7. Chapter 7
I couldn’t believe how much meeting Annika complicated my plans. The task was simple: come to Zalesie, find the mage, and use the geas to make her come to the fortress for whatever Alaric needed her to do.
Since learning Ani was the mage that had caused the avalanche ten years ago, the same person that Vahin rescued right after the incident, I’d been unscrupulous in ensuring she would have no choice in following my orders. However, Ani was nothing like I’d expected.
I couldn’t shake the impression that I’d just sparred and lost, despite holding all the cards. She’d done it so skilfully I wasn’t even disturbed by my loss. And her appearance … The uniform she wore made her look dangerous and professional while accentuating her femininity and softening the righteous indignation she wielded like a sword.
She was also very drunk, glaring at me each time she stumbled, almost as if blaming me for the uneven cobblestones under her feet. ‘Slow down, there’s no rush,’ I said, once again grabbing her arm to prevent her from falling.
My sigh as I wrapped her hand around my forearm earned me another murderous glare before I saw a flash of surprise in Ani’s eyes, but something felt off. It was almost as if it wasn’t me she was seeing until, with a quick shake of her head, my companion recovered her senses.
‘Fine, we can slow down, so you can let me go.’
‘No,’ I answered, realising as I spoke that I enjoyed having her beside me. I expected my companion to protest again, but whatever she’d wanted to say died in a huff as she stumbled, gripping my arm tighter with a quiet grumble.
The woman was a contradiction, reasonable yet volatile. I’d almost burst into laughter, realising her unassuming allure was what had made me change the plans I’d meticulously implemented over the last three months—and all she had done was caress my dragon.
The search for the elusive mage from the lake had been challenging. We knew next to nothing. Just a physical description and that she was a conduit. So it had been a relief when Alaric came up with the idea of checking the royal records for living conduit mages, only to find one matching the description whose death , albeit recorded, was flagged for an unknown reason. By coincidence, it was the rookie who caused the Lost Ridge incident.
‘How did you find me?’ she asked as we walked, and I smirked. I couldn’t tell her that I had followed her trail like a bloodhound. That I had sent my men to all towns within walking distance of the lake to bring me the names of the resident mages. Still, I felt I owed her some explanation.
‘Your name, and the fact that Alaric—my fortress mage whom you met at the lake—sensed you were a conduit. There are few conduits in the royal register, and no high-class mage decides to live in the borderlands. Yet here in Zalesie was Ani Jaksa, who miraculously appeared just under ten years ago. It also helped that her surname was the human version of Jah’aksai … the name of the fae healer who was recorded as one of a dead conduit’s Anchors.’
She looked at me sharply before her shoulders slumped. ‘And I thought I hid so well. So … the strangers that kept coming to the town …’
‘Were my men. You have a talent for disappearing. I knew I couldn’t leave you alone despite your connection to this place. You are a weapon, Annika. A weapon I desperately need.’
I couldn’t take any chances, so I had posted men to monitor Annika Diavellar. Some of them tried to approach her with my invitation. Unfortunately, every time she saw a stranger, Annika wouldn’t even give them the time to speak. They’d returned to the fortress with gaps in their memory, so I’d come here expecting to find an arrogant mage lording her status over the local population. Only to find a foul-mouthed but caring and respected member of the community.
Interestingly, I’d also discovered that she was also the reason we never received requests for soldiers or an increased dragon presence here. Ani was culling the monster population around the town like they were pests, and knowing how well she knew these mountains, I wanted to ensure she stayed where she was until Maiden’s Day.
‘How did you get my geas and … order for the mages to take part in the Maiden’s Day circus?’ she asked, still slurring her words.
‘Family connections. My brother is Lord Marshal of Dagome.’
‘Of course, you’re able to change the law when it fits you,’ she huffed, and I sighed.
Her response stopped me from divulging that the royal mage had granted me the geas the moment he’d learned whom I’d found. He could barely believe she had survived without an Anchor or without causing a catastrophe for so long, and he made me swear I’d find a way to tame her magic.
