‘Don’t hide from me,’ she whispered and began kissing where her hands had been. She felt the fires turn even hotter. His mind turned helplessly under the combined assault of her physical touch, mental love and his matching need. Suddenly he was there in her mind, a strong male animal. This was not Jim her friend or Jim her teacher, this was the man beneath all that. She gasped; her lover was beautiful, strong yet tender, in body and spirit. This was the man she’d only had glimpses of. This was who had rushed to her aid heedless of danger, defended her and loved her.
‘What are you trying to do to me?’ he gasped, struggling to get some control but she kept robbing him of the ability to think.
‘Making love to the whole you,’ she said softly. ‘Open your mind to me,’ she urged, aware he’d hastily tried to hide his evolving erotic thoughts. ‘Guide me my love. We need to hear each other,’ she added.
He growled in her mind uncertainly, and then focussed on what she was experiencing. She meant what she said and she wasn’t laughing at him for his erotic notions. Instead she embraced them, felt his passion and met it with a matching flame of her own. She was giving herself to him unreservedly. It was a shocking, warming and humbling revelation. He gave up trying to prevent this merging. He swallowed his fear of rejection or humiliation and let down all his barriers. At once intense feeling swept him. She was right, he needed this. It was exquisite. He felt her slight discomfort and adjusted his position. He experienced how his own movements and actions were received and felt by her. He knew just what she wanted and that she was already feeling his pleasure. It fanned the flames of his passion into an inferno. Particularly since he was fully aware she was right there with him, eagerly going with him higher and higher.
‘Jim,’ she panted. ‘Can we survive this fire?’
‘Trust me,’ he responded rather distractedly. ‘I would never hurt you.’
She was aware of his delight mixed with shock at the revelation of this experience. He hadn’t known this was possible either. She wasn’t sure what exactly he did but her body’s intensity climbed yet another notch, far higher than she’d ever known was possible. They moved together so perfectly, so in time and tune with each other that they acted like one being. She felt on the crest of a wave teetering ever higher, supported only by his strong arms. ‘Please,’ she begged, helpless as he prolonged the exquisite sensation and unbearable tension. She knew too, when he let go his control. His unbelievably intense climax triggered hers. They clung to each other shocked and gasping.
‘I’m glad you pushed me into that,’ Jim said lightly, once he’d managed to calm his mind and recovered sufficiently to speak.
Amelie chuckled at his understatement and hugged him tightly. ‘I always knew there was more to you than you show the world,’ she told him happily. ‘So you never knew that was possible?’
‘No!’ He laughed a little shakily. That had been as far removed from ordinary sex as simply holding hands. He’d never even heard smutty talk at school indicating this possibility between those with magic. The lads’ chitchat had certainly been crude enough to have mentioned this if it was widely known. But then wizards were taught from an early age to shield their mind from other wizards. Keeping mental defences intact was instinctive by the time a wizard became an adult. Dropping a mental shield required considerable trust and that was naturally a private thing a wizard couple weren’t likely to mention to others. He settled her closely and possessively against him. He would not and could not ever consider parting from her. This was yet another and formidably powerful reason. He relived the memory, hungry again, but also anxious that they would be unable to repeat such an astonishing experience.
She laughed softly in his ear, chiding him for his doubts. She was certain this was just the beginning of their experience together.
‘Sleep now my love. We’ve another long day tomorrow,’ she said softly.
14
The School
Jim halted as they stepped into the bar of a new Inn to book a room for the evening. He felt Amelie take his hand, silently looking in his mind for the reason for his hesitation. Someone with magic was in this crowded room.
‘Come to the bar before we look odd and draw attention to ourselves.’ She kept hold of his hand casually and ordered a mug of ale each.
‘Any food for you luv?’ the barmaid asked. ‘Not yet thanks,’ Amelie said cheerfully. ‘This is what we really need,’ she added taking an appreciative sip of her ale. She let Jim settle up as was usually expected and followed him to a small table near the fire. ‘Who is it?’ she asked and took his hand to “see” without looking over. ‘The old man? Don’t keep looking at him,’ she warned.
