6. Chapter 6
I wasn’t ready to join the welcoming committee just yet.
I needed to erase the vivid thoughts of the dragon rider still swirling through my mind, so I walked around town, enjoying the sunny day. I strolled for a while, smiling at the children playing in the streets while I tried to centre myself. I had to get him out of my head, especially after how my magic had reacted to his touch.
I couldn’t deny that I had enjoyed his calm presence, the way he looked, and how good his calloused hands felt on my skin. I was so lost in my thoughts that I stumbled over a rock, hissing as I grabbed a painfully pulsing toe, noticing how close I was to smack my face on the gravel road.
‘Bloody men with their perky ar … dragons that can give a woman a broken nose or a year of bondage contract,’ I complained, stuttering when I noticed I wasn’t alone on the street.
Once the warmth of my cheeks had decreased, I headed towards my next ordeal, arriving only fashionably late. All the locals were already gathered, and as I sauntered in, the gawking townsfolk gasped. The relief on the mayor’s face was the perfect balm to my wounded pride, making me snort with laughter.
We didn’t get on, but the officious fool knew his job. The town square was beautiful, bedecked with wildflowers our blushing maidens had gathered from the fields, their scent lifting everyone’s spirits. A centrepiece had been set up behind the platform for the town council, as well as a large white cloth embroidered by a talented, though not quite literate , soul.
Wlecome too Zalesie
The awful spelling made my teeth ache, but the beautiful artwork was impeccable. I didn’t have the heart to point out the mistake to the proud matron standing nearby, whose broad smile and constant glances led me to believe that she or one of her daughters had made the banner.
I looked longingly at the tavern and the tables set up with refreshments and snacks for the evening celebration. The enormous barrel of mead I spotted almost made me forget that I wanted to be far away after meeting the imposing rider.
Thanks to the matrons’ continued glances towards the maidens, I noticed that the crowd of young women was less colourful than usual. Some, rather than dressing in their finery to eagerly await the gallant riders, wore darker clothes.
They are mourning, I realised, recognising the daughters of several families who had lost their fathers or brothers after they’d gone to the forest lumber mill and never returned. I grimaced as a pang of guilt struck me, but I was just one mage; and even if I worked myself to the bone, there were too many monsters to combat them all.
I waved to Katja, our herbalist. I suspected she’d simply removed her apron before joining the crowd. For sure, the green-stained kirtle was a dead giveaway of her feelings towards the welcome party but seeing Katja here cheered me up.
She was the most down-to-earth female I’d ever encountered, always honest to herself and others, even if her way of expressing it was … slightly brutal. Why didn’t I follow her example? I berated myself. I stood out like a sore thumb, clearly overdressed for the occasion.
Most of the women gathered to the right of the small platform and the pompous town officials, the bench to the left bearing only two bizarre occupants: our muscular half-orc blacksmith Bryna, and old Helga, who last year celebrated her seventieth birthday.
Oh well , I thought, unable to process why they’d been dragged here—especially Bryna, whose attitude, impressive promiscuity, and frightening strength meant any rider foolish enough to choose her wouldn’t be in a fit state to fight anything afterwards. Gods forbid the poor soul runs out of stamina before she’s satisfied, I mused.
Bryna was more than capable of dragging as many partners to bed as needed to fulfil her desires, and they rarely objected. Despite her almost masculine figure and green-hued skin, she possessed a pretty face with a little perky nose; and, if that wasn’t enough, an impressive set of breasts usually convinced even the most reluctant of men.
‘Surely there must be better candidates … Fuck, they must be desperate, dragging us here,’ I mumbled to myself, bursting into laughter again.
‘Ani! I see our illustrious magistrate managed to persuade you to join this ridiculous spectacle. Wlecome too Zalesie , where every woman has a chance for cock,’ Bryna roared, her laughter startling several council members from their naps. With a friendly pat on the bench, the blacksmith invited me to join her.
‘So, our beautiful mage, what did they bribe you with to ensure your attendance? The magistrate promised me a new forge,’ Bryna said, waving her flask. I turned towards the penny-pinching bastard, whose reaction to my stare was the terrified flinch of a rabbit facing the arrow of a merciless hunter.
‘You motherfu …’ I started, but Bryna’s whistle stopped my tirade and likely saved his sorry arse from being fried. With a deep, cleansing breath, I turned to my friend. ‘I only got a horse. I should have asked for a new house.’
‘Yeah, well, you’ve never been one to bargain. Sit, Ani. We’ve got a front row seat to this spectacle, and I want to see the flying peacocks. Maybe one will tempt me enough to sample their wares later.’ Bryna winked, gesturing towards the anxious women whispering between themselves. ‘At least you’re joining the sensible side.’
