Eagles

By Alan R Wilson

Anita’s story continues but this time she has a companion.
After fleeing the battle for Darham Pality, Anita takes up life as a herbalist and animal healer. However, even though her memories are suppressed, old habits come to the for and she trains the child she discovered on that fateful day in all her arts and skills. Indeed, she and the child, Vanessa, are surprisingly similar, to the point where they are mistaken for sisters and even twins when Vanessa is older.
The Servants of The Bear are a constant worry and the pair frequently move to avoid confrontation. An old friend dies and Anita stumbles across and rescues a person from her past. It starts a chain of events which lead to the uncovering of secrets and the restoration of Anita’s hidden memories. Anita learns to live with what she is and feels compelled to head north to reaffirm old friendships. Vanessa continues on her southern journey and comes fully of age, demonstrating her true character is much like her ersatz mother’s when she clears corruption out of the southern realms and becomes entangled with the Servants of The Bear in the process.
Anita, Vanessa and the northern realms join forces to confront the southern Barons and their old nemesis, the Servants of The Bear.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alan R Wilson
• Release date: Feb 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9780648599920

Alan R Wilson

As an undergraduate in the 1970s I was a member of the Melbourne University Science Fiction Club, contributing to and editing the magazine, Yggdrasil, which was largely devoted to fiction. We also held writers workshops and since then I have continued to ‘scribble away’ at various things with the seed of the ‘Anita’ novels sprouting in the late 80s.Personally, I found it impossible to write seriously while working full-time. (I have a Ph D in Physics and worked in research and have published numerous scientific articles). Always wanting to be a novelist, I took time off a few years ago to see if I had it in me to produce a novel. It worked for me and I retired properly and have dedicated myself to writing ever since.Writing is great fun, I love it. Whenever asked I say it is ‘better than reading’ because I am continually surprised as the plot develops. I am definitely not an author who has a novel plotted out from start to finish. As Ray Bradbury said, ‘It would be boring if you knew where it was going’. Indeed, the main protagonist in ‘Anita’ suddenly appeared a third of the way into the novel.There are 4 more books on the way in the Anita Histories and I am also dabbling in some contemporary novels too. Keep tuned, because the next 3 Anita novels may come out quite quickly.

Book preview

Goodbyes

I believe I can make you near enough to immortal Bright, but what will it do to you? Anita mused aloud, softly stroking the old grey dog and loosening the knots she found in his still thick coat.

Bright Moon lifted his head to look at her. His tail twitched in an attempt to wag. He let his head drop, too tired to keep it raised for long.

Mother. No. He’s well over thirty. A grand age for a dog. Remember the squirrels. I don’t think Bright will thank you if you make him like them.

Anita worked her fingers into Bright’s coat, right down to his skin. She sighed. The squirrels. At the time, about a year ago, she was excited when she remembered something which she was not sure she had ever forgotten. It came with mixed feelings and at the time she asked Vanessa whether she had mentioned it before. Vanessa said not, which did not really resolve the issue. But she was right to remind her now. Her attempt to revive the dead squirrels worked, to an extent. They became extremely aggressive and attacked everything, including each other. They kept going even after ripping great chunks out of each other. Nothing slowed them down or turned them from their purpose which apparently was to destroy whatever they came across. It was awful.

Yes, you’re right of course. It’s, she sighed. He’s been with me for a long time.

And with me for ever, Vanessa added.

Anita looked up at her … daughter, and wondered, not for the first time or the last, exactly what did she have here. Rescued on a day of confusion and dread which her mind always slipped away from and she was never sure of what actually happened. Taken up and cared for first with wolves and later, with Aufpar and Bright Moon who also adopted her as daughter and helped to feed her. At the time Anita was not sure whether regurgitated meat was the right food for a child a little over a year old, but she thrived. Now here she was, twenty-two years later. Questioning, argumentative and stubborn. The second most amazing thing about her was her appearance: Vanessa looked like an Abbotet, she could have been her sister, even her twin now they appeared to be of similar age. The most amazing thing, though, was her gift, or presence, Vanessa’s preferred term for it. Very similar to Anita’s on the surface which made Anita very aware of her, to the point when Vanessa was young she sometimes forgot she was a different person. Anita sighed again.

Come. Share. With Bright, Anita said, inviting her closer.

Vanessa hesitated before moving to sit with her mother. From her first memories this was always an aspect of the learning she received from all of her teachers. F’lar she liked best, always direct and to the point. Aufpar was different and scary when she was young. Bright Moon of course was simply Bright Moon. Fun to run and play with, a wolf-dog who never felt of anything other than wolf-dog. Anita, of course, was the one she really learnt from. Most of it was verbal or physical but close contact reinforced what she learnt from her. However, ever since her thirteenth birthday prolonged contact with her mother was distressing for both of them. It felt like they were trying to bleed into each other at some basic level of their being, and their bodies reacted against it. Aufpar was the only one with a suggestion. He said they were too alike.

You’ll have to touch him, his skin. It will be faint but he is there still.

Ah, with Bright Moon, Vanessa thought, relieved.

She dug her fingers into Bright Moon’s hair and felt a shining warmth from him which formed into a bright disc when she concentrated her mind on him. She gasped, it was more than a disc, the shading and features showed her it was an image of the moon. When she concentrated the picture transformed into a face. Her face! No, her mother’s. Bright Moon always knew the difference between them. It was overlaid with much more complex emotions than she expected. Feelings of unquestioning adoration, happiness and comfort, all wrapped up in a fierce protectiveness. It began to fade and with a deep sigh, Bright Moon breathed his last. She was about to withdraw when Anita spoke directly to her mind.

"No, stay. Wait. He might … Yes."

She felt a pressure and prickling where she was touching him. Something was moving across from him! It felt like the unpleasant feeling with her mother and her immediate instinct was to let go.

"No! You’ll deal with it. Do this for him. It’s his … map," Anita urged, using the best word she thought of to describe the basic feeling associated with the collection of strange words which rose into her mind.