‘It’s difficult not to. He’s definitely a wizard, Am,’ Jim said his anxiety apparent.
‘Let’s see if he makes a move then. He might not be after us. He might have just come in for a meal,’ she suggested optimistically.
He returned her smile striving to appear at ease. ‘Maybe we should go and find a barn,’ he suggested quietly.
‘That might be sensible. But we don’t have much left to eat. I was hoping it’d do lunch tomorrow if we ate properly tonight. But we’ve been eating quite well up to now. Going without the odd meal isn’t a problem. Are you finished?’ she added and watched him drain the last of his ale quickly. She rose and in turning met the old man’s eyes. A jolt went through her; what was that? Had he just tried to test her shield? Those pale blue eyes were very direct and assessing now. His head tilted to one side slightly as a small frown deepened the wrinkles on his brow.
‘What are you doing? What’s the matter?’ Jim asked realising that she and the stranger were staring at each other. The man might be aged and frail looking, but he was a wizard and dignity clung to him like the formal embroidered long black cloak he wore. The man dropped his gaze however and she urged Jim out ahead of her.
‘We should talk,’ a voice said behind them. The old man had followed remarkably swiftly as they left the Inn. They turned to acknowledge him and he smiled pleasantly. ‘Now I know why everyone’s in a tizzy. And they don’t know the half of it.’
‘What half?’ Amelie couldn’t help asking since his eyes were on her.
‘You,’ he remarked aware of her frown. ‘I’ve been waiting for you. Come, it’s not far,’ he added, untying his horse from the hitching rail and mounting.
‘What’s not far?’ Jim asked.
‘My place. We can talk there,’ he added, aware of curious locals ogling him and these strangers, aware he was a wizard.
Amelie exchanged a glance with Jim. He shrugged and they untied their horses from the hitching rail and mounted again.
‘I’m Vako,’ the old man said once they had come alongside. ‘I believe you are Jim and Amelie?’
Jim nodded uneasily but Vako simply inclined his head towards them both before turning his big and battle scarred warhorse and cantering off. They exchanged another glance and followed the tall gaunt old man. About twenty minutes later he turned through big open gates set in a tall rather battered wall and trotted up a long tree lined avenue. A huge H shaped country house came into sight about a mile from the gates, surrounded by parkland. Most of its windows showed lights.
Jim could sense a lot of wizard power here. ‘Is this a school?’ Jim asked.
‘Yes. You feel them?’ Vako asked curiously. ‘Or are you guessing from the looks of the place?’
‘Both,’ Jim said and dismounted when Vako did. A groom appeared, and led their horses away. Amelie took his arm nervously, although she was trying to only appear affectionate. But they were following a wizard into a place with many wizards, not knowing if this was a trap. She wanted Jim to be able to access her strength to protect them if necessary.
Vako opened a door at the end of a long corridor and ushered them in. Already present were three men seated comfortably in old fashioned wing back armchairs.
‘Welcome to White Haven School. Please sit down,’ one of the younger men invite
d, enthusiastically jumping up and waving them towards some chairs. He was well built and athletic; clearly animus with soft brown hair and large intelligent brown eyes. ‘You must be tired having travelled so far so quickly. Please forgive my manners! I’m Max, I teach the Animus class. Vako teaches the wizard classes and combat. Terry does tactics, maps and planning and Julian teaches survival skills. We know Prince Casper held you captive and that you escaped. That river was very impressive by the way.’
‘You were there?’ Jim asked.
‘Yes! I saw the whole thing,’ Max said, his eyes gleaming.
‘We noticed an Animus signature in the forest before the battle,’ Amelie mused glancing at Jim. ‘Lord Dirk set his wolf on us soon after the battle. I wondered if it was him I’d seen but he’d have been in the wrong place. Wondered if the watcher would catch up with us,’ she added slightly narrow eyed.
