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Author's infos Gender: Male Age: 53 Location: Las Vegas, Nv |
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| Introduction: Day Six - The Hindenburg, Mage Council Rebuked, A new Squire, Julie’s Love, The start of a New Estate | ||
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I woke to Cynthia tickling my nose with her tail. Jessie was sleeping soundly on my chest and I knew it was still early. I turned my head to see Elizabeth’s new familiar rubbing his face against Elizabeth’s, “Good morning Cynthia. Making sure he wakes his own chosen this morning?” I heard her laugh as Elizabeth opened her eyes. She smiled and whispered, “Morning Thomas.” I freed a hand to reach up and gave Cynthia a caress, “Where were you last night?” “I was talking to a friend about William and the Council. Come chosen, time for you to be up.” As she made her way to the side of the bed, I gently slid Jessie off me. She only moaned in her sleep and turned to drape herself onto Elizabeth. I carefully moved and kissed my sleepy eyed mage. As I was carefully making my way over Cat, she opened her eyes. She smiled and pulled me down onto her. I laughed softly into her ear and whispered that she had to give me time to recover from last night. She nipped my ear, but let me go to turn towards Elizabeth. When she saw Jessie, I heard a soft growl and Cynthia chuckled in the back of my head. I slipped on a robe and followed Cynthia out, “Did you want something to eat Cynthia?” She looked back at me, “No and the kittens have already had their breakfast. I wanted to talk to you about the mage council.” By the time we had reached the stairs, I had decided to go to the craftroom, “What about them?” “You heard William yesterday. They have become more authoritive over the last few years. They will try to sanction you or even worse.” I thought about what she had said. When we reached the craftroom, I looked down, “Then I will have to make good on what I told William.” I heard her sigh as we entered the room, “You can’t just challenge them. It won’t change the sanctions of their rulings. It has to be done in a certain way. You have to challenge the ruling itself.” I saw one of the Mair standing on one of the tables and walked over to her as I continued talking to Cynthia in my head, “So, I will challenge the ruling and then what?” The Mair on the table turned as I approached and I saw it was the young girl from yesterday, “Trying to design an airplane?” She smiled, “Yes but they don’t know what it is.” I laughed, “We would have to build a landing strip for one anyway. I thought about something else though.” I sat down and pulled a piece of parchment closer before dipping a pen in an inkwell. Cynthia jumped onto the table, startling the girl until she said something to her and lay down next to the drawing, “You have to state the challenge is to amend or reverse the ruling.” Slowly the frame of a dirigible took shape on the sketch. “And if they refuse to amend or reverse the ruling?” I heard Cynthia’s growl in my head, “Then you have to challenge them one at a time. After each, if you win, you have to again challenge the ruling until either there are no more councilors or the ruling is changed. Another thing, if any refuse, their position on the council is forfeit. The exception is if they voted in your favor.” I had almost finished the sketch with the young Mair standing at the edge. When she did not see any burners she asked what kept it up and I explained about hydrogen and how it was extracted from water. I called for a craftsman and a second later I was answered. I told them what I wanted and how they could get the hydrogen. I told the young Mair that if she was really interested in airplanes, she could find me before I had classes in the evening and I would sit down and sketch one for her. I picked Cynthia up and carried her as I went back to the room. As I got close, Cynthia started purring, “Your mates are at it again. You might as well put me down.” I caressed her face and set her down. She was joined by Thomas as she turned and walked back towards the stairs and I heard, “Enjoy your mates chosen.” When I came into the room, I saw that all the little girls were out of the bed and the covers thrown back. Sam, Cat and Elizabeth were entangled in the center of the bed. I smiled and dropped my robe to join them. An hour later, I had finally chased them out of bed and into the bath. Sam complained that one of the little girls had grabbed her breast and she thought she was going to have a bruise. Elizabeth and Cat just had to see and it turned into a splashing match. I picked up the hybrid and the rifle. When I left Cat and Sam were still fussing over dressing Elizabeth and had said they would stay with her instead of coming to the practice fields. I found Amanda and Theresa looking lost as I came down the stairs. They were looking for Elizabeth, I sent them up to see her in our bedroom. I knocked on Elizabeth’s old door and Aretha called for me to enter. I stepped into the room and saw that he was up and dressed. I closed the door and walked to the bed. I reached out feeling Julianna and even before I reached the bed I knew she had conceived. I smiled as I told her and Aretha, I also told them she would have to take things easy or risk having a