Chapter 1

A Midsummer's Night Dream

5 years later in a coastal village in Tortall...

Village square

"We wud muke a vury gud mutch!"

Veralidaine Sarrasri, otherwise known as Daine in the village of Jehuin, sighed. Not at the linguistic deficiencies of the speaker, but at his dogged persistence.

She was about to leave the village after her weekly shopping for daily necessities to the remote hut she and Lisa shared. She thought she would be able to evade him this once, just this once, when he appeared. He could teach Cloud a few lessons on stubbornness. Thus, she had no choice, but to stand, holding her basket with skirts billowing about her and listen to his rumblings. She eyed a nearby pool of mud speculatively while her innocent victim rambled.

Many said that she should be honoured that HE was chasing her, the only one after her - Alex Higden. Sandy hair and brown eyes, he was one of the richer farmers in the village. He was about 3 inches above her five foot six inches, lean and one of the better-looking fellows in the village. With his prospects, he had no need to beg around for a wife, any of the local girls would have obligingly thrown themselves at his feet.

To everyone, his motive for chasing her was clear and simple.

He was not after Daine for her looks, after all, to put it tactfully, her looks was on the negative scale of normal. To be frank, she was ugly. She had thick, mousy brown hair, a big nose, thick lips, and a stubborn chin, perfectly dull hazel eyes. To round it off, she had a few scars running across her face from an "accident" nobody dared to inquire her about. She was skinny, no way voluptuous as Glenda, the most "developed" girl in the village. Nay, it could not be looks.

Nor was it her prospects or dowry. She came to the village five years ago, helping the old woman sheepherder, Lisa, who lived in a cottage at the edge of the village. She had helped Lisa herd the sheep to Jehuin and had stayed, looking after the herd with ease. She was an orphan, from Galla, who came with nothing but the clothing on her back. Alright, virtually nothing, discounting the gray pony that trailed her like a dog might his master and a few packs which contained necessities.

The real reason was of course, the same reason why the town considered her the town’s pride and joy. Why she was accepted as a queer, weird, but useful person.

She had a knack with animals.

As she often liked to say. Whatever she had, folks came far and wide to get her help with any hurt or sick animal. She hardly had the heart to turn away any animal. It seemed as if she could talk animals, find out their problems, often telling owners how to tend to problems that only the animal would know. Like the ill-fitted shoes of the mare caused her to be grumpish. She could heal animals, like a gifted human could heal humans.

Some hunters liked to leave their dogs or birds with her for a while. They seem to grow, well, sort of more, smarter than they used to be. The villagers were taught never to look a gift horse in the mouth, so they accepted her abilities like one would with a person with an ability to sew well.

She never demanded payment for her service; it depended on the gratitude of the owner, which suited everyone fine. Though, that might change if Alex had anything to do with it.

Alex had one of the largest animal herds in the village. If he married Daine, he would ensure that he would have the best herd, both mentally and physically. Everyone in the village thought it would be for the best. Daine would be tied down to their village; she would be theirs and not anyone else’s!

Everyone thought that Daine had some reticence about the match because of her frail sensibilities. She had a peculiar habit of not eating wild animals and she couldn’t tolerate it when animals she treated were killed. It was Lisa’s fault, the villagers supposed, for indulging Daine and switching her sheep herd from a meat source to a wool source. Of course, now, Lisa had the last laugh from all the scornful farmers in the vicinity; her sheep’s wool was now much sought after.

“WHOA!” Ernest shrieked as he went tumbling into a pool of mud, pushed by an enthusiastic pig.

“Oops!” Daine muttered, jumping cleanly away from the mud, “You better get cleaned.” She shook her head, he should have learned by now. It wasn’t as if this was the first and last time this would happen. With that, she made her quick getaway.

As Daine walked out of the village, Ernest yelled after her, “Tis’ Midsummer’s day! If you look into the pond, you will see your true love – me!”

~13/2/01~

******
At a pond in the middle of the Grey forest, a distance away from Lisa’s hut

<Serves him right.> Cloud harrumphed, munching on a sweet tuff of grass under a shady tree.

Daine felt her conscience appeased by Cloud’s assurance. She had returned to Lisa’s hut, bearing her groceries. After which, she decided to visit her favourite place - the pond. She liked the place, with its shady trees and calm, serene pond. She could find solace here. Nobody came here, being wary of the Grey forest and its inhabitants, which has been blown out of proportion in grandmothers’ tales. The animals here were her friends. Her family. Daine often came here to bathe and clean up due to the solitude of the pond, as well as the amount of alert sentries (often squirrels and birds). Cloud normally trailed Daine when she did her daily absolutions here, loving the fresh, sweet, tender grass that grew thick and wild around the pond.

Daine sighed and pulled off a chain over her neck and put it in Cloud’s saddlebag. A casual observer would have been surprised to see what could be called a claw ( badger’s claw to be exact) and a jade pendent on the chain. However, he would have overlooked these unusual ornaments over the startling change that went over the woman. When she took off the strange necklace, her image shimmered. Gone was the queer façade of a female, to reveal a rather lovely figure. A woman with tumbling smoky brown hair, a big pair of blue-gray eyes that are fringed with thick luxurious eyelashes. A stubborn chin that did nothing to deter an observer from noticing her soft mouth (particularly if he was a he).

