Windmaster Legacy

By Helen Henderson

Newly handfasted to the dark-haired archmage Lord Dal, Ellspeth and her husband escort his mother to her ancestral lands. The trip is interrupted when mercenaries under the control of a rogue mage attack. Dal's mother is severely wounded and Ellspeth is captured. Her sole hope for escape is Nobyn, an untrained wizard going through the throes of awakening magic. However, Nobyn is Bashim's apprentice and under the mage's total control.

Dal must make an impossible decision whether to rescue his wife, cure his mother, or thwart Bashim's plans. More than who lives or dies is at stake. He might be able to live with his responsibility for the death of a loved one, but could he survive killing the future of magic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Feb 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781772993431

Helen Henderson

A former feature-story writer and correspondent, Henderson has also written fiction as long as she could remember. Her heritage reflects the contrasts of her Gemini sign. She is a descendent of a coal-miner's daughter and an aviation flight engineer. This dichotomy shows in her writing which crosses genres from historical adventures and westerns to science fiction and fantasy.A background in computers and history provides her unique insight into the building of worlds for fantasy and science fiction. In the realms of imagination, she is the author of the Dragshi Chronicles and the Windmaster novels.

Book preview

Chapter One

It should have been the happiest time of her life. Yet Ellspeth, former captain of Sea Falcon, could not pin down the source of her uneasiness. Nothing beyond the normal sounds of sea birds, shouted orders, and hammering reached her ears. A glance out the office window assured her there were no problems with the new ship. Windmaster bobbed gently in the confines of the construction pit. Destined to be a floating school for mages, the ship’s construction had been smooth with only minor problems. Three days earlier, during the canal diversion that flooded the dry dock and floated the vessel off its supports, no water penetrated the hull.

Based on Mirrim’s assurances, preparations for the handfasting ceremony in a few days between Ellspeth and Dal remained under control—even if Ellspeth still could hear her mother’s slightly acidic comment, as long as your groom is here. Dal had left more than three sevenday ago to bring his mother from their clanhold in the Mtwan Mountains to Stratven. His trips to find students for training in the magical arts or traveling on behalf of their common friend, King Fraunces of the Second Kingdom, kept him away more than Ellspeth liked over the past three seasons. Although he always appeared at the boatyard when needed to join his powers with hers to cast the protective spells on the ship, she missed him when he was gone. The ethereal link between them and their nightly visits via scrying crystal were not the same as him holding her in his arms. Only the night before, he had promised to return before the next full moon.

Ellspeth examined the star chart on the wall and carried out a fast calculation. Both moons, Shartle and Neba, would be full in three days. Each night they provided light for the carpenters and tradespeople putting final touches on Windmaster. Even though it had been almost three seasons since Bashim fell off the cliff during his sword fight with Dal, when full moons illuminated the night sky, she still expected to hear the rogue mage’s whisper of little wizardling on the incoming sea breeze.

Bashim is dead. You saw him die. It’s the full moon, she muttered, pinpointing the source of her nervousness. Nothing more.

Forcing her attention back to the task at hand, she sifted through the piles of lists and drawings that covered her desk until she found the map she wanted. Despite the fact she already knew it by heart, she traced yet again the course for Windmaster’s inaugural cruise.

A light knock and a servant’s voice broke into Ellspeth’s reverie. Mistress, I have a message from Lady Mirrim. When she bade him enter, a young page in the green and black colors of the House of Cszabo flounced into the room. He bowed so deeply the tips of his lacy cuffs almost brushed the floor. Captain Ellspeth, Lady Mirrim requests your attendance this afternoon at fourth hour. I’m to return and escort you.

Ellspeth performed a fast appraisal of her appearance. Gold bracelets glittered from wrists that showed below the rolled-up sleeves of a well-worn tunic. She wasn’t sure why her mother didn’t just stop by the boatyard office, but a request from the guild leader merited more than casual work clothes. Fourth hour, Ellspeth decided, would allow enough time to hurry to her quarters and change into a formal uniform.

