“We wanted to buy some silver from you.” Caleigh said dejectedly.
“Oh dear, was that all?”
“And some mistletoe berries if you have store of them.” Rhiannon added.
“I did.”
“Tell me not that they were taken also.” Caleigh pleaded.
“Alas.”
Bryn and Rhiannon opted out of the rapid return journey that Caleigh and Vaughn were forced to make. Landing back at Elevered was slightly better than the initial trip but it was not helped by the dash to the castle and climb up the stairs to Tovrik’s office that followed on its heels. When the door to the antechamber opened without a touch Caleigh fell through with a lurch and landed on the side of her rump at Tovrik’s feet. The old wizard lifted her upright and conducted her to a chair in the illusion room without the need of explanation.
“The message came ahead of you. Doubtless you wish to find and pursue this thief and as commendable as your swiftness here is, he will not evade you in the time it takes to regain your breath.” Caleigh nodded and took a moment to calm herself and recover. Tovrik waved his hand over the god’s eye and brought it into focus over Aldred’s cottage.
“How does a thief feel?” Caleigh thought aloud.
“Nervous, worried that people might catch them but excited to think they might have got away with it.” Vaughn supplied. Caleigh closed her eyes and tried to summon up these thoughts but somehow it wasn’t enough. Something was missing.
“Where does this ley line lead?”
“It is on a line to Stonecairn and Helmgard.” Tovrik drew the god’s eye over Stonecairn showing a village partly encompassed by a huge circle of standing stones.
“Could he travel to any point within this circle?”
“Stonecairn is a major junction on the ley lines. He could land next to the stones, in the heart of the circle or even within one of the buildings if he had the skill.” Caleigh tried to picture it again you are nervous and excited about the theft but you are also worried that someone might see you. A long haired youth appeared from nowhere stumbling between the trunks of two trees in an area of shade. He carried a bundle covered with rags in his hands holding it to close to his side as he broke into a run towards a nearby cottage.
“He is in Stonecairn, I think he lives there. Shall we go there?”
“It can wait till the morrow. If he lives there then you will find him soon enough. Besides, I want Diarmund to go with you when you travel to Stonecairn. Your search will prove easier with his company.”
That night Caleigh stared longingly at the empty phial that had contained her charm. It had got her so close that she had almost been able to touch Loreliath. She was not sure what she could achieve without it. That she had no visions that night was not surprising to her, the fitful restless nature of what little sleep she got was something new. Despite this she woke with energy, excited by the prospect of travelling somewhere new.
Diarmund led the incantations when they went back to the standing stone. The process seemed to go quicker this time, though Caleigh could not be sure if this was in truth or simply because she knew what to expect. A field appeared ahead of them lined with further man height stones rising out of the long grass. Diarmund moved forward and the group followed bracing themselves for the shock when they came out on the other side.
Both Bryn and Rhiannon pitched onto their knees amid the grass; Caleigh managed to stay upright on this occasion by supporting herself against the nearest megalith. Diarmund joined her there pressing him palm flat against the surface and putting his ear to the rock. With his free hand he pulled and oaken wand from his robes which began to shudder in his grasp until he held it out at an angle pointing towards a small clump of trees. “This way.”
When they reached the shade of the trees Caleigh recognised it as the place she had seen the long haired young man appear and a short way beyond was the cottage he ran towards. Still following the direction of Diarmund’s wand they went thither. Out in the field it was possible to get a sense of the whole of Stonecairn. The standing stones formed a wide border around a grassy area where a handful of cottages were spaced and sheep grazed in between. The majority of the housing was clustered beyond the limit of the stones to the west. “Hail, is there anyone at home?” Diarmund called out approaching the threshold.
“I’ll go round the back.” Vaughn informed the others. Caleigh stepped after Diarmund inside the cottage. Still nobody responded to the calls.