The old man’s hands had trembled when I told him who I’d discovered. There were only a few conduit mages in the kingdom, and it seemed Ani had faked her death to run away from the splendour of court before her geas could be activated, refusing to be bonded again. It was easier for everybody to believe she’d died than admit there was an uncontrolled power so close to the Barren Lands.
I was more than happy to sweep their mistake under the carpet, so I came here thinking I knew exactly who I would have to deal with, determined to drag her from this town by force if necessary. Then I met her on the floodplains and realised I knew nothing. Not only might I have misjudged her character, but I also didn’t foresee how I’d react to the encounter.
We walked together in silence until I noticed Ani curling her hand into a fist, rubbing her fingers together, and I covered her hand with mine. As I suspected, it was cold, but I enjoyed the sensation of her magic prickling my skin as she tilted her head and looked at me with a frown.
‘What are you doing?’
‘I’m warming your hand. It is cold as ice,’ I answered. I didn’t stop her when she pulled away; we were almost at the floodplains anyway. ‘Tell me, what’s so special about this town that you moved here?’ I asked to break the tension, but the rigid set of her jaw indicated I had asked the wrong question.
‘Fresh mountain air and friendly citizens, of course. Why else would a conduit mage settle in an isolated town, filling her days with making love potions and chasing ghouls and chickens?’ she answered.
Troublemaker, I thought, feeling annoyance mixed with amusement. I tried to ease the muscles in my neck, wincing as Ani jumped at the crunching sound. She was skittish, and as soon as she’d learned of my status and the geas, Annika had become more prickly than a thistle.
‘Chickens?’ I asked against my better judgement, and she pursed her lip.
‘Of course. They are an important part of the local culture. Ask the mayor’s wife. She’ll tell you all about it, and in great detail. In fact, you must ask her about it, as their frequent disappearance is strongly related to the fading of the Barrier. At least that’s what she thinks.’
‘What?’ I stopped and grasped her hand. The abruptness of my gesture made her stumble into me. ‘What are you talking about? What do chickens have to do with the Barrier?’ It sounded like nonsense, and I realised it was when Ani’s lips twitched. Brazen witch , I thought, turning my face away from her to hide how much it pleased me.
‘Nothing. On second thought, don’t talk to the mayor’s wife. No one deserves that conversation.’ She laughed. ‘Gods, the look you just gave me was so incredulous it was cute.’
I’ve been called various names—‘unfeeling bastard’ the one most commonly used within my hearing, but cute ? That I’d never heard. My annoyance at her teasing ebbed into appreciation. Few dared to speak to me so disrespectfully; even fewer were bold enough to tease Varta’s commander with crazed theories on fucking chickens.
She was the breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed.
We arrived at the tree she’d mentioned, and Ani instantly let go of my hand, leaning on the gnarly trunk. I could hear dragons snoring; Ani must have heard it, too, because she looked in the same direction.
‘Do you think Vahin is there?’ she asked. I nodded, quietly observing her. With the sound of music in the distance and under the soft light of the stars, her face had finally softened. I kept my distance, letting the peace of the night seep in until I felt she was ready to hear me.
‘I like the night,’ Ani whispered, turning her face towards the sky. ‘It hides the monsters and ugliness of this world, letting you forget who you are and what you’ve done … I sometimes wander outside to lose myself in the sea of stars and talk to those who can no longer hear me,’ she continued, exhaling slowly.
The beauty of those words and the pain behind them stunned me into silence. I’d expected a fight. Instead, I stood beside a shivering woman who looked at the stars as if she could find all of the answers to her questions amongst them. There was unresolved grief hidden in her words, and I didn’t know if Ani was purposely sharing this with me or if the alcohol had loosened her tongue.
‘One day, I will take you to the stars if you’d like. Vahin can carry us both, and whatever you need to tell them will be heard by the gods themselves.’ My offer was an impulse that I instantly regretted when she chuckled, shaking her head before turning her gaze towards me.
‘Leave the sky for the dragons, Orm. If the gods want to listen to my ramblings, they’ll have to come down to my level, but I appreciate the sentiment. You’re making it very hard for me to detest you, so let’s hear what you have to say. I know it is a strange place to talk, but whatever you need to say, it’ll be easier to take here.’
