CH10

The days After the trip she fell back into a rhythm. She snuck out each morning to watch the Green Tower and delivered potions to Albin if she had any. Then back in the dungeon she cast. The battle with the nuckelavee gave her the confidence she should have always had. Even that small boost drastically improved her casting. Without the pause of doubt her magic came easier and moved more naturally into the spell. She gained endurance and had more finesse and control. She still didn't view herself as a good or talented wizard, but she trusted herself to an extent.

Before long she was ready to move on to a higher level. She pulled out her father's spell book. A present on her tenth birthday. She had read the fionn spell book many times but never tried a spell from it. It was bittersweet opening the cover and reading the note her father left her. All she had of her parents was their words.

Maybird,

My little girl, your mom and I both have seen the spark of magic in you. I hope we can be there to nurture your talents. I know you will be something special regardless. If I can't be there, if something happens, I want you to have this book. Even if I am not there to teach you I want you to learn. These are the spells of the court here and in my homeland. One day I know you will be ready for them and they will be here waiting for you. It brings me so much joy to have a child like you to pass on this knowledge to. As much as I want you to learn magic is wonderful, you must guard your knowledge. Don't let anyone know your true powers. For the same reason I give you this book you must hide. There are those that would kill you. There are those that would use you. Because of your gifts, especially your blood, you can never show who you are. If your mother and I were to vanish, go to the lord and lady immediately. They will hide you. I have sacrificed much to ensure it. In the end it is up to you to stay safe. I wish it could be me, but you my little maybird have more strength than you know. Never forget how much we love you. Stay safe.

Love,

Torin Daire Aed Corrahin, aka dad

She flipped to the first spell that called lighting to the ground. As powerful as it sounds it is a weak variant of a weather changing spell. The mastery of a mass effect weather spell was the mark of an arch wizard that could keep a country productive. She was on the first step to getting there. Practicing it was difficult even in her warded room. She had to wait for a thunderstorm to unleash its full power. Standing in the rain in the back by the stable she conjured a bolt so hot the sandy dirt melted into glass.

She wanted to start growing stronger. The blue sash man had been gone for many months, but now he was back and meeting with the elder and another wizard she didn't know regularly. Part of her wanted to ignore it. She had traveled to the opposite side of the continent to escape the attention of those that wore a blue sash before. What would happen if she angered them now. She sat stuck in stasis unable to make a move, but still compelled to come and listen to what their scheme was. She came up with many stories in her mind to convince herself that it was all harmless. That it was mere coincidence that one of them was wearing that blue that she never could forget. The longer she listened the less likely that was.

"You are behind schedule." said the man in blue to his accomplices in the tower.

"It is hard to find good hosts, we are stuck using anyone we can get."

"What are you talking about, you have this whole place."

"Out of the question."

"Are you telling me an accident can't happen every once in a while."

"Do you want to risk the head elder discovering?"

"I layed a false trail but it will only last so long, couldn't you risk taking even one."

"It's not that simple, people off the street are safe, no one would ever point here. A student disappearing there would be an investigation. You are the one who said the plan couldn't be exposed early."

"Fine, do it however you want, but pick up the pace."

What did they want people for? Whatever it was wasn't good and she had find out before their plans were enacted. She decided she needed to expand her arsenal of spells by adding charms. She started with the simplest. One that would put a person to sleep. It was difficult to practice, she couldn't charm herself and for many reasons it would be dangerous to use it without practicing it.

"Practice on me," Bran offered after listening to her complain.

"Absolutely not."

"Why, someone has to be first."

"No, what if you get stuck in that state."

"Eh it will be fine."

She sighed and gave in. Once something got on his mind he rarely left it undone. She hadn't told him why she wanted to learn the spell. She hadn't really told him about the schemes going on in the green tower. He knew about her being fion, but she was still reluctant to talk to anyone about those things. Part of her also wanted this to still be nothing and after talking to the student it would all just be a result of her paranoia.

She started the spell slowly; carefully. She placed each hand movement and pronounced each syllable with the utmost care. She felt nerves grab her muscles, but pushed them aside. She couldn't mess up that day. Whether Bran admitted it or not It took alot of bravery to willingly subject himself to a spell. He had a good poker face but by then she knew him well enough to know he was nervous. She sent the spell out and it took hold. With trepidation she whispered the last line. He fell limp instantly. She had to catch him before he fell to the ground. Even the sensation of falling hadn't woke him. She released the spell.

He blinked and straightened himself. "Did it work?"

"Do you not remember?"

"No, what did I do, was it embarrassing."

