The Bard, page 22
He released her arm and walked to the wall, punching it savagely. “Bitches.” Out of the corner of his eye he saw her flinch and instantly regretted his outburst. She looked so small and vulnerable that a need to protect her overwhelmed him. He walked back to her and gently picked up her trembling body. He carefully placed her on the bed before retrieving the blanket from where he had thrown it and covering her up.
He sat on the bed beside her, trying to calm himself down. “What is your name?” he asked, trying to keep his anger out of his voice.
“Quartilla.” Nosmas looked at the girl, as though seeing her for the first time. Her long, straight, brown hair fell forward as she replied, hiding her face. He leant towards her and tucked it behind her ear. She was not pretty, but her large brown eyes held an innocence that many men would find appealing.
“Do you know who I am?” He kept his voice soft, trying to put the girl at her ease.
She shook her head. “I only know what my sisters told me.”
Nosmas smiled at her, but it was not a happy smile. He lay down, resting his head on one of the pillows and proceeded to tell her everything about himself. He spoke about his view on forward women and about how he treated them, leaving nothing out. By the time he had finished, Quartilla was deathly pale.
“So why would my sisters tell me to get into your bed?” she asked. The question sounded innocent, but Nosmas was not sure if that was because she was trying to hide the truth from herself or she genuinely did not know the answer.
He decided she deserved honesty. “They were hoping I would kill you.”
Quartilla swallowed and started to hyperventilate. “What are you going to do?” she asked when she had calmed down enough to speak. Nosmas did not answer immediately. He got off the bed and undressed, removing all of his clothes except his undergarments. Quartilla looked away, embarrassed. He then retrieved a spare blanket from the trunk in the corner of the room and threw it onto the bed.
“Get some sleep,” he instructed, laying down and pulling her close to him, protectively. She was still wrapped in her blanket, but he threw the other one over them both, afraid a chill may have set in due to her fright. “I will deal with your sisters in the morning.”
The next morning, Ria knocked on Sam’s door and, hearing no answer, let herself in. At first glance, she thought the room was empty, then she heard the unmistakable sound of vomiting. Walking to the other side of the bed, she found Sam on the floor, bent over the chamber pot.
She glanced up and, seeing Ria, attempted to smile. “It must be something I ate,” she said. Ria looked at her thoughtfully.
“You were sick yesterday morning as well,” she pointed out.
Sam shrugged as she pulled herself off the floor and collapsed onto the bed. “Some sort of stomach bug then.” Ria continued to stare at her, a strange expression on her face. Sam began to feel uncomfortable.
“If you do not mind me asking, when was the last time you bled?” Ria asked, trying to sound casual.
Sam frowned, not understanding the question. “Oh,” she said, when she realised what Ria was referring to. “I have no idea. I have been very irregular since coming to this world so I have not been keeping track of it. Why?”
Ria ignored the question. “On an even more personal note, did you and Brin ever discuss taking precautions? Did either of you drink a contraceptive brew?”
“A what? What are you talking about? Why would we need to.....? Oh.” Sam suddenly knew what Ria was thinking. “But we are different species. It’s not possible.”
“Now we both know that is not true, and it would explain the vomiting.”
“No,” Sam said, shaking her head in denial. “I can’t be.”
“Can’t be what?” Dal asked as she entered the room, unconsciously mimicking Sam’s language.
Ria smiled at the look of panic on Sam’s face. “I think Sam is pregnant.”
Chapter 20
“Is there any way of finding out?” Sam asked, her voice filled with panic.
“Ellen will know a way,” Ria assured her, placing a comforting arm around her shoulders. Sam pushed her away.
“I can’t wait till tonight,” she protested. “Isn’t there anything you can do?” Ria shook her head. “You’re kidding me,” Sam continued. “What do most women do?”
“Wait until they start to get fat,” Dal said. Sam looked at the young woman, not sure if she was joking or not.
