Tree Of Life Part 19

"I have no interest," said Deacon again. "I don't want any partic.i.p.ation in a cause, feel no responsibility, and seek no advantage. Keep your coin-purse in your pocket."

Orsious replied, "Do not make your decision in such haste. Every man has his price, not always in gold. You would not be here meddling in spell books if you did not want something. Dine with me tonight, and we can discuss it."

"You'll have to find another," a.s.serted Deacon. "I'll be gone this day and will not come back."

Magenta heard these words, and it was as though a cruel wind had suddenly extinguished a lamp. Only the night before he had not breathed a word about his departure.

As Deacon turned to leave, the door slammed shut before him, as if struck by some unseen force. Magenta started at the loud bang, followed by her father's vibrating voice of authority. She rushed out to where she saw Deacon sinking under the strength of two men. After resisting only a short moment, he suddenly desisted. His eyes had caught Magenta-pale and struggling to contain her bitter disappointment.

Fraomar watched this exchange. He saw Deacon's countenance fall, her pale lips quiver, and a realization crept bitterly upon him. Steeling himself against her, Deacon turned away his face, looking sideways, downward, to avoid her eyes. Froamar observed what pa.s.sed between them, and it roused in him a fierce jealousy. In his heart he vowed he would kill the wretch at his first chance.

"Remove her," said Orsious, motioning to his daughter.

"I'll see her safely home," offered Fraomar, officiously. Deacon looked over to him. Their eyes met for mere seconds, but already the two men had made enemies of one another.

Orsious approached Deacon. In the imprisonment of his captors' hands he remained upright, his jaw defiantly firm. "We shall discuss matters further, when you've had time to think about them," said Orsious, speaking from a height of conscious superiority. Deacon made no reply and was half-dragged from the room.

Moments after, Fraomar led Magenta home. His hands did not venture near her. She walked with him in silence. She wondered why Deacon had not told her of his leaving but would not harden her heart against him, not without first knowing the reason behind his actions. She thought for certain it must have been his intention to come to her if he had not been detained, but his look of guilty misery told her otherwise.

Fraomar, walking at her shoulder, broke her scrutiny, saying, "Your mind lingers on that poor fool." Her face remained turned forward, giving no indication of her thoughts, but she listened intently. "He should have accepted Orsious's proposal. Now he'll suffer. If he knows what's best for him, he'll revise his decision. He will have time, at least, to think of it in his cell." Fraomar laughed. "I despise the wretch," he said, with a vindictiveness as unexpected as the declaration. At his words Magenta could scarcely suppress the outward manifestations of her wrath. "Had your father no use for him, I would cut his throat. Even now, I consider paying him a visit to let him taste what is to come."

All the time he was speaking, her feelings of offence became more and more intense. "What purpose does it serve?" she said coolly. For a moment he spoke nothing. But when his utterance came it was with significance.

"You love him," he said, turning to observe the effect of his words. She paused in her step, growing pale as if he now knew her guarded secret and would use it against her. Satisfied by her reaction, he continued, "While I so senselessly attempted to earn your heart, it was all the time occupied, a condition you made certain to conceal from me. Now the love you have killed has turned into rancour, and that bitterness he shall taste, till life itself becomes a punishment and a burden. He will find in me the worst of enemies," said Fraomar with a look of implacable menace.

Magenta's mind and heart ran hot. For a moment she was overcome, her breath coming deep and tremulous. Then she said, slowly and with perfect clarity, "Should you dare to touch him, I swear neither devils below nor angels above will save you from the misery that will befall your accursed head. I will make you feel, by the forces of h.e.l.l, the full meaning of a woman's hatred. In me you will find the worst of enemies."

"Bravely spoken," he said. "You have my word, sweet one; I'll not touch him. However, you should know in places such as Gilaad it's hard to prevent such things occurring." He saw her eyes darken with anger, her bosom rise and fall, and knew she wanted to kill him. It gave him a peculiar satisfaction to know he induced such strong sentiments within her, even if it was to his own detriment. "Come," he said. "Don't stand away from me; I will take you home."