"Maybe."

"You aren't going to tell, are you?"

"You volunteered."

"Fair enough, the butchers are having a get-together next weekend, you should come there will be lots of food, Tam is coming too."

"What about Ruth?"

"No, she isn't one for social outings."

The next morning she fixed her hem at breakfast with Ruth. She suggested May get a new dress. After the monster she had some money to spare, and ruth pointed out her outfit stood out from the richosian style. She didn't feel anyone noticed her clothes but even with a mending spell her dress was feeling ragged. It would be nice to be more presentable for the weekend. She wanted Ruth to go shopping with her. She was busy and declined politely. Reah, however, was free and more than happy to show around here. Their differing price brackets caused a bit of difficulty, but Reah also a skilled barganer made up for it.

Outside the warehouse Reah acted differently. She was much less guarded. Simultaneously, she was happier but also smiled less. May wondered if she had created such a shield too. Seeing Reah this way made her more trustworthy. Beneath the mask she was nice.

"So, not that this isn't fun and you definitely need new clothes but what caused you to want them?"

"I don't know, I have the money now?"

"You have had money for weeks, why now, do you have something coming up?"

"What do you mean, there isn't a job there?"

"Not work, anything else."

"Umm Bran's neighbors are having a party this weekend."

"Ohh really,"

"It's not really anything fancy, but his neighbor is a butcher so the food will be good."

"Sounds fun, here I think you should get this." she held up a belt so wide it almost covered her entire abdomen.

"The dress doesn't need it."

"That's debatable, but you can hide a knife much more accessibly than in a skirt and you lived on nothing but porridge for years, you should at least show off the figure that it gave you."

"Only if it's less than a silver."

"For you it will be."

They continued shopping but she didn't buy anything else, but Reah did show her new sections of the city parts farther north and closer to the center far more genteel areas like by the green tower she learned a bit more about the structure of the nobility and how the Green Tower fit in. More, how it didn't. Obviously they employed the wizards when magical intervention was needed and Reah thought the crown and the high houses paid the Tower's expenses. But it had virtually no presence in court or the governing of the kingdom. For the most part the nobles viewed them as nothing more than a necessary nuisance. She was surprised at how little influence they had even with the number of high level casters they had. Her father had more pull in the Sudeland court than the whole assembly did here, but perhaps their influence was lower down the line. Then even with the monsters they hadn't been needed for many years. Richosia had been at peace for many years and it had been twenty years since a major drought. In the calm times their power may have slipped because they weren't needed.

This gave her more to think about as the week drew on. Reah, now knowing her interest, would fill in a little bit more each day as she passed over the list of enchantments to do. She enjoyed being the neutral party for Reah to vent too. She learned a lot more about the workings of both the Storm and the aristocracy without feeling a burden asking so many questions. Most of her complaints were about the mundane to her, but they still fascinated May. The decorum and rigidity of the noble parties was a side she never saw in her time as a maid. In many ways she reminded her Alestra, but that might have been the similarities they shared from being raised in the world of the aristocracy. It was an inherent confidence and stubbornness that no doubt served her in negotiations. A skill she could use hopefully soon.

"Reah, how do you get someone to tell you something even if they don't want to?"

"Well that depends, who that someone is?"

"A stranger?"

"A stranger, in my opinion, will never do something they don't want to."

"Oh,"

"So you just have to convince them it is in their best interest. Nothing comes for free, but that also means everything has a price, you just have to convince them you have something worthwhile to trade. As long as they want what you have badly enough, they will do anything you want. All you have to do is convince them they want it."

She already knew what Sibahn wanted; new spells, maybe some guidance. All she had to do was find a time to speak with her. She was a little embarrassed to admit it but seeing how easily Cian was recruited she would follow the same blueprints. Obviously she wasn't going to teach her dark magic or praise her for cheating but the promise of power and telling her of her amazing potential would definitely be things she used. The thing she worried about was looking like a powerful wizard that could fulfill these promises. If she didn't do anything right now she would just look like an older initiate.

Magic was the solution that a simple illusion wrapped around her could give her the robes of an elder and even if she saw they were fake she hoped it would give her a mysterious aura. Her teacher did say she sucked at illusions. Showing how proficient she was might help too. It was too long before she saw her target out practicing in the early morning fog. She took a deep breath and cast the illusion on herself before approaching.

She would be a figure in the green robes of the towers, and kept her face obscured. She quietly crossed the distance. She trembled as she reached the gate dividing the low wall she watched over. The gate wasn't even closed. No one dared trespass here, but she was. She followed Bran's advice, act confidently. If you act like you are meant to be there people won't question it. She still trembled as she approached the dejected wizard.

