SACHA RETURNED to her bedroom in the mansion. She had been so happy to be there, but that was this morning, before she was told the true reason for her promotion from the stables. Her parents died when she was young and she was taken in by the Herbalist her mother’s friend. She learned how to make healing remedies from plants and loved it. She wanted to be the Herbalist appointed to the mansion. The only job she managed to get so far was at the stables. She was not discouraged. She loved horses and even horses got hurt. She could show her skill and care there until she was recognised.
Today she thought she was finally seen for her talents and would have her dream job in the mansion. She was seen, someone did take notice. But, it was not for her precious work caring and healing the horse’s wounds. It was because she was seen speaking to the City Guardian Asher. Not for worship, a wish, nor to be thankful. She was actually speaking to Asher. She had been careless and was seen by the Master’s Mage.
Now she wanted to go back to serving the Master’s horses instead of the Master himself. She had tried to argue when they called her a Mage. She was not a mage just a herbalist, still being trained by the City’s herbalist, a sweet lady named Rose. She had pleaded that she had no real power, that she was only able to see spirits and nothing more. The Master’s Mage told her it was a start, that training would solve that.
Then more news came. The Master said she would be presented to Lord Wright, and if she accepted would join his Kingdom and join his Mages. It was already done already arranged. Nothing she could reveal could change it. She was to wash until all the stink of the horses was off her body and out of her hair and his maids would come for her in the morning. She was to be shown to her room then shown to the bathhouse.
Sacha took a moment while gathering her scattered thoughts and the things for her bath. Her life had changed today and she was not sure for the better. In fact, she was positive it was not. Lord Wright was not a kind man like her Master was. Everyone would talk about how frightening he was and all the horrid things he was capable of and had done. She was terrified and she would have to leave everyone she knew and loved behind. She would have to leave Rose, the closest person she has to a mother.
If she was not accepted by Lord Wright she would always be labeled as a Mage, and a useless one at that. The rumors were probably already beginning to circulate, news traveled fast and this, this would spread like fire.
She looked to the moon. It was bright and filled the window and she felt that if she reached out and touched it she could change her fate.
“Moon Goddess is there anyone out there tonight looking to you and wishing for someone who will love them for who they are. I love that could last a lifetime. A strong and kind man, a guardian of my heart, who would rescue me from this.” Sacha said her wish out loud right from her soul to the moon.
When the Mage had taken Sacha, she had already been bathed and clothed appropriately to meet the Master of the mansion. However, he was offended by her and told her she needed to wash again. I am asking for too much. I should depend on myself to solve my own problems and get myself out of this one. If I am going to save myself I need to act now. Her focus was now on the bedroom door.
STONE LEGARDE a Mage, lay by his horse in a meadow resting in the brilliant light of the moon. He breathes deeply putting himself into a meditative state and sends his consciousness to find the woman he hears calling for him. His consciousness is a fast, ghost like form, unseen by anyone. However, he could see and hear everyone. He follows her wish, to the mansion, then through the hard wood of her locked bedroom door. He was presently surprised when she turned and looked right at him.
“You do not need to call out anymore, let me be the one that answers you. You wished for love I will answer you.” Legarde reaches his hand out for her.
“What are you? Tell me you are not a ghost.” Sacha backs away slowly.
“I am not a Ghost. I am a mage and I too was wishing the same.” he smiled thinking that being a mage was probably just as bad as being a ghost. He reaches for her hand which she feels even though she knows she shouldn’t be able to feel anything. He kisses her hand gently.
“How did you find me?”
“I followed your wish, it led me to you. The moon will not be as full as this forever. Seal your promise to me with a kiss and I will always find you.” He moves in close to her.
She is nervous and hesitant but allows him in. His kiss so tender it sends waves through her.
“Please wait for me. I will reach you in a few days.” The figure bowed his head to her and disappeared.
Two mages in one day. Sacha needed to go now if she was to get out of this. She knew her way around the Mansion. She knew a quick way from the Kitchen to the stables. Then from the stables to the woods and after that she would figure things out from there. If that other mage was serious he would find a way to her.
HE CAME BACK to himself in the meadow, beside his horse with a smile that would not soon leave his face.
“I am such a beast, why do I toy with her?” Legarde looked over at his horse who, at the sound of his voice, looked at him.
