CH9
A few days later she couldn't wait any longer. She wanted to see the Green tower again. Her desire to find out what was going on behind those walls was stronger than the fear of being caught by a blue sash or anyone from the storm. She woke before dawn. She crawled out of the dungeon. Before going out into the hall she turned herself invisible. Her feet slid across the floor boards to minimize noise. She had watched Bran sneaking enough to know silence is golden. Slipping past the man at the door. She drifted through misty streets. The braziers were still burning. She just fell into a dark corner as the invisibility faded out. Pulling up her hood, she darted back out and scurried towards the green tower. She found an alley facing the tower and hunkered down behind some cast off crates. It smelled of refuse and moisture wicked into her hem. She watched for several hours before returning the way she left.
It was not nearly as informative as her first encounter, nevertheless she was determined to hold vigil as often as possible. She couldn't articulate what drew her to do this but she had to. She was compelled to. Partly, her desire for knowledge drove her. Behind those walls sat more spells than she could hope to learn. Then there were the blue sashed men. If she could learn anything about that organization she could learn more about what they wanted from her parents and her. That wasn't all though, something was wrong with the place. She couldn't quite put her finger on what. It was like catching a whiff of rot amongst a pile of herbs. It was there but with so many other smells you couldn't quite point it out but you knew it was there.
She watched for weeks and couldn't shake the feeling. A schedule was set to wake up exorbitantly early to spy before returning mid morning. Because of the early time she didn't often see much activity from the place. Only the last bit had normal activity of people going about morning duties, but that wasn't all bad. Clandestine meetings happened more often in the silence of darkness and away from the listening ears inside the towers.
She only just saw one such meeting as she arrived in the predawn mist. The fog was too thick to see either person clearly, but their voices were clear like fog dimmed one sense but amplified another. The first voice was young, probably that of a student. The second was more familiar. A voice she heard the first time she visited the tower.
"I heard you have been struggling recently."
"When did you hear that? I am in the top half of my class."
"Forgive me, I meant you are only struggling compared to your potential."
"My potential?"
"Yes, I believe you are destined for great things."
"Ha, I'm supposed to believe that?"
"I want to make you my protege."
"You think I could become an elder?"
"Or even more."
"How, even Sibhan has been passed over."
The man Laughed "She has nothing on you. I have been watching you for some time now and you are far more suited. Last semester's written exam for example. You got a perfect score."
"Ahh, yeah I studied really hard."
"But you didn't."
"What are you saying?"
"I know you cheated."
"Sir?"
"Calm yourself, that little trick of yours made me think more highly of you than any amount of studying. You see, in my view results are everything. And you had perfect results, better than any of you classmates all with less effort. Though you still need to learn a thing or two, it took me some effort to keep your visit to the proctor's office unnoticed."
"Why did you cover for me?"
"Because you are the exact person I need.''
"Really?"
"Yes, you already have the right mindset."
"But I am only a mediocre wizard."
"Do you really think I don't have a solution for that? Trust me and I can make you more powerful than even the other elders."
"I would like that."
"Wonderful." she could hear him smile as he said those words.
She didn't linger long after that conversation. It was the first time she had heard that wizard after he spoke with the blue sashed man. He wasn't any random wizard but an elder. She had learned by then the elders were the most powerful casters that governed the towers. What was he recruiting that student for was part of the same plan he spoke of before. She had gained more questions than answers that morning.
She liked going by Albin's, especially after particularly puzzling events at the tower. It was the only place she went that truly felt normal. Or maybe an herb shop was just normal for her. She often spent longer looking for the right supplies than she needed, reluctant to go back to the storm's hold. Albin didn't mind. They would often spend time talking about medicinal (non magical) remedies or the proper way to store a particular plant. He reminded her of a particular aunt that would visit her mother. She had that eye for what was wrong, catching illnesses long before anyone else would. Certainly before May. She was proficient at potion craft but lacked the subtleties to be a good healer. Albin was a witch but lacked the magical firepower to make most potions, but he did have the eye. The rare occasions she was present when a customer came in he knew what ailed them and how to help. He could solve the problem without magic most of the time. For the few that couldn't she could help make the potion, though she felt like she was no more than a conduit for Albin's own proficiency in healing.
"Have you ever had a patient react badly to the bone mending potion?" she asked.
"No, it is one of the safest healing potions there are because it acts so slowly. Did you have a patient react?"
"Yeah, he didn't just get groggy, It was like all the energy was drained from him. He wasn't just sleeping, he was unconscious."
"Interesting, was the potion bad?"
"No, it was from the same batch I gave you. I was able to stabilize him by giving him some of my own magic. In fact I might have given him too much. He was completely healed by the end of the day, but it still worries me."
"Don't feel bad." he said "It just takes seeing a lot of cases. When things are wrong it is all about finding the difference from their normal. You will get there, and if it's any consolation I have never heard of something like that, perhaps the person has naturally very little magic so they are more sensitive. "
"Maybe I feel like I could make all the potions in the world but I wouldn't know how to prescribe them."
Most of the time she came too early to see Albin at work even though she came after her Green Towers vigil. He was usually setting up for the day. His son Rhys usually helped. I was wary of him, he was a city guard and a step above the regular rank and order too. He was a captain. What would happen if he found out that this was only her part time job, and her real one was for a criminal organization. He asked a lot of questions too. Most of the time it was normal friendly questions. Like asking about Sudeland or if her home was fine after a particularly bad wyvern storm. Other times it seemed to take on a more pointed direction.
