‘This isn’t a safe place to be when it’s raining,’ he told her. ‘It fills up fast and water blasts along here faster than most people can run. But at least the force washes the rubbish out so we can get through.’
She glanced at him wondering how he had breath for speech whilst running swiftly along an obstructed and very dark tunnel. The grilled drain holes above were widely spaced and cast only small pools of light. She stumbled, only just managing to avoid a heap of rank smelling garbage. She growled to herself for her lack of attention on where she was putting her feet. They carried on in silence but for the quiet patter of their feet and their quick breathing. Even wearing boots Freddie made little sound and her velvet padded paws were designed for silence. She almost lost track of time and wondered how much of the town they were able to traverse down here. At least this meant they would be far from the wizard closing in on her last position. A loud rushing noise grew ahead of them and in a small pool of light they caught up with Jim.
‘We can’t go any further in this tunnel,’ Jim explained to the cat whilst they caught their breath. ‘It drops steeply beyond here into a pool that goes underground. We have horses, but we’ll need to hide you to get out the gates. It’s best you don’t change until we get back. The wizard they had with them will probably be able to feel the surge of magic that always accompanies an animus change; that’s how I found you. That other wizard obviously felt it too, which is why we had to move quickly. I’m going to have to beware casting any spells myself,’ he added to Freddie. ‘I can’t risk exposing us. We’re just going to have to rely on our wits rather than me,’ he warned. ‘Quickly, the coast is clear,’ Jim added pushing the heavy grille open and climbing out.
Freddie simply reached down and picked up the cat lifting her out of the drain and setting her down in the street. He climbed out and quickly closed the grille. This exit was particularly useful because it was close to the north gate; one of the busiest entrances to the town. They walked casually to the huge livery stables where everyone locally kept their horses, space being at a premium farther into the town.
‘How are we going to hide you?’ Jim mused, considering the cat. ‘I suppose one of us will need to carry you. At least your form is small. You’ve got a bag there Freddie,’ he added brightening.
Natalya carefully wiped her paws on some tufts of clean grass, fastidiously ridding them of wet smelly dirt while assessing both men. She was not going to be shoved in her own backpack, thank-you! She met Freddie’s gaze, trotted towards him and leapt up into his arms relying on him to catch her so she wouldn’t need to claw his clothes, or skin, for that matter.
Freddie caught the small leaping body before she landed. He lifted her up to eye level and met bright ice blue eyes. She hung limply in his hands and he quickly altered his grasp worried he might be hurting her holding her under her armpits. He brought her against his chest wondering what she’d thought of. She wriggled and he released his grip so she could move. To his surprise she pushed her head between the buttons of his coat for a moment. She looked up at him, her paw patted the button and she chirped questioningly at him. Freddie unbuttoned it and the cat immediately climbed inside his coat, accepting his invitation. He pulled the drawstring about his hips tighter making a ledge for her to rest on without falling out of the bottom of the coat. It was a very strange feeling to have something warm and alive pressed against his stomach.
‘Are you alright in there?’ Freddie asked, his hand running over the warm shape gently.
Loud purring issued from his coat and he could feel the sound vibrating against him. He glanced at Jim and realised he was laughing.
‘You look pregnant or exceedingly fond of pies,’ Jim teased him.
‘It won’t be so obvious when I’m in the saddle,’ Freddie responded absently his attention still on the warm softly purring creature curled so trustingly against him. He couldn’t resist stroking the warm shape, particularly now Jim had disappeared into the livery to get both of their horses. The cat moved and he suddenly felt a furry foot against his skin rather than through his shirt. The velvety foot stroked him briefly then withdrew from between the buttons of his shirt and he breathed again. He’d abruptly been reminded this was an animus woman he held, not an affectionate kitty. He flushed, a little embarrassed she would have to remind him, but something about her made him feel very protective.
‘Need any help mounting?’ Jim asked him handing over the reins.