“Alright,” Ria said, taking charge. “First we should agree not to mention this to anyone until we know for sure.” The other two both nodded. “Then, if Ellen confirms our suspicions, Sam will need to decide whether she is returning to Eshden forest to inform Brin.”
“Oh god,” Sam said, holding her head with her hands. “What the hell am I going to do?”
“One thing at a time,” Ria said, sitting next to her. “Let us not worry about the future until we know there is something to worry about. Do you feel well enough to face breakfast?”
Sam reluctantly nodded her head, afraid that Tor would drag her out of her room if she did not show her face in the dining room. She got dressed and accompanied Ria and Dal as they made their way down the corridor. Other than Seth, who was waiting patiently for his wife, they were the first to enter the dining room. Breakfast consisted of cold meats and sweet cakes and the three of them started without waiting for the others. Sam declined any food, choosing instead to sip on a cup of unchilled water.
Tor was the first to join them, smiling when he saw Sam. She still looked pale, but as least she was holding conversations again. Maybe he would not have to leave her behind after all. Rumman entered the room a short time later, closely followed by his two eldest daughters, both of whom quickly scanned the room before taking their seats. Neither of them appeared at ease. When Patrick eventually showed up, he was dressed immaculately and looked like he had slept well, much to Tor’s relief. He sat as far away from the two girls as possible, making sure he avoided Gillin’s gaze. The hunger in her eyes was unmistakable, the sort of hunger shown by women who could only guess what they were missing out on. Patrick had stuck to his promise, despite the girl’s obvious willingness to give herself to him.
The last person to arrive was Nosmas, escorting Rumman’s youngest daughter. He held back her chair, acting the complete gentleman. For some reason he could not quite put his finger on, this put Tor on edge. Gillin and Dramina stared at the pair, Gillin in relief and Dramina in surprise. Something was going on between the siblings and Tor hoped it was nothing to do with any of his friends.
Nosmas was solicitous towards Quartilla throughout the meal, getting her food for her and keeping her coffee cup filled. Dramina kept throwing her angry glances and Gillin was almost bouncing in her seat whenever she looked towards her younger sister, eager to talk to her. Nosmas ignored them both.
“Did you sleep well Nosmas?” Dramina asked him, a touch of acid in her voice. Tor paused, his cup half way to his lips. There was definitely something going on that he needed to know about.
“Very well thank you.” The words were polite, but the tone in which they were delivered made them sound like a threat.
“And how about you sister dearest?” the girl continued. Even her father turned in her direction, a puzzled expression on his face.
“Fine thank you,” Quartilla replied shyly. She did not like speaking in front of people she did not know, especially when she felt she had something to hide.
“No disturbances in the night?” Dramina continued.
“Dramina,” Rumman said in warning. “I do not know what your problem is and I do not want to know, but we have guests. If you wish to quiz your sister about her nocturnal activities, please do so at a later time. You are embarrassing her and you are embarrassing me.”
Dramina did not take the dressing down very well and stormed out of the room. She paused at the doorway, looking at Gillin to see if she was also leaving, but the other girl was still staring at Patrick, mesmerised. She huffed loudly before slamming the door behind her.
“I apologise for my daughter,” Rumman said. “She is at a difficult age.”
“It cannot be easy bringing up three girls on your own,” Ria said sympathetically.
“You have no idea,” he moaned theatrically.
After breakfast, Nosmas escorted Quartilla to her room and headed off in search of her sisters. The door to Dramina’s room was shut, so he cast a quick spell to enable him to hear inside. As he suspected, both of the girls were there, discussing Quartilla.
“Why is she still alive?” Dramina hissed. “He was supposed to dispose of her for us. Men cannot be relied upon to do anything.”
“You cannot mean that,” Gillin said. “Surely you are glad she is alive and well.” Dramina did not reply and Nosmas imagined the look she was giving her sister.
“Bitch,” he whispered to himself before opening the door and walking into the room without knocking. Dramina jumped at the sudden sound behind her and Gillin let out a small scream. Both girls paled as they watched him close the door and stride towards them. He sat down in a chair, crossed his legs and folded his arms. Neither girl moved.
