CHAPTER 14

~compiled by Catherine~

Isabel and Conner leave Maeve to tend the dogs while they find bandages. Isabel introduces herself; Conner does likewise, and they start to chat, each realizing that there's something a little different about the other. As they head towards the marketplace, Isabel remembers that she's left her roll of leather behind at the Inn, and they detour so she can retrieve it.

Things at the Seventh Stranger are returning to normal after Julianne's tantrum. Upstairs, Andy enters the room he and Cat are sharing, resisting the temptation to ogle the apprentice thief in the bathtub. He lights a cigarette while Cat resumes her bath. When she asks him for a towel, he retrieves the one she has left on the floor. Approaching her, he notices scars on her back, and in order to get a better look, he offers to wash her back for her.

Cat hesitates, then accepts. Andy asks her about the scars, which he can see are fairly old; she tells him Varas is responsible. His gentle touch arouses her, and frightened by her body's reaction, she pulls away from him and asks for that towel again. Thinking he's upset her in some way, Andy obliges.

Cat disappears behind a screen to dress for bed, while Andy finishes his cigarette and empties his pockets. She suggests moving the screen so he can bathe in privacy, which they do. While Andy bathes, Cat takes care of the laundry, then, unable to resist any longer, crawls into bed, hardly listening to what he's saying to her.

Andy climbs out of the bath and finds Cat sound asleep. Admiring how sweet she looks, he finds himself about to kiss her again and just manages to pull himself back. He joins her, lying on top of the bedclothes like a gentleman.

With both thieves asleep, Tamerlaine patrols the room briefly, then settles himself as guard in front of the door.

Downstairs, Isabel collects her roll of leather & rejoins Conner. They head for the market to buy linen for bandages. Conner plies her with questions about her village, then they discuss families. While they chat, Isabel purchases some linen, and they head back to where they've left Maeve. On their way, Conner sees a trapper's wagon containing among its load a leopard pelt. Feeling that he's about to become violently ill, he drags Isabel down an alley. He explains his reaction, then shows her his markings. Thrilled by his trust, Isabel reciprocates, showing him her furry, slightly pointed ears and allowing her eyes to become wolfish for a moment before they resume their journey.

Meanwhile, Conner's travelling companion, Arin, is woken from her nap in the tree by voices. Thinking that Conner has returned, she climbs down and approaches.

Rowena and her group of fugitives are following Nicholas to his cave. The Flame, sensing Arin's presence, panics and releases an uncontrolled burst of Power, almost startling Warren into dropping her. As he falls, the Flame looses another blast, hitting Brother John in the leg, triggering his memories of the dungeon. Rowena and Gemile rush to Warren's aid, lifting the Flame off him. Warren manages to reach the Flame and reassure her.

Noticing that John seems hurt, Rowena goes to him. He lies, telling her it's just a cramp. As they regroup, Arin calls out; Rowena, and John face down the intruder, while Warren moves to protect the others. Nicholas tells them that Arin has no ill intentions, while Faran lets Rowena know that the woman is alone. When Rowena demands that she show herself, Arin steps out of the trees. After a brief standoff, the 3 introduce themselves; Rowena and John give false names, "Wenie" and "Tailor" respectively, and Rowena spins Arin a tale of bandits in the woods. Arin offers John the shirt she has bought for Conner, as well as her help. When Faran tells her he's on his way, Rowena assures Arin they'll be fine.

At the same time, Nico leads Rio towards Nicholas' cave, explaining how the child nursed him back to health once during his travels. Rio stumbles over a log, and Nico hastens to her side. He almost kisses her, but just then, her super-hearing kicks in and Rio leaps up at the sound of the fugitives' voices, leading Nico towards them. They watch from cover as Rowena and John talk to Arin, then Nico emerges to offer their help, alarming the group further. Warren snaps at him for what Rio has done to the Flame; Nico blurts out that Warren should be grateful, as Rio is his half-sister. Rio appears to apologize, then she rounds on Nico for keeping secrets. Once everyone calms down, they part from Arin and start for Nicholas' cave again.

Somewhere else in the forest, the Son listens to the distant voices and observes his surroundings, while his father, the Goblin King, makes plans to attend the Midsummer Ball. At the same time, Lorcan transforms himself into a raven and takes flight, heading to Ashby to find the Flame.

Also in the forest, Alexa parts from her 2 companions and heads back to the Seventh Stranger in hopes of catching up with Bantam and Nicholas.