Daine took out her hairbrush and struggled to tame her hair. <Well,> Daine continued.

<Hmm… you need not be worried that he is besotted with your physical appearance.> Cloud commented. <He will be able to provide for you and such. He is good looking, besides his affliction for you, he is not a dunce. If you want to mate, he would be ideal.>

Daine blushed at Cloud’s frankness. She was more than aware of her miserable romantic prospects. It was highly unlikely that anyone better, or actually, anyone else for that matter, would offer her a marriage proposal. <Two-leggers are not like the People, where we mate simply to reproduce. I want more than that.> Daine protested.

Daine never did got to finish her sentence, as in the trees, a distance away from them, a bright glow appeared.

~ 25/4/01~

A sniffing Badger god sprawled on a tree branch and stared at Daine.

Daine stared at him.

He stared at Daine.

<Well,> Cloud said, stamping her hoof. <Enough staring, it is apparent he is not coming over, so you just have to go over.>

<That’s strange.> Daine replied. <He normally appears where we are, not a distance away. Don’t tell me he got disorientated.>

<One can never know with gods.> Cloud snorted. Daine put her hairbrush into her pocket and made her way downwind towards her mentor.

She was indeed indebted to the Badger god. He was the one who had gifted her with the claw that was on the chain, as well as passing her the jade pendant. “From someone who cares deeply about you,” he had said, giving her the pendent. He had “passed” her the pendent, telling her that it would be wise to cover up her looks. She had agreed quickly, it would free her from unwanted attentions and spiteful jealousy. After all, it would be much easier to pity and overlook an ugly scarred girl. When she wore the jade pendent, she had the image of an ugly woman. Daine thought the person who enchanted the pendent was very powerful. After all, the image was no normal image. The image had sort of grown with her. When she grew taller, her image grew taller. When she turned into a young woman, the image had, too, transformed into a young woman. Only Lisa knew her true form, even then, Daine had not shown anyone her true appearance, including Lisa, since the five years ago when she was first gifted with the pendent on her journey to Jehuin with Lisa. She only took off her chain when she was bathing or doing her daily absolutions.

Besides physical gifts, the Badger god had guided Daine in a rudimentary use of her unique magic. His guidance could not really be called guidance in a way, as it often started with him giving a cryptic phrase and she trying to figure it out and discover a new aspect of her power by herself. He had also helped her to separate and form her human identity, preventing her from losing herself in the animal that she communicated with.

Daine stopped below the tree that the Badger god was reclining in. He blinked owlishly at her and gestured for her to climb up. ‘Weirder and weirder,’ she thought and examined the tree.

It was a venerable solid oak, centuries older than her, soaring high with numerous branches stretched over the cool air. She slowly climbed up the tree, and realized the badger was rather high up. ‘Figures that if I had to climb, it had to be to the high branches,’ she thought, not caring if the Badger had heard that in her mind.

The Badger had chosen a sturdy branch as his perch and Daine was able to sit beside the latter. The Badger snuffled her and clambered onto her lap.

Badger commented. <Tis’ Midsummer’s day.>

Daine grimaced.

<Don’t you wish for a mate?> Badger god asked.

Daine blinked, surprised, and looked at the god curiously. This was the first time he had ever mentioned about her romantic state of affairs. <Well,> she said slowly, choosing her words carefully.

<Really?> Badger sniffed. <With some many squirming mortals about, you can’t find any?>

<Any to suit me.> Daine replied. 

<But you have you.> Badger responded cryptically. <Things are not as bad as they seem. If you look hard, you will find one.>

Daine looked at the Badger exasperatedly. Did he not hear what she just said? <What do you want me to do?> She asked irritably. She knew that it was a fact that she was doomed to spinsterhood, but still, it *did* sting to say it out loud… <Go look in the pond, and chase after my true love?>

<Some tales and folklore have been passed down from generation to generation for a reason. Not all are fluff and nonsense in order to have survived through time.> Badger answered evasively and with that he blinked out.

Daine blinked. What did he mean by that? Sure he did not mean for her to go look in the pond? It was pure silliness. Just like the folklore where wolves were wicked creatures.

But still…

It seemed that the gist of his message was just that - go look in the pond. He wouldn’t come down just to tell her foolishness. Besides, she herself should know better than to say what is impossible. Back then, she would think it impossible for a Badger god to ever take interest in her… and now….

Midsummer only came once a year and it wouldn’t hurt to perhaps, just check, if perhaps his words is true… It wasn’t as if she had to travel 20 miles just to see a pond… Surely it wouldn’t do her any harm? After all, she had done far more dangerous and stupider things under the Badger’s instructions. His words had to have some sort of importance, after all, he was not the sort of creature that made random remarks.

With that, Daine examined the tree and finding an appropriate tree limb, she made her way down to it. It was a middle level branch and extended out to the pond. Her heart began to beat faster in anticipation, she took a deep breath and mentally berated herself, ‘Calm down you idiot! You’re just setting yourself up for disappointment if all comes to naught.’ Carefully, she crawled along the length of the branch, keeping her eyes on it, mindful of the slippery dew on the tree. Finally, the pond shimmered beneath her. It was, then, just then, with the sound of her heart pounding in her ears, she bent her head down and looked.