"You are an accomplished witch, has anyone else approached you about your skills?"
"No, I have learned by now to keep it hidden."
"Why did you leave Sudeland."
A difficult question to answer but she knew she should stick as close to the truth as possible, "I guess you could say I fled."
"What made you run?"
"I worked for a house that ended for treason, though I was just a maid, those that witnessed certain events were hunted."
"Why did you choose Richosia, surely Arg is closer."
"I met people traveling to Richosia first."
"Do you have any family in the city?"
"No,"
"Did you ever?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"Are your eyes a family trait, or is it part of some magic."
"What do you mean?"
"There was a case a few years back where a bunch of people stormed the Green Towers, they were slain by the wizards before anyone else arrived. It was quite peculiar, they all had purple eyes like you. Did you possibly know them?"
"How could I know them, I only recently came to the city."
"I was just wondering if it had anything to do with a school of witchcraft."
It likely had to do with the man in blue stealing from the Fion, but I wasn't ready to share everything with him. "Why would witches attack the towers, witches know they can compete with wizards in combat."
"Yes but they seemed desperate, and if they were going to die anyway …"
"You think the Towers are responsible for the disappearing witches?"
"Yes."
"But you said that happened years ago, has this been going on that long?"
"No, after that night more and more strange things started to happen at the towers."
"Have you seen a man with a blue sash crossed over his chest? It is quite distinctive, it has a magical glow to it."
"That doesn't sound like one of the wizards."
"I have seen him at the tower, I mention this because similar people in Sudeland were responsible for taking out wizards and witches alike."
"Are they after the wizards?"
"Not from what I have seen."
"What have you seen?"
"It looked like they were working together, or at least they were talking about some plans together, but that is all I know."
"Will you tell me if you see this person again?"
She nodded. It would be good to have another person keeping tabs on them.
"Here," He handed her a slip of paper with an address on it and on the back a small note saying to let this person through along with his signature. "If you ever have important information that can't wait or might put you at risk come here. I am a detective and my top priority case is finding those missing witches."
"You think they are alive?"
"Well, In my mind why would you take a witch to make potions so they must be alive right?"
"I hope so."
"Don't be too afraid, the number going missing has really slowed down. We haven't had anyone reported in a few months."
"That is good."
"Thank you for your help, you don't have any clue why a group of purple eyed people attacked the towers?"
"My eye color has nothing to do with me being a witch sorry?" She said and got up to leave. "I will be sure to tell you if I find anything new."
Once back she would get geoffry's to do list from Reah. It was mainly simple castings, a smuggler had many uses for an enchanted lock or make one thing look like another. With any reserves of energy she would practice. She improved faster than she ever had before. Even though they were basic the frequent casting built her resistance and allowed her magic to flow readily.
The routine was a comfort but it was not the unchanging monotony she had before. Ruth happily listened to her casting progress over porridge each morning and would tell of her nights guarding the storm's secret exit to the city. Tam worked at the warehouse organizing routes and sometimes would watch her cast and would make time to improve her knife skills. He also taught her how to lie, or lie better. He never said that's what he was doing, May would have objected. I was thankful. If she was going to run with the storm and also go against Geoffry's wishes she needed the skill. Bran was all over the place. He helped Tam with organizing the goods path into the city, but more as a man in the field. She still saw him nearly every day and he often invited her home for dinner.
It was Bran who first caught on to her deception. She ducked into her usual alcove to drop invisibility. "Where are you going?"
She wiped around. Seeing it was him she scowled and slapped him on the arm, "stop doing that, you are going to give someone a heart attack one day."
"Doing what I was just standing here, where are you sneaking too?"
"Nowhere"
"Nowhere is my favorite place, can I come?"
"I am not under arrest."
"Please, I was hoping you were out. I mean I can hardly blame you. You can turn invisible after all."
"I don't think you will like where I am going."
"Try me."
"The Green Towers."
He swallowed, "great, lets go." They traversed misty streets. She decided to give him a chance to bail and went to the apothecary first
"Taking the scenic route are we."
"Nothing but the best for you." She entered the unusual wood clad building. The sign said closed but it was lit inside and the door was unlocked.
The clerk saw her and smiled as he put aside his work "Your back, I was beginning to wonder if you weren't coming today."
"Sorry I am a bit late." She returned a borrowed basket.
He accepted it but his eyes rested on Bran, who was leaning on the doorframe arms crossed. "It looks like something held you up."
She glanced at Bran giving his best tough guy impression and sighed, "Don't mind him. He is just a tagalong." He deflated. "And if he would come over I would introduce him as Bran."
"Albin, at your service. Do you have time for another order?"
"Yes."
"Order? What all have you been up to?" asked Bran.
"It's a good deal. I trade potions for herbs and other ingredients," she turned to Albin "Your stock is top quality."
"Thankyou, a witch of any level is hard to find these days."
"Mage," Bran corrected
"He dropped the glass he was holding."
"You are a wizard as well?"
"I am trying to keep that more discrete." she said as much for Bran as Albin.
"Sorry," said Bran.
"Absolutely, that explains some things. I won't tell a soul." said Albin.
"In any case, what is your request?"
"Any healing potion."
"The bone mending I gave you before was about as strong as I get but I have a few weaker ones and a pain reliever and a nauseant and a general healing potion that isn't good for anything beyond scratches and bruises."
"I will take the nauseant and the healing potions, take what you need from the back." she passed through but he stopped Bran "you stay here."