* * *

True to his word, the page knocked at the door of Ellspeth’s private rooms a few minutes before the appointed hour. Her confusion deepened when they reached the guild hall and the youth did not turn into the corridor that led toward Mirrim’s office, but to the chamber where the house council met. The last time she’d appeared before them was to petition their help in building Windmaster.

At the heavy double doors, her escort gave two short knocks, pushed the doors open, and gestured Ellspeth forward. The sight within sent ice through her veins. Instead of just the guild leader, seven ship captains, active and retired, filled the high-backed chairs behind the curved table. She spotted two of the senior members who ran the trading house land caravans. Symbols of rank glittered gold against their dress tunics. Ailean, a retired captain of the House of Cszabo, nodded at her entry.

Ellspeth fought down panic. Why is the entire council of the House of Cszabo here?

Neither the plain wood box, nor the bound leather volume Mirrim tapped her fingers on provided any clue to the nature of the summons. The expression on her mother’s face, what Ellspeth called Mirrim’s ruler face boded nothing good. That no scribe sat at the low table in the corner offered no comfort. With a ledger and inkpot before him, it appeared that Fifth Chair would act as recorder. This would be an official proceeding.

Since outsiders were not normally allowed at council meetings, the men sitting in the cushioned armchairs along the sidewall caused even more concern. King Fraunces sat near the head of the table, legs stretched out in front of him. His burgundy tunic and pants matched the royal banner hanging on the wall behind his seat. Despite the casualness of his clothes and relaxed position, there was no mistaking his official bearing. Ellspeth did take some comfort from the private smile on his face. Vika, an independent captain and not a member of the trading house, sat a few seats farther down. He brought back the memory of how much he’d risked helping her and Dal escape the clerics who’d pursued them.

At Mirrim’s nod, the oldster at her right pushed back his chair and stood. Ellspeth’s worry solidified into dread as she realized this might be one of his last official actions and her mother’s way of protecting her position as guild leader. Whatever happened would be from First Seat’s actions, not Mirrim’s.

The man’s raspy voice barely carried past the table. Ellspeth strained to hear him. "Captain Ellspeth, do you acknowledge you relinquished command of Sea Falcon to your first officer? That you abandoned your ship and crew in the Northern Sea?"

All the anger she had at her mother because there had been no warning the summons was anything other than routine fled in an instant. With every bit of strength, Ellspeth fought to keep the waiver from her voice. After a gulp of air, she was able to answer with a simple, Yes.

Then by the ruling of the council of the House of Cszabo, you are hereby stripped of your rank and command. I order you to surrender your captain’s bracelets.

Ellspeth stared first at the man whose simple statement held an intractable finality, then at her mother. The guild leader’s expression didn’t change except for a slight tightening of her lips.

Mother didn’t know. But how could the council vote to sanction me without her knowing?

Only one possibility remained. My mother knew!

Ellspeth was unsure whether her hands or the councilman’s blue-veined ones trembled more when the mark of her rank was pulled from her wrists. Sea Falcon had been her home and she its captain for the past three turns. She knew every inch of the barque from the tip of the ship’s five masts to the carved insignia on the bow. Every curse she had ever heard in the various ports of the Northern Sea fought to get past her lips. Instead, one thought roared in her mind. I’ve lost my ship.

Chapter Two

Shock and rage held Ellspeth in place before the council table. Her urge to flee grew stronger with every heartbeat. Where First Seat’s voice had been low and raspy when he pronounced her sentence, now it rang out. "Bring in Master Brendan of Sea Falcon."

The sound of boot heels on tile followed the summons so quickly Ellspeth knew her former first officer must have stood just outside the door.

Petition has been made to promote you to the position of captain, the number two leader of the council advised the newcomer. "And to award you the command of Sea Falcon."

Two chairs down, a man in his fifth decade jumped up. I was not aware of any such petition.

Mirrim’s steely glare silenced the objector. It was posted and all council members notified. For the council to consider the promotion, the action requires support from two members of the House of Cszabo who have attained the rank of captain. Her mother’s gaze shifted to Ellspeth with a lifted eyebrow and a look of expectation.