miscarriage. In the kitchen it was a little hectic but not to bad. Ann and John were sitting together eating breakfast. I joined them and before I could even ask, one of the girls that had been freed shyly set a plate in front of me while another put down a coffee cup. Ann said the other kitchen was a lot bigger and Margaret was setting it up this morning. I cleaned the rifles while I ate and then extended the hunting rifle to John along with the pouch of ammo, “If Darren is done, you may need this when you have the workers start marking the area.” He took it gingerly and as I had shown him, checked to see if it was loaded. I stood and slung the hybrid. I was just reaching the gate when Nathen came hurrying in. He stopped me, “The Mage Council is going to order that you be bonded and your property seized!” I told him to tell John and left jogging towards the building that housed the Mage council. I stopped a blocked short and walked the rest of the way catching my breath. When I reached the doors, I didn’t stop to knock. Centering myself I reached out and ripped them off the hinges. Without pausing I walked in and grabbed the second set of door and did it again. As I walked in, there were two mages facing the council and William pointed at me, “There he is, Take him!” I did not even slow down as I reached out and slammed the two mages together. Then I was standing over their unconscious bodies as I looked at the council. Remembering Cynthia’s advice, “I challenge this councils ruling over me!” William’s face was livid, “We have put you in bond! You no longer have any rights.” I smiled a cold smile, “As a mage, I have the right to challenge any ruling over me, to have it amended or reversed.” William sat with a smirk, “Fine. The bond stands.” My smile turned even colder as I stepped closer, “That’s fine. Since you want it to stand then as it is my right, I challenge you to duel Arcane.” William smiled and leaned back, “The council is immune to challenge while it sits.” I took another step closer, “Not when they have been challenged over amending or reversing a ruling. What will it be William?” He flushed and another spoke up, “He has the right, William.” William sat forward suddenly, “Fine, I refuse to dirty my hands on you.” I reached out and grabbed him. Hauling him over the table until I was in his face, “Since you have refused my challenge over your ruling then your position on this council is forfeit according to the mage law.” I turned and tossed him through the doors. I looked around the council room, “I challenge this council’s ruling over me.” They were looking at each other and one that was heavily bearded stood up, “This council refuses to let you intimidate it. The ruling stands.” I nodded, “I challenge you to a dual arcane.” The mage didn’t even wait for me to finish. A bolt of lightning struck the shield I had placed around myself using my chi. Before he could do it again, I reached out and slammed his head into the table before tossing his unconscious body against the wall behind him. Again I looked at the council, “I challenge this council’s ruling over me.” As I finished, I felt Cat, Sam and Elizabeth running in the outer door and a mage behind me threw a ball of fire at me. It engulfed my shield as I turned and drew the White Hawk and shot him three times in the chest. I looked around at the stunned council, “Well?” Another mage stood licking his lips, “What if we amend it to sanctions against you?” I looked at him, “You want to sanction me for standing up to you? For defending helpless women and children? I don’t think so.” The mage licked his lips, “Then we are at an impasse. Your challenge’s will mean nothing if you dual all of us and no one is left.” The girls stopped at the inner door and I stepped closer to the mage, “Not exactly. If I have to go through the entire council, I will. When the last one falls, the ruling will automatically be voided.” He nervously licked his lips again and I felt even more mages coming through the outer doors. He looked at the door with hope in his eyes and when I glanced that way I saw Artimas in front of the other mages. I smiled and turned back as the mage seemed to flinch, “Your answer mage?” He looked at the others and I saw two sitting together at the end of the table shake their heads, “You know we are out of this. You voted for it, you handle it.” The mage looked back at me, “I can’t.” I nodded, “Very well. I challenge you to a Dual Arcane.” The mage stammered and nodded at the same time as he brought up a shield around himself. I used a projection of force and punched him, before slamming him into the wall that was behind him. I looked at the two remaining mages that had voted for the ruling as he slid to the floor, “I challenge this council’s ruling over me.” They looked at one another and the female mage stood, “We yield to your challenge and reverse our ruling.” I looked at them and nodded, “Before I go, you should know this council’s days of arbitrary rulings is over. This council is here to represent mages not rule them.” I turned to the door and was surprised at the size of the crowd of mages. I made my way to the girls and smiled as Elizabeth was the first to run into my arms. After she hugged and kissed me, she moved so Sam could take her turn. When Cat stepped in though, she nipped my ear and whispered, “Next