"My home is locked away with my heart at Gilaad." With that she left him.

Not far from the mages' guild was an old archery courtyard. It was rarely frequented since the construction of the new court. Magenta went there sometimes. Cedrik and Derek had not seen Deacon since the men took him away earlier in the day. They were on their way home from the guild where they had gone in search of answers, but from which they had received none, when Derek glimpsed the priestess in the courtyard. He stopped, abruptly holding Cedrik back with an open palm to his stomach. Cedrik groaned with the breath knocked from him.

"Let's ask her." Derek nudged him hard and nodded to Magenta. In her hands she held a finely crafted bow drawn and notched with an arrow, the intensity of her concentration a little frightening. She released the arrow, very precisely and cleanly, striking the target with great accuracy. Holding his stomach, Cedrik followed Derek's lead. She alone was there. Intently focused, she made no effort to acknowledge their presence.

Cedrik, approaching with some caution, introduced himself and Derek and told her, in the form of a question, that he believed she was acquainted with their cousin. Magenta lowered the bow. She seemed startled, as if she had been s.n.a.t.c.hed from a deep reverie. "Deacon," she said, a slight frown in her brow.

"That's him," said Derek. His attention was fixed on her with intense fascination. All this while he had wanted to see a dark priestess.

"Some men came this morning for him," said Cedrik. "We haven't seen him since, and no explanation was given to us."

"He is being held at Gilaad," she said, "a place of confinement for those who indulge in the misapplication of magic. Other things take place there of which I know little."

"Why is he being held? What did he do?" said Cedrik. That it had not been the first time did not lessen his anxiety.

"He refused a proposition. No one refuses my father," she said with resentment.

"He won't hurt him, will he?" asked Derek.

"Your father, you say?" asked Cedrik. "I don't suppose there's anything you can do to sort this matter?"

"No, I fear not."

Cedrik nodded, his mind working.

Magenta asked, "Where are you staying?"

"In one of the cottages by the lake."

"Meet me after dark by the edge of the wood," she said, "and I will help you retrieve your cousin."

Cedrik was about to protest. He would rather not go against the law, but something in her expression compelled him to agree.

The moment the brothers returned to the cottage, Cade said to them, "Well, what's happened with him, then?"

"He's being held at Gilaad," answered Derek.

Cade snorted. "The fool has been here for how long?" he said, amused. "Never mind. They'll rough him a little, teach him a lesson or two, then release him back into the wild."

"No I don't think so," said Cedrik. "The woman said his life was on the line."

"What woman?"

"One of the priestesses was there."

"A priestess!" Cade repeated, hotly. "Does no one ever listen to me? Don't put trust in a single word she spoke. Deceit is all that can come from those lips."

"I did not mis...o...b.. her words," said Cedrik, his tone serious.

"If you're truly convinced his life's endangered ..." Cade let out a resigned breath. "I have some friends who might be able to help."

With the calm, blind manner of one who has set her will to a task from which there is no return, Magenta took into her possession several small evil-filled vials. Setting her foot on the edge of her bed, she slipped as many of these as she could into the slots of her leather boot, meant for that purpose, and more into a band that strapped round her upper thigh. When she could carry no more she drew down the skirt of her gown, concealing the treachery, and went to the window.

It was several hours until darkfall, when she had arranged for the boatman to be awaiting her. Stepping out the window, clinging to what she could, Magenta began the precarious descent down the wall. It was a difficult undertaking for any maiden, especially one so unaccustomed to physical exertion. Several times she slipped, and for a moment she was afraid, but her will and determination sustained her. She would free Deacon. She meant to leave with him this night and not return.

Chapter32.

The Escape -he dull evening light crept slowly over the cottages and at last began to die away into darkness. "Where are they?" asked Derek with excited nerves, as the three men stood awaiting their accomplices.

