‘I thank you for explaining. I admit I was a little concerned for the future state of our finances. I had wondered on what basis the village would work with us. But I have to agree, this could be a very useful addition to the school. I’ll have to put my thinking cap on as to how to administer it, and to what types of contribution would be most useful. But my reason for mentioning all of this today was that my usual grain supplier has just delivered. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to contact him beforehand to increase the order, so it is of course less than we’re now likely to use over the winter. I asked him to bring as much as he can next time, thinking it’d just take him a week or so. I hadn’t thought placing another order would be a problem, but he’s just told me that grain is particularly scarce this year. With the war in South Rosh so close by, all the local lords near the border have started hoarding food and also recruiting men to build armies. They started this back in the summer and it has meant those left on the land became severely short-handed just at the wrong time. In many places the crops were not even gathered in before the rains started. Some became partly spoiled and then left to rot, so when the lords began ordering in bulk to stock up their reserves, it compounded the shortages. So, in a nutshell, he can’t promise a full wagon, or even to get back this way before the snows and that’s what we really need.’
‘Is he still here?’ Jim asked glancing out the window. It was early afternoon, but the day was overcast and bitter; the light would be failing early.
‘Yes sir. I usually let him stay overnight. It’s a long journey to do comfortably in a day with a wagon and we were his last drop today. The only Inn is the one in town and that’s over an hour in the wrong direction and expensive.’
‘That encourages him to give us priority does it, or better prices?’
‘Of course,’ she agreed with a small smile. ‘I think he is also nervous because he’s had to come alone. His assistant can’t travel at the moment because he broke his leg and there are also troubling rumours of bandits.’
‘Would you mind asking Drako to come in? I think I saw him in the dining room a few minutes ago.’ Mrs White hurried off letting Jim ponder.
‘Thanks for coming Drako, take a seat,’ he added and gestured for Mrs White to retake her seat too. ‘We have a grain merchant with us, who has just delivered our usual order. Unfortunately that isn’t going to last as long as we’d planned, since we’re now catering for twice as many people.’
‘Can he supply more?’ Drako asked.
‘Don’t know yet but even if he could it’s unlikely to be before the weather sets in and closes the roads,’ Jim told him. ‘It appears the lords are grabbing up all the grain, as well as the able bodied men who usually harvest it, fearing the war will spread. I’m thinking it might be useful to send some of your men with the merchant tomorrow to pick up whatever of a load he can find for us. There was also mention of bandits. Hardly surprising, I suppose, that men would start running wild if they’re avoiding conscription and can’t go home. A grain wagon is a soft target, and we do need supplies.’
‘Agreed. I know just who I can send,’ Drako assured, glad there had been no accusation in Jim’s tone for the nuisance he and his people were causing. And while the merchant was being sent for, he went to find Freddie. His second in command was the Alpha of the small wolf pack. He’d probably welcome some excitement and real work. The dog pack could take over hunting duties. The wolves had proven remarkably versatile in the past and were the ones he trusted most to accomplish whatever difficult tasks had to be done. Each of them, under Freddie’s astute leadership, was a force to be contended with, yet they were quiet, knew how to blend in and not draw attention. They made good travelling companions too, if you could keep up with them.
‘I can take it from here Drako,’ Freddie said quietly as they reached Jim’s open office door. ‘You really should be staying out of the merchant’s sight, just in case.’
Drako grumbled but Freddie met his gaze steadily. Freddie had a protective nature and they both knew there was always the risk that someone might recognise him and report his whereabouts. Now they had a place they intended to settle, it was even more important to keep a low profile and take precautions. It wasn’t just himself he was risking, but all his people’s safety.
Jim watched the little interplay curiously. He could tell both men respected as well as genuinely liked the other. While Drako was a tall, powerfully built man, Freddie was not. Whilst almost as tall, Freddie’s frame was lighter and almost willowy in comparison. Freddie moved with a graceful economy of energy that spoke of innate agility and athleticism rather than brute strength. His hair was a rich mahogany and his watchful green eyes were now turned in Jim’s direction. An almost feral intelligence shone in those calculating eyes, yet his ready smile made him appear approachable and harmless. Jim had seen him in the background whenever Drako was apart from his people, keeping a watchful eye. He had no doubt Freddie was a hardened warrior to the core. He also suspected Freddie would continue smiling, even while he ran you through. He was a hunter and a wolf after-all.