“Caleigh, come here.” Diarmund urged upon entering a room to the side of the hearth. Lying on the bed was a woman in her middle ages, who even in the half-light was clearly off colour. She showed no awareness that she was not alone either. Diarmund crouched at her side and tried to rouse her. “She needs water.”
“I’ll go.” Rhiannon volunteered and skipped out of the room hurriedly.
“What ails her?”
“She is in a fever.” Diarmund looked around the room cluttered with various ingredients and attempted remedies as well as half furled scrolls and open books. “I think we can guess to what end our thief steals.” Bryn appeared behind them.
“This is definitely the place.” He explained. “Vaughn has found some remnants of Master Aldred’s silver...oh, who’s she? She looks ill.”
“She is.” Caleigh said softly then quietly suggested. “Why don’t you see how much of Aldred’s things you can recover?”
“Yes, I’ll do that.” Bryn departed and Caleigh moved over to the books trying to discern what malady had overtaken this woman.
“I’m back, mother.” Called out the voice of someone coming through the threshold. Caleigh darted to her feet and moved into the main room. The newcomer was the dark haired young man she had seen in her vision. To her surprise he did not question who she was but immediately tensed to flee and turned back on the doorway just as Bryn reappeared there. There was a moment of recognition as Bryn deduced who this must be and he in turn looked from the man blocking his exit and back to Caleigh then leapt towards the solid wall and vanished clean through reappearing the other side of the window and breaking into a run. Bryn scrambled out the door after him.
“It’s him!” Caleigh followed watching the young man sprinting free from the longer grass to where the sheep grazed. Vaughn was after him stabbing his wand towards his moving limbs. It was all happening too quickly to see the spell move but she did see the thief stumble then roll over three times as his momentum continued to take him forward. He did not stay down and propping himself up with his arms he tried to limp on dragging the dead leg with him.
Vaughn waved him wand again and the grass where the boy was standing whipped round in a circle just as he lurched forward in the most ungainly fashion hurtling several yards ahead each time one foot hit the ground. Seeing his prey rapidly moving out of range Vaughn threw a further spell this time catching him with a ghostly bond around his ankles and dragging him earthward on the track into the centre of the village. Several farmers started moving towards them and Vaughn quickly put away his wand while keeping up the pursuit. Though she was farther off Caleigh followed suit.
The thief tried to get up again but now Vaughn was on him using his weight to pin him to the floor with Bryn closing in support. The farmers came close intrigued by the sudden scuffle on their doorsteps. Worried what their reaction would be Vaughn held out his hand placatingly. “This boy is a thief he has stolen things from a friend of ours.”
“Not again, Cedric.” One shouted out.
“We said we wouldn’t let you off any more.” A group came forward and took the thief they named Cedric off the ground and helped Vaughn to his feet.
“Come on, this is really bad for you now boy. We warned you not to steal anything for a while.” They led him down the track into town and Vaughn brushed the dust off his robe. Caleigh skidded to a halt alongside him.
“Where are they taking him?”
“To the stocks, I expect.”
“Not this time.” The three of t
hem turned around and saw an older farmer leaning on a hoe.
“Why not?”
“The Cruxiars are in the village. Someone must have told them that there was a wizard thief about and they came looking for him. We warned him, we said ‘keep your fingers to yourself until they leave, at least’ but now they’ll have to hand him over to them.” Caleigh drew Vaughn’s ear close.
“We cannot let them take him.”
“He stole things, what are we to do?”
“He stole those things to try and treat his sick mother. Diarmund’s with her now. Vaughn, he’s like us and from what I’ve heard Cruxiars do not like people like us. We cannot leave his fate in their hands.”
The Cruxiars were keeping him in the town guardhouse, fortunately, none of them were in sight when Caleigh and Vaughn went by and with a bit of charm she was able to persuade the jailer to let them in to see him under the pretence of trying to find out from him where their stolen possession were. Cedric looked up angrily from his wooden bench at their entrance. His hands were tethered behind his back and there was bandaging fastened around his throat to no apparent purpose. There was a red mark on his cheek and his lips were swollen. Caleigh put her hand to her mouth in shock. “Are you not satisfied? Why did you pursue me?”
