Bound to Survive (The Magic Within Book 1) (17 page)

Gerard wasn’t sure which job to choose but he eventually decided to work out in the gardens and pick vegetables for storage. They were only expected to work in the morning, as the afternoon needed to be spent in study.

Devon Antrobus entered the Keep and watched Gerard as he talked with the other students by the noticeboard. He took a seat and waited for him.

When Gerard was finished they went into the hall to have breakfast together.

With plates piled high they sat down to eat their morning fare.

‘How was your first night, son?’

‘Just fine, father. I’ve made a few friends,’ Gerard said as he pointed to the other boys lined up for breakfast.

‘Good,’ Devon said. Then he handed Gerard a small pouch of coins. ‘Take this so you can buy what you need in the village. I’ll organise to leave more with the Hierarch.’

Gerard took the purse and tucked it into his pocket.

‘Don’t forget you can send word when you want to come home for a visit. I’m sure your mother will miss you greatly.’

After they’d eaten Gerard and his father took a walk outside. They warmed themselves in the morning sunshine and talked before Devon left to return home.

‘Take care, my son,’ Devon said as he climbed into the carriage. The horses set off and made their way from the plateau, back down the winding path of the mountain and on to the port of Fledgel. Once there, the
Merryweather
would set sail and Devon would resume his task as Lord of the Lands.

Gerard settled into life at the Keep. He helped in the gardens and collected wood to store for the winter. When he worked in the kitchen he felt a little out of his depth, as he’d never done so before.

His lessons were basic to begin with and he was given many books, which in his own time he was expected to read, from books on philosophy to basic herbal remedies. He’d a lot to learn. Gerard enjoyed this new aspect of his life and looked forward to the end of harvest celebrations. There were many things he’d never heard of before and this was one of them.

The last day of the harvest had arrived and in the early hours everyone rose and gathered outside. The Wizards and their students had dressed for the cool of the morning and began their procession down the winding pathway. A cool breeze blew in the darkness and toyed with the candles they carried. The flames flickered as they made their way down the mountain from the Keep, to the common. Staff carried baskets for the morning celebration, to share with the Keep’s community and those who chose to attend from the village. When the procession entered the grounds of the common, the Brothers, students and staff from the Keep mingled with the people who gathered and waited to give thanks for the year’s bountiful harvest. Hierarch Jacob called for all persons present to be seated on the ground as the sun’s first rays began to warm the earth.

‘We are gathered here to give our thanks for another bountiful harvest this year,’ the Hierarch said. ‘We celebrate together and are grateful we’ve enough food to see us through the cold winter months. We give thanks to Mother Earth who’s provided us with the wisdom to heed her call and make use of the best that she provides. We’ve plenty of seed to plant next season and with her blessing we shall reap another bountiful yield next year. This morning we give thanks and rejoice in the beauty she provides. Let us all bow our heads and give thanks to Mother Earth for her fertility which allows us to flourish.’

The people in the common whispered their thanks for the bounty of that year’s harvest. Gerard wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do and he sat in silence and watched.

When they’d finished all became quiet. Hierarch Jacob then welcomed the morning sun, which now bathed them all in its golden glow. ‘Today will be a celebration of life,’ he said. ‘This morning we share our bounty and celebrate our neighbours.’

He finished his speech and everyone left to gather the food they’d prepared for the morning. Tables were brought out and assembled and the food was placed for all to share. After the ritual breakfast, everyone went about their business. There were many tasks to be completed before the evening’s festivities. The pits needed to be prepared for the meat, which would be skewered on long poles and roasted over the fire. It would be turned to allow the juices to drizzle over the skin and keep it moist as it sizzled and cooked over the hot coals. Salads and vegetables harvested from the village gardens would be prepared in various ways and then later in the evening cakes and biscuits would be brought out to share.

The people gathered back in the common that afternoon to relax and share time with family and friends while their children played. Gerard sat under a tree in the shade and sipped a cool drink as he watched the children of the village play games. He was amazed that the whole village came together to celebrate.

