CHAPTER 18

~Compiled by Catherine~

Isabel takes Abbey, Pyramis, & Thisbe back to Taur-in-Edhel as the village is evacuated. They get their sleeping arrangements settled; Pyramis is dismayed to learn that they'll be sleeping in a tree, despite assurances that it's quite safe. He flattens himself on the floor of the tree-house & remains there, despite Thisbe's encouragement. While the dogs debate the merits of Elvish construction, a disturbance draws Thisbe's attention away from Pyramis. Henry, Gray's best scout, has returned with the news that Rhodan has left guards on the portal-stone nearest Ashby and taken the Forest Child, an event that has most of the woodland creatures, including the fabled black unicorn, in an uproar. Even the Son senses the disturbance among the animals and remains in the forest, despite his father's summons to return.

Feeling blameworthy, Isabel asks to lead a rescue party, while Abbey & Thisbe eavedrop from the bushes. Pyramis arrives in time to offer his help. Gray agrees reluctantly, then insists that they all eat before they leave. Discovering Abbey's been listening, Isabel reprimands her daughter, insisting that she behave herself for Thisbe.

Meanwhile, en route to Ashby Castle, Nikolai Rhodan the Younger has learned that Nicholas is the son of his beloved sister, Karisa. He sends Conner ahead to prepare the guards for his arrival & to ask about Audra. When he himself arrives, Conner informs him that Audra has left word not to be disturbed. Nikolai gives the sleeping Nicholas into the half-cat's care and heads for the dungeons.

When he arrives, Rhodan finds the place in chaos. Gabrielle has used her Power to free Nico & Rio and spirit all 3 of them from the Castle, causing Audra no end of distress as she retreats to her chamber to work on restoring the wards upon the Castle. Worse, from Stewart's point of view as the steward arrives to reprimand the guards on Audra's behalf, Vanya has made her way into the dungeons in search of her master and now stands outside Bantam's cell, taunting the boy. Stewart encourages Vanya to return to her quarters, but just as he's escorting her back upstairs, the sound of Nikolai's voice sends the girls running back into the dungeons. Firmly believing discretion is the better part of valour, Stewart takes to his heels.

Meanwhile, events at the Seventh Stranger have been moving along. Rowena and her band of fugitives have gathered in the inn's cellar. While they wait for Barbarella to arrive and open the hidden door, Claire hands out mint for portal-induced queasiness and revives an unconscious Xanax with stinkweed. Upstairs, Vladimir lurks near the cellar door, having been drawn by Xanax's alarmed scream moments earlier, while Arin keeps watch at the taproom door. In the taproom, Prentis watches Barbarella head for the kitchen.

Jarlath arrives with Tamerlaine in tow, having learned where the new healer in town is staying. When he asks her about the healer, Prozac lies, telling him Maeve's gone out. Jarlath leaves Tamerlaine with her, telling her that if Maeve wants her other, "oh-so-pretty" things, she's to see the herbalist at the Castle. Once he's gone, Simone, who's been watching, unmuzzles Tamerlaine, and she and Prozac take the dog into the kitchen to feed him.

Tamerlaine and Barbarella both notice Vladimir at the same time. Able to smell the vampire, Tamerlaine starts barking fiercely, alarming Barbarella even more as she demands to know who this stranger is and what he's doing in her kitchen. The noise alerts Rowena, who runs for the stairs, fearing for Barbarella. Hearing her, Tamerlaine leaps down the stairs, ready to protect everyone in the cellar. His headlong flight causes Rowena to fall and hit her head; seconds later, a bottle strikes her on the temple, knocking her senseless.

Brother John rushes to her side, while Maeve tries to calm a guilty Tamerlaine, who slinks off to a corner as soon as he can. As Vladimir leaves, Prozac hurries downstairs in Barbarella's wake to deliver the message to Maeve. Understanding that Legolas is in danger, Maeve takes out her distress on John, who, absorbed in Rowena's plight, is bewildered. As soon as Barbarella opens the secret door, John carries Rowena inside, while Maeve leaves with Simon to rescue Legolas.

Laying Rowena down, John kneels by her, worried. Claire directs him to pray over Rowena; as he does, John notices his fingers tingle. Seeing a faint golden aura around his hands, Claire assures him Rowena will be fine, though she'll sleep deeply for a time.

