Margorie made herself right at home in the kitchen as she made a wonderful meal for everyone to enjoy, and she never held back for various reasons. It had been a long time since those returning from the dungeon had enjoyed a good meal, but she also wanted to make a good first impression with Angus to the kind of food he could expect in return for his generous hospitality. It was almost a celebration as everyone there was happy that Ginelle was able to save the witches and the ones she loved most from the dungeon and their pending executions. There was good reason for everyone at the table to merry and cheerful, and it made a good first impression for everyone who was meeting for the first time. After the meal was finished, Harrison and Angus went off into the woods to build up some firewood. The older man was eager to teach Angus how to chop a tree down properly, and that gave the women in the house time to clean up and set up sleeping arrangements for the house until better accommodations could be arranged. There were three bedrooms in the upper floor of the house, so there was plenty of room for all. Ginelle offered to share her bed with her mother as the bed in the master bedroom was quite big. It was also decided that Angus would remain in his room, and Margorie would take the third room and Harrison would have to find somewhere to crash on his own. After the kitchen and the house was cleaned up and prepped for the decided sleeping arrangements, Ginelle wanted to go for a walk to get some fresh air. Since she didn’t have to worry about the kitchen as Margorie has clearly taken over it, Ginelle and Garak went for a stroll in the woods to see if they could catch up with Harrison and Angus to see how they were doing. Harrison and Angus were chopping down a decent sized tree when she and the wolf approached, and Angus was the first to spot them.
“Hey there,” Angus called out, “Your dad has been showing me the proper way to cut down a tree. I had no idea there was a specific way to do the job!”
“There is,” Ginelle confirmed with a smile as she walked closer. “I hope you’re both playing nicely?”
Harrison stopped chopping as he looked back at her. With that question he was able to hear her mother and Margorie’s voice in the young girl’s tone. Both witches were having a clear influence on the girl, and that was evidence in how she conducted herself.
“We’re dong well,” Harrison replied, “He’s got a good worth ethic.”
“Where are you two going?” Angus asked.
“Just getting some air,” Ginelle said, “We won’t stray too far.”
“Sounds good,” Harrison said, looking back at Angus. “Let’s get back to work.”
Ginelle strolled off with Garak and they both walked closer to the river that was south of where the house was.
“Are you alright?” Garak asked.
“I’ll be alright,” Ginelle answered, “I just feel bad that I had to resort to violence to save the witches. I gave them a chance to surrender, and hoped they would take it.”
“Some humans can be quite stubborn,” Garak informed her, “And they have a habit of underestimating those who oppose them. Hopefully the butt kicking you gave them taught the men in the palace a very valuable lesson.”
“One can hope,” Ginelle said, “I just don’t want to have to do that again.”
“Hopefully you’ll never have to,” Garak concurred, “but the fact that you’re willing if someone forces your hand speaks to your character. You’re a good person who will only resort to action if pushed for your pack. I respect that.”
“Thank you,” Ginelle replied, “I try my best to protect those I care about…”
She was about to say something else, but something had caught her attention and forced her to stop speaking. She turned in the direction she was compelled to notice and started walking in that direction. Garak was surprised to followed to young witch as he also felt something weird as they walked along the riverbank. After walking down that bank for a few moments, they came across a familiar area. It was the exact spot where Ginelle and Garak had been when she destroyed the totem. There was a black stain where the totem had once stood before she obliterated it, but the area around was now glowing with a faint light. That stained spot started to turn into a familiar glow, and once again the magical image had appeared like it did the time before. It was also the exact same man that they had spoken with earlier, the wizard that lived in the palace that was had imprisoned the witches. The arrogant wizard stood there, grinning at the young girl as he seemed proud to be there again.
“Greetings, young witch,” Gandalus said, giving her a slight bow.
“Hello,” Ginelle said, taking a few steps closer. “How are you doing that with out the totem?”
“There are fragments of the totem still on this spot,” The old wizard replied, “And I sensed that you were near and used it to open this line of communication.”
“I see,” Ginelle said, as she kind of understood, “And why do you wish to speak with me?”
“I was impressed with your tactics,” Gandalus answered, “And appreciate that you kept your attack to the palace and didn’t harm the people in the city.”
“They were not responsible for what was going on,” Ginelle explained, “So I thought it was unfair to punish them for your king’s bad policies.”