She roughly kicked a bush and whispered, "Why is he better? Why can't I beat him?"

"He is not better than you." The girl jumped at her voice and seeing her face up close she was close in age to May. She didn't know why this startled her but she had pictured her being much younger. She was grateful the illusion concealed her age. "People always want you to believe things are simpler than they are and you are the one failing."

"Then why is he so much better, even than me now?"

"He is getting help?"

"He has a mentor? That makes sense, but there is nothing wrong with that."

"No, not at all. It is just those that are teaching him, are up to something bad."

"What do you mean?"

"people have been disappearing and I think they are the reason."

"Who would do something like that, why?"

"That is what I am trying to figure out."

"Who is his mentor?"

"An elder."

"An elder!"

"Yes that is why, I need proof beyond doubt before accusing them."

"How am I supposed to believe you?"

"You already knew something was wrong, did you really believe a fool like Cian got that powerful naturally. It all makes sense now doesn't it?"

"Why are you telling me?"

"I need your help, they have been careful to cover their tracks, but Cian is a weak link. "

"You want me to spy on him."

"Yes he is already predisposed to talk and you are his classmate. Feel him out and see what he will tell you. Anything could be important."

"Why should I do this?"

"It's morally right." she didn't look convinced "but I know it would put you at risk. You want to be stronger. I can teach you, obviously you will not have the results if Cian. But I find a new perspective is helpful when you find yourself stuck."

"If I help you, when would we meet?"

"Meet tomorrow in the riverbend park at dawn," she smiled. "I don't expect results by then, just let me know if you think you can do it.."

"Alright."

"And don't tell anyone about this, for your own safety."

May was nervous as she traveled to the park. What would she think of her, would she realize she wasn't a grand wizard. Would she even still help? She was wearing the green cloak from the Towers that somehow Bran got a hold of for her. She had worried he had snooped around wizards to get it but he just stole it from a laundry house. He always had a clever way to do things she never thought of. Of course they had to wash their clothes, and because Bran remembered that she now held the green cloak like a security blanket as she approached the meeting spot.

She was not the only one nervous. May was not late if anything she was early, but as she entered the clearing in the wooded parkland an initiate was already there pacing. This calmed May somewhat. They weren't too dissimilar in ages of course she was nervous too.

"I'm glad you made it." Sibahn jumped as she called out.

"You came!" she gleamed "I was worried you would change your mind about teaching me."

"Of course not, I was the one who approached you after all."

"I'm so glad you did. I was worried I would never get a mentor."

"That is surprising, are you not at the top of your class?"

"Yes, but I am lacking in many ways."

"Isn't that the point of a teacher?"

"So can you really help me?"

"Yes, but I need you to help me too."

"Right, I don't know how I can help but I will try.."

"You don't need to do much, just keep an eye on Cian. If he talks about any plans he has with his mentor and so on."

"What good will that do? I can do more."

"No, I need you to make sure that they aren't going to act on their plans before I can expose them. That is your job. I don't want to put you in danger."

"That's it, and you are going to teach me just for that?"

"It's very important. The other two are too practiced at hiding, Cian is the only one who will be useful to watch and you are in his class already."

"Alright, I just thought I would be doing more."

She laughed, "Do you want me to teach you or not?"

"Yes, forget what I said."

"Here," she pulled a booklet she had carefully copied down herself. She carefully picked out a small set of illusion spells with added advice plus a few others. "You will need these. I don't think I need to tell you not to show them to anyone. They are personal spells so I would like you to keep them as hidden as possible." She watched nervously as Sibahn inspected them. Was her handwriting messy? Did she misspell something? Or was she insulted by the simplicity of the spells.

"You are giving these spells to me?"

"Yes, these are just to gauge your level." She hastily added, "I will give you better spells later."

"Really? You are giving me your personal spells already and you are going to give me more?"

"Yes?"

"Oh, I knew you were amazing." She hugged May tightly, "I can't believe You are already teaching me your spells. Some mentors never give their students any. You don't have to worry, I will keep these safe. Thank you, thank you!"

"Alright," she gently pushed the girl away, suddenly feeling like she was much older. "I will give you some time to study them yourself before trying them. Why don't you just show me what you can do today."

"Yes mam, let's go."

She had very good control over elemental spells, water in particular, but she couldn't make a complete illusion of any kind. Still she had a few ideas to help her and she never expected it to be so easy to convince her to help. May was proud, she could start learning what was going on with those wizards. What were they planning with the man in blue? She would have to wait but at least she had more than chance meetings to go off now.

