Charis spoke plain and to the point, there was no need or want to speak any other way, only because she needed to instil a confidence back into her sisters, after her weakness. She wondered if feelings were a weakness. Otonia and Dione were there, they would be able to answer any other questions the sisters may have, but Charis hoped her sisters would feel comfortable enough to ask her directly.
“I am to present myself to the Lord in six days’ time and I am allowed to take two retainers with me. Before you all volunteer it will be extremely dangerous and could easily result in the death of us all.” The words tumbled easily from her lips, it seemed she returned to telling the facts whenever she was nervous and she remembered the last time, so long ago now. That time was a late night in front of the Lord and Lady of a Keep and almost cost her life.
“I have never been to the Duke’s Court so I don’t know what really happens there; first of course we will need to get there safely.” Charis knew the words were still flowing fast, she was slightly numb herself due to events both during and after the Council Meeting.
It frustrated her in the extreme that the Council didn’t matter in the end and everything seemed beyond her control once again. Her efforts to try and control her future were an utter waste, the nobility always ruled one way or another and she needed to change that somehow. She couldn’t become their enemy. That would be fatal with the power they wielded, she needed to be trusted by them so they would think her helpful and therefore beyond their interference.
Charis allowed the room to amble on in discussion so they could work through their fears and reservations and after some time slowly turned the discussion towards the outcomes she needed for now. Her thinking done, she needed to reassure them as well as herself.
“Astera and Thyia, I would urge you to continue your training. It will be important if I do not return as I have decided that Astera will act in my role as Mistress.” announced Charis.
Otonia motioned to stand and then sat, her head moving from right to left and back again, stopping and finally she settled. She didn’t need to be responsible for others, especially her sisters! Dione looked to her feet, her face hidden, keeping any thoughts private. The Seers didn’t move at all, Charis sensed they were “talking” though between themselves in their own way!
“Dione, I would like you to continue to visit the farmer and his children and in seven days say your goodbyes to them as I would like you to be one of my companions if you accept the danger.”
“Yes Mistress, but are you sure, I am so young and I do not know my way around a City and a Duke’s Keep.” Dione replied quietly.
“Neither do I, but I know with you by my side I will be sure to get to the City at least.” The words were spoken softly, but heard by all plainly enough.
“Then I am honoured Mistress.” bowing her head slightly.
“Otonia, I sensed you wished to speak and perhaps put in your claim for Mistress?” asked Charis.
“Yes, Mistress, but No Mistress, I thought of the responsibility and your choice is a good one. Astera is loyal and will hold to your dream of us staying together and helping others. She will certainly hold us all accountable, plus she does follow orders.” as she nodded to Astera who returned the gesture, “While I am the oldest, save for Helice and the second companion of yours, leadership and responsibility would be beyond me. The worry about my sisters would be too heavy a burden for me Mistress. That is the plain truth.”
“You seem to be sure where you fit but I would ask you to be Astera’s second in command, if you would accept. As you have said you been my companion from the start and know me best and perhaps can assist Astera with some of my wisdom or at least perhaps avoid some of my folly.”
“I would be honoured Mistress and will ensure I do my best.”
“Helice, I would ask you to accompany me also. You are a single Seer and no one would assume you can still be paired, let alone in contact with a pair of Seers such as Clymene and Alcmene. You will be able to relate events and possibly ask for help. Plus I have seen your adeptness with your daggers grow, so you may be able to protect me when I forget to do so myself.” They exchanged small smiles.
“I will be honoured to Mistress, I am humbled in the level of trust you place in me and I will try my best to not let you down.”
“I will also gift you a Green Gem, which no one knows about its benefit and also a Silver Ring. I would suggest the Silver Ring is placed upon one of your toes if you are looking for a place.”
