Amusement filled his blue eyes and he nodded. “When we have time. He is waiting for your command now, though.”
She nodded slowly and turned the horse toward the Tolanteer. Tapping her heels lightly she urged him forward. The horse surged forward so quickly she almost lost her seat. Valor chuckled lightly as he righted her in the saddle and relaxed his grip. The scenery rushed by them at an alarming pace and she looked over her shoulder to see Marrow bounding after them through the snow running full out.
You could have warned me, Marrow said in mild accusation.
I had no idea he would be so fast! she replied, her heart pounding at the speed. She glanced over her shoulder to Valor and then back to the snow covered landscape. “Should I slow him? I don’t know where the rocks are here,” she asked loudly hoping he could hear her over the wind.
“No, he is fine and you don’t have to yell I can hear you when you speak normal,” Valor replied with a chuckle.
“Stormlord’s son, right,” she said a bit sheepish and turned back in the saddle. Valorous surged beneath them again as he leaped across a frozen stream and charged up the next hill, his speed never slowing. “Amazing,” she breathed, settling back in the saddle with a firm grip. She barely had to move the reins. The horse seemed to sense what she wanted simply through the contact. At this speed they would reach Anthe well before dark. If she was correct and the witches were willing to help, they would be in the Darklands by morning.
*
Anthe stood waiting for them as they neared the cabin. She wore the same pale robes she had the last time Jala had seen her. The falcon that served as her eyes rested comfortably on her shoulders. The witch smiled as Valorous slowed to a stop in the clearing. They had taken the forest paths much slower than the snow covered hills but still the animal’s speed was astonishing.
Valor dismounted silently and helped her down, keeping a hand on her arm till she was steady.
She let out a quiet laugh at her shaky legs and patted the horse on the side. “Very impressive,” she whispered and moved forward to greet the witch. Bowing low to the woman, she offered a faint smile. “It’s good to see you again, Anthe,” she said as she stood straight again.
“And you, little sister,” Anthe replied and cocked her head in the direction of Valor and his horse. “An Arovanni, very impressive. He honors you greatly by sharing such a creature with you.” She bowed her head slightly to Valor. “Well met, Son of Troyelle. It has been long since one of your people has graced my lands.”
“Thank you for the welcome, Lady Anthe,” Valor said politely and nodded with respect. Tossing the reins back over the saddle, he moved to stand at Jala’s side and looked around the grove in curiosity.
“You seemed to know I was coming. Do you know why I am here as well?” Jala asked.
Anthe nodded slowly and leaned back a bit on her heels. “You wish a gate made,” she said quietly. Her ruined eyes seemed to meet Jala’s for a moment and she wondered again if the witch was truly blind.
“Is it possible?” Jala asked. She had searched her mind for any magic capable of opening a doorway to the Darklands and had finally decided that Anthe would be the best to ask. She had been a High Mage in life and now locked between life and death she knew more about the Darklands than any other Jala could think of.
“It is possible. I’m not sure that it is wise, however,” Anthe replied carefully. “Come inside and we will talk more on this,” she said and turned back to the cabin.
“If she doesn’t help us, I see no other way,” Jala told Valor softly and followed after the witch.
“Then we will convince her,” Valor replied as he fell into step beside her.
I sense fear on her. Your request frightens her. Perhaps she is afraid of the Dark lady’s wrath, Marrow offered.
Jala nodded to the Bendazzi and stepped into the warm light of the cabin. The house was as tidy as it had been her last visit with the comforting scent of herbs thick in the air. Anthe was setting a tea set down on the table as they entered and she motioned for Valor to shut the door. She raised her hands as he did and a pulse of magic filled the room.
“It is best to not speak of such things in the open where any may hear,” Anthe said as she lowered her hands. “There are many who would see this trip as opportunity. Let’s not tell them anymore than they already know.” She poured tea and motioned for them to sit.
Moving forward quietly, Jala took one of the chairs and nodded her thanks to Anthe. “Do you think I’m a fool for attempting this?” she asked quietly and blew on her tea.
Anthe sat across from her and seemed to consider the question. After a long moment she shook her head, “No. If any other suggested this venture I would think them a fool or mad. You, I believe have a chance to succeed where others would fail, though. You have come a long way since the last time I saw you. The power you hold is more than any High Lord I know.”
“The healing built my strength. I think. Healing is draining on me and I’ve been focusing on it for the past few months. You said outside that you didn’t think it was wise, does that mean you won’t help?” Jala spoke quietly and had to fight from holding her breath as she awaited Anthe’s reply.
“I will help you on three conditions,” Anthe said, lowering her tea cup back to the table gently. She held up a hand before Jala could speak and smiled. “Listen to my terms and then speak,” she said. Holding up one finger she continued. “The first condition, your Bendazzi must remain with me. Before you object listen to my reason. The Darklands is not simply another country. It is another place entirely. An echo of our own world in a fashion. You will need an anchor here to find your way home. Your familiar is the only link that is strong enough to guide you.”