time you wait for us.” I laughed and turned to the crowd. Zachary and Markus both stood beside Artimas. The five girls that had been below Pendar’s keep were behind them. I saw what I could only guess were their mothers holding them. The crowd parted and as I was going through I heard a groan. Looking down I saw William stilling on the floor and heard Artimas speaking to the council. Outside Cynthia was sitting on the ground washing. I smiled, “What happened to you?” “Do you have any idea how dirty a cat gets just crossing this city?” I laughed and turned towards the Practice Fields. Cat asked where I was going and I smiled at her and held my hand out, “To work out my frustrations.” Elizabeth laughed as she took my other hand, “Didn’t you just do that?” I grinned, “Well, I do feel a little better.” Sam took Elizabeth’s other hand, “So, you are going to take out your frustrations on poor Samil?” Cat and I laughed, but Elizabeth only looked at us, until Cat told her Samil was my friend. When we reached the field, I was surprised to see Sylvan waiting with Samil, James and Teral. I ask Sam to send a runner to let John and Ann know what had happened. I smiled as I approached Samil, “Feel like a bout today? I need to work off some steam.” I was surprised when Sylvan spoke up, “I would not mind practicing with you.” I looked at Samil’s smile, “He might surprise you Michael. Although I did hear that your young human Jenny tossed him on the ground more then once.” James bristled but Sylvan laughed, “Served me right for taking it for granted that I knew what I was doing.” I waved my hand to the practice rack, “Pick your poison.” Sylvan looked at me as we walked to the rack, “Poison?” I laughed, “The weapon you want me to beat you with.” He smiled as he choose two short swords, “Be gentle with me, I don’t know that much about swords.” I laughed again as I choose mine, “And I can fly.” He laughed with me as we moved to an empty circle. We faced each other and I bowed. I was surprised when he returned it and we both seemed to embrace the moment. I had not enjoyed a match like this since I had faced my master. Strike, block, lunge, parry and the dance went on. It ended when I took one of his swords and then only a moment later the other. I stepped away and bowed feeling myself flush and sweating. Sylvan returned the bow and that was when we realized the size of the crowd around us, as they applauded. Putting the practice swords away, I noticed that there seemed to be quite a few elves in the crowd. As we walked back towards Samil, I looked at Sylvan. “Am I going to have elves visiting me to make me pay for beating you?” He looked at the crowd and laughed, “More then likely they will seek you out to ask for lessons. They are my rangers and I practice with them often.” I could see Elizabeth’s eyes shining as I walked up. Samil’s smile looked like it was one that said I told you so and Sylvan chuckled. Turning to James, “Did you learn anything?” James gave a brief bow, “Yes, I must make sure the two of you are on my side in a fight.” We all laughed and I turned to the girls but Sylvan stopped me, “yesterday I said you should teach me and today only proves it. I offer myself as apprentice to you.” James gasped, but Teral and Samil ignored it as I turned to face Sylvan, “I have three apprentices already. Unless you wanted to learn medicine as well?” Sylvan was still smiling, “If not an apprentice then how about as your squire. I will spend the time with you learning your martial skills.” I detected something in his tone and knew if I was going to let him come with me to get Cat’s mother and sister’s, he would need to learn about my weapons, “Very well. But for a trial period only, no crowds following us around inside my home.” He bowed and held his arm out to Cat who had been closest to him, “It would be my pleasure if you would accept my escort lovely lady.” I laughed as she gave him a big grin and took his arm. I took Elizabeth and Sam’s arms in mine and we headed home. When we reached the estate and its quiet turmoil, Ann was watching the gate when we came in and opened the door to say something to someone inside. When John came out I understood and stopped long enough to explain that the mages had changed their minds and everything was fine. He looked at me suspiciously, “Changed their minds? How many were still standing when you left?” I looked innocently at Elizabeth, “Well two were still in their chairs and two were standing, so two.” Sam laughed as she pulled Elizabeth away, “Come on Cat, Michael can do the clinic today.” I saw a smug look pass amongst them as they headed towards the passageway down to the river. I looked at John, “You haven’t found any traps in the clinic today have you?” He shook his head, “I am not about to give away their secrets, they might start planning something for me.” Turning, I headed towards the bridge as I looked at Sylvan. I took the hybrid off and removed the magazine and cleared the chamber. I gave him a brief class on how it worked and had him sling it over his shoulder and under his right arm. When I came into the passageway, the same girl was there from the day before. This time she knew who I was and gave me a brief. When I finally found Sarah, she was checking a pregnant woman. I saw that Paul was still with her. Sarah looked up as I came