by M. Gregg Roe
“Uh … good morning … my lady,” Audrey finally managed to say.
Ermizad smiled, her delicate mouth displaying teeth that were white and straight. “Good morning, Audrey. I am sorry to wake you, but it is nearly mid-morning.”
“Uh … I see.” Audrey felt completely flustered. As far as she knew, Ermizad had never been over to the mansion for anything other than a social event.
“Who’s here?” Erwin’s voice carried a note of worry.
Ermizad raised her eyebrows and went back to smirking as Audrey heard Erwin climb out of bed. Audrey gave Ermizad a mischievous smile before turning her head and calling out, “It’s the ruler of the Witch’s City. Make sure you get dressed before you come out here.”
“Very funny. Seriously, who is it?” He sounded even more worried now.
“I’m not kidding. High Witch Ermizad is here. I’ve met her before and she’s a close friend of Almera’s. Come out when you’ve dressed and I’ll introduce you.”
Audrey heard the bedroom door behind her abruptly close, and she and Ermizad both burst out laughing. She stepped back and motioned for the woman to enter. As Ermizad walked in, Audrey heard another familiar voice from outside.
“Kitty! Here kitty!” It was unmistakably Ermizad’s daughter Ermiana.
“Those kittens are skittish; she needs to be careful.” Audrey abruptly realized that she was being far too casual and added, “My lady,” with a guilty look.
Ermizad shook her head. “You don’t need to be formal here. Ermiana has been told about the kittens and Wilawin is with her. She has been begging me to bring her here, and I have been curious to see your cottage for myself.”
“Uh … okay. This is the entry and sitting area.” Audrey pointed at the door opposite the front door. “That’s the bathroom. It’s similar to the ones in the mansion, but a little smaller.” Audrey walked into the kitchen and Ermizad followed her. “This is the kitchen. That’s the pantry, and that’s the dining nook,” she explained as she pointed around. “Would you like some tea?” she offered.
“No, thank you. Almera said to inform you that you are invited to dine with us at the mansion at noon.”
“Okay. I’d like that.”
The noise of a door opening was followed by footsteps, and they both looked over as Erwin hesitantly walked in. His shirt and pants both looked somewhat wrinkled, but she could see that he had brushed his hair.
Audrey gestured. “Erwin, this is the High Witch Ermizad.”
Erwin bowed deeply. “It is an honor to meet you, my lady. I am Erwin av Edvin.”
Ermizad frowned briefly in thought. “Ah, rugs,” she said with a slight smile. “I have met your parents and have several of their rugs in my quarters.”
“I am happy to hear that, my lady.” He looked directly at Audrey. “I need to go. Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied as Erwin swiftly departed.
Audrey quickly showed Ermizad her bedroom and sewing room. Returning to the front room, Ermizad seated herself near the fireplace and Audrey sat in the other chair.
“So,” asked Ermizad casually, “which room did you get that in?”
Ermizad was pointing at Audrey’s left wrist, and she was aghast as she noticed the abrasion around it. A quick glance confirmed that her right wrist had a similar injury. She suspected her ankles did too.
Audrey could feel herself blushing as she lowered her head. “The sewing room. He tied me to the table.”
“I assume it was consensual. Or were you drunk?”
Audrey waved her hands rapidly. “No. He asked and I agreed.”
“And?” Ermizad looked very curious.
“It was … interesting. Different. Uh … when you get back to the mansion, can you ask Saxloc to come here? Tell him I need my hangover cured, which isn’t a lie because Erwin and I did get drunk afterward.”
Ermizad shook her head and laughed. “You do lead an interesting life, Audrey. Are they both your boyfriends?”
Audrey clasped her hands together. “I honestly don’t know. I like them both. Things are complicated at the moment. Erwin proposed last night.” She instantly regretted having revealed that particular fact.
Ermizad raised one eyebrow. “And?”
“He doesn’t want an answer soon, thank the gods. I don’t know what to do.”
