The Master and the Sorceress

by Bernadette Rowley

  “Are you a healer?” Katrine asked, her eyes narrowed.

  “Let’s just say I’ve seen many wounds,” Anton replied. “You get to know which ones will turn bad.”

  James spooned stew from the pot into a bowl and offered it to their guest. He joined Anton by the fire while Katrine checked her patient.

  “I am James Tomel and this is Lady Aranati. If you were indeed responsible for the departure of the hounds, we are in your debt.”

  Anton shook James’s hand and nodded to Katrine. “The roads are dangerous these days. You would do well to travel with more guards.”

  “We can do without your suggestions,” Katrine said, eyes flashing, “and I am capable of assessing my own patient, thank you.”

  James stood and drew Katrine over to the dray where they wouldn’t be overheard. “What do you think you’re doing? Don’t antagonize him. We may need him yet.”

  “How do we know he didn’t send those hounds?” she hissed, the shadows beneath her eyes like bruises. “He could be the one hunting us.”

  “It does seem very interesting that he should arrive in the midst of an attack,” he said. “Regardless, we must be cautious until we decide what he wants.” He wiped a hand across his brow. “Just let me do the talking.” He walked back to the fire, Katrine trailing, and poured wine for them all.

  “What brings you to these parts?” James asked, stretching his legs before him.

  “You have no cause to fear me. I have no interest in any of you.” Anton fell silent and the only sound was the crackling of the fire. Perhaps he pondered how much to tell strangers he had met on the road. “I’m on a quest.”

  “What’s the nature of your quest?” James asked.

  “I seek someone, a mentor, a guide.” Anton looked at Katrine. “Perhaps you will understand.”

  James frowned. Was he talking about magic? If so, perhaps he was just as dangerous as the hounds.

  “I do understand,” Kat said “I have a mentor and am traveling to Brightcastle to see her. She’s very sick.”

  “Ah, Brightcastle,” Anton said, his face tightening into a grimace. “I would like to visit there again. Perhaps I’ll accompany you. If I’m welcome.”

  James looked to Katrine who shrugged her shoulders. Could they trust this man to do no harm? He would be another hand to wield a sword if needed.

  “If you can guarantee those beasts don’t attack us again, you may join us on the road.” James said, holding out his hand.

  This time, Anton offered the warrior’s grip and James returned in kind, impressed by the strength revealed in the gesture. It was clear this man would not be easily vanquished, and James fervently hoped he could be trusted.

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll sleep now,” Anton said. With those words, he rolled himself in a blanket near the injured guard and closed his eyes.

  By all means, I’ll take the first watch! Although the man’s haughty words angered James, he hardly wanted the newcomer keeping watch over them when questions remained over his connection with the hounds. He arranged for Dael to relieve him in four hours, bid Katrine good night and began his vigil.

  Chapter 9

  At dawn, Kat rose to tend Kova, the guard whose neck was injured. She had hardly slept for worrying about his condition, not to mention Anton and the hounds. She found Kova seated before the fire with Dael, a blanket around his shoulders. Of Anton and James, there was no sign.

  “Good morning, Dael,” she said. “How do you feel Kova?”

  “Terrible, lady, but I’m alive, and I have you to thank for that.”

  “I’m glad I was able to help. I’ll fix another drink for your pain.”

  She went about mixing herbs from her satchel, infusing the drink with a little healing magic as she stirred, then handed it to Kova.

  “Where are the others?” she asked.

  “Dealing with the bodies of the hounds, lady,” Kova said.

  Kat didn’t know if leaving the two men alone was a good idea. They reminded her of two tom cats circling each other, each waiting for the other to make the first attack. She was about to go looking for them when James and Anton walked back into camp.

  “Is something amiss?” she asked when she saw their grim faces.

  “It’s those hounds,” James said. “We had a difficult time dealing with the bodies.”

  “You dragged them away?”

  “We did, and they had already started to decompose,” James said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like nature wanted to get rid of the unholy things.”