“You stole from a friend of ours. We sought to recover what you took.” Vaughn answered evenly.
“Your friend...the wand maker?”
“Yes.”
“We did not know there were Cruxiars here. We will help your mother, you need not worry.” Caleigh said.
“Caleigh, we need not justify ourselves. He did not have to steal.”
“They are not your allies then?”
“No, we are from Elevered, do you know of it?”
“Yes, my mother said ‘tis a place for scholars.”
“It is and also for people like you, like us. How long have you had your gift?”
“I know not for sure. My family line is of druids. A number of people who live in Stonecairn have druid ancestors. Living here you feel the effect of the stones. I know in many places our kind are treated unkindly, that is not so here. Or it was not so until the Cruxiars settled back in Helmgard. I know I should’ve been more careful but my mother is not merely sick; she was poisoned. That’s why I needed magical materials.” Cedric looked over at Caleigh and his expression softened. “I know not why I’m telling you this but if the Cruxiars are to punish me I should like someone to know my reasons and I am doubtful they will care to hearken to my words.”
“You can trust us.”
“I believe you, though I cannot say why. What was I telling you? Yes, I have had my gift for a few years now. My mother says Stonecairn used to be a travel point for wizards from all around. Maybe that is why I learned to move from one place to another.”
“Why do you not use your skill now to escape?” Cedric forced his chin down and tried to interfere with the bandage around his throat. Caleigh stepped to him and pulled in down, revealing a chain with a silver circled cross on it.
“It saps my reserves when I try. Besides, these Cruxiars seem to know how to stop me using my gift. If I could get outside they would bring me back in again.” Before Caleigh could make further suggestions the door to the cell was flung open and there stood a soldier in a suit of mail such as Sir Edgar’s men wore. Over his chest and legs he wore a white surcoat with a red circled cross on it, a reverse of the colours shown at the monastery by the Shrine of Lost Souls. Despite their protests he swiftly conducted Caleigh and Vaughn out of the guard house leaving them to return to the inn where the rest of the party had gathered.
They were sitting awaiting them in the tavern room in increased numbers having been joined by Dana, Aethelbald and Rosamund. Diarmund explained at once. “I went back to Elevered to fetch some remedies and I thought Dana would be able to help me.”
“Cedric’s mother is recovering now.” Dana reassured.
“And whilst I was there, this one.” Diarmund said pointing to Aethelbald, “insisted on joining us.”
“I thought it sounded interesting.”
“So then Rosamund came along to keep him out of trouble, I suspect.”
“That is partly true” Rosamund agreed, “but mostly we are here to reassure Penric and Ellie. When they heard that you were mixed up with the Cruxiars they wanted to ride up here after you.”
“Penric said ‘tis only a day’s ride.” Aethelbald added.
“By which time everything here will be over, hopefully.” Caleigh finished. “Still, I love them for trying and I’m grateful that you came here for their sake and mine.”
“So how goes it with the Cruxiars?” Diarmund asked.
“They said they would send a message to their chapter master and he may listen to our plea.” Caleigh relayed.
“These colours still hold some sway.” Vaughn said gesturing to his outer robes.
“And what if they do not listen?” Dana posed.
“Then we shall try to find out what punishment lies in wait for Cedric and if it is cruel in excess try to prevent it.”
Contrary to Dana’s fear the knights did return and presented themselves at the inn asking to see Caleigh and Vaughn and then to their great surprise, bringing them by horse up the hills to the ruins of Helmgard where they were housed. Caleigh was stunned by the sight, Helmgard was abandoned only forty years ago and yet it looked like a ruin of centuries. Only in the section where the Cruxiars had begun repairs were there not any gaping holes in the masonry. For all that, what remained spoke of a castle far greater than Connlad or Elevered put together. “I wish Tovrik were with us.” Caleigh commented as they waited outside the Chapter Master’s hall.