“Make him wait,” said Ermizad in a tone that sounded more like a command than advice. “Take your time. It is both an important decision and a long-term commitment.”
“Uh … okay. I’ll do that.”
Ermizad clasped her hands together. “Audrey, I would like to apologize for my behavior the last time we spoke. I was too critical of Cinda. I spoke to her later about the matter. I both understand and respect her decision to become a courtesan. She is a remarkable young woman, and I look forward to seeing what she does with the rest of her life.”
Audrey was surprised, both by Ermizad’s apology and at Cinda never having mentioned speaking to her. “Thank you, Ermizad,” she said with an embarrassed smile.
“I have been wanting to speak with you for some time. Is now all right? Or would you prefer to get dressed?”
“Now is fine,” replied Audrey, wondering what Ermizad could possibly want to speak with her about.
“Audrey,” began Ermizad, “I first heard of you over a year ago when Almera came to me to complain about the horrid peasant girl from a small village that had seduced her son and was after their wealth. I advised her to simply ignore the matter and instruct Saxloc to never return there. She pointed out, however, that Novox would soon be running caravans that would permit the girl to easily travel here.”
“And then she ordered Draymund and Saxloc to go with the first caravan and deal with me,” said Audrey.
“Precisely. When I heard that both you and your parents had returned with them, I was eager to hear Almera’s reaction. She did indeed come to see me, but not to complain. Now you were a young woman with great promise, but who needed assistance—her assistance, naturally. She detailed her plans for you with such enthusiasm that I would not have been surprised if she had concluded by announcing that she and Draymund were going to adopt you as their daughter.”
Audrey smiled, feeling warm inside. “I feel like their daughter sometimes. They’ve been very good to me.”
Ermizad’s expression was tender. “You have been away from your home for some time. And I know you are concerned about your friend there.”
“Yes. I really wanted her to move to either here or Rohoville before the baby was born, but that didn’t work out.”
“I sympathize. I too was confined to bed for a portion of my pregnancy. I am certain that it will be fine.”
“I hope so.” Audrey hesitated before asking, “Have you thought about remarrying? I have two young cousins growing up without a father, and that’s not going well.” Audrey held up her hands defensively. “But you’re nothing like my aunt. She’s just too meek.”
Ermizad laughed pleasantly. “Almera actually predicted you would ask me that. I would if I met the right man, but that is unlikely since I seldom leave the castle. For now, Ermiana is going to have to make do with the father figures there such as Daragrim and Mardan. She’s very fond of Gabriel as well.”
“Okay. Well, she certainly seemed happy when I met her.”
“She generally is, except when she falls down and hurts herself. She is somewhat clumsy, but I was also at her age.” Ermizad stood up. “Speaking of my daughter, I should go check on her. I fear that we will be returning home with a kitten.”
Audrey stood and wasn’t surprised to see the front door beginning to open inward by itself. She followed, stopping in the doorway as Ermizad walked outside.
“By the way,” said Ermizad as she briefly paused. “There is a shop in this city that sells soft restraints if you wish to avoid rope burns next time. Cinda can probably tell you where to find it. I will instruct Saxloc to come see you.”
Audrey was speechless as Ermizad smiled and walked off. Cinda probably could tell her. Desires probably had a whole closet full of them.
♦ ♦ ♦
Almera looked up as Ermizad entered the parlor. The woman had an amused look as she seated herself to Almera’s right. “How was your talk with Audrey?” Almera inquired.
“Interesting. Her boyfriend stayed the night. He seems nice.”
“He is from what I can tell, but Saxloc hasn’t given up.”
“And well he should not; Audrey is a prize worth claiming. Is Saxloc up yet?”
Almera closed her eyes briefly while she checked. “He’s in his bathroom, and Rosalind is in hers. She spent the night in his bedroom.”
Ermizad shook her head in disapproval. “Almera, what is going to happen when Saxloc discovers that you can track him? I do not want to hear that you have suffered another breakdown.”
