‘Good morning!’ Cain called brightly and poked his head out from the storeroom. ‘I see you’re thrilled with your new appointment then?’
‘Overjoyed,’ she muttered and leant against the counter to get her breath back, inhaling the scents of herbs mixed with the smell of fresh paint while she massaged the stitch in her side.
‘Stitch or labour?’ Cain asked briskly while he carried a tray of ingredients out of the storeroom.
Mistral gave him a furious look, ‘Stitch!’
‘Well just take deep breaths then and it’ll pass. In the meantime, can you start chopping these for me? Gleacher’s placed an order for twenty vials of Theriac. It’s not a huge earner since I can’t really charge the Ri’s Contracts Officer full rate, but I want it to become a regular order so we need to make sure it’s a good quality brew.’
Mistral spent the morning carefully chopping up the seventy ingredients needed to brew Theriac, the antidote that cured all known poisons and had saved Fabian’s life the year before. The task required little thought but kept her hands busy, allowing her mind to wander while she listened with half an ear to Cain. His hob-blood endowed him with the ability to talk more than the twins, and in Mistral he had the perfect recipient for his constant stream of inane chatter since she was more or less completely silent, only offering the occasional murmured response when she felt some input was really necessary.
‘Can you crush the ginger root rather than chop it? I find it improves the flavour –’
Mistral nodded distractedly and reached for the pestle and mortar.
‘Then Boaz had the cheek to come around asking if I wanted to hire his decorator! Can you believe it? Only a goblin would agree to do the work then try and sell you the service! I soon told him where to go –’
‘Cain?’ she asked over the grinding sounds of the pestle working the ginger into a pulp.
‘Yes?’
Mistral frowned down at the pestle she was using, ‘Did Saul have any other names?’
‘What like nicknames? None that he admitted to!’
‘No.’ Mistral’s frown deepened. ‘Not nicknames … other names, like middle-names.’
Cain gave her a thoughtful look, ‘No Mistral. He was an Arcane; it’s only chieftains who have two names.’
‘Oh, yes, of course,’ she nodded vaguely and continued to mash the ginger.
By midday Mistral had finished the painstaking task of preparing all of the ingredients to brew the Theriac; her job for the afternoon.
‘Come on, I’ll buy you lunch, it’s quite nice having someone to talk to other than the customers. I get a little tired of discussing the benefits of wrinkle-reduction creams with Eudora.’
Mistral nodded abstractly and followed Cain out of the shop; her mind absorbed in a conversation that was happening across the other side of the Valley between Fabian and Leo …
‘I have been summoned to present my case to the Council.’ Leo announced, waving a hand irritably at an official looking piece of parchment on his cluttered table.
Fabian strode over and picked the parchment up, scanning it quickly before he raised an eyebrow and looked at his brother, ‘The Council are unable to approve you as the new Divinus –’
‘I know that!’ Leo snapped coldly. ‘Read on!’
Fabian met his brother’s icy stare expressionlessly and returned his attention to the parchment, ‘Malachi challenges you for the right,’ he looked up again. ‘This is as we expected.’
Leo inhaled sharply and nodded, ‘Yes, the snake that is Malachi dares to claim the right to bear the title of Divinus and rule the Ri! And unsurprisingly, enough of the Council are backing him to make that a very real possibility!’
‘Gold speaks more loudly than words.’ Fabian dropped the parchment back down onto the table.
Leo gazed broodingly out of the long window, ‘We must leave immediately. I wish for the Gemini to attend … and Mistral.’
‘Out of the question!’ Fabian snapped. ‘She is not fit to travel!’
Leo turned to fix his brother with a hard look, ‘It is not an illness brother! She’s pregnant! I need a Seer at that meeting! The future of the Ri rests on the outcome, and without her Sight the Gemini cannot act efficiently, they need her to tell them who to influence!’
‘And whatever happened to succeeding on merit?’ Fabian demanded icily.
‘I will play fair when I am played fairly with! There is too much at stake here to quibble over morals!’
‘You would use the twins’ gift to influence the outcome of the vote?’
