CHAPTER 11.

They left just after daylight the next morning. Even so, the streets were crowded and the gossip rampant. Deirdre walked beside him, head held high, though her cheeks flamed at the murmurings of the crowd around her. Apparently, the story of the previous night's encounter...and their descriptions ...had already made the rounds. Baris went directly to the nearest livery stables, intending to buy horses, but the stablemaster refused him a sale, stating that the boy he had injured had been the son of a good client. Baris was in no mood to argue the point.

"Pity," he said coldly. "I was prepared to give you twice what they were worth."

Disappointment flashed across the stablemaster's face but Baris turned away. His steps were fast and furious, and he near-dragged Deirdre along the sidewalk and out of town.

"I feel like every eye in that town is on me," Deirdre whispered. "Like there's a target drawn on my back."

Baris frowned but said nothing. He stepped from the road and drew her into the cool confines of the woods, away from the stares. For a while they walked in silence, then Baris stopped and turned to face her. He had to know.

"I must ask this," he said softly. "It is something that was brought to my attention by our host at the party."

"He was another Vector, wasn't he?"

Baris nodded, surprised that she had seen through Quentin's Illusion. "He was. He told me that I reeked of your magic. That I had been Spelled."

Deirdre sighed, averting her gaze. He placed one long finger beneath her chin and forced her to look at him.

"Is this true? Have you been using your magic on me?"

She dropped her gaze. "Yes." Her answer was barely audible.

"Why? For what purpose?"

"Oh, Baris." She reached up and grasped his hand in hers. "You've been so despondent over Anika and Thale. I only wanted to ease some of your suffering. I thought maybe if you could just rest, just relax, you would feel better."

"Rest? Relax?"

She nodded. "Yes. Chamomile tea does that. It's for soothing the mind and body. Peppermint just gives some added strength."

"And that's all? Tea for soothing and strengthening?"

She looked up at him, puzzled. "Yes. Well, maybe a little healing magic in both areas. But, Baris, you were so tired and so depressed. I just wanted to make you happy. You have been feeling better, haven't you?"

For a moment he merely studied her. He couldn't deny that her magic had helped his emotions. Perhaps too well. He had almost hoped that all of his desires, his l.u.s.t for her, his immoral thoughts were the result of her magic. Guilt was again his companion. How could he have considered trying to blame her for his own failings? How could he shift the responsibility for his dishonorable actions onto her? He shook his head and drew her close.

"Yes, Deirdre," he admitted. "I have been feeling better. " He kissed the top of her head and released her. "We need to keep moving. Hopefully, we can find a smaller village to stay tonight." He started away.

"Baris." She clutched his arm and stopped him. "What's wrong? You seem...I don't know...worried."

He shot her a glance then continued walking.

"I am. I am worried about what may have befallen Anika. I am worried about the injury my son sustained. I am worried about the fact that my magic seems to have left me."

"No, I know all of that. There's something else."

He paused, then sighed. "We are being sought, Deirdre, for the murder of the man in the alley."

"What! Why? He's the one who attacked me! What was I supposed to do? Let him?"

"No." Baris took hold of her arms, noticing that she was trembling. "No, he was in the wrong. I suppose what we should have done was to stay in the village and speak our side. Now the townspeople have only bits and pieces of information. And they are definitely not in our best interest."

"What are we going to do?" she whispered, stepping in closer to lean against his chest, her arms clinging to his waist.

"For now, nothing. I must get to Jaeger. I must find Anika. After I am sure that my wife and child are well and cared for, then I will return to the village to face trial."

"No! You can't! It wasn't your fault! They'll just lock you away, or--or-- No!" She burst into tears.

Baris soothed her, resting his cheek against the softness of her hair. "I will speak the truth, Deirdre, that's all I can do. I cannot run forever."

"Then I'll come as well! It was because of me that it happened in the first place."

Baris was touched at the offer but shook his head. "Just because your clan has accepted the Vectors doesn't mean that other people have. We are still feared by many, despised by most. They would simply a.s.sume that you are under my spell and lying to defend me, and they would condemn you as well."

"Well, if you think you're going back there to face their wrath alone, then think again!"

Baris almost laughed at the haughty tone. "Deirdre, sweet Deirdre, you are a most special young woman. For now, let's not dwell on it. Let's just concentrate on finding a place to stay tonight. Perhaps we can even seek news of Vail."

She reluctantly nodded agreement. "Remember? I told him to meet us in Nowles. He's probably on his way there now."

"And we should have been there by now as well," Baris said. "It is obvious I have taken the wrong road." He thought on his own words, wondering why that had not crossed his mind until now. He shook the confusion away. "In the next village we will have to ask directions."

"Do men do that?" Deirdre teased, her indignation vanished as quickly as it had come.