“You should have seen her, she is a gem, a kinky little princess. She sees me. Why would a woman like that make a wish for love when she can have whatever she wants? She looks like the Master’s pet.” The horse looks at him, a disapproving look.
“Maybe she does not want what she has. Maybe, she wants to be freed from her pampered life, how silly of her.” The horse grunted and looked away.
“Yes I know what you are thinking. I am the stupid one to take on a challenge like that. It’s on my way. I may as well get rejected in person.” He pat his horse on his back them put his hat over his eyes to sleep.
Legarde awakes with a lion’s yawn and a stretch that suddenly brings pain. He frowns and rubs his chest annoyed that the pain has gotten worse overnight.He whistles and calls “Fear!” His large Black horse trots from the tree-line. He lifts an arm but brings it down abruptly to clutch his side at the sudden pain. He lifts his hand again more forcefully quenching the pain with his anger for it. A raven screams and perches on his hand. He looks at the bird affectionately, taps it on its nose and waves, boosting it into the air, watching it fly away.“You are sending it to find another job and you are this wounded?” The horse stomps at the ground asserting its logic.“Nice to know you are worried about me.” He mounts his horse with a groan. “It’s just a scratch.”“You won’t see that gem of yours if you are dead Mage!”“Even dead I will still have a chance. The wo
Legarde dismounts, and rides up to what was once the cities entrance, which is now only two crumbling columns. The name has worn away and the wild bush creeks in to take over the path. He had hoped to get here before night fall and now he hoped she would be patient.He walked to the well in the centre of the city. “Water is life” the well still read. He looked down and knew it was true. There were many lives at the bottom of that well. He sighed and called for her, a wish to the well for her to listen. He didn’t actually need to call, as he stood at the well she was appearing beside him.“Guardian Miranda” He bowed to her hoping respect would buy him mercy.“Another Mage! And you! You would betray me now!” In a moment she had his head in her grasp and slammed it into the cold stones of the well.“Guardian Miranda, Mercy!”“You will find your mercy at the bottom of the well with the others!
Everyone pays, no one helps, and everyone fears me. Sacha. What makes you so different? Why are you not in the mansion where I left you? It’s too late to be intrigued by her, she is gone. Only one woman will have your heart tonight, when she comes again to finish what she started. Miranda. The quiet took him and so did sleep. SACHA APPROACHES THE CLEARING finding the horse with no trouble, right where Legarde said the horse would be. This would have to be quick if she wants to get back by sunset. She approaches its black mane shining in the descending sun. It is larger than any horse she has tended. She admires its muscles and loves the hair falling over its feet like little skirts. If you could fall in love with a horse, this would be the one. It’s stared her down as she approached. And at his front hooves was the bag protected between them. The horse stomps. A, don’t come any
“What is a woman doing out here alone, tell me you are not alone!” He began his barking again.“How long have you been out here? And how have you been spared from her?”“I can see her. I can stay out of her way after dark.” Sacha goes through the things in the bag. Taking them out one by one and laying them beside him looking for something useful. If he needed anything he could see what it was easily and reach for it.“You can see her? Describe her to me.”“White long flowing hair beautiful pale face but sad eyes. She wears a night gown long and flowing. Her blue eyes shine in the dark it’s the first thing you see of her. Her eyes. Her voice is a soft song but when she is angry she screams.” He nods and seems to drift off seeing her image as he looked up at the ceiling. “I can offer her peace if she wants it.