‘Come on in Freddie,’ Jim invited as he stood just inside the door. ‘You needn’t hide by the door. I won’t bite.’ Freddie’s white teeth flashed in a quick grin that vanished as he became serious once more and quickly approached the desk.
‘What has the merchant been told?’ Freddie asked.
‘To be honest, I don’t know what our house-keeper Mrs White has said. I know she would have been careful of letting anything slip.’ Footsteps up the corridor were followed by a knock on the door, curtailing their discussion. Mrs White showed the short and rotund merchant in.
‘Why, may I ask, do you need another full load?’ Merchant Foster enquired after the formal introductions had taken place. ‘Your grain store was nearly empty to be sure, but this is the same as you ordered last year.’
‘Since I took over, we have had a steady increase in our numbers of students,’ Jim told him. ‘So many in fact, that I’ve had to take on extra support staff too. What sufficed last winter, isn’t likely to this time. I’m probably just being over-cautious wanting to get properly stocked up, but I’d hate to be caught short. I do have to answer to wizard parents, after-all. Of course, if the lords do decide to go to war they’re likely to commandeer whatever grain merchants still have left, and then everyone’s short and no-one profits.’ Jim noticed Foster pale slightly at the word “commandeer” and frown in thought. He didn’t gainsay the suggestion either so he’d probably already been worrying about it. ‘So, what supplies do you have available at present?’ Jim asked briskly.
‘I’d like to help, but I’ve other deliveries to make in the next week that’ll take all my time, especially now I’m short-handed,’ Foster said wringing his hands nervously. This new headmaster was an unknown character, but was undoubtedly a powerful wizard and some people didn’t take “no” very well. ‘I doubt I’ll be able to come again before the snows close the roads. And that’s of course assuming I can lay my hands on extra grain.’
‘Don’t worry about delivering; Freddie here can collect. I’m sure we can find a wagon that’ll do so we needn’t interrupt your schedule,’ Jim said with a glance to Freddie.
‘Hmm, yes that would work,’ Foster mused, his gaze flicking between the young Headmaster and his slightly unnerving man. ‘But, until I get back and make some enquiries, I don’t know what, if anything, I can do. Everything I have at present is already spoken for,’ he added apologetically.
‘We understand. This was not part of the original order,’ Jim said with a shrug. ‘Time is of the essence of course. Perhaps Freddie could accompany you home tomorrow and arrange the details of whatever is available. We can then bring a wagon to collect when you’re ready.’
Foster nodded, a little surprised that the Head was passing the brokering of a new grain deal to an underling. He looked again at the tall man simply introduced as Freddie and noticed a shrewd, confident air about him. Was he animus? Animus
could literally smell a lie and were difficult to pass one over on; doubtless why he was being trusted with the chore.
‘How long can you spare your man? I only ask, because what I can do for you depends largely on being able to source and fetch additional supplies, before the snows close the roads.’
‘Yes, time is short,’ Freddie remarked coming into the conversation and glancing out the window at the bitter grey skies. ‘It might be simplest if I take a small wagon and a couple of men with me tomorrow. That way we’ll be flexible enough to act without delay,’ he added to Jim. Jim pondered a moment before nodding approval of the plan.
‘I assume whatever labour or assistance we provide will be reflected in a reduction in the price?’ Freddie noted Foster’s sharp assessing gaze and that he then pulled at his lip while considering this and knew he’d been wise to make it part of the deal now, with Jim as witness.
‘I’m not certain how much of a discount I’ll be able to grant; the school already has a very good price and because you put me up for the night, I don’t charge delivery. Perhaps I could make up the difference in other items?’
‘We have a preference for other foodstuffs, but I will leave it to Freddie to assess what constitutes a fair trade of his and his men’s time and what items would actually be of use to us,’ Jim said and both men nodded.
‘Your man is animus, yes?’ Foster asked Headmaster Jim directly and noticed both men’s gazes sharpened.
‘Is that a problem?’ Jim replied.
‘Not at all,’ Foster assured hastily. ‘In fact it’s a bonus where labourers are concerned, as they’re usually very strong. And the other two you mentioned bringing, they are as well?’
