The Witch's City

by M. Gregg Roe

  “The dwarves all live underground, but they also frequently go above ground. Maybe they could start taking some of the children on above-ground excursions. Petra, I think that we should meet with Sabrina and then write a letter to the dwarven elders. We will tell them your concerns, suggest possible solutions, and ask them for help.”

  Petra’s smile was gratifying. “Okay. That sounds good. Thank you, Branwyn.”

  Branwyn returned the girl’s smile. It was an opportunity to help people and further bond with Petra.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Audrey leaned back against a tree and took in the view. The spot Dora had chosen for their picnic looked to the south, including the river and the vast woods beyond it. The light breeze propelled a few puffy clouds across the sky, and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful sunset. Three yards away, Dora slept soundly on the blanket they had brought with them. Aliva and Cinda had gone for a walk together, uphill to where the castle was located. Audrey listened to birdsong and the sounds of the insects as she thought about the surprise-laden trip that would soon be over.

  Aliva’s presence at the ferry landing had been an opportunity. After introducing them, Audrey asked her to take Cinda to Dora’s shop (finding out, to her surprise, that Aliva worked there). She tracked down Erwin in the office of the carpet and rug factory. Before she could give him the bad news, he stunned her by apologizing profusely and withdrawing his proposal. Audrey had feared he would react badly and terminate their relationship, so it was a huge relief. They talked about things for a while, and then she gave him a lengthy and passionate kiss before leaving.

  Arriving at Dora’s shop, Audrey had initially been angered because Dora was selling dresses that were clearly based on her own design—one that she had sketched out for Dora during a previous visit. She soon discovered that Dora was not only crediting her as the designer, but had also been setting aside money from each sale. There was now a bag in her belt pouch containing over fifty silver pieces, with the promise of more to come. And just like that, Audrey had a new source of income that required no additional effort on her part. It was yet another surprise.

  Dora suddenly sat up, yawned, and then stretched. “I’m glad that you and your friend stopped by,” she told Audrey as she grinned. “I really like your friend Cinda.”

  “Does that have anything to do with her buying two dresses from you?” asked Audrey.

  “That didn’t hurt. She promised to tell her friends too.” Dora began to roll up the blanket. “Do you have any other designs?”

  “I have some sketches at home. I’ll bring them the next time I visit.” Actually, they would need quite a bit of work first. And there was something else she needed to bring up. “Dora, Aliva and I have talked about starting our own dress business. It would be in the Witch’s City, not here.”

  “You’re going to compete with me!” exclaimed Dora with an expression of mock anger. “Aliva already mentioned that. It sounds like those dresses would be completely custom.”

  “Yes.” She couldn’t imagine anyone else being able to wear her own demon dress.

  “That’s fine. Bring yours with you the next time you come. I want to see it.”

  “Okay.”

  Audrey stood up and stretched. It really was a nice day. The trip had been both interesting and fun. Her best friend would soon be living close by and she had a new source of income. Everything was wonderful. Except for those damned alligators.

  30

  ‡ Emotions ‡

  Hankin watched as sailors skillfully hauled on the thick ropes and guided the Novox ship into its berth. Based on the caravan schedule, they were expecting Audrey and Cinda to be onboard. Hankin had told Saxloc that he just happened to be at the docks, but that was a lie. He wanted to be there when Cinda arrived, and maybe even walk with her to Desires.

  There was already something unexpected that Saxloc really should have noticed, but he only had eyes for Audrey, who along with Cinda was currently waving at the two them. Hankin had instantly recognized two of the other passengers, also noticing the large pile of possessions next to them. They were clearly going to need to hire a cart.

  “Saxloc, look to the right of Audrey.”

  “That’s Violet!” he exclaimed in surprise. “And her baby. And her husband …”

  “His name is Orian. I’m going to get us some transportation. I don’t think they’re here for just a visit.”

  Saxloc turned and looked at him with a dazed expression. “I think you’re right. I’ll find out what’s going on.”

  Hankin soon located a cart for rent. The two burly men who owned it looked like they would have no trouble hauling it across the city. He returned to find Cinda smiling primly as she watched Audrey and Saxloc embrace. Violet and Orian were still at the railing, staring with amazement at their surroundings.

  Cinda walked over to him. “Master Hankin, I see that you have procured a conveyance. They will need to transport Violet and Orian’s possessions to Lord Draymund’s mansion.”

  “Are they going to be living there?” he asked.

  “Only briefly. They will be dwelling in Dymar. This move is sooner than expected. Audrey and I were quite surprised.”

  A farmer moving to a farming community certainly made sense. Cinda waited as he told the two carters where they would be traveling and paid them in advance. The two men followed him back and began to load the items as the sailors carried them down the gangplank. Violet and Orian were now standing with the others, with Violet smiling and Orian looking overwhelmed.

  “This place is amazing!” exclaimed Violet as he walked up. “It’s huge!” He laughed along with the others.

  Cinda took him aside. “Master Hankin, I am to travel swiftly so as to inform Lady Almera of her guests. Would you care to accompany me?”

  “Yes. Of course.” That was exactly what he wanted to do.