‘I will do whatever is necessary to ensure that Malachi never holds the title of Divinus! He would debase the very principles the Ri exist to uphold. It would no longer be a sanctuary for the dispossessed, but a haven of corruption where warriors are exploited for his profit! If I have to lower myself to his level in order to secure the future of the Ri, then I shall Fabian! And I need you, the Gemini and Mistral there to ensure it!’
Fabian shook his head and turned away, ‘I cannot allow it. She is too close to term.’
Leo made an exasperated noise, ‘And if she went into labour at the Council, how would that be such a disastrous event? They have an Infirmary there as well appointed as our own!’
‘Who are not used to treating the Arcane!’ Fabian growled, his black eyes blazing dangerously.
‘Then we take Cain with us! Either way, she would be well cared for should anything untoward happen ... and should it not, then it will provide an interesting diversion for her, or have you not noticed how bored she has become of late?’
‘Do not taunt me Leo!’ Fabian hissed. ‘Of course I know she is frustrated with being kept in the Valley! But it is for her own good!’
‘And what of the good of the Ri?’ Leo demanded coldly. ‘Or is it only your personal happiness that matters?’
‘You question my loyalty?’
‘No brother, only your clarity of thought when it comes to Mistral!’
Fabian drew in a deep breath and held it before exhaling slowly and meeting Leo’s cold blue eyes more calmly, ‘You know that Malachi’s plans extend far beyond just assuming control of the Ri. He has offered Mistral as payment for the Rochfortes’ support at the Council, yet you are asking me to take her there? It is an insane suggestion!’
‘I disagree. It is the last move they will expect us to make. They will be expecting her to remain in the Valley surrounded by Ri warriors. I have already taken the precaution of doubling the guard on every gate in preparation for whatever attempt Malachi will make to procure his prize. He will try, that is certain. Mistral would be safer travelling to the Council where Eximius will personally ensure her safety, than left cowering in the Valley waiting for the inevitable attempt to abduct her!’
Fabian turned away and strode over to the long mullioned window, leaning his hands against the stone window ledge he stared down into the Valley. Two diminutive figures strolled across the sunlit square towards The Cloak and Dagger, one bore the unmistakable swell of a pregnancy near its end. Fabian’s hands clenched the window ledge more tightly. Leo was right; to leave her behind while he travelled to the Council was unthinkable, but if he were to stay too he would seriously jeopardise Leo’s chances of succeeding in the vote, and also of leaving with his life. No-one else had both the skills of a warrior and the knowledge of the Council that he possessed, plus a family name that commanded instant respect and would give credence to Leo’s case; something he would sorely need in order to challenge the mighty name of Rochforte.
‘We will go.’ Fabian finally conceded in a quiet voice. ‘But only on Cain’s approval, and even then the travel will be light.’
‘As you wish.’ Leo replied. ‘We leave in the morning.’
In the smoky interior of The Cloak and Dagger Mistral suddenly let out a peal of laughter.
‘Why would a bowl of stew make you laugh out loud?’ Cain gave her a bemused look.
‘No, it’s not the food.’ Mistral shook h
er head but was prevented from continuing by the appearance of Samson.
‘Is it safe to sit down?’ he asked, offering her a lop-sided grin.
‘Of course it’s safe Samson!’ Mistral looked surprised. ‘Why wouldn’t it be?’
‘Er, well,’ Samson’s scarred features creased, ‘you were a touch ... annoyed ... with me this morning.’
‘Oh that!’ Mistral waved a hand airily to convey that it was all forgotten. ‘I’m not angry with you Samson! I know that Fabian’s worried about Malachi making an attempt to abduct me from the Valley and wanted to remove me from plain sight, and by getting Cain to give me work in his shop I would be both out of sight and occupied … and I also know that he asked you to be the stand-in Training Lieutenant – and please note the “stand-in” bit Samson, since I will be having that job back once your godson’s here – just to give you an excuse to be in the Arena all day and keep an eye out for Malachi’s arrival without looking suspicious, oh and also because you want to continue trying to persuade Fabian to slip off in the middle of the night, without me, on some covert mission to slit Malachi’s throat –’ Mistral paused and drew in a long breath while Samson stared at her with his mouth slightly agape. ‘And, finally, there’s no need to worry about any of that because we’re all going to the Council tomorrow morning!’
