The Witch's City

by M. Gregg Roe

  “No. I didn’t know I could be trained. Is it expensive?”

  “It’s usually done as an apprenticeship to an experienced spell-caster,” he explained. “Typically around the age of twelve or so. The master provides training and the apprentice does things like chores and cooking.” But sometimes money was involved, especially if there were multiple students.

  The waitress returned for their plates and Saxloc ordered pudding for both of them, noting the smile it brought to Rosalind’s face. She was small and skinny, but she always ate as much as he did.

  “I guess I’m too old then,” she said glumly.

  “Not necessarily. You’re behind, but as a half-elf, you have a long lifespan. It’s not too late.”

  “Could I be your apprentice?” she asked with an eager look.

  That was the last thing Saxloc wanted. “No. I’m still learning myself. But we can help you find someone.” He suspected that his mother was already planning to have her father do it. “And that’s another reason to quit your job,” he added. “You’re meant for better things than a shop clerk.”

  Rosalind’s face filled with joy. “Thank you, Saxloc!”

  Their pudding arrived and Rosalind ate hers with gusto, again amazing him with how she could put away food. He paid for their meal and insisted on walking her home. After looking threatening all afternoon without actually raining, it began to lightly rain as they walked to Rosalind’s apartment. The sight of the building where she lived shocked him. The small, two-story building was in poor repair, with numerous cracks around its foundation, likely caused by the large earthquake several years earlier. As he looked at it, he realized that there was no choice.

  “Would you like to come up?” she asked, looking hopeful.

  “Yes,” he replied, “but only to help you gather some clothing. You are staying in the mansion for now.”

  “It’s not that bad,” she protested. “The people that live here are nice.” She blinked and frowned before asking, “Did you say I could live in the mansion?”

  “Yes. Let’s get your things and go. It’s beginning to rain harder.”

  “Okay,” she replied, looking somewhat dazed.

  His visit to Rosalind’s apartment was short and simply confirmed his decision to move her out. He wasn’t sure how his mother would react, or his father when he returned, but Saxloc was certain that he was doing the right thing.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Almera may have sent Saxloc off to investigate Rosalind’s employer, but she hadn’t expected him to be gone all day. He could at least have sent her a message about his plans. Instead, she waited around nervously, wondering what was going on.

  She was asleep on one of the sofas in the parlor when a soft chime in her head woke her. She sent a query to the mansion’s magical systems. Audrey was in her cottage—in her sewing room to be exact—just as she had been the last time that Almera had checked. Saxloc had just passed through the gate, accompanied by Rosalind, who still didn’t register as a spell-caster. Almera had realized that Rosalind’s ability was simply too weak at the moment. Otherwise, they would have known she was a spell-caster the first time she visited.

  Driving rain pelted the windows on the west side of the parlor. There was a distant thunderclap as Almera located a glow-cube and shook it vigorously to activate it. She took it with her to the entryway and opened the right-hand door slightly. Saxloc and Rosalind soon arrived. Her son’s cloak had kept him reasonably dry, but Rosalind’s cheap cloak wasn’t waterproof at all. She looked miserable, completely soaked with her hair matted down.

  “Welcome,” said Almera, and Rosalind merely nodded in response as water dripped off her onto the tile floor. Almera watched as Saxloc removed Rosalind’s sodden cloak and hung it up before removing his own. Rosalind was clutching a canvas sack that presumably contained clothing, and it did appear to be waterproof.

  “Mother, I have invited Rosalind to stay with us,” stated Saxloc, his expression serious.

  “That is perfectly fine.” She would ask her son what had occurred later, but first, she needed to deal with the girl. “I’ll take you to one of our guest rooms, Rosalind. You can stay here as long as you need to.”

  “But I’m all wet,” she protested.

  “It’s fine,” Almera assured her. “It won’t hurt anything.” She addressed her son. “Why don’t you make us a fire and warm some rice wine? I’ll be back down after I get Rosalind settled.”

  “Yes, Mother,” he replied before heading to the east fireplace.