The Flame is unaccountably upset by Warren's reunion with little Alexa, and she turns away. Hearing voices at the door, she ventures nearer. Mallory has joined Barbarella. Distressed by news of Rowena's injury, he starts inside. The Flame blocks his path until Barbarella assures her that Mallory is a friend. He joins John & hears Claire's news that Rowena will recover. The healer leaves just as Barbarella closes the door, allowing Xanax a brief peep in at her daughter before returning to her duties.

Realizing he's alone, Tamerlaine creeps out of his corner and heads to the kitchen. Xanax catches sight of him and, upset over all that's happened, chases him through the taproom with a broom. The dog bolts upstairs and heads for Cat & Andy's room. Cat wakes at his insistent scratching and lets him in, then crawls back into bed.

Downstairs, Xanax is forced to leave off her pursuit of Tamerlaine when Nico, carrying an exhausted Gabrielle and accompanied by Rio, asks for a room. She leads them to a ground-floor room near Barbarella's own just as Ramsall enters, frustrated at his lack of success at the fairgrounds. The only thing he's learned is that "Kit" is definitely from Ashby; his encounter with Sister Giavanna and her St. Bridget's pendant, an exact match to one he's seen in "Kit's" possession, has proven that. He heads to the bar for a pint and some information. He spins his lost-brother tale for Prozac, then describes "Kit's" companion just as Xanax comes out of the kitchen with tea she's made at Rio's request. Hearing the man describe Andy, Xanax's shocked into dropping the cup. At that moment, Barbarella starts shouting for a healer.

The sudden arrival of Rio and her companions has had a peculiar effect on Mallory. While Rio is attempting to heal Gabrielle, Mallory starts having trouble breathing, much to Barbarella's dismay as she helps him back to her room. Her shouts for a healer send Xanax running for Rio. Having had her magic strengthened and focused by Gabrielle, Rio confidently goes to help Mallory, while Gabrielle mentally contacts Warren with news of what she's done for his half-sister. Hearing from Warren that Rio is now a powerful sorceress, the Flame reacts with derision, which soon becomes a full-blown tirade against Rio. Lorcan orders her silence, then takes her to a corner of the room, where he begins a ritual to diagnose her magical troubles.

Rio meanwhile uses her Power on Mallory, who stops breathing altogether. Terrified for him, Barbarella orders Rio from the room and sends Xanax for a "real" healer. While Rio retreats to her room to confer with Nico and Gabrielle, Xanax runs to the apothecary, returning with Auld Meg, Master Nathan's "assistant." Antonio, too, has arrived, having called Simone back from Arcadia where she's been meeting with Segrand and the newly-returned Martus, to portal him out of the cellar. He advises Barbarella to give Mallory her breath; she doesn't understand what he means until Meg starts working at Mallory's diaphragm. Antonio also warns Rio, who's come back to see what's happening, to shield herself when working magic, so as not to attract undue attention. He portals back to the cellar with Simone, who then attempts to return to Arcadia; she's drawn off-course by the Son, however, and projected 9 months into the future, when she gives birth to a son, falls in love with Gypsy leader Adam, then is returned to her own time and original destination.

Down in the cellar, Rowena has awoken to quarrelling voices. John's overjoyed as he helps her sit up and explains what's happened. Meanwhile, Warren's been asking Alexa about her parents; she keeps dodging the questions. Both conversations are interrupted by the Flame's sudden screams. The ritual Lorcan is performing causes her great pain. Both Warren and John rush to her aid, despite Lorcan's demand that they not interfere. Antonio is forced to throw up a protective sand-barrier around the Clan mage. Lorcan finishes and asks Antonio to release his protections, which the Tribal leader does; Lorcan then beckons Warren to take the Flame from him as John retreats to Rowena's side. Warren's aghast when he learns that he must take the Flame back to the dungeons and make love to her there in order to heal her.

As Meg and Barbarella work in Mallory, Rio flees the inn, hoping to contact Audra; in her dismay over harming Mallory with her magic, she decides that her Power is evil. Audra has just finished strengthening the wards on the Castle and returned to her chamber to summon Sahara, who has anticipated the Countess' needs with a goblet of honeyed mead and some sweet pastries. She informs Audra of the disturbance in the dungeons; the Countess decides to go reckon up the damage herself and dismisses her handmaid.

Meanwhile, in another part of the Castle, Jarlath's apprentice has escorted the guards carrying a semi-conscious Legolas into the herbalist/assassin's tower rooms. The guards bind the Elf to a chair. Jarlath arrives shortly; he makes notes on Elvish drug resistance while taunting Legolas about Maeve, then he leaves a censer of truth-encouraging drug burning while he and his apprentice head down to the kitchens, where they drug food and drink meant for the Ball. Returning, Jarlath questions Legolas further; the Elf reveals the scroll belongs to Brother John. Jarlath orders his apprentice to fetch some unadulterated food for the Elf, then locks Legolas in a cell hidden behind a curtain.

