CHAPTER 16

~Compiled by Catherine~

When Nikolai hurls a bolt of magic at her, Thisbe dies. Maeve cries out in distress over both the dog & Legolas. Audra orders her guards to take the girl & the Elf into custody; Nikolai releases his binding-spell and snatches up Vanya, carrying her to her chamber while Audra leads her guards to an audience chamber, where she begins interrogating her new prisoners.

Upstairs, Nikolai warns Vanya that Audra may yet complete her sentence. He has her remove his trousers & fetch him a fresh pair while he heals the dog-bite in his leg. Upon her return, Vanya dresses her master; observing her awkward, painful movements, Nikolai orders her to lie on the bed face-down & naked. He heals her wound, then orders her to put on her plainest gown and remain in her chambers unless accompanied by either himself or Lady Madeline, who, unbeknownst to them, has left to attend the Faire.

In the audience chamber, Audra dispatches Stewart for Simon; she wants her prisoners' minds probed, but she doesn't want to bother Nikolai. After a brief conversation with Maeve, she turns her attentions to planning her Ball. Legolas does his best to comfort Maeve, inadvertently arousing feelings in her.

Meanwhile, attracted by Thisbe's dying yelp, the Son enters the courtyard, gathers up the little corpse, and bears it away to the woods. At the same time, Pyramis has sensed Thisbe's death, & he starts to howl, alerting Isabel, who tells Conner what's happened. She shifts into her wolf-form, & the 3 run back to Ashby.

Elsewhere, in Nicholas' cave, John & Rowena discuss returning to town. John helps himself to more stew, glancing at Warren & the Flame, who have very nearly got carried away by their mutual desire. While talking with Rowena, the monk absently rests his hand on the handle of the stewpot, burning himself; the pain brings back memories of his time in the dungeon, & he recalls the Flame's presence there. Once Rowena has soothed his burn with cold water, John goes to the Flame for an explanation. Between them, the Flame & Warren tell how & why they tried to rescue the children.

Meanwhile, out in the forest, Nico & Rio have encountered Prentis, who claims to have become lost while searching for his sister. Pretending the need to relieve herself, Rio steps behind a tree to contact Warren.

Back at the cave, Rowena takes John outside for a private chat. Warren relays Rio's news about Prentis to the Flame; they decide to warn Rowena when she & John return. On the other side of the cave, Nicholas & Bantam have been discussing Rowena's offer of sanctuary at the Hidden Village. Seeing his brother's indecision, Bantam offers an alternative, yet suggests contacting the Fae instead. Nicholas is intrigued by Bantam's talk of a hiding place & wants to know more.

Outside, Gemile & Daniel have confessed their feelings to each other & sealed things with a kiss under Faran's disgusted gaze. When John & Rowena join them, they discuss how best to deal with Warren & the Flame, as well as the boys. After much discussion, it's decided to offer the Cucurrullos a safe house in the form of an abandoned shepherd's cottage, while the boys should be taken to the Village; Gem & Daniel are to go to the Hidden Village to recruit folks for the Ball, while John & Rowena will return to Ashby.

Some distance away, while Prentis tells Nico about his imaginary sister gone to join the rebels, Lorcan in his raven-guise glides in for a look. Perching in a tree, he senses Power & discovers Rio hiding in the shadows. Rio notices the bird seems peculiar; she relays word of its arrival to Warren, who tells the Flame. The sorceress suggests it might be her teacher, Lorcan, though she doesn't know why he'd be in the area. Warren warns Rio not to harm the bird.

In order to communicate, Lorcan transforms back into his human shape. Assuring the girl he won't hurt her, he asks for help finding his erstwhile pupil, Sorcha mac Aodh (the Flame). Spotting Lorcan's shadow, Nico leaps to Rio's defense with a dagger, allowing Prentis the opportunity to slip away. Lorcan disarms him, repeating his assurances & his quest. After discussing how best to deal with this new complication & Julianne, the trio head for Nicholas' cave.

At the cave, Rowena notices that Nick has mysteriously disappeared. She goes to Warren & the Flame with the offer of the shepherd's cottage. They discuss the offer; Warren asks the Flame to try contacting Lorcan. She does & tells him that the mage is on his way.

Meanwhile, Nicholas has rejected Bantam's idea to go home, but can't explain when his brother suggests contacting the Fae that they usually just appear when he needs them. When John approaches & asks if they'll join him & Rowena, Bantam tells him they'll get help from the Fae.