  The two of them set off at a fast walking pace, passing through the gate with scarcely a glance from the guards. They probably didn’t recognize Cinda, but they certainly knew who he was. He found it amusing that Cinda was dressed just like Audrey, but not really surprising. The two of them were very close.

  “What do you think of Violet?” Hankin asked her.

  “I am most impressed. She is clever and witty. I wish to become her friend.”

  “What about Orian?”

  Cinda laughed. “He is neither clever nor witty, but he is strong and handsome. I believe that he will make an excellent father.”

  That made Hankin smile. “I think you’re right.”

  “Hankin,” she said, looking very serious. “Do you truly intend to pursue a romance with me following the cessation of my contract with Desires?”

  Hankin was seldom caught off guard, but he was flummoxed. “Um … yes?”

  Cinda smiled sweetly at him. “I am fond of you as well, Hankin. If you wish, the two of us may meet outside Desires as friends, for meals or to converse. But there will be no romance.” She wagged a finger. “Not even a friendly kiss.”

  “That’s fine,” he said, feeling elated.

  “You may, of course, continue to request my services at Desires, in disguise or otherwise. There we will do whatever you desire,” she concluded with a sultry smile.

  Hankin smirked. “Good. I already have an appointment for two days from now.”

  “I am pleased to hear it,” she replied with a haughty look that he admired. “Be aware, however, that by the time my contract ceases there may be other suitors waiting. I am most popular.”

  “Then they will have to get through me. I’m not above fighting dirty to get what I want.”

  “Nor am I.”

  They chatted casually the rest of the way there. It was only later that he realized that while the two of them were speaking privately, Cinda had omitted saying a title before his name. The only person that Cinda addressed informally was her best friend Audrey. Hankin felt honored and incredibly happy. Two or so years wasn’t that long to wait f
or the woman he loved.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Saxloc took care of registering Violet, Orian, and Quentin as new residents while the two men loaded the cart. He returned to find the three of them had been put into the cart as well, perched atop their belongings. Still smiling, Audrey shrugged and pointed at the gate. The carters, already wearing their harnesses, began to slowly walk forward, showing impressive strength.

  “Well, it’s better than you returning with your parents,” he told Audrey as the two of them walked along behind the cart.

  “That’s true,” she agreed. “It was a wonderful surprise, except …”

  Audrey looked glum and he had a sudden suspicion why. “Have you ever been to Dymar?” he asked her.

  “No,” she sighed. “Can you and your friends go and kill all of the alligators in the Witchmarsh before tomorrow? Please!”

  Saxloc smiled at her earnest expression. “Probably not. But we can work on getting you used to them.”

  “I suppose that would be easier,” she conceded.

  “Good. I’ll go get some and set them loose on the grounds. You’ll be used to them in no time.”

  Audrey laughed and took his arm. “I don’t think your mother would be happy. I’ve missed these silly talks of ours.”

  “I’ve missed you.”

  “You’re sweet,” said Audrey as she squeezed his arm. “I spoke to Erwin in Rohoville and he unproposed.”

  “I don’t think that’s a word. He withdrew his proposal?” That was a surprise.

  “Yes. He said it was too soon and apologized.”

  “I see.” He had been hoping that Audrey’s rejection of his proposal would drive Erwin away. He quickly explained the status of his relationship with Rosalind and told her about his dinners with Kora.

  “I’m glad that you were the one who had to explain all that stuff about Andoran to Kora,” she said. “And I suppose you want to go back to dating me now.”

  “Yes, I do. So, how did Cinda handle the trip?”

  “Better than I expected,” said Audrey as she shook her head. “She dealt with everything, even the nature breaks and sleeping outside. She also used the caravan to go the temple.”

  “I hadn’t thought about it before, but that means that the villagers can now travel there safely if they need help.”

  Audrey grinned. “Or to use the bath and drink wine. I should have suggested it to my mother. She says she needs a break from my father.”

  They walked along silently until they reached the central plaza. He enjoyed the looks on Violet and Orian’s faces as they gawked at the Witch’s Castle.

  “Is that what I looked like when I first came here?” asked Audrey.

  “Yes. You and your parents both.”

  “I’ve got a new job,” she said casually.

  “Doing what?”

  “I,” she said proudly, “am a dress designer. Dora copied my design and is now paying me money for each one she sells.”

  “Congratulations!”

  “Thank you. Now my finances are even more complicated. Ooh! I need to go point out Desires to Violet and Orian.”

  Audrey rushed over to the cart and remained by it the rest of the way. When they reached the iron gate that gave entrance to the grounds, it was already open and his father was standing just inside. Saxloc enjoyed the stunned looks on Violet and Orian’s faces. No amount of description or warning ever prepared people for the sight of his family’s huge mansion and its surrounding gardens.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “That was a fabulous breakfast!” exclaimed Violet, spreading both arms wide. “I didn’t even recognize half of what I ate.”

  “Thank you,” said Almera. She motioned for Violet to take a seat and then sat down opposite her. The girl was noticeably plump, but that was hardly surprising given how recently she had given birth. She looked healthy to Almera.