~ 27/4/01~

To her surprise, she saw an image. She bent down further to have a better view of it. It was a man. He had black hair, with dark, perceptive eyes. Long lashes, which would have looked boyish on any other, but, somehow suited him. He was powerfully built and was wearing a gold tunic with gold trimming. It was difficult to tell what his height was, as the image was only up to his waist. There seem to be some sort of chain around his neck… Daine strained forward to examine the chain, when she suddenly lost her grip and went tumbling down.

Instead of the splash, she heard a grunt.

“Odd Bobs!” Daine yelped as she looked into the eyes of the image.

She was sprawled on top of a very much alive and kicking image. Well, he wasn’t exactly kicking or making much noise…

For one moment, their eyes locked, blue-grey and dark.

Daine thought, ‘The tips of my tippy toes barely touching his shins… so he is tall…’ This brought her out of her reverie, she scolded herself, ‘Stop it Daine! You landed on the guy, not on your head! Goodness! You are perched on top of him and he can’t get up. Don’t you have an ounce of common sense?’

“I am so, so, sorry!” Daine stammered and quickly got off the stunned image. “I, well, I was,” she said, gesturing about. Unable to put her unusual circumstances to him, she burst out, “Sorry!” and scampered off.

~ 1/5/01~

********

Numair Salmalin, one of the six black robed mages in the world, the most powerful mage in Tortall, had seen quite a number of queer, odd, peculiar anomalies in his life. He had seen things that seemed quite impossible, in fact, he could do a few of such things. He had come to Jehuin for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons, was a rumour.

Ouna was no gossip monger, but she had come back, from one of her excursions to Galla for ponies, to tell him of some odd bit of news. She had caught wind of news of an extraordinary girl. A girl who could talk to animals and heal them, but yet, she had no gift. Numair had been intrigued by the news that Ouna had only mentioned in passing. Could this slip of girl have wild magic? Enough to heal? Perhaps enough to do more?

He needed to find out more.

This trip to Galla to nose about for a rumour was also a vacation for him. Of some sort. He was badly needed now, with Immortals scurrying about and Carthak becoming more poised towards war. However, the King was keeping him in reserves. Numair fairly itched to do something and to say that Jonathon was slightly displeased with Numair for recently dealing with a pack of hurroks, (it was a small pack, really, not that taxing) would be extremely mild. Numair could not sit around “twiddling” and “twinkling” (as Ouna put it) in his workshop with Immortals attacking front and back. He may not be trained as a battle mage, but he could not just sit still and not do anything when danger came. Thus, he hared off here, ready to go back when the king came acalling.

Besides, there was a rumour, a rumour, mind, from a recluse resource of Miles, that Catharak was planning some ditty with Copper Isles and their target would be the duchy, Jehuin. It was the most logical, really. Duke Kalven of Jehuin was King Jonathon’s staunch supporter and key protector of the western coast of Tortall. If Jehuin was to fall, the other keeps would soon come tumbling after.

So here he was, dressed in commoners’ clothes, wandering through the coast. It was a pretty uneventful trip, okay, except for the occasional pack of Immortals. Surely Jonathon couldn’t protest him using his gift in self-defence, could he? He flew to Jehuin in hawk shape, landed in the Grey Forest and was resting when he was surprised. Pleasantly surprised, rather – by what seemed like a nymph, a, a, well, an, to be more grammatically correct, an undine. She fell on top of him, to put it simply. If he wasn’t so tired from his journey, he would have done something, but no, he just lay on his back like a fool, gaping at her as she ran away. Well, judging from her clothes, he supposed that she was a maiden from Jehuin. After all, that was the nearest village. What was a young maiden, a fair one at that, doing in the Grey Forest?

Numair shook his head, he better get a move to Jehuin before dark fell. Before he made his way to Jehuin, he had stopped by Pirate’s Swoop to pass a few documents to Alanna. George and Alanna persuaded him to stay for a day or two. George had sent someone, one of his informants, with his packs and gelding, Spots, ahead to Jehuin, so Numair could stay with them without compromising his schedule. Numair couldn’t help but walk around the pond where he met the Undine.

He shook his head, chiding himself, ‘Like a besotted school boy hoping for a glimpse of his lady love… Midsummer is really getting to me.’ Something caught his eye. He stopped beneath the tree and bent down to examine the object.

It was a hairbrush.

The Undine must have dropped it in her haste. He smiled in remembering her surprise and confusion and pocketed the brush. She could prove to be an interesting diversion.

********************

A distance away from the pond…

<Why didn’t you warn me?> Daine asked Cloud. Daine had made a quick escape with Cloud and they were walking back to Lisa’s hut.

Cloud looked at Daine with indignation.

Daine stroked Cloud head and replied, “I know you would. It is just so queer. This is the first time anyone has ever looked at me without the pendant.” ‘Does he think I am pretty?’ Daine thought and quickly squashed the thought.

Cloud cocked her head to one side. <You know, it was amazing that none of the animals sensed him until he just appeared. It was like, magic.> Cloud shook her head.

