Chapter 26:
Hamish
“This is insane.” I muttered, skirting around the small lake that fed the forest around it. William was already there, unaware of my presence. I stepped on some dry twigs, watching him swing around to the sound. It would be ill advised to come across a skilled warrior without him sensing it. Might bring about some troubling questions.
“Hamish,” he said in greeting, “punctual.” His words were clipped, a man who spared no time for pretty words. A natural commander.
“Where did your Lord find you? Recruit you?” I asked him, nodding my head in greeting.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IKjPIRV4X
“Far away.” He replied vaguely, “I doubt he would even remember the place. Between the wild lands and here I would say.”
I left the question, watching him catching his breath as though he was relieved.
“Now, blood pact.” He said as introduction, “two or more willing participants are rivy to information granted from each side. That which we speak of tonight may not be spoken of beyond this night – unless all parties allow it.”
“You must swear never to harm Lady Madelaine Elwood.” I said, “she is my mistress and master.”
He considered it for a moment, nodding his head, “I swear it.”
He revealed one of the ceremony daggers, a small silver dagger with the blood pact incantation carved into the side. Neither of us could read the runes, but every major city had such a dagger.
“Should anyone be listening in, may their ears bleed.” William muttered, cutting a line into his palm, and passing me the dagger.
“Aye,” I agreed, doing the same. The dagger seemed to warm in my hands the moment our blood mingled on the blade. We shook our bleeding hands, letting go to watch our palms heal over in moments. A silver line remained, one which would never fade. Depending on the pact depended on where the cut was. Some were right over your heart, or in case of a Saol vow… beside the artery in your neck placed by your master.
“Speak,” William commanded, “who is Madelaine really?”
I grinned, “she is truly Lady Elwood. But your questioning has left me curious. Who was Lord Westfield? Where was this man born?”
I watched William pale in the darkness, his skin reflecting the stars.
“It seems,” he said, “we have much to discuss.”
__________________________________________________________________________
Madelaine
“Where’s Hamish?” I asked Sarah, returning from dinner. Tomas, no – Justin, had been unwilling to release me. He had never asked for a reply to his question, and I had been unwilling to give it. Where Hamish was concerned, my mind bucked at any demand that needed me to reflect on my feelings about him. It always had. He was my safe space, someone who had known me all my life and cared about my safety.
He knew me.
“He’s gone to bond with William.” Sarah smirked, turning to look at me.
“Bond?” I asked quietly, “William is no fool. What is he demanding from Hamish?”
“The usual,” Sarah shrugged, “blood pacts and the like. Hamish seemed concerned though, he said that William was Saol bonded to your lord.”
I frowned, considering. If he were, there could be no secrets between Justin and William. Their destinies were tied together.
“Go,” I commanded, Sarah dropping her mending at the tone. “Give Hamish leave to provide what William wants to know. But demand to see the seal before you allow it.”
“As you will it,” Sarah grinned, sliding into the shadows behind us. I sat on the vanity stool, starring at myself in the mirror. My hair had slid free of the loose braid and gently curled around my shoulders, those piercing brown eyes staring back at me. I arched an eyebrow and watched my face change into a knowing smile, my full lips opening slightly. It was difficult at times to reconcile this face with the being inside it. I let go a breath, running a gloved hand down the mouse carving. As my hand slid down, I felt a beating inside the wood, as though small hearts hammered within the figures. Removing my hand, I once again slid my hand down. The moment my fingers grazed from one to the next the beating pressed against my hand. I reached over for the servant rope, pulling it and waiting moments before a knock sounded on my door. A pretty maid waited there, rosy cheeks as though she had pinched them. She was the kind that found a husband easily; rounded and cheerful, she would bear a brood to play inside the castle walls. I envied and pitied her.
“Good evening, Sasha,” I smiled, watching her eyes widen in surprise. “Do you remember the small bet the servants made concerning the mouse carvings?”
Her face reddened further, her eyes unwilling to meet mine, “yes mistress.”
I clasped her hands, her rough fingers jolting at the contact, “was there a winner Sasha? I would dearly like to know where they all are!”
My enthusiasm seemed to calm her, a supressed giggle waiting in her mouth.
“Yes lady! Although, your Sarah gave us until the engagement party to find them all.255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRLuvo4Gay
We have found many – but there must be more.”
I nodded, gently letting her fingers go. “Yes, that does make sense I suppose. Thankyou for coming to my call. I appreciate your work.”
She stammered a thank you, taking her leave. I frowned after she had left, sighing into the empty room. Endless waiting. That was what I found my station demanded the most. Patience.
_________________________________________________________________________________255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew6kTPbVlY
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLzRvjw3Cc
Hamish
William frowned at me, looking me in the eyes. “Surly I can’t provide information while you hide behind half-truths.”
“If it was a half-truth I would be bleeding out – as the pact states. Only truth may be provided.”
He went to open his mouth when an arrow shot through the trees to land between us. William launched into action, drawing his sword, and running for cover. I looked at the black arrow, seeing the fletching was coloured black and a deep indigo blue only one organisation knew how to source. William watched in horror as I knelt in the open and pulled the arrow out, taking the small parchment attached.
