Enchantress Awakening: Part One of the Book of Water (The Elemental Cycle 1)

by Whitmarsh, J. W.

  The monks greeted them more briskly than before, stirred into quicker action themselves by the increasing wetness. They were quickly conducted indoors the living space where they had stayed before. Such was the effect of the rain that even in the short time it took to reach the monastery, the women were truly sodden. Penric, in his leather and mail was dryer on the surface but no happier for the weight of water had made his armour heavier and consequently his perspiration greater.

  A hot bath was run in a reinforced wooden tub. To save taking turns and the water cooling for one of them, Caleigh and Ellie opted to take the bath together as they oft did at home. As usual Ellie entered first with Caleigh lying face up on top so that her far larger breasts were not squashed between their bodies but bobbed on the surface instead. Splayed out over her friend Caleigh always felt an unaccountable warmness in these moments of proximity, basking in contentment as Ellie playfully stroked her fingers over her face and shoulders.

  “What can you do?” Ellie asked after a while. “With your powers, I mean.”

  “Of late I’ve been able to sense when men have feelings of lust in my presence.”

  “That must be near all the time, I expect.”

  “It does seem that way.” Caleigh confirmed with a laugh.

  “Can you sense such feelings between others?”

  “Yes, at the banquet I could sense a lot of the men feeling aroused when they watched you, for instance.”

  “Really? That’s good to know. Do you remember which ones?”

  “There was a lot of lust in the room on that night I’m afraid. Why do you ask?”

  “I was wondering whether you could sense if Penric likes me or not.”

  “Well, I’m sure if he walked in right now I would feel strong surges of lust from him.” Ellie gently smacked Caleigh for her flippancy.

  “Not fair, you’re here too and we know that he likes you.”

  “Very well, I shall attempt to note it from now on.”

  “You would not object to us coupling?”

  “Why should I? If it makes you both happy then I have no objection. I have no right to claim or jealousy over Penric.”

  “It would be understandable, nonetheless. You were together for near a year.”

  “And we were friends much longer than that before. My love for him now is the same as ever; I could not resent him any joy.” Ellie seemed satisfied with this and Caleigh let her head droop back over her shoulder in a shallow half-slumber knowing she would not slide underwater by accident.

  Almost at once her vision shifted from the bathroom roofing to scene outside in the grounds. A thin monk with the first touches of grey in his hair watched as one of the younger initiates carried boxes of apples from the gardens into the kitchens. The wet clung to his hair and made his robes stick. The elder monk looked on and Caleigh could sense from him a mixture of excitement and shame.

  Barely had she time to contemplate this when she was looking at the interior of one of the sheds in the grounds. Inside another initiate was stooping over a roll of parchment containing a charcoal drawing of a young woman reclining in the nude. One hand gripped the shaking scroll while the other felt inside his robes. Again, the joy was tempered by guilt though of a different kind to the former.

  The hut disappeared and was replaced by a grim and ancient-looking castle seeming carved from living stone and bearing many an image of skulls and gaping maws. Ahead of her a diverse group of people ran forward into the lower courtyards. Amongst them seemed to be peoples from all corners of the world, many of them never seen by Caleigh before; dark-skinned men with broad features, small pale figures with jet black hair, some armed and bedecked in armour of leather and bronze, others in robes of every colour that whipped about their legs as they sped forward.

  In the middle of the group moved Loreliath in the same attire as she had appeared to her only with the hood drawn back and a long staff of white crystal in her hand. Following her and the group as a whole they moved further into the courtyard that quickly came alive with shouts and the sound of scrambling boots. Soldiers appeared draped in black and carrying shields bearing two twisting red horns upon darkness. Light of all colours flashed and many of the soldiers were blasted aside while the rest were met by the armed contingent of the attacking force.