“That is remarkably mature for a young lady,” the wizard continued, “I also wanted to speak to you in order to issue a warning. The king does not like to be humiliated the way he was that day and has vowed to seek vengeance to restore his honor.”
The wolf started to growl at the projection, as he didn’t like that statement.
“He doesn’t take well to threats,” Ginelle said, “And neither does my dragon.”
“I see,” the wizard responded, “Those dragons were real?”
“One of them was,” Ginelle replied, “But I can summon another hundred if your king wants another fight. Next time I might burn down the entire kingdom.”
“That’s not necessary,” Gandalus dismissed, “He may want revenge, but he has no idea where you are, and I have no intention of helping him find you.”
“You don’t?” Ginelle replied, “And why not? Don’t you work for him?”
“Not anymore,” the wizard answered, “His Majesty dismissed me as the royal mage after what happened during the rescue of your fellow witches. He was not impressed that all of you got away, and while determined to put them all back into the dungeons, I have a feeling arresting the witches will be a tad more difficult than last time.”
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“You would be correct,” Ginelle confirmed, “I flew them all out of your territory, so unless you want to invade another country over this, you’re not getting any of them back.”
“I figured as much, but never said so,” Gandalus confessed, “But that doesn’t mean the king will not try. I would recommend you take precautions to protect yourself.”
The wolf didn’t like what he was hearing and snarled at the wizard.
“We’re making such preparations,” Ginelle informed him, “And I can assure you that if any witches are imprisoned there again, I will take action to free them.”
“I have no doubt you will,” The wizard said, quite impressed with her. “You are a worthy foe, young witch, and I will not underestimate you again.”
“We’ll see about that,” Ginelle said, as she wasn’t impressed with his sabre rattling. “Right now, I am too far away for either of you to be an issue. If you manage to find me, by that time that happens we will be more than prepared to fend anyone off.”
“That is an interesting challenge,” Gandalus admitted, “I wish you good health until the day comes when we meet again.”
“To you as well,” Ginelle said, giving him a slight nod.
Ginelle and Garak watched as the projection in front of them faded away, and the old man was gone from their site. She turned to the wolf who still seemed to be one edge.
“Are you alright?” she asked her fluffy companion.
“I shall be fine,” Garak answered, still a little angered.
“We are going to be alright,” Ginelle reassured him, “I promise.”
“What preparations did you refer to?” Garak asked.
“I was referring to the wall Angus was building,” Ginelle replied, “But Ruki also made some very interesting suggestions that will make our defences a lot more challenging, especially to those who wish to attack us with magic.”
“That dragon is full of good ideas,” the wolf noted.
“He is,” Ginelle concurred, “And as long as Margorie and I keep him well fed, he will be a very valuable ally to have if that fight should ever make it to our front door.”
“I believe you,” Garak replied, as the strolled father away from the river and back up the hill towards their home. “I will do what I can to help as well. We can start with you climbing on to save time.”
Ginelle wasn’t one to turn down a free ride, as she got onto the saddle on the wolf’s back and enjoyed a calm and relaxing ride back to the house. Harrison and Angus had already returned with a considerable amount of firewood, and the women were outside talking to them as Garak calmly gallops up to where they were standing. Ginelle’s mother was the first to speak as it was the first time she had seen her daughter riding the big wolf.
“That is quite a unique mount you have there,” Alyssa called out.
“He’s quite fast when he wants to be,” Ginelle replied, “We enjoy taking walks together, but today he was impatient with my slow pace.”
“That sounds like a wolf,” Margorie said, looking down at the big wolf and petting his head, “Hungry too I assume?”
The wolf grunted and nodded to confirm that he was slightly peckish.
“He’s not the only one,” Harrison added, “Angus and I have worked up quite an appetite as well.”
“Then come inside,” Margorie invited, “I’ve already made something for you all.”
Margorie led the say as the men followed her inside, while Alyssa helped her child dismount the big wolf.
“He is quite impressive,” Alyssa noted, “As is your ability to speak with animals.”
“Margorie is quite a teacher,” Ginelle replied, “I intend to continue learning with her and studying chaos magic and other elements. I hope you’re alright with that, mother.”
“It’s your path,” her mother reassured her, “That is your choice to make, and yours alone. Mother earth has clearly put you on this path for a reason, and I would be foolish to challenge her wisdom.”
