Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 10-

(to the right is Joanna's horse)

“Merry meet!” Joanna greeted me as I awoke the next morning.

I tilted my head. “I guess that’s a salutation, while ‘blessed be’ is a farewell?”

She nodded, and I noticed a small necklace hidden under her cloak. It was a pentagram . . . but it was right-side-up rather than the Satanist upside-down.

I inquired her about it.

“I shall tell you once we are on our way.”

We packed everything up, and mounted our horses, the snowy peak in clear view now.

“This is a pentagram.” Joanna held it out so I could see it. It was small and silver, a simple star within a metal ring. It was tied onto a long black velvet strip.

“Each of the points stands for an element. There are five elements; air, fire, water, earth and spirit.” She pointed to each point of the star that each element belonged to. “When casting spells or charms, many Pagans or Pagan witches use this to help them concentrate and create a bond with nature. It’s called calling the elements together.”

We continued riding, while she explained a few more minor details about her religion to me, as well as teaching me a few things in the tongue I had heard her singing in the night before. She said it was the witch language.

I honestly wasn’t as opposed to her as I thought I would be if I ever met a Pagan. It honestly didn’t bother me- which amazingly shocked me. I didn’t tell her this of course- it was embarrassing that I expected something different in my reaction.

We arrived to the encampment an hour later.

Several younger boys took in our sight wide-eyed, and ran off to get the general. A few boys we recognized smiled at us, like they had expected us as well.

We continued to ride until one boy led us to the general. Gwindire was by his father’s side. His face broke into a grin while his father’s face cocked an eyebrow.

Gwindire quickly explained our importance and the skills we had as healers.

“Well, we might need use for sewing tears and worn clothing . . . and half these men can’t cook. And we will need medicines once we run out . . .” he fingered his chin. Then he bowed his head. “Alright ladies: Your Highness, Miss Evelyn. We’ll get you settled immediately.” He barked orders to a nearby young man to pitch us a tent. We didn’t mind sharing.

I knew we would have Gwindire’s father on our side. He couldn’t deny a request from the king’s new daughter.

He explained to us where the king was as well.

Joanna agreed we’d see him later, after we were settled.

~

Our tent was pitched and inhabited within an hour. We unloaded our stuff, sharing the joy of our easy success.

Hector and Terrin immediately came into our tent, followed by Gwindire.

“It’s probably best to delay telling the king.” Joanna subtly hinted to a nearby boy. He saluted her and ran off to spread the word about keeping quiet.

“Good idea.” Terrin agreed. “You’ll have a chance to prove to him you won’t get yourself killed.”

“We don’t know that,” Hector disagreed. “you two are definitely not coming to battle with us.”

“Oh, don’t worry your pretty head, Hector!” I snipped playfully. I took Geraldine out of her bag, and she stretched and yawned. They seemed surprised to see I brought my fox. “What?” I asked. “It was a gift; I’m not leaving her behind.”

Terrin shook his head and placed his hands on his hips. Hector crossed his arms and Gwindire hooked his thumbs on his belt. The sight was quite humorous.

Joanna and I finished unpacking the last of our things, making ourselves quite comfortable.

“How did you convince your father?” Terrin asked.

Joanna and I gave him a look.

Gwindire just smiled. His hair was tied back gracefully in a ponytail today, mimicking Terrin’s except for the fact that Terrin’s was tied in the middle of the back of his head, while Gwindire’s was tied at the back of his neck.

“Well . . . I know it’s only been about only a week, but it’s nice to have fresh pretty faces around here. All we’ve done is practice. Half the so-called men here don’t believe in daily hygiene.”

My nose scrunched up. There was nothing worse I hated than smelling sweaty men. I had grown up with sweaty boys, but at least I took pride in my bathing.

Gwindire laughed at my expression.

“What a warm welcome.” Joanna commented.

They laughed.