in and smiled, I reminded myself to have her brace made. She gave me a brief and said Cassy and Ashley were in the last room on the left with several other girls and they wanted to see me. The way she said it, I knew it was whatever the girls had planned for me. I gave her a long looked and she suddenly giggled. I sighed and looked at Sylvan, “You might as well go to the kitchen and ask if they will feed you. I have a feeling the girls plans may take awhile. You can probably find them by the river gloating.” He laughed as he left and I turned for the last room. For a change there was a curtain across the doorway. I stepped into the room and blinked. There were fifteen naked girls in the room, the only ones I recognized were Cassy and Ashley. Cassy walked up to me shyly, “Father …Mother Cat, said to have you examine us. She said to tell you, that you are to remove anything that will be painful to the girls. Like their maidenhead?” I closed my eyes, (I would have to find a way to thank her. Like, with a spanking) I opened them and gestured for Cassy to climb up on the bed. Actually it was a good idea for me to examine her. It gave me a chance to check on her pregnancy. It was a long morning, as soon as I finished with one group another would come in. Most were fearful until they were reassured and when I didn’t attack the first girls they even relaxed. There were some though that I did not even try to touch. They had just been treated to badly. Julie was the last girl left and she was very brave. She suffered the indignities of my exam and as the other girls left, she waited with her head down. By the way she was standing I could tell something was bothering her, “Julie? Did you need something?” She nodded and gave me a frightened glance before looking back at the floor, “Did you want to talk about it?” She nodded and looked up at me, this time the fear was plain to see. I crossed to her and held her, “its ok, you don’t have to be afraid. What’s wrong?” “Ashley said not to be afraid of you, that I should talk to you but…” I could see she was still afraid and hugged her. I turned for the door, keeping her against my side we walked out, “We’ll take a walk and when you feel like it you can tell me.” We took the stairs and I felt her tense even more at my floor but I continued up and she seemed to relax. As we came out into the Keep, I looked around. Jeremy had a class going not to far away but I turned towards the door. As we went out Julie looked up at me, “Ashley said you helped her with Gentle?” I smiled at her as we started walking around the keep, “Have you seen someone you would like to be with?” As she continued to look at me I could see the fear again but she nodded. I squeezed her, “One of the men working around here?” I could see her hesitate as if she wanted to say yes but, “No.” We stopped looking out over the grass and trees across the river, “Someone else you have seen?” There was a pause and I felt her tremble as she looked at me with fear in her eyes, “The woman that runs the kitchen, Ann.” I smiled and gave her another squeeze, “You know she is married to John and loves him. Was that why you hesitated when I asked if it was a worker?” She nodded still looking at me, but her fear seemed to be retreating, “How do you feel about John?” She whispered, “He’s big.” I laughed, “Are you afraid of him?” I saw an unconscious smile come to her face, “No.” I squeezed her, “Why don’t we go ask them if we can talk to them?” She looked at me and I could still feel her trembling, “You don’t think it is wrong?” I turned her and we started walking back, “Wrong? To be attracted to someone?” She didn’t answer until we were going down the stairs, “To want to be with another woman.” I laughed, “Julie, let me ask you this. If John were to ask you to come to their room and make love to him, would you do it?” She was silent until we were leaving the passageway when she looked at me, “Yes.” I smiled gently at her, “Why?” Before she could answer, I stopped one of the women that had come out of the kitchen and asked for Ann, she directed us to the river. As we were going down the stairs Julie stopped and I faced her, “I thought about it and at first I thought because he is Ann’s husband. But the more I think about it, I know that isn’t it.” She looked into my eyes, “I don’t know why.” As we came out the door, I saw more then a dozen children splashing in the river with Gentle and Paul, a wet Sam sat beside Ann and Julianna. We crossed to them and I felt Julie go tense again when we stopped. I bent and kissed Sam, “Trickster, where is your evil twin?” Julianna laughed, “She said something about taking Elizabeth to her therapy?” It was a moment before Sam whispered, “In the bedroom?” I started laughing and Julianna looked at me curiously, “What therapy could they do in the bedroom?” I grinned at her, “The magic strands loosen when she relaxes, right?” She frowned and nodded. I grinned and bent to kiss Sam, before looking back at her, “What happens after you and Aretha make love?” Ann started laughing and I saw understanding cross Julianna’s face. I looked at Ann, “Actually I… we, came to find you. I was wondering if we could talk to you and John.” Sam looked up and then at Julie who was trying to get even closer to me. I had a sudden thought about all the people suddenly falling in love