“Where have you been,” she asked.
“I have been worried as I didn’t know where you were.”
“We are not children, mother.” said Oriana.
“You may be grown up ladies, but you will always be my children.” said my mother fondly but still with a little glint of ‘cross’ in her eye.
“Run along and wash for dinner.” mother said.
We were all very hungry and ate quickly at the table. My mother had prepared one of our favourite dishes. Mung bean casserole with honeyed carrots and slices of pumpkin bread. We washed this down with lots of the refreshing, sparkling blue water. We all happily demolished a large silver platter full of berries, fruits and small spiced cheeses.
As we were helping mother clear away, Orianna asked. “What is that tower?”
My mother who was stacking the plates for our servant to carry away, stopped, dead in her tracks. I looked at Cordelia, she looked at me. Our faces froze. As much as I didn’t want to not tell mother, I was going to pick my moment if I did so. But what was Oriana doing. Had she forgotten what Mabon had said?
“Where did you go?” our mother said very firmly. Oriana continued, “Oh just to the edge of the …”
“Forbidden forest?” finished my mother quickly. Her calm face was showing her anger. And even though she was known for her patience and ability to never be over ruled by emotion, here I could see one of my mother’s most famous characteristics being clearly tensioned.
At this point Oriana had finally realised her error. She too had a famous characteristic and that was to speak too often, too fast, often revealing what most people would be thinking, often in situations where silence would be most definitely, the better virtue. This was one of those times.
I can remember many a time when myself and Cordelia had to lessen the blow of her fatal, verbal, bomb shell dropping. Favours ranging from giving up our most favourite possesion for an apology to an one of my most favourite robes, in an attempt to smooth over the blundering crater that Oriana’s remarks could oh, to often make. This was one of those times!
However, my mother would not be accepting any favourable gifts, to lessen the impact of what Oriana had said, that was certain. My mother would not be bought off at all by anyone or anything where truth was concerned.
“I said, the Forbidden forest!” repeated my mother even more firmly than the first time. And this time she had turned to face all three of us before ushering the servant out of the dining room before quietly closing the huge double, oak doors as she left the room.
Silence fell.
“Cordelia?” said my mother in a questioned tone. “Did you all go to the forbidden forest today?”
Trying to bridge the gap between a very stupid mistake that all three of us were all soon to be found guilty of, Cordelia spoke out.
“Not exactly,” replied Cordelia to our mother. A small sigh of relief oozed across my mothers, current, tight face.
“What exactly does that mean?” said my mother.
“We didn’t know …” I said in support of Cordelia.
“Didn’t know what?” said mother.
“Oh for goodness sake, there is no need to call the treaty of the divine spirits in, “said Oriana, sarcastically. “No harm has been done.”
With that, my mother spun on the spot to face Oriana, her face as still as ice.
“And that, that, if you don’t learn to direct it into a worldlier plight of wisdom, will be your downfall,” said my mother very slowly through almost clenched teeth. “…my child.” She finished with, said in a more familiar soft voice that we were more used to and preferred.
Mother then continued, “I need you to tell me, exactly where you have been and what happened.” In a more appeasing voice as her eyes darted assertively between the faces of all three of us. I started.
“We were just relaxing in the grounds outside the chateau, when the three men that we met near the fountain, came over to us on their horses.”
“Yes.” said mother.
“They invited us for a ride and we thought why not. Before we knew it, we were riding far across the land to the edge…”
“Of Doverian cliff?” asked my mother.
“A large cliff looking out onto the forbidden forest.” she continued.
“Yes.” All three of us stated at once in nodding.
“And that’s when we saw it.” said Oriana.
“Saw what?” asked mother.
“That tower. It is very large isn’t it?” Finished Oriana, swiftly glossing over the fact that we were nearly killed by poisonous arrow heads.
“It is. But you are not ready for that adventure yet,” said mother. In time I will tell you – all will be revealed but you must promise me not to go to the edge of Doverian cliff again. It is said that the dark war lords have small soldiers that shoot poisonous arrow heads to those that peer from the cliffs. The protection of the chateau is weak at this point in day light as the lunar powers of protection are in wane. Promise me you will never venture near it again.” said mother, concerningly.
“We will, mother, sorry.” Cordelia and I replied nodding our heads. As I turned toward mother to hug her, I realised that Orinana was standing mouth closed and tight lipped. She hadn’t agreed.
The wind was beginning to heighten outside as the night began to fall and this was the mask that veiled Oriana’s silence.
Cordelia looked at me, with that ‘ I know’ look as we all started to make our way back to our rooms. Down the long corridor we went, passing the now dark windows.
As I got to my room, I hugged both of my sisters and said. “Tomorrow we will talk. I am tired now.”
“Me too” voiced Cordelia.
“Goodnight then, you too.” said Orinana as she sauntered off towards her room.
Cordelia just raised her eyebrow and kissed me lightly on the cheek. “Night little sis, see you tomorrow.”
Chapter 8
The next morning, we woke to another beautiful sunny day, summer was here and the bad storm that the wind had warned us of last night had passed.