It crossed her mind to ditch Bran like Albin was clearly intending. But she trusted Bran found her on his own, not because Geoffry wanted her watched. She took her items and returned. Albin raised his eyebrows. "I will be back soon, hopefully."
He waved as they left. She had been to her hiding location so much they made quick time. Once perched in her usual spot she pulled out her breakfast and split it with Bran. His eyes hadn't left the tower. She wished to put him at ease under its shadow and told of all she had seen. In all of her steakouts no one had so much glance in the alley's direction. She trusted her hiding spot and eventually he did too.
Sitting for several hours she explained all she learned of the Green Tower, though not about the blue man or his associates. The students, called initiates, all wore a uniform of deep emerald. Anyone belonging to the tower wore a gold brooch. Surrounding buildings were the fancy homes of the higher ups. From the gossip she understood most who trained were children of nobles. Youngest children or those without much inheritance came only partially of their own volition. Most had no more than average aptitude. It seemed confusing that people around believed only special people were born with magic but acknowledged nobles sent their children there for convenience not ability.
There were still definitely some wizards of great power. The elders far surpassed her meager abilities. She witnessed a weather changing event be executed on a scale to protect the whole city from a descending storm. That day nothing but light rain came. From what she gleaned from overhearing wizard's conversations there were maybe ten to fifteen individuals on this tear, maybe less. She risked using her bird to inspect the magic inherent in the structure. there were objects of such great power they stunned her eyes even at a distance. She didn't know what she was hoping for. A giant blinking signal saying this was the object stolen from the fion. It was the center of magic for the entire kingdom. The place was filled with magic, some objects more powerful than she thought possible. There were three of that nature and twenty more of note. The whole building glowed with magical essences; it was far prettier on this plane than in reality. Clearing the dazzle she saw the familiar lattice of warding. It was not surprising spires of such height could hardly support themselves without aid. All of this might was more than she could fathom. If she only saw the halls of dagda. As fascinating as it was it told her little of the people inside other than they weren't to be reckoned with.
The few interactions she saw outside were much more informative. One morning she had the good fortune of seeing an outside class. She wasn't sure what level it was, but the spells were well within her mastery. That afternoon she transcribed the spells and practiced them on her own. She found them fascinating. They though, still in Sybil, had a stilt to the dialect far more than the accents in common warranted. It was a puzzle for her to match the word to her own understanding of Sybil and find the important roots.
The basis for the casting was the same and she soon had new spells in her repertoire. One could repel any liquid. She recognized it was in the family of the waterproofing spell she already had but it was much more effective. She thought it would be a fun umbrella, and she put it in use to repel wyvern acid the few nights she was caught out when they swarmed. The other she was more wary of using. It was a variant of a commanding charm, but for animals. The lesson at the green tower had its students called alley cats and birds to sit next to each other. As long as she had her familiar she wouldn't need it. Instead she tried something she had seen both her parents do often and altered the spell to simply allow a creature to understand her. She warily tested on Rhiannon. She was disappointed that the spell failed, or so she thought. It didn't understand her words but a bond had been formed. Instead of speaking in human terms the horse saw her as one of her own and understood and communicated in less apparent ways. May, unsure of herself, saw it as an immediate failure when the mare didn't speak back. I wished I could tell her otherwise.
She memorized the faces of the students in that class and the teacher, and tried to discern their intentions. They would be becoming full wizards soon. But she missed how strong she already was. None of the students over the course of the week mastered both and many couldn't do either. She on the other hand could do both and had modified one. She probably rivaled the teacher in proficiency. She still saw herself as barely passable but she had no benchmark than her father who was as gifted as her and had many more years for training.
Sitting with Bran, she saw a girl she recognized from the class, but it was too early for that. She stood out in the courtyard angrily casting. She manipulated a ball of water with impressive dexterity. Her reddened face showed she had been at it for some time. She cursed as the water suddenly splashed to the ground. Her scowl deppend as a teacher appeared around the corner.
"You need to rest," said the teacher, "You will only wear yourself out doing this."
"What am I supposed to do!"
"Just study like all the other students, this will not help you."
"I have been studying for five years, when will we start learning the real stuff?"
"You are now, you will graduate more accomplished than many others. You may be a bright student but you still struggle and that is normal."
"You have said yourself I am the most powerful student in my class. I have seen what others do, when will I learn that?"
"You can come back when you are proficient in illusions, or can do even one reliably. Then we will talk. But don't be upset if you can't. Everyone has their limits, their strengths and weaknesses."
"No, what about Cian? What about him, he was nothing special now look at him."
"It was hard for me too," sighed the old man, "but we can't all be on the elder's level."
"But I want to be"
"Then you must be patient."
"Don't lie to me. I know Cian has been getting help. If he can grow that much, why can't I get that same help. Think how much better I would be."
"Cian was never the most studious, You already know how beneficial responsible practice can be, there is no help that just makes one better."
"What do you know, Cian is getting help, he won't shut up about how much stronger he feels. Why don't I get that same help? Wasn't I the most promising student in years, why him not me?"
"Sahban, I know it is frustrating seeing your peers catch up with you, but that is not the kind of help you need. He merely is getting tutored. What you need is patience."
They entered the building and were out of earshot. Cian must be the one the wizard approached. If the teacher's reaction was anything the wizard must be keeping his movements secret. Still the Cian sounded loose lipped. If she could talk to him or one of his classmates she could find out more. The girl Sahban sounded like a good candidate, she was jealous. It wouldn't be hard to convince her to keep tabs on them. How could she approach her?