‘No. Let’s get out of here,’ Freddie said mounting carefully so he didn’t crush her against the horse. They rode to join the queue waiting to pass out through the checkpoint at the gate. Freddie opened the upper half of his coat so it gaped, distorting the shape of his body and therefore disguising the fold where she lay. It also helped cool them both; their combined body heat was making him overly warm. He noticed one of the guards had a dog that was watching and sniffing at the people passing by. He hoped it wouldn’t react to the scent of a cat, although his own scent mingled with hers might confuse it. Generally dogs turned aggressive or were nervous of his wolf scent. However, Jim’s lion scent had a tendency to reduce most guard dogs to whimpering in terror if they couldn’t run away. Fortunately he noticed this dog veered away, clearly taking the flight option and not wanting to get any closer to them.
One of the guards picked out and detained a tall blond woman ahead of them. A second but much shorter blond woman was also separated out and pulled aside; both were young. He glanced down inside his coat and met her eyes gleaming back at him. ‘You don’t happen to be young and blond?’ he whispered. ‘The gate guards have stopped two women with that description. Someone’s obviously determined to catch you,’ he added quietly. He felt claws flex in alarm pricking his skin for the first time. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll be past soon,’ he murmured.
‘Move along,’ the gate guard ordered in a bored tone. A man on horseback, with a bag of what appeared to be shopping and a beer belly didn’t warrant a second look. Animus and wizards were always skinny.
‘What’s going on?’ Jim asked the guard as they came alongside.
‘We’ve to arrest any blond young woman we find trying to leave. We’ve had word of a trouble maker,’ the guard volunteered with a shrug. He didn’t notice his colleague glance at him in surprise for so readily answering Jim’s question and for being so open about their orders.
‘That seems a little extreme,’ Jim mentioned mildly, his gaze pinning the guard’s eyes. ‘Surely they would tell you who the trouble maker was if there was a real crime? Who’s pressing the charges?’
‘It’s some out of town wizard. We’ve just been told to hold any blond woman until the wizard can come and identify her.’
‘Ah, so you’re at the beck and call of a foreign wizard? I didn’t think a foreigner would have the right to order you about?’ Jim asked, again keeping his tone light and casual.
Freddie had passed Jim now, pretending they were not together but he, like a large part of the crowd was silently listening. He hoped Jim’s magical prompting wasn’t going to draw the enemy wizard.
‘You’re right. I don’t have to take orders from them. They’re outside of their jurisdiction,’ the guard said in aggrieved tones. Jim clearly had the guard in the palm of his hand. ‘I can’t have one of my men tied up holding our own people from their work for no good reason. Charlie, release those two and get back to work; we’ve a backlog stacking up here.’ He glanced back round but the blond man had gone.
‘What did you hear?’ Freddie asked as Jim joined him beyond the gates. Jim gave a tiny shake of his head and Freddie noticed the taller of the blond women was watching them, but so too were several others.
Jim glanced at the scattered people. ‘Come closer,’ he said, quietly enough that only those with extra sensitive magical hearing would hear him. ‘That town’s no longer safe while the catchers have inquisitor wizards with them. I run White Haven school twelve miles north of here. You’ll see its white walls and a moat. That’s
a safe haven and you’ll all be welcome. Don’t touch the walls for any reason, there’s a defensive spell on them,’ he added. He wheeled his horse and led Freddie away quickly before the guard he’d spoken with saw him and his carefully clouded memory resurfaced.
4. White Haven
They cantered steadily along the road putting distance between them and Briarton and possible detection by the wizard. Jim’s own presence could not be completely masked; he exuded far too strong a power signature to hide entirely from another wizard. Instead, he’d amplified his presence, whilst diluting the source so that the whole town seemed to reek of power. That would confuse other wizards’ senses and their ability to track any weaker animus signals. It should also put them on warning that there was someone of power nearby best not to tangle with. Getting rapidly away from town was the best solution so that Jim’s spell would simply fade, hopefully before the wizards could get a fix on the source. When they had passed the last of the small villages along their route and felt safer, they slowed to a walk.