‘Yes,’ Freddie told him, all his senses alert. ‘We are used to working together,’ he added.
‘Good, that’s good. Ah, may I ask what form you take?’
‘Why? Is that important?’ Freddie asked coolly.
‘No,’ Foster said hastily. ‘It’s just useful to know what your companions are likely to do if bandits come at us. I’d rather know you and your men were rabbits beforehand, if you get what I mean.’
Freddie snorted and met his gaze steadily. ‘We will not be preyed upon without a fight.’
Foster nodded, strangely not doubting that and more reassured than he’d expected.
‘Have you seen or heard any evidence that bandits are close by?’ Jim asked.
‘I haven’t seen any myself but I hear rumours. There are more of them about this year I hear tell, what with conscription’s going on all over the place. Winter’s beginning to bite and hungry men turn vicious when they’re desperate.’
‘And a slow wagon full of food is a tempting and easy target, especially if not guarded well,’ Freddie observed. Whilst tempted to take more men with him, the merchant, and indeed anyone they met, would become suspicious of where the school had found so many animus men. ‘At least we will have two empty wagons to return you home. They aren’t going to be a target.’
‘Unless they think our pockets will be full of gold instead,’ Foster pointed out sourly.
Freddie simply shrugged and turning deferentially to Jim said, ‘by your leave sir, I’ll go and begin our preparations.’
‘Of course,’ Jim acknowledged and Freddie departed. Jim took Foster’s hand to seal the deal and skimmed the man’s mind lightly for anything devious before Foster too took his leave.
There was a knock at the door a short while later and a head peered round. ‘Sir, if I may?’
‘Of course, come in Mrs White.’
‘The three men you are sending tomorrow, will they need to wear livery? Travel clothes showing they are officially on the school’s business?’
‘Ah, I hadn’t even thought about it,’ Jim admitted. Whilst aware all the students wore a uniform, the teachers did not. ‘It would show they are under my protection too,’ he mused. ‘Yes, an excellent idea. They’ll certainly need decent boots this time of year. But a warm travel cloak with the school’s crest is the main item. A cloak will cover up everything else they’re wearing, so other items with badges aren’t necessary. In fact they may prefer the ability to blend in at times.’
‘I know just the thing. Leave it with me,’ Mrs White said and left the office.
Having placed triggers on the front door, Jim woke when Freddie went outside early the next morning. He dressed quickly but was surprised Amelie elected to come too.
‘Well, don’t you all look dashing,’ Amelie remarked. Freddie swept her a jaunty bow that had her giggling. Freddie, Johnny and Rupert were kitted out in long shiny black boots and matching black hooded cloaks swirled around their ankles as they packed items on their horses. The cloaks were of a thick heavy water repellent cloth with quilted leather stitched across the shoulders for added weather protection. The school’s unicorn crest was stitched in silver on the breast and again in a large yet subtle design on the back, silver on black. They fairly glittered in the dawn sunshine.
‘Pity no-one else is up to see your splendour,’ Drako teased and the men did indeed glance up at the student dormitory windows above, but the shutters were still drawn and no female faces were in evidence.
‘Your wagon is lowering the tone,’ Jim remarked eyeing the tatty, faded green vehicle critically. It was medium sized and relatively lightweight, designed to be drawn by one sturdy horse. But as they manoeuvred it in the yard, Jim noticed it was remarkably free of the usual rattles and squeaks prevalent in most wagons.
‘Fresh paint would help,’ Amelie suggested. ‘Shall I go to the storeroom and see if there is some?’
‘That’s a good idea,’ Jim admitted and she darted off.
‘This is obviously one of your wagons. Mind if I paint it?’ Jim asked Drako while the merchant had yet to join them. ‘Assuming Am can find some suitable paint.’
‘Not at all,’ Drako said easily and helped the men take back out the few items of travel gear stowed inside and unclip the horse from the traces. By the time they’d done that Jim had a spell thought out and Amelie was returning. ‘Is that the only colour there?’ he asked Amelie eyeing the bright blue paint they’d used for the stables.
‘No, there’s this,’ she added and passed over another pot. She laughed at his mental description; it was indeed a revolting dog shit brown colour. ‘Paint is paint. Surely it’s simple enough to change the colour?’
