent that all those physical activities had plenty of participants; they were not amenities only there for show.’

  ‘Well, I must admit I quite like the thought of becoming a warrior
academy. With you on board as a qualified wizard with proven warrior teaching skills, we’ll be able to promote ourselves properly. It would enable us to justify taking on a higher calibre of student and improve skills generally. By the way, the warrior class is not limited to wizards; we have several animus students in it too. Teaching them therefore is quite a challenge.’

  ‘What do the animus students do when the lesson is about magic?’

  ‘They listen and actually they can often participate. Animus do have magic and they can make good backup for a wizard, but only if they understand what is and isn’t possible. It is not a waste of time for them and pooling differing abilities in a combat situation makes for some interesting lessons.’

  ‘I hadn’t thought of that. I shall have to sit in on some of their lessons to fully appreciate what you mean of course, but I must admit to being curious.’

  ‘So, are you interested?’

  ‘I am. When do I start?’

  ‘Excellent. Welcome to White Haven,’ Jim exclaimed and clasped his hand for a moment aware that not only would he get a feel for Derek’s commitment, but Derek would feel Jim’s willingness too. It was very useful reassurance on both sides.

  ‘Next Monday is probably best. That will give you time to recover and sort yourself out. Are you sure your guild won’t prevent you from working here?’ Jim asked.

  ‘I have dedicated myself to teaching our warriors to better protect our borders and the first real action we are sent on is for very dubious reasons against one of our own. Then they left me for dead. I feel no particular loyalty towards them at present. I shall make the most of the change of leadership to slip between the cracks into obscurity. You asked Jared for a teacher and he refused you, I will not. You were correct that teaching our next generation is far more important than sequestering our best wizards at the Edmoston border for a threat that might not come. I don’t know if you’re aware but academic scores in the wizard academies have dropped markedly over the last few years and it is wholly down to our best and strongest wizards being prevented from teaching what they know. The embargo on this school is a problem too, but I know who to talk to.’

  ‘The parents I’ve spoken with have expressed their annoyance for that stance. They have shown their support by switching schools for their children, but there seems little more that they can do. If you are trying to disappear you can’t exactly be a loud supporter yourself.’

  Derek merely smiled. ‘I think, wizard Jim, it is time you approached Lord Aubrey with a view to setting yourself up as an Independent Academy.’

  ‘Independent of the guilds?’ Jim asked in surprise.

  ‘Yes. You would be justified, given White Haven has effectively been cut off from guild support for some years now. I imagine you are already self-supporting? The school runs entirely from the tuition fees earned?’

  ‘Yes. We run on a shoe-string budget,’ Jim admitted.

  ‘The point is that none of the other academies have managed to do that. The guilds help to pay salaries and in return they keep a tight rein on the management decisions taken within our schools. The guild does not have that kind of leverage over you. In fact they have no leverage whatsoever. You have already proven that you cannot be threatened or indeed forcibly intimidated to bring you to the local guild’s heel. You are in a perfect position to demand recognition of your independent status.’

  ‘Ok, but why did you say I should approach Lord Aubrey to do this?’

  ‘You cannot entirely be an island. If you are no longer “protected” by a wizard guild you fall into a grey area as to who is ultimately responsible for protecting the school’s interests. Since White Haven is in his county it would be wise to officially cede that to him. He would probably support you and would be a strong voice to have at your back.’

  ‘I understand. He did seem to agree with what I was doing here and want to work with me. Mm, an Independent Academy! It certainly would be nice to put the way we’re being treated into a positive light and turn the tables. I think parents are being put off approaching us because of the stigma we’ve been put under.’

  ‘You’re undoubtedly right.’

  ‘I like this idea. Does this mean I can finish my own wizard training?’

  ‘You are untrained? Damn, I thought that was just a malicious rumour.’

  ‘I’m part trained. I just need my final year to gain full accreditation. If I do it at an independent academy I won’t have to leave.’ He glanced at Derek, glad to have these suggestions. He’d never have thought of this; he was simply too busy and too close to the issues to have any clear perspective. ‘Of course, helping White Haven become independent will serve you quite well too, won’t it? You won’t then have to return to the Half Circle dullards watching over the wall.’

  ‘It’s true I have a vested interest, but that does mean you can be sure I will work hard to help it happen.’

  ‘I do believe you will.’

  23. Family

  ‘Where are my two favourite girls?’ Jim called.