Meanwhile, up at the Castle, Audra sends a maid to invite Vanya to breakfast, an offer the girl eagerly accepts. She joins the countess and Lady Madeline in the morning room.

While the women discuss plans for the coming ball, in the kitchens, Gwynfor strikes up a conversation with Dinah the maid in an effort to learn more about goings-on at the castle for his mistress. Tarik enters, bullying the help; when he notices Gwynfor watching him, he confronts the Welshman, who artfully diverts the assassin's attention. After some careful questioning on both their parts, the pair strike up a companionship, and when Gwynfor asks about entertainment, Tarik suggests they repair to the Seventh Stranger. Gwynfor agrees to meet Tarik in the courtyard, and the smelly mercenary leaves to get his pay from Stewart the steward. Gwynfor then dispatches Dinah with a message for Madeline before making his way to the courtyard, pausing to inform a guard of his movements before joining Tarik.

Back in the morning room, Vanya claims to have nothing appropriate to wear to the ball. When her suggestion of Gypsy attire is hotly rejected by the girl, Maddie suggests that proper costuming might be found in Rowena's old rooms. As they leave the morning room, they're stopped by Dinah, who delivers Gwynfor's message to Maddie, then they continue on their way. Audra leaves Maddie and Vanya to their own devices and heads for the dungeons, sending Stewart to tell Nikolai where to meet her.

Stewart sends a maid to deliver Audra's message to Rhodan, whom she finds at a tradesmen's entrance in the East wall. Nikolai orders refreshments brought to the dungeon, then goes to meet with the countess.

Meanwhile, in Rhodan's Stronghold in Arcadia, Simone decides to return to Ashby, despite Segrand's warnings; leaving Leo in command of the Elite guards and Segrand & Meggan in control of the fortress itself, she portal-walks to the Seventh Stranger, landing outside the privies. Her arrival startles Percy Petal, who's just finishing his search; since she doesn't resemble any of the fugitives, he ignores her and returns to the castle to report.

Simone encounters Xanax in the inn's taproom. When she signs to the barmaid that she can't speak, Xanax fetches a quill & vellum, as she did earlier for Cat. Simone explains her situation in writing and offers to work for food while she waits for Antonio & Simon to return. While Xanax takes her into the kitchen and sets her to doing the washing-up, the Silver Mage arrives, disguised as an old man. Making sure that Simone is safe, he settles himself in front of the fire. Once the dishes are done, Xanax tells Simone to sweep out the kitchen and the taproom.

On the way to the inn, Tarik pauses at a flower-stall in the market to buy a posy for Maeve, choosing roses when he sees Gwynfor eyeing them. The town crier pauses in the market to announce the Midsummer Ball to all & sundry. Tarik decides to present himself to Maeve as her escort to the ball.

Back at the castle, preparations continue. Having chosen a gown from Rowena's old wardrobe, Vanya accompanies Madeline to the seamstress' workroom. They disturb Jenny, who's hard at work on the gowns Maddie ordered for Vanya the previous day. Maddie has Vanya try on the costume, with the girl declaring that she wants to be a sorceress. Maddie's not sure how to dress Nikolai's consort as a sorceress, but she gives it a game try, adding lace to the gown & ribbons to Vanya's long hair, then she turns the costume over to Jenny for sewing. Jenny then brings over a nearly-finished gown for the girl to try on, so she can make sure of the fit. Once that's done, Maddie hands Vanya her original garments, deciding it's time to have a look at the girl's jewellry. Vanya leads the way to her room; Maddie follows, lost in thoughts about Gwynfor. She makes a show of admiring Vanya's jewel-box, which contains many gifts from Nikolai.

Nikolai meanwhile has joined Audra in the dungeons, where they discuss how to restore the castle's wards and what they'll do with Rowena when they catch her. Nikolai eases the conversation around to marriage, asking why Audra hasn't remarried since the Earl's death. Audra replies that she won't marry any man who is not her equal; Nikolai tells her that his bride has been chosen for him, but that he's having second thoughts. Audra mentions Vanya's appearance in the torture and John's recognition of the girl. Nikki is angry at the thought that Vanya might have been with someone other than his brother; he tells Audra he'll question the girl and kill her if her answers displease him. Seeing how delighted Audra is at the prospect, he goes a step further and confesses to using one of the serving-girls after a visit to the sleeping countess the night before left him in need of release.