Some small part of it was bad, a foreign invasion, and repelled Vanessa but the rest was benign. She felt her body responding to wrap it up and contain it all in a little packet somehow separate from the rest of her. She was unaware of the passing of time while the process continued. When the pressure and prickling ceased she was surprised to open her eyes to gathering darkness. Anita was also awakening. Bright Moon’s already cooling body lay between.

We slept afterwards. It’s been more of a strain than I realised. Anita moved her hands away from Bright Moon and stretched. We will take him to his forest friends. They need to know he is gone too. I’m sure he has offspring among the wolves, it will be interesting to meet them. Then we can bring him back for a proper returning, at the edge of the forest.

How did you know? Vanessa asked.

About his map. I … I don’t know.

She was interrupted by scratching at the door.

Oh, there’s Kit. She wants to know what’s happening, she said and rose to let the young forest cat in.

Must be more disturbed than I thought, Vanessa reflected on Anita saying the obvious.

Kit padded in and gave her short, higher pitched questioning meow before she noticed Bright Moon. She instantly stopped, crouching slightly before delicately making her way to him. She pushed at his chest with her nose, questioning again and looking back at first Vanessa, then Anita. She pushed him again and licked him behind the ears a couple of times before curling her body around his and placing a protective paw over him. She licked the top of his head again.

Oh Kit. He’s …, Anita said and stopped when the forest cat raised her head to look at her.

Her eyes showed she knew he was dead. She wanted a little time to say goodbye to her four legged parent. Kit put her head down again, placing it along the top of Bright Moon’s head. Anita and Vanessa watched silently. After a few minutes, Kit stood up, licked him on the face, and walked over to the door to flip the latch and let herself out.

She’s said goodbye, and now life goes on, Vanessa thought and sighed.

Yes, sometimes I think it would be easier being such as her, life is certainly more straight forward for her, Anita commented as Kit’s tail disappeared.

Pity she’s never learnt to shut the door. Bright has that over her.

Yeah, a canny dog.

With canny friends. Time to go? I want to carry him rather than cart him like baggage on a bier.

We’ll share. Come, Anita replied and stood to watch Vanessa crouch to reverently gather up Bright Moon’s body and hold it to hers. She shuffled him around a little for a better purchase before Anita opened the door. They both jogged into the forest following one of their trails. After fifteen minutes Anita howled to the sky, calling the wolves.

***

Several days later they were both sitting in quiet meditation where Bright Moon was buried on the edge of the woodlands. Vanessa was curious about the long bundle Anita carried over with her and was further surprised when she finally broke the silence and raised a topic of contention between them, a topic which by unspoken agreement they put aside after Bright Moon’s returning.

Bright’s gone and Kit is returning to the wild where she belongs, Anita began and sighed. The ties here are weakening. Your wish to see more of the world. It is as good a time as any. We can pack up here and do some roaming.

I … are you sure? What about the town folk?

They’ll manage. Not as though we haven’t done it often enough in the past. Ha! You’re the one who wants to leave this time. Before, you always wanted to stay. Oh, and your bow and staff are grown too. Here.

Anita unwrapped the bundle to reveal a bow and staff similar to hers.

Now we can hunt together on an equal footing. Except no blade on your staff. In time, while you use it, it may develop. I don’t know for sure, she said, handing them to Vanessa.

Vanessa strung the bow and drew it back to apply full power the way she did with Anita’s bow. She felt the close to instant increased in tension as it responded.

It will be a little different, you will have to become attuned to it.

Yes, but about leaving … thank you, Anita, mother. I’ve been feeling … you know. When?

Not too hasty. Must prepare the townsfolk and we have the cottage to care for. Need someone to live here, look after the animals and a shame to waste the produce.

I know just the ones, Vanessa replied. I’ll look after it.

Need to pretend we have some act or job too. Gives us a reason for our wanderings. You will be surprised at how suspicious some people are and the depths they can sink to. Anyway, I was thinking travelling acrobats or knife throwers, jugglers and demonstration of skilled staff play. With luck we’ll find a troupe of acrobats or the like to team up with. Right down south is the way to go. Never been there and afterwards, back up north. Through the Pality of Darham. Nice to take a look at Darham, Anita finished whimsically.

Renee

Hopefully another old woman who has lived too long and attracted the envy of her fellow villagers, Renee hoped while her horse plodded along behind First Arm Winstead of the Servants of The Bear’s Guards. How did it come to this? A quisling to my own.

Renee’s thoughts often fell into a self deprecating groove when she was with the Servants of The Bear on one of their searches for the tainted. Used by them on these quests for years now, ever since it became known she was able to not only detect the taint but also feel how strong it was. At first she tried to dissemble, to lie, but something in her nature made it obvious. After consistent failure she no longer bothered to try. The Servants preferred to use her because she was much faster and easier than the normal method with its blood, papers and solutions and the need for it to sit for a time in the proving chamber to separate the lines. Also, she was ‘invisible’, the merest touch sufficient for her to gauge a person’s taint level.

When she was young her travels were restricted to regions close to the Mother House. But now she was grown she ranged wide and far with the Servants and their Guards. Some treated her no better than their animals while others were of a more forgiving nature. A few she particularly dreaded travelling with. She glanced sideways at Sister Agatha, her current keeper. She wondered at the Servants dedication to these sorts of investigations since many of those denounced by their fellow villagers were only objects of envy. Often they were indeed on the high end of the Servants’ scale but Renee was able to truthfully say, No, Sister, or Brother or Wholesome, This one is normal. Not, ‘not tainted’, for they were all tainted to some degree. Renee knew the only time a lie worked was when she said something the listener passionately wanted to believe anyway. Then they tricked themselves. But the Servants she travelled with never wanted to hear someone was not tainted.

In all her travels the Servants of The Bear had avoided the Pality of Darham where Lady Helia now wore the Three Hares of the Lord of Darham. The Servants from the Mother House and Southern regions were not overly welcome in her Northern lands, and especially not on tours to track down the tainted. Indeed, the Northern Servants were autonomous in all but name, led by their self styled Conservator Rueth in Alsan. The other reason, which Renee was not privy to, was the Servants’ fear she would be forcibly taken from them anywhere in the Pality of Darham. Renee was, in effect, their slave, bound to their will and not free to wander even though such action was against the Servants’ own tenets. Such a situation was anathema in the laws of Darham with no exceptions, even for the Servants of The Bear. One word from her, one slip up by them, and she would be wrested from their hands.

