Marked For Magic

by Daisy Banks

  “Not the entire of my garrison,” Lord Farel protested.

  Cassandra reached over and grasped Lord Farel’s arm. “My brother, yes, all of them are needed. Their purpose is to protect our people and homeland. If they don’t do this, we may have little population left to protect.”

  “The lady is right, my lord. I will return to the tower and expect the first group of riders this afternoon. We will send the brews first to the villages we know are affected and those in close vicinity to them. The potions may be enough to halt the spread. We must try to save as many as we can.” He got up from the chair.

  “Do you wish to see Nin before you leave?” Cassandra asked.

  He shook his head. “No, it would only make things more difficult, for us both. Keep her safe, teach her well, and return her to me soon.” He turned to go, unable to talk more of his Sparrow.

  Cassandra stood, reached across, and clasped his wrist. “I will do all I can. If she learns quickly, she may be back with you next year, perhaps before the leaves fall.”

  “When she is ready will be soon enough. Do not force her to hurry for my sake. I would have the woman she is meant to be.”

  Cassandra laughed and took his hand. “If I am any judge, your little maiden thinks herself ready now.” She smiled. “You know it, too, but yes, I’ll make sure she has a good foundation in the arts before she returns to you. Please, do not torment yourself with doubts, my friend, gods willing, she will be back soon.”

  She walked to the door with him and added, “Keep yourself safe for her, and heed my words of the summer.”

  He nodded, bowed to her, and strode off along the corridor. The ache inside that had formed when he slid his fingers from Nin’s earlier this afternoon had not dissolved. He didn’t think it would until he could hold her again. The next moons would be uncertain ones, and he must work to see them through.

  Gods, keep my Sparrow safe, and help this sickened land.

  At the stable, several of the lads gaped in surprise when he asked for a horse. Usually he had no need for one, but events now made time a precious commodity. The grooms brought out a dark chestnut horse and he mounted without a saddle. Focused on the task, he did not look back, and headed out into the wet afternoon.

  Chapter 16

  Once at the tower, he dismounted and quieted the worries that had pounded through his head with the sound of the horse’s hooves. Although Cassandra and he both agreed this sickness would come, the thing that disturbed him most, he had not yet shared with her. Until his vision of it cleared, he would not speak of it.

  He stabled the horse and hurried into the tower.

  The fire in the large hearth burned low. One look had the flames as bright as they had been this morning under his Sparrow’s influence.

  The memory of the moment Nin first took charge of the flame sparked. She’d nearly set fire to the place, and he’d not laughed at all.

  I miss her.

  Her fragrance haunted the room, and he breathed her in deep.

  On a swift prayer that the seasons would turn faster than they ever had, he went up to the workshop where the potions stood, stacked tall. He would not barter these. They would be freely given, and he had no regrets.

  The bottles would not travel well, unless he packed them with straw. He arranged them in groups of eight inside the small crates he had made.

  At dusk, a loud rap came at the door.

  The youth Rollo greeted him. “There are four of us. We are the first of many. We volunteered to take the healing potions to the outlying westerly villages, Mage.”

  “Good, the potions are ready, and I have a list of instructions you can give to the villagers you meet.”

  The young men with Rollo sat in wait, soothed horses whose breath steamed into the damp evening air.

  “A warning for you all. Have as little contact as you can with the villagers. If there is no one in the village who can read the words, you must make them learn the instructions by rote. To do so will be time consuming and dangerous. I pray you will have no need.

  “If by mischance you touch any of those who are infected, wash as soon as you are able. Do not be enticed to stay with them for any reason.”

  All four of the youths lost their smiles.

  “Keep one batch of the potions for yourselves. Should any of you become ill, you must follow these instructions to the letter.”

  One lad swallowed hard.

  They are so young to bear this responsibility. Gods, let them take my warnings to heart.

  Rollo smiled at him and winked. “Don’t you worry about us, Mage. We will be swift as hawks and drop the stuff off with each headman we can find, and no, I won’t permit these three to accept any embraces as rewards, no matter how lovely the maiden.” He glanced about him. The others smiled again.

  They quickly stowed the potions into panniers.

  Would there be a sufficient amount for those in need? The brews might make a big difference if they were delivered quickly.

  “Are there more men coming?” he asked when the last small crate was packed.

  “Yes, Mage, Lady Cassandra will send more tomorrow. My uncle has also arranged for scouts to assess where the need will strike next.”

  He nodded. “Good, I’ll await their news. Good journey to you all, and remember, no contact if you can help it.”

  “Yes, Mage.” Rollo turned his mount to leave.

  He waved from the door. Harnesses jangled as the four of them rode off into the night. The new moon hung like a pale sickle above the tower, one good omen at least.

  The stillness of the kitchen overwhelmed him.

  How did he live before she came?

  He ate a little of the warmed over stew she’d made yesterday, but he wasn’t hungry. Not tonight. No stick of furniture, nor each cup or spoon failed to remind him of her. Each glace at the room told him she was gone, a cruel kind of torture. The pallet she slept on sat rolled up in the corner.