“It’s not like I peer at him through his windows. I can simply find out where he is if I feel the need.”
“And just how often do you feel the need?” Ermizad snapped.
“Not as often as you suspect. I am simply employing one of the mansion’s capabilities. It knows where everyone is at all times, but only Draymund and I can access that particular information.”
“And where is my daughter at the moment?” asked Ermizad.
“On the bridge over the fish pond,” she answered after checking. “Wilawin is nearby.”
“And where am I?”
Almera gave her a puzzled look and then queried the mansion. Then she specifically scanned the parlor. Finally, she stared at her friend and demanded, “How are you doing that?”
“The mansion is seeking me with magic,” explained Ermizad as she smiled and waved a hand. “I am a witch. I may absorb magic should I choose to.”
“I didn’t know it extended to things like that, but I shouldn’t be surprised. If things start disappearing from the mansion, I’ll know who is responsible,” she concluded, causing Ermizad to laugh.
“Did I miss breakfast?” The voice managed to combine whining with great disappointment.
“Yes, Rosalind,” replied Almera as she turned and looked toward where Rosalind had just entered the room. “I’ll fix you something, but first come over here.”
Rosalind looked both sleepy and puzzled as she walked up to the two of them wearing the plain blue dress that Almera had bought her.
Almera gestured formally. “Rosalind, this is High Witch Ermizad. She is here for a visit.”
Rosalind’s eyes went huge and she noticeably paled. “It’s … nice to meet you … my lady?”
Ermizad nodded formally. “It is nice to meet you, Rosalind. Almera has told me about you and your difficulties.”
“Are you really a witch?” asked Rosalind with a curious look. “Or is it just a title?” She suddenly looked fearful. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.”
“I do not mind the question. I am a witch. I can do things like this.” She gestured and the small sofa opposite Almera smoothly rose until it was about a yard above the floor. The woman did like to show off.
Rosalind walked up to it with her hands held out in front of her and an intent expression. “I don’t sense any magic,” she said as she frowned.
“It is not magic,” insisted Ermizad.
“Then what is it?”
“It is one of my powers. I have no idea of what it is.”
“Okay.” Rosalind turned around. “Can I have breakfast now, Almera? I’ve already taken my supplement and I need to eat something or it will make me sick.”
“Yes, Rosalind,” replied Almera, noting Ermizad’s amused smile. “I know you need to eat. Let’s go to the kitchen. I’ll make breakfast for you and tea for us.”
“Thank you.”
Rosalind immediately headed toward the kitchen, and the two of them soon followed. Her son finally appeared and she fed him as well. Watching Saxloc and Rosalind try to avoid looking at each other as they ate was quite entertaining.
♦ ♦ ♦
After being told by Ermizad that Audrey needed her hangover cured, Saxloc headed to her cottage. Aside from the heavy overcast, it was a nice day. Halfway there, the sound of rapid steps from behind was followed by a familiar voice calling out his name. He stopped and turned as Ermiana raced up to him wearing a yellow shirt and brown pants. He could see Wilawin trailing behind and he nodded at her.
“How are you, Ermiana?” he asked, smiling down at her.
“Fine. I love running around here. I wish I lived here. Are you going to see Audrey?”
“Yes. She asked to see me.”
“All right. Her other boyfriend already left. Bye!”
Saxloc watched as the girl took off back the way she had come and then darted left onto another path. Wilawin quickly moved to follow her. He continued on his way, and Audrey promptly answered his knock and motioned him inside. He thought she looked beautiful if a little tired.
“I lied about the hangover,” she said, looking guilty. “Well, actually I do have a slight one, but it’s already fading.” She held her arms out with her elbows bent upward, exposing both her wrists. “This is what I need healed.”
Saxloc wasn’t sure what she meant at first, but then he noticed the abrasions that wrapped around each of her wrists. He took hold of her wrists with his hands and cast Recovery, finding it required little energy to heal her fully. His growing suspicions were confirmed when she then pulled up on her skirt exposing similar injuries to her ankles. She stood silently as he also cured those.