Helice opened her mouth and then closed it, her eye lids shut in reverence as she felt the items fall into her cupped hands, which closed around them softly. She was on one knee instinctively and looked up in Charis’ eyes with a faith that Charis thought she did not deserve. Charis helped Helice up to cover her own embarrassment. Helice quickly hugged her before Charis took a step back. Her Mistress failed to realise that the single seer before her, once believed herself surplus, so useless in fact that she was visiting Hillperch to throw herself off the Perch! She was now a Seer again and she was now a bodyguard for her Mistress and if she did die it would be because she now lived with purpose.
“Alcmene and Clymene you must be awake day and night in turn so Helice has someone to call upon just in case we are desperate or to simply announce that I am no longer your Mistress and you must all continue our work by holding true to each other or perhaps be warned in advance to leave and find a place elsewhere.”
They both began to tear and accepted Charis and Helice into a shared hug. Rhea was slightly jealous but stood her ground, watching like others, realising the devotion of Charis’ sisters to their Mistress. To have to flee though, thought Rhea, would the Temple be her shelter or would the Lord of the Northern March demand her as well.
“So we are to be your messengers then, for good news and for bad. So be it, we will keep vigil and will not fail you Mistress.”
“Break that up you four!” the rough voice of the elder announced her presence.
All in the Training Room looked to her. In her room for weeks and now she decides to join them!
“You all need to convince your Mistress to gift herself a Gold Ring from the treasure. I am not sure what it will deliver but the Gold Circle I was gifted is amazing, so it may make a difference in the days ahead.”
They all turned to Charis then and before any spoke, she nodded her head in agreement and then looked harshly at the elder!
“They need to be shared widely. Not hoarded by one!”
“Well, they do no one any good while not being worn!” answered the elder with a little venom in her voice.
“I made a promise of sorts,” looking at Otonia and Dione,” but I agree, so if I am to be gifted a Gold Ring then Alcmene and Clymene will be gifted a Silver Ring like Helice.”
“Before you offer, the answer is no.” Dione quickly voiced,” I do not want to survive through the pain! The items have proven they don’t agree with me.”
“And I am of the same mind Mistress.” added Otonia.
Astera looked at Thyia. “We are satisfied as well Mistress, save what is left for now. We may expand our company and if we do, something must be left for them so they can help us all.”
“Otonia, would you please tell our cloaked trainers that only you will be continuing with the training as Helice and I need to leave Town.”
“Yes Mistress.”
“Thank you all, I will fetch the items yet to be gifted, as promised and see them to you. I would advise that you consider company when you attune them, but I will not advise you when to do so.” she smiled as she finished speaking.
Half a day remained and they were at a loss given the circumstances of the meeting. Charis decided to take action and once the items were gifted she led them all to the Knight’s Rest, the elder refusing of course. Clymene and Alcmene needed to swap places at the Inn so kept the elder company in turn, not that she wanted it!
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
The Inn Keeper was honoured, the Ladies Three and others! As they ate and drank, Charis hoped this wouldn’t be the last time she would see all of her companions together at once, her warrior-sisters.
Charis watched them in silence as towards mid-afternoon they relaxed a little on good food washed down with the supplied cider. Charis went through her reasoning while she could see each of them. Dione and her horse would be able to see the three of them to the city, while Helice would be Charis’ personal bodyguard and provide communications back to Alcmene and Clymene so all would know what was happening as it happened. Astera was cautious and if supported by Otonia would make more good decisions than poor decisions and at times that is the best that a good leader can hope for and Charis felt relaxed about her companion’s futures, regardless of her own fate.
They would take the Borrow Gems, even if they raised any suspicion as they didn’t want to die in the dark by an unseen attacker. Charis also imagined the city would be expensive so a few coins were also taken for the journey from the bandit’s hidden haul, not from the three chests. Charis advised Astera to sell some of the smaller gems from one of the three chests if they were away too long or Charis didn’t return. It was a sad note to end the conversation on but stark reality as Astera could be Mistress for as long as she lived if Charis died.
