Forging Alliances: Wizards of White Haven

by Frances Howitt

  ‘Ah, I wondered when you’d get around to that. Good. Call Natalya and Drako, they should be in on this,’ Jim responded. ‘Have they seen the plans?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Ok, while we wait for them, bring me up to speed with what you’ve decided on,’ Jim responded and helped her unroll the large sheet, absently weighting the corners with books and other objects readily to hand on his desk. ‘Do you have the materials assembled yet?’

  ‘Yes, unless we make any drastic alterations,’ Cassy admitted. She wondered what he was up to that he was asking for Drako’s and Natalya’s presences.

  ‘Is there a problem with the plans?’ Drako asked a few minutes later, having entered Jim’s office with Natalya and closing the door behind him.

  ‘No. The plans are fine and I think the building’s design will work well. Please sit down,’ Jim added and spent a moment shuffling things as he gathered his thoughts. ‘As you’re aware, I’m responsible to my students’ families for their safety and well-being. Whoever is chosen to run this Inn will need to ensure students are not served beer, or any other alcohol. I will also frown on any fighting or other intoxicated related misdemeanours taking place on what are essentially school grounds. With that in mind I will leave it up to yourselves to decide whether or not to make alcohol available at all. In some respects it might be better to advertise it as being an alcohol free establishment. I’m sure parents would be relieved to find it so and it would then be less of a draw to students. Secondly, I want to ensure it is a vice free establishment, so no prostitution or other unsavoury sidelines.’

  ‘I too would prefer our official lodgings are kept to a clean family theme,’ Drako said simply. ‘Alcohol always loosens tongues and interferes with a person’s ability to choose the prudent path. I agree that temptation is likely to cause problems, not only for any students who sneak in, but for any wizards with an axe to grind with animus people or indeed vice versa.’

  ‘We’re certainly not going to allow it to degenerate into a brothel either,’ Cassy said, frowning deeply.

  ‘No offence meant,’ Jim said simply. ‘I just wanted to ensure we were all on the same page. The possibility of animus refugees and unknown, potentially untrustworthy, wizards using the same public areas, is making me nervous enough as it is. Perhaps two dining rooms would be prudent? Wizards will automatically enter via the nearest, most convenient, entry. Animus are more likely to check it all out first and might perhaps prefer to take a back door. We should build with those preferences in mind, to help keep the two parties as separate as possible and all without it being too obvious.’

  ‘Much as I hate the thought we might have to host bigots, the safety of everyone has to come first,’ Cassy acknowledged. ‘I think a communal lounge area is fine, if we add low partitions to partially enclose small groups of seating. That will provide lots of private nooks, so different groups can remain visually separate and their words private. If we’re not serving alcohol there will be less draw to linger there in any case, or to become rowdy. However, I agree the dining areas ought to be separated because they’d have to be more open to practically cater to. With separate rooms animus and wizards won’t have to sit in close proximity to one another. I’m also thinking that the accommodation ought therefore to be separated too, with a door leading out directly from each dining room. With wizards on one side and animus on the other face, they’ll be out of sight of one another. We could have single occupancy rooms on the ground floor with a few larger family sized suites on the upper floor.’

  ‘Yes, that would work,’ Jim said thoughtfully, watching as Cassy amended the plans. ‘What would also be sensible is to have a large dormitory in the roof space of each block as an overflow. Lord Aubrey wanted to bring a troop of guardsmen last time and we struggled to find anywhere to put them. One of the wizard suites ought also to be properly outfitted for important guests.’

  ‘Can we make it available for others at a premium rate?’ Drako asked.

  ‘Of course. No point in just keeping it in reserve. Many parents are wealthy and have the means to pay extra. I’ll leave you to decide where to site the stables and paddocks,’ Jim said. ‘The other thing I wanted to discuss is how the castle re-building is going?’

  ‘Not quickly enough,’ Drako admitted. ‘Whilst there’s plenty of stone and timber on the other side we could use, harvesting it is not only heavy noisy work, but would alter the landscape. Heavy wagons and teams of horses inevitably leave deep tracks and that’s likely to draw notice. We’ve been collecting and reusing what materials we can discreetly move within the town, but the rest and certainly all the timber, has to come from here. Every job takes time and a lot of manpower.’