As the silence stretched out, crickets, initially disturbed by our presence, resumed their melody. The air, filled with the perfume of night flowers, was the perfect backdrop for lovers, but not for the contract I was about to reveal. Yet, I couldn’t stop thinking about how to soften the blow.
‘Ormond, we can stay here all night, but at some point, I’ll fall asleep. So please, tell me why you went to such lengths to entrap me,’ she asked, and I cursed. Why did she have to wield her words like a whip every time I wanted to go easy on her?
My anger abated when she added quietly, ‘Since I’m still here despite you knowing who I am … don’t you want to take me to the capital?’ I shortened the distance between us, wondering how honest I could be and how she would take it when I announced to the town that she was my chosen maiden tomorrow.
She ran and hid here because she refused to take the Anchor chosen by the council. Will telling her she has to bond Alaric to fix the keystone cause the same reaction?... I’ll let him broach the subject. Let’s see what she says if I offer my protection and the opportunity to do more than slay a few ghouls every once in a while. My new plan had its flaws, but between the meeting on the floodplains and now, I hadn’t had time to consider all the implications.
‘The problem is here, not in the capital—and before you ask, only the royal mage knows you’re alive.’ She exhaled slowly, looking at me with a little less hostility. ‘Tomorrow, I will announce that I have chosen you, and you will accept it without causing a scene. I know you don’t desire that, so tonight, I wanted to explain why I must do it this way and why it’s so important,’ I said, and she pushed herself off the tree.
‘Well, I’m all ears. I’m guessing you came here lured by the stories of my power, and the way we interacted earlier had you thinking you could kill two birds with one stone. Ugh, never mind, it’s a starting point. Let’s negotiate—but before I give you my terms, you need to know the truth.’ The tone of her voice made me raise my eyebrow.
‘What truth? Please, do enlighten me. I’m all ears.’
‘You may have a body to die for, but I’m not interested in you. If you went as far as to obtain the geas, you know who I am and how far I can go to protect myself. Trust me, you’ll not win a fight with me, so if you think you can force me to warm your bed, think again. You may rule Varta Fortress, but if you want a mistress, I’m not your woman.’
I smiled at the challenge in her eyes. She looked me in the eye, her expression informing me she wouldn’t stand for any strong-arm tactics, and I enjoyed every moment, knowing she wouldn’t slide from my grasp. ‘Annika, I don’t need a mistress. I need a weapon. Do you really think the royal mage would have just let you go once he learned of your existence otherwise?’ I let the meaning of my words hang in the air.
‘What did you promise him to get me?’
‘I gave him my word that I would take responsibility for you,’ I said, and she snorted a laugh.
‘Well, then you are shit out of luck, Commander.’
‘I don’t believe I am, and I think we can come to an understanding. You are a contradiction, woman. In one breath, you tell me you find me attractive; the next, you find my touch repulsive. You wound me deeply if you think I’d force my attention on an unwilling partner, but rest assured, I wouldn’t go through this much trouble just to get you in my bed. Though, if you wanted to join me, I could be persuaded.’
Gods, that came out wrong. I almost winced. I came here to acquire a weapon and had found a woman who loved the stars and who had a smile that could brighten the night.
That she would think I’d force her into my bed … Her words wounded my ego, and I had lashed out without thinking. I didn’t know what angered me more: the fact she didn’t want me, or the fact she thought so little of me.
‘I don’t find you repulsive, but I don’t like to be coerced or manipulated into a situation, and your attitude … You’ve threatened me with the only thing I can’t refuse, and you’ve done it here in my home. You have shattered my peace, Ormond. How did you think I’d feel about it? Do you know how it feels, after all these years, to still be seen as an unhinged mage who needs a guardian because I apparently clearly can’t be trusted to live on my own?’
Ani inhaled sharply, fighting a losing battle to hold back angry tears.
‘You know what? No, I refuse to be owned. So fuck it. Fuck the geas, fuck you, and fuck the king and the horse he rode in on. What can he do? Kill me? Officially, I’m already dead.’ Ani’s statement was spoken with quiet determination, accompanied by slowly building magic. The hairs on the back of my neck rose, and the coppery taste of fear coated my tongue as the destructive power of a conduit mage slowly surfaced.