As soon as I dropped to the ‘crones’’ bench, Bryna pushed her flask towards me. ‘Drink. You look like you need it,’ she said, her casual scrutiny turning more serious.
Bryna knew my past; she and Katja were the only ones who knew I’d once been Annika Diavellar, the famous mage who fought an immortal wlok and ‘won.’ They also knew I had done nothing to deserve that fame and that my failure haunted me to this day. I’d let it slip one night after a challenging hunt that had left me stranded on a granite outcrop.
I learned three valuable lessons that day.
First, never chase a weregoat up a mountain unless you want to be carried back down like a baby by a half-orc. Second, if you take a numbing tincture that loosens the tongue, don’t take it if you have a secret and the woman who’s about to sew you up has a cheating husband. Third? Well, whether it’s normal or not, a goat covered in orcish spices tastes good , especially if accompanied by the mead said earlier orc opened to celebrate eating the flesh of your enemy.
I took the flask from her hand, gulping down the rest of its contents. The sweet moment of eye-watering alcohol burning its way down my throat was brutally interrupted when old Helga bent towards Bryna and shouted in her ear: ‘What’s going on here? Where’s my blanket?’
‘Oh, Father of Fire, this isn’t worth a forge. I’m not even fucking human,’ Bryna muttered, shaking her head. ‘You and I are just here to fill the seats. More importantly, your job is ensuring I don’t burn this town down if I don’t enjoy the spectacle, as Katja is clearly busy calming down our charming maidens.’
She trailed her gaze over me, taking in the dress and flowing hair before she shrugged.
‘Are you sure you’re not here to relieve a little tension? This new look of yours turned several heads when you arrived,’ she commented, and I felt the warmth of an embarrassing blush spread across my cheeks.
Bryna was a good friend and as brazen as a cocksure sailor, but her remark still made me defensive. I’d wanted to prove that I wasn’t some scruffy hedge witch; now I felt my efforts made me look desperate. As if I was trying to outshine my much younger counterparts.
To make matters worse, in my desire to prove the point, I had glossed over the fact that dragon riders weren’t simple smallholders from a small town, hoping that my battle mage robe would fade into the other maidens’ sea of frills.
Now, I was the one who stood out the most—and the last thing I wanted was for one of them to question what a single battle mage was doing in Zalesie. ‘I’d better go home and change. I don’t want to rob you and our lovely maidens of their chance,’ I said, standing up to leave.
I didn’t get far.
I went to tell the magistrate that I’d return after making a few corrections to my wardrobe. After he’d gone through the trouble to get me here, I didn’t want the vindictive sod sending the town watch to drag me back, attracting even more attention to my dress. Besides, their uniforms were still singed from the last time they’d tried to manhandle me after I had punched Katja’s now ex-husband for getting frisky in the tavern’s backroom.
Unfortunately, before I could get anywhere near the magistrate, a murmur spread through the crowd in front of me, people shuffling to the sides to reveal our visitors. The squad of dragon riders marched straight towards the platform, cutting off my escape.
‘My lady. I knew we’d meet again. The gods must be smiling down on me for such a beauty to greet us.’ I knew that voice. The deep baritone, its smooth, velvety softness overflowing with amusement.
I opened my eyes, realising I’d squeezed them shut to avoid the inevitable confrontation, and looked up into the intoxicating eyes of Vahin’s rider. The men had halted at some unspoken command, but the leader of the unit pressed on. Despite the mayor’s wife waiting with a bouquet and the magistrate, who stood like a maypole with a hand outstretched in greeting, he walked straight towards me as if I were the only one there.
It was just my luck that in my chase for the dragon I had stumbled over the leader of the unit. His unwavering attention made me acutely aware that every single person in this bloody town was now staring at me.
The man in question clearly didn’t care who was looking, and I struggled not to stare at him. If I’d dressed to impress, he beat me without even trying. He wore an imposing set of armour. Polished metal and leather gleamed in the sun as he took my hand, bowing and kissing the knuckles before he deigned to notice the city council.
Their reactions were comical; the women curtsied as if they were meeting royalty, and the overdressed men bowed so low that one man’s feathered hat fell into the mud. The warrior’s only acknowledgement was a casual wave of his free hand, the other still holding mine, his gaze not once leaving my face.
His military bearing and stoic demeanour while he stood before the entire town, his presence effortlessly commanding everyone’s attention, reminded me so much of Talmund that my heart ached and my lips suddenly parted. I couldn’t look away from him.
