Forging Alliances: Wizards of White Haven

by Frances Howitt

  ‘Thank you for your hospitality,’ Jack said simply and drew Dustin into a brief hug, knowing that would convey what he couldn’t put into words. These men had given him safe harbour and helped him regain his equilibrium when he was at his weakest and lowest point, depressed and angry by the circumstances of his family’s abduction. There was no way to adequately repay that. He also should have known wolves would understand his feelings regarding providing for his family. This space might be barren and empty right now, but it was his and would be a solid roof over their heads. There was so much scope for transforming it into a cosy home to welcome his children.

  Leaving the bedroom Jack noticed cabinets and a stove set out, making a kitchen in the far left hand corner. He ran his hand over a large solid table, near the kitchen but in the centre edge of the room. Someone had built this for him and he also guessed they’d left it unfinished for him to customise. Six adult sized stools sat around it and as he looked closer he realised they weren’t small stools but were large enough in the seat for backrests to be added. Again, someone had been very thoughtful.

  ‘Jim made those,’ Natalya told him. ‘He thought it would make the place less barren and save you time, giving you some furniture already. We thought you would prefer to choose the style to finish them off.’ She watched Jack turn to smile his thanks at Jim, clearly aware of exactly where he was even though he was standing back, giving Jack space.

  Beyond the dining area to the front of the house sat a solitary armchair, again indicating where a lounge area could go. The chair was positioned near one of the big bank of windows that flooded the room with light. Double, partially glazed doors drew his attention. Opening them up he found that they led out onto the flat roof of the building set at right angles to the house.

  ‘What’s below?’ he asked whilst walking out and admiring the panoramic views over the rooftops.

  ‘Storage shed,’ Natalya told him with a shrug, reminding him that how he chose to use the space was up to him. ‘There are good views from here,’ she remarked, aware Jack was having a good look about him. ‘We thought you might like to relax out here. You’ll perhaps need to put railings up for safety.’

  ‘I don’t think I’ll want to leave this terrace,’ Jack admitted. Big trees shaded part of the space, providing private shadows where he could sit unnoticed or out of the sun. He also knew he could leap into the branches and down to the ground if necessary. From here he had a partial view of the track across the meadow to the portal, could see parts of the village main street and a tree obscured partial view of the open area the wolves liked to relax in near the top of their home lane. This eyrie was going to be perfect. His leopard liked to keep an eye on what was going on and preferred to be off the ground.

  ‘You’ll stay?’ Darius asked.

  ‘Yes. Thank you,’ Jack said and Darius smiled.

  ‘Take the rest of the week off to make a start on getting your workshop set out how you want it and of course furnishing your home,’ Darius told him. ‘We’ll bring your tools over and what you were working on. It might be easier for you to finish them up here where you’ve more room.’

  ‘Welcome to the village,’ Drako said as soon as Darius stepped back. ‘If you need anything, let me or the pack know.’

  ‘I will. Thank you,’ Jack said, feeling overwhelmed, yet again. He was glad when soon after everyone left and he could close the door. Finally he was alone. Now he could savour and appreciate his good fortune. Wandering through the rooms, looking at everything more closely, his optimism for the future grew. He could now start preparing a home, create a welcoming place, ready to bring his family to. He would customise its interior so each member of his family had a space of their own and felt at home.

  Falling into the lone armchair, he gazed out the window at the setting sun, a smile on his face. He had been accepted into the Clan Green Bear family and granted a permanent place amongst them. That was quite an honour. Through their generosity he could now make plans to provide for his children’s future that didn’t revolve around just surviving. Here they would grow up amongst other animus people. They would be able to live without the sneering derogatory bullying they had suffered before. He refused to consider anything other than a happy outcome for his wife and children. They would be released; he needed to share this home, this village and its welcoming generous people with them. Here, cruelty would be a thing of the past, or they would have him to deal with.

  24. Market Day

  It was market day in Briarton and Jim headed out of White Haven for the weekly supply run. Whilst this was a chore he could have delegated, he rather enjoyed the excuse to get out of the school and amble around town. Market day was always buzzing with activity, the whole place alive with people hawking their wares and keen bargain hunters haggling for the best deal.