‘We are?’ Samson blinked.
‘Oh, not you! You’re on teaching duty! Leo’s been summoned to the Council to argue his case and he wants me and the twins to go with him, for obvious reasons, and Fabian because he wants to show the Council that he’s got the prestigious name of De Winter on side, and also because Fabian’s damned handy in a fight.’ Mistral paused to allow herself a small smile of pride. ‘Anyway, we’re leaving tomorrow, or rather, once Cain’s given his approval for me to travel, which you will be doing Cain, so drink up! We’ve just got time to break the good news to the twins and for you to give me the all clear before I whip up that Theriac for you! Oh, and I really mean it this time ... good luck with those first years Samson.’ Giving him a look of commiseration, Mistral quickly pushed back her chair and strode purposefully towards the door, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.
‘I’m so grateful she’s having a boy.’ Samson finally muttered. ‘Could you imagine two of her?’
‘Don’t count your chickens Samson.’ Cain warned, draining the contents of his tankard and rising to his feet to follow her. ‘The next one might be a girl.’
Quickening
‘You’re going to have to watch her very closely.’ Cain stowed his medical kit away in his saddlebag and dropped it onto the kitchen table of Fabian and Mistral’s house.
‘What? Even more closely than we have been doing?’ Phantom argued. ‘It’s not possible!’
‘She’s an Arcane … and they don’t come much more Arcane than centaurs! She’ll get restless when she draws close to her time. It’ll be natural for her to try and slip away quietly – we need to avoid that at all costs.’
‘Why?’ Phantom demanded. ‘If she wants to go off and give birth alone in the hayloft or something why should we stop her? To be honest, I’m not really looking forward to this next part!’
‘Have you any idea how many women die giving birth to half-breeds?’ Cain asked sharply. ‘These are not normal birthing procedures we’re talking about here!’
‘Oh, fine then.’ Phantom muttered. ‘But I seriously hope she goes into labour when she’s at home with her Mage and not with us on this wretched Council expedition!’
‘I disagree,’ said Cain quietly. ‘I think an Infirmary would be the best place for her, but obviously the one in the Valley would be more suitable.’
‘And kind of fitting too, considering how much time she spent in there during her training.’
‘I think that Mistral would rather die giving birth than suffer Serenity’s over-enthusiastic assistance,’ said Phantasm. ‘I have already broached the subject with her and received a firmly negative response.’
Cain sighed, ‘I tried too, without any success.’
‘Lots of swear words?’ Phantom asked.
‘Just a few.’
‘Ah, glad to hear some things still haven’t changed with her then.’
‘Look – I’ve got to work.’ Cain said a touch impatiently. ‘The shop renovations have hit my pocket hard, I’ve had to take a mercenary Contract to cover the costs, but it should be over inside a four week time-frame, so I plan to be back before the end of the month and I’m fairly sure that she’s going to carry for ten months or I wouldn’t be going. But I need you to be extra vigilant! She will get restless and probably start to become devious and try to lie to you about where she’s going and what she’s doing.’
Phantom snorted, ‘Then you’re worrying about nothing Cain, because we all know Mistral can’t lie to save her life!’
‘All the same, you need to double-check everything she tells you.’ Cain insisted.
‘We will brother, you have our word.’ Phantasm assured him.
Cain regarded Phantasm thoughtfully for a moment, ‘Good, because I want a nephew in one piece, and I have a sneaking suspicion she’s going to name him after Saul.’
Phantasm smiled, ‘Yes, I get that feeling too.’
‘Not sure how that will sit with Mage De Winter though,’ Phantom mused, ‘naming his son after his love rival.’
‘Saul was never a rival.’ Phantasm said reproachfully. ‘He was blood-bound to protect Mistral, he just never knew why and was confused by her not being the standard centaur shape.’