"They'll be here soon," answered Cade and rubbed his hands together briskly to keep them warm. He swore and sat down on the porch steps. "It would would have to be the coldest night yet." have to be the coldest night yet."

Behind him stood Cedrik, who remained very quiet, very still. He knew it was a venture fraught with danger not to be taken lightly. At his hip was his sword. Cade s.h.i.+fted uncomfortably. He hated that everyone was so silent and yet did not feel compelled to break the silence himself.

Two young men came toward the cottage with swift purposeful steps. Cade rose to his feet, and the brothers went with him to met the arrivals. Carson, a st.u.r.dy boy of nineteen, had unkept brown hair and light blue eyes. His countenance, which was by no means unpleasing, was youthful in its expression and full of devilment. Bayne was a slender, swarthy young man of twenty-two. He had a good-looking face, with a straight nose and a full mouth, and eyes that spoke of trouble under the dark lashes. He wore an expression of pride, accompanied by a degree of hostility. He had an old scar from a nasty gnash on his left brow. Both exuded a great deal of self-a.s.surance and daredevilry.

"We stopped by the alchemist and got some bang berries," said Carson with a broad smile. "They won't do any damage, but when hot they make a whole lot of noise."

"What are we to use them for?" asked Cedrik, examining the pouch.

"A distraction," said Bayne. "When it reaches a certain temperature-boom!" His sudden exclamation made Derek flinch. "It'll sound like half the d.a.m.ned roof is coming down! Carson used to throw it into the baker's oven when his back was turned-used to drive the old man into a fury of insanity."

"Have you ever attempted this before?" Cedrik asked, fearing he was dealing with two foolish rogues.

"No, but we've thought about it many times," Carson said.

"We've both been in the lockup before," said Bayne. "We know our way round somewhat."

Knowing he had little choice in the matter, Cedrik reluctantly stated his grat.i.tude for their a.s.sistance.

"I just want to hurt someone," replied Bayne. Cedrik frowned but said nothing.

Here they laid their plans as to how they were to operate and soon set off. Cedrik said uneasily, "We must first go down by the edge of the woods. There's one other to join our party."

None of them inquired whom they would be meeting. Among the shadows of the trees nothing could be seen but the vague shape of her long, slender form. She wore a close-fitting, black gown, which left her throat and arms bare. Her face was bent down as if she suffered some trouble of mind. Unwittingly Carson and Bayne approached. They slowed considerably in their steps, approaching realization, till they came to a complete standstill. Mistrust was in their eyes as they saw her, and curiosity too. Sensible of their presence, Magenta lifted her eyes with a steadiness of gaze which stole upon the hearts of her beholders and haunted them to their cores. There was no bloom on her cheek, but unearthly whiteness.

Shortly after his companions, Cade became aware of her and suddenly stopped, clutching Cedrik's shoulder. "Hold a minute-a priestess?" Cade whispered harshly. "Have you lost your mind?"

Like a bunch of dazed fools, they stood and gazed upon her. A faded scent of flowers was in the air. The singular beauty of her aspect was not what held them enthralled, but some emotion aroused by the unknown and the deeper instinct of dread. From the shadow she came forward as unexpectedly and as soundlessly as an apparition, and the men were as truly startled as if she were. With evident reluctance they were forced to come forward and meet her.

They did not gather close but hung back and allowed Cedrik to address her. "There have been some alterations to the plan," he said, looking back at his companions, as if seeking their a.s.sistance in explanation. Magenta waited, confusion on her brow.

Bayne said shortly, "They came to us for a.s.sistance. We devised a plan. That explains it." She looked at Bayne, and his first impulse was to avert his eyes, but he resisted the urge and held her gaze. "Are we to go now, or stand the whole night here chattering?"

"Where are we to go from here?" she asked, without resistance.