Then, his face lit with a such boyish smile that the atmosphere changed as the intimidating warrior released my hand, turned to the council, and greeted the assembled men. He lightly flirted with the mayor’s wife as she gifted him the bouquet she’d been desperately clutching, and the poor woman fluttered around so much she’d almost fainted.
I saw his lips twitch when I laughed at the mayor, dragging his overly eager spouse away from the rider. I couldn’t blame her. The man was a sight to behold. When he’d stood before me in the meadow, he’d dwarfed me, but he’d not been frightening. Now, he looked as though he ate demons for lunch, and the collective awe on the council’s faces told me they were well aware of his strength.
I kept my own appreciation tightly leashed because each time the commander of the dragon riders looked at me, it felt like the festivities were pointless. There was kindness in his eyes, but also a steely determination—as if he’d already made his decision, and I was smack-bang in the middle of his plans. As understanding widened my eyes, he smirked and nodded before turning back to his conversation.
He could pass for the god of war himself, but if I’d wanted a powerful man to make my choices for me, I’d have stayed in the capital. I braced myself, ready to cut him down to size and storm off—free horse and bench be damned—when the mayor stepped down from the platform and stood beside me.
‘Do you know each other?’
‘We don’t. Now, if you’ll excuse me? I should make room for the ladies that want to be chosen,’ I snapped, turning on my heel, but the warrior stepped in front of me.
‘That is a regretful oversight on my part. However, as per tradition, I must insist on rectifying my mistake and getting to know you before making my choice. Let’s start with your name, my lady,’ he commanded, and the mayor’s attention instantly snapped to my darkening expression.
There were only so many times a woman could rebuff a man before she suspected an ulterior motive.
Did he recognise the battle mage dress and want a mage in his service? Or maybe the dragon is behind this? I knew so little about dragons, but I understood that they communicated with their riders and I wondered if Vahin had told him we were connected. There were no other reasons for ignoring my desire to leave and then declaring his intent in front of the entire town.
Was this whole meeting an elaborate charade? Organised with its new rules to strip me of any chance for a polite refusal? Worse, if the magistrate had received the order from the court, did it mean that the mages in the capitol knew I was living here?
What if the rider was ordered to deliver me to the council?
A sudden wave of fear and the flare of my magic swept over me, almost as if the aether had reacted to my distress. I hated being manipulated, and the feeling of being trapped was suffocating. If the capital mages knew I was here, I had to run before they dragged me back to complete the Anchor bond with one of them.
Surrounded by the entire town and a flight of dragon riders, I struggled to keep my composure as I searched for a way to escape. I was going to tell the brazen warrior precisely what I thought of the entire situation when the mayor gleefully leapt into the conversation.
‘Oh, my lord, this is Ani Jaksa, our town mage.’ He turned to me. ‘Ani, could you try being nicer ? It’s not every day you meet Lord Ormond Erenhart, Commander of Varta Fortress.’
Fucking patronising prick. I’ll show you nicer .
Anger joined the fear in my mind, fuelling my unhinged magic. My hands clenched into fists as I fought to contain my power. It threatened to unleash itself on the gleeful man, but the mayor didn’t have the sense to ‘read the room.’ But as an arrogant smile blossomed on his face, I lost control, sending red aetheric strands in his direction.
‘Fuck!’ I muttered under my breath, instinctively reaching for the Anchor bond, gasping when Ormond caught my hand and spun me around without seeming to move. His swift reaction doused the rogue spell, but not before the suddenly pale mayor fell back, thankfully unharmed.
As I stared at the warrior, shocked by the audacity of his gesture, I found myself with my hand pressed against his breastplate.
‘It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Ani. Please, call me Orm.’ He lowered his voice, ‘I’m sure we both hope that today will end agreeably, without either of us becoming fodder for the local gossip.’ Orm stroked my hand, acting every inch the man who had found the woman he fancied.
‘You aren’t hurt?’ I whispered, drawing a shaky breath when he shook his head, keeping his expression polite. He had effortlessly taken control of the situation, turning a near catastrophe into something that resembled a warm welcome, all while maintaining his calm demeanour.
It made little sense. Not only did my magic not hurt him, but his touch had broken through my distraction and centred me enough to regain my control. I’d been gently but sternly disarmed by a man I didn’t even know.
My magic never behaved that way, and I stared at him, tense as a bowstring. Who is he? This rock—an unfeeling, unmovable, perfectly polite piece of granite—made me feel like I’d injure myself if I even tried to fight him. Ormond must have noticed my confusion, because he bent to whisper in my ear.
‘We have much to talk about, but right now, you’re scaring the young maidens. The mayor may be a little inept, but there’s no need to spoil the atmosphere for everyone else.’