I was quick to get dressed and washed. I stood looking again at the mirror, trying to work out the connection between what was on my mirror and what was on Custennains’, saddle, the rein holder.
My mother knocked gently on my bedroom door before entering.
“Hurry up Amenea!” said my mother. “You are such a daydreamer.” You have Chateau school again today with your sisters. They are already in the dining room, demolishing your breakfast. And it is your favourite – warmed barley oats with lavender jam and wild cherry juice. “
I quickly disturbed my gaze from the mirror, finished lacing my boots. Put my favourite comb in my hair, fastened my sheath belt and departed my room, arm in arm with mother.
Whilst I was munching my way through the rest of the barley oats, my mother started to talk to us.
“I know it is all very exciting here with everything being wonderful and new, but you must be careful.”
“Careful of what?” Oriana said as she finished plaiting a small tress in her long hair, as she sat half perched on the side of the chair with her long legs casually crossed.
“Well, you remember what happened yesterday. You need to be careful as you haven’t completed the Chateau school yet . You have valuable teachings to learn about the way of life here. It is very different from submertia. Here the rules have a more fundamental reason, failing to abide by them could be very drastic.” She continued.
“How exactly mother?” asked Cordelia gently.
“All will become clear once you have finished the first quarter of Chateau school.
Also, when you go into the courtyard in the middle of the Chateau did you see a man there?”
“Yes.” We replied.
“Good, he is called Caedmon – the wise one. If you do not find him sitting in the courtyard, do not go in.”
“Why?” we all asked at once.
“No need to know, yet �
�� just don’t go in.” she replied. “Anyway, hurry all or you will all be late for Chateau school. Lunch will be waiting here for when you finish and then we will go and explore, together.” said my mother with a beautiful smile.
We collected our light over cloaks and departed for Chateau school.
The ride to the edge of Doverian cliff had done something to lessen the huge gap between us and the three men. Instead of sitting with us as normal, Oriana quickly located Mabon and settled herself right next to him, immediately upon entering the class.
I also remarked that she had spent a particular amount of time on her hair today and had adorned it with some of her most favourite hair jewel’s. They sparkled delicately in the sunlight that was beaming in through the tall, stained glass windows.
I even managed to get a small smile from Custennain as soon as I entered the class. I actually saw his stern lips, soften and curl gently at the corners. Cordelia also had a warm glow about her. I couldn’t quite decide if that was because she was embarrassed or just warm from the fast walk to the class. Anyway, Cordelia and I sat ourselves down together on the large oak bench. It had a high back which was nice as it offered support to the back, which I was pleased about after yesterday’s ride. My back was still a little stiff and my thighs still hurt.
The lesson was again interesting. I was pleased that today we did not have any physical practice such as sword practising die to my aching limbs. But we did start learning about the history of the divine spirit.
Upon the table in front of each one of us was a huge book. A volume. It was called, The Secret Teachings of all ages. Mrs Levity our teacher, said that this book will be of great use to us as it would provide us with the keys to many solution’s that we will need to find.
Not quite understanding exactly what relevance that had, I started to dwindle off into my own world. Yes, day dreaming again. The book was huge, and the size of each page filled the entire width of the table. Pictures, charts and words spread across each page. Many of the pictures resembled things that I hadn’t seen before. Stars and inscriptions that I could not understand or translate seemed to appear on most pages.
The voice of Mrs Levity suddenly broke my daydream mist and my thoughts that were currently attached to the image in front of me on the page. Half monkey, half man levitating above the ground, in a column of bright light. The monkey man had one arm held up high above him where he was touching one of five stars that circled above him. The other arm was dropped down and his hand touched his thigh. In this hand he was holding a key, a large key and in the head of the key was a …”
“Amenea! Are you following?” asked Mrs Levity in an enquiring voice that broke my thoughts.
Clearly not and feeling a little embarrassed I quickly replied,
“Oh yes, that’s very interesting.” Hoping, praying that, that would be enough to convince her that I had been listening to her talk on crystal formation and the geology of the Chateau.
“Really!” she replied with one hand become placed on one of her very slender hips.
“Yes,” I said as I sat upright and addressed my posture to demonstrate how incredibly attentive, I was being.
“Make sure you have the correct page open in front of you then.” She replied.
Phew that seemed to work as she then returned to her talk, convinced. With that I had a quick glance around the room to see that everyone was looking down at their book but Custennain was looking directly at me. I felt my cheeks redden as I looked back down at the book and started fumbling through the pages.
Just as I thought I had turned to the right page, the page that Mrs Levity wanted, there it was. Right in front of me, on an entire page was the sculpture. The same sculpture that was on my mirror, in my room. The same sculpture that was on the saddle of Custennain. I could hardly contain my excitement and my eyes must have developed that glistening glaze, I normally get when I walk into the yarn room for our gowns. A newly acquired part of our new life that I totally love. In this new life I feel like a Queen. Dressed in fine velvets and sumptuous silks of the most femmine and attractive designs. Each day in my dressing room I find another item there, gifted by my mother. An exquisite comb, pendants with unusual stones. Small bottles of fragrances and special herbs that my mother says will come in handy when I have learnt of their use and power at Chateau school.