Warren tells Rowena about Prentis. She suggests they move on, so as not to bring more danger to the boys. The Flame tries & fails to stand. Seeing her distress, Nicholas uses his powers on her. His healing allows her to stand, but seemingly upsets her ability to use magic; her link with Warren is broken. Warren demands to know what Nicholas has done. John rises to Nicholas' defense.

While this is happening, Bantam decides that his brother is better off with Rowena & John, & he leaves. Gem & Daniel confront him; he reacts sulkily. Gem has no patience with his attitude, insisting that he accompany them. Bantam refuses. Daniel reminds him that John went to the Castle to rescue him & Nicholas; Gem adds that, considering everything, perhaps the lad should have remained in Audra's clutches. Bantam agrees, then stalks off into the forest while Gem goes to the cave to find out what's happening.

Out in the forest, Nico, Rio, & Lorcan make their way to the cave. Nico's growing jealousy makes him snap at Lorcan. Rio upbraids him for his rudeness. The argument escalates until Nico storms off for the Castle. Torn, Rio turns to Lorcan for advice. The mage tells her to follow Nico, then transforms into a roebuck and bounds off for the cave.

At the edge of the forest, Isabel, Conner, & Pyramis pause so the werewolf can shift back into human form, then they continue into town.

The town's best inn, the Seventh Stranger, is still bustling. Xanas sends Alexa to talk to Barbarella about a hiding place, in case guards return, then heads downstairs to continue her work. Tribal Healer Claire joins Vladimir & Arin outside the inn, where they discuss a plan of attack on Tarik. Footprints lead them to conclude that the Castle might be a likely place to find the assassin. Claire & Arin mount Claire's horse, Princess, to Vladimir's assurances that he'll be near when they reach their destination. The vampire then heads for the Faire in search of plunder.

Shortly after Claire leaves the Seventh Stranger, Antonio & Simon arrive. Simon asks Xanax about Claire, but he's interrupted by Stewart demanding that he return to the Castle. While Simon & Stewart growl at each other, Antonio leaves a message with Xanax for Claire, kissing the barmaid as "payment." Xanax is quite taken with the Tribal leader, a fact not lost on Alexa as she watches from the taproom entrance after a brief, fruitless search for Barbarella.

Having caught images of Maeve & her Elvish companion in Stewart's mind, Simon agrees to go with him. As the trio ride towards their destination, Simon sends thoughts to his sister.

Back at the inn, Xanax has taken her daughter into the kitchen, where they find Barbarella. After some discussion, the women decide to hide Alexa in one of the cellar's secret rooms. The girl's dismayed when she sees the dark little room & realizes that she's expected to spend the day confined. Xanax lights a lamp & provides her with candles; both women assure Alexa that all will be well. Deciding to make the best of things, Alexa settles down with a bit of chalk her mother left & starts drawing the birds from her dream.

Out amongst the fairgoers, Vladimir lurks. He spots Maddie & Gwynfor, who are collecting items for her Ball costume. Attracted by the sapphire necklace Maddie wears, the vampire follows the pair. Sterling, working the Faire, sees all 3; recognizing Vladimir's actions as those of a thief but knowing the man isn't part of Ashby Guild, he follows.

Vladimir contrives to bump into Maddie. Apologizing profusely, he attempts to mesmerize the woman, but Gwynfor orders him to leave them alone. Vladimir smiles, then in the blink of an eye snatches the necklace & disappears, leaving Gwynfor swearing & Maddie in shock. Hardly believing what he's seen, Sterling hurries to Father Patrick's chapel, anxious to tell the Guild. The news sends Patrick to St. Julian's to inform the Abbot.

In one of Ashby's other inns, Jake the butcher's assistant tries to pay his tab by acting as bouncer, but he passes out from drink before he can toss out a group of annoying beggars. He wakes when the innkeeper douses him with water, but only briefly. At last, he manages to drag himself across the street to the butcher's shop. Shortly thereafter, Dinah the kitchen maid arrives to buy more meat for the huge dinner at the Castle.

As Claire & Arin ride for the Castle, they talk. Claire warns Arin of the restrictions on deathwalkers in the Tribal lands; she gives her a token that will summon the Healer should Arin ever need her help. They exchange stories of the sea & of the desert.