Renee looked up when they approached the large village, no, she reconsidered, more a small town. A simple wooden fence was integrated with the wall of the outer houses. A sturdy gateway guarded the entrance. They passed through under the watch of two militia men but were otherwise unhindered with the Servants’ badge guaranteeing clear passage. The Wholesome led them to an inn where he, Sister Agatha, Renee and the Corporal and as many of the guardsmen as possible were to stay. The innkeeper was delighted to see such a large group and fussed over them, calling to the back for a couple of lads to collect their gear and move it into their rooms.

Well, dearie, isn’t this cosy, Sister Agatha commented after diner while she surveyed the small room with its single bed and shuttered window overlooking the lane running down the side of the tavern. You’re in luck. You can pull it out later but for now it’ll clutter up the floor, she added snidely, spying a trundle bed underneath the main bed.

They both heard a faint knocking from the room next to them.

The headman what asked for us. Now where is it …? she muttered, rummaging through her travel bag. Ah … don’t want you trying to run off, do we.

She emerged holding a chain and two locks. She fastened one to the bracelet on Renee’s ankle while the other she fussed around with until she found a suitable place on the bed.

You stay here, she smirked. I’ll see what our business is.

Renee watched her leave. When the door closed behind her she moved onto the bed and cupped her hands to listen through the wall. She heard the door open and clunk shut when Agatha arrived followed by quick introductions to the head man and two others. The townsmen were impatient with the delay and were annoyed they had supper before seeing them. The Wholesome reminded them who they were talking to. After some huffing and jostling the townsfolk stated their business, giving them directions to the ‘witches’ living out of town, near the verge of the forest. They were keen for the Wholesome and his arms-men to apprehend them and urged them to go at once to the witch cottage.

I disagree, Renee heard the Corporal say. It’s now full dark. There can be confusion in darkness. Best to wait until early morning.

The townsmen were uncomfortable with his decision. After further questioning it came out that the town was divided: they alone were the ones who sent for the Servants. Many would not approve of what they were doing, and if they were discovered it was possible some might warn the ones in the cottage.

In which case they condemn themselves by fleeing, the Wholesome commented.

And I think me and my men will easily track her down. Won’t get far, the Corporal added.

Renee disliked the eager tone she detected in the Corporal’s voice, but breathed a sigh of relief on hearing the words of the townsmen. To her it was now more likely a personal vendetta against some unfortunate who rubbed these men the wrong way, not anyone who was tainted. Her relief was short lived.

Witches. You said witches. Can you describe them? the Wholesome asked.

Renee’s calm fled when it became apparent their ‘witches’ were two young women who arrived some years before and set up as animal tenders and herbalists. Renee shuddered. Not the old woman she was hoping for. These were nearly always only lightly tainted, nothing near what the Servants considered dangerous. Their mission then became one of conciliation or, at worst, relocation to protect them. But young women! From her previous experience she was now dreading what was about to unfold. These women, one of them was most likely tainted, the other less likely.

Ah. Agatha, Frans. Looks like at least one this time, maybe two if they are sisters, she heard the Wholesome say with some relish.

Renee shuddered again, recalling other times similar to what was unfolding now, especially the one which ended in bloody tragedy in front of the pleasant little cottage two women were quietly living in, harming no one. Oh no! Renee wailed to herself, stricken by the confirmation of her fears. It’s a curse! What I can do is a curse. A sharp flash of pain flickered through her head, reminding her she was risking a headache or migraine if she carried on like this.

Meanwhile, Anita and Vanessa were engaged in a night time stealth exercise, some extra training at Anita’s insistence since they were about to mingle with the populous. At the moment of Renee’s extreme disquiet it was Vanessa’s turn to try to creep up on Anita while Anita was opened up and fully aware of the world around her. It was nearing the end of the session when Anita detected a spark of something, like a brief cry, from the town. She concentrated but felt no further disturbance. Her distraction allowed Vanessa to approach closer than usual.

There, Anita announced, pointing slightly to Vanessa’s left. Did you feel it? she asked when Vanessa stood and walked towards her.

Feel what? Of course not, I was clamped in on myself.

Yeah, right. Think I’ll wander through the town later. See if anything is up.

Vanessa did not comment since it was not unusual for Anita to drift through the town late at night, and she sometimes accompanied her. They never had trouble avoiding the militia and the town itself was now much safer in the dark hours. The only ones who were likely to realise something was out of the ordinary were the militia themselves, but they were happy to take the credit.

When she felt the warning pain in her head Renee immediately sat down, cross legged and straight backed with her eyes closed. She focussed on breathing regularly, concentrating on the flow of air in and out of her nose. From bitter experience she know she was still able to function the way the Servants wanted even if her head was splitting open, and Agatha would force her if she objected. Agatha was not one of the Servants willing to cut her some slack for a mere, ‘head storm’. She was more likely to snigger, say she deserved it for the tainted bitch she was, and yell at her to make it worse. Renee let out a small sigh of relief when she felt the immanent migraine receding.

Now, later in the night, Renee was struggling to sleep. It was not the trundle bed’s fault. Indeed, it was better than many a time when she was forced to sleep on a hard floor. It was the thoughts of what was likely to happen the folowing day which, despite her best efforts, kept circulating through her mind and was starting up a dull ache. She felt trapped with no way out.

The only sound was Sister Agatha’s breathing whispering in the air, slow and regular: the calm sleep of the righteousness. Sister Agatha was one of the more zealous Servants of The Bear in her commitment to expunging the taint from the world. Renee had wondered what Agatha’s reaction would be if she knew how tainted she was, because Agatha was right on the Servants’ borderline of tolerable. Renee tossed and fidgeted to eventually drifted into a light sleep, and from that into a deeper, exhausted slumber.