around here and looked at Julianna, “Julianna? How do you check for the bonds you were talking about?” She was surprised and looked from me to Julie and before I could explain, I felt her magic sweep Julie and saw both Ann and her stumbling together. Thinking of the effect it had on me, I turned and ran for the stairs. It was only moments before I reached the bridge and started across. As I reached the other side I saw Peter and another man half carrying John towards the bridge. When they reached me, I took John from them and told Peter, “You’re in charge.” As fast as I could, I half carried him across the bridge and made for the stairs. As we came out the door by the river, I saw Ann and Julie huddled together crying. John stumbled blindly to them and fell into their arms. Sam was holding Marie, David and Mary as they cried for their mother. The other children were standing around looking lost and holding each other. I looked at the children, “Go back to playing kids. They are fine.” I knelt next to Ann, John and a shaking Julie, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for her to do that. Julie came to me and told me of her attraction for you, Ann. She was also attracted to John. With everyone falling in love, I wanted to find out how Julianna had checked my own bond. Instead she checked Julie. I know how it feels and I’m so sorry.” John looked up from holding Ann and Julie, “It was like something was pulling on my soul.” I nodded, “I know. That was why I came to find you.” Ann looked at me with eyes red from tears, “Julie is part of us now?” I smiled, “It probably would have happened anyway. This was more dramatic and painful though.” Julie was watching Ann when she looked at her, “You wanted to be with me, with us?” I could see the fear had left her, leaving behind a longing that showed as she shyly nodded. Ann smiled and looked at her husband with just as much longing, “John?” John smiled and squeezed them before standing and lifting them to their feet. He looked at his children in Sam’s arms, “We’re fine, go play.” Taking Ann and Julie’s hands he led them back inside. The children were still in Sam’s arms. They didn’t understand what was happening so I knelt and explained about the bond between their parents and Julie. Marie asked if everyone had bonds like that and I looked at Julianna who looked close to tears herself. While she explained that bonds were special, I could see them relax (and like all children) and lose interest. I sent them to play with the other children and helped Sam up before going to Julianna. I hugged her and she whispered to us, “I should have known better. What if it had been your link… with Cat and Elizabeth gone?” We held her as she cried softly. When she was done and I wiped her eyes, I looked at her again, “It was a lesson learned. These bonds though, are they real? I mean could something here be causing them?” Sam looked at me sharply, but Julianna frowned, “I don’t know. Bonds are normally rare. People have tried to create them before, but it never worked. Those of us who have studied them all agree that the bonds have to be present in a person first before they can become active.” I hugged her and sat her back in the chair, “On another matter.” I handed her a list of names, “Since my loves saw fit to make all the new women and older girls come to me for an exam. (I saw her smile and knew they had told her) This is a list of those that are in need of you the most. They were terrified of me and what I might do.” Julianna smiled as she looked at the list, “With all these names, I might as well move in here.” I grinned back, “Now that you mention it. I think that would be a good idea.” I pointed to her tummy when she looked at me, “I would like to do daily exams until I am satisfied about the baby.” She put her hand on her tummy, “Satisfied?” I smiled at her, “I told you how thin the walls of your womb were. I want to make sure you don’t over do it.” “Where would I stay?” I laughed as I turned to sweep a startled Sam off her feet and walk towards the water, “In the room you were in last night.” Sam was laughing and struggling as I wadded in knee deep and dropped her with a splash. The next thing I knew I had a dozen laughing children helping me get her wet. I laughed as I wadded out and Sam was surrounded by the children splashing her, “That’s what you get for playing tricks.” Julianna sat in the chair with a big grin on her face, “Ok, you convinced me.” I laughed and I went in search of my other loves. I heard Cynthia’s quiet voice telling me they were still in the bedroom. I found them asleep in our bedroom. I smiled as I came into the room. The smile faded as I saw the long strand of magic that had come loose from Elizabeth. It waved around almost as if it were alive. Several times it seemed to dip towards a sleeping Cat as if looking for a new host. Drawing my sword, I moved closer and reached out to incase the strand as I gently sought inside Elizabeth. The strand was barely holding onto her womb and I gently worked it free and pulled it from her body. This strand was larger and thicker. I had to toss it and used my sword before it dissolved. Putting the sword away, I lay down next to Elizabeth and reached across her to tickle Cat. She muttered in her sleep and tried to pull Elizabeth closer. Elizabeth opened sleepy eyes and