“Perhaps,” Daine said, absent-mindedly. “Why didn’t Badger warn me?”

<May hap he wanted you to meet him > Cloud responded. <That *would* explain why he lured you up that tree.>

“True,” Daine answered, blinking. “Why did the Badger want me to meet the, the…”

<Storkman?> Cloud supplied helpfully.

“Storkman,” Daine said. “Why? Oooh… Am I supposed to help Storkman?”

<Whatever it is, you liked him, didn’t you?> Cloud remarked rather perceptively.

“I like him?” Daine spluttered, suddenly stopping in her footsteps, causing Cloud to glance back at her. “Well, I don’t know. I hardly know him and if I ever do see him again, he would not be able to recognize me. Besides, he is probably stopping by our village before traveling to another one.” I won’t see him again, her heart said a bit forlornly.

<Well, are you going to the Midsummer celebrations tonight?> Cloud asked suddenly, flicking her ear towards Daine.

“No, what for? It is the night for lovers and such. A complete waste of time.” Daine answered and ignored the twinge in her heart.

Cloud looked at Daine at the corner of her eye and remarked, <If Storkman is passing by the village, he would be at the celebrations. You know how the local lasses like a tall, dark and handsome stranger.>

Daine playfully swatted Cloud, “Now look who has been watching too many plays!”

Cloud turned fully and looked at Daine. <Badger wanted you to meet Storkman for a reason. What better way to find out than at the celebrations? Everyone has to wear a costume with a mask. If you are supposed to help him, you better find out what it is before he goes on to the next village.>

<Hmm…> Daine muttered and they walked in companionable silence for the rest of the way.

********
At Mama’s Inn in Jehuin…

“A room for myself and a bath,” Numair told the innkeeper, a burly man with blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Hullo, hullo!” A plump woman with considerable diameter bustled out of the kitchen of the inn, wiping her hands on her apron. Her curly red hair were held back with a tightly wrapped scarf around her head, her brown eyes twinkled at him merrily, her generous mouth beaming with delight. “Lookie here! A stranger to our humble inn! Welcome! Welcome!”

Numair couldn’t help but be charmed by the motherly figure. “Numair Salmalin at your service, madam.” He took her hand and bowed over it as elegantly as if she was a princess.

“Oooh Harold, we have a charming one.” The woman remarked, laughing. “Me name is Emma. Mama Em as everyone calls me. I am the owner of this inn. This is my son, Harold. Isn’t he a handsome boy?”

Numair would scarcely call the burly man who was about the same age as himself a boy, but he nodded.

“Here boy, don’t you know your manners? Greet your elders!” A regal voice ordered. Numair turned around to see an old woman with gray hair, sharp nose, thin lips and sharp black eyes sitting in a rocking chair by a window. From there, the woman had view to all the going abouts in the village square. The chair may seem worn out, but it was sturdy.

“Oh Debora! This is Master Salmalin,” Emma responded.

Numair walked over and bowed, “At your service madam.”

Debora sniffed. “What is your business here? Are you here to see Duke Kalven?”

“No madam,” Numair replied. “I will be staying quite a bit. I will be seeking the girl they speak about. The one who can heal animals and help with the like.”

Debora sniffed. “You must be referring to Daine,” Debora said haughtily. “That slip of the girl whom the Hidgen boy is after.”

“She aught to grab him in a wink. I dare say she won’t get an offer like that coming again,” Mama Em remarked.

Debora sniffed, “I say it is good for that girl. Show some backbone. Don’t need to depend on a man for everything.”

Numair listened, intrigued at this gossip. “Now missus,” Harold finally rambled. “Don’t bore our guest here with useless talk.”

“Now, now,” Mama Em responded with a wink. “We were just offering information, that’s all.” Mama Em looked at Numair and asked, “Are you married?”

“No madam,” Numair answered.

“Well then, you should join in the Midsummer’s Festival celebrations tonight. You would have to dress up and wear a mask. It is quite fun. If you need looking for Duke Kalven, he would be doing the honours by opening the ceremony. Jehuin is one of the biggest villages around here and other villagers from nearby would be coming,” Mama Em supplied. “You can easily get a costume from the Tailor Taylor.” [Oh someone kill me before I make any more puns!~_~]

“I will think about it,” Numair said and taking the opening, stretched. “I am rather tired from my journey and would like to rest now.” A not so subtle hint.

Mama Em immelediately looked concerned, “Now, now, you should have told us that we were tiring you with our talk. Come along now.” Mama Em led Numair up the stairs to a room.

“Madam,” Numair said hesitantly.

“Mama Em,” Mama Em said firmly.

“Mama Em,” Numair responded obediently. “Do you know of a rather pretty girl with brown hair and blue gray eyes. She looks about eighteen years old. I think she is living near the Grey Forest.”

Mama Em looked at Numair thoughtfully, “Well, there ain’t nobody living near the Grey Forest except for Lisa and Daine. Daine is eighteen, and I scarce call her pretty. Besides, she has brown eyes. Perhap if you attend the celebrations tonight you can see that girl. A lot of lasses and lads come around this time of the year to meet and socialize.”