‘Fine,’ I whispered back, schooling my expression into one of false contentment. I needed time to think and understand what he really wanted before my fear drew the conclusion … but not while I was pressed to him in the middle of the bloody town square.
I knew I would have to push through this welcome ceremony, but I hoped if he insisted on taking me because of Vahin I could try negotiating.
What if I tell him I’ll come, but as a battle mage? With the recent Vel attacks, this could be a reasonable compromise and maybe even the reason he wanted me in the first place, I thought, setting the plan in my head.
I could come with him as an asset. Surely it was a better alternative than fighting an unwilling mage who could set his arse on fire? All I had to do was smile and nod, endure the evening, and talk to him tomorrow. Then he’d be free to choose one of the other women patiently waiting for our little drama to play out.
That would be the best solution for everyone, I assured myself, relaxing my stance, surprised by the prickle of uneasiness that came with the thought. Oh, for fuck’s sake, get a grip, I thought, taking a step back before addressing the man.
‘The pleasure is all mine, Commander. I hope you find Zalesie to your liking. As for knowing each other better … now is not the best time. I would like to return to my companions, and I’m sure your compatriots would like to meet our local beauties instead of standing around waiting for this greeting ceremony to end as well,’ I said loudly enough to satisfy the onlookers.
Orm frowned, as if it had only just occurred to him that he was keeping his men waiting.
‘Of course, my lady,’ he replied, bowing his head before turning towards his riders. ‘Be at ease, men. Enjoy the celebration.’
Orm observed his men as they approached the young women, the poor girls suddenly becoming very shy, only answering with polite greetings. He watched for a while, seemingly assuring himself all was well. Once the first of the girls had smiled, the commander turned back to me, but I was already sitting between Bryna and Helga.
My friends would be the perfect shield until I could think of a good argument so that tomorrow, the commander would accept my plan. I knew one thing, however. Vahin and his touch had awakened not only my conduit magic but many painful memories, and with my power playing tricks, I didn’t want to be sober tonight. I elbowed the blacksmith to get her attention.
‘Do you have any more alcohol? I need so much more than a sip to survive today,’ I muttered, making her chuckle.
‘Ask the commander. I’m sure he’d love to satisfy your … thirst,’ she commented, ‘If an attractive hunk looked at me like that, I’d have my trousers around my ankles before he could say hello and let him have his way with me as many times as he pleased,’ she finished, roaring with laughter as I rolled my eyes.
‘Knowing you, it’d be the man losing his trousers after you ripped them off him and stole his innocence,’ I retorted, shaking my head. I didn’t need her ribald jokes right now. I was already painfully aware of the way I reacted to him.
Ormond stood where I left him, exchanging pleasantries with the town officials before the innkeeper and his helpers began carrying out food for the feast. Dragon riders were well paid, and this feast must have been their doing, as there wasn’t a single sour expression on the officials’ faces.
The innkeeper brought out the best produce from his basement, together with several barrels of beer, wine, and mead. Soon, the town was more interested in eating and drinking than in the dragon riders’ presence, so I took the opportunity to quietly observe the gathered crowd.
Time passed quickly, and I relaxed a little, watching Ormond entertain several women. I was happy he hadn’t returned to my side or tried engaging me in conversation. I still couldn’t understand what had happened in the town square, and it worried me. My magic seemed to be drawn to him, like it had a mind of its own, but I refused to be a slave to its urges.
As expected, none of the riders approached the crones’ bench, and—contrary to my previous reservations—I enjoyed being a part of the gathering. Bryna had already slipped away in order to, as she put it, ‘sample the wares,’ leaving me with a bottle of wine and a sleeping Helga snoring beside me, but I didn’t mind.
These last few months, I’d felt under siege. Monsters had appeared with no rhyme or reason, as if the earth had spit them forth, and I was tired from my relentless pursuit to hunt them down. As I was already as drunk as a proverbial log, I decided that tonight both Zalesie and I needed a bit of joy.
As dusk settled over the celebrating citizens, in a gesture of goodwill—and well-laced with alcohol—I conjured a few small fairy lights. They danced in the air to the music of the band, brightening the evening and adding a romantic splendour to the event. Just as I started drifting into a relaxed stupor, a tall, imposing figure paused in front of me.
‘Ani? I believe I’ve given you enough time. Would you do me the honour of joining me for a stroll?’ The commander stood in front of me, patiently waiting with his hand outstretched in my direction.
‘Don’t you have to look after your riders? What if one of them gets overenthusiastic before they’re given permission?’ I said out of sheer defiance.