The days ticked by slowly and the only remedy was to keep busy. With three days to go, they heard rumours the Lord was beginning to pack away the more extravagant elements of his camp and reduce it to more of a campaign camp. Many of his advisors and councillors were already on their way to the City to prepare for his arrival.
Charis was tossing and turning during the night, sleep was difficult, even though she knew that nothing more could be done. She was finally asleep when an alert went off in her mind. Someone was on the outside of the Shop, near her room. There was only one window so she positioned herself under it, dark sight activated, to take the intruder by surprise, dagger in hand.
She then felt a sword tip at her neck. How was that possible, there was no other entrance to the room? She glanced at the door and it was still closed.
“There is no escape there and if you call in others, you call them to their death.” The voice was light and musical; this was the first time in her short life she experienced such, she was amazed.
Charis recovered herself and as she straightened she turned with all the speed and skill her dagger master taught her. Her intruder was quicker, so much quicker! As she drew the dagger towards her target a sword slapped her wrist with such force that she dropped it with a small cry of pain.
“If you are to survive in this world you must be less obvious and predictable. I didn’t think you would be awake, in fact I was counting on it, and so you have at least been unpredictable there.”
She could see the intruder as a slight red blob, there was no definition as if the body before her was as cool as it was warm. She decided upon first look it was not entirely human, even if it wielded human like weapons.
“Can I light a lantern as least so I can see whom I am talking to?”
“It would not benefit either of us as knowledge of me is unknown to many and for you to witness different would probably confuse your young fragile mind.” The musical voice was calm, smooth, settling and Charis felt it was all perfectly sensible.
“I need you to lie back in your bed and be comfortable please.” Charis considered this simple request reasonable, she was tired anyway and rest would do her good.
Charis heard the bed chest at the foot of her bed being opened. That wasn’t right, that was her chest and that was where the gifts were! Even if she needed to rest she should be able to ask him questions since he was rummaging around in her chest!
“Who are you really? Surely you can tell me something about yourself?” Charis was willing all of herself into her bronze loop trying to influence the non-human intruder in her room.
“I am ancient and I am one of twenty-one that defend our own against an ancient evil.” The voice lost a little of its musical tone.
“What are you doing to me girl!” There was a hint of surprise and then his hands were upon her. Those hands were soft and strong at the same time, they were reassuring, the touch was pleasurable even, it took some time to realise that he was feeling her all over and was finding her items!
“Stop that!” she pushed out between gritted teeth.
He instantly stopped as if commanded, he slightly growled as he obeyed.
“You have Elven magic within you girl, the same Elven magic I have traced to the chest at the end of your bed. Stand on your bed and place your back against the wall or I will cut your foot off.” Charis cautiously stood looking at him all the way and backed up against the wall.
“The magic is Elven but its entrapment to the items is not. I know this because elves do not capture their magic like this because we don’t need to, especially like this!” The music in the intruder’s voice saddened greatly; there was loss, agony and torment.
“I am sad girl. I did not expect to find what I have found. I planned to take the treasures, but realise now that I would not be able to carry such grief with me before breaking my heart. So I will reveal myself to prove to you I have claim over these, even if at this time I do not take them with me. I need to return after seeking wiser council and I need them to be here when I return. Understood?”
“Yes, but be aware I am about to journey from this town and I may not return for a long time so others have been put in my place, for now or if the worst happens, forever.”
“It does not matter, if they are moved I will find them, they are Elven marked.” With that he lit the lantern in the room to reveal himself.
Charis just starred, these did not exist, or only in legend, Elves, she was in the presence of an Elf, they were also called Fae or of faerie it depended upon who told the legend. The Bard mentioned elf kind but she didn't really believe him!
“You have a secret also, don’t you girl. I thought but I didn’t think it was possible, but seeing you now it is a little more obvious. Crawl towards me girl. Keep your feet as far away from me as possible or I will cut your foot off!” The music was gone from his voice dominated by sadness and seriousness.
She cautiously crawled towards him looking at him all the time. His was a beauty that she needed to drink it for as long as possible. He reached for her face and flicked back her black hair. He then dropped his grasp and stood back.
