‘I see he’s remembered the moves I taught him. I do believe he used his entire repertoire on you this morning. I daresay that’s why he stopped, not just because you didn’t leave him a leg to stand on,’ he chuckled then became serious. ‘That was quite a brutal initiation. I understand completely why Freddie would be upset to witness that. I assume he linked with you?’
‘Yes, he likes his new ability,’ she said drily.
‘I don’t doubt that,’ Drako chuckled again, remembering when that intimacy was new for him with Cassy. ‘But it does of course make it doubly hard to witness our partner in pain or under attack.’
‘I suppose it does,’ she considered that and realised Freddie’s anger had probably stemmed from protective fear for her, rather than anger at her, and frustration that he was too far away to aid her.
‘I take it that Jim’s test hasn’t put you off learning sword fighting?’ Drako asked.
‘Not at all. It just proved to me that it was something I ought to be able to learn, given the chance. I’m not happy being unable to defend myself. People have taken advantage of me because of that all my life. They’ve sought to keep me ignorant and vulnerable.’
‘I understand that drive. I don’t know if you realise it but Freddie could teach you. Or I, if it’s something you wanted. You could then learn other skills at the school. Cassy does many different subjects.’
‘I know; that’s what I wanted to talk to her about. Well, Jim told me I was going to struggle in the warrior class when it came to the magical side. I’ve had so little in the way of tuition. So before lunch he put some of your lessons in my head. He said he’d put them together when you went away with Drako.’
‘He did what?’ Cassy and Drako said in unison.
‘He called them your condensed lessons. He said they would help me learn.’
‘Are you ok? They were painful,’ Cassy said in dismay. ‘I can’t believe he talked you into that. Does Freddie know?’
‘No, Jim told me not to link with him during the session.’
‘What don’t I know about?’ Freddie asked coming round the side of the house where he’d been listening on his approach downwind. ‘What else are you keeping from me?’ There was a wealth of hurt in his tone.
‘I’m not planning on keeping anything from you,’ Natalya said gently. ‘I just wanted to be sure I wasn’t distracting you on the hunt and cause an accident.’ She held out her hand to him and he immediately came to take it.
Freddie pulled her to her feet and looked her over making sure she was physically unharmed. He quickly sat down in her chair and pulled her onto his lap where with that amount of physical contact they could converse privately without effort.
Cassy and Drako silently waited, well aware that reiterating the conversation they’d just been having would only take moments, mind to mind, on a link. They watched Freddie pull her closer, cradling her against his body protectively. There was no need for words to know how he felt about her news. She wrapped her arms about his neck and leaned her cheek against his and his grip on her eased.
Natalya straightened up and turned to see Cassy and Drako were snuggled together too.
‘Cassy, how much use did you find the information Jim passed to you? I mean, I know he sent me lots of stuff but I don’t feel I know anything more than I did before. It’s strange.’
‘Well you won’t have covered a great deal in your first session and in only an hour,’ Cassy said. ‘Has he scheduled more sessions?’
‘Yes. He said that since Freddie wakes us both at dawn every day we may as well meet before breakfast. That way it’s not intruding on lessons or the normal working day.’
‘Ok, but dawn? Why do you get up so early Freddie?’ Cassy asked in dismay.
‘It’s the best time of day for hunting,’ he responded. ‘It’s when the animals are moving about and going to water. We’re also less likely to run into other people at that time.’
‘Makes sense. I’d still rather be asleep,’ Cassy admitted and guessed by the sounds of it Jim did too. ‘Who wants a beer?’ Cassy asked brightly. ‘The brewers assure me this latest batch is the best yet. Natalya, want to give me a hand?’ Cassy went inside and closed the door behind them. ‘That’s better, now we can leave the boys to talk,’ Cassy remarked, knowing Drako had some suggestions to give Freddie. She quickly filled four mugs, pressed Natalya into a seat in the lounge with a mug before taking the men theirs. Cassy then flopped into a chair opposite Natalya and sipped her beer. ‘They were right, this is actually quite good,’ she said absently. ‘So, you’ve met your new classmates? The warrior classes don’t mix a great deal and I don’t remember seeing any women amongst them. How were they with you?’