She saw the fog begin to dissipate. It was time to leave. They wandered back to the warehouse Bran with her there was no need for invisibility and she went down to do her enchantments for the day and start the potions for Albin. For the most part she was undisturbed in the dungeon. Using her new skills from Tam she let most of the storm believe enchanting could be volatile and that kept most from coming to gawk. Sometimes Ruth would keep her company or Bran would. Geoffry even watched once but the act of casting is not near as interesting as the results.
Today Reah and Tam came down and silently watched her finish from the safety of the stairs. It was unusual for both of them to watch together. Her last item on the to do list was destroying a chest. She didn't ask what was in it, she knew better than that. She didn't feel like filling the room with smoke and was looking for a controlled time to test a new spell without practicing constraints. She dragged the box to the center of the room and set about disintegrating it. It was a complex cast that took all her concentration. She put her hand on the wooden planks. The chest crumpled into a fine dust unrecognizable. She felt fatigued from the higher level spell, but not completely burnt for the day.
Reah walked up during the spell "how do you feel about leaving the city for a short time?"
"What?"
"For a job, I haven't told Geoffrey yet it would be very dangerous."
"Do the others know?"
"Yes, Tam wants you to decide, it would rely on you the most."
"What is it?"
"Some sort of monster is terrorizing a local lord's province. The thing is killing crops and livestock and making people sick. Rumor has it's a creation of the Fomorians."
"What does it look like?" she didn't know any of the ancient monsters, but she still asked.
"I don't know. Reports are inconclusive - Humanoid, a quadruped, both. What we do know is it is poisonous; its breath can kill, but it also fears water. Half of the lords standing guard were killed confronting it."
"It is a very serious task." said Tam, finally joining the conversation.
"Do you think we should?"
"I'm in for it, but if it is what I think you will have to be the one to kill it. You can stay at a distance away from its poison. We can keep it at bay, but short of a lucky strike you are the only one who can do real damage."
"Ok, let's do it." It would be nice to help people and be in the country again. It couldn't be worse than the Roc.
"Then pack your things we will leave tomorrow."
Conversation finished, Tam and Reah stood Awkwardly waiting for the other to leave. Reah broke first. "I will go inform Geoffry."
"Now that you agree I can tell you it's worth it in my opinion. Even if we fail, due to the immediacy we will be getting horses. And if we do, there is also a nice purse."
"I can ride Rhiannon."
"That's what I thought, I still got money for four so we will get some better stock, maybe they will match her." he seemed excited. "Any other supplies you think we need?"
"Have you done anything like this before?"
"No, it usually is an outfit of guards who go after monsters, or if they are strong enough a wizard is commissioned but we get to do the job on the down low. It's a significant upgrade to our usual work. I think it's your performance in Sudeland that got us the gig. So we have you to thank."
"Don't thank me yet, I am not the best under pressure."
"You will do great. you did last time and think how much you have been practicing in between."
"And what if I fail." Almost everything helpful she had done to help was a fluke.
"Then we will be there to have your back."
"Ok"
"I will leave you to pack, but Ruth will be around if you think of anything." he smiled as he walked away, "this will be a good trip."
He almost skipped up the stairs. She wished she shared his excitement, but her feelings were much more mixed. She turned to her small collection of potions and ingredients and packed anything she thought would be useful. Albin would have to wait for his order, a nauseant would be needed for poison. Especially if it was a magic effect, an antidote would be hard to find. Using the last of her energy she made a water stone. If the travel was more than a day she would make more. She put them in her pack with a few more general travel items.
As she waited for Ruth she flipped through the potion book looking for anything else useful. On the second to last page her mother described a bog stone. It was perfect. It absorbs any toxins in the body once ingested. As long as the poison wasn't fast acting it would cure the ill effects. The problem was finding one. Magic seemed to be more common but harder to obtain here, but that might have been because her family had the favor of a noble.
Ruth eventually came. She threw on her cloak and tucked the book in its pocket.
"I suppose you want to come with?"
"Yes."
"Know anything about horses?" but Ruth saw her clueless expression, "Wishful thinking I guess. Come along, just stay quiet at the stables."
"Should we take Rhiannon?"
"Why would we do that?"
"She is a nice horse, to compare or something."
"Ha, you really don't know much about horses. No one but you wants to ride a plow horse like that. Speaking of which we should trade her tack in for a proper saddle."
It didn't take long to reach a stable. The smell was strong but not overly unpleasant. Ruth put on her best sweet little old lady smile and hunched her back. She just noticed her spear wasn't with her. She hobbled up to the man in charge.
"What can I do for ye?"
"I would like three horses good for a journey," her voice had a rasp in it.
"Rental or purchase?"
"Purchase,"
"Follow me."
"Where are you heading?"
"Oh my brother died, we are off to his funeral in Rune."
"My condolences."
"Thankyou laddy."
"Well we have an option right here, ten years, calm, easy to handle, reliable for a day's work."
Ruth entered the stall. It was a stout horse, not much taller than a pack pony. The last of its brown winter coat was coming out in tufts. Ruth ran her hand across its back and legs and checked its teeth. It stood patient following her with its ears.
"This one'l work, let's see the others."
