Leina's look of amazement turned to one of amusement. "What exactly do you say?"
"I'd like to hear that as well."
Everyone turned as Carsille strode up to the wash tub. She plunged her hand into the soapy water and gave a grunt of satisfaction. "I've felt a tinge of magic in the hold these last few days, but I couldn't pinpoint it because it was constantly moving. Now I know why." She bowed her head towards Leina. "Forgive my interruption, Commander, but since I taught this young woman for a short time I feel it is my duty to see what she has gotten herself into."
"This isn't anything you taught me," Nell said quickly.
"Obviously, since everything I tried to teach you literally blew up in our faces," Carsille said dryly. "But since all your spells had such a negative effect I'm curious to hear exactly how you're wording this one."
"It's just a simple washing spell my mother and I sang while we washed our clothes."
The mage slowly circled the tub, her fingers trailing in the soapy water. "Some of the most powerful spells are sung." She waved her hand at Nell. "Go ahead then, sing it for us."
Nell cleared her throat and began to sing, her voice high and pure amid the growing crowd.
I draw the water
and add the soap
and sing my song
and truly hope
As she sang she felt a growing power, one she'd always felt from her mother.
And now it's coming from me!
These past nights when she'd crept out of bed to wash the uniforms had she simply been too tired to realize what was happening?
I've finally found my place!
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as her heart and voice soared.
it'll keep this cloth
free from stain and
repel the earth's mark
'til I wash them again.
When Nell finished she glanced over at Carsille to find the mage's eyes wide in surprise. But the mage only gave a slight nod of her head.
"Repel the earth's mark," Skyre said softly. "So the clothes aren't stained or, in a sense, damaged by the earth."
"Nor apparently are the women wearing them," Leina said.
"So you deliberately ask for the negative," Carsille mused, "for something not to be done."
Certainty surged through Nell. "At first I was only trying to make my job easier, but I think this spell affects more than the clothes."
Leina stumbled to a stop. "Bows, arrows and knives are all made from the wood and stone of the earth!"
Skyre draped her arm back around Nell's shoulder. "And I think we'd all agree that a wound is a mark made from something of the earth."
"My mother had great magic about her. Song magic." Nell straightened her shoulders as everyone turned to stare at her. "When I'm washing the clothes I feel it too."
Leina grinned at Carsille across the tub of steaming wash water. "Is it possible this simple washing song is protecting our soldiers even though your ancient spells of protection are not?"
Carsille sighed in resignation. "It would appear so. I could feel the magic in her song. Then again," she said, picking up a dirty uniform, "I believe it is a combination of soap, song and our soldiers' skill with their swords that is protecting them. Three strengths woven together are always stronger than one."
Leina eyed Nell thoughtfully. "Perhaps we should find a better use for you."
"No!" Nell and Carsille shouted in alarm.
"She's not blowing anything up down here," Carsille said pointedly.
"And I'm truly helpful for once." Nell leaned against the washtub, suddenly overcome with exhaustion. "Mum always said that every job, no matter how small, is important in some way."
"Especially one that protects the lives of our soldiers." Leina glanced over at Carsille. "I suppose it would be foolish to alter the conditions of a spell when it is working so well." She looked back down at Nell. "Perhaps you should wash all the uniforms."
"I've been trying to." Nell pointed to the uniforms piled on the floor next to the tub. "There's just not enough time."
"That's why Pela saw you sneaking down here at night."
Leina tilted Nell's face towards the light. "When did you last sleep?"
Nell shrugged. "I'd rather try to keep my friends safe than waste time sleeping."
Leina's smile faltered for a moment, then she pushed her damp hair back off her forehead and cleared her throat. "How do you stand the heat in here." She spun on her heel and headed for the door. "Back to work everyone! I sense victory in our future!"
"Wait!" Nell took a stumbling step forward. "If I'm going to be washing all the uniforms does that mean I don't have to wash the blankets from the beds anymore?"
Leina threw back her head and laughed. "I'm sure battles are waged there on a nightly basis as well, but I think those are best won or lost without your interference."
Kindle books in the Sword & Sorceress series
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress 22
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress 23
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress 24
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress 25
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress 26
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress 27, coming November 2012
http://www.elisabethwaters.com
http://www.mzbworks.com
Copyright
Copyright © 2010 by The Marion Zimmer Bradley Literary Works Trust
Cover design copyright © 2010 by Vera Nazarian
Introduction copyright © 2010 by Elisabeth Waters
The Etherine Road copyright © 2010 by Dave Smeds
Caden's Death copyright © 2010 by Amy Griswold
Matriculation copyright © 2010 by Michael H. Payne
Inquisition for Blood copyright © 2010 by Michael Spence & Elisabeth Waters
Fire and Fate copyright © 2010 by Deborah J. Ross
Winter in Khotan copyright © 2010 by Catherine Soto
The Sorceress's Apprentice copyright © 2010 by Pauline J. Alama
Pantheon Shift Change copyright © 2010 by L.M. Townsend-Crow
The Sundered Star copyright © 2010 by K.D. Wentworth
A Wall To Keep The World Out copyright © 2010 by Helen E. Davis
Killing Stars copyright © 2010 by Robin Wayne Bailey
Proving Grounds copyright © 2010 by Steve Chapman
Mira copyright © 2010 by Steven Brust
Impossible Quests copyright © 2010 by Kate Coombs
Ghost Puppet copyright © 2010 by Jonathan Moeller
Well Enough copyright © 2010 by Lauren K. Moody
The Lost and Found Talisman copyright © 2010 by Josepha Sherman
Simon's Fish copyright © 2010 by Barbara Tarbox
Homecoming copyright © 2010 by Jonathan Shipley
Saved by the Soap copyright © 2010 by Susan Wolven
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights.
Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress XXV Page 30