They took my command. Surely, the council can’t expect me to make the formal declaration of support.

You started this, her inner voice chastised, finish it.

To Ellspeth, the entire room narrowed to just herself and Brendan. The tension in his frame radiated across the space between them. Reminded of the friendship developed during their sails together, she took pity on the younger man. Two strides took her to his side and she laid a hand on his shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze. His deep breath mirrored her own. By the time she slowed her racing pulse, Brendan’s face held a restrained smile.

I sailed with Brendan from Voirrey to Stratven, Ellspeth said, projecting her voice over the low rumble of blood in her ears. During the journey he held full command of crew and vessel. I will testify to any or all tribunals as to his skill at the wheel, navigation ability, and knowledge of the Northern Sea. He fought beside me when pirates attacked our ship. I, Ellspeth, daughter of Mirrim, granddaughter of Rima, captain… Her words faltered for a heartbeat before she regained control of her vocal cords. "…of Sea Falcon swear on my honor that I support his promotion."

As he crossed the room to stand at Brendan’s left, Ailean laid a hand on Ellspeth’s arm before moving it to the first officer’s shoulder. "During Sixth Month, I, Ailean of the House of Cszabo was on Sea Falcon with Brendan on several sails through the Northern and Aberden Seas. His knowledge of the ship and seas was sure. His successful transit fulfills guild requirements. Aileen turned to survey the seated council members. Each voyage resulted in a profit for the house."

Silence followed his proclamation until Mirrim spoke. I will not allow anyone, man or woman, to be held back if they have earned a position, whether due to an apprenticeship, by training, or experience. Does anyone question the quality of the instructor in this case?

They just stripped me of my rank, and now she invites them to belittle my abilities as a teacher? Ellspeth wasn’t sure whether she or Brendan was more anxious about the council’s response to the challenge. Several of them murmured to each other behind shielding hands. Third, a high-ranking member, grumbled to himself without making any formal objection.

Very well, Mirrim said when all was quiet once more. "Brendan, by unanimous agreement, you are hereby promoted to the rank of captain, and by my order as head of the House of Cszabo, you have the command of the barque Sea Falcon."

The sideways glance the newly-vetted captain gave Ellspeth showed no evidence of the conflict she knew he must be feeling. His hands were steady when he held them out to receive the gold bracelets that moments ago belonged to her. A twitch of his wrists slid the signs of his promotion up his arms. Beaming, he saluted, first Ellspeth, then Mirrim and the council. Brendan’s smile grew when the guild leader handed him a small velvet bag in which coins clanked at the movement.

A keg of ale and some savories have been set up in the courtyard of the main compound for a private celebration for you and your crew, Mirrim announced. King Fraunces has graciously allowed us his gardens for a reception tonight at eighth hour to announce your promotion and introduce you to the captains and council members of the other trading and mercantile houses.

Congratulations, Brendan, Ellspeth whispered, then gave him the double clasp of equals with a grip stronger than she imagined possible. Despite the weakness of her legs, she stepped aside to allow the rest of the council to offer their own congratulations. The sound of their return covered her slide into a chair near the door. A deep wave of sorrow washed over her as she watched her former first officer spin on his heel and head toward the closed double doors. The muted thump of a panel opening added to the tension in the room. A sharp rap of wood on wood brought Ellspeth’s attention back to the moment. What other agonies await?

The soft swish of her mother’s velvet gown was a subtle counterpoint to her footsteps as Mirrim walked around the curved council table. At the edge, she stopped and turned to face her fellow guild members and the guests seated along the wall.

For the final item of business. As you all know we have been building a ship for King Fraunces, Queen Mallaidh, and the other rulers of the Four Kingdoms. The vessel passed her float test and when stocked is ready for her shakedown cruise. Mirrim held up the leather book so everyone could see "Windmaster" in fine gold script on the cover. Your Highness, if you please.

Fraunces joined Mirrim in the center of the floor. Ellspeth thought the two looked like a pair of conspirators.