“Thank you,” Ginelle said, reaching out and hugging her mother tightly.
The wolf followed both women into the house and ate with them. After having his fill of enchanted food, Garak left the house and wandered off. He strolled further up the hill a little to the cave that Ruki had chosen for his new home. The dragon was inside the cave, rolled up and resting when Garak strolled inside. The dragon opened his eyes, but didn’t raise his head as he didn’t consider the big dire wolf a threat.
“What brings you to my home, wolf?” the dragon asked him.
“We need to talk about something.” Garak replied.
Over the next several minutes, Garak went into great detail about what happened at the riverbank earlier and the conversation Ginelle had with the old wizard’s glowing image. The dragon laid there and listened with intent as he wanted to get every detail from him.
“This is not surprising,” Ruki eventually replied, “But I am disappointed. Humans too often allow their egos to drive them into obsessions that are not good for them. If they are foolish enough to come here, I shall make it the worst mistake they ever made.”
“Is that enough?” the wolf asked, “One dragon against armies?”
“I will make it enough,” The dragon insisted, “This place will be prepared for anything that king or wizard can toss at it, and if necessary I can call on some friends to help. There are creatures out there that owe me favors, some that would haunt your dreams if you ever encountered them.”
“I believe you,” Garak conceded, “Let’s hope we never have to go that far.”
“Agreed,” Ruki said, “But it will be up to us to make sure nothing ever happens to that young witch. She is special and needs to be protected at all times.”
“I agree,” Garak replied, “I would give my life for her.”
“If that is so,” Ruki said, “Then give me your paw.”
The wolf walked closer and slowly reached out his paw to the dragon as instructed. Ruki didn’t do anything to hurt the dragon but reached out and placed one of his claws over Garak’s paw. The dragon then closed his eyes and start to mutter something to himself, which turned out to be a spell. The dragon began to glow but that soon faded away after a short moment. Garak was a little surprised at what had happened.
“What was that?” Garak demanded.
“A spell,” Ruki replied, feeling rather proud of himself. “Witches and wizards are not the only ones who can use magic. Dragons are capable of casting spells, but we don’t let anyone know that for obvious reasons.”
“Hold on,” Garak said, “That spell Ginelle used to make the mirrors after powering up, was that really her doing?”
“Kind of,” Ruki confessed, “I was also casting a spell at the same time. Those mirrors was a result of me casting the same spell at the same time. Our combined magic is what caused that to occur even though Ginelle is taking full credit for it.”
“What the hell did you just cast on me then?” Garak asked.
“This spell marks someone,” Ruki replied, “With this magical mark, I will always be able to sense where you are and feel what you are feeling. So, if you are in danger and feel angry or scared, I will know about it and be able to fly straight over to where you are to help protect you.”
“You should cast that on Ginelle,” Garak suggested.
“I already have,” Ruki informed him, “I cast the spell on Ginelle one night while she was sleeping under my wing, and now it’s been cast on you as well. This will allow us to know where each of us is located, what we’re feeling, and our minds can even speak to one another even at great distances.”
“That’s one hell of a spell,” Garak noted, “And you did this so we could work as a team to protect Ginelle?”
“Yes,” the dragon confirmed, “It is up to us to keep her safe. If she is with at least one of us at all times, then this connection will allow me to protect her.”
“I like this,” Garak admitted, “I would lay down my life for her.”
“As would I,” Ruki concurred, “But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“Does Ginelle know about the mark?” Garak asked.
“She does not,” Ruki said, “But I will let her know when the time is right.”
“Alright,” Garak said, “I will keep your secret for now.”
“Much appreciated, Wolf,” Ruki said as he put his head back down. “Now leave me be and let me rest.”
Ruki watched as the big wolf vacated his cave and left him to think on the matter on his own. The dragon had suspected that the humans would never take what they did to their castle and rescuing the other witches lightly. He knew the fight would eventually come to them, and when it did the dragon knew he would have to use all the power, magic, and sneaky idea he could think of to protect her. Ruki was determined to make sure no harm came to Ginelle and reunited family, for them were now his family as well. He liked being around them and would set the whole planet on fire to protect them. As he rested his head and closed his eyes Ruki knew there was a lot of work to be done. The big dragon also knew that they had plenty of time for to prepare for the worst. Far more time then anyone was aware that they possessed, especially young Ginelle.