  Without pause for breath they kept moving forward into a corridor pacing towards an opening at the far end. This exit opened onto hall lined with pillars on either side that supported a roof that was open in the centre letting the strong glow of moonlight into the red-sand coloured room. At once the air filled with balls of fire hurtling towards the group that were intercepted by a sudden tidal wave upon whose crest rode dolphins of water, snuffing out the flames before they could reach their targets. Just as quickly the whole room became a storm of light as black robes and shaven-headed sorcerers duelled with their opponents rushing into the space.

  Caleigh could barely follow what happened nor did she desire to. Between the screams and shouts, roaring flames and beasts erupting into thin air all around her people were dying. That most of these deaths were of Xyraxis’ minions was little comfort to her. To see a body burned to cinder or torn asunder by magic was grisly no matter whom it was who suffered. In the chaos she tried to keep her eyes on Loreliath, shining with bursts of white light desperately intervening every time an ally was in danger. Her power was frightening in its magnitude yet it was never used viciously or with malice and thus in this maelstrom hers remained a comforting presence.

  The last of the black sorcerers was vanquished and all went quiet. Some of the allied mages began to run forward to the massive steps at the far end of the hall. Shapes moved in the darkness and with no sound or warning sable clad assassins were among them seeming to materialise from the darkness around the pillars or dropping soundlessly from the roof. Those who had run forward were butchered in moments; their attackers moving too swiftly to be struck with magic.

  Caleigh did not get to see the conclusion to this; instead she was moved to the Shrine of Lost Souls but not as she knew it, for in this vision it was whole and undamaged, a fine temple of white stone. There she saw Loreliath surrounded by five men in varying attire and bound by chains, fire, lightning and thick branches conjured from nowhere. Briefly she struggled, energy crackled through the stones shattering columns and bringing down the roof in several places. Then, falling on to her knees the ground beneath her opening sucking her downward until she was lost from sight and the now cracked floor sealed itself over her.

  “Caleigh, can you hear me?” It was Dana’s voice. Caleigh opened her eyes and felt that they were wet and that her cheeks were hot. She looked around and quickly realised she was no longer in the bath but wrapped in sheets upon a bed, where Dana sat on the end leaning over her.

  “What happened?”

  “You were in the bath and you fell into some form of trance. Ellie had to drag you out and get you to bed. Nothing we did seemed able to wake you.”

  “It cannot have been long, though.”

  “You were like that for a good hour. We were very worried. How are you feeling now?”

  “I feel fine, a little tired perhaps. I’m sorry Dana, it must have been much worse from the outside than it was for me.”

  “Hush, what matters is that you’re well. Do you know what happened?”

  “Not as such. My mind was alive with images of what Loreliath described to me, I cannot remember it all and I do not think I took most of it in when it was happening either. It was like I was running through several events happening at once and could only catch glimpses on the way.”

  “Well, I claim no wisdom in this but it seems that you’ve been through much today. Rest now, we have much walking ahead of us tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, Dana, and thank Ellie for me.”

  “I will. See you shortly.”

  Soon after Dana left Caleigh drifted off to sleep but she did not sleep for long and was awake again when a knock came at her door. “Yes?�
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  “It is Brother Adam, may I enter?”

  “Yes, come in.” Caleigh readjusted the sheets to protect her modesty then sat upright as the door opened. Adam immediately noticed the glimpse of bare shoulder and sent his gaze downward.

  “I heard that you were here and that you suffered some kind of seizure. How do feel?”

  “I am fine. I think I was just overcome with tiredness.”

  “Ah. Did you find what you sought at the shrine?” Brother Adam’s pale blue eyes met hers and slowly widened. An effect amplified by their largeness and his slightly narrow chin that meant all gazes were inevitably drawn upwards. “By the blessed light!” he exclaimed. “I think perchance you have seen something? Tell me, Caleigh, were you visited?”

  “I am not sure what you mean.”

  “Please, Caleigh, do not seek to befuddle me. I see it in your eyes and by the light that glows from within you. If you have received a revelation you must share it with the world.”