The party arrived soon enough. She hadn't gotten used to off days and it was always a delight. Sometimes she would spend the whole day watching the green tower, but not today. Bran showed up shortly after her breakfast with Ruth. By now she knew the way to his home well but he always came and walked with her. At first she thought he didn't trust her but he knew of her early morning outings. He came early to see if she wanted to tag along on some errands. Of course she did. Bran was the best to go out on the town with. Most of it was simple stuff, a shopping list for the festivities.

"Has Tam ever been over?" They had been to Tam's home often but she had never seen Tam at Bran's house.

"No."

"But you said you have been working together for five years."

"Yes, well being part of the storm and an ex fighter doesn't give a good impression."

"Why invite him now."

"Well after meeting you, mum figured he couldn't be a complete villain and wouldn't run off with our nonexistent valuables."

"That's good, do the butchers know what we do?"

"Absolutely not, their oldest is a nosy busybody. All they know is I work down at the docks. The food is the only reason I show up every year."

"Every year?"

"Yeah, it's Cu cali. Don't tell me you don't have that in the south?"

"No, what god is it for?"

"It's way better than for a stuffy old god, it's a day for dogs." He scanned the streets, "look!" He pointed out to an old hound chewing a meaty bone on a porch with a red stripe painted on its snout.

"What's red?"

"Bloodroot, you need a dog to find it and it is the best red dye anywhere."

"That's sweet."

"Yeah we need to pick up some, Hazel would cry if she didn't get to paint rufus."

"Is it a big holiday?"

"Not really but most people do something. The butlers do more than most; they have almost as many dogs as children. The Mrs' family are dyers."

It took the better part of the day to get everything. The dye district where they got the bloodroot powder was all the way where the river met the southern wall. They were not the only ones getting the powder. They waited in a line for nearly thirty minutes in a cramped side alley full of caustic fumes. May's eyes and nose burned. Bran gave her a spare handkerchief to cover her mouth and nose like the rest waiting. They finally neared the end and turned on to the main street. The open air blew away the fumes and waved the colorful sample fabrics down the lane. The line was long and tightly packed in the narrow lane. It was a long wait. The group before her made an interesting enough subject to pass the time. Three kids of varying ages talking about how they were going to paint their dog, sometimes drawing the designs in the dirt at their feet. They were so excited the anticipation rubbed off on her. As they neared the front they bounced with uncontained energy. When they got to the seller, it was too expensive for the pocket change they had. She wanted to stop them and fill the gap they needed for a bag, but they were ushered away before she said anything.

And it was finally our the shopkeep greeted us there was a recognition and a flash of fear. He calmed when Bran only asked for two bags of bloodroot. She noticed they paid less than everyone else even for double the amount. "Where his supplier" he explained that nearly all the bloodroot was in Lord Windermere's lands and it wouldn't grow much anywhere else so Geoffry has people smuggle some out of the forest and sell it cheaper. Bran was the contact for that Dyer and that's how he knew. But that didn't explain why he was afraid.

"Come on," said Bran grabbing her hand pulling her away from those thoughts. They quickly navigated the zigzag of streets till she saw his quarry, the kids. He slowed the pace as they neared. She expected him to stop and give them the extra bag, but he just brushed past the oldest, dropping the bloodroot in their pocket. They finished shopping and made it back in the late afternoon. The orange light warmed her face as they turned onto his street. The shop was already closed when they arrived. Up inside was a flurry of activity. Bran tossed the bloodroot to Hazel and she and Oliver chased the dog with red hands.

"May," Susan smiled, "you better not get that on the furniture, sorry I'm glad you could make it."

"Of course, do you need any help?"

"Always."

She handed her a bowl of fruit to pit. May wandered over to sit next to rose peeling potatoes. Bran left to help carry chairs down stairs.

"Are you going to stay here?" she asked this every time she came over.

"No I have my own place now, but I am over here a lot still"

"Yeah, but I told Margi I had a friend who has magic but she doesn't believe me."

"I'm sure we can find a way to change her mind." she regretted it as she said it, she should have asked her not to tell anyone. But she was so excited, she didn't want to put her down. They exchanged stories. Rose told the latest schoolground gossip, and she explained the newest spell she was working on. She never went to school as a child her parents taught her. With how Rose explained it she was glad she didn't there was more drama over choosing seats than Reah's fancy parties.