  ‘I know,’ Jim said thoughtfully. ‘I’d love to help speed things along, but the simple fact of the matter is that I can’t without jeopardising the rebuild.’

  ‘Why? I thought you could shield your presence,’ Natalya responded.

  ‘I am being monitored by the wizard guild. Tobias let slip that they are constantly watching and reporting where I go. He said they noticed that I vanished for a few hours one day. They knew I had not passed through the perimeter of the grounds and assumed I was practicing some kind of signature dampening spell. I realised that in actual fact the time they were referring to was when I’d gone to the castle. Now, it’s just plain lucky that they don’t know about the portal’s reactivation, or that anyone has returned to Féarmathuin, so they weren’t scanning that area. At some point however, if I keep disappearing, they’re going to get curious and perhaps scan in a way that will find me even over in North Rosh. I can’t risk it.’

  ‘I had no idea they were watching you so closely,’ Drako murmured. ‘I take it they can’t detect the portal’s magic?’

  ‘No. Even I can’t distinguish when it’s being used. Once anchored and fully charged,’ Jim said ruefully, knowing how much power had been drained out of him to achieve that, ‘it appears to be very economical in its power needs. I suspect the fact it only activates for someone with magic, means that it needs to use some of that person’s magic to complete the transport.’

  ‘Makes sense,’ Cassy remarked. ‘So, I imagine if it’s used regularly, it won’t need charging.’

  ‘For which I’m very thankful,’ Jim admitted. ‘Anyway, the other reason I called for you both to be here, is that since I can’t be your wizard builder, it’s sensible to officially appoint someone else. Cassy, now you’re the leading lady of Clan Green Bear you’re obviously already involved.’

  ‘I can’t build on my own,’ Cassy said uneasily. ‘I don’t have the strength you do.’

  ‘No, that’s where Natalya comes in. However, you’ve been part of the merges each time we built something in the village. You have more practical knowledge than you probably realise. With Natalya to provide the strength and most importantly the shields to hide your activity, you two should be able to help speed things along at the castle. Just remember that there are many animus, both here and already over there, who can join a merge to spread the load. My only stipulation is that you work outside of lessons. Both of you need the knowledge you’re here to learn. Evening is probably when the castle is least likely to be monitored in any case. Work together to figure out how best to build that Inn. Consider what makes a strong as well as practical building. This will also give you a chance to practice merging with animus to do it. Natalya, I’d also like you to work on a way to hide a merge’s magical signature while they’re working.’

  ‘You’ll be checking if my shield works?’ Natalya asked and Jim merely nodded. ‘Fair enough. Makes sense to practice where it doesn’t matter if I don’t get it right first time.’

  ‘Exactly. Tell me when you’re ready to begin building. I’ll come down to be on hand to help out, or advise, if necessary. Incidentally, have you picked who you plan to have run this Inn? It’ll be a big responsibility for someone and will certainly need several staff.’

  Natalya shifted her feet a litt
le before meeting Jim’s direct gaze. ‘Actually we have thought of someone, but it’s rather up to you as to whether you’d be happy about it.’

  ‘Oh?

  ‘We haven’t asked yet, or said anything, but we think it’d suit really well,’ Cassy added.

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Drew,’ Natalya admitted, watching him closely. ‘Would you mind? We thought that having served in a Lord’s home she would know how large households should be run. Obviously she’s a little timid, but I’m sure she’d do well with the organisational side of things. Ailsa’s an eagle, she could handle the people contact part better. There’ll be serving at the bar or for food and taking bookings for rooms. With those two living there, Daniel would be too. I’m sure he would help out or step in whenever necessary. He’s also used to the rules and manners required of a lord’s home. He’d probably be usefully diplomatic with any rowdy guests and a wolf is good at keeping people in line.’

  ‘It would give your daughter a home, where she’d be close-by too,’ Cassy added, noticing Jim hadn’t said a word yet, but stood pulling at his lip thoughtfully.