  “Perhaps it did.” Anton said, sniffing the pot of porridge. “Breakfast looks ready. Might I suggest we eat and get on the road as soon as we can?”

  Kat shuddered at the thought of yet another bowl of gruel but smiled at Dael when he handed hers over. James took his breakfast in silence, casting wary glances at Anton. She sighed. Just what we need, more tension. After the meal, Kat went back to the dray, rolled up her sleeping kit, and brushed her hair, wrapping it in a heavy shawl. It was getting colder as they moved further west, but tomorrow she would see Hetty. She sent a prayer to the Goddess that her mentor was still alive. One thought led to another. What kind of teacher might a man like Anton need? His very presence suggested calm competence and proficiency. What could he possibly need to learn?

  They broke camp and rejoined the road heading west, Kat riding on Demon alongside the dray. She had no chance to discuss the mysterious Anton with James, as Kova lay in the wagon behind him. Along with that, Anton had angled all morning for time alone with her, so she stuck close to James even if she couldn’t speak with him on any meaningful topic. Their new companion made her nervous and with good reason if even night hounds feared him. She wasn’t really scared of him, but a sixth sense told her he could be dangerous. She must discover if he posed a threat or not. Would he leave her alone when they reached their destination? And why was he riding along with them? Even though he said he wanted to visit Brightcastle, he didn’t appear happy at the prospect.

  Distracted by musing on these questions, she fell behind the wagon without realizing, and Anton appeared at her side.

  “Nice beast you ride, lady.”

  She jumped at his deep voice so close. Meeting his gaze, she was trapped by the gold flecks she found there. “Demon is battle-trained,” she said patting her mount’s shoulder. “I’d trust him with my life.”

  “You may have to if you fall too far back.”

  Irritation swept through her. “I can look after myself, sir!”

  “Yes, I have a feeling you can. You would have vanquished those hounds even if I had not happened along.”

  Kat stared straight ahead. His eyes saw too much. “Perhaps.”

  “One of them was burned, and he was the furthest from the fire. How do you explain it?”

  “I don’t need to explain anything to you. It’s none of your concern. You didn’t explain why night hounds avoid you.”

  “Touché, lady.”

  Kat hid her smile. He was polished, this man, despite his hard exterior. It made him intriguing. James looked over his shoulder at them, and she met his troubled gaze.

  “Well?” she asked Anton. “What is it about you that chases the hounds away?”

  His chiseled face cracked a smile. “Persistent, aren’t you?”

  She fixed him with what she hoped was an unflinching stare. She wasn’t afraid of him. She wasn’t…

  He huffed out a breath. “Let’s say I have a little of the wolf about me, and the hounds sense it. I heard them hunting near the road, and I feared travelers might be in danger.”

  Katrine decided to confront him. “The gold in your eyes, Anton. What does it mean?”

  He frowned at her as if he didn’t expect her to be so forward. “I’ll tell you my story if you will tell me yours,” he said.

  Kat couldn’t help the small shake of her head.

  “I didn’t think you would,” he said. “But it’s of no concern. There is plenty
of time for you to change your mind. If you wish to talk, let me know.” He cantered ahead, overtaking the dray, his eyes searching the trees.

  Kat rode up alongside James again.

  “What have you been telling him, Katrine?”

  “Nothing,” she snapped. “But I reserve the right to tell him anything I wish.”

  “Is that wise?”

  “I’ll decide when the time comes. He claims he has something of the wolf about him, and that’s why the hounds ran off.”

  “What does he mean by that?” James worked his shoulders and neck.

  “Who can tell? But I believe we do have him to thank for chasing the hounds off last night.”

  She stared at Anton’s back. He rode a horse like he had been born on one, his weapons arrayed about him. She guessed he wouldn’t be hampered by his armory.

  James shook his head. “We can’t trust him.”

  “Did I say I trusted him?”

  “If you take my advice, you will accept his help to get to Brightcastle and say nothing of yourself.”

