Wolfsbane

Wolfsbane, Chapter 5, By Ruth Nalio

Trystan…

It was very upsetting that I should feel so restricted now that I was human again. Even more so that I should also not even wish to work for the cure at the moment. I was more interested in finding what senses were still sharpened.

My hearing was excellent, yet not as good as when I was a wolf. My sight was brutally sharpened still, nearly to where it wasn’t human. And with my sense of smell, I could smell the tea and biscuits that were for the lunch Father had suggested, and they were down the steps, no doubt being set up in the kitchen at the other side of the castle. No doubt I would smell coffee in but moments, and Father would have the metallic scent of whiskey in his.

I wondered if I would be able to hear the horses before Mason and Autumn even pulled up. I was slightly looking forward to seeing her. I wished for good news; that perhaps her father was going to call this off. I didn’t know what our next move would be if this one didn’t work. Perhaps I could simply get caught with another woman? No, I wouldn’t shame the family that way. Not when my mother’s parentage still held a tang for the nobility of this world. If they only knew she’d been a quarter elf, I wonder if the hate would be worse?

Autumn…

Father had excitedly gotten into the carriage, no doubt looking forward to Trystan and me getting along as I had promised to try. What Father didn’t realize was that my trying may not win out over my urge to end this. I could only hope that Trystan was waiting to tell me that his father had only invited us as a kindness. Why not look on the bright side, even if it were slightly far-fetched?

I had to start looking for a new way to get this wedding called off because our first plan was an obvious failure. What could I possibly do to get this called off? Could I talk Trystan into getting caught with another woman? However disgusting that may be, it could be the only way for us to get this called off.

“I think what you should do is ask Trystan to teach you how to shoot, you know, not let him know that you already know how then show him what you can do and tell him it's because he’s such a good teacher.” Father rambled excitedly.

“Do you think that Jude will be serving scotch or whiskey with the tea? I may need help getting through this without fighting with Trystan.” I replied dryly.

“Don’t be absurd, I think you will get along wonderfully. Just the way you did when Jude and I left the two of you alone together.”

“Oh yes, you’re referring to when we both decided to try talking you and Jude into calling this off?”

Father looked at me disapprovingly. “You are just a bit too caught up in getting this called off for no real reason.”

“I have plenty of real reasons.”

“Like what?” He countered.

“Like how I don’t want to get married right now, maybe not ever.” I sulked.

“That's not exactly a good reason. No one is truly ever ready to get married.”

I crossed my arms and glared out the window. What else could I tell him? I just didn’t want to get married, not ever, and yet that wasn’t a good enough reason for him. I had to think of a way to explain how much I deeply I desired to not get married. But what could I say that would make any difference to him?

Trystan…

Indeed, I could hear the carriage pulling up when, if I had my normal hearing, I wouldn’t have been able to hear it. I headed down the steps two at a time so that I could get to the door before Mason and Autumn got to the door wanting to know if I could hear their footsteps as well. I wondered if I could hear their breathing through the thick door as they waited on the other side to be let in. I loved my hearing being so sharp! The sharpened senses were simply fascinating!

“In a hurry to see your betrothed, Trystan?” Father asked, raising a curious brow.

“Not so much as in a hurry to see if I can hear their footsteps and their breathing through the door. I heard the carriage pull up and wanted to know how much more I could hear.”

“Fix your shirt while you experiment then, and your hair. I’m going to check on the staff in the kitchen.” Ignoring Father, I hurried to the door, waving away the butler as he moved toward it. I also ignored his curious look as I did so. Yes! I could hear the footsteps! And the breathing as well!

I opened the door before they even knocked twice and smiled brightly at the two of them. “Do come in. Autumn, you are looking lovely today. The green is very flattering to your skin. Mason, you look as distinguished as ever. Father and I hope you will enjoy the bow competition. You are more than welcome to join in if you wish.”

“Thank you m’boy, it sounds splendid,” Mason said as he came in with Autumn on his arm. A puzzling thing, I knew that scent from somewhere, but where? Oh well, not anything to worry about. I closed the door and walked beside Mason who was asking about what kind of business I had to attend to.

“Just some silly private matter, nothing to worry yourself over. Autumn, how was the ball? And be sure to tell me just how lovely all the young women looked.” I added to upset our father’s.

“I actually didn’t go. I was feeling under the weather that night. I am better now, I assure you.”

“I should hope so. It would do no good for you to be getting sick or making everyone here sick.” I smiled and winked at her to let her know that I was jesting.

“You are in an unusually nice mood, not to mention you're lacking your usual tardiness.” She pointed out.

“Yes, well, I had a nice trip and am looking quite forward to the bow competition. You see, I am shooting as well, and I hope to best the other men. A few of our neighbors have come to shoot, and it’s sort of a pride competition.”

“Really? It sounds quite interesting,” Mason said with a smile.

Autumn…

Just what was going on with him? He couldn’t be this happy just because of a little competition. He had to be up to something, or was there good news? Maybe he had another plan already! Gods, another plan would be wonderful! I didn’t have the slightest idea of what else to try. Something had to work eventually.

The three of us walked out to the back deck together. Father and Trystan talking about something that I didn’t hear because I was too lost in my own thoughts to focus. I truly hoped that Trystan had good news for me. I didn’t think this was a good idea after all because, with the way he was joking with me, it was as if he didn’t care one way or another.

A butler pulled out a seat for me and I sat to watch as Father and Trystan talked about technique. Trystan picked up a bow and that’s when I noticed for the first time what he looked like other than his handsome face. He was an extremely well-built man, I had to admit. He had a firm, square jaw and deep brown eyes, framed by dark lashes. He was tall and lean, not bulky, but well-muscled to be sure. He had an all-over tan that made him slightly golden, even the small bit of his bare chest that I could see, which was ever so lightly dusted with hair.