“He has other burdens beside ours.” Vaughn returned. “But I’d be glad to have him here too.”
“I was not thinking for our task, I merely wonder what he would say to what has befallen this place.”
“I know not if Tovrik ever came here. He would’ve been quite young when Albion died.” Caleigh looked quizzically at Vaughn. “Did I say something strange?”
“No, nothing.” Caleigh covered suddenly remembering that Vaughn was not aware of Caerddyn’s secret. The knights returned to save her from further interrogation, bringing them through to a rectangular hall with sturdy supports along the walls and a banquet table set out before them. At the far end of the room, was a pale grey stone statue of the blessed White Lady wearing all-covering robes. Caleigh couldn’t help but think how this jarred with what she had seen Loreliath wear and wondered how these knights would react to seeing their idol in this way. The two knights, who had brought them in, assumed positions by the supports in line with two other knights standing nearer the head of the table while at the head itself the Chapter Master stood almost directly in front of the statue.
The Chapter Master was a broad man with a full beard and dark hair that hung down to his shoulders. Like the others he was arrayed in mail and white surcoat with the addition of a white cloak that also bore the design of a red cross centred with a circle. “Well met friends.” He boomed. “I am Sir Oswald Hornwood and I am the Chapter Master of the Knights of the Cross housed here at Helmgard. You are, Vaughn and Caleigh, I believe. Please, take a seat.” Vaughn and Caleigh sat down at the near end of the table facing across from the chapter master. “Is this your first time in Helmgard?”
“Yes, it is.” Caleigh answered. “It is not as I expected.”
“You mean it is a wreck that fits not with the great place from the tales of Albion?” Sir Oswald posed with a laugh. “Alas, the fire destroyed much and war and pillage did the rest. When the Kingdom failed many lords fought over this land until it became Sommerwald. The stone from these walls likely has found a home in a dozen castles now. But come, we should eat and speak when our bellies are full.” Once he was sated Oswald pushed his plate away and looked upon them with a less jovial air than before. “Tell me then, why do you wish to speak for a thief? You cannot dispute his guilt when, from my reports
, he stole also from you and was brought to justice by your efforts.”
“We do not dispute that he stole; only that this wrong is worse than the other choice he faced. His mother was poisoned and all that he stole was simply to try and make a remedy for her affliction.”
“That may be so. You strike me as true so I will not gainsay your words. All the same, theft is but one of his crimes and were it the only one we would let the people of Stonecairn mete out whatever justice they deem fit. Our concern is that he used witchcraft in these thefts and he is therefore a blight on all good people. If you doubt this I ask you to survey these ruins for this was the consequence of witchcraft used as a knife to the heart of our kingdom. We cannot show tolerance for such abuses.”
“You use the word witchcraft blindly and without fair distinction.” Vaughn rebuked. “This boy hasn’t killed anyone nor intended any harm.”
“Theft is harm enough and, trust me, I do not use my words without distinction. The only reason I am prepared to hear your case is because you wear the colours of Librarians. Mistake me not, I know what you are and it is out of the utmost respect to your Order and to the memory of Caerddyn that I make the distinction between you and users of witchcraft. Accordingly, my tolerance extends only to members of your Order, the boy does not wear your colours ergo he has no share of my tolerance.”
“So if he is one of us he is a wizard and if not he is a witch?” Caleigh asked.
“It is as you say.”
“Then he is one of us. He belongs to our Order. We did not mention earlier because we did not know the favour you held towards our number, now that is clear we can share this with you.” A shimmering barrier came between Oswald and Caleigh’s charm preventing it from touching the chapter master. A sad smile crossed Oswald’s face.
“And you dispute the boy is guilty of harm? See how he turns you, an honest member of a trusted Order, into a liar prepared to use magic for an ill purpose. This is why the corrupt must be punished else their contagion will spread to all folk.”
Enchantress Awakening: Part One of the Book of Water (The Elemental Cycle 1) Page 30