  Kat leaned closer. “He has asked about my eyes,” she whispered. “His are similar. I’m curious.” She couldn’t help wondering if Anton held magic of his own, and, if so, what it was. Would he keep to his pledge to reveal his secrets if she told him hers? Was he trustworthy? Or was James right?

  Kat watched the enigmatic Anton for the remainder of the day, determined to discover more about their companion. Bird song died as he approached, and Dael, their one remaining able-bodied guard, avoided the man. Even Anton’s own horse appeared wary, rolling its eyes and shivering when he patted it. The dun stallion seemed otherwise unflappable, so it was surprising it should be scared of its rider.

  Anton himself rode wrapped in his own thoughts, it seemed, and he intermittently left the road, entering the trees. He would be gone for a half hour then return, sometimes from behind them. It was all very mysterious.

  As Kat grew increasingly intrigued and concerned, she resolved to uncover who – or what – Anton was.

  At dusk, they drew off the road into a clearing and prepared their camp. Anton rubbed down his horse and announced he would fetch their supper. He left with his bow and returned a short time later with four large hares. He proceeded to skin them, and they were soon roasting over the fire.

  Kat couldn’t take her eyes from him. It seemed James had noticed.

  He blocked her line of sight to Anton and drew her gaze. “You don’t have to stare at the man!” he hissed.

  “I wasn’t aware I was,” she lied. “Doesn’t he intrigue you?”

  “Not for the same reasons he interests you, I suspect,” James snapped.

  Kat’s palm itched to slap the haughty jeweler on the face, but she clenched her fist against her thigh instead. “Don’t be coarse. And keep your voice down. He has exceptional hearing.”

  James shook his head. “My, my, you have been watching closely.”

  “Yes, I have, and it would be a mighty good idea for you to be observant too. “She led him further from the others. “I intend to find out who and what Anton is. The more we know, the safer we’ll be.”

  “I see what he is, Katrine. He’s an outlaw. And I have been watching – closely. I’ve seen the way Dael avoids him. And his horse fears him. He beats the poor animal!”

  Kat frowned. “I haven’t seen evidence of cruelty. Did you see the way he tended to his dun before fetching supper? And his hunting prowess is second to none! Could you fetch four hares in that short time?”

  “I want you to stay away from him,” James said. “It’s the only way I can ensure your safety.”

  Kat raised her hand, but all she did was pat his cheek. He was so handsome when he scowled at her. It seemed he did care for her in his own way. “Don’t worry, James. I’ll be careful.”

  However, Kat wasn’t as unconcerned about their companion as she wanted James to think. Anton was dark and mysterious, with an element of menace she had not seen in other men. She didn’t wish to place herself under his scrutiny by revealing her secrets. However, he already suspected her of having magic talents, and, if he too harbored secrets, where was the risk?

  She sat on a log near the fire, her eyes fixed on the snapping flames while she pondered what to do. Hetty had never told her anything that covered this situation. She wondered again if her friend was still alive, if she would be too late.

  “What upsets you?” Anton’s deep voice drew her from her reverie, and she wiped away a tear. She took a deep breath and addressed him.

  “I’m concerned I’ll be too late to help my friend.”

  His hooded eyes revealed nothing as he turned the hares. “Your friend and mentor?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is her name Hetty, by any chance?”

  Kat could not have been more shocked if he had stripped naked and run around their campsite. “You have discerned my secret.” How could he have known? He knew Hetty, or of her, that was clear.

  Anton stood. “The dinner will be a while yet. Please, join me on a walk. You will be quite safe.” He ghosted from the clearing, making scarcely a rustle of his cloak as he left.

  Kat looked to James who shook his head. “Give me ten minutes, James. If I have not returned, come looking for me.” She hurried after Anton.

  She found him leaning against a huge tree not far from the clearing. “You know my secret if you know Hetty.”

  “You’re a witch?”

  Kat nodded. “I’ve had the talent for years, but recently I had a magical experience. It left me changed, and that’s where I got the sparkles in my eyes. How did you come by yours?”