‘Ah Max, she’s not an animus,’ Vako said hastily.
‘What do you mean? I saw a black warhorse fall in battle and a woman in its place. He’ and Max waved a thumb in Jim’s direction, ‘barrelled through yards of fighting without a scratch to get to her side. Although I thought that woman had black hair and was taller.’ Max suddenly faltered wondering if this was the same person.
‘We’ve had reports that an eagle, an owl and even a dragon have been following him too,’ Vako reminded his colleague and returned his gaze to the young woman. ‘You’re in disguise at this moment, aren’t you?’ Her smile merely broadened. She didn’t appear intimidated by him in the slightest.
‘What is she then?’ Max whispered.
‘An Animus Warrior Wizard,’ Vako said. ‘That's a very rare skill combination. I’ve only heard of this once before. You might remember Lord Jeremiah. Do you know that name?’ Vako asked, seeing a fleeting expression pass over her face.
‘He was my great-grandfather,’ Amelie said simply. ‘You think I take after him? Wow. But why do you think I’m a warrior wizard? I don’t know anything about that.’
‘Can you do wizard magic?’ Vako asked, his gaze intent.
‘I don’t really know,’ Amelie said uncertainly. ‘Jim’s just started teaching me some theory but knowing we were being hunted we didn’t want to advertise ourselves by practicing. Was it you who questioned the owl man a few days ago?’
‘Ah, now it makes sense,’ Vako laughed. ‘I knew he’d been tampered with. I caught some strange impressions. Something was telling me to stop looking and give up.’ He noticed Jim’s small smile. ‘That was an implanted suggestion too? Nicely done. Then I hunted something elusive and ran into a wall so solid I nearly knocked myself out! What was that?’
‘I saw and felt you in there,’ Jim said. ‘I was closing the links and triggers.’
‘And the wall?’ Vako persisted, very impressed by such subtle control over an enemy, achieved at long distance. The wall was something else though.
‘Amelie. She and I were merged to cover such distance,’ Jim explained.
‘Merged? That’s advanced stuff. I understood you were only a part trained wizard?’
‘I am. I’m returning now to continue my studies,’ Jim said calmly.
‘You do know you cannot normally use another to shield unless they too are a wizard? Did you know what she was then?’ Vako asked Jim.
‘I didn’t have a name for it. I thought she was able to be a multi-shape animus because she had so much power. Her power seems structured differently to mine but I thought she was young enough to probably learn some spells.’
‘This is all very interesting,’ Amelie interjected. ‘But you seem to have been watching us for a reason. I’d like to know what that reason is.’
‘Our wizard’s guild has been keeping tabs on Jim, yes,’ Vako began and glanced at his colleagues; only the defence teachers had wanted to be present for this meeting. ‘You are a foreign wizard travelling through a war-torn land and not beholden to anyone.’ He shrugged as though it was of no consequence although he’d heard many guild messages had been panic stricken hearing he’d been captured and might be used against them. The scale of his action to get free during the battle had terrified many in the guild that such a powerful man was wandering loose and could wreak havoc whenever and however he chose. ‘We teachers are very few here. Young wizards of your calibre don’t come along very often Jim. Apologies my dear, but we only knew of Jim. Max saw you in action in that battle and we heard reports your route to the coast was likely to pass close to us. We wished to ask you to stay, at least over the winter and help us. In return we would provide whatever training you both are short of and of course offer you a chance to rest and recuperate.’
‘What kind of help?’ Jim asked.
‘Some teaching if you can. As I’m sure you’ve noticed I’m getting on a bit. I haven’t the strength I once had and teenagers are hard work. But the major issue is that I am unable to complete many of the repair projects that really need doing before the bad weather sets in. The wars have left us short-handed, with big gaps in skill and knowledge. Wizards are in high demand and our guild only has fifth rank wizards to offer me for an unimportant assignment like this.’
‘What’s fifth rank mean?’ Amelie asked.