‘I’ve only spoken with two of them; Jason and Marko so far. Jason’s animus and seemed to want to look out for me. I’m not sure why or whether I can trust him. You know how it is with overly friendly men!’
‘I know what you mean,’ Cassy grimaced. ‘And the last thing you want to do is let Freddie think he’s got reason to be worried or jealous. I’ll ask Drako. Ah, I thought so, Jason is clan. Drako thinks he’ll respect your relationship with Freddie, assuming he knows about it,’ Cassy added.
‘The first thing Jason said to me was “you’re Freddie’s girl aren’t you?”’ Natalya laughed.
‘They don’t miss much do they? So how did you answer that one?’
‘I agreed. It felt weird for a complete stranger to call me that. I suppose if he lives in the village he’d have heard someone say something, or maybe seen me out with Freddie,’ she shrugged, it was no secret.
‘So you also met Marko. Did you know he broke Jim’s shoulder, ribs and fingers the first time they fought? I know he was given an enchanted sword to inflict serious damage on Jim and Jim forgave him, but watch your step. He’s one of the most skilled with a sword I believe and I’ve always found him pleasant enough, but he will blindly follow orders.’
‘A necessary trait to instil in a soldier; but thanks for the warning. Anyone else I should know about?’
‘Sorry, I don’t know anyone else in that class. As I said, they don’t mix much. I’m sure you’ll soon figure them out. Anyway, you were asking about the use of the lessons with Jim. For me they were very useful indeed. Like you say you don’t feel you know any more than when you started. But you will find answers come to you when you need them that you never knew you knew. You know what I mean? That’s what happened for me anyway. He’s probably right that they’ll help you get to grips with a whole bunch of different types of spells. You should be able to use most of it.’
‘Thank you Cassy, as usual you’ve helped put my mind at ease. I’ve just got to see if Freddie agrees to my doing warrior classes. He didn’t seem very happy at the thought earlier and I’d rather not go against his wishes. But what’s the point of everyone calling me a warrior wizard if I haven’t learned how to actually be one?’
‘I hadn’t thought of it like that. Certainly you can always switch to something else if you do discover you don’t like it,’ Cassy said walking her to the door.
Natalya noticed Freddie and Drako were in deep conversation.
‘They complain women like to chat,’ Cassy said mischievously. ‘Men gossip worse than a flock of starlings given the chance.’
Natalya laughed agreement and went to Freddie. ‘Stay and finish your conversation. I’ll see you at home,’ she suggested.
‘No, I’m coming,’ Freddie said quickly and stood. ‘Thanks Drako,’ he added, and they took their leave.
‘So how do you really feel about me joining this class?’ Natalya asked anxiously, as soon as they got inside.
‘I’m not thrilled at the prospect of you getting hurt. With such training accidents are likely. But more importantly, I’m not keen on you ever going to war and voluntarily putting yourself in harm’s way. However, all that said, I do think it’s sensible for you to learn self defence and how to better use your magic. You can rely on me to help
you as much as I’m able,’ he told her seriously. ‘Does that answer your questions?’
‘Yes,’ she said knowing he was being honest but that there was more on his mind on this subject than he was prepared to voice just now. She didn’t press the issue however in case he changed his mind.
‘Good. I’m hungry,’ he said deliberately changing the subject. He headed for the kitchen hopefully and swallowed his disappointment at the lack of any cooking. She’d only just got home too and would have had a substantial cooked lunch, compared to his sandwiches. ‘I knew dinner waiting for me when I got home was too good to last. You’ve made me soft in just a few short weeks,’ he laughed wryly. ‘Oh well, I’m sure we can rustle something up between us quickly.’
‘There’s the smoked ham in the larder,’ she suggested and he immediately went to get it. It was rather nice to work together preparing their meal. It eased her guilt that she’d failed to cater for him. But if she was going to get home from a full day of lessons so late in the afternoon, then gathering supplies and preparing meals would need some figuring out and require adjustments from both of them.