Mama Em straightened out the bed and took out the blankets from the wardrobe to place them on the bed. The room was modestly furnished, but clean and had a hospitable air to it. There was a bed, a table, a chair and a wardrobe. “Now,” Mama Em said. “In that drawer are candles, if you need anything you can just holler. I will be in the kitchen. Tonight, there will be a Midsummer feast in the village square where everybody is invited. Young, old, friends, foe and family.” Mother Em opened the windows and pointed, “You see the path here? Well, that path goes past the pastures and farms and straight to the Grey Forest. Travel along the path and you can find Lisa’s hut.”

“How did Daine come to Jehuin?” Numair asked.

Mama Em discreetly looked at him at the corner of her eye. He looked like a fine man. She *did* like to play match maker. Thus, she happily supplied Numair with information.

~ 2/6/2001 ~

**********
That night at the village square…

Daine straightened her costume and took a deep breath. She was dressed as an ancient, mythical goddess of hunt. She doubted the unimaginative people of Jehuin would know that she was the goddess of hunt. She thought it appropriate because of the dreams she had of her father…

Daine was basically wearing her usual shirt and breeches, but she draped a white cloth over herself. She held her bow in one hand and had her quivers slung over her back. She had her hair severely pinned up and Lisa had flowers threaded into her hair. Her mask covered her face entirely, spare her eyes.

She looked inquisitively around. It had been quite a while since she had come to such a big occasion. Many tables were set up in the village square. The main table where Duke Kalven would sit was filled with a wide assortment of food. The main table was reserved for the Duke and his guests. The other nearby tables were for the village elders and important guests. There was free seating at the rest of the tables and those sitting there had to eat buffet style. There was a line of long tables filled with food and drinks at the side of the village squire where people could take food and drink. Lanterns and candles lined and dotted the village square, supplying ample lighting for the villagers.

Daine stood beneath the shadows of the trees. Duke Kalven would be arriving soon to take his place in this celebratory feast. She took a breath and walked quickly to an empty table. She sat at one of the lower tables, with several visitors from other villagers. She looked around idlely while talking to Cloud mentally.

<It is so colourful.> Daine exclaimed and spotting her spurned swain. <Goddess! Alex is dressed as a horse!>

<What an insult.> Cloud muttered. Daine giggled, but ducked down to avoid his gaze.

She didn’t know when was the exact moment she sensed him, but sensed him she did. She turned to look and their gaze met for a moment. Her eyes recognized his although he was wearing a half-face mask. Then, a rather jolly Mama Em blocked their line of vision and Daine quickly look down.

<He’s here!> Daine said.

Cloud teased.

<He must think I am weird! Staring at him like that. I forgot that I look different from the last I saw him.> Daine responded dismally.

Duke Kalven arrived in splendor, dressed in purple silks and a colourful entourage. He was dressed simply, but well. He stood up and made a speech that ended with a toast. He had black hair and blue-green eyes. He had a strong chin and was tanned, speaking of the numerous times he went about looking after his lands.

“So mote it be,” Daine chorused with the others and took a cautious sip of the mead. She took a plate of sumptuous food and ate quietly. Listening to the conversation whirling around her and thinking quietly when it would be the best time to approach Storkman. She eyed him - he was talking with Mama Em near the duke’s table. She moved cautiously nearer, trying to blend in with the throngs of people. It appeared that she was not the only one interested in this quarry.

“Numair Salmalin, is that you?” a flirtatious, incredulous voice rang out from the duke’s table.

Storkman, no, Numair, no, Master Salmalin, turned to locate the source of that inquiry. He need not look further, as a beautiful blonde emerged from the table to put her hand gently on his arm. A strange emotion seethed in Daine at that sight.

<What’s wrong Daine?> Cloud questioned, sensing a subtle change in Daine.

<A vamp just came to flirt with Numair.> Daine replied, not realizing that she was using his first name.

<Someone is jealous.> Cloud mused.

Daine blustered. Daine eyed the maiden who audaciously assumed such formality with Numair. She was dressed prettily and delicately. She adorned a pink, silk flowing dress that emphasized her voluptuous curves. Butterflies danced prettily at her bodice. The dress had a box shaped neck, cutting dangerously low. The blonde had her hair pinned in a tumble of curls, a fashion started by the Tortallan Queen, or so Daine heard from the village maidens who immelediately followed suit. The blonde titled her head, letting the light of the lanterns shine against her hair, making it seem golden. Daine could see that her eyes were a rich shade of green. The blonde did not bother with a mask, nay, may hap she found it too coarse, she used a thin veil instead. The veil did anything but conceal.

Daine felt rather frumpy and outclassed, looking at the vamp and her clothing. ‘Stop it Daine,’ she thought, battling a fresh spew of strange emotions when the blonde took Numair’s arm and led him to the Duke’s table. ‘For all you know, the blonde could be nice.’

Daine moved closer.

“Numair Salmalin!” Duke Kalven exclaimed jovially, extending out a hand to Numair.

“What is the realm’s most powerful mage doing in here yonder parts? If you’re here to give lessons to the pages, they would be coming along shortly for their annual summer camp at the Grey Forest.”

Numair looked at Duke Kalven in surprise. “I didn’t know the pages went spending their summer camp around these parts.”