‘No!’ I said, grasping Ani’s arms, enduring the burning pain from the magic coursing through her body. I knew I had to stop her before she cast a spell in drunken anger. After a moment’s struggle, the burning lessened, and her body softened in my arms.
I let Ani catch her breath, trying to ignore the now delightful sensation of holding her close. The tingling where our bare skin met was intoxicating, almost as if silken strands of magic were sliding over my flesh, binding us together.
‘Annika, stop. I’m trying to give you a choice, one where you get to set your terms. Just give me a chance to explain. Did you really think the royal mage would let you go? I had to give him something.’
‘You could have left me alone. And what the hell do you think you’re doing?’
‘Helping you contain your anger. I don’t want to fight, and I don’t want to hurt you if I’m forced to defend myself. Control yourself, mage, or I will be forced to control you. So, can I let go? Or does anger still cloud your judgment?’ I argued calmly, noticing her cheeks redden at my insult, but at least she stopped struggling.
‘Let me go, or my magic will do something we both regret. I was only trying to erase the geas spell from my mind before you could use it on me.’ Her eyes sent daggers at me. ‘I won’t be anyone’s puppet.’
I bristled at the comment but couldn’t help admiring her defiance.
‘It would kill you. Even I know that’s impossible! I can’t believe you’re bold enough to have tried it. I was merely holding you down.’ I paused. ‘Your magic feels … interesting. Tell me why it’s wrapping itself around me,’ I said, releasing her and backing up, my hands raised to show my peaceful intentions.
Ani stood motionless for a moment before sitting on the grass with a heavy sigh.
‘Because I have no Anchors. What you felt was my magic trying to tether us together. When my emotions are high, the most primal part of my power takes control, and it only requires skin-to-skin contact … You don’t want to become a mage’s Anchor, trust me,’ she ended with a bitter laugh.
‘Does it react like this to anyone?’ I asked, unable to rein in my curiosity.
‘No, but few dare try pinning me down against my will.’ She lowered her head. ‘My power has become more unstable recently. You saw for yourself in the town square, and … thank you for helping me contain it … it’s become wilful and is trying to attach itself to any compatible being. That’s what you felt, even if it shouldn’t happen. I’m a broken mage, Ormond.’
I raised my eyebrow at her open honesty.
‘May I ask why?’
‘Why what? Why I refuse to be bound? Why I would need to be? Or do you mean why I would bind you?’ she asked dismissively, clearly expecting me to know what she meant. However, whilst I knew some of Ani’s history, most of it was a complete mystery.
‘Any of those? All? You were kind enough to point out my ignorance, perhaps you should educate me.’
‘I don’t know why my magic wants you. You’re not even a mage. Yet I feel … something between us. I refuse to take another Anchor because I cannot let myself care for someone again. Why do I need to be Anchored? Because the amount of aether I can draw through my body is terrifying and unstable. Each time I cast a spell without an Anchor, I risk losing control and killing everyone around me, myself included.’
‘How does it work? I admit I know little about conduit mages.’
‘We are the access to unlimited power, like a dam on a raging river that can be opened and closed at will. Where a regular mage is like a goblet, able to hold a certain amount of magic, we can channel limitless magic. There is a danger, though. It is easy to open the dam, but to close it, one mage’s will is never enough, and the stronger the conduit, the more Anchors they need to help shut off the aether,’ she started.
‘And the limitless magic … the human body can only withstand so much. Each time a conduit’s ability is used, it is euphoric, but the mage is left weakened for minutes or hours, sometimes even for days. At the same time, their Anchors, if they are close by, no longer need to use their reserves, and their spells become powerful beyond measure. The effect lasts for some time, even after the conduit closes the gateway to the aether.’
Ani gave me a look a defiance before continuing, ‘Magic has consequences, and without Anchors, I’m defective—powerful, but essentially useless. You told me you came here for a weapon, likely because your mage told you about conduits’ unlimited power, but you’re wasting your time,’
I felt a soft, tender smile tease my lips. ‘I think you’re exactly the person I need.’