‘That’s true. I’d certainly rather keep the blue for touching up the stables. I can’t imagine anyone will miss this pot though,’ he added and concentrated. The brown darkened into a proper black that was far more attractive and fitting. He then returned his attention to the wagon and took Amelie’s hand, gesturing slowly. All the mud, loose flaking paint and rust fell to the ground. Then the paint flowed out of the pot through the air towards the wagon. It spread out into a dark cloud and swirled around the wagon faster and faster like a tornado, hiding the vehicle from sight. Then a minute later, what remained of the cloud condensed and returned to the pot, revealing a transformed shiny black wagon.
‘Wow, a funeral carriage,’ Amelie muttered. ‘That seat must be torture,’ she added critically and ducked back inside. When she returned, the school’s unicorn crest was painted in white on both sides and was augmented by some subtle white coach-lines. Even the spokes of the wheels had fine white highlights. The white touches relieved, smartened and brightened the plain and very austere finish it had been minutes ago.
‘Is that better?’
‘Definitely,’ she approved and placed a large leather cushion on the now dry painted driver’s bench seat without comment and stood back again. The wagon seemed to shiver for a further moment as Jim cured the white wet paint, then converted Amelie’s finishing touch. There was now a padded leather seat for the driver, rather than the hard bare wood it had been moments ago. Jim ran his hands over the paint, testing to be sure it was dry and resilient enough to stand up to the hard wear it would shortly be subjected to. He knew the men and indeed Drako himself w
ere a little wide-eyed at the almost instantaneous transformation, but they said nothing. Instead, they moved about re-hitching the heavy horse, reloading and securing their supplies for the trip.
‘You’ve rendered them speechless,’ Drako commented cheerfully.
‘Not for long I suspect,’ Jim responded having noticed Freddie’s raised brow. ‘Right, here’s the coin for the supplies. Please spend it wisely and bear in mind we cannot magically make more coins, well, not unless we have access to real gold. This is going to stretch our finances.’
‘Understood,’ Freddie said and slid the heavy drawstring purse into an inner pocket. ‘Although we now look so prosperous, finances cannot possibly be an issue.’
Jim snorted at his dry tone. ‘Appearances matter. But you are working for a wizard who will be seriously unhappy with anyone trying to cheat us. You can insist on a fair price and I’m certain you’ll know when someone’s being less than honest.’
Freddie grinned at that. ‘Yes, anyone willing to piss off a wizard head-master needs their bumps felt!’ He glanced around on hearing a low whistle. Dustin had been posted to keep watch and was now gesturing. ‘The merchant is coming. Do you wish this send off to appear important enough for you to be out of bed, sir?’
‘I take your point,’ Jim said briskly. ‘Safe travels,’ he added and ushered Amelie and Drako back inside. Foster didn’t need to know that this new order was of the utmost importance if they weren’t to end up on half rations. They didn’t need him to become suspicious of where so many extra mouths had come from and perhaps mention it where the wrong ears could make the connection. Drako opened the dining hall window slightly and sat by it, overlooking the courtyard. Whilst Jim couldn’t hear what was being said just outside, it was clear both Drako and Amelie were listening. He watched though, and knew by Foster’s unconscious tugging and straightening of his own attire, that he was impressed. They had taken another small step in the re-building of the school’s image and standing within the local community. The three animus men were tall and athletic, but it was their cool, confident, ready for anything manner, that was most marked. Each wore his weapons openly, from the swords strapped to their hips to the less obvious knives tucked in the tops of their boots. In this new smart uniform they looked like an elite squad of warriors, which, considering their close protectiveness of Drako, was probably exactly what they were. In contrast, Foster climbed up to the seat of a massive, well-worn, rather agricultural wagon, drawn by a pair of enormous, powerful, fluffy footed horses that dwarfed the clan’s carthorse. Foster obviously preferred strength over speed; it would be a slow journey. Freddie and Rupert rode out, with Johnny following them driving the small wagon. Foster filed in behind them with a loud clopping of hooves and creaks and rattles from his empty wagon. The small convoy soon disappeared down the road and then out the front gates.
Amelie: Wizards of White Haven Page 38