  “Why? Do you want her to be killed?” Caleigh had not noticed Dana enter but she had closed the door behind her. Brother Adam did not seem flustered; calmly he turned to address her.

  “I do not follow your meaning?”

  “You must know that the world is dangerous place for those who are special. I beg that whatever you think you have perceived here, you keep it to yourself.”

  “I understand your concerns but, please, be assured you are among friends here.” Adam turned back to Caleigh. “I know not what path has been set out for you yet wither it may go, my sword is yours should you seek it.”

  “Your sword? I thought this was a monastery.”

  “It certainly is. We are the Order of the Sacred White Maiden, and we are the sworn protectors of her holy shrines. We are both monks and knights, some only the former, some only the latter, some holding both roles equal yet all of us bound by our vows to serve the most blessed lady.”

  “They’re Cruxiars, in other words.”

  “No, we are the Knights Repentant.”

  “I do not know what either is, yet I think Dana is right. If you want to help, let me find my path my own way.”

  “As you wish, nevertheless I insist on seeing your party safe to Connlad on the morrow. We can spare a cart for the trip so at the least your journey will be swifter and less wearying.”

  “Thank you that is most kind.”

  …

  The rest of the journey passed uneventfully enough. As promised it was both swifter and less tiring than their outward trek had been. The four of them sat in the horse-drawn cart while Brother Adam rode alongside. His outward appearance was little changed he still wore the brown, hooded, cassock and this almost completely covered the mail hauberk underneath. Likewise, stowed amongst his packs his longsword was not immediately obvious either.

  For the most part he talked with Penric about his martial training and about the benefits of a sword with a longer cross guard. The Knights Repentant supposedly modelled their blades on the enchanted sword of Albion and it certainly gave them a distinct appearance from the standard design of the day.

  In the event, no swords of any kind were needed and they rolled into Connlad in good time and said their farewells before heading into the main hall. Leaving the others to their purposes, Caleigh made at once for Sir Marc’s study, his usual point of refuge after a morning hunt. She wrapped on the door and was immediately met with “Come” from the inside.

  “My liege.”

  “Ah, Caleigh you have returned.” Caleigh tried to prevent colour from going to her cheek as Sir Marc’s eye accidentally skimmed over her cleavage causing him a brief flutter of excitement. “I trust your trip was enlightening? In truth, I am slightly surprised to see you returned so soon. What is the cause of this urgency? I do hope it was not for my wife’s sake. Whatever she may tell you she has been adequately attended in your absence.” Sir Marc said lightly.

  “No, my lord, though you are right about my urgency. Sire, I need to see Tovrik. I know not how to seek him but I know you are friends…” Before she could continue Sir Marc held up his hand.

  “So, this is the day. In truth, Caleigh, I have long known this moment would come.”

  “My lord?”

  “You may have wondered why we took you into the household a year ago. No doubt you have noticed that there are rarely enough duties to keep all hands busy. We took you in because Tovrik asked us to. Do not think we were unwilling; your presence has lightened our hearts each day. Indeed, Tovrik predicted that we would find you invaluable in ways far beyond the duties you might perform. Yet we always knew it would not last and that there would come a day when you would ask to see him and that from that day on we must free you from any ties you may feel to us or any notions of servitude or duty.”

  “You accepted these terms readily?”

  “Why not? We would not have otherwise known the kindness you have brought to our hall. Besides, Tovrik is a friend and it need not be more complicated than that. So now, I will send word to Tovrik and ere long he will come, I am certain. Is there more I can do for you?”

  “No, my lord, you have done so much. I cannot begin to thank you for all that you’ve done for me.”