Rose hopped up leaving a half peeled potato in her spot. She ran over and gave a woman coming through the door a hug. Her resemblance to Bran's mother was uncanny. The only marked difference was the women's high bridged nose. Behind her was a man with bright orange hair and an infectious smile. The whole family greeted them warmly, she hadn't been here since May came to the city. She continued pitting cherries and watched the happy reunion. She wasn't envious, she told herself, but longed to be part of it. She wanted to have people so happy to see her for no other reason than being there. Many people were very invested in her but she knew many only wanted her magic. Not Bran, or Ruth or Tam but they had their own lives she was only a small part of. Her bird hopped out of its hiding place away from children's hands into her lap. She smiled "how could I forget about you Aeron." She picked her bird up and placed it on her shoulder humming the fey tune that would call them back to her. Not that she thought Areon would ever leave.

"Hi," she looked up to the newcomer resting a crock of food on her hip. "I don't think we have met."

She stood wiping her hands "Hi, I'm May"

Bran came up. "Aunt Amy, this is May."

"Yes we just met, how do you know each other?"

"We work together."

"Really?"

"She is a mage."

"I have never met someone with magic before." She inspected May much closer and a decision was made in her mind. She smiled, "Nice to meet you."

"You too."

Bran was about to sit beside May, when she took the bow from her and linked arms "Come on, guests shouldn't do kitchen work, now I have some questions."

Bran followed them frustrated at his aunt. She happily chatted ignoring him. At first it was just small talk. She said she lived by the northern gate and so on, but like most people who found out her abilities the topic changed to magic. Her voice lowered so others couldn't listen in. May sighed and answered them.

They all went down to the back yard where most of the butcher's already were out there. The father was out turning a massive hog on a spit over a bed of coals. Amy placed her cabbage on a table full of food that had been dragged outside. Rufus ran out behind her coated in red. The Butcher's were already out, two were small white and brown dogs with pointy ears and bobbed tails. The other three were larger with a distinctive short blue gray coat a hound's build but the same stubby tails as the others. They all happily yapped and played with one another. For the day they had free rein to have all the fun and get all the praise they could handle.

She met the butcher's eleven children but most of them blended together. They had a range of brown to fair hair but they all had shining dark eyes. The one that was a city guard hadn't arrived yet. For a moment she was afraid it would be the guard she had already met, but he had black hair and was too tall to fit in the family. This was confirmed when Evan did arrive still in his polished mail and city livery.

A few more people arrived, likely neighbors. The dirt yard was nearing capacity with humans and dogs. The alley was filled with laughter and exclamations of old friends meeting. The sunset colors put a rosy glow on everyone's faces. She sat on the steps up to the house next to Bran petting any dog that passed by.

Tam arrived late, just before the meal was served. Normally his sight would cause a stir, but he was forgotten when Reah walked in on his arm. Even dressed simply for her, her status was evident. She was glad she was here. Her easy social graces would smooth any questions over and no one would be looking at her if a noble was there. Begrudgingly, Tam accepted the clout arriving with Reah gave him. The party goers didn't know the status he held, but that was a good thing. Spying Her and Bran, they came over.

"What are you doing here?" asked Bran.

"I heard there was a party, and I couldn't pass it up. May, your new dress is lovely. Don't you think it suits her, Bran."

He looked over at me. "Yeah, it is."

"What are you playing at?" asked Tam.

"Nothing, can't a girl have some fun."

The meal was served. It was a feast even with around thirty to feed. The pig roasted over the fire had skin that cracked. It was so crisp. An array of dishes brought by everyone dazzled the eye and stomach. May zeroed in on the fruit and few sweets on the table, and she got minimal vegetables. All of the dishes were delicious and served in beautifully plated bowls and platters. This was an occasion to impress the neighbors. With the single table filled with food everyone ate with their plates in their laps. Though a space was cleared for Reah, she declined. It quieted down as everyone ate and the meaty bones were distributed to the dogs.

Night fell and the humble dirt yard took on a whole new atmosphere. A hodgepodge of lamps were lit. Some were oil, others a variety of candles. The varied sources cast a shades of warm colored light. The fire was stoked back to flames and cast flickering shadows across the stone walls. Space was cleared and a small harp came out. Evalin, the butcher's wife, played. First it was ballads including dog's heroics. They must have been played every year, because a multitude of children's voices joined her mellow alto voice. Most were unfamiliar to May but a few she recognized. The wolfman who led lost children home was one she knew. Her favorite was the bumbling knight Pwyl who survived each near death encounter only through the loyalty of his dogs. There was one about the first dogs that found the bloodroot, they matched the look of the blue gray dogs she had. After her dog related repertoire was exhausted she took songs on request. A few duets with Evalin and her husband were sung.