  There was a little café that sold wonderful pastries and had several small tables set outside on the edge of the square. He eyed the glass cabinet in the window as he passed, his mouth already watering. The shopkeeper smiled at him, noticing his interest and knowing he’d be back a bit later as usual. No, he couldn’t stop; he had to get the supplies ordered first. Only then could he sit and relax with a decadent, sweet flaky pastry, while watching the world go by.

  First stop was the clothier, one of the industries based around the weaving mill. Replacement clothes for their students, including uniforms, were something they didn’t make themselves. Besides, the school had always given this mill their business and since the price was fair, as was the quality, he saw no reason to change things. He knew when he’d first stopped by that the owner had been very worried. He’d come rushing out from a back office in a panic, assuming that the new headmaster would only bother coming himself either to complain about something or to give notice they were taking their business elsewhere. Jim had had to reassure the man that whilst their needs continued to be met by this mill he wouldn’t be changing.

  ‘A very good morning to you Head Master Jim,’ the matronly lady greeted from behind the shop’s counter. ‘How can we help you today?’

  ‘Good morning. Well, winter’s coming round again so we need some winter weight replacement garments,’ Jim explained. ‘Mrs White made a list,’ he added handing it over. He watched the lady open her large and heavy order book and write down the date and White Haven at the head. ‘Shall I transfer the list into the book for you?’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said simply. Whilst it still felt strange that the wizard would expend magic for such a mundane task, the fact he could reproduce that lengthy list in the blink of an eye, meant he didn’t have to wait for her to laboriously write it all down. ‘I’ll get the order priced up and the confirmation over to you early next week, along with expected delivery date.’

  ‘Sounds good. Address it to Mrs White as usual and she’ll get the requisition approved for you. Bye,’ Jim said and sauntered out the door only a couple of minutes having elapsed.

  ‘That was quick,’ Johnny remarked, handing Jim the reins to his horse. ‘I know you said not to bother dismounting but I didn’t think you’d be that quick.’

  ‘I was just handing over a clothing list. Nothing to it. We need to go to two other buildings here,’ he adding glancing at his notes.

  ‘What else do you need, if it’s not clothing?’

  ‘Sheets and curtains for the Inn, primarily, together with more kitchen cloths. They seem to be letting rooms as fast as they can get them furnished. There’s obviously more of a trade and need than I realised.’

  Johnny was able to watch Jim at the counter through a large front window. Noticing piles of packages being stacked on the counter he dismounted ready to help carry and load them on their horses. Then, as he saw just how much was being put there, he shook his head, hoping they weren’t going to have to carry that lot.

  ‘Don’t worry they’ll be delivering,’ Jim remarked as he stepped out of the shop unburdened, much to Johnny’s relief. Next stop was to order mattresses, again for the I
nn. Whilst they had the timber and carpenters to make beds, the mattresses were another matter. They were also too important to a guest’s comfort to want novices attempting to make them.

  The tannery was an evil smelling place to spend any time voluntarily, so Jim rushed in and placed orders for replacement saddlery, again handing over a prepared list for fulfilment.

  The chandlery was a more welcome smell, with many scented candles lit to stimulate interest. With winter approaching, they’d need a good supply of candles and indeed oil for the large number of lanterns used in the training rooms, outside classrooms as well as in the stables.

  Last stop was the ironmongers on the other side of town. Whilst ordinarily Bruce would have made any new pans and the like, he was so stacked out with work for the castle rebuild that Jim was trying to lighten his load where possible and that included ordering items from other places. This side of town was more industrial, with blacksmiths’ shops behind, turning out all manner of items from pots and pans to cutlery to building materials and door fittings. It was eclectic mix and there were many small shops specialising in different end products.

  ‘I think it’s down here,’ Jim said riding past the pastry shop once more to turn down another side street. It felt a little eerie to be on an entirely empty street when only a few yards away was a busy and noisy marketplace. Jim dismounted, peering at a faded sign above a door. The large window did at least display a selection of different iron products, so he knew he was broadly in the right place, since he’d never been here before.