He showed two more horses that could have been the first's twin for all she knew, but Ruth turned them down. Next was a heavy gray and white one. It was much taller, somewhere between Rihannon and the first. Its thick mane partially covered its eyes and its feathers did cover its hooves. Ruth took this one. For Tam, she assumed. They viewed several more horses before finding the last. It was a taller, less scruffy horse but it had large scars across its hind quarters. It was very jumpy understandably; it got its scars when a gryphin tried to carry it off. After a very long haggle over the price, they walked out with their new horses. She held the first two while Ruth barely contained the last.
"Bran is going to have a good time with this one."
"You're not going to ride it?"
"No, I'm going to ride old brownie here. I have had enough tumbles off a horse, I don't need anymore. Now we have ten gold left, I'll use 2 for food, anything you need?"
"A bog stone."
"I have never heard of that, is it magic?"
"No, but it can neutralize types of magic."
"I think I know a place. You should like it. It is where I found the spell for you."
They put up the horses behind the werehouse next to Rhiahnonn. Food was next on the list. They loaded up on enough that May figured the journey would be a few days. Leaving the market they moved back to the wall and into the maze of the south wall district. Ruth entered a dingy little shop on the back side of a dye house. The shelves were eclectic.
"Ruth! I haven't seen you in a while." a squeaky voice said as a woman emerged from a pile of stuff up to the ceiling.
"Hello Bridgid," she greeted the unusual woman with piles of graying brown hair on her head. "We are looking for a stone, a …"
"Bog stone"
"A Bog Stone, hum, Yes very useful purifies the blood."
She dug through another pile and pulled out a box. Inside was a variety of stones. Most were nothing more than plain rocks and a few used up elemental stones. Then she pulled out a pitted stone. May asked to hold it. The rock was much lighter than the size suggested, it was indeed a bog stone. Out of curiosity she cast second eyes to see if there was any magic on it. There was a faint glow, but not on the stone. She gave back the stone confirming its legacy. She left Ruth haggling the price. She nearly toppled piles twice, reaching the glow. It took a bit of rummaging but she found it. Dropping second eyes, she saw the source was a small blue stone inset on the bottom of a string. She followed the string and it was attached to a book as a bookmark. Her heart skipped a beat as she opened it. The script in the small book was sibyl. She snapped the book shut and grabbed two random books before rejoining Ruth.
"How much for these books." She kept the one she wanted in the back.
"Oh how many, three? I'll say I will throw them in with the stone, since we were friends."
"Deal it is," they shook hands
She handed a large gold medallion, the ridging on the side looked familiar but she missed the left and the rush of fresh air reminded her how musty the place was. She clutched her books to her chest.
"What did you get"
"I," but before she could respond she took one from May's hand.
"You didn't strike me to like one of these books, but eh to each their own," and passes it back.
She looked at the title tax reforms of the decade.
"I guess studious types like learning about anything," she chuckled and handed it back.
The entire trip back she tried to hide the little sybil volume from anyone who might notice it. Making it back she tucked the book in her bodice as she went down to the dungeon.
The next morning I met the rest of the group at sunrise. Since she didn't have to travel and was used to the early wake up, she got up a bit early to tack up the horses for everyone. She had some difficulty with Bran's horse and I had to intervene. The others stood placidly taking the gear. She lined them up and waited in the early morning light. Rhiannon got a scratch on the wither as May talked to her and myself mainly for her own benefit.
She hoped it would be a good trip; she wanted to do a good job. It was a good thing to do helping people and protecting a village. Tam was so excited. She wanted to do right by him. And for all of the good intentions she was also aware this was a test. She had already proved her usefulness but none of them were irreplaceable services. If she did well she would feel more secure, and it would raise her friends up as well.
This made her afraid, she still didn't consider herself an accomplished mage. She knew her downfall was casting under pressure. Confronting a monster of such repute would no doubt affect her. She wasn't so much afraid of failing for herself, but for the others. They were counting on her. Tam made that clear. If they got hurt she wouldn't forgive herself. They never would do this without her. She cared about them, they had taken such good care of her here. She wanted to repay them, but she wasn't sure if she could.
One by one they arrived securing their saddlebags and loading their respective mounts. Bran was first and Tam was last. They all mounted and were off. The horses' feet clattered on the cobbled streets. The group settled into a rhythm, and they left the city to a glorious morning. The ripening fields swayed in soft breezes and carried its sweet earthy smell to May. Sunshine chased away any chill. A hawk circled on thermals in the distance. It was a rare warm day that reminded her of Sudeland. She scratched an itch on Rhiannon's ear without noticing she asked.
They picked up pace once outside the farmland and into the woods. It was a three day trip, but on foot it would have been over four. None of them were experienced riders. With her new bond May and Rhiannon got along perfectly. Tam and his bear of a horse got along well enough. It and Ruth's mount wouldn't be bothered by anything short of a natural disaster. Bran was not so fortunate. Every few minutes the poor beast would start at something. He was nearly bucked off too many times to count. May worried he would get stepped on or break something on a fall. But I let him be, it was like a game for him. It was a challenge to stay on and calm the horse and he enjoyed it. The rest of the group not so much.
Unlike the previous travels each night there was an inn to stay at mercifully. She got almost as sore as her first days leaving home from riding though it was different muscles. In the long hours of riding she prepared for the fight. The others sharpened blades and fletched arrows, but she created water stones and cast her new spells unfettered for the first time in the wilderness. She struggled to give herself confidence even with the faultless execution. Bran had no such doubts and assisted her familiar in boosting her confidence. At the midday break she would cast spells as he chased her and a finch swooped in front of her face. It was a very strange sight for the odd farmer that passed by, but it helped.