Reah got up and Tam laughed. "Reah has a notoriously bad singing voice."

She smiled at him and in her authoritative voice said "Why don't we hear some foreign ballads, we have a southoner amongst us after all."

She looked at May and so did everyone else. Blood rushed to her head and she could hear her heart thumping in her ears. Bran pulled her up. "I can't sing." she whispered

"Sure you can, you sing every time you cast," he said.

"That's different," but it was too late. She was in the clearing with Evalin waiting for a tune. She tried to think of something but all she could think of were spells and potions. She let her mind go back. To the summer festival when she snuck and there was a traveling band. It used to be her favorite song. She hummed the tune and Evalin, a skilled harpist, picked it up quickly. Then she sang the story of the lady in the fountain. It was a short song much to her relief. It's meter and her voice did give it a foreign air compared to the songs before it. Though she didn't consider her voice pretty it was smooth and accurate out of necessity for casting. As soon as it was over she retreated back to the corner and soon another request was made.

She buried her face in her hands as she sat down. Bran nudged her with his shoulder. "Ahh it was good, you don't need to hide." she peeked through her fingers

"There will be plenty of worse performances before the night is out," said Tam.

"Don't listen to him, everyone loved it," said Reah.

"Thanks."

"What was it about?"

"The lady in the fountain is looking for her champion, the black night, to protect her and her magic waters."

After the proper amount of time being embarrassed, she joined back in the festivities. There was a break from music as the younger children were sent up to bed. The adult beverages were brought out and Tam produced a bottle of Sudeland Wine which impressed the group. It was doled out carefully so everyone could get a taste. The food was cleared and the table put away. I thought the party was ending but the harp came back out and the ten left started dancing.

Unfamiliar with the dances, May wasn't much good. The mistakes were less public so she didn't mind.

Amy and many others who lived further away left after only a few dances. They had almost the entire city to traverse to get home. Her and Reah being the only women unspoken for now danced the most. She danced plenty even if she stepped on toes. Bran was a good dancer but that didn't surprise her, he was quick footed everywhere else why not here. Finn not so much. Everyone else was of a more average level.

Evan was not the jerk Bran made him out to be. A bit prideful and dull to listen to just made him not the most pleasant company. He asked her to dance often. He wasn't very bright though. The whole night Bran was pulling little things over his eyes. Moving his belongings across the room and watching him scratch his head. He even got some blood root on his hands and he smeared it all over his face and wore it until someone told him. She didn't see it in time to stop him from slipping a pucking potion at the end of the night, and while helping him to the outhouse Bran picked his pockets.

When Bran was walking her home with a bundle of leftovers he showed her the necklace he had been bragging about all night.

"You need to give that back."

"Why"

"Because the poor fool didn't stand a chance. You had your fun running circles around him tonight."

"He doesn't deserve your pity."

"Just because he isn't nice doesn't …"

"No, because he is a lewd creep."

"He was fine tonight."

"You didn't see him looking down your dress?"

She put her hand to her neck line. The richosian style was lower cut than she was used to. "He was not." but her voice faltered.

"What's worse is he kept talking about you to me and Finn."

"How could I have not noticed?"

"I don't know but he saw your birthmark."

She gasped, pressing her hand closer to her chest. "Wait" she slapped him hard "for all I know you were looking too."

"I didn't, I wouldn't, it was just hard to ignore. I mean when we fought the nuckelavee we were all in our night clothes. I thought it was a tattoo at first. Why do you think Tam gave you a blanket before we got back to town."

"Because I was cold."

"You really were sick from that smog."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"And say what, hey you can really pull off a nightgown. I mean you can, but that is beside the point. There wasn't anything I could say that wouldn't make you feel awkward."

"You're right, I guess it was unavoidable. Let's just pretend it didn't happen."

"Of course but before we do, I have to say a bird over your heart is a pretty cool birthmark as far as they go."

She smiled. They walked on in silence, awkward silence.

"Hey," Bran said "I have an idea to make things even, I have a birthmark, it's not as cool but…"

She could tell he felt guilty, and it was an accident. He took off his jacket. He turned around and she could see without the high collar of his jacket a small mark. A purple mark she had only read about in books on Bran's neck.

"That's not a birthmark."

"What?" he turned around and pointed to an amorphous blob warped by a scar on his stomach "that's my birthmark"

"Turn around."

He did but asked, "why?"

She moved closer to inspect "You have a magic mark on your back."

"Where would I get something like that?"