  Johnny made a strange gasping cry and he spun to look. Johnny had fallen forward over his horse’s neck. ‘Johnny?’

  At that moment Jim felt something sharp hit his neck and lethargy immediately began to suffuse him. With shocked and uncomprehending eyes he pulled a dart from his neck. Looking across at Johnny, he now saw there was a stranger lurking close to him, previously hidden by their horses. A streak of blood was now running from where Johnny was slumped, down his horse’s shoulder.

  Johnny wasn’t moving. Either he was dead or badly hurt. He needed to help him. Jim felt himself toppling to the ground, and had the hazy realisation that he’d been either drugged or poisoned. A bunch of men were warily approaching and they didn’t look friendly. He struggled to raise a shield, the edges of his vision darkening.

  ‘Nugget, home,’ he gasped and his horse trotted off, dodging the strangers, Johnny’s horse following. Hopefully the horses would take Johnny to safety. ‘Amelie!’ he called feebly on their mental link, but he lost consciousness at that point, not knowing if she’d even heard him.

  ***

  ‘Jim!’ Amelie exclaimed, jerking to her feet in class. She immediately tried to call him on their link but there was no answer. His mental call for help had been worryingly faint.

  ‘What’s happened?’ Derek asked in alarm.

  ‘Something’s happened to Jim and he’s not answering,’ she said simply. ‘Open the window.’

  Derek hastily went to the window as she transformed into a giant eagle with a very sharp hooked beak. Opening the casement hastily he stepped back just in time for the bird to brush past him and outside. The eagle beat its wings fast, accelerating to a very rapid rate that would quickly take her from sight.

  An enormous tiger rushed into the courtyard below, and roared, her gaze lifted to watch her fleet sister rapidly disappearing. The tiger’s form blurred and a tall black white and grey wolf appeared in her place for a moment and then shot off after her sister, the wolf’s steps a blur of speed.

  Something bad had to have happened. ‘Down to the stables,’ he ordered a couple of the fastest runners whilst hurrying from the room, the rest of his warrior class on his heels. ‘We’ll need horses to have any chance of catching up and they might need backup.’

  Natalya was glad she’d learned Jim’s speed spell as she sprinted after her sister. Amelie’s cry of panic had shaken her. Jim was so strong, what could possibly have happened? He had to be unconscious not to be able to answer. He was in Briarton today along with Johnny. Ah, maybe she could ask him what was wrong.

  ‘Freddie! I can’t reach Johnny and Jim called out to Amelie and isn’t answering her either.’

  ‘Where are you?’

  ‘On the road to Briarton. Amelie’s flying and I’m only just keeping her in sight with the speed spell.’

  ‘You know where she’s headed, but not what she’s running into. Are you alone?’ Johnny was part of their pack and it didn’t bode well that the sisters couldn’t reach either him or Jim.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Your wolf is plenty fast enough. Stop the spell before you exhaust yourself. She might need your strength.’ He felt her release the spell and was relieved. The view of blurred road and landmarks rushing past had been very peculiar and made him queasy. ‘Good. Take no risks, love. Remember the ordinaries might be a problem if you both go into their town in your animal forms. We’re not that far away actually, I’ll be with you as soon as I can.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she responded, glad for his calm as she came over the brow of a small rise and saw the town walls ahead. ‘Amelie, I see you. Damn, you can’t rush into town in your bird form or someone’ll shoot you. Shift.’

  ‘Where are you?’ Amelie looked back and her eagle spotted the sprinting wolf. ‘I need to get inside.’

  ‘I know, but you need to shift first. Did you remember your clothes? If you can hold on a minute, I’ll meet you at that tree on your left.’

  Amelie was torn between rushing inside and waiting. Since her sister was very close she flew down to the tree and shifted, recognising it would be easier to ask questions in human form. Keeping their abilities hidden and in reserve was always sensible in any case. She watched Natalya’s wolf shift the moment she reached the tree’s shadows, clothes materialising around her. ‘He taught you the spell too then? Useful isn’t it.’