The apprentice returns and informs Jarlath that Ginny the kitchen-maid is asleep on the floor. Jarlath goes to investigate and discovers the maid has helped herself to a quantity of drugged food. He carries her to the servants' quarters, taking along a jar of liquor to make it appear that she's drunk. Ginny recoves enough to entertain him in her bed, though she insists on calling him "Simon."

While Jarlath is thus distracted, Legolas engages his apprentice in conversation. Learning the boy has no name, Legolas christens him "Elwin--friend to Elves," which pleases the lad enormously. As they talk, Elwin admits that Jarlath is Audra's poisoner and that he hates Elves as much as she does, mentioning the Elven warrior-priestess Talandriel as a particular thorn in the assassin's side. Eventually, Elwin offers to fetch some pastries from the kitchen; seeing a chance to try to escape, Legolas agrees, and as soon as the lad leaves, he sets to work trying to pick the lock of the door with his brooch.

Meanwhile, Conner has got Nicholas and himself settled in Nikolai's quarters. While the half-cat naps atop a wardrobe, Nicholas wakes, hungry & thirsty. Drawing a picture to represent the kitchen, he heads off. Conner wakes and tears after the boy in a panic. Together, they continue into the kitchen, whre they encounter Jarlath, fresh from Ginny's bed. His curiosity piqued by the pair, he questions them; Conner claims Nicholas as his brother, calling him "Nick." Making note of Conner's use of a piratical vocabulary, Jarlath goes on his way.

Elwin's lurking in the shadows when Dinah the kitchen-maid enters with a platter. Seeing Conner & Nicholas, she demands to know who they are, then calls Elwin forward when she spots him, just as Mrs. Pea the cook and other servants enter. Elwin explains himself, then quietly takes some sweetbreads, handing a couple to Nicholas before scampering back up to Jarlath's room. Conner meanwhile fills a jug with water and makes to take Nicholas back to Rhodan's quarters when Stewart blusters into the kitchen. Mrs. Pea demands to know where the promised extra staff are, then she offers Nicholas & Conner work. Stewart recognizes Nicholas; he's about to run to Audra when Conner stops him, warning him that the boy is Rhodan's charge now. Fascinated by Conner's very feline fangs, Stewart hastily backpedals, then leaves as soon as Conner releases him. On his way out, he meets Sahara, who's watched the entire confrontation, and he decides to take out his frustrations on her. In order to get closer to the fascinating Conner, the half-Elven maid accepts Mrs. Pea's offer to work, sending Stewart on his way.

Conner's just as intrigued by Sahara; they flirt, then he asks her to wait in her room while he sees to Nicholas. She agrees, but instead of returning to her quarters once she's checked on the seamstress' progress with Audra's costume, she heads for the hay-loft of the stables.

Meanwhile, Maeve & Simon have arrived. Maeve goes to the appointed gate and is somewhat dismayed to find a woman there, asking for admittance. It's Claire, who's come to infiltrate the Castle by offering her services as a healer. She uses a knock-out powder on the gatekeeper, then just as quickly revives him. Alarmed, he opens the gate to her and Maeve, directing Maeve to Jarlath's tower.

Maeve's stopped by the guard outside Jarlath's chamber. Spotting Legolas' weaponry amongst the jumble, she manages to take one of the Elvish daggers as the guard lets her pass. Upon entering the room, she's dismayed to find Legolas locked in the cell. Ignoring the Elf's pleas to save herself, she attempts to pick the lock on the door with his dagger, cutting herself in the process. She gets the door open, but can't unfasten the manacles. Elwin arrives and warns them that Jarlath's on his way. Maeve sends a mental message to Simon, asking for a distraction; he provides one by telling the gatekeeper that the herbalist is needed to tend an injured stable-boy.

Jarlath arrives just as he gets word about the supposed stable-boy. At Elwin's request, he hands over his keys so the boy can start on his chores. As soon as Jarlath's gone, Elwin frees Legolas from the manacles, then poisons the guard so he can retrieve the Elf's weapons before leading him & Maeve down the servants' stairs.