Baris couldn't help but smile. "Yes, but we don't often admit to it." He took her hand and once more began to walk. It was sometime later before either of them spoke and then it was only because the thought would not leave Baris alone.

"Holt said he would come looking for you in a week's time. It's been nearly that."

Deirdre grimaced. "Has it?"

Baris glanced at her. "Will he come looking? Is his possessiveness that strong?"

She was quiet a moment. "I don't know. I think it is. But he won't find me. I won't let him."

"How will you stop him?"

"I don't know. I just will. I will not go back to the village and become a wife to that man. I just won't. I would rather go back to that town and have everyone think I am a low-bred."

Baris lifted his eyebrows in amus.e.m.e.nt. "You are not a low-bred, Deirdre. You fit in quite well at that party, with those people. It was me who did not fit."

"Not true, Baris. I saw many of the women watching you. You could have had your pick of them all."

Baris cringed, thinking of Anika. Was that what she thought as well? That he could have his pick? That he was casting his gaze elsewhere?

There was no question his recent actions and thoughts of Deirdre had been immoral. It definitely wasn't the way a happily married man should be thinking. His mind should have been on Anika, not on Deirdre's luscious bosom. So why did it seem so often lately that Anika was only a pa.s.sing thought? He had left his village consumed with the need to heal her, to bring her back to him, emotionally and physically. Now he was traipsing about the woods with a lovely young woman that he dreamed of bedding.

Quentin's words came back to haunt him. Witchery? Was there more to it than what Deirdre claimed? After all, he could feel her desire for him. He was not in this alone. Was she using her magic to lure him? To taunt him? To steal him from his true love?

No. He shook the thought aside, almost laughing at the stupidity of it. Why would she? What could she gain by it? She knew he loved Anika. She knew he could never find another mate. Here he was again, forcing his own emotions onto her, making it seem that she desired him as much as he desired her. Perhaps he thought it would ease his tremendous guilt if that were the case.

Still, he decided that maybe he had better stop drinking her special teas. Perhaps they were promoting far too much "rest and relaxation" on his part. He needed to be more in control, better able to handle his seemingly adolescent emotions. Although he wasn't quite sure how he could tell Deirdre that.

The rest of the morning was spent trying to find an easy route back to a respectable road. While Baris was sure they were now moving in the right direction... toward Nowles...he wasn't sure how he had become so disoriented. And he was feeling a bit stronger as well. Maybe even that small amount of rest he had managed in the last town had helped. Still, he knew what he really needed was blood. He wondered if Deirdre would be too upset if he sought it elsewhere. With the way his emotions were running, he wasn't sure he wanted to be that intimate with her again.

He suppressed a soft groan. Why couldn't he separate his desires from his needs? Even someone this new to his full Growth should have more control than this. Again, Quentin's words pounded through his head. And, again, he forced them aside. Deirdre had explained it and that was that.

"Look!" She pointed ahead then turned to beckon Baris closer.

He had dropped back as they walked and now hurried to reach her side. What he saw sent confusion raging through him. A huge city sprawled out on the valley floor, the river cutting it in two. Numerous bridges crossed the expanse of water, connecting what appeared to be a business district with a more industrial area. Baris stared at it.

"What? I thought we were going toward Nowles." He looked behind him, then up at the sky, as if they could explain his disorientation. "That certainly isn't Nowles. And I think I would have remembered such a large city anywhere near Nowles. Where the h.e.l.l are we?"

"Well," Deirdre said. "Why don't we go into the city and find out? You said you would ask for directions. I want to see if you really will."

Her gentle teasing could not rouse a smile and she frowned, linking her arm through his and pulling him along the trail. He followed obediently still trying to make some sense of his whereabouts.

The trail soon widened then merged with a narrow lane. It wasn't long before that widened more and became a true road leading through scattered groups of houses into the city proper. Baris took a moment to Illusion himself as a young man to discourage anyone who might want to do more than admire the woman with him. He tightened his grip on Deirdre's hand and led her along the crowded streets.

The mood of the citizens seemed to be jovial. They rushed back and forth across the street, dodging wagons and carts. Their voices were raised in an excited pitch and Baris was very conscious of how many young people were milling about. Youths and children of all ages giggled and played on the wide wooden sidewalks and on the small green patches of gra.s.s between buildings. There was an extremely festive mood about the entire place.

Deirdre pulled him to a stop in front of a mercantile. She placed one finger on a tattered bit of parchment nailed to the wood.

"A festival," she said, her voice soft and filled with wonder. "There's a festival going on." She spun on him, her dark eyes alight with childlike excitement. "Can we go, Baris? Oh, please, say yes. Please, please."

He regarded her with surprise, then smiled. "To the festival? Why would you want to go there? It's probably just crowded with minstrels, thespians, jugglers, strange and exotic animals..."