After dark two bonfires were lit. The Wizards dressed in ceremonial robes and cast blessings as animals from the Keep and village were herded between the fires. The yearly ritual was to promote fertility for a prosperous breeding season. Young men and women who wished to begin or expand their families could also pass between the fires. Later that night, when the moon had risen, Hierarch Jacob gathered the Brothers together and they returned to the Keep to have their own private ritual of thanks. Eventually, when the evening came to an end, the people returned to their homes and the students walked back up the mountain path to seek their beds within the Keep.

The days turned cold and the animals were ushered into the warmth of the barn. Most of the student’s time was spent inside the Keep as the winds turned bitterly cold and the first snow fell. Gerard kept busy with his studies and evenings were spent with his friends around the fires in the foyer or their own lounge area. Gerard now wore the same thick woollen clothes as the other students and the fires in the Great Keep burnt day and night. Soon the snow would block passage up the mountain and the inhabitants of the Keep would be isolated for the winter, until the sun’s warmth returned to melt the snow.

Gerard Antrobus stepped out of the Keep and into the warm afternoon sun. Most of the snow had melted, as the days were now warm and green sprouts of life burst through the barren earth.

As Gerard made his way down to the village, the sun warmed his back and he thought about the woman who waited for him. Gerard had lost interest in his lessons and spent most of his evenings in the village.

Gerard was now twenty-two and after eleven years at the Keep he was bored with the life he led. Every day he spent less time on his studies and more time in the village, only returning to the Keep to rest.

Over the years he’d alienated himself from the friends of his youth and his jealousy of them had grown. Clarence had met Henry the first day he’d arrived at the Keep and they’d instantly become friends. Clarence had taken Henry under his wing and they spent much of their free time together, ending up in all sorts of mischief. Both had the same passions in life and wanted to help the people of the land.

Gerard had withdrawn from the group, and his studies had suffered. His jealousy ruled him and he’d taken a dislike to Henry, undermining him whenever he could. His friends noticed his spiteful ways and they, too, turned away from him.

In the summer Gerard would go home for a few weeks to spend time with his family. He knew it was his father’s deepest wish that he develop his skills and eventually return to Reist to spread his knowledge to its people. Devon wanted Gerard to lead the people to a new age, where they could prosper and flourish throughout the land and where neighbouring provinces would come and seek the advice and guidance of his son.

Gerard had found himself a companion within the brothel on Long Ridge Street. Although she was somewhat older than him she’d taught him more than the other ladies of the night. Gerard had become enamoured with Jaqulin. There was something about her that intrigued him. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

In the beginning she’d been elusive, always busy as she entertained other men at the house. Every time Gerard visited she already had someone in the foyer waiting for her, but finally after two months he’d managed to arrange time with her. That day he’d arrived at the house early and had booked her for the whole evening. At last she was his and he’d been happy with her for the last three years.

Jaqulin, for her part, was hopeful that she’d nabbed herself a man of prominent position and she’d one day be able to leave her dowdy existence and become the lady of substance she’d always dreamed about. Gerard showered her with gifts and treats and spent much of his time with her, not only at the house, but he also whisked her away for quiet dinners at the inn. He took her for long strolls through the woods and dressed her in fine clothes that he bought from the milliners in the village and the neighbouring town. He shared with this woman more than just the lust of his passion; he shared his hopes and desires for the future and had shared his plans with her for when he returned to Reist. Always he’d included her in those plans, and she’d come to believe that one day she’d become the lady of his house.

This particular afternoon as he lay in her bed, he seemed different, more distracted than usual. Jaqulin was worried he wasn’t satisfied with her usual antics and as she stroked his chest of fair hair she cooed to him to find out what was on his mind.

‘What ails you my love?’ she said.

‘Oh Jaqulin, I wonder what it’s all been about,’ Gerard said. ‘All these years at the Keep spent in study for what? To tell the people when to plant the corn or what season they need to choose to shear their sheep? I just don’t see the point of it all. The magic they all seem to have is never used for much at all. If I were as powerful as I’ve heard some of them are, I would simply cast a spell so the corn would grow to perfection. And so what if the sheep were shorn too early? I could use a spell to thicken the fleece to get a good price. I’ve asked the Brothers at the Keep and all they say is,
this is the way it has always been
and
to follow the teachings.
Anytime I talk about their magic I’m told,
that to delve in any other Arts is not allowed here at the Keep or disciplinary action will be enforced.
What, so I have to read more books!’