  “Ah Caleigh, it was never a trial. Showing kindness to the kind is not a hard task.” Sir Marc and Caleigh exchanged smiles and once again she felt the knight’s guilty tension. She looked away and almost as if he was aware his feelings had betrayed him, Sir Marc looked away too and bid farewell in a rather forced and formal fashion. For the first time, Caleigh almost regretted the changes in her and looked back wistfully to the days when she was less aware. Moreover, she realised that what she really regretted was that she could both possess this knowledge and do nothing with it. She cared too much for Edith to lie with her husband, and cared too much for Marc to put him through the guilt he would feel if he strayed on her. Being gifted, she realised, was not always pleasurable.

  This same thought occurred to her in the night as well. It was a hot night, the kind that causes restlessness and makes sleep hard to come by. From the sensations she felt coming to her through all the walls, it seemed to Caleigh that as many as could had chosen to resolve this restlessness with their bed partner.

  She remained sure that parting from Penric was the kindest thing to do but nonetheless she almost wished she hadn’t in that moment. Regardless of all else, she had enjoyed the one congress they had shared and found herself yearning to partake in it again and each intimate feeling that strayed into her head from the other rooms of the castle conspired to exacerbate her own needs to an infuriating degree.

  Her hands strayed beneath her night shift feeling at her sex and at her nipples in a flush of excitement. No cogent fantasy drove her, rather senseless images of sweaty bodies, male and female; Penric entering her as he did before became Robin taking her on the battlements where they spoke, which in turn changes to Sir Marc unclothing her in his study, then to almost random body parts; Robin’s arms and Penric’s eyes were accompanied by Ellie’s rump and Loreliath’s cleavage as well as Sir Marc’s broad shoulders from behind. Any thought or sight that spoke of sex forced its way into the confusion.

  Eventually this assemblage gave way to a vision of a woman exiting the gardens by the southern wall and walking towards the trees in the direction of the stream. Caleigh came back to reality at this thought, which unlike the others, was not something arousing. Briefly she questioned why it had come to her amid all of them until she realised that close to the stream upon the very path that the woman was walking lay the old Senatian guardhouse, and presumably the woman’s partner in-wait.

  Inspired, Caleigh rose quickly and picked up the secret key that Ellie had given her. The idea of watching a real carnal act felt more appealing on this occasion than inventing one in her own head. Quietly as she could, she hopped over the cold stone floor of the corridor and pattered down the staircase right into the hallway before the kitchens. Just inside as Ellie had described it there was the
apparently blocked archway. It was hard to see in any light and near impossible in the dark, but feeling her way across the stonework Caleigh somehow found the keyhole.

  As she opened this secret passage the key began to vibrate in her hand, warning that people had entered the space where they could be observed. Presumably it only did such when more than one person was there otherwise the old lord might have made many a trip only to witness somebody sitting alone, taking shelter from the rain or resting their feet after a long walk.

  It was at this point she remembered that this ingenious piece of craft was given to the old lord by Tovrik. Whatever the rights and wrongs of being party to such an arrangement, that Tovrik could fashion such a tool suggested there was more to his abilities than mere stagecraft. Momentarily, Caleigh pondered how Tovrik, who had taken such an interest in her fate for so long, would feel if he knew she was putting his work to use for this end. She quickly put the thought aside, thinking about Tovrik and magic was not the kind excitement she was interested in at present.

  At the end of the long corridor there was the faintest of lights flickering from the top of a very short set of stairs topped by a narrow space from which the observer could slip onto a comfortable bench facing the wall ahead. The light she had seen was coming from a small mesh-grill within this wall set just at head-height for someone sitting on the bench. For a moment, Caleigh worried that she would be visible once she sat before it until she realised that it was quite high up in the room it looked into and not directly lit.

  The two people in the room she recognised at once. The woman, who was finding a place to hang her cloak, was Lady Esther, Dame Edith’s younger sister, who was married to another knight in the service of Earl Cynric. The man was none other than Robin Stronghand, also married and had spent much of the evening meal and after trying to corner Caleigh. She was almost affronted to see that his affections for women other than his wife did not run exclusively to her.