“Thank you,” she said when he was done. “They weren’t really bothering me, but I didn’t want to explain them.”
“Are you going to explain them to me?” he asked, knowing full well what the explanation was going to be. He needed to know the exact circumstances before he knew whether he should be concerned or jealous.
“Yes,” Audrey replied. “Erwin suggested tying me up with rope as part of our … activities. I agreed and the injuries are really my fault because I told him he hadn’t tied me tight enough.”
Saxloc was definitely starting to get ideas. It had never occurred to him that Audrey might be willing to do something like that. “That sounds interesting,” he remarked casually.
Audrey rolled her eyes. “Yes, Saxloc, I will let you try it some time. But it will need to be with softer restraints.”
Saxloc grinned. “Why? I’ll be right there to heal you afterward.” That was one advantage he had over Erwin.
“That’s true,” she said with a thoughtful look. “And the pain did add to the experience. Okay.”
“Really?” He hadn’t actually been serious.
“Yes. But not soon. How was your date with Rosalind?”
“Interesting.” He didn’t feel the need to relate everything Rosalind had told him. “Afterward, she spent the night in my room.”
Audrey shrugged. “I’m surprised it didn’t happen earlier.”
“I’m glad it didn’t,” he said seriously. “Rosalind is a different person now. A person I like.”
“Really?”
“Yes, but not as much as you.”
Audrey closed her eyes with a pained look. “Erwin proposed to me last night,” she said quietly.
“Proposed? Marriage?”
Audrey opened her eyes and frowned. “No, Saxloc. He proposed a joint business venture. We’re going to make women’s dresses out of rugs. Of course, he proposed marriage!”
“That was actually pretty funny. So what was your answer?”
She threw her hands in the air and then put them on either side of her head. “I didn’t answer yet, but I don’t want to get married. Not yet.”
“Erwin is older than you,” he pointed out.
“I know,” she said as she dropped her arms to her sides. “He’s ready to settle down and work for his father. He’s ready to marry and … have children.”
He thought her pause was telling. “And you’re not ready for any of th
at, are you?”
“No.” She chewed on her lower lip briefly. “Not yet; it’s too soon. But if I refuse him, he might find someone else.”
Saxloc would be quite happy for Erwin to find someone else, but this clearly wasn’t the time for honesty. “Take some time to think about it,” he advised. “Maybe even tell him you need more time.”
“Okay. Thank you, Saxloc. That’s good advice. I’m not thinking straight.”
“Don’t worry about it. And you are welcome. I need to go. I think I’m already late for my lesson with my grandfather.”
“And I have sewing to do as always. You can let yourself out.”
As he was walking back to the mansion to get his study materials, he couldn’t help but think about how complicated things between the two of them had become. She was interested in both him and Erwin. He was developing an interest in Rosalind. Now all they needed was for Erwin and Rosalind to develop a mutual interest. That would complete things. And be a complete mess.
♦ ♦ ♦
Audrey almost screamed. It wasn’t that Ermiana was right outside the cottage, it was that the girl was floating well above the flagstone path with her legs crossed, smiling impishly as her shoes floating next to her. A fascinated black-and-white kitten was following her.
“My feet hurt,” said Ermiana, as if that somehow explained everything. “Can I come in and sit down?”
“Uh … yes.”
Audrey stepped back and gestured. The kitten eyed her suspiciously and then ran off. Ermiana uncrossed her legs as she floated inside the cottage with her shoes following. Audrey saw the shoes gently set down with their heels against the wall to the left. Ermiana was standing on the floor and looking around as Audrey entered and closed the door.
“You can sit down over there,” said Audrey, gesturing toward the fireplace and trying to suppress her nervousness. “Would you like some juice? I have pear and apple.”
Ermiana walked over and hopped up onto the nearest chair, which was much too large for her. She smiled adorably. “Apple juice, please.”