Before even reaching the lord's estate the monster's presence could be seen. Fields that should be flourishing withered in unnatural ways. The Farm houses were shut up tight and no one else was on the road. Even nature was off, no birds could be heard and no wildlife could be seen. The trees were turning colors though fall was nowhere near coming. They got to the manor house late in the afternoon. The grand building, like the rest of the countryside, was boarded up tight. Tam knocked at a side door and showed the housekeeper our credentials. A stable boy took the horses and they were ushered in. sitting at the large kitchen table she filled us in. Not a hair was out of place as she straightened her teaspoon and began the story.
"It all started about a month ago. Coming from the east, crops started to fail in the most unnatural of ways. Some were molded and rotten and the next field over would be withered and completely dry. Livestock started to disappear, but no corpses could be found. You have no idea the book keeping nightmare it has been. Then people started getting sick and the master had no choice but to send out a force. Ten men, all reserve draft and trained soldiers, went out and never came back. There was no trace of them, mind you there was not much searching everything considered. That's when we sent for help, I wanted a crown dispatch but the master knows best."
Tam frowned at the last, "has there been anyone who has seen it?"
"Nothing but distant glimpses."
"I saw it," said a servant waiting for the housekeeper's permission. She sighed but nodded " it looked like a horseman covered in red, but something wasn't quite right … it was far away."
"Thank you, where can we find it?"
"Just follow the decay, but it's worst at old man town's farm."
"Good, we will go there first thing in the morning. Would anyone be willing to take us?"
"I would," said the same servant as before
"Very well, I suppose you want a place to stay," said the housekeeper.
"Yes," said Tam
"Well you aren't staying in the house proper; make room for them in the servants quarters."
She left. The servants apparently waiting to eat supper descended on the table bringing plates and silverware and food. They were served without asking as they sized up their guests. The servant that saw the monster sat Next to May.
"So what is your part in fighting monsters?"
"She's the muscle," said Bran from the other side of her and Ruth cackled,"She could take you out before you knew what happened."
"But I won't"
"But she could," said Bran, though the servant didn't look all that impressed.
"The monster is in a poisonous cloud so be prepared," said someone down the table.
"That's why we have this," she held up the bog stone.
The servant smirked, "really, that will save you?"
"You should just be happy someone is willing to fight it, and stop being such an ass," said a girl across the table.
"Why, what can they do that ten trained men couldn't, don't go to your deaths."
"We know what we are getting into," said Ruth
"Do you?" "I don't" "it's not natural, whatever it is," "there is no stopping it." "but it wont leave."
"This won't be the first monster we have killed," said Bran, silencing the group of servants, he traced the brim of his hat "not six months ago we killed a Roc."
"Sure"
"Alright," Tam stood and stretched his imposing figure to its full height. "We have a big day tomorrow. I think we will turn in."
There was some room shuffling before May was placed in a room with two maids. She tried to get more information, but the women rarely left the grounds even without a monster haunting the countryside. She didn't push too much. Three days of hard riding drained her and she was asleep before her roommates were.
A knock came late in the night, Ruth burst into the room. "The monster has been sighted by the river, we need to move now." She reached for her clothes and boots, "No time for that."
She saw Ruth was in her dressing gown as she pulled her out of the room. She just grabbed her bag of potions. They joined Tam and Bran outside and hurried on to the horses that were already tacked. They galloped out and followed a rider on a sweating horse. They raced to the river. The moon was almost full, so there was some light to see along the road. Minutes later she could see the river drawing closer. It was a widening line of moonlight shining through the trees. The horses snorted and hacked. May cringed at the taint of the air. It was the smell of a festering wound almost metallic.
We broke through the trees not a hundred yards away from the abomination Neither horse nor man, a man's torso was fused to a horse's back, but it didn't have skin. The livid scarlet flesh twitched and pulsed. A growing cloud of black fog came from the horse's mouth. Its tongue dragged on the ground long and sharp and purple. They dismounted, leaving the horses at the tree line. Closer she could see its proportions were all wrong. The man's head was giant and lulled unthinking on its shoulders. Its emaciated arms were so long the knuckles dragged on the ground with long claws jutting out of its fingertips.
May was seized with panic as the horse's eyeless sockets turned to look at her. She fumbled a water stone out of her bag. She squeeked the activation sequence forcing herself forward and lobbed the stone away. It shot up a geyser of water. It screeched and backed away. Ruth used her pike, Tam a Bow and Bran throwing knives to corral it back to the water and closer to the river. She only had two water stones and wanted to save them. Tam charged forward while the fog was dampened by the water. The rail thin arm lashed out keeping him at bay. He couldn't get in a good hit before the haze forced him to fall back. He still had pushed it back a few steps. She threw the second stone at its feet pushing it back further. She began casting. Bran and flanked the monster while the water ran. Ruth got a good jab with her pike just as the water faded.
As they fell back she threw her hand out and cast freeze. The water solidified momentarily, restraining the thing. Everyone moved in including May as she started disintegrate. Tam got a deep slice on the shoulder. Bran maimed an arm, but the injuries only riled it further. The beast reared and lashed out ferociously. She was almost finished casting, but it lunged forward wrapping its tongue about her wrist. She screamed, losing the spell. She strained against the burning hold but she was subject to the full force of the noxious fumes. Her mind clouded, and her body trembled.