I return to the drawing and start to read. My eyes had just read the first line which said, ‘Abraxas is found in the Holy book of the Great Invisible spirit.’ when Mrs Levity announced that class is dismissed chairs started to scuff across the wooden floor and pupils start to rise and leave the class.
Oh no, I thought, I can’t stop reading now. I really must find out what this means.
“Can I take this book back to my room until tomorrow please?” I ask, with hope, propping up my will whilst I cover up my guilt for not listening in Mrs Levity’s lesson. I worried … maybe she did realise, maybe she is now going to say no.
“Well, ok as you are new and have a lot of reading to catch up on then yes. Custennain, will you carry this back to Amenea’s room please as it will surely be too heavy for her to carry by herself? ” she asked.
“Yes of course, Mrs Levity,” he replied.
“It would be my absolute pleasure.”
Looking round for both or even one of my two sisters to attach myself to, in this moment so that I would not be alone with Custennain, I realised that it was futile, I was alone. Both of my sisters had gone, and Mrs Brevity had also now left the class. We were alone. Turning to look at him I also felt a quite still, in the air. The sun had touched the top of his hair and was highlighting his jaw line. His shoulders seemed very large in the silhouette of the sun dazed room. Realising that I was still staring at him and still not speaking. I was relatively pleased when I saw his lips part.
“Shall we go?” said Custennain, smiling kindly at me.
“Oh yes of course, sorry, I was just trying to think about the interesting lesson we have just had. What did you think?” I asked nervously trying to conceal my embarrassment.
“Really? He replied.
“Was it really that interesting? I prefer it when we do more sword practice.” he said. “That will be more useful!”
With that he picked up with ease the huge, heavy, tan, leather bound volume and walked towards the sun filled doorway.
Watching him silently with eager and inquisitive eyes, I followed.
Chapter 9
Early next morning, Mabon instructed his servant to prepare his horse for immediate travel. Ten minutes later Manon’s horse was saddled up and ready. Dressed in casual brown leather boots, and simple skins he mounted his horse. Today he was not wearing his normal tunic, he wore a simple grey doublet instead. He mounted his horse in the crisp, fresh, morning air. The sun had not yet fully risen and there was still dew on the leaves of plants and trees.
Mabon informed the guards as he left that he was going to Masonbury for a bit. Masonbury was the nearest town to the Chateau. It was about two hours away on a fast horse ride away. As Mabon was quite small, smaller and lighter than any of his brothers he had the natural ability to ride with tremendous speed.
At Masonbury, you could find everything you needed like in most towns, oils, local farmers breads, cheeses, swords, yarns and leathers. However, all of this was already easily accessible to Mabon at the Chateau. As he was the fourth and youngest son of the High Priestess Dalia, so naturally he would have accorded to him, the very best of everything, just like his brothers – handmade to order.
However today, he was coming to visit a particular shop, supplying things that he could not have hand made to order. Things of a certain magical intent …
As Mabon arrived in the merchant’s square, he descended his horse and attached it to the horse’s stable where his horse could drink and rest until the return journey arrives.
The unfamiliar smell of communal living filled his nostrils. A blend of curiously pleasant and not so pleasant aro
mas filled the air. Here you had the good and the bad of everyone, the clean and the unclean, the right and the wrong.
Mabon made his way slowly on foot, on the cobbled market place towards his destination. The stalls were over flowing with lots of different items which Mabon liked looking at, unusual chickens some had three legs, vegetables that he had not seen before, pies and fruit tarts of many different vibrant colours, gladdened his eyes. Clay pots with unusual inscriptions and artists with paintings depicting scenes of the natural environment.
Towards the end of the main stretch of the very busy market where people mingled, chatted and laughed together was a small cross road, a brew house sat at the main section of this cross roads. Here people were sitting outside on crafted chairs and tables, drinking mead from silver topped horns. Everyone was dressed very much like him. Good he thought – no one will notice who I am.
Mabon passed the brew house where the merriment of the mead was having an effect on the levels of laughter that people were roaring out as he took a turn down into a quieter cobbled street. Here the merchants had small shop fronts, beneath stone, built houses. The street was narrow, and you could happily go from one merchant to the other in just a few steps. Mabon took another turn into another street and quickly turned to look over his shoulder, to make sure no one was following him.
Half way down this even quieter street he took a small path way that led, tightly between two merchants. This then led him into another quieter road. Here, he was far away from the noisy market, here it was not even a distant hum. He approached a familiar shop known to him, he walked up the three large stone stairs that led to the shop door and entered.
A single bell rung from the top of the shop door as he entered the door. The door closed quietly before him and he found himself alone in a silent room. Just as he was about to call out “I’m here.” Another smaller light wooden door opened at the back of the room and a small, yet rotund man appeared. His head was bald, and he wore a long, dusky olive robe. As he walked it shimmered delicately like stars. He moved silently across the wooden floor and came towards Mabon.
The Queen of Hope (Tower of Glass series) (The Throne Of Glass Book 1) Page 4