"Thank you, Guild Leader Mirrim, members of the House of Cszabo. Your guild accomplished the vessel’s construction in record time. The other rulers and I are grateful the House of Cszabo had a keel ready to be laid. We were fortunate supplies were on hand and the craftsmen available to work the extra shifts.

"On behalf of the rulers of the Four Kingdoms, I, King Fraunces of the Second Kingdom, accept ownership of Windmaster."

For a few seconds, Ellspeth’s mood brightened as she remembered each stage of Windmaster’s construction. Hope surged forward. She could still have the sea. She could command Windmaster.

Since she is a unique ship, she will have two captains.

Depression and disgrace colored Ellspeth’s soul at Fraunces’s words. How could my mother just sit there? She could have let me keep my commission. Fraunces was my friend. He could have given me Windmaster.

At least the council hasn’t dismissed me to a distant land post like an errant yeoman.

Yet.

The added indignity of having to witness the upcoming ceremony brought Ellspeth closer to losing what fragile control she retained over her emotions. Although blunt from physical labor, her fingernails produced blood when she dug them into her palms. Windmaster was supposed to be her ship. She knew she couldn’t own the vessel because mages were not allowed to accumulate wealth, but Ellspeth had fully expected to captain her.

It’s not fair! I deserve to be her captain. Dal and I put our magic into the vessel so I could have a ship and not lose the sea.

A young page stepped to Fraunces’s side and held out a wooden box. At the king’s signal, Vika and Ailean rose to their feet.

I object! Ellspeth’s head came up at the sharp tone Third Seat used. "Awarding command of Windmaster was not on the agenda, the councilman continued. And those two are not whom the council chose."

Mirrim’s response halted the man in mid-rise from his chair. "If Fraunces chooses to honor our house by installing the vessel’s captains in front of our council, that is his right. Unlike your machinations to strip Lady Ellspeth of her rank, turning over Windmaster to her owners was on the official agenda. I forwarded your recommended list of captains to Fraunces, as well as the names the rest of the council put forth. Unfortunately, Third, you weren’t selected.

Now, since it would be cruel to make you watch someone else get what you desired, you may leave. However, by guild rules if you cross the threshold, you cannot return to this room or the council.

I’ll stay, Third snapped. His pinched lips reflected his inner anger.

I’m sorry, Your Majesty, Mirrim said with a bow. Please continue.

With the same flourish Mirrim used to present the ship’s log to him, Fraunces opened the box to reveal two pairs of captain’s bracelets. "Ailean of the House of Cszabo, will you accept the commission of co-command of Windmaster? To serve her crew to the best of your ability?"

Aye, sir. I will, Ailean said in a low rumble.

Ellspeth held her breath as the king offered the second pair of captaincy symbols to Vika. Ailean was of the House of Cszabo. If he didn’t want to obey the wishes of his guild, he had to retire. But Vika was an independent and could not be forced. His ship, Glacier Queen, sat up north in dry dock in a hidden cove on Botunn Loghes. Maybe if Vika refused, Fraunces would offer Windmaster to her.

The intense gaze Vika gave Ellspeth revealed no hint as to his answer, yet she felt he saw her innermost thoughts. The rasp as he rubbed his grizzled beard sounded unnaturally loud. Then with a quiet sigh, he turned back to Fraunces. "Your Majesty, I would be honored to co-captain Windmaster."

A surge of rage shook Ellspeth. The skin over her fingers turned translucent from the force of her effort to keep control.

You became a mage to save the kingdom, the part of her mind that retained some semblance of rational thought said.

Yes, and I lost Sea Falcon because of it. Now I’ve lost Windmaster.

You saved many lives, that same inner voice counseled.

The rightness of her actions calmed Ellspeth until she admitted she could not have done anything differently. Sea Falcon was now Brendan’s. He deserved to wear the symbol of his ship. Yet, she was honest enough to admit she would have liked to keep the bracelets presented her when she took the Falcon’s command.