What woke her was not the light tapping on the shutters or the soft voice, but a dream. She was back when she was a child in the Mother House and Harmain was looking after her. It was the dream of the Bright One. In her dream she was waking and getting out of bed to run to Harmain when she truly awoke. Her first reaction was to marvel at it since it was many years since she last dreamt of the Bright One. She like this dream because she always felt lighter of spirit afterwards. Then she realised the feeling of a presence was still there, the person she, as a child called, ‘The Bright One’, was very close. Overwhelmingly, to the point where her perceptions were flooded making it difficult to concentrate. She retreated into herself using a trick she discovered many years ago but did not tell anyone about, not even her mother. While studying with the Servants she uncovered a way to throw barriers around herself to dull out the world of taint and emotion. Over the years it proved very useful for maintaining her peace of mind. Now she used the same trick to remain conscious. It was then when she heard the soft tapping and voice.

Don’t go away. Who are you? Are you a prisoner?

The strength of presence was very strong. Despite her efforts some of it still seeped through Renee’s shields.

Bright One, she murmured in response and suddenly remembered where she was. She cast a glance at Sister Agatha who was still asleep but stirring restlessly. Renee crept over to the window.

Shh. Quiet. There’s another here with me. Do not wake her, she managed but was forced to concentrate harder the closer she came to the window.

Open it. The shutters. It will make a noise if I force it, the voice whispered back.

Renee rocked backwards away from the window to think. How is there anyone outside? What is she hanging on to? The shutters creaked ominously as external pressure was applied to them. Mustn’t wake Agatha. Renee moved forward to slip the latches. The shutters immediately opened outwards. Renee shuffled back and a, form, it was the only way Renee was able to discern it, slid into the room. It resolved itself into a young woman, younger than Renee herself. But, but¸ Renee’s thoughts stuttered: she was expecting a much older person.

Who are you? What are you doing here? the woman asked in an urgent whisper.

Renee was confused and gaped back at her inquisitor. Agatha grunted, alarming Renee, but all she did was turn over.

Sorry. Too abrupt. I am Anita. What are you called?

I …, I’m Renee.

Good to meet you, Renee, Anita whispered and extended her hand before jerking it back, recalling the highly gifted often reacted badly when she touched them. I, ah, noticed you before. Who’s here with you?

How? When? I’ve been locked up ever since we arrived.

Anita glanced around the room and concentrated on Agatha’s shape in the bed. She moved quietly in her direction and recoiled when she saw the travelling clothes of a Sister of the Servants of The Bear.

The Servants! she hissed, looking back at Renee. Why are you with them? Bears guts, you need to get away. You know what they’ll do to you! Blight! When did they capture you?

Renee sighed with relief: Anita’s presence was diminishing making it easier for her. It was followed by a sudden revelation. She knows I’m tainted! The chain on Renee’s ankle rattled softly when she unconsciously stepped back. Renee gasped anew at the burst of anger which flashed through the air when Anita dropped to her knees to examine the lock and bracelet on Renee’s ankle. Renee’s skin tingled where Anita’s finger tips brushed against the scars and calluses.

You’ve been wearing this for a long time. Why, with your gift, ah, taint? Why do they keep you?

This was the one question Renee dreaded. How was she to explain she was a betrayer, a collaborator against her own, against those like the person kneeling on the floor in front of her. She bowed her head but Anita was not given time to pursue the matter. Agatha rolled over with a grunt and sat up. Anita was instantly behind her, right hand clamped over her mouth, left arm clamped across her shoulders. Agatha’s body went rigid with shock.

Be still! Anita hissed into her ear. I’ll snap your neck. Where’s the key for the locks holding Renee?

Anita loosened her hand but clamped it back over Agatha’s mouth when she felt her tensing to scream. She pinched her nose closed to emphasise her predicament.

No noise or knocking around! One twist and you’re gone! Where’s the key? she hissed again.

Please, Renee came to Agatha’s defence. From bitter experience she knew the Servants always got their way and she was fearful of future retribution if it looked like she was aiding Agatha’s assailant. She always gives it to the Wholesome or Corporal.

Agatha, wide eyed, tried to nod in agreement. Anita relaxed her grip slightly and released her nose. Agatha greedily sucked air through it.

You. Renee. Cut some cloth. Her cloak looks best. Strips. I don’t trust her to not scream, need a gag. Now! Or do you want the other?

Anita held Agatha still while Renee cut a ragged strip from her travelling cloak.

Another for her eyes. Wider, Anita commanded, taking the first strip to gag the Sister. This is tough. Hands and feet, too.

The darkness became complete for Agatha after the second strip of cloth was fastened over her eyes. Then she was roughly turned and her hands tied behind her back followed by her ankles and thighs. She was hauled off the bed and placed on the floor. Good, Agatha thought. Her first fright was gone, overcome by her second fear, the possible escape of Renee. Even in her predicament she was considering how to thwart her captor. I can bang on the boards after they go. She lay still, straining to hear through the cloth which pressed on her ears. She was sure that the other two were still in the room: near the window, or were they going out the door. What about Renee’s restraint? Wait a little longer. She heard an odd ‘ting’ before her thoughts were rudely interrupted.

No struggling, the voice whispered in her ear. You’re going out the window with me and you don’t want me dropping you on your head.

Agatha felt herself hoisted into the air and slung over a shoulder like a sack of tubers. An upwards motion was followed by the feeling of descent. She froze, expecting the worst, but she was placed roughly on the ground and told to, ‘be still’. This was followed by a brief lull before she heard two sets of feet near her. She was bundled up again and slung over the same shoulder to uncomfortably bounce up and down when they set off at a jog.