  Almera walked through the parlor with Rosalind leaving a trail of wet spots as she followed. She went up the left-hand stairs and then down the hallway, stopping in front of the third door. It was the room she still thought of as Audrey’s because of how long she had lived there. But now it would be Rosalind’s, at least for a time. Almera went in and activated the two glow-cubes inside. When she was done, she found Rosalind simply standing in the doorway with a stunned look on her face. “Is this all mine?” she asked in wonder.

  “Yes. It’s our standard guest room. You can put your clothes in the wardrobe opposite the bed.” Almera pointed. “That’s a storage closet, and that is the bathroom. You need to get out of those clothes and take a hot bath. Then put on something dry.”

  “I get my own bathroom?” asked Rosalind before suddenly yawning.

  Almera realized that Rosalind must be exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She walked up to her and said, “I’ll explain the bathroom and start your bath. While you’re soaking, I’ll hang up your clothes. Is that all right?”

  Rosalind yawned again, looking embarrassed. “Yes. Thank you. I think I’ll just go to bed after my bath. I’m tired.”

  “That’s fine, Rosalind. I know it’s been a long day for you.”

  “Yes. Why are you being so nice to me? I don’t understand.”

  Almera smiled at the young woman, who still looked rather pathetic. “Because you need help, that’s why. Come along.”

  Rosalind disrobed as Almera ran her bath, and the sight of her naked body filled Almera with dismay. She was far too skinny. Almera made up her mind. Rosalind wouldn’t be leaving until she had gained some weight and looked healthier.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “Ouch!”

  Audrey had lost track of how many times she had stabbed herself with a needle while doing what should have been a simple task. She had spent much of the afternoon and evening making a robe for herself, but she had forgotten just how difficult the thick flannel was to work with, hence her now numerous injuries. She gritted her teeth and managed to finish the last few stitches without further harming herself. Then she hung up the robe in her wardrobe and admired it.

  The rain was finally beginning to slacken, so she decided to go to the mansion and ask Saxloc to heal her, rather than risk bleeding on her nice new linens. There was also the fact that she hadn’t gotten around to building a fire, and it was getting chilly inside her cottage.

  Audrey took the shortest route, arriving through the east kitchen door. Saxloc was there warming some rice wine, and she promptly grinned, saying, “I want some of that.” She held up her cloth-wrapped hands. “And please heal me. I had a bad day sewing.”

  Saxloc chuckled and walked over. He took her hands in both of his and cast Recovery—a healing spell. Audrey smiled as the familiar sensation of warmth enveloped her hands. And her left wrist. That one had really hurt.

  “Thank you,” she said when he was done. She went over to the waste bin and quickly stripped off her improvised bandages and disposed of them. Then she went to the washbasin and washed her hands to remove the dried blood. Saxloc had put the warmed carafe of rice wine on a tray along with four small cups, raising an immediate question. “Is your father back?” she asked. She was eager to see him and thank him for her cottage.

  “No. We have a guest. Rosalind.”

  “You told me you broke up with her!”

  Saxloc frowned, and she suddenly noticed how tir
ed he looked. “I tried, but it didn’t take. She started sending me love letters. But that’s not why she’s here. Let’s go to the parlor and I’ll tell you about it.”

  By the time Saxloc finished his explanation, Audrey had started on her second cup and felt envious. Rosalind was not only a half-elf like Saxloc, but she was also a spell-caster. Rosalind would clearly make him a better wife than she would.

  “That place she was living sounds awful. You did the right thing to bring her here. I’d kiss you, but I’m too tired to get up. And I wouldn’t want to make Rosalind jealous. She’s now your live-in girlfriend.”

  “She’s not my girlfriend,” he insisted. “You are.”

  Hearing that made Audrey happy. “For now,” she agreed. “But I will bet she ends up in your bed before long. You said she hadn’t given up, and now she’s living with you. You’re doomed.”

  “I will barricade my door,” he announced before finishing off his cup.