“Aah… You would have to ask Lord Wlydon on that,” Kalven replied to the implied question.

“I see,” Numair said thoughtfully. “Well, presently, to the best of my knowledge, I am taking a break, a quiet one.”

“Ahh…” Kalven responded, getting the hint. “Feel free to come to my humble abode to stay if you wish. If you need anything, do ask. You know Jehuin’s doors are always open to such an esteemed individual.”

“Thank you, my grace,” Numair answered cordially. “I am perfectly fine in my current lodgings, should I require any sort of assistance, I will be sure to take up on your offer.” Although Duke Kalven was blatantly higher in rank, it seemed that he held Numair in high esteem.

“Ahh...” Kalven said, finally noticing the vamp near Numair. “I see you have found Ruyina.”

“Rather,” Ruyina responded. “I found him.” She sounded like feline who had a mouse in her paws.

“Ahh…” Kalven remarked. “Ruyina is the brilliant girl who suggested a unique idea for this year’s celebrations.”

“Really?” Numair raised an eyebrow.

Ruyina giggled, which made Daine shudder. She put up a hand and said, “It is not really *my* idea. It is more of a custom I came across in my travels. Quite interesting really.”

“My wife and some of the villagers had a bumper crop of roses this year, Ruyina suggested that we hold this thing, well, why don’t Ruyina explain it to you,” Kalven supplied.

“It is known as Meia Guin Gaon Baick* in Galla. It is a game where everyone has an opportunity to express their feelings for one another. If you like someone, you give her a pink rose. If she accepts your feelings, she gives you a white rose. If she rejects you, or want to remain as friends and nothing else, she gives you a yellow rose. Adding a deeper meaning to it, if you give a red rose instead of a pink rose, it is a declaration of love,” Ruyina explained.

*[yeah, I know, it is just the Chinese name with letters chucked in here and there. If you didn’t realize by now, all the words I make up is like that. Esp names.]

“That is an intriguing custom,” Numair remarked.

“It is all the rage in the courts of Galla,” Ruyina commented and teased coyly, “I anticipate that you will have a lot of roses coming your way.”

“Ahh…” Kalven interrupted, “This game will be held over the Midsummer celebrations. About a week or two, perhaps.”

“If we lack roses, I know of a trader who will sell it to us at very cheap rate,” Ruyina chirped happily. “The proceeds of the sale of the roses could be used for some worthy cause.”

“Roses,” Numair mused thoughtfully. Daine noticed that Ruyina shot Numair a worried look. But it was so brief, she could not be sure.

“Well,” Ruyina said. “Will you be announcing the scheme tonight?”

“Ahh… Yes,” Kalven replied. “I hope you will be staying long enough to see the success of your game.” He turned to Numair and explained, “Ruyina is a university mage who has stopped over to pursue her studies. She is also here to check on the magical defenses.”

“Yes,” Ruyina said throatily. “I am studying the habits of coastal influence on magics…” Ruyina embarked on an erudite talk with Numair on her studies.

Kalven looked politely interested. Daine felt stupid, listening to the talk, she did not know head or tails of the conversation. She could not help gritting her teeth every time Ruyina laughing her, what seemed to Daine, “polite and fake” laugh. Daine could not see what was so funny on sea currents and protection spells. Daine’s respect for Kalven’s patience increased as he suffered through the talk for fifteen minutes, before remarking, “I better mingle with the villagers and show my respect to the elders for organizing such a delicious spread.”

“Oh,” Ruyina said, as if catching herself. She placed a hand on his arm, leaning close. “I better go then, if I need help in my studies…”

“I will help you if I can,” Numair replied courteously, his expression bland.

Daine scowled and was interrupted by a friendly voice that offered, “They suit each other, both powerfully gifted. Good looking. I know Numair is a good catch. Being the most powerful mage in Tortall and all. No point you wasting your time on that one.”

Daine groaned inwardly and turned to see a tall, blonde man with bright blue eyes. “The name is Evin Larse,” he offered, grinning in a boyishly handsome way.

“No, I was not interested. Didn’t your ma teach you not to sneak up on others?” Daine demanded, embarrassed. ‘Why did his words hurt?’ Daine thought to herself. ‘It is not like I want to jump him or anything. Evin is right though, I have absolutely no business trying to talk to such a high-ranking person. Surrounded by wealth and magic, he probably forgot that he met me yesterday.’ She sighed.

“Why the sigh?” Evin asked. “It is such a beautiful night. The moon is out, the stars and twinkling. There’s food, dancing… It is the night for lovers.” He wagged his eyebrows suggestively.

“Oh stop it,” Daine retorted. “Stop your outlandish talk.”

Evin looked dramatically wounded. “Oh fair maiden, you have wounded me with such words. Oh, oh! To be spurned by such a beauty.”

“Someone has been watching too much plays,” Daine snapped, irritated by his assumption of her looks.

Evin sensed the change of mood and responded, “Sorry to get carried away. This is how I normally act around friends.” He shook his head. “They all say I was dropped on the head as a baby,” he added with a confiding whisper.

Daine thought to herself, ‘He doesn’t mean harm. He is just funning around. What he said about Numair and vamp was the truth. Now why do I feel so miserable?’