‘Saul loved Mistral and he died for her.’ Cain sighed quietly. ‘And despite that obvious flaw in his character, he was my brother and I miss him every day. If Mistral names her son after him, it will be the most fitting tribute I can think of.’
‘Let it be so brother,’ murmured Phantasm. ‘But rest assured; you have our word that we will watch her like hawks.’
‘Right, in that case, we had better go through some basics,’ said Cain briskly, suddenly professional again.
Phantom looked suddenly worried, ‘What?’
‘You need to know what to do –’
‘No, I don’t think I do!’
‘Yes, we do,’ said Phantasm firmly. ‘Tell us what we need to know Cain.’
‘Er, before you begin and probably scar me for the rest of my life, please tell me that Mage De Winter has been appraised of the same facts!’ Phantom asked quickly.
‘Months ago.’ Cain confirmed.
‘Good, because I think that taking him through the details with regard to his wife’s birthing procedure is more than my life is worth!’
In the small bedroom upstairs Mistral sighed and gazed longingly out of the window at the meadows beyond the boundaries of the Valley. The forest edge was just visible from the window, bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun. The trees were starting to show the first signs of autumn with a few gold and russet leaves flecking the sea of green oaks. Mistral watched the tree tops rippling bewitchingly in the light breeze and felt an irresistible desire to smell the damp fallen leaves and hear them rustle beneath Cirrus’ cantering hooves. Throwing open the small window she leaned out, closing her eyes and drawing in a deep breath of the warm air, rich with the scent of wet earth.
The sound of the bedroom door opening quietly behind her made her turn to see Cain gazing at her.
‘You’re not going to jump are you?’ He asked with a smile.
‘No!’ She laughed and reached out to close the window. ‘Just … smelling the air.’
Cain regarded her thoughtfully before stepping into the room and closing the door, ‘Listen Mistral, I’ve got some work lined up –’
‘Yes, I know, I’ve got Theriac to brew, sorry. I got a bit distracted.’
‘No, you misunderstand. I’ve taken a mercenary Contract, well, quite a few of us have actually. It’s nothing that’ll keep me away for more than a few weeks, just some pathetic squabble between two powerful landowners, but it’s wel
l paid and I need the money.’
‘And you’re telling me because you want to make me jealous?’
‘No.’ Cain smiled. ‘I’m telling you because I think you might be getting close to full-term and I want you to be prepared for me not to be there when you go into labour.’
‘Oh!’ Mistral looked at him in surprise and then nodded quickly. ‘Fine … that’s fine, Cain, no problem.’
Cain narrowed his eyes and studied her overly innocent expression, ‘You didn’t think you were going to actually give birth without anyone there did you?’
‘Er –’
‘Oh for pity’s sake Mistral! Tell me you aren’t planning to sneak off and try and do this alone!’
‘No, I wasn’t thinking that.’ Mistral said honestly.
‘Right –’ Cain said slowly, looking at her carefully again. ‘So that tells me that you haven’t even thought about giving birth at all have you?’
Mistral sighed and rolled her eyes, ‘Oh, alright then I admit it! No, I haven’t given thought about giving birth! I mean, just what is there to consider? The baby’s got to come out and … well, whether you’re there or not, it’ll just happen!’
‘Not quite.’ Cain frowned. ‘Look, I need you to promise me that you won’t go wandering off alone in the next few weeks. Don’t look like that! I know you hate being cooped up all the time, but it really is for your own good. I don’t want to frighten you Mistral, but giving birth is a tricky enough business without the added complication of mixed breeds!’
‘Whatever you say Cain.’ Mistral said dully and turned to stare out of the window again; the sun had begun to dip towards the Western Range and soft golden rays of sunlight dappled the long grass of the meadows. She sighed longingly, knowing how the cool breeze would feel as it pushed her hair back from her face, how the hollow thud of Cirrus’ galloping hooves would sound as they raced across the meadow –
‘Mistral?’
‘Hmm?’ She turned around with a dreamy look on her face.
‘Did you just hear what I said?’
‘Yes, um … mixed breeds are complicated,’ she repeated vaguely.
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