‘It’s about time we found out why they were going to such trouble to catch your little friend. Why do they want someone that hides behind a stranger like a mouse,’ Jim added bluntly.
They both heard her growl at his insult.
‘Jim,’ Freddie reproved and wrapped his arm around the warm little shape snuggled against him.
‘Why are you protecting her? You don’t even know her name,’ Jim added.
Freddie looked down, ‘did I hear you right? Your name is Natalya?’
She purred and rubbed her head on his taut belly liking the way he said her name. Reluctantly she climbed out of the warm refuge of his coat and perched on the front of the saddle to look around them. Freddie’s large hand steadied her.
‘This is White Haven School?’ Natalya asked seeing big defensive gates ahead with flanking white towers and gleaming flawless glossy white walls. Something about the walls drew her attention but she remembered Jim warning the others not to touch. With the warning in mind she guessed it was a magical compulsion she sensed.
‘Yes, we’re one of the few places left that teaches animus as well as wizard students. So given the current levels of intolerance to animus people, it seemed prudent to improve the fortifications,’ Jim told her. ‘Now it not only feels secure but the changes mean we no longer look like a soft target. It was tricky deciding on what to do; too much would have looked as conspicuous as not enough.’
As they got closer she realised there was a wide moat defending the walls. She was relieved to note this meant that no innocent could touch the walls by accident. Someone considering climbing or breaching the wall would first have to swim the moat. This moat was unexpectedly aesthetically pleasing and was a far cry from the usual stagnant ring of smelly sludgy water surrounding most fortifications. Ducks paddled on the water and there were reeds and water lilies thriving at the edges as though the moat had been here for years. They crossed an elegantly arched bridge and she peered over the side. The water unexpectedly rippled with a current like a river too and fish were visible in the clear water. Glancing up she noticed movement; people were watching them from the pair of square towers flanking the gate which clanked and opened as they approached. They passed through a short gatehouse tunnel and the gates closed behind them. She noticed a man standing at the foot of the tower nod to Freddie and look at her curiously.
‘White Haven School,’ Jim announced, gesturing at the huge country house visible about half a mile away up the tree lined drive. A tall and impenetrably thick hedge bordered the drive on their left and she could hear sounds of life on the other side. A small open gateway pierced the hedge and Jim turned his horse onto the lane that passed through the gateway. ‘White Haven Village.’
Natalya gazed with interest at the large and prosperous looking village they were entering. She could just see the perimeter wall between the large buildings on her left and realised the wide central street ran parallel to it. Whilst on the left of the street the land was fairly level, the terrain on the right hand side had several undulations and even a small hill. The buildings varied in style reflecting the differing businesses taking place there and each sat in an ample plot. She could hear industry taking place everywhere and scented all manner of things, from the timber yard, to a bakery, to a forge. She also noticed that whilst the school was made of the same white stone as the perimeter wall, the village houses were more varied. Some were built of timber; others were of a mellow tan brick or were a combination of stone with curved tan roof tiles. There was a welcoming and homely feel to the village.
‘This is a beautiful place,’ she offered, her attention now on the people going about their business. ‘Where are we going?’
‘To introduce you to the village head man,’ Jim told her.
‘That’s not you then?’
‘No. I’m the school’s headmaster and am ultimately responsible for everyone inside these walls. Drako reports to me but looks after this animus village.’
‘Everyone living here is animus?’ Natalya asked in shock. She’d never have guessed there were so many left free. She looked again at the people in sight; yes all were tall and athletic.
‘Predominantly, yes. The school is for both wizards and animus students, so it’s useful that I am both,’ Jim told her. ‘We mix freely here, everyone contributing to our welfare or safety. Without experienced animus warriors like Freddie I wouldn’t be able to protect my animus students. I understand I no longer sound completely wizard in nature. The inquisitors would come for me just as surely as anyone else and as they tried to come for my lady.’
