Forging Alliances: Wizards of White Haven

by Frances Howitt

  If Jim ever lost control, there wasn’t much anyone could do to stop him. A warrior wizard was probably the only one strong enough to consider tackling Jim and there weren’t normally many of them about. Fortunately he had Natalya nearby and Amelie would be able to monitor him.

  With the written part of the examination over, Jim waited his turn for the practical testing. This was the part he was rather more apprehensive of since he had no idea what they’d ask of him.

  The examiner eyed the young man before him as he effortlessly and rapidly undertook every set practical skill demonstration on the list. None of these tests had proven remotely taxing although by now most students would be looking tired and some fumbling.

  ‘What’re you doing? You don’t want to be touching me,’ Jim warned quickly.

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Don’t you know what I am?’

  ‘It says here that you’re a Sensitive. I need to get a measure of your remaining reserves because you don’t look tired.’

  ‘Who told you that’s what I am?’

  ‘Your old guild. They sent over some of your early test results for our records, although there seems to be some gaps beyond that,’ he added in disapproval. ‘So, what makes you think they got your classification wrong? What do you believe you are?’

  ‘My guild lied to me because they were determined to keep my ability dormant. I’m surprised they’d send over those incorrect files though. Anyway, you must be the only wizard in the country who doesn’t know I’m a leach.’

  ‘I have heard stories,’ he conceded. ‘However, these are the official records passed to us from your own guild when you transferred here. How could I discount them?’

  ‘I understand your position. I believe the misidentification is easy to make when testing a child, since leaches aren’t remotely common. Essentially a leach can appear similar to a strong sensitive, before he begins to grow, so they perhaps had some justification. I imagine you’ll update the classification?’

  ‘I can do, yes. Assuming I can verify your claim. So, what have you noticed is different?’

  Jim laughed at that and noticed the examiner did not look reassured or impressed. ‘Ok, where to start. Ah, my wife is an animus warrior wizard. Through contact with her I now have an animus form.’

  ‘Really? I’d like to see it.’ A split second later the wizard had gone and a giant lion stood in his place and far too close for comfort. The next county would be a more comfortable distance, actually, but he’d asked for it. ‘Is a lion your only animus form?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘So you can speak in this form. Good to know. Ah, what happened to your clothes?’

  ‘I make them go away until I turn back.’

  ‘Useful. Can you work spells in this form?’

  ‘Yes.’ He waved his paw and the last three demonstration spells materialised.

  As the lion appeared to be looking out the window at that moment, the examiner dared to reach out a hand. Several things became apparent instantly.

  ‘What are you doing?’ the lion demanded.

  ‘You’re really a lion,’ he exclaimed, having felt thick warm fur. ‘I thought you must be an illusion to transform so fast. You’re far bigger than any shifted animus I’ve ever met.’ He could also feel huge depths of power coiled within this form. Whatever his ability, he was very strong and weirdly, seemed to be getting stronger as he stood there.

  ‘I suggest you remove your hand. Don’t you feel your strength waning?’

  ‘That’s you leaching my magic?’

  ‘Yes. Sorry, you caught me unawares. If I’d guessed you’d ignore my warning and also dare touch my lion, I’d have shielded. Touching my lion isn’t something people tend to do.’

  ‘I see why. He’s quite impressive,’ the examiner remarked, finding he had to sit down. ‘What’re you doing?’ he asked, as a giant paw rose. Easily the size of a dinner plate, he could see the sharp points of retracted but obvious claws. The paw landed on his shoulder and abruptly he began to feel better.

  ‘You need your strength to carry out the other examinations. Incidentally, you should get that thorn in your foot removed; it’s starting to get infected.’

  ‘Thorn in my foot? Is there?’

  ‘You were limping,’ he said with a shrug. ‘Our medical staff will be able to sort that for you. Are we finished?’

  ‘Yes. You may go,’ the examiner said, attempting his usual authority. The lion seemed to smile in amusement then glanced at the door, which opened for him and he sauntered out.

  ***

  The examinations were complete so he could relax, but it would be a month before the results came back. Jim was filled with as much nervous excitement as all the others who’d taken their finals. He knew most were marking down the days until their results arrived and they’d know where they’d be going next. Graduation was undoubtedly a major milestone, marking as it did the end of their official training. A pass would give them the right to claim the title Wizard and that status. For him it was important too. He was well aware the students’ parents would be shocked to hear he hadn’t already gained that full accreditation before accepting such an important academic role as head master of a school. Gaining his certificate was something he needed on his record, but he’d keep its date as quiet as possible.

  For the first time in the history of the school, White Haven’s wizard graduates would receive an additional envelope, along with their final exam certificate and results.

  Historically, a new graduate would receive their certification alongside an instruction of where to report for guild duty and in what timeframe. They had no choice in the matter. Thanks to Jim’s insistence on independence and crucially, Cyril’s acceptance of revised terms, graduates were no longer given orders. Now, there would be invitations to undertake further specialist study, or job offers from interested parties. The type of offer would of course vary according to what jobs were open, the individual’s academic scores, and their particular aptitudes and interests.