And not to mention the firm rear end he had, very nice for a man. Stop it! I mustn't sit here and ogle the man as if he were a piece of meat! I was not going to marry him, so I didn't need to build up an attraction to the man. Next thing you know I’d be looking at his lips wondering how it would be to kiss him!

“Autumn, my dear, how nice it is to see you!” Jude walked out now onto the patio positively beaming. It was impossible to resist the man’s charm.

“Good afternoon, it is lovely to see you as well.”

“Do you like tea or coffee better? I had both prepared because I wasn’t sure what you and your father preferred.”

“I like them both. I think I’ll start with the tea though since it’s so late in the day. Coffee is more of a morning beverage for me.”

“That it is for most people. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I spice my coffee and tea with just a drop of rum or whiskey sometimes when I am tense. It’s something we men like to do. Some ladies do it as well but I am not sure your father would like it if you did so. I just thought you might want to know how to soften Trystan up once you’re married.”

I smiled despite myself. “Thank you, but I may not need such advice. Are there any other women coming today or will it be just men?”

“Dear, I had not thought to invite other ladies! I’m afraid you will be the only belle of the ball as they say.” He gave a short laugh.

“That is quite fine with me. To tell you the truth I find ladies’ conversation to be nothing more than gossip.”

He laughed in earnest then. “I’m sure, and it’s nothing more than a lot of ‘did you hear Mrs. So-and-so did this.; Am I right?”

I laughed. “You’ve got it. I always get so bored with those conversations.”

“What are your interests then my dear?” Jude probed.

“Actually this bow contest today sounds delightful. I just hope Trystan will allow me to shoot before it’s all over. Who knows, I might place in the contest. Of course that depends on how talented the competitors are.” I smiled sweetly at him.

“My dear, these men are talented, but I’m sure that Trystan would love to show you how to shoot.”

“Of course.” I watched then as a few more young to middle-aged men walked to the back patio where we were. They each had their own bow and arrows. Yes, this would be a fun day. I would simply have to show these men how to shoot. I let myself smile at the thought.

“My dear, are you going to ask Trystan to show you how to shoot?” Jude inquired excitedly.

“Yes, but not just yet. I want to watch the men first, you know, see how it’s done and all.” I smiled sweetly at him. “Actually, I don't think it will be all that hard. I think I remember how to shoot a bow. Father taught me once.”

“Truly? That is most interesting.”

“Yes, Father and I have a better relationship than most daughters have with their fathers. I don’t simply ask him for his money, I ask him for his teachings. He encourages my curiosity.”

He was quiet for a moment then said, “I guess that is a good thing, it will make it easier for you to understand Trystan. He wasn’t raised around the delicacy of a woman, you know.”

“Father mentioned something about it but it doesn't matter now, let’s talk of better things.”

“Yes, let's. After your father taught you to use a bow that once, did you practice anymore?” He asked with a sly look. “I would love to see the look on my son’s face if you were to show him how a lady wins a competition.”

I just suppressed a laugh. “I’ll let you be the judge of that when I shoot. Is there a price to enter this little competition?”

“Just bragging rights.”

“Interesting.”

“Indeed.” He confirmed, looking at the guests.

I watched as a young man with blond hair went first, pulling back the bow with his elbow out, wrong. At least he hit the target though. Trystan told him he got three shots, so he shot again. He was a bit closer this time but not close enough, I’m sure that the others must be able to get within three or four rings of the center. The third arrow hit just on the edge of the target sadly.

The next man was a brown-haired man who was laughing. He waited for the butler to remove the arrows and get out of the way then drew back on the bow, his elbow in. He hit the third ring with the first arrow, the second hit just above the first. The third hit between the second and the third rings. Not bad.

The third man to try was a young redhead with broad shoulders. He pulled back the bow but had it too close to his face, that wasn’t good. He let the first arrow go and lucked out, it hit just between the first and second rings. With the second arrow though, he wasn’t so lucky. The drawstring hit him in the face and he missed the target altogether. When the butler rushed to him to see if he was okay he waved him away. The third arrow he let go hit the third ring.

I watched calmly as one by one the men took their turns, some missing entirely, others hit nearly dead on. One even hit the center, but then the arrow fell out of the target. Then it was Trystan’s turn. He drew back, not too close to his face, his elbows at the correct angles. He hit dead center. The second arrow hit the first ring, and the third hit between the first and second arrows. So far, he was the best.

“Trystan, do you think I could give it a try? I’ve been watching you and it just looks like so much fun.” I chimed as sweetly as I could.

The men were snickering under their breath, one even said that I would make the ones who missed feel better. Trystan smiled at me, obviously ignoring the men, “Would you like me to show you how to shoot first, or do you think you can do it on your own?”

“I think I can do it, thank you.” I walked over to where he stood and took his bow and an arrow.

“That may be a bit hard to pull back, let me know if you have trouble and I’ll get you a bow with more give.”

I tested the string, “I think I can manage.” I lifted the bow and threaded the arrow, hardly taking time to aim, and released it. It hit dead center. I smiled at him, “How am I doing?”

He tried to hide the shock in his eyes, “Just fine, you get three shots.”

“Very well, do I aim for the center every time or just close to the other arrow?”

“Whatever you think you can manage.”

“Alright.” I threaded another arrow and again took only seconds to aim before letting it go. It hit just next to the first. Quickly I threaded my last arrow and let it go, robin-hooding the first. I smiled at Trystan. “Does this mean I win the bragging rights or is that just for the men?”