  ‘Yes. We’ll find him,’ Natalya said bracingly and they hastened out of the shadows to walk quickly towards the gate.

  Inside the gate they immediately saw signs of unease. ‘That’s Jim’s horse!’ Amelie exclaimed and hurried over to where Nugget had been tied.

  ‘And that’s Johnny’s horse,’ Natalya added with a deep frown, especially as she noticed the streak of blood down the horse’s shoulder.

  ‘Ma’am you can’t be touching them,’ one of the gate guards said brusquely, hastening up to them.

  ‘We’re from White Haven,’ Natalya told him. ‘Where are the men riding these horses?’

  ‘You could just be saying that,’ he challenged uneasily.

  ‘My sister there is wizard Jim’s wife, owner of that horse. He called out to her. Where are they?’

  ‘Don’t know what happened to the wizard. I’m sorry,’ he added hastily. ‘The horses looked spooked and tried to run out the gate with a hurt man aboard. We only just caught them.’

  ‘Take us to him.’

  The guard led them into a small hut to one side and they found Johnny on a narrow cot the guards obviously used between shifts. He was unconscious, his breathing laboured.

  ‘He’s been stabbed,’ the guard remarked. ‘I’m sorry to say but he’s in a bad way. I don’t know if he’s going to make it.’

  ‘Thank you for making him comfortable,’ Natalya said simply and put her hand on his forehead. ‘Amelie, I need to help him. Try and connect to Nugget, he may give you a picture of what happened and where it was.’

  ‘Oh, yes, good idea,’ Amelie said and hurried back out to the horse.

  ‘Freddie, I’ve found Johnny. He’s hurt badly.’ She sent him her view of Johnny and felt Freddie’s dismay and worry.

  ‘Can you stabilise him?’

  ‘I’m going to try.’

  ‘Miss, are you a wizard?’

  ‘Yes.’ She ignored the watching guard to peel back Johnny’s blood soaked shirt. Someone had put an absorbent pad over the wound in his side, but it was already soaked. ‘He’s been stabbed in the back,’ she m
uttered in disgust.

  Clearing her mind she sent her senses into his body as Jim had shown her when Freddie had been hurt. First things first, she needed to stop the bleeding. It was very fortunate they’d got here so quickly because he was dangerously close to bleeding out. Sealing the vein, deep inside him, she could then look at the rest of the wound site and groaned.

  ‘Will he live?’ the guard asked.

  ‘I don’t know. He’s almost completely bled out. Whoever did this stabbed him in the back and used a dirty blade too!’ She looked up as figures filled the open doorway; the pack was here. ‘Freddie,’ she cried and he quickly went to her and wrapped his arms about her. ‘He’s in a bad way,’ she said sadly.

  ‘We heard what you said just now,’ Dustin said quietly as he took everything in, including Freddie trying to comfort her. ‘You’ve given him a chance. But if it’s his time to die, at least he won’t be alone.’

  ‘Where’s Amelie?’ Freddie asked.

  ‘Wasn’t she outside with the horses?’

  ‘No. You think she’s gone looking without backup?’

  ‘I bet that’s just what she did. I suggested she scan the horse’s mind for whatever clues she might be able to pick up. Hang on I’ll call her.’

  ‘Where are you?’

  ‘Some dreary iron making sector.’

  ‘Are you alone?’

  ‘No, some of the town guard had been called out and they came with me. We found Johnny’s blood,’ Amelie added soberly. ‘He’s not here! Whatever ambush they were subjected to, they took Jim.’

  ‘Ah hell. You’re sure no one saw and took him in?’

  ‘The guards are doing house to house enquires right now.’

  ‘What did you glean from the horses?’

  ‘Nugget saw Jim fall and pluck a dart from his neck. He gave Nugget the order to leave, presumably to get Johnny to safety. Four men were approaching and Nugget felt threatened, but the memory wasn’t clear enough to get faces. Jim was limp on the floor last Nugget saw and Johnny slumped and bleeding on his horse.’