by Amy Hopkins
“All ready, Master. Any last instructions?” Aldred patted the mare’s rump, then stood back. He eyed Danil warily, as if wondering if he’d need to restrain his fellow mystic at the Master’s request.
When Julianne shook her head, Aldred dropped his eyes for a moment. “It might not be my place to say, Master, but… be careful.
Julianne leaned in for an impulsive hug, leaving the Master Guardsman red as a beetroot. “Take care of our people, Aldred. Margit is strong as a horse and has wisdom even beyond her many years, but she’ll need your support.”
“Aye, that I will, young man.” Margit’s tall frame looked willowy in the wide doorway, but she stood tall and strong. Moving over to Julianne, she dropped a peck on her cheek. “I see you’ve already picked up some road dust,” she commented with a sharp glance at Danil. Then, with a wink at Julianne she added, “I assume it’s welcome, though.”
Despite the chill in the air, heat rose up past Julianne’s neck to tinge her cheeks a fiery red. Shut up, you, she sent to Margit.
Nothing wrong with a body to keep you warm when you’re spending the night on the ground, came Margit’s razor-sharp reply.
The thought of rolling around in the dirt with a man brought a very different image to Julianne’s mind and she slammed a shield down as fast as she could assemble one. It was too late. Margit’s eyes widened like saucers before she broke into a cackling laugh.
And who, exactly, is Marcus?
Julianne didn’t dignify Margit’s stunned question with a response, instead taking a moment to stifle the thought of the handsome young guardsman she’d become close with in Arcadia. She cursed internally when a quick glance at Danil showed his face still, shoulders tight as he stared resolutely in another direction.
Oh, hell, Julianne thought to herself. This was going to be one awkward journey.
Aloud, she said, “It’s not too late to stay behind, Danil.” Julianne tried to keep her tone light. “No warm beds or easy coins where I’m going.”
If you’re really against me going, I’ll leave you be, he sent.
Danil, I… What could she say? She’d known about his feelings for a long time, but it had never affected their friendship. Please come.
His face broke into a sunny smile and he kicked his horse, sending it carefully picking its way down the mountain.
“I suppose I better go, before he and the horse end up halfway to Cella. Margit, you’ll be ok?” Last minute doubts assuaged Julianne about leaving her tiny community to fend for themselves.
“Be gone with you, girl. We survived alright before you, and we’ll do just fine while you’re gone.”
Julianne waved as her horse made its way after Danil’s. Before she was out of sight of the Temple, she found him waiting beside the path.
“Err… thought I’d better let you go first,” he called to her.
“Just remember, I can’t see behind me,” she replied.
“I know. Just remember, I do this every day.” He stuck his tongue out at her and Julianne laughed, feeling the tension from earlier drop away.
They took their time, not wanting to rush the horses over the rocky terrain. It took an hour to reach Craigston, by which time both were starving.
“Shall we stop for breakfast first, or meet the rearick?” Danil asked.
“I planned ahead. We’re meeting them in Ophelia’s.” Julianne turned her horse in that direction, after taking a moment to pass her eyes over the small mining town to give Danil a better view of where they were.
Julianne made for a low, stone building, following her nose more than her memory. The smell of sausages wafted out, along with the jumbled sound of several conversations.
Julianne dismounted and tied her horse to a wooden post outside, then helped Danil to secure his. Together, they made their way inside. Julianne wrinkled her nose at the smell of spiced meat and boiled cabbage, then pressed a hand to her stomach as it let out a noisy growl.
Julianne? Danil’s soft mental nudge made her jump, enthralled as she was at the smells coming from the kitchen. He directed her attention to a figure in one corner. She quested, then recoiled when she realized the mind was familiar.
“What the hell is he doing here?” she groaned.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Bastian looked up, alerted by Julianne’s brief touch on his mind. He quickly stood, bowing his head to Julianne in a gesture of courtesy. Bastian had butted heads with Julianne more than once.
