“Indeed,” said Gynelle, with a smile. Cassia fingered the fine trim that opened at the front of her gown below the bodice. There had been a mist, she had felt it, but her dress hung completely dry. Perhaps she had the most advantageous position during the water show.
Chapter Eight
“I’m sosorry High Mage Darkwood is here,” said Cassia that night to her sister after settling into bed. “I am sure his presence reminds you—”
Gynelle shifted and blew out the candle. “Oh it is nothing, truly. I know nothing shall ever come of Mage Blythesome. It has been nearly two months. Though I am glad he is still in London. I am not sure I am master enough of my feelings to see him yet.”
Cassia sighed, understanding the truths her sister’s countenance held. Surely that was why she had extinguished their light. Cassia knew when it was her false happiness versus her true feelings, though nearly anyone else could not distinguish it.
“Could you believe that nymph tonight?” whispered Gynelle, clearly trying to change the subject. “Her beauty and her grace? I’ve never seen such magic, ever. Not even when we saw the traveling magicale as children.”
Cassia scoffed. “When it comes to magic, you and I are probably two of the least exposed women in all of England. Our father might hold the title of Master, but who have we ever been around with real magical abilities?”
Cassia could hear the smile in Gynelle’s voice. “You, Cassia, have never been impressed by magic because you don’t have it—don’t need it, I’d submit, with your strong will and quick mind, —so naturally you discredit it. But Mage Blythesome told me he thought I had an ability, though it was faint. The more we watched that nymph tonight, the more I could feel myself growing calm, like I wanted to send happiness outward. What I feel is real. Perhaps Ihave an ability. I think being around other magic strengthens mine, so I can hardly wait to see what the Magess will show us next.”
Cassia tossed her head on her pillow. Could her sister really have a magical ability? Cassia wondered if eventually everyone would turn against her. She suppressed a tear as she lay in the dark bedroom. “That is wonderful, Gynelle. People who use magic for good are so deserving of it,” Cassia paused, thinking of Caliazo’s helpful magic. Then she gathered her thoughts. “But don’t you think there’s something...well, fishy, pardon my lake reference, in all the Magess’ magic? She’stryingto impress us. She’s even given us gowns to wear… frankly I don’t trust her or her schemes.”
“Youwouldbe skeptical of it all,” said Gynelle, tightening the comforter around them. Gynelle exhaled. “You ought to enjoy it. It was an impressive, beautiful display. More importantly, Cidel wished for company, and with the gentlemen here the Magess feels the need to host a grand party. It is rather fortunate we are the recipients of such good timing.”
“Always so kind,” whispered Cassia as she dismissed her sister’s optimism and excitement with a smile. “Sleep well.”
* * *
“Do be back before soon,” Cidel chided Cassia. “We cannot keep the Magess waiting dinner. We’ll need time to change into these,” she gestured to three long sleeved, beaded wonders draped over the back of the bed.
Cassia nodded. “Care to join me?” She glanced from Cidel to Gynelle.
“No, you go on ahead Cassia, I’m writing to Mama.”
“Oh good, include my hellos, will you?” Cassia smiled. “I’ll be back shortly.”
The woods outside of the rectory grew so close and thick that meandering through them created ample cover from the light mizzle. These were the kind of walks Cassia liked best, ones that strayed, ones with a little bit of challenge through nature rather than a simple worn out path.
She ambled around for close to a quarter hour, and presently ran her fingers over the mossy side of a large tree. She pulled around one side of it when a clearing came into view. A ring of tall trees created a circle, each knotted trunk rising high into the air. The branches did not even commence for probably twenty feet, the effect of the thick leaves dappled the light as it came down. It was almost like a cave, or stage of some sort, the center overspread with soft grass.
Such a beautiful hiding spot called to her. She lifted her skirt to step over a large root into the clearing when the snap of a twig and footsteps met her ear. Retracting her step, she shrank against the large trunk beside her. The walking sound suddenly muffled, drowned out by a swoosh of wings and heavy exhales. A tall, masculine riding boot appeared behind one of the trees, followed by the august form of High Mage Darkwood, unaccompanied.
A young female should not be walking through the forest alone. She hadn’t strayed too far from the house, she had thought, but this proved she was farther than she ought to be. She did not wish to meet with Darkwood’s censure. She made to leave the area before Darkwood saw her, but the swooshing sound grew louder, and exhales became more prominent.
Suddenly a creature emerged, filtering through the tree branches. It lighted to the ground softly, its massive, multicolored wings spread until it touched the grass and then folded closed to its back. The neck and torso boasted scales of cerulean which slowly melted to an emerald hue. Two horns and smaller pointed ears came from its head, and its face possessed a muzzle, something between a lizard and horse. It rested into a seated position, and on its hind legs it rose as tall as Mage Darkwood, about the size of a large male deer.
Cassia couldn’t be sure if it was some type of aura coming from the beast or if the clouds had blown away, but the forest clearing brightened. Darkwood bowed slowly, one foot out in front of the other, arm extended with the palm toward the creature. When he drew up to standing again, she had never seen his face more full of life and happiness. He smiled and walked to the great animal, stroking its neck.
“Ember, my old friend.” He drew his face near to the blue scales, “I have missed you.”
The creature nudged his cheek, a constant huffing noise still coming rhythmically from its nostrils. “You missed me, too, boy?” The animal’s face tilted to the side, as though he understood Darkwood’s words.
It wasn’t possible. England didn’t still have...dragons. They had been nearly extinct in Merlin’s time, she was sure. Shehadheard a rumor of them once, by Master Lywin. He had claimed a few still existed, smaller now, and living mostly in hiding, near powerful ley lines. Like much of the magic lore, she hadn’t believed him.
For one moment she broke her stare and shook her head. What she saw before her seemed like something from Merlin himself.
“I had hoped you’d come to your birthplace, Ember, while I was here. How is Pemberley? Is Athelia safe?”
The great winged creature pawed the ground and somehow looked...cheery.
“Good,” said High Mage Darkwood, his hand still on the animal’s neck. “I’ll return there soon enough, just a few more days here to appease the family.” Darkwood smiled, and Cassia’s breath took. He looked handsome. It must be the glow off of the dragon doing strange things to her mind.
“Now you know,” started Darkwood again, “these last few months have been an agony. Thank you for your hint at Netherfield, though nothing...”