At the Castle, Maeve senses Simon's attempt to contact her & engages in mental conversation with her brother. When Simon tells her he's at the gate, she tells him about Legolas' weapons. The telepath uses his powers to make one of the guards bring them to him.

Meanwhile, Julianne has arrived with Gabrielle, having made plans to meet the Goblin King at the Ball. She greets Audra effusively & introduces her daughter, adding her hope that Audra will teach the girl sorcery. Simon & Antonio enter in Stewart's wake; Simon presents himself to Audra while Antonio stations himself at the door. Now Nikolai joins the group; upon seeing him, Gabrielle faints. Audra calls for servants to bear the girl to a guest chamber, then instructs Simon to read the prisoners' minds. He goes to Maeve & Legolas, surreptitiously passing the Elf his weapons while Antonio distracts Audra by offering her an alliance with the Tribes as Nikolai escorts Julianne to more comfortable quarters. At Simon's urging, Maeve modifies her itching-spell & casts it on the guards, causing hayfever-like symptoms, then the 3 of them edge towards a servants' door.

Upstairs, Gabrielle awakes, convincing the maids that she's all right through her magic. Left alone, she uses her Power to call out for help; the subsequent shockwave alerts Audra, who hurries off, ordering Stewart to keep the others in the audience chamber. Spotting the escape in progress, the steward orders the hapless guards to pursue.

Outside, Isabel & her companions have reached the Castle. As they debate what to do next, Thisbe appears, having been brought back to life by the Son. Pyramis & Isabel are overjoyed. Using Isabel's distraction, Conner scales the wall & enters the Castle.

Meanwhile, Antonio has conjured a sand scorpion to hold off the guards while he follows the escapees. Maeve takes a wrong turn, leading Simon & Legolas into a kitchen garden, while Antonio makes his way through the kitchen to the courtyard. He sends Simon a mental message; Simon stops arguing with Legolas long enough to steer everyone back inside. They reach the kitchen just as the guards do; Simon telekinetically hurls a stool at them so he & the others can escape. Outside, they rejoin Antonio & get to horse.

Dismayed by Conner's departure, Isabel takes some comfort from her canine friends. When asked, Thisbe explains what happened to her; Pyramis blurts out that they're having puppies. Thisbe asks why Conner's abandoned them; Isabel tells her of the halfcat's desire to be able to shift as she does. As they debate what to do next, they hear horses & hide in the bushes as the escapees thunder past. Recognizing Maeve, Isabel wonders what's going on. She & the dogs decide to head for the Seventh Stranger in hopes that the healer will show up there.

Claire & Arin are on the same road, a little farther away. Hearing the approaching horses, Claire moves them off the road & dismounts, as does Arin, although with less grace. Seeing her cousin & Simon ride by, Claire is confused & not a little miffed, since Simon seems to have picked up a pretty new companion. Vladimir arrives, reminding Arin that they need to find somewhere to spend the day; he also tells her he brings her gifts. Remaining calm in the vampire's presence, Claire decides they should return to the inn, as the Castle is undoubtedly on alert now. As they make their way back, she tells the couple that she'll spend some time in the taproom awaiting her cousin while they rest.

Back in the Castle, Gabrielle's attempt to contact someone draws Conner to her. Assuring the girl that he means no harm, he asks where he can find Audra. Alarmed, Gabrielle asks if he's evil; Conner responds with sarcasm, then, hearing footsteps, he disguises himself as a servant.

Audra, Nikolai, & Julianne arrive to confront Gabrielle. Julianne berates her daughter for using her powers, but Audra, sensing how powerful the girl is, steps up to her defense. Nikolai, however, finds his attention drawn to the servant in the corner. Probing his mind, the warlock learns that he's not what he seems. When Audra decides to get a maid to help Gabrielle prepare for the Ball, Nikolai suggests Vanya, then orders Conner to lead the way, subtly directing him.

Meanwhile, Rio & Nico have reached the Castle. Julianne senses her half-sister, as does Gabrielle. To distract the others, the girl throws herself at Nikolai. About to strike her for her impudence, he instead reads her unguarded thoughts & alerts Audra to the intruders. She takes Julianne with her to investigate, while he turns Gabrielle over to Vanya's care.

Since her impromptu seduction didn't work, Gabrielle turns defiant, spitting on Nikolai. He shoves her into Vanya's room. Vanya's overjoyed to see her master; Nikolai instructs her on what she must teach Gabrielle. Emboldened by the warlock's treatment of his consort, Conner asks for a moment of his time. Intrigued, Nikolai feigns anger at his temerity, then leaves Vanya with Gabrielle, leading Conner to his chambers.