Natalya noticed Jim’s expression of anger and felt Freddie’s hand flex also in mention of this woman. But neither said any more and she was left wondering. They reached a broad open square with a simple central fountain, evidently used for drinking. It was peaceful and invitingly shaded by a large oak tree. On a pair of benches some women sat together chatting whilst their hands continued with the mundane chores of weaving baskets or knitting. Whilst the women acknowledged Freddie warmly, they were a little more reticent when they saw Jim and indeed her. A lane opened up on their right and they turned up it heading for a beautiful house at the top of a small hill.
‘That’s my house,’ Freddie remarked pointing to a smaller and less remarkable house on their left nearest the top.
Natalya nodded, eyeing the attractive and private home wistfully. She wondered if there was a Mrs Freddie in there but didn’t feel she could ask. Another man nodded to Freddie from a house opposite and she felt the weight of his gaze. Hardly surprising; she was a stranger and in these difficult times they would be suspicious. She caught movement out of the corner of her eyes; a tall handsome man was rising to his feet from a swing seat on the veranda of the house they were approaching. There was strength and power of personality here too, yet he had a calm serene demeanour. Jim halted at a hitching rail at the side of the house and dismounted. Freddie guided his horse there too. She leaped down as soon as the horse stopped so Freddie could dismount, but waited for him rather than follow Jim round to the front.
‘Come inside and change,’ Freddie said to her with a glance of permission to Drako. He’d noticed she’d waited for him again and that she seemed nervous and very small. He led her to the cloakroom just off the entrance hall and placed her bag inside. ‘I’ll be just outside,’ he murmured and closed the door giving her privacy.
Natalya was glad of the chance to be alone and use the facilities to wash her hands and feet properly. There were definite negatives to running in dirty places without boots. She could hear voices in the other room but none sounded aggressive or angry and she relaxed a little. She dragged her fingers through the hair that had escaped her long braid noticing how wild and knotted it all was in the mirror. Seeing her reflection she washed her face too. She glanced wistfully at the small tiled bath in the corner, but they were waiting for her. She straightened her shoulders resolutely and opened the door.
�
��I’m happy to meet you properly Freddie,’ she said, suddenly feeling rather shy under his gaze. He seemed quite different viewed with human eyes. She could see the warrior in him now and appreciate his height and the breadth of his shoulders. ‘Thank you for helping me escape,’ she said and took his hand to emphasise her words. ‘What’s wrong?’ she added when he remained silent.
‘Freddie, how long do you intend to keep her out there all to yourself?’ Jim called and appeared in the doorway. ‘Ah, like that is it?’ he commented in amusement. ‘It’s not like you to be tongue tied,’ he teased. ‘But I see why.’
‘Come and meet everyone,’ Freddie suggested keeping hold of her hand and stopping Jim from taking over. ‘This is Commander Drako of Clan Green Bear and headman of White Haven village,’ Freddie introduced. ‘This is Natalya.’
‘Pleased to meet you,’ Drako said shaking her hand. ‘Welcome,’ he added. ‘You’ve obviously met Freddie, my second in command,’ Drako said not commenting on the fact Freddie’s scent was all over her. That was a possessive wolf trait to mark a female. Perhaps she didn’t realise and his scent on her was accidental, but Freddie was acting very attentively towards her. Then again, she was a particularly attractive, if a little daunting, looking woman. ‘This is Cassaria, my wife,’ Drako said bringing Cassy forward. ‘She is a wizard student here.’
Natalya took the other woman’s hands in greeting, liking her on sight. She’d been wondering why the one woman in the room was so small. Animus people were always considered tall by ordinaries, but wizards could be any height.
‘Call me Cassy. I hope you don’t mind my saying, but you’ve got a very powerful talent. Can you be more than one animal?’ Cassy felt Natalya’s sudden alarm and nervousness and squeezed her hand reassuringly. The men on the other hand were now paying close and eager attention on the answer. ‘Jim’s girlfriend is a multi shape shifter and can be any animal she wants. I’ve seen her as a panther, an eagle, a horse and even a dragon. She’s rather disconcertingly powerful but a lovely person.’
Natalya: Wizards of White Haven Page 3