Vanessa heard Anita and another returning but they went to the stables rather than coming into the cottage. She rubbed her eyes and went out to see what they were doing. The first thing she saw was another person watching Anita tying a sack up and attaching it to one of the stable posts. Anita turned towards her with a finger held over her lips, signalling for her to be quiet, before turning back to the sack. The stranger turned too. Vanessa caught her breath. Even in her simple garb and with the pale moonlight she was the most stunningly beautiful person she had ever seen. It was odd when the stranger noticed her and hurriedly pulled her hood up. Vanessa waited for Anita to finish whatever she was doing and was surprised for the second time when the sack made a muffled sound and wiggled. What the Blight’s going on? She moved forward and became even more aware of the stranger when a little bubble of awareness blossomed in front of her. She reached out towards her but the stranger shrank away. Anita stood up, satisfied with her work. Any unpleasantness was avoided as she shepherded them wordlessly back into the cottage. When they were all inside she hurried around to light a few candles and suggested they all sit.

What have you done? Who have you abducted and who is this with such strong presence? Vanessa demanded before they were settled.

I think you are overwhelming her, dear, Anita responded. You need to pull back, cut yourself off. I first felt her in the street outside Gareth’s tavern. She’s trying to shield herself from us. Isn’t that right, Renee?

Renee was only able to nod in response. Although slightly less than the first one, this second one was still overpowering. The force of her presence faded and Renee breathed more easily.

Vanessa. I think we will be leaving earlier than expected. Lucky we’ve been preparing, Anita said before telling her of the encounter in the tavern and her rescue of Renee.

Vanessa interrupted at this point and turned to Renee.

Renee, your name? Anything else?

No. Renee, she responded. Simply Renee.

I don’t think there’s anything simple about you, Renee. What are you doing with the Servants? I …, Vanessa paused. What is your story? Do you feel rescued? Do you have other fears? Or is there something else? I detect a large amount of confusion and doubt.

Departure

But they will hunt us down, Renee responded to Anita’s insistence she must go with them. Even though they use me they fear me for what I am. The idea of me loose and free! They won’t abide it.

For the sake of their arms-men, I hope you are mistaken.

How will we evade them? Three women. They will track us. I know the Servants of The Bear, they always get what they want, Renee said in desperation.

Didn’t happen with the Pality of Darham, did it! Anita snapped, surprising herself. Where did that come from?

What? Why no. Renee was confused: how is it relevant? But we’re only three women and …

Don’t sell yourself short. Three means we can disappear easily. Further south. They will never expect us to go south.

Stop wasting time, Vanessa interrupted. There is no way we can leave you with the Servants. After this they might think it’s too dangerous to have you wandering around and what then? You’re coming with us and that is that! You need some proper travelling gear. Let’s get you kitted up, she stated and rose to guide Renee to her feet and into a side room.

Anita accompanied them and this was when Renee began having doubts of a different nature. While Vanessa picked out some items for her Anita rapidly transformed from a herbalist healer to a much deadlier looking individual with sword at hip and a second slung over her right shoulder. The staff she was carrying in town was nestled over her left shoulder and somehow emanated a much deadlier aspect. It all sat in place like it belonged there and appeared well used and cared for.

"F’lar is stronger. You have to take Aufpar," Vanessa received as Anita grabbed a couple of packed saddle bags and left for the stable.

Have to do, Vanessa soon said, standing back to examine Renee.

Renee was then treated to a similar spectacle when Vanessa in her turn transformed from a simple healer to a second armed menace. Who in the Blight are these two? Her misgivings rising. Memories of the teachings of the Servants came to mind. She recalled her first encounter with the ‘Bright One’ from her childhood, the one she called a na-woman and the start of all her trouble with the Servants of The Bear. At the time it was because she made her think of the stories her mother told her but did not know what it meant. Later, she learnt the full import of a na-man from the Servants of The Bear.

Must be fully prepared. Your bow is strung and arrows at hand, Renee heard when Anita came back into the room.

All ready? Anita asked.

"Yes," Vanessa responded and turned to herd Renee out of the room.

They made their way to the stables where Renee received a number of shocks in quick succession. The first was the horses. They were both draped with numerous bags and quivers bristling with arrows. What surprised her most was their physique. They looked more like war horses than simple riding horses. Her second surprise was what was on the back of one of them: a large eagle. This jogged memories of stories of another Anita who disappeared many years ago. There was another animal. Ah yes, a wolf-dog. He’d be dead for many years now. And the eagle too.

I don’t suppose you have a large dog too, she blurted out, half joking in her confused and apprehensive state.

They both turned to stare at her.

Why yes, one of them responded, she was never sure which. The other continued. He returned a few weeks ago. The first added. He was close to thirty. A good age for a dog.

We miss him, they said together.

The three stood silently until F’lar snorted softly and pawed the ground.

Right. Time to go. Renee. This is F’lar. You will be behind me on him. The other horse is Rina and sleepy feathers is Aufpar. We’ll manage better introductions once we’re away from here.

Renee was barely settled when they set out at a quick canter which they kept up far longer than she expected.

***

Late the next morning Renee awoke, ravenous and stiff. She was disorientated, not sure where she was, but the instant she opened herself to the world her awareness of Anita and Vanessa brought reality crashing down on her. The events of the previous night in the tavern and their flight from the town flooded into her consciousness. She sat up with a start and a groan. Anita and Vanessa were sitting, watching her, not too far away.

Ha. Back with us at last. You’ll be hungry, Vanessa said, offering her some cured meat.

And thirsty, Anita added, proffering a waterskin.

She looked from one to the other. So calm. They’ve abandoned their life and it’s like nothing has happened. She accepted the waterskin and was passing it back when she saw Aufpar alert and perched on a fallen tree trunk, staring back at her.

I see you’ve noticed Aufpar. Come, better introductions all around.

What followed made such an impression on Renee that even after she came to know them all very well, the memory always elicited the same feelings of amazement and mystery. First, Anita introduced her to Aufpar and the two horses, F’lar and Rina, like they were people. Vanessa then suggested she and Anita move away to let her greet them fully. By fully Renee understood Vanessa meant she was to let down her defences which she was using to block them out. She knew all animals carried some of the taint and thought this is what they were alluding to.

Oh yes, one called while they were walking off. Let Aufpar onto your arm. Mind, he’s heavy.