  ‘Ask them,’ Jim said finally. ‘I have no objections and your reasoning as to their suitability is sound. Just make sure they know it’s not me asking. The choice on whether to stay and accept is theirs and has no strings.’

  ‘I’m sure they’ll agree to stay,’ Cassy said in relief. She suspected it might be awkward at first for Amelie to have Jim’s ex and daughter around. However, if she was any judge of character, she thought they’d all soon get over it. Jim had been far more interested in his daughter than the woman who’d borne her and Drew appeared to have expected that. She probably already knew he didn’t love her. The likelihood of him cheating was remote, and even if he did, he’d know he’d never be able to keep it secret from Amelie.

  Jim met Drako’s gaze and noticed him nod approvingly. Drako understood the importance of caring for family. Whilst this would mean he’d have to deal with Drew regularly, and so therefore would Amelie, it was a small price to pay for being a part of Holly’s life. Having her here on site meant he could ensure her safety and be an active parent. He wanted to watch both his daughters grow up safely.

  Holly had strong magic, she needed to be taught to use it. That was best achieved amongst her own kind. He would just have to ensure both mothers of his children knew exactly where they stood. Drew would always be Holly’s mother, as Amelie would be Daisy’s. However, he only had room in his heart for one woman: Amelie. If Drew didn’t accept that there would never be anything more between them and crossed the line, she’d undoubtedly end up facing Amelie’s wrath. He hoped it never came to that. Since Drew couldn’t shift, she was at a distinct disadvantage. Not that she was any match for Amelie in any case. He’d have to remain alert for any signs of strife and be there to head them off.

  9. Haven’s Rest

  ‘What’s going on?’ Jack asked, as he and Dustin strolled through the village. They were on their way to the bakery to get something for lunch and everywhere they looked was a hive of activity.

  They hastily stepped aside off the road to avoid being mown down by a huge wagon drawn by a pair of equally hefty horses. As the squeaking and rattling wagon passed, they eyed its heavy load of sawn timber exiting the lumberyard. Dustin waited until the noisy vehicle had passed, before bothering to respond, knowing he wouldn’t be heard.

  ‘I believe they’re planning to build an Inn. That’s probably some of the materials being taken to site,’ he added since the wagon was traversing the length of the village street heading towards the main driveway. Goods destined for the Portal used a new track heading out the back of the lumberyard, so this kind of bulky transportation didn’t have to pass through the main village street and be a hazard to pedestrians. It was also less obvious to any visitors that some major construction project was taking place.

  ‘An Inn?’ Jack looked about them at the prosperous village close to the busy school and knew they needed one. He had been lodging in Dustin’s home and would have preferred not to impose on someone’s hospitality. He’d been very relieved that Dustin’s home did have a spacious second bedroom so he could have some privacy. Daniel, with his sister and lady friend, had at least been granted use of a cottage, ideal with a toddler to care for. However, it was not meant for, or prepared to house visitors. The house wasn’t kept clean in readiness; the sheets were not necessarily freshly laundered and nor was the kitchen stocked with food.

  They again stepped aside as a smaller wagon rumbled past, this one laden with heavy flagstone floor tiles.

  ‘Cassy and Natalya are in charge of this project. I think they’re ready to do some building today. Have you ever seen wizard building?’

  ‘Wizards’ building?’ Jack exclaimed in shocked surprise.

  ‘Yes. Jim instigated that practice here. I never believed wizards would ever use their magic to help people, or for anything so mundanely useful. Jim and his team built this entire village,’ Dustin admitted.

  ‘Really? I’d like to see this.’

  ‘Let’s grab our lunch and go and have a look, if you’d like?’

  ‘Yes,’ Jack agreed, curious to see this.

  ‘It’s quite a spectacle. It’ll make your eyes pop,’ Dustin admitted cheerfully. ‘Let’s find out when they plan to start. I’d hate you to miss it.’

  A few minutes later they walked through the village and up the drive a little way to where a crowd was gathering. A large area had been marked out with string and piles of lumber and stone lay adjacent in readiness. They found themselves a place with a good view and tucked into the pastries they’d procured from the bakery for lunch while they waited.