Pleased that she can so easily awaken Nikolai's lust, Audra climbs into his lap, and they kiss. Nikolai starts to play a little rough, and Audra burns his fingers with a charm. He counters by making her thighs cramp;she responds by pressing harder than necessary on his manhood. He makes her bodice come apart; she shrinks his trousers. When he draws blood, however, she binds his hands with a spell. They continue to arouse each other, until, fearing Audra will reach climax before he does, Nikolai utters one more spell to hold her back. Desperate, Audra releases his hands; Nikolai releases his spell, and they finish.

While naughty things are happening in the dungeon, in 1984 London, Nikolai the Elder is playing hard-to-get with Jules, who would like to be doing what Nikki and Audra are. And in 1970s America, a young David Cassidy walks off the set of "The Partridge Family" and through a portal that brings him to Ashby. He heads for the Seventh Stranger, since it looks promising to a weary dimension-traveller.

Alexa has also arrived at the inn, hurrying up the stairs past Simone, who's now sweeping out the taproom on Xanax's instructions. Not finding Nicholas and Bantam in their room, the girl stretches out on the bed to wait. Xanax enters, and both parties are startled. Xanax tells her daughter about the guards looking for her and the others, then demands to know how she learned that Warren is her father. Alexa's stunned by the news. Flustered, Xanax goes to Barbarella for advice.

Down in the taproom, Simone has just finished sweeping when the old man by the fire asks her to fetch him an ale. Simone nods her consent. She goes to put the broom away and encounters Prozac, who relays Xanax's instructions to collect the laundry from the ground-floor rooms.

Prozac now takes up bartending duties as Gwynfor and Tarik arrive. They both order ales; Simone signs the Silver Mage's order before carrying on with her tasks. Tarik asks Prozac where Maeve is; the barmaid says the healer is out. Tarik grabs her, demanding to know where Maeve has gone. Prozac struggles, denying knowledge, while the Silver Mage quietly weaves a charm to release her. Tarik tells her to find out, then lets her go, only to discover that he's already done so. Prozac serves the Silver Mage, then runs to Barbarella.

Maeve, meanwhile, is enjoying the day down by the brook with Lucky and Clover, aka Pyramis and Thisbe. Her singing attracts Legolas, who's been wandering the town during the night, as Elves are wont to do. Pyramis alerts the healer to the Elf's presence. Legolas emerges from the wood. He begins to explain his presence to the enraptured healer, but, hearing a noise, he swiftly nocks an arrow and draws down on the source, which happens to be Isabel and Conner returning.

Seeing the armed Elf, Conner steps in front of Isabel to shield her. Isabel calls to Maeve, who assures Legolas that the two are her friends. Legolas stands down, but Conner continues to eye him warily. As Isabel and Maeve set about bandaging Thisbe's ribs, Conner heads for the trees on the other side of the brook, telling Isabel to meet him later.

Once they've taken care of Thisbe, Isabel asks about returning the dogs to Charley. Maeve is reluctant to go to the castle, but when Legolas offers to accompany her, she readily agrees. She and the Elf leave Isabel with the dogs while they go to the inn so Maeve can let someone know where they're going. When they reach the Seventh Stranger, Maeve's appalled to see Tarik at the bar; she asks Legolas to help her avoid him. Legolas lends her his cloak, and they slip past Tarik, though Gwynfor sees and acknowledges them. At that moment, they're all distracted by David Cassidy's entrance. Legolas and Maeve take the opportunity to get into the kitchen.

Tarik sees how Gwynfor is staring at the young man in outlandish clothing and makes some crass innuendo regarding the Welshman's sexual preference just at Arin arrives. Simone passes through the taproom with an armload of laundry; she thinks David looks familiar but can't place him, then she collides with Legolas in the kitchen and recognizes him as Orlando Bloom. Seeing Maeve, she goes to the worktable, and, beckoning the pair, she writes in the flour strewn there, explaining herself and her purpose, mentioning the coming Mage War. They're interrupted by Tarik, who has had words with David and has decided to teach him some manners by dropping him into the flour-barrel.

Spotting Maeve, Tarik approaches; the healer hides behind Legolas, while Simone throws flour into the mercenary's eyes just as Barbarella enters the kitchen, demanding to know what's happening. Tarik apologizes, offering payment for the ruined flour, then he tells Maeve he's the answer to her prayers. Disgusted, Maeve turns to Legolas, who asks Barbarella to let him escort the healer back to her patients. Barbarella agrees, and the pair leave by the back door.