She walked towards the horses letting her guard slip away, expecting the soft sensations she was used to. She was surprised when she sensed they were much stronger than any others she had encountered. When she laid her hand on F’lar’s neck she was sure he was welcoming her. Rina was weaker but Aufpar was the real shock. He gave a soft warning cry and launched himself to land on her arm. She felt him before he landed and it was like a jolt when his talons clasped her arm. Stronger than F’lar and also accompanied by a welcoming feeling similar to the one from F’lar. But the feeling from the eagle was sterner, with more steel in it, and not as comforting. This was the first time she had felt anything from a bird. It was disturbingly alien, akin to the edges of the ghostly, hidden sensations which came from Anita but not Vanessa. She felt that she was missing something. The impression that he was trying to talk to her was strong. She turned and looked at the two who were standing twenty paces off, at a loss what to do next. The weight on her arm lessened when Aufpar jumped off and, with a couple of flaps, he glided back to his log. Apparently it was a signal because the two walked back towards her. She raised her guards again to avoid being overwhelmed.

Rina’s F’lar’s daughter, Anita told her.

I felt them all. But the eagle is … different. It was like they were greeting me, trying to make me feel at home. Much stronger than any other animals.

From what you say, you know it’s common with animals.

Oh yes. The Servants … I haven’t told them. Fortunately no one asked. Nothing like your horses. The eagle, he’s even more.

Aufpar.

Aufpar, yes. Renee paused, feeling back to when he was on her arm. He has some of you in him, she directed at Anita. The others too, now I think of it. I’ve never felt human feelings from animals before. They are never focussed the way people are.

Now they know you and you know them but we still have to move on and put more distance between us and back there. Straight south, they’re not likely to look there given the rough terrain but we’ll have no trouble.

While they trotted along Renee discovered Anita and Vanessa had been planning to leave the town for some time before she arrived. This explained their attitude and the quick ease of their departure although they did not give her a reason. Their plan was to pretend to be wandering performers, acrobats and tricksters. With luck they hoped to join up with other performers on the road. Renee, however, posed a problem: how to explain her presence? This was when Renee volunteered her ability to sing. Forbidden to sing by the Servants she still sang in her head. She was sure she was able to pick it up again with some practice.

Vanessa, however, shared her other reservations privately with Anita. In the full light of day she found the depth of Renee’s beauty even more breathtaking, but Anita did not agree. Anita finally cut her off saying beauty was as a person saw it, and what she saw was not necessarily what others saw. This did not convince Vanessa who was certain Renee was likely to attract unwanted attention and, by extension, they would too.

"What do you want to do? Abandon her! What will her fate be then?" Anita countered, stopping the argument.

Renee surprised them again.

I, um …. I have this feeling you two are arguing, but you haven’t said anything. It’s become rather uncomfortable, she said.

Right …, in fact we’ve been arguing about you, Vanessa responded rather abruptly.

What! I knew it was a mistake taking me. How …

Not the problem! Anita interrupted over her shoulder. Vanessa thinks you will attract too much attention. She tells me you’re, ‘stunningly beautiful’, and we’ll be fighting men away from you. If she’s right, how did the Servants deal with it?

Oh, Renee responded in a small voice.

Come on. I can see we’ve hit a target, but which one? Vanessa prompted.

Renee hesitated before replying. She knew the Servants were concerned about her appearance but not why. Vanessa’s suggestion was one which had never occurred to her.

When I was in public they always insisted I wear a veil and often with my hood up too. Even when it was hot. Said it was to keep my mystery. But I’m not certain it was the real reason. I took to wearing it in the Mother House too. It lessened the emotions I felt around me.

See! Vanessa exclaimed.

Hmm, Anita responded and turned in the saddle, trying to look back at Renee. Can’t do it. Auf …, she said but remembered he was scouting. Let’s stop and see.

She jumped off F’lar and helped Renee down to stand in front of her to examine her face and features.

Why don’t you check her teeth while you’re at it, Vanessa teased.

Anita gave her a sour face in return before turning back to Renee.

You certainly have very even features, Renee. It is easy to look at you. If I … yes, and there is a pleasing harmony about you too. Maybe there is something in it. What emotions troubled you in the Mother House?

Dislike and ill-feeling mixed with what was like a strong need or desire. From some of the Brothers it was something more powerful and basic, often tinged with disgust or self loathing.

Envy, desire and lust, but with your ‘taint’ you were forbidden to them. Probably lucky for you, Vanessa interpreted.

I suppose you are right. But I don’t see why Renee has to hide behind a piece of cloth because of other people’s problems. Can’t they simply accept the beauty of you and not be stupid about it, Anita said.

I don’t know if it works that way, Vanessa commented.

Humph. Right, be more careful but no veils or such, unless you want to, of course.

No. It’s much nicer seeing the world directly, not through a filter of gauze.

And you have us to protect you. What about your singing? Anita finished it off and changed the subject.

When we stop tonight. Far enough from anywhere and no one will hear, Vanessa suggested.

Anita helped Renee back onto F’lar and they resumed their journey. For the rest of the day Anita was annoyed by a nagging buzz in the back of her head which came and went, but came back again. It was annoying and put her on edge but it changed and slid around to the extent that she was unable to focus on it to determine what it was. She was thankful when it finally went away at the end of the day. Later in the night Renee said she was too tired but promised to sing in the morning.

***

Renee’s singing demonstration did not proceed as expected. She began roughly but soon her voice remembered itself. She chose a sad-happy song where a woman lost her father but discovered her son. Her body remembered her old skill of singing to her audience and she directed her song first to Vanessa whose appreciation was obvious which prompted her to put her whole soul into it the way she did when she was a child entertaining a tavern full of rowdy men. She switched her eyes to Anita whose expression also showed she was enjoying her song too. But it soon changed. First a flat neutral expression came across her face but it soon moved from there to alarm. Renee faltered and looked back to Vanessa who was still happy and smiling. Glancing back at Anita and noting her obvious discomfort Renee stuttered to a stop.

What’s wrong? Why’d you stop? You’re fantastic! Vanessa enthused.

But, Anita.

