A Mothers Protection

Bradford noticed the glowing light disappaiting before his eyes. He either had found her or she worked a spell to conceal herself. The aroma of lavender and lemongrass filled the air as he slowed his pace once again.

Alexandre listened for Ravens breathingl. “It’s steady but labored. Her heartbeat seems to be strong enough to handle the elixir.” Stepping from behind them out of the trees, Bradford sensed her and immediately turned to face her. He watched her eyes dart over her daughter looking for a bite or something to indicate her state.

“She was trying to find you. I gave her a small amount of my blood so she could keep going. I feared you would detect our arrival and flee before I could speak on my Elder Lord’s behalf to you.”

“If she dies…Stop wasting precious moments stumbling over your words and tell me which fate befell her? Poison? Enchantment? Did you bite her?” Her eyes flashed with dark hues. Her eyes peered into Bradford’s thoughts and she spoke clearly in his mind, “Tell me NoW.”

“Yes, Madam Bellavonnes. She followed the blood ties to you and as the sun began to lower, her thirst increased beyond control she jumped into the enchanted stream and attempted to drink from it. She quickly detected the spell work and didn’t drink it but it splashed all over her.”

“She needs a special elixir. Put her down and step back.”

“Not a chance. I need your help making my “Exivo” for my Elder Lord.”

Alexandre thoughtfully glanced away as she realized the effects of that elixir on the Bitten. Looking back at her daughter she realized the day had come she would have to reveal the truth about her father. “I already gave her the herbs she prepared.”

“I see. Put her down and step back. I won’t help you by coercion. You will have an audience with us after I’ve healed her.” Pointing at the bench built around the tree. “Sit her there. And step back.”

Bradford acquiesced and took a view of the cabin behind him. The small porch was a mere shadow to the full front porch of Ravens home. The entire cabin was much smaller. The herbs lined the awning as her former home. Feather wind catchers hung there along side them. The modest home was made of lumber and had moss across the roof. Alexandre lifted her daughter to her feet and slid her arms around her little girl’s waste. “Come to, Raven. It’s time to stir the stew.”

Raven’s eyes fluttered. “Mama? Is it you? Am I dreaming?” She felt weak but this was unlike a dream. Her mama’s arms felt solid and warm. A haze blurred her vision. Exhaustion fell heavily upon her steps.

Entering the cabin, Alexandre gently laid her daughter to bed and walked across the room to the kitchen area. Here she pulled herbs down from the cabinets and began to prepare for the elixir to be made.

“Madam, I must speak with you in person. The Elder Lord requires a potion for a spell.”

Alexandre looked across at her sleeping daughter and smiled. Soberly, she continued to prepare the elixir, “Go ahead and speak. I can hear you this way clearly. Why would I trust the Bitten to be inside my home?”

“You will have to trust me. I can help you prepare it faster. The spell can be worked by two who have caster abilities.”

Alexandre realized why he was able to get through her charms at home. He was able to detect Raven and through his ability he was able to talk to them without words. Stepping off her threshold she stared at Bradford. Taking a deeper consideration of Bradford and why he may need that elixir she stepped forward.

“Why does the Elder Lord need it?”

“Madam, that is something I don’t know. He summoned me and made his request. By blood, I cannot deny him. I don’t know who or what he intends to use it for.”

“Dangerous, Ignorant. Look at what predicament you’ve placed us under.”

“Raven and you are both still hidden from the Bitten by your magic. I suspect I was requested due to my abilities.” Bradford bowed gently never loosing eye contact. “I will need invitation. You must say the words.”

“How do I know you mean no harm to her? She already drank from you. The connection is already made.”

“Alexandre Bellavonnes. I, Barren Bradford Whitley, vow to bring no harm to Raven or yourself in this quest. I need your help. Please. Just say the words,”

Bradford lowered his head closing his eyes with his hands stretched out for acceptance.

“This creature was once like me. There could be good inside him still. I’m loosing time.” Deciding to just use her wards against him she walked up to him and said the words, “Barren Bradford Whitley, would you join me inside for a meal and a lesson?” She extended her hand to be shaken finding it instead cupped and a light cold kiss was placed upon her knuckles. “All right. Pretense aside. I have much to do.” Alexandre wiped her hands on her apron instinctively and turned to walk inside.

“Ouch. Rude.” Bradford scoffed under his breath.

“Be grateful for the opening and opportunity. Now,” she turned towards him and her expression darkened with authority, “You have made promises. Honor them. Or you will find out why I am feared.”

“Madam. Lead the way.” Shuffling his shoes he stuck his hands into his pockets and followed her in.

An hour and a half later…”Quickly now, Barren Whitley. Have you finished grinding the herbs.”

Pointing to the mortars behind her the counter was covered in many herbs ground and awaiting their use. “Overkill. The herbs must be used carefully. You can’t mix them.”

Bradford looked at her and reflected at his work. Each of the herbs were crushed quickly. His hands were careful and attention distracted but he felt sure of his work.

Alexandre took her needed herbs and blended the into the small cauldron atop the table. Crystals surrounded the table and candles burned around them. Green and white and black candles adorned the windows and flickered gently. The steam rose from her cauldron as she required one last important ingredient.

“When have you last fed?” Alexandre grabbed her athlame and looked at Bradford.

“I am well, madam”, he shuddered. It hadn’t been too long since he fed but use of his dark gifts was draining.

Slicing her palm she dropped her crimson into the bubbling cauldron. A gush flew up crimson in color and Alexandre spoke her magic words. A puff of dark smoke rolled up and disappeared. Picking up her potion spoon she drizzled the potion into viles. Having a lot right now was just plain good preparation considering the company Raven was keeping these days.

“Madam. I have only called upon her yesterday and have not ever approached her previously.” Barren wrung his hands and looked earnestly into her eyes.

A gentle chuckle filled the space and for the first time Alexandre softened. “You fancy her then?” She was not ignorant to the airs of attraction. “Then you must protect her innocence. While she is powerful and wise, she hasn’t yet realized her abilities potential. If she is to be successful in her path she doesn’t need anyone else’s quests to fulfill.”

Side eyeing Bradford briefly, she continued to fill her viles. Completing the task she took the coolest one and shook it. Holding it up to the candlelight, she checked the color. A deep dark purple-black hue filled the vile and she continued to shake it. As she walked over to Raven, her heart filled with adoration and failure. “Don’t worry my girl. I will give you the antidote to the suicide stream and you will come back to me.” Alexandre slipped the liquid between her lips as she held her head back.