Meanwhile, learning Simon intends to head for Maeve's village, a day's ride away, Antonio turns his stallion, Viento, over to Legolas & parts from the others, finding a place where he can engage in some healing sleep. Simon leads the way through the crowds of fairgoers, but when Sir Guy & soldiers come in pursuit, he changes direction, heading for the Haunted Forest.

During this time, events have been progressing in Arcadia. Having met with the entire Dog Squadron, dogs & men, and explained their origins to them, the Silver Mage leaves Segrand & the others to their midday meal. Segrand sends for Meggan & Simone to join them. Meggan arrives with a number of Rhodan's former consorts to serve the meal.

Waking from an erotic dream about Simone, David Cassidy follows his nose to the Great Hall & lunch. In her own room, Simone calls out his name in her sleep. Unbeknownst to either of them, the Silver Mage has used a shared dream to impregnate Simone with David's seed, knowing the future child will be a great spellsinger and a possible Godspeaker. He joins the others in the Hall, as does Simone, shortly thereafter. The Silver Mage tells Segrand that he & his companions must return to Ashby soon; Segrand asks if all is ready at the Stronghold. The Mage admits that he has yet to find 2 youngsters & teach them a certain spell. Excusing himself, he lets Meggan know that he hasn't forgotten his promise to train her, while David picks up a lute to entertain the group.

On the road, Ramsall arrives at the Last Chance Inn. Buying a drink, he asks the barmaid if she can help him find his runaway brother, describing Cat to her. Sadie tells him what she knows, describing Andy to him at his request. Ramsall continues towards Ashby, certain of finding his quarry there.

Lorcan arrives at Nicholas' cave. Faran warns Rowena of his presence. The Clan mage transforms back to human & asks for Sorcha; Daniel directs him to the cave. While Nicholas watches Bantam leave, John tells Gem to take the boy back to the Hidden Village, then meet him later at St. Julian's. As they go outside to greet the newcomer, the Flame rushes to Lorcan. Seeing her distress, he asks for an explanation, which both John & Warren provide. He joins the group heading for Ashby.

Meanwhile, Bantam encounters Prentis, who does his best to extract information from the lad but fails.

When Simon & his party enter the Forest, Sir Guy is forced to halt pursuit because the soldiers won't follow them into the trees. Maeve starts to cry from fear; Simon comforts her. They find a faint trail & opt to follow it.

Rowena's group of fugitives has also found the trail. As they near the town, Lorcan offers to put a glamour on them as a disguise. Against John's unspoken wishes, Rowena agrees. Faran alerts her to the approach of other horses. John decides to investigate; Rowena follows while Warren moves to protect the Flame.

Scouting ahead after hearing others in the woods, Legolas takes cover at John & Rowena's approach. He steps on a twig, alerting them to his presence. When John demands that he show himself, he complies, arrow at the ready. Rowena recognizes him & breaks the glamour. Legolas calls his companions forward. John's alarmed to see Maeve in Simon's company; grabbing Rowena's sword, he holds it to Simon's throat while begging Maeve to dismount. Maeve refuses, then tries to explain that Simon's not a danger to her.

Meanwhile, Simon's former employer heads out to the main gate of the Castle with Julianne in tow. Sensing the magic as Rio "calls" to Gabrielle for help, Audra climbs a guard tower & goes out along the north wall. She sees Rio & Nico lurking in the shadows of the wall, but tells Julianne she doesn't know where they are. At the guardhouse on the wall, she dispatches men to arrest the pair.

Returning from the Faire, Maddie & Gwynfor happen upon the arrest in progress and approach the gates with caution.

Inside the walls, Nikolai confronts Conner, who explains in brief how he came to be. Meanwhile, Gabrielle practices defiance, hurling insults at Vanya, who responds by throwing an unwanted gown at her & ordering her to dress in it. Gabrielle calls her a whore; Vanya reacts with laughter, informing her that she's Nikolai's mistress, which is a world of difference from a whore.

Isabel & the dogs arrive at the Seventh Stranger. She learns from Prozac that Maeve isn't there, so she decides to take Pyramis & Thisbe to her village. They return to the forest, where Isabel opens the portal. Once in the village, she leads her friends to the home of Hamish, the pack's alpha & her own father-in-law.

To be continued ...

<< 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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