At times I try to make him think about his loyalty to his village, the peasants and workers there. But he scoffs at this, and I remember I shouldn’t interfere. To Richard there is a clear line between noblemen and women, his family, his knights; and the lower class of crafts people and farm workers. He sees them only as peasants, scum of the earth.
It seems I can’t work spells like Kate, my magic is all from my head. A kind of thought projection that actually changes things. Nature is the easiest for me to work with. I’ve made Isabel’s precious roses bloom double in size on every bush, and withered her herb garden with one concentrated look. She tells me off, but with affection, and hugs me when I return her garden to thriving health.
I have a long way to go, but I sense Rhauk’s restlessness. I just hope he can hold on to his temper until I’ve learned enough skills to better him. It’s possible, of course, that I may never have enough strength. Even knowing this, it will not stop me from fighting him. It has turned into more than a battle to save my family and future descendants from a frightful curse now. It has become a personal battle.
For Kate.
And I go crazy every day I don’t hear anything. As I improve in the paranormal arts, I also improve in the physical. I need to know how to wield a sword, and fight with my hands if necessary. I’ve had many volunteers helping me in these areas. Today it’s Malcolm. My worry for Kate comes up in conversation as I deflect a lunge from his sword.
‘I have an idea about this,’ he says and explains himself.
His plan is good, I consider its merits. After a long discussion the plan is fine-tuned and ready to put into action.
It will prove to be a test of Malcolm’s friendship.
Kate
It’s been almost three weeks and Jarrod hasn’t returned home. Rhauk refuses to teach me anything until he rids himself of Jarrod, one way or another; but Rhauk is aware of Jarrod’s presence. So I know Jarrod is still at Thorntyne Keep. Every day he remains, Rhauk grows more restless, peevish. He has a foul black temper. I’ve only to mention Jarrod’s name and the man goes insane on me. I’ve learned to shut my mouth. Most of the time anyway. But sometimes I just can’t help it. My perverse side enjoys seeing Rhauk lose control.
Time is passing agonisingly slowly. I have so little to do. Mostly I’m confined to my room, looking out over the inhospitable ocean. I spend many hours just thinking: how easy would it be to lean across the stone window ledge far enough to lose my balance? My pain would end, but what else would this achieve? There would be no one then to watch Rhauk, to keep him to his promises.
He storms into my room in a fit of temper, the darkest I’ve seen yet. As usual he wears all black, this time only a ribbon of silver rims the edges of his tunic and undershirt. ‘He leaves me no choice, my Lady!’
I pull away from the window ledge and face him. ‘What are you talking about? Who leaves you no choice?’
He jerks an extended arm, pointing vaguely in the direction of Thorntyne Keep. A shower of gold sparks smashes into the stone wall to my left. ‘Your lover!’
I don’t correct him, letting him believe his fantasy. As long as he thinks Jarrod and I are lovers, he leaves me alone, sexually at least. Besides this bonus, the idea positively irritates Rhauk. Something which gives me immense pleasure.
‘What is Jarrod doing that so upsets you?’
His black eyes narrow, but he remains silent. He isn’t going to tell me. Whatever it is though has got him in a real spin. With a sudden insight that nearly knocks me over, I understand. My mouth drops open, then transforms into a smile I can’t stop from spreading across my face. ‘He’s training, isn’t he?’ Rhauk doesn’t reply. He doesn’t have to. I can smell his disapproval. So Rhauk knows Jarrod’s gift is truly immense, and now that Jarrod is learning how to use it Rhauk is getting nervous. My pulse starts racing. ‘Jarrod’s getting stronger, isn’t he?’
Silence.
‘My God, his powers are growing so strong, he’s scaring you.’
‘Shut up, wench!’
His icy tone doesn’t scare me like it probably should. I’m too hyped up with the knowledge of what Jarrod’s been doing with his time – accepting the gift, harnessing his powers. ‘You’re afraid of him,’ I dare. ‘You’re panicking!’
He flies across the room and hits me all in the space of one heartbeat. If only I’d been paying more attention to his mood, I might have been able to avoid the connection. Instead, Rhauk’s fist smashes into the right side of my jaw. Sharp pain throbs from ear to chin. Something falls on to my tongue, small and solid. A tooth, I soon realise and spit it out. There is blood too. I taste it. The bastard.