“Evin!” Someone called. Daine quickly took this opportunity to escape into the shadow of the trees. She looked at the village square. Tables have been cleared for couples to dance. The band of minstrels struck up a merry tune and some couples were prancing happily to the tune. There were benches for the old and weary to sit and remark on who and whose daughter is dancing with whose nephew. Hired entertainers juggled, told stories and did tricks to a crowd of enthralled children. Mothers kept a careful eye on their children while they gossiped among one another. The Duke’s table was still at its prominent place at the head of all the festivities. Numair was talking to Evin at the table.

Guests of the Duke.

Daine narrowed her eyes, then sighed. What help does a gifted mage need from her? Particularly one that is allegedly the most powerful in all of Tortall? Face it. He didn’t need her. Neither did anyone here. So she best go.

And so she did.

As Daine walked back into the Grey Forest, she pulled down her hair, shaking it loose from their bonds. She planned to go to the pond to wash up first before returning to Lisa’s hut. She took off the mask, the cloth, and then the pendent.

Cloud appeared silently out of the woods. <That bad, huh?> She remarked.

Daine sighed and put the things into Cloud’s packs. <Was it ever. I am going to the pond, want to come?>

Suddenly, Daine felt a feeling of wrongness over her.

<Daine? I said alright? Daine?> Cloud inquired.

“Cloud! Something is wrong!” Daine exclaimed, forgetting to talk to Cloud in mind speech.

<What is wrong?> Cloud asked worriedly, despite herself.

“I feel some wrongness, I last felt it when a rabid bear came out and killed the blacksmith back in Snowsdale,” Daine answered.

<Then you best go! Warn the others! The villagers at the festival will be sitting ducks!> Cloud exclaimed.

“Thank goddess I have my bow and arrows!” Daine said. “You go warn Lisa, I will go warn the rest! Though I don’t know whether they will believe me.”

Cloud sniffed the air and stamped her hooves. <They will. The air smells of danger. Now GO!>

Daine ran back to the village square, wondering how on earth she was going to tell people they were in danger because of this feeling she had. Oh well, she had done weirder things than that! Just as she neared the village square, she heard a scream.

~ 13/6/2001 ~

Evin heard a warning yell and quickly dropped to the ground and rolled, just in time before a pair of silver claws raked the air where he had just been. He looked around him and took the situation in at a glance. A horde of Stormwings was attacking the hapless villagers. People ran, screaming to houses or shelters, some hid under tables or lay cowering on the floor. King Jonathon had suspected that the Duchy Jehuin might be attacked and Queen Thayet had sent two groups of riders to help mobilize the villagers. He had been briefed before this and had expected the worst.

Fortunately.

“Riders! To arms!” He yelled and whipped out the crossbow that he had placed under the table. Other Riders copied his actions, taking out weapons that had been hidden.

His second in command, Miri, a woman with dark hair boyishly cut, blessed with a pair of green dancing eyes that were presently grim and freckles dusted across her nose, ran over beside him.

“What now Boss?” She asked. She liked calling him that, boss. When they were trainees, she joked that he could become the boss of a rider group and she would be his underling.

“You take Su ann, Justin, and Emelan to help the villagers evacuate,” Evin replied, never taking his eyes off the approaching target, he killed it coolly with an arrow through the heart. Miri nodded and scurried off, weaving between tables.

This was the scene that greeted Daine, chaos reined. When she saw the attackers, she gaped. She had never seen the likes of them before. With an upper human body, metal wings and claws, they looked to be the stuff of nightmares.

“Oomph!” Someone pulled her down behind a large overturned table. She looked into the blue eyes.

“If you are going to help, best do it in a way that won’t make you an obvious target,” Evin mildly said and returned to his shooting. “Shoot the human part that is their weak spot.”

Daine blushed, but followed suit. Her arrows flew straight and true. Black fire appeared to mercilessly crush the enemies. “Mithros,” Evin whistled at the sight of animals rushing in to help, dogs, horses and ponies tackled the Stormwings. He saw one dark horse leap up and grab a Stormwing, shaking it like a terrier with its prize. Evin squinted, did his mount, Sugar, just did a happy dance on a fallen Stormwing?

Daine took up one end of the table and he took up the other end. Daine felt a wrongness surge behind Evin and turned to see a dark shadow overhead. “Watch out!” She yelled and shot a few times. She must have somehow hit her target, as a Stormwing crashed heavily onto the ground, narrowly missing Evin.

The Stormwings soon realized their futile efforts. “Retreat!” A Stormwing queen, judging from the jagged crown on her head yelled.

The remaining Stormwings pumped their wings, washing a stench over the grounds as they followed their queen. People started to come out of their hiding places, helping the wounded. Miri trotted over to Evin, her sleeve was torn, looking a bit battered, but in one piece all the same.

She leaned on the table and looked down at him, from his crouching position on the floor. “This stinks,” she said mildly.

“That is an understatement,” Evin replied with a groan, using the table to lever himself up from the group. “Take a head count, see to the wounded.”

Miri mock saluted and responded, “Aye aye boss!”

Evin walked over to the girl who he had pulled down. She got to her feet with assistance from a helpful black pony.