I smiled, scrunching it up and popping it into my mouth. It dissolved in my mouth, lifting a hand in thanks.
“Will,” I called out, “not to worry – I know the archer. They won’t be bothering us again.”
He slowly came out of the trees, the most agitated I had ever seen him. “You know them? What a chance you took!”
I gave him a steady look, the captain catching my change of mood. He moved us closer to the river, seeing my look, he also whistled a couple falling notes. Scurrying feet echoed around us as small sentinels gave us some space.
“What was the message?” He asked finally, sitting cross legged by the water. I moved beside him, taking my shoes off and dipping my feet in the water.
“It seems our masters’ have had some words. Tell me Westfield’s identity.”
He eyed me, sighing. “He was a holy knight once. Although, I doubt he remembers much. His sect was eradicated, the temples burned to the ground. But holy relics and the like are not easy to destroy – the priests contacted the fledging rebels and hid much of the knowledge and people away.”
“That makes sense – I remember the Holy Purging.”
I did remember. I remembered as a child helping Black Swans flee the capital, including the holy and healing people in the exodus. It was an odd mix of two factions on opposite sides of a scale. But the Dead king had been relentless. He had destroyed my family. They had sacrificed themselves for many, my last memories of them ushering me into the arms of a healer woman and leading the soldiers away. The capital Black Swans had returned to their mistress, and the Holy men and women, and the temple healing sects went underground.
“How did he become the lord of the city?” I asked softly.
“The way it went about is… fuzzy. As though a fog is settled over the memories. But I know I was of sound mind when I chose to swear my life to him, and that we would commence this façade together. I know he was once named Justin. Funny thing is, the longer we serve here… the more we become the people we play.”
I nodded, also knowing the feeling of imposter syndrome. “But you don’t know who set it up?
Will shrugged, spreading his hands, “we have done nothing but bring prosperity to Westfield. We don’t know why we were placed here. Only that we were given orders to wait and protect.”
“Tomas – Justin, isn’t a bad man. You are good men.”
He gave me a nod of thanks, before settling his eyes on me. “And your mistress?”
“Oh, she255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3ycRsI6kd
is still Lady Elwood. She is a born, bred and trained high lady. But,” I held255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubmcEHCSK0
up the arrow, showing the fletching to the captain, “she is also a high-ranking255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfYKiv1ySI
Black Dove.”
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2ZUO8AoGp
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7OIfCVgL7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNw11F2pcm
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNSuaDoMVA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKM1aDQkj7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNhi8DLYDL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdBMzbMQaL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwrreA8AhN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuREpBCd1Z9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoobjbdj19S
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSirDiYDjSe
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB4qYPoWxd
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXywSTsECAx
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Aj2BcOyyP
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvkVhKR0N1
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaHqqUbXX6
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4afoKcDuu
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIkIt1q5J7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhosqwWUSU4
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwuIbpgpTa
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIpBDnCKmG
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zlz1YXBkC
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm34uBx4QF
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6nlfkjsmd
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyMdZQzT3Q
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkdeqGttH9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOdIEnmJkY
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8L13K3TEI
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64vSdt0Ico
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnVkkbZEHH
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHjoAanIie
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlkk2okEPQ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUa71chZz9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgu8845iQ1
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlMj4YLkXJ
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QiJjzQ1Ex
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIrDASZcuV
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNrhRKsi5U
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyIH9qhPm0
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDttI59DDgl
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTXf2mZjQP
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf4mzfPAOA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFR9M8PsrS
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG1NdkAQTv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZKDa8USkP
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHwBpL5uij
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPllV4PlOK
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0lGgGmsDN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxPVAMhlcL
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z3AlgteeI
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4KrcP77aA
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6txEzzX8o
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZe4N63UIg
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE1gM4fZau
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYX07FICFa
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAFjwrHdSt
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v6Urt42eN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6WnOv0wDg
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLFk0cRhSk
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrXuAOt3Oy
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuayIf0P2GH
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAiGBzNSez
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThqBQa5AK3
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxoSgcFRH7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7HmUen8Bk
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ8XPalFhD
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPrXB1q43Q
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72G7oskDwa
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvI26w1Dj9
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2Sfl59W6R
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesL9MIt6jX
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95FB4w2eok
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7ZlthDbDn
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQmgMQWwOG
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRBLTYmlPM
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoEiwwhw0c
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNgJ8Wh0tv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgToRyIORW1
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxLYj4D2Io
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqicjN6hZTq
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfTlgkNtnX
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVkULSLCXg
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtl1vKkQeD
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ5AdZjW5R
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif9KPQQPo7
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcU5We7x4z
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk4cC8xvmU
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNwOTy0cW8
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CokglwFLi
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9MqY1J3yO
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSlck7ot4R
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVpsTLQ2wE
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vcn9Iiwk6
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBW28FFuNf
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7X1bLyfIP
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNzGxPmjsN
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqPhpITg7T
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngBAc39MNv
255Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKN6JkRXiw