  He could not resist taking her blanket and holding it to his face. Alyssum flower essence. The honeyed sweetness filled his senses. This fragrant gift had been from Cassandra’s students, and Nin had been so happy to receive it. She wore the perfume all the time. Each time he inhaled, a new set of memories sparked. The scents of woodland and the magical smell of Nin, all combined to bring her to him.

  He wrapped the scented fabric around himself and settled on his bed, cocooned in her aroma. He closed his eyes, and her voice came to him quite clear. Deliciously soft, she spoke in his mind. She could have been lying beside him.

  “I want to come home.”

  “Why, Sparrow?” The desire to hold her washed over him.

  “There is danger from the sickness. I could come and help you. Cassandra told us about it. I want to come back.”

  He shook his head as though she could see him. “No, you will be as helpful to Cassandra as you have been to me, and you will learn more if you stay. I’ll see you next week. Go to sleep, Sparrow.”

  “Thabit, I love you.”

  The words slid over him, warmer than the blanket. “I love you, too, Sparrow. Sweet dreaming.”

  Her sigh skimmed through his mind, and he tried to catch her to him, but she was gone. Soon they would be able to share the dreams they had, if they lived long enough to do so. He turned over, closed his eyes, and used her fragrance to soothe his fears for their future.

  * * * *

  Cassandra glanced about the workroom. All the girls’ faces wore a shimmer of perspiration, the large cauldron bubbled, and dense clouds of vapor filled the air. She wiped her fingers over her damp brow and glanced at Nin, who shredded sections of willow bark.

  The girl had proven Thabit had taught her well. In some areas, particularly in the herbals, she excelled. She would probably wish to develop this skill in her training. Nin had done well to hide any frustration at having to work so hard on the fever brews, instead of branching out into anything with more challeng
e. The girl had also shown maturity in hiding her grief at being parted from Thabit. Those two would be handfasted without doubt. Cassandra smiled.

  The Mage would be a different man with Nin as his partner.

  Only once had Nin wept, and that in shock with the others at the news of the severity of the sickness threatening the land.

  Poor little Tab, whose family came from the outlying westerly regions, had hidden her fears for her mother and worked as hard as the other two girls. Cecile, though, she drooped like a lily out of water, only mentioning Rollo once or twice each day.

  She sighed.

  Gods, bring my nephew home hale and hearty.

  If Rollo didn’t return, it would break Cecile’s spirit and Ranulf’s, too.

  Tab took another jar from the shelf and went back to the mortar to grind the herbs. Cecile continued to write instructions on small rolls of parchment.

  This change from their normal routine was harsh, and Cassandra was sorry for it. All of them missed the time for meditation and study. Poor Nin had been thrown into the work with hardly a moment to spare.

  The news returned by the first few scouts had not been good. The fever seemed to have killed so many already. Once a family was struck, the sickness would spread like a fire in dry wheat. So far, they’d heard no reports from the batches of riders taking the potions to the afflicted villages.

  “Ladies, I want you all to go out when this is brewed. Go up to the herb garden or into the cloister walk.” She glanced out the tall window. The day looked bleak and cold. “Take your cloaks and get some fresh air. I’ll not have you all falling ill.”

  “Come with us, my lady?” Cecile asked.

  “No, I must go and speak with my brother. Perhaps tomorrow I will be able to join you.” She smiled at Cecile. “Nin, will you speak to the Mage tonight?”

  The girl blushed. She looked very pretty with her rosy cheeks.

  “Yes, my lady, I talk to him before I sleep.”

  “You are lucky to have such a powerful voice.” She wished her own skill had developed to such a degree, but she needed close contact before her mind would speak clear. Nin could be a voice for her. “Ask the Mage for news for me, would you? Also please invite him to come here the day after next.”

  Nin beamed, and Cassandra gave a sigh, for this visit would not be a love tryst, no matter how Nin might long for such. “Yes, my dear, you will see him perhaps, but I’m afraid I need him for other purposes. I’m sorry.”

  Nin nodded and bent back to the willow bark.

  Poor girl.

  Cassandra went to the hearth and assessed the brew simmering in the cauldron. This batch was ready to be cooled and stored. Tab hurried over to help her as she swung the large pot away from the hearth.

  “Enough work—no more until you have taken the air, the three of you. Be back with the noon bell. We will eat and make a fresh brew this afternoon.”

  They left, and she hurried up to the library.

  Her brother sat and pored over scrolls and maps. Since the first outbreak of the fever, Ranulf used the scanty information they had to plot the march of the sickness as though it was an opposing troop. She shared his hopelessness at the advance of this skilful enemy and its savage attack. They needed answers, and the Mage might be able to supply them.

  “Ranulf, have you received any news?”

  “Nothing, and it disturbs me. The first group should be back soon, and I am surprised it has taken them so long.”

  “I know. Is there anything that could have delayed them?”

  Ranulf shook his head. “I have no idea. Maybe they have had to travel by roads other than the most direct routes. Until they return, we cannot know.”

  “So, I will ask the Mage to grant us the favor of his skill. You know of what I speak?”

  “Yes, I continue to believe such journeys are unnatural, but yes, he has told me of his travels.”