She gladly curled beside him after dinner, content with his physical closeness. She didn’t object that he wasn’t linking with her; she didn’t need to know what he was thinking all of the time. She respected his need for the privacy of his own thoughts.
16. A Change of Plan
Freddie woke at his usual predawn time, awakening with the bird’s first greeting of the new day. He cuddled Natalya before getting out of bed.
‘Is it time to get up already?’ Natalya asked him, sleepily aware his warmth had just gone.
‘I’m afraid so. The birds are singing,’ he told her.
‘I don’t like it when you’re not in here with me,’ she complained.
‘I’m happy to hear it,’ he responded and leaned over to kiss her. She wrapped her arms about him and purposely overbalanced him onto the bed. ‘What are you up to my little temptress?’
‘Starting the day properly,’ she told him kissing him soundly and letting her hands rove over his exceedingly tempting bare skin.
He laughed helplessly not remotely immune to her ploys. ‘We haven’t time for this,’ he objected weakly.
‘Not for what I’d really like,’ she agreed flooding his mind with images. ‘Are you denying me then?’
‘You’re incorrigible. I see you need taking in hand,’ he told her, decisively getting back into bed. ‘It’s a good job I’m coming with you to your lessons today.’
‘You’re doing what?’
‘Teaching you. It’s fortunate I’ve got just what you need,’ he added, taking advantage of their link to flood her mind with sensual images in return to divert her. He’d been wondering last night how to broach the subject Drako had suggested to him. He knew he could genuinely assist her whilst easing his own mind of what and who she would be facing in the ring. It hadn’t occurred to him he’d be using his body to convince her.
‘You’re right, that is a far better way to start the day,’ he said not many minutes later. Their union might have been brief but it had been thoroughly satisfying nonetheless.
‘I thought you’d agree,’ she said hurrying to bathe quickly. ‘What about the men? Are you sending them out without you?’
‘I’ll talk to them, see what they’d prefer,’ he told her then trotted down to organise breakfast before they arrived.
When Natalya came down she found Freddie out on the veranda his gaze across the field. The hunters were already in the distance jogging steadily. He watched until they passed out through the gate without incident. ‘They wanted to share in your training,’ Freddie told her. ‘But since there are about three hours until official lessons begin they thought they’d see if they can nab something quickly. I think they just want an excuse for a lazy day,’ he confided.
‘Natalya?’ Jim’s voice blossomed in her mind suddenly. ‘Are you up? Where’s Freddie? I don’t remember feeling him leave just now.’
Natalya could feel Jim’s sleepiness. ‘We’re just having breakfast. We’ll be with you in about 20 minutes if that’s ok with you?’
‘I’d best get out of bed them,’ Jim groused, but lightly and left her mind.
‘He didn’t query my coming with you then?’ Freddie asked.
‘No, but then he didn’t really sound properly awake,’ she warned. ‘So, are you going to tell me what you’ve been planning?’
‘I will be your sparring partner today. I haven’t had much call to use a sword recently but I’m reasonably good with one. I can teach you the basic moves that everyone else will already know. I imagine our link will help you quickly grasp new moves as well.’
‘My being at a far lower level than everyone else needn’t stop the others practicing then. Thank you my love, it’s a great idea.’
‘Drako thought of it,’ Freddie admitted. ‘He told me that when he was teaching Jim he had to be very precise in teaching him to do the motion exactly right from the start. Being a wizard he was quite different to teach, mainly because he had perfect recall of a move, so if he learned it wrong then it’d be difficult to re-learn. He warned me you might be the same. He thought from your memory of the fight with Jim that you acted very similarly.’
‘I was copying him, remember,’ Natalya pointed out. Although, she knew Jim had only to show her a move for her to remember it. However, watching someone else doing a move and then trying to replicate it yourself, but in reverse, was difficult when you couldn’t see yourself. You couldn’t be sure you were doing it accurately. That was what took the time for her. They cleared up the breakfast things quickly and were on their way up to the school hand in hand.
‘It might be better for you to wait outside,’ Jim told Freddie as they arrived at his office.