As a recent graduate, he hadn’t yet gone on his own pilgrimage and Julianne had meant to address that before she left. Oh, I hope this doesn’t mean what I think it does, she thought, careful to keep it behind the mind shield she used almost constantly outside of the Temple.
“Master, I’m glad to see you. I expected you earlier.” He shot Danil a brief look of curiosity, but didn’t comment.
“And why exactly were you waiting for me here, of all places?” Julianne asked, trying to keep the irritability out of her voice.
“To… well, to join you on your pilgrimage. If that’s ok. I mean, the rules do say…”
The rules said a senior mystic must do all they could to facilitate the journey of a new graduate. Julianne was pretty sure that didn’t extend to babysitting them along the way. “This really isn’t a safe journey, Bastian. We’re heading right through the Madlands on a search for a man who may not even be alive anymore. This isn’t your typical jaunt through the countryside.”
“I’ve packed for a long trip.” His face was eager. “Besides, I plan to break off once we cross the Madlands and take my own journey.”
Julianne sighed. She turned her back on Bastian to speak to Danil. “Do you want to wait here while I find the rearick we hired? They’re not going to be happy when they find out the party of one they were escorting is now three.” Danil nodded, tweaking an eyebrow at Julianne’s stark white eyes.
While her face was hidden, she deftly slipped into Bastian’s mind. In it swirled the words Donna had spoken about mankind, and their mission to make the world a ‘better’ place. There was also the hint of resolution, a map of Irth, and the questions he’d asked the barkeep about navigating to the border of the Madlands.
He was unaware of her intrusion, and Julianne took a moment to curse whichever teacher graduated him. Julianne felt her jaw clench. What she’d seen in his head convinced her that even if she forbade him to join her, the stubborn mule of a boy would make the dangerous trek alone.
A cough behind Danil caught her attention. Julianne peered around him to find a rearick, hidden behind the taller mystic, tapping his foot impatiently. “Are you the mystic that hired a guard?” the rearick asked.
“Yes,” Julianne said quickly. “But there’s been a slight change of plans. There are now three of us.”
The rearick scowled. “One of my men can’t protect all three of ye. Expect ta be payin’ fer more hands, and a fee fer the last-minute change.”
Three? You’re bringing him with us? Danil slipped the words into Julianne’s head.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave Bastian behind just now. I’ll explain later.
“That’s fine, I can cover the costs. And I’m sorry for the sudden change. It was a… last minute thing.”
The rearick lifted an eyebrow, as if wondering how a bunch of mind readers could have so much trouble organizing themselves. Then, he shrugged. “Coins are coins. I’ll fetch yer hire and see if I can’t find two more. The booking will be tripled, but maybe ye can talk down the hires when ye meet ‘em. Group discount, if ye like.”
“Tripled?” Julianne asked. “That’s ridiculous.”
“So is asking fer a one-man hire and needin’ three.” The rearick stuck his hand out and waggled his fingers.
Julianne dropped the required coins into his palm and he grinned. Though she probably could have talked him down a little, it would have taken time. She was too impatient for that. When the short man wandered off, he was whistling a satisfied tune.
&n
bsp; Julianne slid into a seat next to Bastian, Danil taking a seat across from her. An awkward silence fell.
“You lot wantin’ food, or nay?” Ophelia yelled. The rearick woman was as burly as her male counterparts.
“Please,” said Julianne. “Two plates of whatever’s cooking, with some bread, too.”
Ophelia looked at her expectantly and Julianne smiled sweetly. “Danil? I’m afraid I only brought enough coins for myself.”
The contented smile fell from Danil’s face. “You’re gonna make me pay for this a thousand times over, aren’t you?”
Julianne’s smile widened. “If you’re lucky, it’ll only be a thousand.”
Groaning, Danil pushed himself up from the table to go and pay for their meal. He laid out his money on the counter, a tactic Julianne had seen him use when he was relying on someone else’s eyes to see the coins. After counting a few out and sliding them across the counter, he returned to his seat.
