I do not like this at all, Marrow growled, the hair on his back rising as he rose to pace the floor.
Anthe cocked her head in his direction and sighed. Holding up a second finger she looked back to Jala. “The second condition is that you allow my sisters and I to place spells of protection upon your unborn child. The land of the dead is no place for such a tender young life and if you must go he must be protected.”
“It’s a boy? I hadn’t checked,” Jala breathed, and rested a hand against her still flat stomach in wonder. So far, the Witch’s terms were more than fair and while she didn’t like the idea of leaving Marrow behind she understood fully why she must.
“Three,” Anthe began holding up the last finger and Jala fell silent, her attention fully on the Witch’s words again. “You will swear a blood oath to me that even if you cannot retrieve the spirit you seek, you will return to this land to lift the curse as you promised. Time is limited here and it is not wise for you to linger in the land of the dead, so we will set the limit at three moons.” She paused, letting Jala consider her words and lifted her tea to her lips once more. “Do you agree to my terms, Jala?”
Jala exchanged a look with Valor and then nodded. “I do accept your terms,” she said quietly.
You cannot leave me here! Marrow objected. He paced back to her, growling.
I have to, Marrow. You heard her. I need an anchor here, she explained and placed one hand one each side of the Bendazzi’s muzzle. Please, Marrow, I need you to stay here so I can find my way home.
And what if you need me there? You have never faced a true fight without me beside you, Marrow pressed, his tone almost pleading.
I don’t like the thought of being separated any more than you do Marrow, she said, lowering her forehead to rest on top of his head.
If you don’t return …, Marrow’s voice trailed off and she could feel the fear through their link.
I will. I promise you as much as I promise Anthe. I will return within three moons.
Anthe nodded and offered her a silver pin. “Prick your finger and swear the blood oath,” she told her.
Jala regarded the pin for a breath and pricked her finger. A large drop of gold blood welled and then ran down the side of the pin. “I swear by my own blood that I will return to lift the curse on Goswin within three moons of this night,” she said softly and watched as the blood disappeared into the pin. She handed it back to Anthe carefully and the Witch smiled with approval.
“Drink your tea then and rest. I will call my sisters so that we can prepare,” Anthe said as she carefully tucked the pin into her sleeve and rose from the table.
Lifting the tea cup to her lips once more, Jala took a sip and savored the rich flavor of mint and honey. There was something else there as well that she didn’t quite recognize. “What kind of tea is this Anthe?” she asked, fighting back a yawn.
“The kind to make you rest, Jala. I can see the wear on you, you haven’t slept in days. You will now, though,” Anthe replied and motioned a pale hand toward Valor. Looking over, Jala blinked in amazement at the sleeping knight. He had been quiet but she hadn’t noticed he had fallen asleep. Another yawn pulled at her and she blinked her eyes. It was growing almost impossible to keep them open. She turned back to Anthe as the witch was leaving the cabin.
“You drugged us,” she mumbled, her mind too foggy for clear thought.
“I did, and you would be wise to find a place to lie down before it fully takes effect,” Anthe replied sweetly and stepped from the doorway.
I hope she is truly on our side, Marrow said, his voice distant in her mind as sleep pulled heavily at her.
“Valor,” Jala mumbled and shook the knight. He mumbled slightly but didn’t stir beyond that. “Valor,” she repeated, trying to force her voice louder. Another yawn tore at her and she slumped forward, shaking her head. Blinking she staggered to her feet and managed a few steps before the darkness overwhelmed her. She had the faint sense of falling before all thoughts faded away.
*
“Jala, wake up,” a soft voice called from what seemed a thousand miles away.
Jala forced her eyes open and blinked at the darkened room. It took her long moments to remember where she was. Anthe was leaning over her with a lantern held carefully in her hands. “I’m awake,” she mumbled and rubbed her eyes.
“Good, now see if you can wake him up. When you do join us outside. We are ready.” Anthe waved a hand past her and set the lantern down carefully on a table. “We moved you in here while you slept. I didn’t think you would appreciate sleeping on the floor. It is a good thing the Bendazzi broke your fall or you would be covered in bruises now. The protection magics have already been cast upon you. All that remains is to open the gate. We will begin the spell when you are both ready.”
Jala turned her head slightly in the direction Anthe had indicated and stared at the sleeping form of Valor for a long moment before her mind began to work fully again. They were lying on a quilt covered bed in what she guessed was Anthe’s own room. She couldn’t imagine the Witch having a guest room made up so comfortably. “That is some very impressive tea, Anthe,” she mumbled and reached over to shake Valor lightly. “Val, wake up.” He shifted slightly and shook his head before rolling away from her. Sitting up, she grabbed his shoulder firmly and shook him again. “Val, come on, wake up,” she said in a louder voice. He mumbled something incoherent.
He drank almost the full cup. I’m amazed he isn’t in a coma, Marrow informed her dryly.