“Do either of you have anything to say?” he asked, in a friendly manner. Anyone who knew him would realise this was a bad sign. He was a stranger to these young women, so his calm manner began to put them at ease.
“Did you sleep with Quartilla?” Gillin asked, able to keep her curiosity hidden.
“Of course he did not,” Dramina scoffed. “She probably ran away the minute he opened his door.”
“She spent the night in my bed,” he confirmed. He would not lie, but he had no intention of telling the full story.
Dramina smiled seductively. “You should stay with me tonight. You will find it much more satisfying to have a woman instead of a girl.”
Nosmas moved so fast neither girl had time to react. One moment Dramina was walking towards him, the next she was pinned against the wall, his hand tightening around her throat. Gillin stared at them in horror, unable to move, watching her sister struggle to breathe.
“I know all about your little game,” he hissed into her ear, loud enough for both of the women to hear. “Quartilla is twice the woman you are. You are a pathetic little child. If you even think about causing her harm again I will make sure it is the last thought to invade that tiny brain of yours.”
He released her and she fell to the ground, choking. He looked coldly at Gillin. “The same goes for you,” he said, before turning his back on both of them and walking out of the room. He gently closed the door behind him and stopped to listen.
“Are you alright?” Gillin cried, rushing to her sister’s side. Unable to speak, Dramina nodded her head. “Your neck,” Gillin gasped when she saw the bruising Nosmas’s fingers had caused.
Dramina ran to a mirror and inspected herself. To Gillin’s great surprise, the older girl smiled. “He is going to pay for this,” she said viciously. “Wait till I show father.”
Nosmas also smiled. He had marked her deliberately, knowing exactly how she would react. Hearing the sisters’ footsteps approach the door, he quickly departed, heading straight for his room, where he would eagerly await a summons from Rumman.
Dramina almost ran to her father’s office, Gillin hot on her heels. She burst in without knocking, interrupting Rumman’s conversation with Tor and Patrick.
“What is the meaning of this,” he shouted, knocking over his chair as he stood up.
“Nosmas attacked me father,” Dramina cried out dramatically. “Look what he did to my neck.” Tor and Patrick looked at each other in disbelief. Rumman examined the girl’s slender neck, frowning in concern. He turned towards Tor for advice, but before he could speak, Tor asked Patrick to fetch Nosmas.
The wizard appeared surprised by the request when Patrick arrived at his room and was more than happy to comply. Dramina went almost hysterical when he entered Rumman’s study. ‘She is a good actress’ he thought to himself. When Rumman asked her to tell her side of the story, she almost told the truth. She said she was with her sister in her room when Nosmas burst in without knocking. She left out the entire conversation and went straight to the part where he attacked her. Gillin backed up her story.
“Why did he release you?” Patrick asked, suspicious of what was being said.
“I have no idea,” Dramina replied uncertainly. She had not been expecting her version of events to be questioned.
“What have you to say for yourself?” Rumman demanded, staring at Nosmas.
Nosmas shrugged. “I have absolutely no idea what your daughters are talking about. I have been in my room all morning, alone. I do not even know which room is Dramina’s.”
“You liar,” she screamed. “Look what you did to my neck.”
Nosmas did as requested, but did not appear concerned by what he saw. “Someone get me a bowl of water and a clean cloth,” he said casually. Gillin was sent off to fetch the required items and soon returned, placing the bowl on her father’s desk. Nosmas dipped the cloth in the bowl then approached Dramina, who moved away from him.
“I am not going to hurt you,” he assured her. “I am only going to wash your neck.” She looked at her father, who nodded his head. Uncertain what Nosmas was up to, and unable to see what harm it could do, she allowed him to gently rub the damp cloth across her skin, wincing dramatically as he did so. His lips moved slightly as he washed her, but if anyone noticed, they chose not to comment. Where the cloth touched the damaged skin, the bruising disappeared as though it was being washed off. “Make-up,” Nosmas announced and threw the cloth into the bowl before anyone could see that it was still clean.