Blight and claws! Didn’t you feel it? I agree, she’s … good to start with. But it was borrowing into my mind. It was like … Vanessa, you didn’t feel it? Really? Like Janek or Brendon, came unbidden to her mind. Like I was under attack. Renee, please, don’t sing like that when I’m around. It’s very disturbing.

Anita’s disapproval brought a moistness to Renee’s eyes. Even in the short time with them she realised she wanted to make a contribution, to impress these two strange women. Anita’s reaction disappointed and confused her, made worse because she did not understand what the problem was.

I don’t know, Renee, Anita continued when she noticed her distress. It was fine at first but it changed. Felt like I was under attack, like something was trying to invade my mind. Worse than if we mind-talk for too long, Vanessa. It, it …. She paused. The partial memories it stirred up felt unpleasant. I’m glad you stopped. I’m not sure how I will react if I am exposed to your singing for too long.

Exposed! What an odd … but, she’s really good! I haven’t heard any better, Vanessa enthused.

With your limited experience, Anita thought to herself, but you are probably correct.

Right. You can sing but warn me first. Maybe I can block my ears up or at least leave when you do. I assume you’ll need to practice. Anyway, I think it’s decided. What are you looking at now? Anita finished when she saw Renee staring wide eyed at her then Vanessa and back again.

You two. You feel alike, nearly the same, sometimes.

Bear’s balls. This one doesn’t miss much! Anita thought before replying.

Of course. We’re sisters, Anita responded, giving her the standard story she and Vanessa agreed on when Vanessa was too old for anyone to believe she was Anita’s daughter.

But.

Anita, my sister, in truth she’s been like a mother to me ever since ma died, Vanessa interrupted, unfortunately elaborating the story a little in an attempt to satisfy Renee.

But, no. Doesn’t sound right. They are lying, but about what? You are too close in age. You look about the same, you could be twins, Renee objected.

She’ll find out soon enough, Anita responded gruffly, with a scowl in Vanessa’s direction.

What do you mean? Renee queried.

Ageing. It’s slower. With your gift the Servants would have noticed eventually and what then? They have all sorts of rubbish about the menace of na-men who do not age the way others do. If you stayed with them who knows how they’d react when it became obvious, Anita told her.

But, I don’t see.

Think. How strong do you perceive me? I’m pretty sure it depends on the strength of your presence. The stronger you are the slower you age after a certain point, didn’t affect me when I was young, Vanessa added.

I …, but. Renee’s quick intelligence was having trouble with their story. It’s amazing you are the same and also strong in the taint. Even if you are sisters, I haven’t seen anything like it.

I call it the gift, please, or Vanessa prefers presence, but not the Servants’ taint crap. I’m wondering whether it can be taught, trained as it were.

No! Renee was adamant. It’s in the blood. There are only two ways. The first is your parents. It runs in families, sometimes at a low level, but occasionally, very occasionally, much greater. The other is by contamination. Strong Aldec can infect you, but you have to wear it or be close to it for a long time.

They were both surprised by the conviction in Renee’s voice. It was their first glimpse of Renee’s strength of character underneath the veneer of submission she adopted to survive with the Servants of The Bear.

You’re very certain about this, Vanessa commented.

Yes. In the Mother House I read many of the documents and their translations. More than the Servants realised. It’s no doubt biased but the essentials on the taint are clear enough.

And how do you fit in? Anita asked.

My mother is tainted but …

Don’t use that word, Anita cut her off. Gifted.

It is not much of a gift for many, Renee said bitterly.

Right, ah, presence, if you must. It is the term I like, Vanessa suggested.

My mother has … presence, but not like me. Whenever I asked about my father she went all dreamy and never told me anything useful.

Hmm, from your father maybe, Anita said.

"What about you two. Your presence is very similar. What I let through," forces its way through more like, is much the same except …, Renee abruptly stopped, Oh dear, she whispered to herself softly, frightened by the brief flash of suppressed violence accompanied by acute despair which she suddenly detected from Anita, along with an odd expression of, relish, anguish, glee, fright? flitting over her face.

What’s the problem now? Vanessa reacted when Renee shuffled away from them, staring fixedly at Anita with a troubled expression.

Overwhelmed. Anita looked at Vanessa to attract her attention and reply for Renee. I think she’s delved too far.

Yes, Renee said in her small voice.

Renee opened herself up a little again but Anita was fine, with no hint of the dark undercurrent. She persuaded herself it was an aberration brought on by tiredness and the utter strangeness of her situation.

Enough of this. We need to push on. I’ll be happier with more space between us and any who may be looking for us, Anita announced.

Bull

It was now some weeks since the rescue of Renee and Anita and Vanessa were keen to implement the second part of their plan: to join a travelling acrobat troupe. To this end they were offering entertainment as ‘Essa, Ita and Ree’. They were approaching a town which they heard was having a celebration in the hope of finding other entertainers.

Soon after dismounting and passing the town fringes Anita felt a slash of pain in her head. It was immediately followed by cheering wafting to them, carried by the wind. She shook her head. What in the? The trio ambled through the market area, noting the general absence of people.

Where is everyone? Isn’t there meant to be a festival, Vanessa remarked.

Yeah. No one to see a performance here. Maybe up ahead, Anita replied.

They picked up their pace when more cheering, closer now and more distinct. It appeared to be coming from the other side, outside the town. Approaching the gate Anita felt another bolt of pain, followed by even louder cheering accompanied by an undercurrent of excited babble. Anita stopped and shook her head. The source of the cheering was definitely outside the town

Come on, she said, dropping F’lar’s reins and running forwards without checking whether her companions were following.

She turned the corner and took a path running up a slight slope. The sounds were ahead of her. Heads bobbing up and down came into sight as she ran along the path. At that the crest she saw that the land sloped down, forming a natural amphitheatre. The sloping ground below her was covered with people, some standing, others jumping or jigging around, obviously excited. Opposite this crowd, on the other side of a field, were a number of wooden stands draped with colourful ribbons. No doubt for the nobles and other dignitaries, she thought. Another roar from the crowd was accompanied by a third jagged scream tearing through her mind. She clutched her head and gasped. It was much stronger and left a dull continuous undercurrent of pain. Her attention was drawn to the field at the centre of the crowd were she saw a large black bull turning after charging past a sprightly man, gaudily decked out in reds and greens. She noted decorative ribbons around the bull’s neck, but was certain the screams were coming from him.