  ‘We’re down at the village with Natalya. Are you going to join us?’ Amelie asked.

  ‘Yes. I’ve got something I want to show you,’ Jim responded. He felt her immediate curiosity but blocked her from discovering his secret. He jogged down to the village and up Hunters Lane to the house Natalya shared with Freddie. He found them all out on the sunny veranda fronting the little house. To his surprise, it was Freddie who held Daisy. Natalya and Amelie sat nearby clearly having a relaxed chat.

  ‘Hello Jim,’ Freddie greeted aware of Jim’s expression. He supposed he wouldn’t be terribly impressed to see another man holding his daughter either, or that she was giggling happily.

  ‘She likes you,’ Jim remarked leaning on the railings below and observing his daughter’s aura and expressions. Freddie quickly offered Daisy to Jim. ‘No, please stay as you are. You both look far too happy to disturb! I just need to steal Amelie away for a few minutes if you wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on Daisy?’

  ‘Of course. No problem at all,’ Freddie responded easily and watched Amelie rise curiously and follow Jim into the woods behind Drako’s house where they disappeared from view.

  ‘Is something wrong? You’re still blocking me,’ Amelie asked.

  Jim silently led her to a small but beautifully sunlit clearing before stopping and turning to face her. He looked around them carefully, checking that no-one was close by, that they were completely alone.

  ‘Sorry to pull you away, but I have a question for you.’

  ‘Ok,’ she responded uneasily. He seemed in a very odd mood, his mind blocking hers and his gaze intent on her.

  Jim got down on one knee and looked up at her astonished face; he’d succeeded in surprising her. ‘Will you marry me?’ he asked softly. He opened the little box and held it out to her.

  ‘You made this?’ she whispered taking the ring out of the box. A tiny gold dragon wrapped around itself forming a circle with a front foot seeming to hold a back foot and then its long tail making a second loop. Tiny sapphire eyes glittered at her and every detail of scales, knobbly spines and furled wings was perfect. ‘It’s amazingly life-like and so beautiful.’ With difficulty she took her eyes from the tiny dragon that almost seemed alive, to meet his waiting gaze. His eyes had turned gold reflecting intense emotions, yet the dominant lion still waited in a submissive pose on his knees before her.

  ‘I had many months of looking at your dragon form,’ he reminded. ‘If I managed to make this ring beautiful, it’s only because you are.’ He fell silent again allowing her a chance to think.

  ‘Yes. I would love to be your wife,’ she responded simply and was almost engulfed in his arms as he sprang to his feet and then kissed her soundly.

  He took the ring and slipped it on her finger and she gasped feeling it move, adjusting itself to fit her perfectly.

  ‘Change form love,’ he asked.

  ‘But I don’t want to take it off.’

  ‘Then don’
t,’ he responded.

  Amelie noticed his small smile and since the ring had already adjusted once, she left it on. Her clothes now in his arms, she knelt and transformed into her dragon. Her dragon’s paw did indeed have short clawed “fingers”, fewer than her human hand but digits nonetheless. The tiny gold dragon now seemed to be clutching its tail; it had adjusted to fit and was now one loop rather than two. For all that it was now at its maximum size; it still felt secure. She grabbed him, wrapping her dragon’s front legs and sinuous neck around him, nuzzling his cheek happily. She stepped apart and transformed into a lioness next. She barely had time to look at how the ring had adjusted to wrap a feline digit when his lion appeared and demanded notice.

  Lion and lioness ran together, playing and expressing their happiness to one another. It wasn’t often enough that they had the time and freedom to be alone to play like this.

  ‘We should check on Daisy,’ she reminded, regretfully calling a halt to their play.

  ‘I suppose you’re right,’ he said and returned to his human form watching as Amelie did the same. He watched her smiling at the ring, now curled twice about her slender finger and knew the time and effort he’d expended making it had definitely been worth it.

  They walked back arm in arm, smiling at each other as they mentally shared their emotions. They might have been an exclusive couple for some time now, but this was marriage. This was permanency; expressing their intention and desire to spend the rest of their lives together.

  Natalya shared a glance with Freddie as the pair returned glowing with happiness.

  ‘Look!’ Amelie said bounding up the stairs to her sister and thrusting out her hand. ‘We’re engaged!’

  ‘Wow. Congratulations,’ Natalya responded and hugged her sister tightly. ‘So, when’s the wedding?’

  ‘We haven’t got that far yet. You will help me plan it?’