A tingle she recognized as Dal’s presence raked her senses. He’s back. She cast her senses out trying to determine how close he was, but the turmoil within her prevented contact. She desperately needed his comfort after the disappointments of the day. Even though, in deed, she had turned over Sea Falcon to Brendan three seasons ago, the ship always would be a part of her. Her heart still ached for the familiarity of the vessel and crew, the same comfort provided a wolf by his pack.

So engrossed in her own black thoughts, she almost missed Mirrim’s request for Fourth Seat, the youngest person on the council, to proceed. Ellspeth’s wearied mind wondered what torture she would have to endure now. At only six turns older than she and still an active captain, Ellspeth judged Fourth the most reasonable member of the council.

His blond hair fell into his face and he brushed it aside as he stood. His boot heels clacked on the wooden floor as he strode around the table. Lady Ellspeth, please join me.

Go on, Elle, Fraunces urged. He held out his hand in an irresistible summons.

Her mother’s nod gave Ellspeth the strength to stand and take the six steps required to reach Fourth’s side. Pivoting, she faced him and forced herself to stand at attention.

Lady Ellspeth, he began. In recognition of your efforts to safeguard the House of Cszabo, it is the consideration of this council to present you with these tokens. With a flourish, he brought forth from behind his back a carved ivory box and opened it.

Ellspeth couldn’t restrain the gasp that escaped. On the box’s red velvet lining lay something of even more value than the container—a pair of captain’s bracelets. The engraved symbols of Sea Falcon and Windmaster pulled with a compelling force. She clenched her hands into fists to prevent them snatching the gold rings from Fourth’s hand.

Fraunces crossed her vision as he walked over and removed the metal circles from the box. He tilted them back and forth as if reviewing what he would say. With a nod at the guild leader, he offered the marks of rank to Ellspeth. "On my authority as the official owner of Windmaster and the ruler of Second Kingdom, you are hereby installed as my envoy with the rights and privileges of command of Windmaster. Do you accept this charge?"

The words boomed in her ears, but Ellspeth’s stunned mind could not move her muscles to respond. A nudge at her elbow broke the paralysis. Fraunces waited as if there had been no delay. Out of habit, Ellspeth looked at her mother, who gave a curt wave. This is for you to decide. The tight smile gave little indication of her thoughts, yet Ellspeth saw the guild leader’s eyes sparkled with pride.

It took three more heartbeats before Ellspeth could trust her voice. When she took a breath to answer, she was pleased with the evenness of her response. "Your Eminence, I would be honored as long as it is acceptable to my House and to the captains of Windmaster."

House of Cszabo agrees, called out first one council member then another. Only Third Seat remained silent. Vika and Ailean leaped up and in unison yelled, "Command of Windmaster agrees. Welcome aboard, Captain Ellspeth."

The resentment of moments before vanished beneath the exhilaration that swelled within her as Fraunces slipped the mark of her new rank up her arm. Unlike turns earlier when Mirrim had placed Sea Falcon’s gold upon Ellspeth’s wrists, this time a shock ran through her when the metal touched her skin. Magic?

What do you expect? Magic is in the ship. Why not in the symbol of her commander, the logical part of her mind challenged.

The reality of the inner response sank in. Windmaster is mine!

Chapter Three

Ellspeth recovered from the shock of the bracelets’ touch and muttered her thanks to Fraunces. She hoped no one would notice the quaver in her voice. Surprise turned to amazement when the king stepped aside so Mirrim could take his place and offer the double handclasp of equals. Be happy, daughter, Mirrim whispered. "Third wanted Windmaster for himself and went behind my back. The council’s actions were not my doing. I did what I could for you. Her voice softened even more, and Ellspeth wondered if she really heard the words, Forgive me."

Mirrim’s warm breath disappeared from Ellspeth’s ear as the guild leader stepped back into the center of the room. Now she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, Captain Ellspeth, the reception tonight in the royal gardens is also for you, if you will be pleased to attend.

Her eyes remaining focused on the metal on her arms, Ellspeth nodded. Vika shouldered Ailean aside to be the next to congratulate her. She noted the warmth of his broad smile and the strength of his hug.