“So, Bastian,” he said, stretching his arms out to either side. “What gave you the bright idea to cross a land of dangerous, ravaging monsters for your first pilgrimage?”
Bastian paled slightly, looking from Danil to Julianne, who just shrugged. Danil’s description of the Madlands had been more accurate than she’d like to admit.
“I seek truth,” Bastian said, his voice wavering. “I want to know what the world is really like, not just what I've been told.”
He came from Arcadia, didn't he? Julianne asked Danil.
Not quite. His family had a small estate outside the town, he answered.
Julianne mulled that over. If Bastian’s family had been of high station, they would have lived in the middle of the city. Yet, they weren't so poor as to be pushed into the slums. Bastian’s family would have dealt with the nobles though, if they'd traded with the city.
“Bastian, I plan to pass Arcadia on my way to the Madlands. Do you have family there you wish to visit?” Julianne wanted to read his thoughts, but she couldn't do that without her eyes changing. The little she'd seen earlier made her want to tread carefully.
“No.” His answer was terse and a shadow passed over his face. He buried his nose into his mug.
“Slow down,” Danil said with a hint of alarm. “That's not rearick ale, is it?”
That made Bastian chuckle. “Don't think I can handle my liquor? Don't worry. I've heard about the brews down here and I admit, I'd probably be on the floor after one or two. This is just cider.”
Danil opened his mouth to reply, but two plates were slapped on their table. Steam wafted from sausages and bacon, with a side of cooling sauerkraut and fresh baked bread. “Enjoy.” The cook wiped his hands on a greasy apron and scurried back to the kitchen.
“I believe our hires are here,” Danil said.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Julianne swung round to look. Two rearick stood just inside the door. The bearded one lit up in a smile, and Julianne waved to him. “Garrett! You’re part of our escort team?” Garrett and some of the other rearick had showed up when the Arcadian rebellion needed them the most. Together, they’d fought off Adrien and made the city a free place again.
“Aye. Not much of a team, though. Old Harker couldn’t find anyone but the two of us.”
“Well, there might only be two, but we can fight. Worth the price of three, at least.” The other rearick was, to Julianne’s surprise, female. She looked young, despite the hardened face that came from living in a place like Craigston. The rearick valued hard work and set their children to profitable enterprises at a young age.
“We’ll pay for two,” Julianne said firmly.
“You’ve seen me fight, lass. Ye can’t be saying I’m not worth at least two on me very own?” Garrett gave Julianne a toothy grin and winked.
“Yes, but I’ve also seen you eat. The contract said I’m to pay for your services, but also your food. Are you trying to send the Temple bankrupt?” Julianne schooled her expression, unwilling to let the professional haggler get the best of her.
Garrett slumped. “Fair enough. I suppose I may be worth a man and a half, but Bette here is a woman. That makes her only worth a half. Ow!” He flinched and rubbed the shoulder Bette had just punched with a closed fist.
It wasn’t a playful jab, either, going by the set of her mouth. “Garrett, you know bloody well I can fight just as well as the rest of ye.”
“I’m just sayin’, women are more suited ta—OW!” A second punch, aimed in the same spot as the first, finally made him close his mouth.
“Two fees, food and lodging for both—of my choosing, mind you—and you’re to split it evenly between you,” Julianne said. “We’ll be done eating in a few. Our horses are out the front. Bastian, did you bring one?”
“Yes. Well, I’ve hired one, but I’ve yet to pick him up. A fellow named Heston?”
Bette gave a loud snort. “He’ll charge ye double for half a nag. Here, I’ll ask Bern if his runner is in. No cheaper, but she’ll last ye the distance.”
“You can go organize that while Danil and I finish up here,” Julianne said, dipping her bread into the gravy on her plate. Bastian pushed back his chair, then awkwardly maneuvered past Julianne and headed for the door.
As the rearick turned to follow him, she caught Garrett’s arm. She waited until Bette and Bastian had moved away before speaking. “And if I hear one more word about women being ‘better suited’ for other professions, you’ll find yourself returning to the Heights with a penchant for wearing sundresses, you hear me?”