"What is it, what’s going on?’ she asked one of the men near her.

Just arrived, but not too late. Francesco’s placed three barbs with one to go before the final thrust! he replied excitedly.

You’re saying …, she began, but now she saw it.

The red and green man was holding another of the decorations the bull was wearing, but it was a barbed stick with ribbons attached to it. He was a bull fighter. Anita had heard about bull fighting but did not expect to find the custom practiced this far east. She saw him taunting the bull to charge again. No doubt he was planning to plunge the fourth barb into him. The bull was pawing at the ground, readying himself to charge, dazed and confused by the pain and unable to see clearly with his drooping head. Anita felt a deep sickness in her which was quickly overwhelmed by her rising anger.

-WHAT ARE YOU DOING-NO-STAND STILL-¸ she yelled in her mind at the bull the same way she communicated with Aufpar. Her awareness rapidly scaled up to take in everything around her.

The bull drew back and moved his head to the side before pawing the ground again. He moved his head back, attracted by movement in front of him and tried to look up. Anita winced when lesser pains stabbed into her.

Guts and Blight, it must hurt.-STAY STILL-

The crowd’s cheering was lessening. Scattered booing broke out when the bull stood stationary, still snorting, but not moving. The bull fighter capered in front of him, moving forward and backwards to entice him to charge.

Bear’s blood. If they harm him any further, Anita muttered under her breath.

She charged down the slope, pushing people aside in her haste to make her way into the arena. The booing turned to angry shouts and cries behind her. When she reached the bottom she vaulted over the sturdy railing and sped straight towards the bull.

Francesco realised something more than a recalcitrant bull was amiss when he heard the mixture of boos and angry shouting off to his right. Keeping an eye on the bull, he glanced over in time to see a man leaping the rails to land in the arena and sprint towards him. His immediate thought was it was someone coming to challenge him. I’ve done all of the work, taken the risks and some bastard is trying to steal my thunder right at the end. He turned to face the interloper. He surprised him when he headed straight to the bull. Francesco was able to observe him more closely. The intruder was carrying the wrong type of sword for dispatching such an animal as the bull he was facing and, what was more, it was still sheathed. What is the idiot up to? Showing off to his girl? he mused and relaxed; whoever this interloper was, the bull might make quick work of him and stir the crowd up even more. I can run in near the end and be the hero, save the fool.

Anita slowed her pace as she neared the bull, finally approaching him at a slow walk. Silence spread over the crowd with all eyes fixed on the odd spectacle. The bull was still dazed, standing glued to the ground. Quivering, shaking his head and snorting softly. He lifted his head when she approached, snorting at the pain in his torn muscles and lurched forward. A collective gasp rose from the crowd. When his nose touched her outstretched hand he stopped.

The pain in Anita’s mind peaked. She thrust it aside to carefully move beside him, sliding her hand over his head and along his neck to the first barb. With her fingers pressing on either side of the stumpy blade she yanked it out. Fresh blood spurted out. The bull twitched and snorted again, but otherwise stood still. The flow reduced to a small dribble and stopped. Anita flung the barbed stick and ribbons to the ground. Her hand slid over the bull’s neck to the second barb. By the time this was out the crowd was becoming restive. She clearly heard angry mutterings and people were calling out. When the third barb bounced off the ground the crowd was in full roar. Even the dignitaries in the ribbon decked stands were standing and yelling at her. A number of the mob scrambled over the railings to enter the arena. The only person she heard clearly was the bull fighter. He was edging closer, yelling at her, saying she was robbing him of his bull. She ignored all of them, instead sending a strong command to the bull, -stay-still-. Hoping he would comply she vaulted onto his back, careful to avoid the wounds around his shoulder, and drew both her swords.

The mob stopped at the sight of her balanced on his back, armed with two wicked looking blades which were silently weaving figure of eight patterns in the air. Francesco stepped back. He recognised a superb athlete when he saw one and surmised she might have the same skill with both of the swords she was wielding. Silence smothered the arena. Anita took the opportunity to address the crowd and the people in the wooden stands.

Do you call this sport! Torturing an animal before you kill him! Sure. Eat meat. But quick and clean. Torture like this, NO! NEVER! Now! Ladies. Lords, she called, turning in their direction putting her whole will behind her words. I have no wish to cut my way out but if I have to … . -Bull- she thought, -walk-we are leaving-. And you! she pointed one sword at the bull-fighter. I advise you to try another profession. Your first and last warning! If you think I won’t know, then my name’s not … . She paused. Goes for anyone who thinks this is good sport. Think again!" she cried to the whole gathering.

The bull lurched forward under her at the same time as Francesco blanched and took a step back when a feeling of utter conviction in what she said came over him. The bull turned to the right towards a gate which was firmly closed. The hush remained over the crowd until it was broken by a sound from the stands of one man’s slow hand clap. The clap was taken up by another followed by another until it spread around the whole arena. Anita decided to play up to it, give them a show. She extended the swords out to each side, crouched down, -steady-, and sprang up to do a full flip in the air before landing lightly on the bull’s back. The applause picked up. At some sign she did not see two men rushed forward to open the gate and let them out of the arena. Surprisingly few people were on the other side of the gate. Two of them were distinctly unhappy with her and her antics.

Bear’s guts. Why’d you do it! Vanessa scolded her quietly when she was close enough.

Renee held back with the horses, letting a concerned but disapproving frown convey her feelings.

Didn’t you feel him. He was screaming, Anita replied quietly, indicating the bull after jumping lightly to the ground.

You know I can’t do it like you, Vanessa shot back. Why don’t you let us know what you’re about to do rather than hare off.

You know, you remind me of …. Anita stopped when an image of a man’s face, but no name, floated into her mind.

"’Scuse