Simone, meanwhile, whistles a few bars of "Do You Believe in Magic?" to let David know she's recognized him. As Tarik heads back to the taproom, the young woman helps Cassidy out of the flour. He introduces himself; Simone goes to the worktable again to do likewise.

Tarik returns to his drink to find that Gwynfor has struck up a conversation with Arin and given Prozac one of the roses. When the mercenary comments, Gwynfor replies that he gave her the flower to calm her. Tarik is surprised to learn he's frightened Prozac; he gives her the rest of the bouquet in recompense. He and Gwynfor spar verbally (and almost physically) until the mercenary leaves for the privy, letting the Welshman chat further with Arin.

While Maeve and Legolas travel to and from the inn, Isabel and Pyramis come up with a plot to meet Conner and get to Isabel's village. When the healer and the Elf arrive, Pyramis runs for the woods; Isabel follows, telling Maeve she'll bring "Lucky" back to the inn when she catches him. She follows the dog to the tree where Conner is napping after a successful hunt. Waking to Isabel's voice, the leopard-man climbs down, warning the werewolf not to be alarmed, as he's taken off his shoes, baring his clawed feet. Pyramis growls, upset at the sight, but Isabel doesn't care, too smitten with Conner. They head back to the market for bread and wine to go with Conner's kill, then Isabel leads them out of the town.

Meanwhile, Maeve and Legolas collect "Clover" and head for the castle. Prentis, roaming the fairgrounds, catches sight of them and makes a few connections. Maeve asks if the Elf has been to Ashby Castle before. Legolas tells her that he was part of Rowena's group of rescuers the previous night.

By this time, Rowena and the others have reached Nicholas' cave. Nicholas and Gemile go to fetch water, leaving Bantam on guard, while Warren tends to the Flame's comfort and Rowena offers to bandage John's thigh. She and the monk head outside for some privacy; Warren asks her about getting a healer for the Flame, but Rowena, now knowing Sorcha as a cold-blooded killer, puts him off. Nick curls up in a corner and goes to sleep. Nico takes Rio aside to apologize, then they join the Cucurrullos. To give Rio and Warren some time to talk, Nico leaves, ostensibly to see what's keeping Nicholas and Gem.

Although reluctant, Warren bows to the Flame's encouragement and enters into conversation with Rio, who explains that her father, Jerry, must have been Warren's sire as well. She then shows him the Sibling Sword, now glowing and vibrating in his presence. Warren and the Flame both recognize it as his mother Grainne's work. Rio offers it to him. Nico returns and sees how well they're getting along. In a moment of weakness, he allows Julianne to lure him to her. Rio senses what Julianne is doing and asks Warren to help, but the warrior doesn't want to leave the Flame.

Outside, Rowena bandages John's wound, then they sit on a fallen log to discuss last night's events. John apologizes for his behaviour; Rowena admits she's ashamed of not taking the opportunity to kill Audra. Unable to reply to her sorrow, John pulls her into a kiss, then apologizes when he realizes what he's done, despite Rowena's protests. He tells her no one is to blame for what happened but himself and perhaps Minuet; Rowena curses the absent faerie for bringing Vanya to the Hidden Village, telling John that Minuet spirited the girl back to the castle when he mentions Vanya's presence in the dungeon. She then tells him of meeting Abbot Roger and Antonio; John wants to talk more of the abbot, but Minuet makes an appearance.

The faerie is very upset still over what has happened to John. She tells them of the ball to be held at the castle this night, then says that she will retreat to the Fae Realm with Sebastian for a time. Rowena and John begin to plot how to use the ball to their advantage, instead of as the trap Audra and Rhodan intend it to be.

Meanwhile, Antonio, Simon, and Claire are on their way to Ashby. Simon expresses a need to speak with his sister. Claire asks about the Healers' Guild; Simon denies knowledge of such. Distressed that so much has gone ill in the world, Claire urges her horse towards the town, and the 3 engage in a little racing. Out in front, Antonio brings them to a halt, calling their attention to a raven winging its way towards Ashby. Seeing something unnatural in its flight pattern, the Tribal Mage urges them to pick up the pace.

<< Back to the Introduction <<Chapter One <<Chapter Two <<Chapter Three <<Chapter Four
<<Chapter Five <<Chapter Six <<Chapter Seven <<Chapter Eight <<Chapter Nine <<Chapter Ten <<Chapter Eleven
<<Chapter Twelve <<Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen >>Chapter Fifteen >>Chapter Sixteen >>Chapter Seventeen
>>Chapter Eighteen >>Chapter Nineteen >>Chapter Twenty

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