‘No, I’ll watch,’ Freddie said eye to eye with Jim. ‘I understood that it was only if I linked with Natalya while you worked that could cause problems.’
‘Yes, that’s what slows down the process, causes extra work and ultimately pain,’ Jim conceded, holding the door wide open for them both to enter. He sat in the chair he’d already repositioned beside another. Freddie picked up one of the other armchairs and took it to the window further away from them. Jim was relieved by that move and his respect for the man increased.
‘Ready Natalya?’
Natalya took her eyes off Freddie a little guiltily and took Jim’s hand. A flood of odd mutterings, glimpses of spells in action and copious explanations streamed into her mind. She had no idea how Jim was doing this, but if the information made sense to her when she needed it, then it would all be worthwhile.
‘Natalya could you please clear your mind,’ Jim chided.
‘Clear my mind? What do you mean? I thought you were busy filling it.’
‘Do you have any idea how difficult it is to concentrate on the technicalities of herbology spells when you’re daydreaming of the sex you had this morning?’ Jim said drily.
‘Sorry,’ she said, flushing red with embarrassment. Freddie laughed, his eyes gleaming.
Jim had to laugh, before he studiously cleared his own mind enough to start on the next lot of spells. Freddie sat quietly, glancing out the window at anyone passing or watching them but trying not to be intrusive about it.
‘Ok, the bell’s about to go. Here,’ Jim handed her a large pine cone. ‘Turn that into something.’
‘Into what?’ Natalya asked but Jim remained silent; this then was meant to be a test. She looked it over, fascinated by the intricacy of its natural design. She held it between both hands, closed her eyes and felt it move. She was startled by what she saw.
‘Let me see,’ Jim asked, holding out his hand. He could tell she was rather reluctant to give it up. He stared at it in surprise. She’d turned it into a wooden cup. The interior was smooth and perfectly rounded whilst the exterior retained the cone’s seed segments but now in their closed shape. The cup was beautiful and fitted the palm of her hand perfectly.
He had no doubt it would retain water and be practically useful. He handed it to Freddie who’d come closer to see.
‘This is amazing,’ Freddie enthused warmly.
‘You are quite different from Amelie,’ Jim remarked. ‘Her animus side is more dominant. She would have seen that cone as part of a tree’s life cycle. She probably would have made it sprout. She has great difficulty working with wood. Her spells always trigger the wood to grow. You can imagine the fun we had when she made the horse paddock’s fence posts start to grow. However, this proves you can access and use the knowledge I’m giving you. Excellent work. Come on, I daresay you skinny pair could eat something, if only for appearances, at breakfast.’
‘Always,’ Freddie grinned. ‘We only had a light snack earlier,’ he said and they followed Jim to the dining hall. Breakfast was a far more laid back affair than lunch. Everyone simply grabbed the nearest seat unless they were up early enough or particularly wanted to choose their dining companions.
‘Hi Jason,’ Natalya said seeing him arrive, looking for a seat nearby. She noticed his hesitation when he saw Freddie, but then he came over.
‘Hi Natalya, Freddie. Can I join you?’ Jason asked, making it, to Natalya’s ears at least, a formal request.
‘Of course,’ Freddie responded.
‘Jason’s in the warrior class,’ Natalya told Freddie. ‘He was about the only one prepared to talk to me yesterday and make me welcome.’
‘You have my thanks for that,’ Freddie told him quietly.
‘We don’t see you up here very often, certainly not for breakfast,’ Jason commented.
‘No, I’ve normally been hunting for a couple of hours by now. Today however, I thought I’d lend a hand keeping this one out of trouble,’ he said of Natalya.
‘I see,’ Jason said wondering how the others would view him just walking into their class. The others had been eagerly discussing who was going to partner her today. They were going to be sadly disappointed.
Up at the training ground Freddie went directly to speak with Bruno. He smoothly persuaded Bruno that if he took care of providing Natalya with basic tuition then it could only benefit the rest of the class, who then wouldn’t be held back. He then invited Bruno to dictate what moves to start with.
Natalya: Wizards of White Haven Page 18