While all this has been going on upstairs, Audra has made her way to the dungeon. Rio's attempt to contact her mentally has given her a slight tickle at the back of her mind, nothing more. She arrives to find Nikolai using Vanya to assist in his questioning of Bantam. He declares his intention of speaking with the boy's father; Audra reminds him to be back in time for the Ball. Nikolai then turns Vanya over to her for punishment, warning the girl that if she doesn't follow the Countess' orders, he'll kill her himself for disobeying him again. Audra takes charge of her with glee while Nikolai takes Bantam out in search of his home.

Audra takes Vanya upstairs and has her dress in servant's clothing, then takes her back down to the ballroom, where preparations are in full swing. Madeline's in charge, appropriating Jarlath to remove a heavy drape and unwittingly allowing Elwin, Maeve, & Legolas to escape. She's delighted to see Audra and even happier to help humiliate Vanya. They put the girl to work scrubbing the floor, then Audra heads off to strengthen spells in key areas, while Maddie dispatches Gwynfor to get the gossip on what Vanya's done to deserve this treatment.

Meanwhile, having failed to contact Audra, Rio's about to give up when Gabrielle directs her to the forest, where she finds a cloak and a golden dagger; she also learns that she had Cuccurullo blood, linking her not only to Warren but to Sorcha as well. Gabrielle transports her back to the inn, then lapses into a deep coma before Rio can do anything. Rio shouts mentally for Warren.

At the same time, Mallory has begun breathing again. Auld Meg sends Xanax off to brew up a tisane from special herbs, then she sets about diagnosing Mallory's problem. Seeing no physical mark upon him, she produces a green stone, which she holds over his chest; after a moment, she declares he's been cursed with an allergic reaction to magic.

In the kitchen, Xanax pulls Prozac aside for a conference. Explaining that Ramsall is clearly looking for Andy, she orders her sister not to reveal the master thief's whereabouts. Prozac agrees unhappily; she doesn't like to think of a family being separated, if Ramsall's brother really is with Andy. When Xanax takes the tisane to Mallory, Prozac returns to Ramsall, who's still sitting at the bar, and tells him she hasn't seen either "Kit" or "his" companion, then she asks if he needs a room. Sensing there's more here than meets the eye, Ram agrees, pays for his room and his drink, then heads upstairs with the key to number 7.

When she arrives with the tea, Xanax is relieved to see Mallory awake. No sooner does he take Meg's tisane, however, than he begins to itch in response to Gabrielle's & Rio's use of magic. Barbarella dispatches Xanax with a message for the fugitives: no more magic, or they're out. Meg digs in her satchel for a salve.

In the cellar, still reeling from the news of what he has to do to help his beloved, Warren answers Rio distractedly. Xanax delivers her message; he relays it to Rio, adding that he'll be leaving with Sorcha soon. By this time, Prentis has penetrated the secret room, causing great consternation amongst the fugitives; sensing evil, Lorcan calls on Brighid to protect them, while Rowena's disturbed to recognize something in Prentis' eyes.

Prentis announces that he's Rowena's long-dead brother, taken from the grave and reanimated by Rhodan. Horrified, Rowena turns to John for comfort, as Prentis insists that she join forces with Rhodan to defeat Audra and take back what is hers; when Rowena refuses, he reveals Nikolai the Younger's identity and his plans in order to win her trust. Rowena's glad of the distraction Warren provides when he interrupts to ask about getting into the dungeons.

John hesitates, then at Rowena's prompting, he admits that the scroll's in enemy hands. Rowena lashes out verbally at Maeve. John tells her they'll find a way in, reminding her that they have to meet Gemile & Daniel at St. Julian's. Antonio interrupts to ask what's happened to the package he gave Rowena the night before; she tells him she's given it to Father Roger for safekeeping, somewhat stunned to learn that it's a powerful gift from an ancestor. Antonio then opens the door, and the group leaves. John & Antonio head upstairs to speak with Barbarella, unaware that Alexa is following, ready to make a break for the forest. Rowena leads the rest out to the courtyard.

Rio meanwhile suggests to Nico that they return to the Castle to help Bantam. Nico tells her he can't handle the strangeness of her magic; feeling rejected, Rio runs into the alley off the courtyard and curls up in tears.

The town crier announces that the Ball will soon begin. His bellowing wakes Cat again. Reflecting that a Ball is perfect for thievery, she glances at Andy; finding him still asleep, she rolls over and goes back to sleep herself.

Ramsall, too, hears the crier's words. He's sure he'll be able to catch his quarry at the Ball, and envisions the triumph of delivering Cat to Rhodan at the Castle. He heads downstairs, wondering how well Tarik's done getting information out of Mabel.