“Thank you,” she whispered as a dog picked up her bow delicately between its sharp teeth and presented it to her. She took the bow, checked it over and patted the dog’s head.

“Thank you for covering my back,” Evin said, stopping beside her and leaning against the table.

She looked up in surprise, as if she forgot the presence of humans. Evin blinked, taking in her lovely profile. He felt himself drowning in her blue gray eyes and was shaken out of his reverie when he realized that she asking him a question.

“What?” He asked.

Daine blushed. She had never had a male look at so intently before. “I said, it was nothing, really.”

“Nothing?” Evin remarked. “Not only did you save my ass which I am so found of, but you did spectacularly so. You shot at something you couldn’t see and managed to bring it down. Ah, my wounded pride, you have a set of good senses,” he shook his head. “I couldn’t hear that Stormwing coming until it had a major disagreement with the ground. The ground as the victor, of course.”

Daine smiled, she was getting used to his style of dry humour. Evin held his breath, it was amazing how the smile transformed her and brought her more, well, alive.

“The name is Evin Larse,” Evin said, offering his hand.

Daine blinked. ‘He doesn’t remember me,’ she thought, her hand instinctively going to her throat where the jade pendent normally nestled. Then she suddenly realized she had took it off earlier on.

“Is there something wrong?” Evin asked, concerned at her expression.

“Um, no, no, there isn’t, er hum, anything wrong, er hum,” Daine replied weakly. “My throat just tickles, that’s all.” She pretended to scratch her throat. She felt disconcerted that he saw her true appearance. “Oh,” she said, when she saw his hand drop to his side, suddenly remembering that she hadn’t shaken it yet. She offered her hand, “It is nice meeting you, though I would prefer much happier circumstances.”

Evin took her hand, instead of shaking it he brought it up near to his mouth. “What would be your name, my lady?”

“Um, er,” Daine spluttered. She was never so glad to see Numair at that moment. He was striding towards them, his cloak flapping behind him like wings. “Oh look, there’s Numair,” Daine quickly said. She wondered at the strange glint in his eye.

She snatched her hand from Evin and turned to face Numair. “Hello Salmalin,” Evin greeted.

“Hello,” Numair said, never taking his eyes off Daine.

“You were the black light.” Daine blurted. Then mentally kicking herself for being such an ‘excellent’ conversationalist.

“Yes,” Numair replied. His dark eyes swallowing her up. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” Daine responded quietly. She looked around, the wounded were being tended by healers. Duke Kelvin was examining one of the dead attackers and was talking quietly with what looked to be a guard. “Shouldn’t you be healing or something?” She asked.

“I can’t heal,” Numair said.

“Oh.” Daine responded, looking down, not used to someone looking at her in such a strange way.

“Master Salmalin,” a voice interrupted. The trio looked to see Duke Kelvin walking towards them. “It is indeed fortunate that you were here when this happened. Ruyina told me that this would be your field of expertise.”

“How is the casualty number?” Evin asked.

“A few are seriously wounded and many others injured. Fortunately, no fatalities yet,” Duke Kelvin reported, then asked Evin, “However, do you know what got into the animals today? Coming to our rescue.”

Numair took Daine’s hand and she looked at him. “What is your name?”

He looked at her and she couldn’t seem to break away from his gaze. “Daine,” she said, then quickly realized her error. “I mean, Daine, Daine was the one who one called the animals for help,” she quickly added, taking her hand regretfully from Numair and turning to look at the Duke.

Duke Kelvin stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Yes, I have heard of her, she healed my horse when he broke his leg. Gentlemen, I do believe that she could be useful.”

“Useful?” Daine blurted. The men looked at her.

“Sir,” Miri interrupted. They turned to look at the woman. Daine quickly took the chance to escape.

After Duke Kelvin left to take stock of the damage done, Numair and Evin looked around.

“Where did she go?” Evin said.

“Who?” Miri asked.

“You know, brown hair, blue grey eyed, pretty, female, and so not here,” Evin supplied.

Miri shook her head, “I don’t know. She must have left when I came.”

“Where ever she is, she is incredible,” Evin remarked. “Covered my back, she did. Fantastic bit of archery.” Numair’s eyes narrowed.

Miri felt a strange feeling and shook it off. It was the first time she heard Evin talk seriously about another woman in front of her. It wasn’t as if he was celibate or anything, she knew that he was supposed to be, according to Leighlei, an incredible lover. Miri shook her head and dropped her gaze to the ground.

“Oh look,” she said, pointing to a mask on the floor. “She must have dropped it.”

Numair and Evin both took a step towards it and stopped. Numair looked Evin in the eye and said, “Back off, Larse.” Miri looked at both of them, feeling some under running currents.

Evin raised one eyebrow. “Why? You have much more of these back home.”

Numair stared at Evin and said, “Not like this I don’t.” He took in Evin’s stance and said, “I mean it, Larse. Back off.”

Evin scrutinized Numair for a while before stepping back. “You better not lose it, you know, or you will have me to answer for.”

“I am not a fool,” Numair retorted, using his magic, ‘picked’ up the mask and put it in his pocket.

Miri looked at Evin. Somehow, she had a feeling that they were not just talking about the mask.

Chapter 2