Garrett went white as a sheet. “Yes. Yes, Ma’am.” He ran off to join the others.
Danil held in his laughter until the rearick had gone. “Doesn’t he realize you can’t mind control unless you’re standing right by him?”
Julianne sobered. “Danil, that’s something that’s been bothering me. When I looked into Donna’s mind, there was clearly some kind of interference there. Not just the shield. It was like she’d been… controlled. Her thoughts didn’t belong to her, not truly, but I don’t think it was one of her companions. Is that even possible?”
Danil was silent for a moment, thinking. “How could it be? It must have been one of her people, Jules. Does that mean their leader was there? Was he one of the ones we caught?”
Julianne shook her head. “Danil, I don’t think so.”
A small handful of rearick entered the room, headed for the bar. They were grimy and flapped their shirts as if to cool down, even though the day outside was bordering on frosty.
“We should catch up with the others,” Danil said. “What do you think of Bastian? Clearly, Donna has put some kind of rubbish in his head. Are you sure you want him coming with us into what may turn out to be the heartland of the New Dawn?”
Julianne wrinkled her nose. “When something smells rotten, it probably is. I’d rather him see that now, than let someone beguile him into false ideas that cover the stench in fine perfume.”
Laughing, Danil stepped outside, holding the door for Julianne. “You do have a way with words. Very well, we’ll take the cub into the lion’s den and show him about.”
“Keep an eye on him for me? I don’t want him to think I’m spying inside his head.”
Danil nodded. His need to use magic to see would let him slip in and out of the other man’s head without suspicion, though he’d have to tread lightly. Bastian hadn’t noticed Julianne’s intrusion, but that didn’t mean he was completely unskilled.
“Sure, Jules.”
As she unhitched the two horses, Julianne reached for her magic and sent it out to touch the minds around them. She quickly located Bastian and their hired companions. “This way,” she said once her eyes had cleared, gesturing for Danil to follow.
Within a few minutes, Craigston was behind them. The town was the end point of the major trade route to Arcadia, so the roads here were wider and better maintained. Garrett led, with Danil beside him. Julianne and Bastian followed, while Bette took the rearguard. Julianne let Bastian ride j
ust a little ahead, slipping into a light trance to see if she could get inside his head again.
He was shielded. Instead of pushing against it, she spoke to him instead. We’re up for a long, hard journey. Are you sure this is what you want?
I spent my whole childhood on a tiny farm, came the reply. Then, at the Heights. There’s a whole world out there, Master, and all I know of it is what people tell me. I see the mystics who return from pilgrimage and they all see different things. Some like the roads, others hate the dust and rough sleeping. They enjoy the city, with the people and the sights. Others think Arcadia smells, that it’s too crowded and dirty. How do I know what’s true if I don’t see it myself?
Ah, sent Julianne. But will your impressions be any more truthful than theirs? She watched him struggle with that for a moment.
No, but they’ll be mine.
Julianne left him to dwell on their conversation for a little while, dropping back to speak to Bette. The young rearick woman had piqued her interest.
“How long have you been working with Garrett?” the mystic asked.
Bette looked down, blushing. “It’s my first job. Harker only asked me ‘cause he was desperate. He’s like most of ‘em lugheads back there, thinks a woman’s place is in the gardens, or behind a bar.”
“What made him change his mind?” Julianne prodded.
“He was desperate! When you lot sprang the change of plans on him, he nearly crapped his damn britches. Couldn’t find anyone else, and the only thing worse than sendin’ a woman would be givin’ a customer back their coins.” Then, she frowned. “Why’d you ask me that? I thought you mystics knew everything in a person’s head?”
Julianne laughed. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”
“Well, how’s it work then?” Bette asked, curiosity getting the better of her shyness.
“Well… It’s hard to explain the how, but I can tell you the what. I could read your mind, if I wanted to. Not without going into a trance, though, so my eyes would be white. If you can’t see my pupils, that means I’m using my magic.”