Gillin stared in amazement, too stunned to comment. Rumman glared at his daughter before turning to Nosmas. “It seems I must once again apologise for my daughter. I have no idea why she was trying to set you up, but I can assure you this will not go unpunished.” He then addressed the two girls. “Go to your rooms, both of you, and stay there until I come and talk to you.”
Dramina fled from the study, tears of rage streaming down her face. Gillin meekly followed. Once the sounds of their footsteps had ceased, Nosmas too left the room, closely followed by Patrick.
“What really happened?” he inquired as he walked beside the wizard.
“What do you mean?”
“I saw you cast a spell as you cleaned her neck. It was not really make-up was it?”
Nosmas sighed. “No,” he reluctantly admitted. “Come with me and I will tell you the full story.”
When everyone met up in the dining room for a midday meal, Dramina was not present. Her father had not listened to her protestations that she was innocent and confined her to her room for the rest of the day. Gillin, after being berated for her part in the morning’s events, had visited her. Dramina assumed that Gillin would keep her company for the entire day and was very angry when her sister left her alone so she could find Patrick and drool over him. She spent the rest of the morning following him around until he locked himself in his room just to get away from her, choosing to eat alone rather than braving the dining room. As a result, Gillin sulked throughout the entire meal, refusing to speak to anyone.
Conversation soon turned to their imminent departure, Tor announcing that they would leave later in the day.
“Would you mind if we stay one more night?” Ria asked. Tor looked at her, needing an explanation. Ria glanced at Sam, who nodded. “I want Ellen to take a look at Sam. What she says may decide whether she continues on with us or not.”
Sam could see that Tor was itching to ask for more details, but he resisted doing so. “Very well, one more night, if Rumman will allow us, then we must be on our way. My brothers will be getting very impatient by now.” He had expected Nosmas to complain, but the man remained silent, his attention on Quartilla. He had spent the entire morning with her and, while Tor knew her to be an intelligent and interesting young lady, he could not figure out why the wizard would want to spend all of his time with the girl.
The rest of the day passed uneventfully and once darkness descended, Ria accompanied Sam as she went to find Ellen. The two vampires were just opening their coffins when Sam and Ria entered the barn in which the wagon had been stored.
Hawk looked at Sam critically, noting how thin and pale she looked. “Please don’t say anything,” she requested when he opened his mouth to comment. “I need to speak to Ellen. Do you mind leaving us alone for a while?”
Hawk raised no objections and left the barn, heading out into the night in search of wildlife. Ellen raised a curious eyebrow. “What can I do for you?”
Sam was nervous and did not know how to approach the subject. Ria had no such qualms. “I think she is pregnant,” she announced.
Much to Sam’s disgust, Ellen laughed. “I do not see what is so funny,” Sam snapped. “I need you to tell me if I am or not.”
“Of course,” Ellen said, realising that Sam was genuinely upset by her reaction. “How do women find out where you come from?”
“Doctors can do blood tests or we buy these kits which react to our urine,” Sam informed her.
“Good. I will be doing something similar. Give me your hand.” Sam held out her hand as instructed, shaking slightly when she saw Ria hand her a knife. She ran the blade across Sam’s palm, causing her to cry out. Before the scream had died in her throat, Ellen had spoken the spell which would stop the bleeding.
“That hurt,” she said, staring at her healed hand.
“Stop being a baby,” Ellen said to her unsympathetically. “Speaking of which.” She turned her attention to the blade, which now had a streak of Sam’s blood running down it. She started to sing, but Sam could not make out any of the words.
“What is she doing?’ Sam whispered to Ria.
“This spell is used by witches when determining whether a girl is pregnant. Your blood will change colour, depending on the result?”
“What colour?” Sam asked curiously.
“Black if you are pregnant, green if you are not,” Ria informed her. They both stared at the knife, waiting for the red to change. When she stopped singing the spell, Ellen held the knife up so they could all see it clearly in the moonlight.