‘Fine, tell me why I need to go to the fortress because I’m failing to understand,’ Ani insisted, wrapping her arms around herself, gently shivering as she muttered something under her breath. I removed my riding cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. Its fur lining would keep her warm. Annika appeared surprised by my gesture yet again.
‘You are cold. Don’t read too much into it,’ I said, answering the unspoken question and ignoring the frown on her face. When she didn’t respond or return my cloak, I sat next to her.
‘When you first met Vahin, you also met my mage, Alaric,’ I said, to which she nodded, acknowledging my words. ‘At the fortress, we not only fight Vel demons, but also patrol the border, even going behind the Barrier to the Barren Lands to ensure nothing threatens the Lowland Kingdoms.’ I stopped for a moment to let the information sink in.
‘The problems with the Barrier began before you created the Rift. However, now that the Rift is growing, there’s been more and more trouble. Alaric thinks there is a way to replace the keystone; that’s why we were at the lake. Since meeting you, he’s convinced that with the right crystal and your conduit abilities, he would be able to fully restore the Barrier.’
‘Pray tell, how could I manage that? The archimages of legend created the Barrier, and all of them were part of the High Order. I’m an elemental mage of the Primal Order with no talent for artifice,’ she asked, rolling her eyes and pulling my cloak tighter around her body.
‘For that, you’d need to speak with Alaric. But I’ll share something with you that may help you decide. With the growing breach in the Barrier, the casualties from each skirmish have increased. Fathers, sons, brothers— good men. They are dying because they were never trained to fight monsters.’ I explained.
‘We don’t get the elite here. We get the unemployed, the unskilled, and farmers who’ve no idea which end of a sword goes where. Not to mention the criminals who just don’t care. Those are the types of people being sent to the most hostile place in the country.’
I couldn’t stop myself from going on; she had to know what I’d be bringing her into. ‘There are rumours that the king is … not fully in control and has alienated the other rulers of the Lowland Kingdoms. It doesn’t help that the southern countries think the monsters here are our problem; and since there is no war, they are no longer obliged to contribute.’
I huffed a breath, my annoyance and desperation simmering under the surface. ‘We are alone here, Ani … And the Rift is spreading. You are my last thread of hope in a world of increasing attacks. Vel demons are breaking through every day—minor demons for now, but it’s just a matter of time before something bigger forces its way through. Do you understand? That’s why, if there’s even the smallest chance you can help, I have to take it.’
‘Ask the royal mage or the chancellor for help. If you have enough power to access my geas, you can ask for someone more competent than me to help your mage seal the Barrier. I’m not the only conduit in the country,’ she argued.
‘And I told you, my magic is unstable. Frankly, I’m no better than a hedge witch. I want to help, but you need a hero of old, not some disgraced mage who spends her evenings drinking herself into oblivion,’ she insisted, but I sensed the tentative acceptance in her voice.
‘My predecessor asked, and the high mage who came here was killed by the wlok. Others have tried, but all of them have said it was hopeless. I wish I knew more about this, but all I know is that Alaric said that your power resonated with the keystone.’ I hesitated.
‘There is also another minor detail … All of them refused to work with a dark fae and, as they said, be tainted by his magic.’ I felt the anger seep into my voice and stopped myself before I made the situation worse.
I was glad I opted for the truth, though. While Ani’s frown was still present, it was now directed elsewhere, and the look she gave me was filled with concern and empathy.
‘Ormond, you’ve been lied to if you were told I’m strong. You’ve heard of my fight with the wlok and think I saved the day. All I did was lose control and … Trust me, I’m the last person you need. But if it will make you feel better, I’ll go to the fortress and talk to your mage. I don’t care if he’s dark fae, orc, or something the cat dragged in. I will do what I can, but don’t count on me making a difference when so many better than me have failed.’
I couldn’t help the twitch of my lips. Annika cared for those around her and unflinchingly faced danger, setting her own terms. She just needed a little nudge to make the right decision.
‘I need more than that, Ani. Give me a year. The more I talk to you, the more I’m convinced you can help. If, after a year, you still haven’t found a way to fix the Barrier, you will be free, and I swear that no one will come after you ever again. Annika Diavellar will disappear for good. Your geas will be destroyed, and you will have my family’s protection—not that you need it,’ I quipped with a smile.