smiled dreamily, “Are you going to join us so you can punish us?” I kissed her and reached down to gentle caress her thigh. Elizabeth groaned and tried to move my hand. I moved until I was above her and kissed her, “I will punish you later.” She smiled and tried to pull me closer, “you could at least get undressed.” I laughed softly as I slide out of bed, “I could, but I want you and Cat out of bed. Not falling back to sleep.” Together, we got a sleepy Cat out of bed and I heard two voice’s Cynthia and her Kitten Thomas, “It’s about time. They are going to wear Elizabeth out at this pace.” I laughed and Cat snickered as Elizabeth turned red and faced them lying on the table next to each other. I stepped close and put my arms around her, “We love her as much as we do because she needs it right now and I think so do we.” I heard Thomas, “But when do we get to go out?” I laughed as Cat joined me in holding Elizabeth, “That is why I wanted to get them out of bed. I thought a nice walk to the other side of the river would be refreshing.” The kitten stood and jumped into Elizabeth’s arms, “Why didn’t you say so.” Cynthia stood and stretched, “Chosen?” From the tone I knew she wanted to be carried. As we were leaving, I had them wait while I pulled out a change of clothing for Sam. As we were headed down the hall Cat leaned against me and rubbed Cynthia’s ears, “What’s the change of clothing for?” I grinned at her as Elizabeth linked her arm with mine, “Just in case Sam fell in the river.” They laughed and Cat squeezed my other arm, “I can’t believe you would push Sam into the river.” I gave her a wicked smile, “I didn’t push her. I dropped her.” This made them laugh even harder. As we made our way down the stairs, I told them what had happened with Ann, John and Julie. Cat smiled, “good for them.” When we came out of the passageway, Thomas and Cynthia said they would like to be put down. We came out by the river to see Sam still there, she had stripped and wrapped a towel around herself. Cat and Elizabeth both laughed and she stuck her tongue out at us. I held out her change of clothes, “I brought a peace offering.” She stood and dropped the towel as she took the clothes, “Oh no, I still owe you.” She was just finishing getting dressed when Sarah and Paul led a new batch of children out the door with Cassy, Ashley and Gentle following behind. The last one out the door was the two drakes. They took one look at the river and headed straight for it before stopping suddenly as if listening. They gave a whine and crouched, a moment later Virginia came running out of the crowd of children yelling, “Ok let’s go.” Both the drakes took off and barely hit the water before her. I looked at Cat, “Do we know who her mother was?” Cat shook her head, “No.” I muttered, “Another thing to do.” Sam laughed and hit me, while Cat and Elizabeth only grinned. I took Sam’s wet clothes and rolled them up. I placed them by the door as we came out of the manor. I saw Sylvan standing in front of the kitchen and waved as we headed for the bridge. He caught up as we were crossing, “Did you find their trap?” I laughed, “Yes.” Elizabeth called out to Thomas as he ran into the tall grass, “Watch out for the Saur!” She smiled at his reply, but I didn’t hear what it was. As she wandered ahead of us I slowed with Cat and Sam. I told them what had happened with the strand. Although it was private Sylvan was listening, “If the spell that is unraveling from her is anchored in another realm as she believes and it is losing its second anchor in her it will seek another body. Not that it will be able to anchor itself, but it will be unpleasant for whoever it finds.” I looked at Cat and Sam, “Until the last one is gone, there must be two of us with her at all times.” Elizabeth came back laughing, “Are you three conspiring against me?” I laughed with her and held one of my arms out, “As a matter of fact we were.” As she snuggled against me, she looked into my face, “And what evil deed are you planning?” Sam press up against her other side and I looked into her face, “Two strands left.” She started and looked around me at Cat, “When I was sleeping?” I gave her a little squeeze, “Yes, but that wasn’t all. The spell was looking for another host.” Her eyes got bigger as she pulled away and reached for Cat, “Cat, are you alright?” Cat smiled and pulled her into an embraced, “Yes my heart. I don’t think it liked my flavor.” Elizabeth stood looking into her eyes, “I don’t know what to say. I don’t…” Cat raised her finger to her lips, “Hush, nothing happened, Michael saved us… Again. But we have been talking and from now on, two of us will be with you at all times.” Elizabeth started to speak again, but Cat still held her finger to her lips, “It is not just for you or us. If one of these strands is loose and finds its way into one of the little ones what then?” Elizabeth looked down in distress and both Sam and I joined Cat in holding her. I tilted her head, “There are only two left. It will only be another day or two at most.” She looked at us, “But you will be in danger.” Sam turned her until she was looking into her eyes, “If those spells were in one of us would you stay with us?” Elizabeth looked into her eyes a long time before hugging her, “Yes.” Sylvan cleared his throat and we all looked at him, to see him facing back towards the bridge. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Artimas, Edward, Janis, Nathen and five women I did not know. Cynthia appeared out of the grass dropping what looked like a vole at her feet. Thomas appeared right behind her looking unhappy and I heard Elizabeth’s soft laugh. She looked at our questioning faces, “Thomas said it tried to bite him and his mother stole it.” We smiled and turned back as the mages came to a stop. Artimas cleared his throat, “Michael, we are here representing the mages of Westford. The mage council… what you left of it has been dissolved. A new council will be selected, we came to ask you if you would sit on it?” I smiled, “I don’t think so, I have more then I can handle here. Besides it will keep the new council honest to know I will be watching.” Artimas looked at Nathen, “I told you he wouldn’t do it.” Nathen sighed and shook his head, “You always have to be right. Very well, I’ll do it, but on the condition we keep it to only three.” He looked at me, “Since you have refused, it has fallen to me. I know how you are uncomfortable about people giving you things, but it was decided unanimously by the mage community that we owned you a debt. I also know you do not like acknowledging those debts. In this case we all feel it must be paid and after much discussion the solution came to us. With all the people you are helping, you are running out of room for them, correct?” I nodded, “Yes, but…” Elizabeth put her finger to my lips, “Hush, my husband.” I looked at her as she smiled proudly, “Accept a gift given, in the spirit it was meant.” I thought about it and nodded before turning to Nathen. “Yes, we are running out of room.” Janis stepped forward and looked around, “The council has bought the abandoned farms next to your land and we have decided to build a housing area for you. Where would you like it?” I blinked stunned, after a minute I pointed to the area by the bridge. I was thinking about what Ann had gone through in the kitchens, “Um, does this housing area have a large kitchen by any chance?” Edward and Artimas laughed as Janis flushed, “Yes, it was brought to my attention as well as a dinning area. Also given the number of women present that are pregnant, there is a birthing room. If you will excuse us?” He looked at Elizabeth, “you are looking so much better, I will come back to talk to you later if you don’t mind?” She smiled and nodded to him, before looking at me, “Janis might be the one to teach Virginia. He has a similar gift.” Artimas, Edward, Janis and Nathen started walking back to the bridge and I saw several other mages crossing towards them. The five women had remained behind and I remembered them from the mage council this morning, “Good afternoon lady’s, how may I help you?” They looked at each other and one stepped forward, “The children our daughters bore. What will happen to them?” I was surprised at the question, “Before I knew they were not descended from Elizabeth, I adopted them. If your daughters would like to raise them, I would of course turn the girls over to them.” She shook her head, “Right now they are still trying to forget what happen. Later they may wish to meet them. We come to ask because, we (She pointed to the other women with her) wanted to make sure they would be cared for and perhaps meet them ourselves.” Another stepped forward, “Whether our daughters want the children or not, they are our grandchildren, (She flushed) we don’t want to cause our daughter more distress but…” She looked at the ground and Elizabeth stepped forward, “You know who I am. I felt the same way and still do at times. When or if your daughters ever want to meet or take part in the girls lives, they can come here. We will take care of them until or unless you or they decide otherwise.” I felt the magic from the mages by the bridge. It was almost as if the vibrations shook my very bones. The women looked at me as I gasped and held my chest. Sylvan stepped up close behind me, “Relax Michael, let it flow through you. What you feel is the magic pulling at the earth around us. You seem to have developed an affinity for the land.” I looked at him and saw something similar in his eyes. I relaxed and tried a meditation technique and slowly the feeling passed. When I opened my eyes Elizabeth was standing very close staring into my eyes, “You felt what they were doing to the earth?” I nodded and I could feel her reaching for her magic. I reached up to cup her face, “No! You can not use your magic yet.” Slowly it faded and she nodded, whispering, “Soon though.” I looked back at the women who were staring at us. The first one spoke up, “you should have told them of your affinity for the land.” I looked at her, but before I could say anything Cat beat me to it, “Michael is not a mage like you or them. What magic he uses, comes from inside him.” I saw them looking at me in interest, but before they could start asking their one thousand questions Elizabeth laughed, “We can take him apart later to find out what makes him tick. Since you wanted to meet you grandchildren, you can help us. You see, we don’t know exactly who each girls mother is. In fact we were talking about that earlier. One of the girls has already demonstrated her ability communicate with and possible control animals.” One of the women that had remained quiet