Witch Bane by Tim Marquitz Page A

been pulled from its sheath, and I will come for
you.”
    Emerald glanced back at the dagger and slid
it reverently back into its cover. She clutched it to her, feeling
the strength of it as it washed over her. “Thank you.”
    Victor leaned in close and kissed her
forehead, the wild whiskers of his beard tickling her eyelids. He
sat back, only the remnants of his smile still on his lips. “I have
given directions to Donlen, to help guide you on your way. You
haven’t much further to go, your destination measured in just days
now.” He stood hunched and backed out from beneath the shelter.
Emerald followed him.
    She wrapped her arms about him once more,
feeling her courage build as she held him tight. All too soon, he
pressed her away, their eyes locking.
    “ I must go, my love, lest I bring the
wrath of your mother down upon us.” He kissed her deep, pulling
away with a smile. “Once you have met with Elizabeth, and she has
performed the ritual, draw the blade so I might know you are safe.
It would ease my heart to know.”
    She nodded, uncertain of her voice. He
kissed her once more and whispered his goodbyes, then drifted into
the woods to disappear. Emerald stared after him for a moment, her
breath shallow. Her heart beat heavily in her chest. She clutched
to the dagger, listening for any sound that might indicate Victor
was still somewhere nearby. There was nothing but Fulrik’s raspy
snores and the quiet whinny of one of the horses. At the crunch of
leaves behind her, she turned to spy Donlen emerging from the far
side of the camp. He waved to her and came over.
    “ You saw the Lord?” He kept his voice
low. His eyes darted to the dagger, then back to her face in a
rush.
    She nodded.
    “ We head out early. You might try to
get some sleep before we do. We’ve a long few days
ahead.”
    Emerald mustered a smile. Donlen nodded and
headed back toward the trees. Like with Victor, she watched until
he faded into the foliage. She glanced at her makeshift shelter and
felt her stomach rumble. There’d be no more sleeping there, the
scent of her sickness a reminder of her fear.
    She went to the nearest of the large trees
that cast a leafy green ceiling overtop and dropped down beside its
trunk. The buildup of humus was soft and fragrant, and no worse
than the ground she’d picked to set her shelter, so she settled
atop it. She drew a small pile of foliage under her head to use as
a pillow, and lay upon her back, glancing up through the cracks in
the canopy.
    The branches swayed in gentle rhythm with
the wind, the star-speckled sky popping in and out of sight. She
watched the movement with slowly closing eyes, holding the blade
clutched tight to her chest. She had left her world behind, her
inheritance, everything she’d ever known. Her fingers tracing the
line of her belly as she hoped she hadn’t been a fool.
    After but a few moments, a yawn stretched
her mouth. Victor’s visit had been a balm to her restlessness. She
drew in a deep breath of the musky forest air and knew no more.

Seven
     
    Deborah pushed her way into the throne
room, shoving the heavy doors aside. The servant behind her leapt
to the one nearest and grabbed its handle just before it struck the
inner wall. The other door hit with a resounding boom , the throne room echoing with
its clatter.
    “ This had better be worth dragging me
from my bed.” She stared at Gracelin who met her stare with
boldness.
    “ I would not have done so if it were
not.” She grinned, her joy contagious.
    Deborah sighed and strode to stand in front
of the Green Witch, the slightest touch of a smile brightening her
own lips. “Then tell me, woman. I’m in no mood for surprises.”
    “ I’m certain you’ll enjoy this
surprise.” Gracelin shooed the servant away, speaking only once the
door was closed, despite Deborah’s insistent glare. “I have word of
Elizabeth.”
    Deborah’s smile broke across her mouth,
spilling onto her cheeks. “Tell me.”
    Gracelin