The whole beast shuddered and let her go. She sucked in a breath of fresh air clearing her mind. She saw Rhiannon rearing and digging hooves into its body. A long fingered hand slashed along its flank. She stumbled back pulling the last water stone out. She called away Rihanonn as the geyser blasted in the monster's face. Ruth helped her back. It was almost at the edge of the steep bank. Tam and Bran pressed it ignoring the toxic haze which now billowed out uncontrollably. Bran distracted the flagging monster as Tam shoved it back. She knew the stone was almost done but she had time to cast an illusion of the water continuing and moving back she took up a fallen arrow and helped harry the monster with Ruth so Bran could help Tam.
Bit by bit the monster slid down the bank. It tried to grasp the ground with the long arms but they forced it down. It howled as its back feet touched the water. All four of them used all their strength to force it further in ignoring its weakening scratches. They drug the writhing form under water. Tam sliced both throats and the water boiled with its blood. Its movements slowed, but it wouldn't go down. She took a step back and tried to disintegrate it again. The whole cast the others struggled to restrain the Horse head burst from the water, its body steaming. Without thinking she reached out grabbing its muzzle and released the spell. Its flesh bubbled and melted off the bone before they crumbled into a powder leaving a decapitated body floating in the water.
She panted and dropped her shaking hand. Her wide eyes stared at the others who were just as shocked as her. They slowly made their way out of the river dragging the carcass. She didn't have the strength so they left it for the village to burn. With the adrenalin fading, the poison asserted itself again. She doubled over pucking, apparently the potion wasn't needed. She dimly recognized the others also purging. Her wrist burned from the monster and she had a few minor scratches, but she would be fine.
She slumped next to Bran who had a larger cut across his arm and chest. Ruth had a limp as she used her amulet to heal Tam. She looked across the open land and saw Rhianonn standing apart from the other horses rigid in pain. She shuffled over the mare. She slid the saddle off her that was already ripped half off. The gashes ran the full length of her side. They weren't deep but they weren't bleeding as much as oozing darkened sludge. The mare's breath labored. She held her head stroking her nose. She calmed but foam dripped out of her mouth. Tam came over while Ruth looked at Bran.
"I have never seen a horse do that."
She continued rubbing Rhiannon's head "I think I did it, I tried casting a spell so she would understand me." she was guilty now realizing her work had taken. She pulled out the bog stone and looked to Tam for permission.
"Go ahead, she earned it and more tonight."
She held out the pitty stone letting Rhiannon know to eat it. She washed the wounds as best she could. Slowly red blood started to flow again and her breathing normalized. She started to graze and may left with nothing else she could do. She left and joined Bran and Ruth staring at the monster.
"Damn that's ugly," Bran said.
"Don't say that you'll hurt its feelings," May smiled.
"You're right, maybe if people were nice to it, it would stop killing the countryside."
Ruth sighed, "I thought we agreed you wouldn't get close."
"I needed to get close to end it."
"It turned out alright."
"You almost passed out."
"Rhiannon helped her out, actually what was that"
"Magic."
"Do you think you could do that to thorn?"
"You finally named him?"
"Yeah it's short for thorn in my side."
"I don't think it would help you much."
"Hey now we have matching horses, hopefully it's not the scars that turn horses into jerks."
"I think that's more on the rider," Ruth chuckled. "Let's get going before we all catch cold."
She looked down at her gray shift now stained scarlet and purple from the monster's blood. Bran cut off a stiffening hand for proof before leaving the body. They returned to Tam who had gathered the rest of the horses and mounted them. May rode back on Tam's horse. Bran graciously offered a ride on thorn, but she was not in the mood for a buck fest.
They traveled at an easy pace back. The sun was beginning to dawn in pink blushes above the trees. They plodded along the well kept gravel road. Already little birds were singing as life returned to the land. They passed by a farmhouse. There was a man out getting water from a well. He started and dropped his bucket at their sight. Four half clothed people stained in blood. Rhiannon followed untethered and stained as well. In the early morning light he probably thought they were red caps.
"The monster is dead," said Tam, "It won't bother you anymore."
Bran exuberantly waved the hand, and Thorn bucked again. There were several more encounters of similar nature. By the time they reached the main house the staff was out to meet them. Whispers ran through the ranks as they saw. They dismounted slowly. There were so many eyes looking at May. She hid behind the others as they approached.
"Thank you, you were very quick." said the housekeeper.
"We take our business seriously," said Tam.
"Indeed you do, I will get your letter for you. Will you stay for the burning?"
"We will clean ourselves up then be out of your hair."
"Please stay and rest, you should be there for the festivities tonight."
"Only if it is what you want, we don't want to be in trouble."
"It's no trouble at all. We have already sent for the medicine woman to come."
"Could we maybe get dressed now?"
"I kind of like it."
"Wet bloody night clothes?"
"It's just too hard core for you."
She got a warm bath prepared for her. The hot water soothed her burns and rid her of the rancid smell she had been ignoring all morning. She returned to the room she spent the night in clean and fully dressed. She wanted to get back some lost sleep before the medicine woman came. When she entered the two maids sat opposite of her looking expectantly. They blinked at each other for a bit.
"What is your life?"
"Believe it or not I was a maid not too long ago." She neglected to mention that it was locked in an enchanted tower.
"But it is so glamorous now."
"You too could have the glamorous life of running around in a wet nightgown."
"Running around in a nightgown with a handsome man."
She snorted, "I wouldn't call Bran handsome."
"Is he the tall one?"
"You mean Tam?"
"Tam, that's his name?"
"It's a strong name."
"How can a name be strong?"
"It's still a good name."
"Is he single?"