"I don't know, only very specific magic leaves marks, like my birthmark technically isn't a birthmark. It's a magic mark I have it for Aeron."

"Why."

"It is a familiar mark, called from the fey this bound Aeron to me. But yours is not a familiar." She hurriedly continued on to the warehouse wanting to get to her books to make sure it wasn't what she thought. "This is a magic imprint."

"What is that?"

"Something very serious, black magic, as bad as necromancy. We have to get inside." she hurriedly pulled him up the stairs to the warehouse and to her room.

"I don't do magic, how did I get it, what does it do?"

"I don't know which one this is specifically, but there is a class of spells that require a body to mature and feed off of. It draws on the person's life force, not the caster's magic to fuel the spell."

"Am I going to die?"

"No if it was that powerful I would have sensed it before." It concerned her that she hadn't noticed. The spell must be deeply embedded, crafted to be hidden from other caster's, "I still don't know where you could have gotten it even a weak one could only have been made by a powerful caster."

"I think we know who did it."

"The one that hexed you?"

"He is the only magic person I have met other than you."

"And he was part of the green tower?"

"He wore green."

She sighed, "ok I am going to try and take it off of you."

She pulled out all of her books searching for anything that could help her. She felt confident she could do it if she just had a bit more information on the spell. There was a potion her mother made that would let her feel what the patient felt. That potion took days and she didn't have the skill needed to make it. She did know the words to it and the main ingredients purposes. It may not work but it was worth a try. She jerry rigged a spell with the same intent but without the potions protections she feared the spell would go both ways if it even worked it would have the days of strength behind it to get past his will. She needed something though. She had used a finding potion when she removed the hex and it didn't show then. She needed to know what would draw it out.

"I am going to try something. I need to know more about the spell, but I need your help."

"Sure anything to get this off."

"I don't know how to describe it but when you feel something don't fight it."

"Don't fight what."

"I will be using a mild form of possession so I can feel what you feel."

"Ok, you're not going to make me hit myself or something," he chuckled weakly.

"Give me your hands."

She took both of his hands in hers. She closed her eyes and focused on the spell. She could feel the warmth of his hands, the striped calluses across his palms, the steady pulse beneath his skin. She could feel her own hands pressure on him. She was holding too tight. She was in. Her mother spoke of its pitfalls and she stayed away from his mind. She searched for the spell and found it. It sat in a knot on his back like a long healed wound. She opened herself up so she could use her own more attuned scenes on it. There it sat like a fat leach feasting on Bran. Its gnawing hunger repealed her. Its belly was swollen, a long over mature spell still it wanted more. It perked at her probing, drawn to her magic. She knew what to do. She pulled back, stopping the spell and opened her eyes.

"I can get it out."

He smiled mournfully "you don't have to be afraid they can't touch you here."

She knew to steer clear of the head, but he hadn't. She was so preoccupied with the imprint she hadn't even felt him. She was scared. All those nagging fears of the Green tower had been confirmed. She wanted a hug. She didn't like hugs but she wanted someone to squeeze out all of her fear and worry. Bran couldn't read her thoughts anymore but he pulled her into a tight hug. For a moment in his embrace holding her tight to his chest pushed everything else out, but she remembered the curse pulsing inside him. Its ravenous hunger would make his strong arms weak. She couldn't let fear paralyze her, others would be hurt if she did. She pulled away.

She set about getting what she needed.

"You don't have to do this" he said

"I do." she slashed her forearm with her dagger. She winced at the dull pain and Bran leaped forward. She collected the blood in a bowl, "Dark magic sources its power differently. I need to draw it out to destroy it."

She dipped her fingers in the warm blood and motioned for Bran to follow. She placed his bloody hand on her throat where the pulse was strongest then placed her own hand over his heart. It was racing. She began the spell it seemed sentient to her or atleast feeling so she used the unaltered animal command spell calling it to her. The greedy thing came running to her potent blood. When it was somewhere between her and Bran she changed the song to dispel it.

It tried to dive inside her. Its greed for her magic usurped everything else. She let the magic run freely though her body boiling in her veins to keep the curse out. Only when the magic began to burn it away did it give up its attempts. It resisted with all of its engorged strength but she fought back. She poured her strength into the fire. She felt like she was in an oven, no inside a fire. The heat was so intense. It squirmed away from the burning but she did not let it retreat back to Bran. Its will was strong but she felt it crumble at last. She let the spell go and stumbled to her feet. Her face burned and her mouth was dry but it was gone.

"I can feel it's gone, ha" she heard bran through a fog, "that was a nasty piece of work."