‘The Maiden’s Day Choosing is only meant to find women to work in the fortress, not enter any man’s bed. No rider would force their touch on a woman without her consent. That’s why I’m asking instead of throwing you over my shoulder and taking you somewhere quiet to talk.’
I choked on my wine.
‘What?’ I coughed before taking a deep breath. ‘Let me guess, you won’t take no for an answer.’
‘You’re an intelligent woman, Ani. I can see you don’t want to be chosen, but that creates a dilemma for me. I need you to come with me, and I would prefer you came voluntarily,’ he said, and I sighed, feeling the walls of a trap closing in.
Orm must have noticed my stubborn expression because his gaze softened. ‘I don’t bite, Ani. On the contrary, I want to earn your trust. I’d like to propose a contract that will benefit us both, but that involves disclosing things that should not be overheard in a crowd. So, my lady, shall we? Or should I behave like the brute you clearly expect me to be?’
I had to remind myself that I’d hoped for this chance to negotiate, but I also felt like I had to prove I wasn’t a fool. ‘I don’t consider you a brute, Ormond. If anything, you are unnaturally calm, and that proves you are a dangerous man. I can see you like to be in control, but I’m not some simpering child who wants to hang on your every word,’ I smirked.
‘This town means a lot to me, and I suspect you had a hand in intimidating the town council. They think disagreeing with you will incur your wrath, stripping this place of the dragons’ protection if they don’t do everything you ask.’
Seeing his appreciative nod, I knew I’d guessed right. Ormond was the reason for my forced appearance. Still, if he thought he could play me, he was sorely mistaken.
‘You want to talk?’ I continued, ‘Fine, we can talk. But this time I’ll do the talking, and you’ll listen,’ I said, standing up, though my regal pose was spoiled as I swayed from too much wine. I’d been sitting for too long on an uncomfortable bench, and my muscles protested. My legs wobbled, and Ormond grabbed my waist, pulling me close with effortless ease.
‘You’re doing it again. Why did you help me earlier and … how …’ I said before a hiccup forced me to stop.
‘You looked … startled earlier, and I didn’t want you to suffer. I admit your power had a bite to it, but I’m no stranger to pain. As for the rest, I promise to listen.’
‘You haven’t so far. You just keep giving me orders,’ was my retort, and he sighed.
‘Is that how you see it? I’m not trying to intimidate you, but I’m a military man who’s used to plain speaking. Would you prefer that I insult your intelligence by muddying the waters and whispering sweet nothings in your ear? I could do that if it would make you happy or more compliant, but we both know it would just make you angry,’ he said, still holding me close.
‘What …?’ I flinched when he bent to my ear. His breath caressed my skin, warming it against the chilly evening breeze. ‘I can be very persuasive when I choose to be, so tell me if I’m wrong. Do you want me to be … persuasive? Or can we continue with reasoned discussion?’ he went on, pulling me even closer and inhaling deeply.
‘I saw the way you looked at me in the fields, Annika. I’m not immune to this, so if you want me to seduce you, I can. There is no means I wouldn’t use to bring you to the fortress. You will join me tomorrow, but I will let you decide whether you’ll come willingly as my guest or under the geas as my ward. I don’t want to order you around. The way you treated Vahin … the way you talked to me … I’d prefer your cooperation, Ani, so I ask, as humbly as I can: please, will you talk to me?’
Geas? Did he say he had my geas?
He continued speaking, but all I could think of was the geas. Gods, how I hated that word. My body was trembling in his grasp, and for once, I was grateful, as I suspected I would have collapsed if not for his support.
If he had my geas, he knew exactly who I was. The only way he could have gotten it was by appealing to the royal mage. I looked up to find that his dark green eyes expressed nothing but concern.
‘Annika?’ He placed a hand on my cheek. His simple gesture centred me enough to break through the initial panic. He was still holding me, but as I pulled away, Orm reluctantly let me go. If he genuinely knew the words of my geas, I was trapped, and we both knew it.
‘Do you really have it?’ I asked quietly, and he nodded. ‘Fine, my lord, you win. Let’s talk. I will meet you at the floodplains. There’s an old lightning-struck tree nearby. Just wait for me—’ I stopped when he raised his hand.
‘We will go together. I’m sorry, but I can’t let you burn your house again. It took a lot of effort to find you after your first disappearance ,’ he said. When I bristled, Orm gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear as the wind blew it across my face.
‘I’m not your enemy. I am, however, the commander who protects these lands, and you are a conduit mage sworn to defend the kingdom. I wish we’d met under different circumstances, but the fates rarely give us favourable choices,’ he said. I saw regret flashing in his eyes before he exhaled slowly. ‘Let’s go, my lady. It is time we had that talk.’