"What?" said Bayne. "You're not to come." He said to Cedrik, "There'll be some harsh things taking place, and I don't want some delicate creature that I have to constantly survey along the way coming with us."

"Tell us first what you had in mind, and we'll compare our options," Cedrik said to Magenta.

Bayne confronted Cedrik with one despairing word, "Fool!" then waited sullenly, arms folded. Magenta explained in the simplest terms what design she had meant to put into effect. Cedrik was not against it and saw that Carson was considering it, while Bayne, he knew from the shadow on his face, understood nothing of what was said.

"That's the complicated way. We'll do it our way," said Bayne. Carson agreed, followed shortly by the others. Silently Bayne exulted in their decision, all the while watching her with distrust. "We're in no need of your help, priestess."

"Nevertheless, I will remain with you." As she moved forward he threw out his arm as if he would catch her. She halted and looked to him.

"I said you're not to come," he insisted. He didn't back away but quailed under the intensity of her offence.

"Think not to intimidate me!" she said with cold fury. "You may come, or you may remain, but you cannot prevent me." A foreboding breeze played through her hair, and the insidious scent of flowers unnerved him. Faltering in his courage, he lowered his arm, and with some muttered, scornful remark allowed her to pa.s.s.

"Let us make haste," said Cedrik, feeling they had lost enough time.

From here they went through the streets of Cheydon, lighted at intervals by open-flame lamps, until they came to a broad, austere structure but a short distance from the mages' guild. Concealed among a cl.u.s.ter of small trees, the companions observed their objective, the whole bearing a most fort-like and unhospitable appearance.

"Many pa.s.s through the entrance without being subject to scrutiny," said Bayne. "We'll stagger our approach so as not to draw attention to ourselves and meet again once inside." He motioned to Derek and Carson. "You two go first with Cedrik. Cade and I will follow after with her." He looked at Magenta, his gaze lingering with curious interest, but she, feeling he was against her, would not look toward him.

All manner of people pa.s.sed in and out of the entrance at various times. Taking advantage of this, Cedrik and his two companions blended with others and remained unperceived. When Bayne saw that they had entered unchallenged, he turned to the two left with him. "That went off without a hitch," he said, with an insufferable smile.

Once inside Bayne broke from Magenta and Cade toward the administration quarters, while they continued left round a bend to their awaiting fellow-conspirators. In this area Bayne sought to put into effect his scheme of distraction. Close by the door, where several guards stood posted, he sighted a large open flame in a cast-iron plate. To this he made his way with purpose till, coming toward him, he glimpsed a face that he recognized, and he knew the person would recognize him. Swiftly and without breaking stride, he redirected his step, turning and walking with his back to the known individual, keeping his face down. Only when the threat had pa.s.sed him by, did he turn and redirect himself toward the flame. Leaning over the plate, careful not to catch himself on fire, he set down the heat-sensitive pouch, trying to arrange it in the ideal place so as not to heat too quickly. Try as he did to remain inconspicuous, his manner did not escape the shrewd notice of one of the guards.

Bayne continued in his task when a male voice came from close behind. "What are you meddling with there?" He rose sharply, as if caught in the perpetration of some questionable act. Facing the guard he stuttered some excuse that came first to mind, feeling beneath his tattered cloak for the hilt of a dagger which was hidden there.

The guard eyed him suspiciously, then, evidently taking him for a fool, turned away. Bayne breathed a sigh of relief, making certain that in his distraction he hadn't placed the pouch too close to the flame. He didn't want it to set off prematurely. The guard catching this over his shoulder saw that he was at it again, swung back and confronted him forcefully: "Leave it alone or so help me, I'll beat you an inch from death! What's your purpose here?"

"I've just been released," he lied.