“Who would do this to you girl?” he demanded.
“Do what?” she asked.
“Your ears are cut or should I say mauled, I have never seen this before and I have lived since time started to be counted.”
Charis didn’t know what was more shocking, the revelation about her ears or the fact that this Elf was so old!
“My mother was said to have cut them while cutting my hair in a fit of madness. She left shortly after being discovered but not before she bandaged them to stop the bleeding. My father cared for me from then on.”
“You have Elven blood girl.” as he revealed his own ears. “This is what your ears should closely resemble, not the scared remains you have. This is why your hair is a dark earth brown, all your hair.”
“My hair is black.” said Charis. He just wagged his finger at her.
This was too much information for Charis and she rolled onto her back and looked up at the ceiling. Then she realised she was looking at the night sky! She sat up and turned to him.
“You cut a hole in my roof!”
“Yes the roof is the easiest and usually the most unguarded access to any building, it just takes time, so the roof and the ceiling the previous night and then into the room without delay tonight.”
“I still have a hole in my roof!”
“The night sky is soothing in its own way, I am sure you will find someone to fix it for you.” he smiled, ever so slightly.
“Well, why is your hair blond and mine dark earth brown? How can you see through the change of colour to black by the way?” she asked.
“We don’t know, but since I have found Elven magic in items that it shouldn’t be in, it may be that the two are linked. As for your hair colour, the black is an illusion only.”
“Who are ‘we’?”
“That I cannot say, but I need to warn you. You are Elven but not born of one of us, we know our children and the children of each other, so you are a mystery even to me Charis the Young. Also I sense you are not blessed by the Goddess, the Elven magic around you has heightened your desirability, if nothing else. But I think there is more, much more. It seems because you are not blessed you haven’t declared yourself female, so other females accept you as if you were their male partner or female partner if that is their preference and males accept you as a partner because of your feminine form.” He paused to think.
Charis was wondering what the warning was and what was he even explaining, it didn’t make much sense but it was information so she listened intently in case he did drop any words of wisdom in amongst this babble so far.
“You are another mystery for me to discuss with mine.” he finally spoke.
“Do you find me attractive? As attractive as any female elf perhaps?” asked Charis.
“There are no female Elves Charis the Young.” he said quietly. Charis’ jaw dropped, she was speechless. He struggled then to speak, so Charis waited.
“I have tarried way too long. Chatting to you seems to sadden me easily, nevertheless I only wish the wisdom of the Elves be yours Charis the Young. I have admired your body, you are desirous and you know it. Take care; those around you aren’t always kind to beauty.” With that he climbed on the bed, reached to the ceiling and pulled his body up and through to land on the roof, without noise and without disturbing any part of it. Then the sky was visible again as he was gone.
Charis did continue to look at the sky and then realised she would need this fixed to protect the gifts if nothing else and maybe strengthen the ceiling at least to make his next entry take longer! She would ask Astera to visit the young carpenter and divert her from the stables for an emergency repair. In the meanwhile Charis moved the gifts to a dark corner of the store room. As she was returning to her room Helice appeared in the hallway, Charis recognised her by the light that spilled from her room.
“I sensed you were worried, I think. Our connection to you is there but still developing. Sorry Mistress if I interrupted unnecessarily.” Charis caught Helice looking at her, she was still naked and she wouldn’t be able to sleep in any case.
“I think I need an interruption if you are agreeable.” she smiled.
After a well enjoyed interruption, which Alcmene and Clymene enjoyed as Helice shared it with them having woken them up in the most pleasurable way, Helice mentioned the obvious.
“Yes, I will need it repaired while I am in the city.”
“Why is it there?”
“It allowed an intruder to enter my room and ask me some questions and for some reason I didn’t mind the intrusion.”
Helice wasn’t sure what to make of that answer, so she let it go; the Mistress was probably stressed enough with the impending journey only a day away.