gasped, “That’s my mother’s gift.” Elizabeth smiled, “Virginia is a beautiful little girl. Why don’t we all go find them and see who belongs to who?” The women nodded and we started to walk back towards the bridge with them. I cleared my throat and Sam gave my arm a tug as Cat whispered, “You can keep an eye on her too.” When we came back out onto the beach by the river Cassy and Ashley were playing in the shallow water with three of the girls. Gentle was in deeper water tossing the girls into the air to land with a splash beside him. I was worried at first, until I saw all the girls around him were dog paddling around him and they were fine. Virginia was playing in deeper water then even them and as I started forward the drakes popped up next to her and with a squeal she wrapped her arms around the one I thought was Princess. I heard the women gasp and Elizabeth say something to reassure them. Princess with Virginia hanging on to her neck started swimming faster with Duchess swimming along side. Paul called out for her to come back and she looked back at him and with a laugh, waved. It was only a second later when they turned and then came flying back towards shore. I looked at Paul standing waist deep in the water with Sarah, “She is going to give me grey hair.” Paul looked back at us and smiled, “you and me both.” When Virginia reached shallower water, I called for her to come to me. She came splashing out of the water with both the drakes following. She came laughing up to me, “Father did you see me?” I laughed as I swept her into a hug, “Yes I did. You scared me. I have someone for you to meet.” She suddenly looked frightened and I heard the drakes whine, “Do I have to?” I rubbed her back, “Who did I have you meet last time?” She shook her head shyly, “don’t remember.” I nodded to the drakes, “It wouldn’t have been Princess and Duchess would it?” She relaxed and brightened, “yes.” I set her down and took her hand, before turning to face the mages. I could see that the one that had said Virginia had her mother’s gift was kneeling with her hand covering her mouth. The drakes followed us with soft whines of anxiety. I stopped in front of her and knelt down beside Virginia, “Virginia this lady is a mage.” Virginia started shaking, “she is like Elizabeth. She is a good mage, she won’t hurt you. She wants to know if you are her granddaughter.” Virginia looked at me with pleading eyes as the drakes nuzzled her crooning, “Like, Grandmother Elizabeth?” I nodded, “You know she is the grandmother of a lot of the girls. Well, this lady (The mage whispered “Catherine”) may be your grandmother.” Virginia looked at me, “How can she tell?” I smiled, “She will have to do a spell.” Virginia pulled back sharply in fear, “She wants to put a spell on me!” I reached out and held her, “Look at me Virginia. I will not let anyone hurt you. Catherine has told me her mother had the same magic as you. She wanted to see if you were her daughter’s child.” Virginia looked at me with an arrested look, “I have magic?” I nodded as she looked at me, her fear forgotten, “Like mother Amanda?” I smiled, “Perhaps not exactly like her, but you do have magic.” All of a sudden her face fell, “Do I have to take more classes?” I couldn’t help it, I started laughing along with everyone around us. When I got myself under control I looked at her, “Maybe one or two. I will have to find someone to teach you first.” Virginia sighed with both drake leaning on her shoulders, “Alright, you can let the lady put a spell on me, but don’t let her spell Princess and Duchess.” Catherine held her hand out to Virginia and she hesitantly put her small hand into it. The magic that swept Virginia made her giggle and when it was done Catherine slowly pulled her close. As she hugged her with tears running down her face. Virginia withstood the hug with the patients of every child. When Catherine released her, I heard the sand shift behind me. Two of the girls stood there looking at Virginia, “Virginia? Who’s the lady?” Virginia looked over her shoulder, “She’s our grandmother I think.” Their eyes got big, “For real, like Grandmother Elizabeth?” Virginia nodded, “But she has to put a spell on you first.” The girls stepped back in fear, “She put a spell on you?” Virginia nodded, “It tickled through.” Catherine had put her hand in front of her mouth, but I could see her laughter, “Virginia, where are your manners? You did not introduce your sisters to your grandmother Catherine.” Virginia looked back at Catherine as one of the drakes whined. This time it was Virginia’s sister Talia, that spoke to them, “its ok Duchess, you can go back into the water.” I looked at Virginia’s sister, “You can understand them too?” Talia nodded, “Sure. Rosie can too, but she thinks they sound funny.” We turned back to find Virginia, her hands on her hips like Ann did sometimes, “Excuse Me!” Talia looked at her, “Michael was talking to us.” The big smile on Catherine’s face said all that needed saying as she held out her arms. The meetings between the rest of the mages went pretty much like that for the next hour. I lost Sylvan somewhere between classrooms and the grotto. The end result was that the grandmothers would be taking a more active role in their lives, even though their mothers couldn’t yet. |
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