  “You’re very direct, Katrine.”

  “I find it saves time.” She stared at Anton, willing him to reveal all of his secrets.

  “I was drawn to you and your party last night. My talent leads me to find those who are in need. I’m a Defender.”

  Kat searched her memory for clues as to what the word meant. Shapeshifter? “You can change your form.”

  “I have three animal forms. I’ve mastered the hawk and the wolf, but the bear still takes over from time to time. It has been…problematic.”

  “Well that explains why the hounds fear you,” Kat said. “And your horse, he doesn’t like you either.”

  “It’s a hard fear to overcome. I’ve accepted the fact that my mount will never love me.” If the man felt sorrow, then Kat believed this hurt him.

  “I could have dealt with the night hounds last night,” she said, “but I try not to use my powers unless I have to, especially in public. This society isn’t ready for the overt use of magic yet. Perhaps it never will be.”

  Anton nodded. “I’ve found that to be so. Indeed, your mentor hides herself within the community. Regardless, Hetty has been a supporter of mine in the past.” He looked as though he wanted to say more. How intriguing!

  It was also an interesting coincidence that this man should arrive now, and they should both know Hetty. What did it all mean?

  Someone cleared their throat behind her. Kat turned to find James standing there.

  “Dinner is ready,” he said, his gaze fixed on Anton. The two men stared at each other, like wary wolves, each waiting for the other to strike or back down. She placed her hand on James’s shoulder, and his eyes, full of anger, locked on hers. Then he turned and strode back to their camp. Was he angry with her or Anton and why?

  Kat wandered back in her own time and took her share of the meat and a piece of bread. She sat on a log near the fire and the others did the same, each keeping company with their own thoughts. After the meal, Dael patrolled the perimeter. The silence grew oppressive as Kat chose and discarded topic after topic. The men didn’t seem to care.

  “Anton,” she said, finally. “What will you do when we reach Brightcastle tomorrow?”

  “I will leave you.”

  “Where will you go?” she asked.

  “I…I have someone I would like to visit in the city, and then we shall see
.” He raked his fingers across his chin. “I will, of course, continue my search.”

  “This person you wish to visit,” Kat said. “Is it a woman?”

  Anton frowned so deeply, Kat held her breath. Had she asked one question too many?

  James stood abruptly, and his plate slid into the dirt. “I know who you will visit. I’ve been trying to puzzle out who you are. Your name rang a bell, just not the right one. You’re Vard Anton, once captain in Brightcastle. You abducted Princess Alecia who has not long returned, a babe in arms. It doesn’t take much intelligence to work out who the child’s father is.”

  Kat studied Anton’s face and saw many things including anger. What she hadn’t expected was the sadness that settled on him like a heavy cloak. “It’s none of your concern. Princess Alecia has returned to her rightful home, and she is safe.”

  “You are still a wanted man,” James ground out.

  “And who is going to arrest me?” Vard asked, rising slowly from his log. “You?”

  Kat’s heart pounded at the sneer in his voice. James would not tolerate being put down. “I’ll see you pay for what you did, one way or another,” James said, his hand moving to his sleeve and the knife Kat knew was hidden there. She leaped toward him and seized his hand before he drew the blade.

  “Are you insane?” she hissed. “He will gut you like a fish. This is not the way.”

  His gray eyes met hers. He was unafraid. What kind of craftsman was not fearful of a man of Vard Anton’s ability? His story and the princess’s were legend. If only half of it was true, he was, indeed, a formidable foe.

  “He has you under his spell, Katrine, and he is dangerous. Look what he did to the princess. Her life is ruined!” James stood before her, his fists clenched, shoulders hunched and fire blazing from his eyes.

  Kat glanced behind her and found Anton poised on the balls of his feet, but no weapon in sight. She turned to James. “Back off. You don’t want this confrontation.” She took a step toward him which forced him out of the fire circle and away from danger. Katrine kept walking until he refused to back up any further. “What is wrong with you?” she asked. “This is no time for a confrontation.”