  He was refilling both of their cups when Almera came strolling into the parlor. “Any rain leaks in your cottage?” she asked after pouring herself a cup and taking a seat.

  “Uh … no. Not that I’ve noticed.” It hadn’t occurred to her to look, but she would when she returned.

  Almera smiled in satisfaction. “Good. Let me know if anything is amiss. We’ll get it repaired.”

  “Okay.”

  “Rosalind won’t be joining us. She’s sound asleep.” Almera looked at her son. “Congratulations, Saxloc. You’ve brought us another teenage girl who needs help.”

  Saxloc simply looked amused. “I didn’t bring Audrey here; that was Father’s doing. And you were the one who decided she could stay.”

  “And I’m responsible for Cinda staying here for a while,” added Audrey.

  He wasn’t through. “Also, Rosalind is twenty. She’s not a teenager.”

  Almera sighed. “She doesn’t look or act that old. I’m taking her clothes shopping tomorrow. Would you like to help, Audrey?”

  “Yes, but I can’t. I am incredibly behind in my work for Desires. I’ll be sewing all day.”

  “What about your class?” asked Almera. “Isn’t that tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Yes, but I’m not in it anymore. Grasapa moved me to the advanced class. It’s afternoons of even-numbered days.”

  “Congratulations!” said Saxloc, and Almera nodded.

  “Thank you.” But Audrey still had mixed feelings about Grasapa’s decision.

  “I am also going to speak with Rosalind’s parents,” stated Almera. “Rosalind says that there is nothing wrong with her, that she has always been thin. But no one should be that thin. I think that she has been underfed.”

  “Then maybe you should wait on the clothes shopping,” suggested Audrey.

  “She has more clothing in her apartment,” added Saxloc. “I was planning to go back there tomorrow to get the rest of her possessions. She also needs to tell her landlord that she’s moving out.”

  Almera nodded. “Very well. I will wait.”

  A sudden roaring announced the return of heavy rain, causing Audrey to sigh. She put her cup down, stood up, and said, “And I need to get home and get some sleep.”

  8

  ‡ Unexpected ‡

  “Saxloc! Wake up! I’m scared!”

  He opened his eyes blearily and looked around the room. There was scarcely any moonlight, but he could make out a figure standing to the left of his bed—someone very short. Saxloc suddenly realized just whose voice had woken him. Rosalind is in my bedroom! I really should have barricaded my door.

  Feeling a hand touch his left shoulder, he quickly said, “I’m awake.” He reached over to his nightstand and found the glow-cube by touch. A few strong shakes had it glowing strongly with white light that revealed Rosalind. She was wearing a long, light blue flannel nightgown and really did appear frightened.

  Saxloc sat up and rubbed his eyes. “What is it, Rosalind? What’s wrong?”

  She clasped her hands together. “There are strange noises coming from the floor—creaking and groaning. I’m scared!”

  Saxloc smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. “That’s the heating system, Rosalind. In this house, we can pipe hot water under the floors. When it’s first turned on, it makes those noises. I don’t hear it now.” His mother had probably turned it on when she went to bed. He never even noticed it anymore.

  Rosalind had a startled look. “I didn’t know that. You’re right. I don’t hear it now. The floor is really warm.”

  “Yes. You can go back to your room now. Everything is fine.”

  “Saxloc, can I really stay here while I learn to be a spell-caster?”

  When did I ever say that? Saxloc sat up and crossed his legs in front of him, thankful that he was wearing a nightshirt. He tried to hide his irritation by forcing a smile before answering her. “You can stay here for now, but an apprentice usually lives with their master. Or we might find you an inexpensive place to live and a part-time job.”

  “Oh.” She pursed her lips briefly, looking uncertain. “This place is very nice. I’ve never had such a big bed. I’ve never lived anywhere with my own tub or toilet. I’ll never be able to afford something like this.”

  He could hear the longing in her voice. “Maybe you will be able to someday. You never know.” He stifled a yawn. “Good night, Rosalind.”

  “Saxloc, why didn’t you reply to my letters? I thought you liked me.”