The night was quiet. Sleep did not come easy for her. Legarde was drifting away, but she still had questions.Legarde would answer them all. He wanted her comfortable needed her trust.“What city are you from Legarde?”“City of Ages. I left a long time ago. I was a guard at the gates. Anything that wanted to attack had to come through us. An absolutely boring existence for the City of Ages. Nothing attacked us, nothing was brave enough to. Too remote, too cold, too protected.”“Legarde that sounds like a dream. Why would you leave such a place? I have heard everyone is a mage there.”“Not everyone but most of us. It has become a safe haven as things have become harsher for us. A place to learn and improve your skills. Just getting there now will make a Mage out of you. The path there is dangerous. The Mages Guard the city but no one guard
It was not something he could help. Sleep came quickly for him. In this condition that is all his body wanted to do, deep sleep and recover. A voice breaks the night sounds. “Sacha, come to me, come talk with me. Sacha.” Sacha moves under the covers. He grabs her hand but she pulls against him. When did this woman get so strong, but then he remembered how weak and hurt he was. Sacha’s eyes where lost not focused on anything. Her body moved towards the voice, turning with it as it circled the house to find a way in. Legarde pulled her down to him and she fell on top of him. His wounds were closed now but her fall on him hurt and he cried out. It should have woken her but it didn’t. “Why talk to her Miranda? Why ignore me?” Miranda screamed. Sacha tugged against him. “Sacha stop!” He had to h
Sacha rode with her face and entire body covered. Entering the city the way she had left in the full disguise Rose had cloaked her in. She had slipped away in the dark the black hooded cloak doing its job perfectly.It was now evening and she had been baking in the sun thankful for any tree Fear rode under. Legarde had spent the entire ride lying against her back sleeping most of the way. How he managed it was a mystery to her. His hands were wrapped around her waist securing himself to her with no space between them. Sacha swore she could feel his abs through the layers of fabric tighten compensation to keep him upright.She wouldn’t have minded if it was not so hot, and she was not wearing full black and if he was not burning up himself on fire from the fever he was getting from the poison. A vulture hovered over head and Sacha could not help but think it was waiting get them. Waiting for her to collapse from heat and him from poison
“Lord Cedral, this is getting very interesting I am indeed intrigued. What business would you want to have, if I am in front Of you as Lord Legarde and not a mere Mage?” Legarde asked smiling. “You think I didn’t notice that look between you two Lord Legarde. Have you had your filthy hands all over her already?” Lord Cedral asked. “You know I have, and other things, all over her, in her, so what about it? Have I just spoiled your fun with her?” Legarde asked. “Must you be so repulsive?” Lord Cedral asked “Well had you posted a notice I would have known you needed her … untouched.” Lord Cedral stood up rage printed on his face. His Mage Marina who was by his side put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “May I have a word with him my Lord.” “Yes maybe you can get the reason he is here out of him.” Marin
“Dealing with Asher this way is a mistake Marina. You are going to find yourself on the wrong side of this.”“I have no more power over him Legarde. It’s out of my hands.”In Marina’s mage quarters she hands him Asher’s sword. It glowed and pulsed. The blade was warm to the touch. Giving it up seemed too easy for her to do and it offended Legarde.His anger peaking he walked in front of her to the Chambers where he knew they would be keeping Sacha. Marina touched his shoulder to stop him.“I have no intention of going in. She is a flight risk. I want to make sure she is as guarded as Lord Cedral ordered.” Legarde said answering Marina’s concern.Two Guards stand outside the room and a very loud argument between Sacha and the maids attempting to dress her is muffled by the large wooden door.Another t
“Lord Cedral, this is getting very interesting I am indeed intrigued. What business would you want to have, if I am in front Of you as Lord Legarde and not a mere Mage?” Legarde asked smiling. “You think I didn’t notice that look between you two Lord Legarde. Have you had your filthy hands all over her already?” Lord Cedral asked. “You know I have, and other things, all over her, in her, so what about it? Have I just spoiled your fun with her?” Legarde asked. “Must you be so repulsive?” Lord Cedral asked “Well had you posted a notice I would have known you needed her … untouched.” Lord Cedral stood up rage printed on his face. His Mage Marina who was by his side put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “May I have a word with him my Lord.” “Yes maybe you can get the reason he is here out of him.” Marin
Sacha rode with her face and entire body covered. Entering the city the way she had left in the full disguise Rose had cloaked her in. She had slipped away in the dark the black hooded cloak doing its job perfectly.It was now evening and she had been baking in the sun thankful for any tree Fear rode under. Legarde had spent the entire ride lying against her back sleeping most of the way. How he managed it was a mystery to her. His hands were wrapped around her waist securing himself to her with no space between them. Sacha swore she could feel his abs through the layers of fabric tighten compensation to keep him upright.She wouldn’t have minded if it was not so hot, and she was not wearing full black and if he was not burning up himself on fire from the fever he was getting from the poison. A vulture hovered over head and Sacha could not help but think it was waiting get them. Waiting for her to collapse from heat and him from poison