Ailean offered the traditional sailor’s blessing. Congratulations, Captain Ellspeth. Fair winds and following seas.

Fourth Seat tossed a two-fingered salute. Then, with a shake of his head, acting more like a yeoman than the accomplished captain he was, he wrapped his arms around Ellspeth’s shoulders and planted a kiss on each of her cheeks. She looked up to see humor sparkling in his eyes.

Ellspeth barely had time to adjust to the whirling change in circumstances before Mirrim was back at her side. She wondered at the enigmatic look her mother gave her, just before the council leader’s voice cut through the noise of celebration. There is another matter that, even though private, I would like the council to witness.

A man’s ringing tones overshadowed whatever else Mirrim intended to say. I request permission to speak to the council of the House of Cszabo.

A sigh of relief escaped Ellspeth at the recognition of Dal’s voice. She turned and saw him standing in the open doorway of the council chamber. For a moment his eyes, filled with pride, rested on her. Before she took a step, the minute shake of his head squashed her urge to rush to his side. What is going on? Dal’s here before my guild council…in ceremonial garb.

He’s still the dockworker you thought he was at your first meeting, even though he is in formal wear. How could Dal be there and not say anything? A question ringed with anger rushed forward. How long has that bilge rat been standing there?

Dal’s smile flashed. Long enough to share in your joy. Within a heartbeat, that smile disappeared. Even without the difference in his clothing, Ellspeth could tell the dockworker had been replaced by the son of a chieftain. A suspicion as to why Dal had come solidified when Fraunces moved to stand at the wizard’s left, his plain clothes a striking contrast to Dal’s embroidered, fur-trimmed leather tunic. Another old friend, Timmel, the head of the Bard Guild, was in the doorway at Dal’s other side. When Fourth Seat waved the trio forward, Ellspeth wondered how many of the council were in on whatever Dal had planned. They accorded a first-time visitor full courtesies.

With a stern glare, Mirrim quieted the room. I have been in negotiations with Lady Eilidh, chieftain of Clan Daimh, ruler of three holds in the Mtwan Mountains. On behalf of her son, Dal, Archmage of the World, member of the ruling council of wizards, and former lieutenant of Telarim the Red, Lady Eilidh has petitioned a handfasting between Lord Dal and my daughter, Ellspeth.

Fear mixed with questions swirled in Ellspeth’s mind. Why is my mother doing this in public? What if the council denies the request? She steeled herself to bear the council’s ruling. Formal ceremony or not, approval of the council or not—Dal is yours for as long as you both shall live.

Fraunces’s voice cut through the silence in the room. I testify that Lord Dal is a man of good character, and I stand ready to act as his champion.

Timmel stepped forward, the intricate knot of his master’s rank clearly visible beneath the cloak thrown back over his shoulder. If the joining of Lady Ellspeth and Lord Dal is approved, then, by virtue of my position as head of the Bard Guild, I have agreed to officiate.

Mirrim and Fraunces strode to the doorway. With what appeared unusual courtesy, they escorted Dal’s mother, a woman well into her sixth decade into the chamber and to Mirrim’s own chair. The first time Ellspeth met Eilidh, the clan chief’s hair was unbound like a maiden’s. Now Eilidh’s long braids were curled in the style popular at the court. Even without the knots of her rank in her hair, Eilidh still wore her authority with the grace of a natural leader.

Lady Mirrim, members of the ruling council of the House of Cszabo, Eilidh said. "Ours may not be the largest of the clans. But our people have ruled our homeland since the time before telling. Royal blood as well as that of warriors flows in our veins.

And we are not without resources, she added and held up a box carved from the prized blackrock gemstone of the Mtwan Mountains.

Fraunces lifted it from her hands after a half-bow and, with the dignity of his background, gave it to Dal. The small box shone with luminescence the moment it touched Dal’s hand. Ellspeth fought a surge of pride at his display of magic—and how he ignored, not only the few gasps of surprise, but Third’s angry glare.

Might as well let it be known to all that he is a mage. And not just a simple practitioner of magic,