  Maintaining a friendly smile was difficult as he realized that he had no choice but to continue speaking with her. And he didn’t want to upset her further. To give himself time to think, he gestured at her, saying, “Go ahead and sit on the bed.”

  “Okay.” She climbed up and knelt on the bed facing him.

  “Rosalind, I do like you, and I want to be your friend. But I’m not interested in a romantic relationship with you at this time.” Or marriage, as her letters had frequently mentioned.

  “No!” He was saddened to see that she had begun to cry. “That’s not enough. You have to marry me. I can’t find anyone else.”

  “Maybe we could help you find someone,” he offered.

  “No! I’m related to most of the half-elves here, and to all of the young single ones. Except for you.”

  “Oh.” Both of Saxloc’s parents were from outside Andoran’s Realm, so he definitely wasn’t related to Rosalind. “What about marrying a human?” he asked. There were more humans in the city by far.

  “No!” The scowl on her face made her look quite childish. “I want half-elf children. And besides, humans should marry elves!”

  “What?” He had expected her to say that humans should marry their own kind. But then he had a suspicion. “Is that because they would have half-elf children?” he asked, praying that he was wrong.

  “Yes!” Her face lit up with a happy smile, although her cheeks were still wet with tears. “Half-elves are the ideal. They’re the superior race. I’m a tenth generation half-elf.”

  Saxloc found himself perplexed. Many humans regarded elves and half-elves as superior, envying their longer lifespans. He had also heard of elves that regarded humans as inferior and despised half-elves. But he had never heard of anything like what Rosalind had just said. It took him a while to think of what to say.

  “How many half-elves here believe that?” he asked.

  Rosalind frowned. “Not many. Not enough.”

  “Rosalind, I understand your reasoning, but that is not sufficient reason for us to marry. I’m only going to marry someone I truly love. And I’m not planning on marrying soon.”

  “When?” she demanded.

  He thought quickly. As a half-elf, he could afford to wait, but Audrey was human. “Not until I’m at least twenty-years-old. I’m only seventeen.”

  “I know. Audrey is eighteen. Your birthdays are only five days apart.”

  Saxloc felt ashamed as he realized that he had never asked Audrey when her birthday was. Then he felt concerned that Ro
salind knew both their birthdays. Has she been researching us?

  “Yes,” he finally managed to say as he struggled to maintain his composure. “That’s right.”

  “Okay, I’ll wait. But you better not get married before that,” she threatened, looking very stern.

  So much for ridding myself of Rosalind. I just do not understand women. “All right. I promise.”

  “But we can still go out?”

  This just keeps getting worse. “Yes, occasionally. As friends.”

  Rosalind exhaled and dropped her shoulders. “Okay. For now.”

  “Is there anything else, Rosalind?” He just wanted to go back to sleep.

  She got off the bed, went over to the glow-cube, and then held her hands over it. “I don’t sense anything.”

  He realized what she meant. “It’s not magic; it’s alchemy.”

  “I thought alchemy was magic.”

  “No. It’s different.”

  “Is the mansion magic?” she asked. “It feels like it is.”

  Saxloc nodded. “Yes. The mansion has a magical defense system.”

  Rosalind frowned in thought. “How long will it take me to learn to cast spells? Is it hard?”

  “The time varies,” he explained. “Some people have to work harder at it than others. Any other questions?” He was unable to keep the irritation out of his voice.

  “No.” She lowered her head “I’m sorry I woke you. I won’t do it again.”

  He smiled at her and said, “It’s fine. Good night.”

  “Good night.”

  Saxloc watched her walk out of his bedroom, and he soon heard the door to the hallway close. He actually felt somewhat surprised. He had thought that she would ask to stay in his room. He shook his head, put the glow-cube in the nightstand drawer, and tried to get back to sleep.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Audrey could feel how cold it was in her bedroom when she woke. Thankfully, the cottage had come with a nice warm quilt—dark blue with a gray diamond pattern. Lying there on her left side, she felt nice and comfy, especially her lower legs. In fact …