Gerard couldn’t see past his own thoughts, to see the logic behind the philosophy of the Wizards.

‘There should be more to life. I’m sick of books and the balms and tinctures I have to make. When I rule, the people won’t have to work so hard and their lives will be easier. If only I could develop my Wizard’s essence faster, then I could be away from here and rule in my own lands.’

Jaqulin listened and her thoughts strayed to the book she kept at the bottom of her wooden chest.

They heard a knock on the door.

‘Who’s there?’ Gerard said in annoyance.

‘It’s Brother Issac, Gerard.’

Gerard sprang from the bed and garbed himself in his cloak. Never before had anyone from the Keep sought him out. A little embarrassed, Gerard opened the door and stared at Brother Issac.

‘Master Gerard, word has arrived from your father. You need to return home at once. Your mother is unwell.’

‘Thank you, Brother Issac. I shall prepare to leave right away.’

Brother Issac left. He’d given no indication as to how he felt. The ladies that lived and worked in the village brothels were treated with respect. They provided a service to those who sought companionship and with so many men and young lads at the Keep, it meant the people of the village didn’t have to worry about the virtue of their daughters as much.

Gerard closed the door and rushed to dress. He said nothing to Jaqulin as she lay on the bed and watched him pull on his trousers and boots. He slipped on his shirt and then wrapped himself in his cloak and headed for the door.

‘When will you be back, Gerard?’

Gerard stopped and as he turned towards her his face contorted with his anger. Gerard had become a man she no longer knew. Gone was the man she’d comforted and pandered to.

‘How can you ask that of me? After all I’ve done for you. My mother is ill!’ He stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him. Jaqulin lay in bed shocked. Never had she seen this side of Gerard before and it scared her. Where had the man gone that had lain in her bed only moments ago? She pulled the covers up around her chin. Her heart ached as she recounted the events and replayed the scene in her head.
How can you ask that of me? After all that I’ve done for you! My mother is ill!
A tear slipped from the corner of her eye and slid down her cheek.

Gerard went to the livery in the village and organised with the owner to take him to the Keep to collect his luggage. From there he’d travel to the port of Fledgel.

He packed his bags and carried them downstairs. Hierarch Jacob waited for him and as Gerard approached he handed him a letter addressed to his father. He shook Gerard’s hand. ‘Travel safely. I hope all is well with your mother. Take as much time as you need and then return to us when you’re ready to begin your studies again. I know you’ve been quite distracted, son, so use this time to assess what it is you want. Take care and we’ll see you upon your return.’ Gerard thanked him and then walked out to the carriage.

A week passed before Gerard arrived home in Reist. Tired from the journey and stricken with worry for his mother, he organised a carriage to take him to his family home. He travelled up the coastline away from the town and within an hour the carriage passed through the gates of the family estate.

As Gerard walked up to the front door, it swung open and his father stood in the entrance, dismay etched on his face.

‘What is it, father?’

‘Come son, before it’s too late. I feared you wouldn’t make it here before she passed.’

They rushed to her room. Gerard sat by his mother’s side and took her hand in his. Her skin was pale and cold to his touch. As he looked at her, he saw the dark circles around her eyes and their colour waned. Her skin was taut and dry and she gasped for breath. ‘Mother,’ Gerard said. She didn’t respond and stared up at the canopy above the bed. ‘Mother, it’s Gerard, I’m here,’ he said as he squeezed her hand.

‘She’s been like this since morning. I don’t think she can hear you,’ Devon said as he placed his hand on Gerard’s shoulder.

‘I came as soon as I’d heard.’ Gerard was bewildered by the state he saw his mother in.

‘She’ll know you are here, Gerard. Take comfort in that, son.’