  She smiled at his words. Ranulf was such a practical man, so entwined with his army, a good commander, but journeys into the spirit world, though useful for information, still disturbed him.

  “We cannot afford to wait like this for every scrap of news. Thabit knows the dangers of such a journey, and despite them, I am certain he will still agree.”

  “Well, we must both hope his journey will be worthwhile.”

  Chapter 17

  Nin looked up when a small pageboy hurried into the workroom.

  “The Mage is waiting for you in the great hall, mistress.” The lad bowed.

  Lady Cassandra beckoned to her.

  A thrill of anticipation shot through her, stronger than the others she’d ignored all morning. The longing to see him made the sand clock run so slow. She brushed the escaped strands of hair back from her face and smoothed down the folds of the blue gown she’d made at the tower, ready for her study here. The new dress didn’t cling as tight as her red one. The color reminded her of Thabit’s old tunic, which was too short now, but she still kept it, along with the multicolored gift he had given her. Tab and Cecile did not laugh at the scarf on her pillow.

  “Nin, come to the hall with me. The Mage is here.” Lady Cassandra went to the door. The pageboy who had delivered his message held the door open, waiting for Nin.

  She gave Tab and Cecile a wave and offered the beaming youth a smile as she followed Lady Cassandra.

  The expanse of the hall was quiet. The castle had been since the second day after her arrival, as though each of the inhabitants were on the alert.

  Thabit stood by the wide central hearth. She stilled the need to run the distance and throw her arms around him. The new black winter robe she had sewn fitted him so well.

  She’d known it would.

  Her heart raced when he turned at the sound of their steps. His eyes lit bright with his smile. She breathed him in and hurried up the length of the hall. He bowed to Lady Cassandra, but he did not look away from her, and the world became a better place.

  “Mage, I am pleased you could join us. I’ll leave you with Nin for a little while, but we must talk,” Cassandra said.

  Thabit nodded, but his gaze remained on Nin as he reached for her hand.

  “Very well, I will return to you shortly.” Cassandra went down the hall.

  “Are you well, my Sparrow?” he asked.

  She nodded. Since only one servant swept in a corner of the hall, she was unable to resist and slid her arms around him. Time ceased when the heat of his lips met hers. Warmth rushed through her body. She sighed when he broke the kiss.

  “You are happier today?”

  “Of course, I’m happier today. You’re here. Do you know what is happening? Have you heard from Rollo?” She’d promised Cecile she would ask.

  “No and no, I am sorry to tell you. The only thing I can say is we must expect worse before an improvement. But let us talk of you. What have you learned this long week?” He led her to one of the carved wooden benches in front of the hearth. He sat and she joined him, sidling up as close as she could until he put an arm around her waist.

  “Potions, lots of them, and no one makes me swim here.” She curled her fingers through his while he laughed.

  “I have a gift for you.” He released her fingers and reached into the fold of his robe. “Open your hand.”

  She did, and he dropped a bracelet into her palm. The iridescent shells picked up the light from the candles and fire.

  “I made it when sleep evaded me one night. Wear it for me?”

  “Always.” She slipped it over her wrist. The shells slid on their leather band and made shushing sounds.

  “I thought it would remind you of the stream…”

  He got no further. She covered his mouth with hers. He slid his arms around to pull her close, and this time the love flowed unchecked between them.

  His kiss demanded her response. Her heart leaped at the swift understanding that today he didn’t hide his feelings from her, and his need was as strong
as hers. All summer she’d doubted, but now he offered her a mirror image of her love. He pulled away, his pupils dark and his breath fast. Her heart thumped, and she could scarce control her wish to ask for more.

  “If I get so much for a shell bracelet, what will I get for a ring?” he asked, his voice a soft murmur in her hair.

  “Whatever you want.”

  “I want you,” he whispered over her skin.

  “I love you.” She clutched the front of his robe to bring him closer.

  When the flames burned up bright in the hearth, he glanced over to the blaze with a soft laugh against her neck. “Stop it, or we’ll have the castle alight.”

  She laughed, but the heat of him warmed so much better than the flames, no matter how bright she made them. He laid her head against his shoulder, and she built a dam to hold back her need to find the warmth of his skin beneath the robe. “Tell me, why does the lady want you here today? It’s not only to visit me, is it?”

  His smile faded. “No. I may need to be gone for a little while, Sparrow.” He squeezed her fingers tight.

  “Where?”

  “Mmm, a journey, but I will be back, and soon. Now, we’ll not talk of such things. We will speak of you instead. Have you been studying?”

  She nodded. There had been little time to do so, but she had tried to spend what free time there was in study.

  Where are you going? Don’t leave me.

  She squashed the thoughts flat and clutched his hand tighter. “I’ll still be able to talk to you, won’t I?”

  He shook his head. “No, Sparrow. Not until I return. I am sorry, but it must be so. I must have your promise not to try. I will speak with you as soon as I return.”

  Cassandra approached. “I’m sorry to part you but, Mage, there is much we need to discuss. Nin, if you would return to the workroom?”

  She nodded. “I promise,” she whispered close to his jaw, and after one quick brush of her lips against his cheek, she left, taking hurried steps down the hall.