  This year’s new wizards could now choose what offers they wished to accept, a right normally only granted an older wizard. Jim was pleased by this development; it had been a long time coming. Naturally the eastern guild wouldn’t want to lose trained resources, to more lucrative offers from adjoining counties, but that freedom of choice was now available to his students. The possibility of graduates going elsewhere should encourage the guild to make fair, if not always generous, job offers.

  He wondered what would be in his envelope, since he already had a job. He knew the eastern guild wasn’t happy at the role he’d taken and might seek to entice him elsewhere. Yes, he probably could beef up their defences and might if asked and done on his terms. However, he doubted he’d be asked nicely. He had no intention of undertaking ridiculous tasks, because every time he took on more power he changed and it was not a comfortable feeling.

  He supposed he understood their concerns. He was a leach, the only type of wizard who could grow their magical power, living in a school full of young wizards. He had taken a position of power and therefore temptation.

  He wondered if anyone comprehended that the fight with Jared’s battle squad, where he had taken on considerable additional magic, had scared him. He’d absorbed so much power that he hadn’t felt safe to be around anyone. He’d noticed just how far back everyone had kept from him. One slip in his control and he could have caused all manner of violent catastrophes.

  It had been luck that his walk into the woods had led him in a direction where ancient ruins lay. His new power had lent additional range to his sensitivity. Picking up magic residue, and curious, he’d picked his way deep into the woods and spotted fallen stone at the overgrown site. Expending his power into rebuilding the ruin had been the only thing he could think of that might be a safe way to offload the power. He’d had no clue he was rebuilding a portal.

  He’d been lucky that day; firstly, not to hurt anyone and secondly, to find a way of using up his
power. It hadn’t been as safe as he’d expected though. He hadn’t known the building was a portal which was composed of ancient and unfathomable magic. It had automatically activated, trying to reinstate itself, sucking his magic out of him brutally. He’d felt utterly drained afterwards, but the artefact was now live.

  Many people in the wizarding world had been shocked that he hadn’t sought vengeance on wizard Jared. He’d also forgiven Derek for his part on the team, even offering him a teaching post. What those people didn’t realise, was that if it wasn’t for their unprovoked attack, the portal would never have been found, much less rebuilt and activated. Through it he was able to help Clan Green Bear rebuild and reclaim their legacy and right a terrible wrong.

  Jared had done him an additional favour, by teaching him how utterly dangerous and terrifying his leach ability could be, if he allowed it to grow. He was happy as he was. He had more power than most and had achieved some wary respect in the process. Whilst they left him alone he would leave them alone.

  23. Jack’s Reward

  ‘How’s Jack doing?’ Jim asked Drako. ‘I hear you’ve got him hard at work at the castle.’

  ‘Yes. Natalya seems to understand what approach works with him and he’s thrown himself into every problem solving task we pass his way,’ Drako admitted. ‘He is remarkably inventive and practical. Darius was very impressed with the simple trolleys he came up with in the first few minutes of arrival. Then later, he solved another awkward job carrying the stone down the hill. In a day, he doubled our efficiency in transporting the stone blocks from the portal to where they’re needed at the wall. And since that’s the main thing we need to rebuild our defences, it’s rather a key improvement.’

  ‘Have you spoken to him about what he plans to do when his family is found?’

  ‘No. It’s one of those sensitive subjects I’m never sure whether to raise with someone. I’d hate to remind him of their predicament. His wife is imminently due to give birth, I believe. That has to be preying on his mind, along with how his three little daughters fare.’

  ‘It’s a horrible situation, particularly as he strikes me as someone who prefers to be in control of his life.’

  ‘Yes. He’s undoubtedly an alpha leopard,’ Drako agreed. ‘So?’

  ‘I think you ought to be offering him a home here. What will also be preying on his mind, with a large family, is the fact he now has no home or safe place to take them. I think you should offer him that and a workshop too. He’s already earned some space that he can call his own. Talk it over with Natalya and see if she thinks he’d accept.’

  ‘You have no problem asking him to stay then?’

  ‘No. Why would I?

  ‘He’s another alpha and a feline. I wondered if you two might not entirely get along,’ Drako said carefully.

  ‘Actually, we worked quite well together when we did the Inn fencing and later he backed me in the battle at the farm when we were both in our cat forms. I don’t feel any animosity from him and my lion isn’t needling me or him.’

  ‘Ah, good. That probably means both your cats have already worked out and accepted your relative places in the pecking order and without a fight. That relieves my mind.’ He noticed Jim’s puzzled frown. ‘We’ve had quite a number of squabbles and one serious fight when we’ve had newcomers arrive. There’s always jockeying for position and rank amongst the same types of animus. You and Jack are the only felines and are both big and strong with alpha personalities. It was a valid concern.’

  ‘Perhaps, but we aren’t the same,’ Jim pointed out.

  ‘No and that’s probably why you two didn’t need to fight; you were not directly competing with one another.’

  ‘I’m still learning all these animus behavioural complexities,’ Jim admitted with a perplexed shrug.