How could she have become so sick so soon? Surely his father would’ve called for him before now?
Gerard’s heart weighed heavy and his mind raced. He sat with his mother and waited for her to recognise him. He watched as the movements of her chest grew shallow and he heard her final breath leave her body. But still he waited for her small frame to rise and gasp at life’s essence, for that small sound that would pull breath into her body. But it didn’t come. She lay still. He waited and then in desperation, he clutched her by the shoulders and shook her. He called to her over and over again. Tears flowed down his face and obscured his vision.

‘She’s gone, Gerard,’ Devon said as he tried to comfort his son. ‘Let her rest in peace.’

Gerard sat back and looked at her one more time through his tears and pain. Then he stood up and walked out of the room and left his father to say goodbye to his beloved wife.

Two days passed and Gerard had withdrawn into himself. His mother had been dressed and bathed. She wore a robe of forest green and now waited up on top of the cliff. The breeze blew over the ocean and it whipped up the face of the cliff. A pyre had been built and she lay nestled in the branches. Soon they’d burst into flame at the first spark of the torch. The fire would purify her and her ashes would be sprinkled on the wind to pass on to the Other World and connect with her soul.

Devon had gone to Gerard’s room, hoping to bridge the distance that now overtook his son. Inside Gerard’s room, he found the letter from the Hierarch amongst the mess his son had strewn upon the floor. Devon tore open the letter and read it. It was beyond belief and an ache crept into his heart.

Lord Devon Antrobus:

Dear Sir,

It is with great concern that I write to you about your son, Gerard.

While in the beginning he had shown great promise, of late he’s been distracted and prefers to seek other entertainment in the village. His time would be better spent involved with his studies, as his progression has ceased. If he continues along this path it will be of no use for him to return, as his Wizard’s essence will dissipate and therefore render his studies useless to him.

If you could speak with the boy and find out where the problem lies, we will be happy to have him return to the Keep to continue his studies when he is ready.

Yours Faithfully,

Hierarch Jacob

Canistar

Devon Antrobus stormed out of Gerard’s room and when he entered his study, he called for his manservant, Mathew.

‘Yes, my Lord. What can I do for you?’ Mathew said.

‘Where’s my son?’ Devon yelled.

‘I think he went in to the town last night, my Lord, and hasn’t yet returned.’

‘Send someone to bring him home at once. Doesn’t he know today is the day his mother’s body will be sent forth to the Other World?’

‘Yes, my Lord. I’ll send someone. Will that be all, sir?’

‘Have a bath drawn for me. I will be up in a moment.’

Mathew nodded and left to see to his Lord’s wishes. Never before had he seen him in such a temper. He could be firm, but never angry. Mathew called for two of the servants. He told them to find Gerard and bring him back to the house. Even if they had to drag the boy, they were to bring him home. Then he went off to organise the Lord’s bath.

The two men stopped by the stables to collect their mounts. The stable boy had informed them that the Lord’s son had taken the carriage into town the day before and hadn’t yet returned.

It wouldn’t be hard to find the carriage. It was one of a kind and emblazoned on the doors was the family’s crest. A snake embossed upon a stave.

As they entered the town they found the carriage hitched to the side of a tavern. They soon learnt that Gerard had spent his time there to drink away his sorrows and was still upstairs asleep.

The owner of the tavern led them to Gerard’s room and knocked on the door.

‘Who’s there?’ Gerard’s voice responded, still cloudy with sleep and the copious amounts of alcohol he’d consumed the night before.

‘Your father has sent us to bring you home, Sir. Your mother is to been seen off this morning and he’d like you to return at once.’

Gerard’s head pounded. He slid out of bed and walked over to the door. He opened it a fraction and told them he wouldn’t be long. When he was ready they walked down the stairs and Gerard paid the owner for his stay. Outside, the carriage had been brought around to the front of the tavern and the men’s two horses had been hitched to the back. Gerard climbed inside the carriage and sprawled on one of the seats as the two men took their position in the driver’s seat.

It wasn’t long before they pulled through the gates of the Lord’s residence. Gerard was apprehensive as the carriage stopped and he hesitated before he left its interior. He entered the house and was told to head to his father’s study. Gerard walked through the door to find his father seated behind his desk. Open in front of him was a ledger that held all the births, deaths and marriages of the people of Reist. Devon had just entered his own beloved wife’s name to the book when Gerard walked in.