"Then be on your way before I toss you back in." The guard took hold of him roughly and shoved him in the direction he ought be going. Bayne stumbled off in the path he had been propelled, hands raised to show he meant no harm. The guard looked after him a moment and bent to see what the mischief-maker was so intent upon. From over his shoulder Bayne watched to see if he would be discovered in his crime, and with a quick, subtle motion of his hand, caused the flame to flare, almost searing the guard's face.

The guard withdrew from the flame and convinced there was nothing there, moved on. Bayne smiled to himself, left the entrance area, and rejoined his companions who awaited him round a bend. All six companions stole down the corridor that led to the right apartment. Before reaching the door, however, they paused, pressed against the wall to make certain no one was coming round the corner.

Already feeling the strain, Derek whispered to Bayne, "Can you not make us imperceptible to the eye?"

"No."

"What kind of mage are you?"

Annoyed by the chatter, Cedrik whispered harshly, "One that can hurt you. Now be quiet." He peered round the corner. He saw no one, but the sound of boots came to his keen ear. There was no doubt some one was approaching. Cedrik slowly drew his sword and indicated someone was coming.

Pressed against the wall, gripping the weapon, he awaited his moment. No sooner had the unsuspecting man pa.s.sed them, than down came the hilt of the sword effectively and sharply on his head. He staggered against the wall, half-stunned. Cedrik, grabbing him roughly by the collar, followed the blow with another from his fist, which knocked the man completely insensible. Derek stood over the limp body where it lay. "I think you killed him," he said, horrified, though not without some admiration.

"He has not died," said Cedrik impatiently.

"He's just messed up," said Bayne. "But he's going to wish he were dead when he wakes." He had taken enough blows to the head to know what it was to come to after a particularly nasty one.

"Help me move him," said Cedrik and stooped down. He and Derek dragged the body back round the corner, away from the main corridor.

"Someone's bound to come upon him here," said Carson.

Further on one of them discovered a small storage room. Here they determined to hide him, leaving him crumpled on the floor. Then they went back down the corridor. Without warning the very door they approached swung open toward them. Quickly, while still blocked by the door, they turned and went back round the corner, keeping close to the wall. Several men clad in red robes pa.s.sed from the chamber and continued away from them.

Presently, Cedrik bent his head round, and upon seeing the way was clear, hastened forward, followed by the others. At the door he tried to draw the bolts and received a painful, jolting charge through the hand and arm that buckled his fingers. A startled oath flew from his mouth, and he withdrew.

"It's charmed," said Bayne, pus.h.i.+ng past. He hovered his palm over the lock, focused his attention, and received a charge that knocked his hand back. Carson gave a snorting laugh. Bayne wanted to beat the humour out of him, but knew there was no time. Again he tried and received the same painful result. He cursed it and, using his other hand, was about to try again when Magenta's voice of warning came.

"Should you fail a third time, an alarm will be set forth," she said, coming forward. He backed swiftly out of her path, so she needn't touch him. She poised her palm over the lock-there was a flash of light and it jolted open.

"Lock your valuables," said Derek and threw an impressed look back at his brother.

Bayne reached and opened the door for her. "You may go first," he said. "I don't like you at my back." Without a second thought of him, she pa.s.sed through and continued ahead of them, with Bayne directly behind her. The sound of movement reached his ears more swiftly than it did hers and, swifter still, he caught the skirt of her dress, to prevent her from continuing forward and alerting the individual of their presence. Around the jutting out of the wall, in a small recess, he glimpsed the shoulder of an off-duty guard, sitting at a table, upon which was a bottle of wine and a loaf of rye bread.

With a jerk of the head Bayne indicated for her to fall back. She did this while he crept forward. He stole warily up to the guard. In his hand he gripped the dagger he drew from his cloak, and, as the hapless man rose up, the point of that keen blade plunged soundless into his back, through his heart, at the same instant that Bayne's free hand swung up and covered his mouth. There was no struggle, no sound. Bayne clenched the convulsive body, then with a callous push, pitched it forward to the floor. Magenta winced at the reckless brutality, but she had gone too far to pull out now.