  ‘Will they stock the Inn with beer?’

  ‘Unfortunately, no. Alcohol and secrets don’t mix well and a real bar would be too much temptation to underage students.’

  ‘I suppose so. Pity though. Maybe we should drop some hints for a proper adult bar somewhere in the village? Somewhere animus only and just for residents,’ Jack suggested hopefully.

  ‘Yeah, I’m sure you’d get plenty with you on that vote. I think we’ll have enough to do watching how visitors accept this Inn. If guests catch wind of a real bar within walking distance, how will we stop them just wandering into the village?’

  ‘You have a point,’ Jack conceded then glanced round as an enticing scent reached his nose. An in-season female approached? Why would she risk walking amongst other animus shifted, so all could scent her condition? He searched for her and suddenly his leopard leapt for the reins and he found himself shifting. His leopard absently shrugged off his clothes and stared at a sleek black leopard, a panther. Was she searching for a mate? She was certainly walking alone and unprotected.

  ‘What’s up?’ Dustin asked noticing Jack suddenly shift and then followed his gaze. ‘Damn, that’s Amelie. She’s Jim’s mate, you know, the wizard lion?’ Dustin said anxiously, aware the leopard and panther were motionless, staring at one another. Amelie’s panther was clearly in control right now, which was a potential problem, since the shift could override the human side’s rational thinking. An in season female instinctively preferred to stay with her own type when searching for a mate and she was not a lion. Dustin nudged Jack again, attempting to divert his attention. ‘She’s mated to the lion.’

  ‘I heard you. So why isn’t he by her side to protect her and avoid this kind of awkwardness?’ Jack responded quietly and noticed Dustin’s surprise that he had remained in control and was now talking. ‘That female has been left to walk alone undefended. No wonder her cat felt the need to go on the prowl.’

  ‘I hear you,’ Dustin murmured and glanced round at just how many of those gathered for the building were watching the two felines stare at each other with clear interest. To Jack’s credit he hadn’t moved towards her, flirted in any way or even spoken to her. He’d done nothing a mate need take offence with and considering who and what Jim was, that was a great relief. ‘You should change ba
ck.’

  ‘You think getting naked right this minute is a good idea?’ Jack murmured, aware of just how many people were watching. He was mostly aware however, that the young female hadn’t taken her eyes off him. He knew very well that she was being driven by hormones and that as soon as she reverted to her human self, she’d be appalled at what could be construed as unfaithful behaviour. He would not make things worse for her than he already had by instinctively reacting, allowing his leopard out to see and be seen by hers.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Jim asked having just arrived and noticing the crowd was looking at something and then finding Amelie at the centre of it. He wasn’t at all sure what warranted such interest, because she stood silent, still and alone in her panther form. Why was she alone? She knew few people tended to approach her in that form, so why remain in it? She had any number of friends she could seek out, so why wasn’t she with any of them? Then he noticed several of the onlookers glancing to one side and he spotted a large leopard sitting quietly beside Dustin. Jack.

  ‘Nothing’s going on,’ Amelie responded quietly, since the question had been aimed at her. ‘We’re gathered waiting to see the building works take place.’

  Whilst Jim knew she wasn’t lying, he heard omission and also confusion in her tone. He wrapped an arm about her and his lion suddenly wanted out. What was that about?

  ‘Jim!’ Cassy called at that moment. ‘We’re ready.’

  ‘Why doesn’t he understand his cat?’ Jack asked softly as the pair walked off. He’d seen Jim’s eyes turn lion gold as he leaned over to take her scent. It was probably just as well that he hadn’t gone anywhere near her and certainly hadn’t touched her even casually, because that was the only reason the lion had been reassured enough to walk away.

  ‘He grew up a wizard. He has a very rare ability that enables him to soak up a small part of someone else’s magical ability when he merges with them. As I understand it, the lion has come about as a direct result of his relationship with Amelie. He only shifted into the lion for the first time about a year ago. It’s still quite new to him. I suppose the other issue is that there aren’t any other lions, or indeed other big cats around that could teach him how to be one.’