It was not something he could help. Sleep came quickly for him. In this condition that is all his body wanted to do, deep sleep and recover. A voice breaks the night sounds. “Sacha, come to me, come talk with me. Sacha.” Sacha moves under the covers. He grabs her hand but she pulls against him. When did this woman get so strong, but then he remembered how weak and hurt he was. Sacha’s eyes where lost not focused on anything. Her body moved towards the voice, turning with it as it circled the house to find a way in. Legarde pulled her down to him and she fell on top of him. His wounds were closed now but her fall on him hurt and he cried out. It should have woken her but it didn’t. “Why talk to her Miranda? Why ignore me?” Miranda screamed. Sacha tugged against him. “Sacha stop!” He had to h
The night was quiet. Sleep did not come easy for her. Legarde was drifting away, but she still had questions.Legarde would answer them all. He wanted her comfortable needed her trust.“What city are you from Legarde?”“City of Ages. I left a long time ago. I was a guard at the gates. Anything that wanted to attack had to come through us. An absolutely boring existence for the City of Ages. Nothing attacked us, nothing was brave enough to. Too remote, too cold, too protected.”“Legarde that sounds like a dream. Why would you leave such a place? I have heard everyone is a mage there.”“Not everyone but most of us. It has become a safe haven as things have become harsher for us. A place to learn and improve your skills. Just getting there now will make a Mage out of you. The path there is dangerous. The Mages Guard the city but no one guard
“What is a woman doing out here alone, tell me you are not alone!” He began his barking again.“How long have you been out here? And how have you been spared from her?”“I can see her. I can stay out of her way after dark.” Sacha goes through the things in the bag. Taking them out one by one and laying them beside him looking for something useful. If he needed anything he could see what it was easily and reach for it.“You can see her? Describe her to me.”“White long flowing hair beautiful pale face but sad eyes. She wears a night gown long and flowing. Her blue eyes shine in the dark it’s the first thing you see of her. Her eyes. Her voice is a soft song but when she is angry she screams.” He nods and seems to drift off seeing her image as he looked up at the ceiling. “I can offer her peace if she wants it.
Everyone pays, no one helps, and everyone fears me. Sacha. What makes you so different? Why are you not in the mansion where I left you? It’s too late to be intrigued by her, she is gone. Only one woman will have your heart tonight, when she comes again to finish what she started. Miranda. The quiet took him and so did sleep. SACHA APPROACHES THE CLEARING finding the horse with no trouble, right where Legarde said the horse would be. This would have to be quick if she wants to get back by sunset. She approaches its black mane shining in the descending sun. It is larger than any horse she has tended. She admires its muscles and loves the hair falling over its feet like little skirts. If you could fall in love with a horse, this would be the one. It’s stared her down as she approached. And at his front hooves was the bag protected between them. The horse stomps. A, don’t come any
Legarde dismounts, and rides up to what was once the cities entrance, which is now only two crumbling columns. The name has worn away and the wild bush creeks in to take over the path. He had hoped to get here before night fall and now he hoped she would be patient.He walked to the well in the centre of the city. “Water is life” the well still read. He looked down and knew it was true. There were many lives at the bottom of that well. He sighed and called for her, a wish to the well for her to listen. He didn’t actually need to call, as he stood at the well she was appearing beside him.“Guardian Miranda” He bowed to her hoping respect would buy him mercy.“Another Mage! And you! You would betray me now!” In a moment she had his head in her grasp and slammed it into the cold stones of the well.“Guardian Miranda, Mercy!”“You will find your mercy at the bottom of the well with the others!
Legarde awakes with a lion’s yawn and a stretch that suddenly brings pain. He frowns and rubs his chest annoyed that the pain has gotten worse overnight.He whistles and calls “Fear!” His large Black horse trots from the tree-line. He lifts an arm but brings it down abruptly to clutch his side at the sudden pain. He lifts his hand again more forcefully quenching the pain with his anger for it. A raven screams and perches on his hand. He looks at the bird affectionately, taps it on its nose and waves, boosting it into the air, watching it fly away.“You are sending it to find another job and you are this wounded?” The horse stomps at the ground asserting its logic.“Nice to know you are worried about me.” He mounts his horse with a groan. “It’s just a scratch.”“You won’t see that gem of yours if you are dead Mage!”“Even dead I will still have a chance. The wo