He grabbed her as she fell into darkness.

She woke to Bran shaking her. "I'm awake" she mumbled

He supported her to sit upright. "That was a strong spell wasn't it"

She nodded, "it had been on you for a long time."

"What would happen if you hadn't gotten it?"

"After a while, years probably it would start making you weak, eventually you would be so weak the slightest cold could kill you."

"I thought it wouldn't kill me."

"It wasn't supposed to, but dark magic has a life of its own. The spell had matured months ago, that's why it was so hard to break."

"Then I guess I owe you my life."

"You guess?"

"Hey I saved you too. I happen to remember a roc and Gewain and a trenchant "

"Ok," she laughed but it was more of a wheeze "we will call it even."

"Nah anyone could have saved you, only you could save me."

"That's not true."

"Who else could pull out the imprint?"

"That's not what I meant, Ruth couldn't get the Roc off me, Tam couldn't stop Gawain."

A smile slipped on his face "were even," his smile widened "I mean forget birthmarks we saw inside each other's minds, I think we are even."

"I'm sorry."

"For slapping me, I forgive you."

"No, I'm not sorry for that. I should have noticed sooner."

"You couldn't have known," he gazed down at her.

She looked back, but tore her eyes away, "It's probably late you should get back, I'm sure everyone is expecting you."

"You just passed out cold. I am not leaving you."

"I'm fine."

"Get up then."

His arms were around her supporting her. It took all the strength she had to heave herself off the floor onto knock kneed legs. They only held for an instant before she turned back to jelly, nearly fainting in the process. Bran scooped her up before she could hit the ground. He carried her to the bed and gently laid her down. He pulled the blanket over her and sat in a chair next to her.

"Go to sleep, the least I can do is make sure you are ok."

"Alright, but no messing with my stuff." she closed her eyes not having the strength to protest further.

She woke so weak she could barely turn her head but with a clear mind. Bran was slouched in the same chair as last night he had deep circles under his eyes as he read tax reforms of the decade. In the most neutral voice she asked "enjoying that?"

"Of course why wouldn't I?" he leaned over, pressing his hand to her forehead. She was cold compared to him. "Are you feeling better?"

"If I say yes will you get some sleep?"

"Only if it's true."

She sighed, "how about you, do you feel better?"

"Yes, I had no idea how much it affected me."

"It's a serious spell if this was from a wizard of the green towers then at least some of them are using dark magic, and I think I know who."

"Have you seen them while watching the towers?"

She nodded. She was still hesitant, but this affected him too. She told him all of the things she witnessed watching the green tower about the blue man and his elder accomplice.

"So there is more than one."

"Possibly I know of three but it might be more. People use dark magic for a reason. It can be very alluring. Imprinting removes most of the restraints traditional casting does. You can cast as many spells as you want as long as you have people to power them, and you can cast spells above your natural ability."

"Why don't more people use it then?"

"You felt the effects of an extremely weak spell, any stronger or having them repeatedly put on you will kill a person. I hate to think of the others they have used already. I'm sorry it was on you so long, but to be honest a few weeks ago I don't think I would have been able to break it."

"Have you gotten that good?"

"Not so much good but improved. Yes, the more I practice the stronger I feel."

"It's good you got another spell book then" he picked up the small blue book.

She had forgotten about the enchanted book she found with ruth. "It may not be a spell book." she pushed herself up ignoring her light head. "I could be just an old history book, or hymns to Don, or just that old."

"You should read it then and find out"

"I think we have more pressing issues at the moment, they aren't using dark magic for no reason. We still do not know what they plan to do, or how to stop them."

"Yes, but that is not going to happen today. You still look like you are going to pass out. Just rest today. We can make a plan when you are feeling better."

"Alright but you should get some sleep too"

She took it and opened the first vellum page. Nothing like a book to distract her from the dawning horror that black magic is in the city. The title page was carefully painted in the illuminated style. The little book was called the memorandum of Oengus Beli. Its archaic prose dated it to at least the times of the three kingdoms and its topic confirmed that. Despite its age each word was clear nothing had faded, perhaps that was the purpose of the enchantment to preserve the text. It wasn't very interesting. It started with a long passage pontificating on the virtues of the titular Oengus. It was written during or shortly after one of the many wars for the four gifts of Lyr. Oengus, if the book was to be believed, was a champion of a long extinct kingdom. He even wielded the spear of Lugh. He used it to destroy an army single handedly. After seeing its destruction the virtue of Oengus caused him to reject the spear, vowing to never use it again.