  “This … whatever you call it is amazing! I can’t believe Audrey has been living here. Can we stay here instead of Dymar? I’ll get Orian to do your gardening.”

  Almera laughed. Violet couldn’t seem to speak without gesturing, and she had quite the sense of humor. “It’s fine by me, but I doubt your husband would agree to it. He sounds excited about Dymar.”

  Violet sat back and stretched her arms. “Yes, he really is. He loves farming.” She grinned. “It’s a good thing he was born in Farmerton instead of Fisherton. I suppose I’ll get used to Dymar.”

  “It’s a nice place, and you are welcome to come and visit here anytime.”

  “Thank you.” Violet yawned. “Sorry. I feel drained. The trip was exhausting.”

  “Then you should take Quentin and go lie down. The men should have the baby bed set up in your suite by now.”

  “Then maybe I will.” Violet glanced over to where Quentin was sleeping peacefully in his travel crib.

  “We have more things in storage for babies or small children that might be useful,” said Almera. “You can have whatever you like.”

  “I will take you up on that. But first, we’ll see what’s waiting for us in Dymar. How long does it take to walk there?”

  “About an hour and a half. It’s an easy walk. It’s all flat.”

  “And it’s all through swamp,” said Violet as she shook her head.

  “Marsh,” corrected Almera. “The Witchmarsh.”

  “What’s the difference between a swamp and a marsh?”

  “I’m not sure. But marsh sounds nicer in my opinion.”

  Violet laughed. “So it does; marsh it is!”

  “Violet, there are people here who can fix those crooked teeth of yours.”

  Violet abruptly sat up with an eager look. “Really? How much does it cost? Does it hurt? How long does it take?”

  “The pain is minimal. They make use of alchemy and healing magic, so it doesn’t take long. I’ll pay for it; consider it a gift. You’re Audrey’s best friend and I am quite fond of Audrey.”

  Violet stood up and then bent down over Almera and hugged her. “Thank you! Audrey says that you’re her second mother. Will you be mine too? I’ve never been away from her before.”

  “Of course I will.”

  After Violet went upstairs with her baby, Almera couldn’t help but feel content. I really like Violet. She is clearly where Audrey got her sense of humor. And as far as being a second mother, it never seems to end. Audrey, Cinda, Rosalind, and now Violet. But I don’t mind. Not at all. I always wanted to have more children, and especially a daughter.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Saxloc rolled his eyes. Audrey had walked through the gate but had then retreated until her back was against the city wall. Her eyes were filled with fear and her right hand was on the hilt of her dagger. “I … think I see one,” she gasped.

  The raised land the city was built on sloped gradually downward over about thirty yards into the marsh. The dirt road to Dymar was about four yards wide and only a yard higher than the swamp. It started straight out from the wall but soon curved towards the west.

  “I don’t see any alligators,” he told her after glancing around. “They’re usually not this close to the city.”

  “Really?” She looked skeptical.

  Saxloc walked over to her. “Yes. Give me your hand. We are going to walk until we really see an alligator.”

  Audrey held out her left hand and Saxloc took it with his right. He led her down the slope to the road, but she resisted when they reached it. “It’s perfectly safe,” he insisted.

  “Do they ever climb up on the road?” she asked in a quivering voice.

  “Yes, but only on the way to the other side. Not to attack people.”

  “I don’t care. If one crawls up here, I am going to flee in terror.”

  “Fair enough. Just don’t flee into the marsh,” he advised, causing her to smile.

  “Okay, but I won’t stop running until I’m safely inside my cottage.”

  He could feel that she was more relaxed as the two of them began to walk dow
n the road. The marsh was alive with noise from insects, birds, and frogs, and it was incredibly humid. There air reeked with a fetid aroma. As they walked, he spotted a snake and several silvery fish. The marsh wasn’t completely flat. There were occasional hillocks with scraggly bushes and trees that had an odd, squared-off shape.

  “Those are marshwood trees,” he said, pointing. “The wood from them is resistant to moisture and rotting. It’s what all of the buildings in Dymar are constructed from.”

  “That makes sense,” she remarked.

  After they had walked about a quarter mile, Saxloc stopped and pointed off to the right. “There,” he said. “That’s an alligator.”

  Audrey squinted and looked toward where he was pointing. It was about forty yards away and simply swimming slowly along parallel to the road. “Is that another one?” she asked, pointing more to the right.

  Saxloc looked. “Yes, and there’s another one past that.”

  “I see. They really are a lot smaller. And their snouts are blunter.”

  “Yes, but I’m not going to lie to you. If you were to go wading or swimming in the marsh, they might well attack. And they do occasionally crawl up and into Dymar. But I think that they’re less of a threat than wolves or bandits, and Dymar doesn’t have to worry about either of those.”

  “That’s true.” She squeezed his hand gently. “They’re scary, but they’re nothing compared to that crocodile that nearly took off my leg.”

  “That was a giant crocodile, and they’re rare. From what I’ve read, most crocodiles are closer to this size.”

  Audrey smiled and squeezed his hand again. “Thank you for making me come out here. This is helping.”

  “Do you want to head back now?”

  “No. Let’s watch for a little longer. They really are graceful in their own way.”