She repressed a laugh, who knew Tam was such a heartthrob. "I don't know why you don't ask him." That would be a funny conversation.
"Should we?"
"It's up to you." She hoped they would. She could already hear Bran ribbing him for it. She rolled up her sleeve to dress her wound. They both gasped. "Hunting monsters is not all glamor."
"How do you fight, you don't carry a weapon."
She paused. What could she tell them? It wouldn't be good if a rumor got out that a wizard was working outside the tower but it wasn't that hard to draw the conclusion she was magic. "I am a witch. I am just support for the others."
"Wow, you are brave."
"Not really."
They left the servants quarters and entered a grand sitting room. The healer was a few years younger than Ruth and was in the middle of wrapping Ruth's ankle. She protested greatly saying she knew better. Bran was across the room already treated. Once Ruth was done she sat in front of the healer. She held herself with dignity. Her dress was of a fine weave in maroon. She confidently took May's wrist and inspected it.
"I'm Eileen, and you are," she said, not looking up.
"May."
"You aren't from around here." she rubbed some salve on the wound that numbed the pain
"No."
"Hmm, well there is not much I can do for this, just keep it wrapped and moisturized" she wrapped strips of muslin over the burn.
She finished up and left a few things with Ruth. The housekeeper let them stay in the house proper the rest of the day. They were served a nice meal, a sumptuous meal. From working in a fine house she knew it was a meal presentable to a lord. May felt the weight of what they did by everyone's reactions. She drifted off for most of the afternoon. Most of them did. Even though the housekeeper was genuinely grateful she cringed as she passed the room of them in their travel worn clothes sleeping on her pristine furniture.
That afternoon she checked on Rhiannon. Eileen was a good healer and had patched her up well. Even so she spent a long while outside making sure she was sound. She was contently grazing with the other horses and the deepest wound Ruth had healed. Though, the medallion didn't seem to work as well as on people. She seemed happy enough. May fed her some fuit she reserved from lunch before returning.
"How is she?" asked Bran.
She hopped, "Do you sneak everywhere, she is better."
"I can't help my natural stealth."
"Sure."
"Are you looking forward to the burning?"
"What's the big deal with it?"
"It's like a big party, it will be especially great for us since we killed it. We will be the guest of honor."
"Will there be food?"
"No, everyone just stares at the fire. There will definitely be cake if you are wondering."
"That's all I needed to know," she said, "did we do a good job?"
"It's dead and we are all alive, so yeah."
"But I mean did I do everything right."
"There isn't a guide book, how should I know, I thought you did. I mean you melted its head off."
At sunset the whole village gathered at the riverside. Each family brought an armload of wood, maybe some oil. They piled them on the monster's body. Now that it could be seen in sunlight, people called it a nuckelavee. No one was surprised at this though many monsters caused a similar blight. There had been many dead bodies that washed up in the large bend of the river here. She thought it strange they didn't know any of those that died, but their bodies were from the city. The disturbing number of dead had attracted the Nuckelavee to eat the rotting flesh. She remembered the corpse in the park. How many dead were thrown in the river, and why were they being so cruelly disposed of.
She didn't dwell on those sad events too long. The housekeeper and her entourage arrived later hauling the party supplies in long wagons. It was a small town but the gathering neared a hundred people. Once all there was, an who elderly man brought the group to the pyre. He dropped a torch on the oil soaked wood. It went up with a hiss. The crowd cheered as the flames rose. May's eyes watered from the camphory fumes.
Soon people came up and shook hands, gave hugs, and offered thanks to them. They place elder tree wreaths on their heads. She wasn't used to such adoration, and had to remind herself to smile. Gradually, she warmed to it. People touched and hugged much more in Richosia. Children offered broken wildflowers and others slipped small candies or tokens into her hand. She laughed as the local black smith went down the line hugging everyone, even lifting Tam off his feet.
A woman came up to her. Her hair was in an exceptionally long single braid. She placed her hands on the crown of May's head and cheek. It was the way her mother would greet her friends. In Sibyl she said "thank you little sister." She disappeared into the crowd before May could ask her anything else.
Bran who had been beeming since the fire lit pulled her away from the crowds to get some food. She immediately helped herself to the mounds of wild berries and the sweet cakes. She looked over and together they had a balanced meal. Bran had nothing but the roasted pig brought from the main house. There weren't chairs so they just picked an empty patch of ground. She reveled in the sweet berries and crumbly honey soaked cakes. The sugar and sour berries tickled the back of her jaw. Bran snatched a cake from her plate. She shoved him with her shoulder, but he had already stuffed it in his mouth. Before she could say anything he put a piece of pork in her open mouth, and smiled through his chipmunk cheeks.
When he finally swallowed he asked, "So, who are you looking for?"
"The woman with the long hair. I think she is a witch."
"Why."
"She spoke sibyl to me."
"Why would she do that?"
"She knew my part in the fight, it's not hard to figure out."
"I have never met a witch."
"I used to know lots, my mother taught witchcraft."
"Really sounds exciting."
"Not really, or it seemed normal to me, but it did teach me a lot though I have more aptitude for wizardry and focused more on that"
"All I learned was how to take a punch."
"What about your thief skills, I've never seen someone pick a lock as fast as you."
"Have you seen anyone else pick a lock?"
"No."
"Ha, I'm joking, you are too serious. the team wouldn't work without me. You may be magic but I am fun. So let's go find out what has made Tam turn red. "
"That's not necessary. I can already tell you."