Threatened [W&W Book 2]

Chapter 23

Anya woke early in the morning. She did not feel better, but at least she had a grim sense of purpose. The first thing she did was write a careful letter to Thorne.

Dear Thorne,

I finally met Lord Wildwood and I did my best to dutifully complete my tasks on the night of the wedding. It was a lovely celebration, but far less eventful than I had expected it to be.

No doubt, I will have more opportunities to learn while I remain in Lord Wildwood's employ. I have been studying new branches of magic which is terribly fascinating. I have even discovered a book on healing magic. Were you aware that Lord Wildwood has a protégé who specializes in such magic?  I hear he has been most effective in safe guarding my lord's health and well-being.

There is word that my lord will be leaving on a journey and I am not yet aware whether I will be included in the trip or if will remain behind. Nevertheless, I shall make the best of all my opportunities.

I trust that Damani and Kallie are well and that I shall see them soon.

Anya Smyth

Anya hid the letter inside her sleeve and hoped that no one would be able to read between the lines if they were to chance to read her words. She hoped she had put in enough veiled information to satisfy Thorne that she was moving forward so that he would not take out his impatience on the twins.

Anya took her basket along. Once she sent the letter to Thorne, she would gather some innocent ingredients, along with some less innocent ones. Anya moved through the halls quickly to the servant's exit. There were already people stirring at such an early hour, but none of them took a second look at Anya.

Anya took her usual way into the woods and once she was far from the castle, she began to call Sabin.

It took only a moment before Sabin flew out of the trees and landed on her shoulder. It seemed he had been waiting for her. Anya ruffled the feathers under his neck. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to risk fetching food from the kitchen. My letter today is more hazardous. I promise I'll bring you food next time, precious."

Sabin cawed amiably. He looked as healthy as he had been in the days before Thorne and Anya was glad that their misadventures were not affecting him adversely. At least one of her loved ones was escaping an ill affect from Thorne.

Anya took out the letter and she handed it to Sabin. He rubbed his beak against her cheek one time and then leapt into the air. Anya watched him fly away. She hoped that Damani and Kallie were holding up as well.

She worried for both of them. Damani was strong, but he was also stubborn. He would refuse to bend and she feared that Thorne would try to break Damani's spirit for Thorne's own sadistic pleasure. Kallie was meeker and easily cowed. Anya hoped that her little sister would find some hidden strength.

Anya spent a short while looking for the ingredients that she needed in order to wreck havoc in the lives of all who dwelled at Wildwood. She was almost disappointed when she found everything she needed growing abundantly and easily. Anya would have been glad for an excuse to delay even another moment. But she would return and mix the potion to deliver Wildwood to the blackest despair of his life.

She hoped that he felt some sort of satisfaction or closure when he ended it.

She knew that she would not.

Anya walked quickly back to the castle, and again went through the halls unremarked. She left her basket in her room and sought out Hanna. The other maid was not particularly busy and wanted no help, so Anya took her leave.