  ‘You’re getting there,’ Drako said cheerfully. ‘I’ll make the offer. I agree he’s too useful to let slip away because we were too busy to acknowledge his needs.’

  ‘The high ground near the sawmill would probably suit him,’ Jim suggested then left him to it.

  ***

  ‘Jack.’

  ‘Oh hi, Natalya,’ Jack greeted, putting down his chisel and dusting off his hands on his trousers. ‘What brings you out here?’

  ‘I’ve got something to show you. Are you at a good spot to finish for the day?’ she asked, eyeing the sections of smoothed wood curiously. Some had been slotted and pegged together but she had no idea what they were destined to become. He was in a corner of the castle’s Great Hall, which had undoubtedly become “his” workspace judging by the tools and partly built items around him. Many people were hard at work nearby and she noticed most had stopped to listen.

  ‘Yes, I can stop just here. What do you want to show me?’ he asked, even while collecting up the tools he’d been using and putting them back in the open top wooden carry box he’d made for them.

  ‘Your friends might want to see too,’ Natalya invited, meeting the eyes of several of the eavesdroppers so they knew they could come as well.

  Jack glanced around, noticing almost everyone within earshot putting their things away swiftly, clearly curious and eager to accept Natalya’s invitation. ‘What’s Darius going to say when he sees we’ve all packed up? It’s only mid afternoon.’

  ‘He’s waiting for us to arrive.’

  ‘Oh. Well in that case, lead on,’ Jack suggested stepping around his projects that rather cluttered the space, to join her. ‘It’s back in the village?’ he asked as she led the growing party briskly out of the hall and back down the steps, through the underground store rooms and then yes, she stepped through the portal.

  Glancing around, Natalya was certain not a single person had chosen to stay behind. Everyone was following; good.

  ‘Oh, what’s that?’ Jack asked, as they walked across the field approaching the back of the sawmill. ‘That building wasn’t there this morning, was it?’

  ‘You’re right, it wasn’t,’ Natalya told him but said nothing more as they walked along the side of the sawmill building, through the yard to the lane and then turned right onto a brand new path.

  Jack silently walked by her side, noting this new path ran parallel to the village street, behind the houses, but at the higher elevation the mill itself sat on. There were some good vantage points from up here at rooftop height. The path wound around a thick stand of trees and he saw the new building properly. It was a large two storey structure in an unusual “L” shape. The part sticking out at right angles was on the left, had big double doors and was only single storey. Then he noticed Darius, Drako, Jim and their ladies were there and all were watching him.

  ‘This is for you, Jack,’ Natalya told him and glanced at Darius.

  ‘What?’

  ‘We built you a home of your very own,’ Darius told him gently. ‘This is our way of thanking you, recognising your many contributions and all your hard work. You’ve earned it,’ he added and patted Jack’s shoulder, aware of his shock.

  ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘We all want you to stay,’ Natalya told him. ‘You already feel like you belong here.’

  ‘Yes. You’re one of us now,’ Freddie told him coming to Natalya’s side.

  Jack realised the whole pack had come close, as had the leaders. ‘Thank you,’ he said softly and he just had time to register Drako’s smile of relief when Natalya engulfed him in her arms. Moments later, he felt other arms and he closed his eyes accepting the hugs of welcome and affection from the pack.

  ‘Let me show you inside,’ Natalya said quickly, urging the pack to back off. Whilst wolves were naturally effusive and tactile with each other, a leopard was not and too much of that would make him uncomfortable.

  Jack let Natalya tug him by the hand towards the large front door. Inside he found a huge empty room, with wagon sized doors standing open in the end wall.

  ‘This will be your workshop,’ Natalya explained. ‘We made sure there’s plenty of natural
light and space.’

  ‘Are those the tools I was using at the Inn?’ he asked noticing a familiar scarred workbench under one of the windows and a row of tools laid out on it.

  ‘Yes. They’re yours now. Bruce, you know Bruce the blacksmith? He can make whatever else you need.’

  ‘How many other people will be working here?’ Jack asked, aware the room was easily twice the size of his workshop back home.

  ‘This is your space,’ she told him. ‘How you use it is up to you. If you need help for particular projects then bringing people to the work and where the tools are is always easiest. You could even take on some apprentices if you wish. This workshop is your domain.’

  ‘Thank you.’ He wondered if she realised just what a gift having a space of his own to work in was.

  ‘Let me show you upstairs.’

  He gazed around the huge upstairs space, still struggling to wrap his mind around the fact this was his. To the right of the stairs the corner space was partially boxed in, whilst the rest of the area was open. He headed for the door to that hidden area and looked inside. He immediately recognised the bed and linen he’d been using at Dustin’s house. His own scent on them suddenly made it all very real and tears filled his eyes.

  ‘Space to make your own and bring your family home to,’ Dustin said quietly from the doorway.

  ‘Can’t wait to be rid of me?’ Jack managed to joke lightly, noticing the few changes of clothes he’d acquired had also been brought over. Nothing of his would now be left at Dustin’s house.

  ‘You’re always welcome to come visit me, or indeed any of us, for any reason at any time. I’ve enjoyed your company,’ Dustin assured honestly.