‘The same applies if you restore the Barrier earlier. You will be free, Ani. Freer than anyone could ever hope to be.’ She turned to look directly at me. The little crease on her forehead deepened, and somehow, her thoughtful expression made my smile widen.
‘You know, when you’re not threatening to fry my rear end, you’re quite the reasonable woman. I’ve heard about how you fight the Vel without Anchors. You’re obviously not afraid to face danger, even alone and outnumbered. What I wasn’t expecting was for you to face me, especially armed with your geas … I’m impressed.’
‘Then you’re easily impressed,’ she muttered.
‘No, I am not. After fighting the Lich King’s demons for so long, there is little that impresses me. Yet you’ve captured my attention. You , not your power. Though I confess I came here to retrieve a mage, maybe I can leave with … a friend?’ my voice trailed off as my need for her acceptance surprised me with its intensity.
‘If I agree to this, it will be as a mage … not as a bound maiden.’ Ani’s voice was barely a whisper, but what gave me pause was the smile that briefly ghosted over her face. The first smile that lacked any of her previous tension, and gods, it was beautiful.
‘Of course. You will join us as our second fortress mage, and you will receive all the honour such a position deserves.’
‘Fine, then I’ll go. Just make sure your men know I’m not available,’ she acquiesced and wrapped my cloak tighter around her body.
‘Not even for those who understand you don’t want a commitment?’ I asked. Her smile gave me hope, and I couldn’t resist teasing her a little.
I understood she didn’t want to come as a bondmaid—a mage entering a bondage contract was a humiliating prospect, but her firm refusal of any encounters only sharpened my interest. As I looked at her suddenly solemn expression, I knew the first step to discovering Annika’s secrets was to find out why she was so eager to place a wall between us.
‘My magic doesn’t understand noncommitment.’ The calm bitterness of her tone was stinging and sobered my jesting mood.
‘Annika, the offence you are afraid of is punishable by death. We protect women, having so few of them. It brings my men much joy to respect and cherish those who come to live with us. If anyone dares to touch you, no matter who they are, I will wring their necks myself,’ I said, seeing her eyes widen.
To offset the harshness of my words, I added, ‘Still, wintery nights in the fortress can be lonely and challenging; there’d be no shame if you sought comfort in such situations.’ She huffed in annoyance.
‘I don’t need your pity, Lord Ormond, and I’m perfectly capable of defending myself,’ she said, sounding offended.
‘What if I’m the one asking for pity?’ I don’t know why I blurted it out, but as I did, I realised I wanted her to know how I felt. I’d revealed her secrets and if I was asking for her friendship, it was time to reveal some of my own. Even if it was a small admission, I hoped it would even up the scales.
‘I rarely talk with anyone as an equal, let alone a beautiful woman, and while I can’t deny that my misconceptions of your character made this encounter difficult, I find myself drawn to you. Whatever your magic was doing to me, it felt right, but I understand you feel otherwise. I simply wanted you to know that I am not averse to becoming close to you. A year is a long time to brood in a mountain fortress, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Life is well lived behind our cold granite walls, and I wish to share it with you. Let me be your friend, Ani.’
‘Hm … friends … Are you trying to make the world better for everyone or just for me?’ she asked, turning her face to the side. I could see the pain she tried to hide before lowering her head and whispering, ‘How can I be your friend when you are so much like Tal?’
‘Tal?’ I asked, surprised when Ani flinched at my question.
‘One of my former Anchors. You remind me of him.’ The tight smile she offered me didn’t reach her eyes as she spoke, ‘I don’t know if I can be your friend. All I can promise is to try to be the best mage I can be.’
I already knew that Ani’s Anchors had died the day she damaged the keystone.
It wasn’t my fault that I reminded her of the past. Regardless, my lack of malicious intent didn’t make me feel like any less of a heartless bastard. Somehow, whatever I’d said came out wrong, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings more. It was time to wrap up this conversation.
‘Good night, my lady.’ I bowed to take her hand, but she stepped back, shaking her head. I straightened.
‘Until tomorrow.’ There was nothing more to say.