‘Next to no ability at all,’ Jim told her.
‘I don’t know how you’re ranked, but I can feel you are strong in your ability,’ Vako told Jim. ‘You would be able to sort many of our problems out easily.’ Vako tried to hide his bitterness that he had needed to waylay foreign strangers for help. None of his students, colleagues or the retired wizards living locally seemed either able or willing to answer his call for aid. Whilst he knew the wizard guild was justified in calling back all strong wizards to counter the threat of war spilling over the border, it left them seriously undermanned. It galled that he’d been allowed to remain at his post because of his advanced years. The guild had also been unwilling to publicly support the school because of its strong animus links. They had suggested he ask the passing foreign wizard for aid. Vako had really been given little choice in the matter. ‘It would mean a lot to us if you could delay your return just a few months. Please, let me show you both around tomorrow so you can see for yourselves. Is that acceptable?’
‘It is and we look forward to that,’ Amelie said graciously. She was shocked that someone like Vako would almost beg them to stay. Things must be dire. He then bade them goodnight and turned them over to Max, clearly very tired.
Max showed them to a small but comfortably furnished suite in one of the wings. On the side table lay their saddlebags. A bell sounded and Max led them to the dining hall. They sat with him at the head table where they were joined by other teachers. Students stared curiously, but food was quickly put before them and their attention was diverted to appreciating the plain but ample dinner.
‘This is a very nice apartment,’ Jim said when Max brought them back. ‘We’re not doing someone out of a home are we?’
‘No. As Vako said, we were expecting you and planned in the hope you would wish to stay.’
‘How did he know to be in that Inn tonight?’ Jim asked.
‘He didn’t. He’s been going down there every evening for several days. It is the only place to stay for quite a few miles,’ Max added.
‘You do know you’re making us nervous as to what you really expect in return,’ Jim commented.
‘We don’t yet know why you all seem so desperate for us to stay,’ Amelie added.
‘Is that how we appear?’ Max asked. ‘I’m sorry. We’re eager that’s all.’
‘Because Vako is the only reasonably strong adult talent you have?’ Jim asked.
‘You can see what talent people have?’ Max asked quickly and Jim nodded. ‘That could be very useful. We have a number of students that aren’t performing. We don’t know if it’s down to a lack of ability or something else.’
‘So, it’s help with your students you’re looking for?’ Amelie asked.
‘We have manifold needs, actually. We’ll i
ntroduce you both tomorrow. Now I’ll let you get some rest. First bell is at 7:30. That gives warning 10 minutes before breakfast at second bell. We’ll see you there then?’
‘Of course and thank you,’ Jim said sincerely and Max departed.
‘This is certainly a curious turn of events,’ Amelie said. ‘I’ve never heard of an Animus Warrior Wizard, have you?’
‘No. But Vako seemed pretty sure that’s what you are,’ Jim said eyeing her.
‘Animus I understand. But the warrior wizard bit; I’m not sure where he’s getting that from.’
‘He obviously recognises something in you he’s seen before. I’ve never met a warrior wizard so don’t know if they have a different signature to an ordinary wizard. I thought they’d just be a particularly powerful wizard. Maybe there is more to it?’ Jim mused. ‘So, what do you make of their invitation?’
‘I’m curious,’ she said honestly. ‘They’ve done nothing so far to suggest that this would be anything more than a short assignment to help them out. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. I know I quite like the idea of being able to practice some of those spells you taught me and maybe learn what they do here. But either way, I’m tired of travelling and being cold and wet. I could do with staying in one place for a few days in any case and this apartment is a far cry from those smelly hostelries.’
‘True. Ok, we’ll play by ear,’ he agreed and succumbed to the temptation to slide into a big soft and clean bed.
They arrived promptly for breakfast and joined the four teachers they’d already met on the head table. They were introduced to four other teachers, none of them with any usable magical ability. They taught subjects like horsemanship, botany, geography and calculus.
Amelie: Wizards of White Haven Page 21