All Tarik has managed from Mabel is a name: Andy. Even with pain as an incentive, the barmaid can come up with no other information. Tarik stabs her and leaves her in the alley behind the Rum Runner.

Meanwhile, having been out and about for a while, Vladimir leads Arin back to the Seventh Stranger. Hearing the town crier, the vampire decides they shall attend, dressed as pirates, and make off with some plunder. Up in their room, he suggests a role reversal: Arin shall for this night be his superior. Arin scoffs, saying he won't be able to stand the reversal for an hour, let alone an entire night. Vladimir wagers he can; if he wins, she'll forfeit herself to him forever. Arin counters that if she wins, she gains his fidelity. Costumed, they head downstairs in time to see John and Antonio emerge from the kitchen. Arin recognizes John and calls him by the name he gave her in the forest, "Tailor." Ramsall pauses on his way out to observe.

At the same time, Nikolai finally arrives at Bantam's hom, with little help from the boy. He casts a charm to make Bantam's tongue hurt as if cut while he knocks on the door, telling Bantam to use his tongue when he has the chance. Bantam's father Joachim answers the door, immediately sure the boy's caused trouble. Nikolai agrees, and they enter for a chat.

Back at Nikolai's Stronghold in Arcadia, Segrand, Martus, and Simone come up with a plan. Simone portals herself, Martus, and his Companion, Storm, to Ashby Castle. With Simone pretending to be his prisoner, Martus heads for the Castle and announces he's there to see Rhodan.

At this time, Julianne's evil overlord, Lucy Fur, having become very displeased with her protegee's progress, snatches up Gabrielle and melds mother & daughter into Juelle, a warrior-woman whom she then dispatches to Ashby Castle. Upon her arrival, Juelle demands entrance, offering her services to Audra.

Meanwhile, Elwin has got horses for Legolas & Maeve. The 3 of them ride for the gate, where Simon's prepared a diversion. They charge out to shouts of horse-thievery. Guards soon follow, firing arrows at them; Legolas returns fire, while Maeve leads them in a desperate flight for the forest. Just as they reach the safety of the trees, an arrow hits Maeve in the side. She falls off her horse, striking her head on a tree as she does. Simon & Legolas both ride to her aid. With Elwin's help, Legolas binds the wound with moss and linen strips torn from Maeve's petticoats. Maeve regains consciousness after a moment. Elwin suggests they ride for St. Bridget's, where the nuns can care for her. With Maeve riding with Simon and drifting in and out of consciousness, they head for the abbey, guards still in pursuit. At last, they spot 2 nuns and a group of children; Sisters Giavanna & Magdalena are taking the orphans home after their day at the Faire. In order to lessen her pain as they make a mad dash for the group, Maeve takes a powerful sleeping-draught. They catch up to the nuns only moments before guards catch them. Giavanna tells the guards that the 4 are pilgrims to St. Alban's shrine who have asked for lodging at the abbey. The commander has his doubts, but after a confrontation with Legolas' knife, he decides to continue his search elsewhere.

Giavanna tells Legolas to ride to the abbey and give her name to the gatekeeper, then seek Sister Beatrice the apothecary. They ride on.

Meanwhile, back at the Castle, Conner's been forced to track Sahara to the stables, after having got Nicholas settled again. Pouncing on her from the rafters while she lies in the hay, Conner's pleased with himself & very excited, ripping her bodice in his eagerness. Sahara teases him by asking what'll happen if she refuses his advances; he responds by hiking her skirts and dropping his trousers. As things become more intense, his feline instincts come to the fore, and Conner lets out a roar, upsetting the horses. A stablehand comes to check on the animals; hearing him approach the loft, Sahara urges Conner to his finish. As soon as he's done, Conner's away to the rafters again, just as the stablehand appears. Seeing Sahara's dishevelment, the groom voices his disapproval; she responds by kicking him off the ladder as she marches back into the Castle.

Musing on his differing feelings towards Sahara & Isabel, Conner returns to the Castle, changes clothes in the costuming room, trims his hair, and heads up to check on Nicholas.

At the same time, the werewolf rescue party sets out from Taur-in-Edhel, going first to Isabel's village to make sure Nikolai hasn't breached it. They move on to the portal-stone, where they encounter Rhodan's guards. Isabel, unarmed save for a stout stick, stays behind the others with Pyramis. Henry, now in human form, forces one guard to tell him where Nikolai has taken the Forest Child before knocking him senseless with his sword-hilt. Henry turns just in time to warn Isabel & Pyramis of an attack from behind.

<< 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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