"Oh!" she interrupted. "Please!"

He could not contain his laughter. "You've convinced me. But first, we need to find a place to stay the night and a place to get decent food. I am not about to spend my money on the vile offerings at a festival."

She nodded and skipped along beside him, her excitement barely contained. It didn't take them long to secure a room and get directions to a nice pub. Baris had wanted her to remain in her traveling leathers but Deirdre insisted on wearing her gown. She brushed her hair until it shone then clipped it up away from her face. She positively glowed as the two of them took to the streets.

Baris glanced sideways at her, then tucked her arm under his. She was beautiful and she was on his arm. His. He didn't see how things could get any better.

CHAPTER 12.

They returned to the inn very late that night. Dinner had been exquisite, filling Baris' senses with tastes, smells and textures. Succulent roast lamb; small new potatoes; steamed baby carrots swimming in fresh b.u.t.ter; soft hot bread and a thick warm custard dripped with caramel for dessert. All washed down with a spicy white wine that set Baris' tongue tingling and his mood soaring. He couldn't remember when he had last experienced such a wonderful dining experience.

After dinner, he and Deirdre strolled the festival grounds for hours, taking in every sight, performance and play they could. He bought her a sugary confection, then laughed when it stuck to her hair and nose. He kissed it away with no thought as to what he was doing. For the first time in months, he was happy, relaxed and completely at peace with himself despite the fact that he had paid for everything with only his Vector magic. Magic that suddenly seemed easy to gain.

"Oh, Baris! That was wonderful!" Deirdre exclaimed as he closed the room's door. She flopped onto the large, opulent bed with a contented sigh.

Baris chuckled. "So, I take it that you are enjoying at least some of your look at the world beyond your village?"

"Oh, yes! This is more wonderful than anything I could have imagined, Baris." She leapt off the bed and danced across the room to embrace him. "And I have you to thank for it. Thank you, Baris, thank you so much."

He held her close, breathing deeply of the perfume that caressed him as gently as the air itself. "You're very welcome. But I suppose that any thought of returning home is a thing of the past?"

She paused then drew away from him. Slowly, she unclipped her hair, letting it tumble over her shoulders and back.

"I don't know. I mean, this has all been so exciting, so different and wonderful. Still, there's a lot to be said for the quiet life in the woods." She tossed him a seductive glance.

He raised his eyebrows, understanding quite well what she meant. Still, he wished to tease her further. "Then you miss home? You're having second thoughts about returning to Holt?"

"No!" She stared at him in horror. "Not about Holt. I will not...not...marry that man! And if returning home means that I must, well, then, I won't go home. I'll find a place here or maybe with that traveling show. I could really see the world then."

He laughed. "And you would do what with the traveling show? You're not an acrobat, you're not an animal trainer. I suppose you could get yourself a crystal ball and read fortunes."

She tossed him a sour look. "A fortune teller? I can't even tell my own future. How could I tell others?"

"Well, from what I have witnessed, all you have to do is make something up. Tell people what they want to hear. Make them happy."

"That's cheating," she said, moving toward the fireplace. She swung the crank over the hot coals then poked at them to encourage a flame.

Baris watched, uneasy for the first time that night. "Why don't we forego the tea tonight, Deirdre? I'm exhausted. And besides, there are other things that I need more than tea."

She looked over at him, a warm smile on her lips. "I thought you would never ask. I've been needing it as well."

As usual, Baris was unsure just how to approach the situation. He frowned, glancing first at the bed then at the divan before the fire. "Perhaps it would be best if we sat there."

She removed her cloak then settled on the lounge. Baris hung his own cloak on the peg by the door then started toward her slowly. He was annoyed with himself for his awkwardness. He felt like a schoolboy about to receive his first kiss. Deirdre looked up at him, smiling mysteriously.

"How did you ever survive all of these years when you find feeding so embarra.s.sing?"

"It's not that I find it embarra.s.sing, Deirdre. Until I met Anika, I rarely knew my source personally. Then when I met and married her, familiarity made it easy. Plus, there's the fact that before I married, I had not yet--" He paused, blushing, unsure if he wished to discuss the details of his Growth with Deirdre.

She placed one hand on his arm. "I know about the Growth, Baris," she said, her voice husky. "I know how it affects the feeding. It's nothing to be ashamed about. It's a physical reaction that you have no control over."

Baris studied her a moment, wondering if that was entirely true. If he really put his mind to it, couldn't he squelch his body's reaction? Or was it because he simply didn't want to? He reached out and touched the ends of her hair, rubbing the silken strands between his fingers. She was breathtakingly beautiful tonight, more so than he had ever seen her. He wasn't sure if it was the firelight dancing off her dark hair or the residual excitement that glowed in her eyes or just his mounting s.e.xual tension. She leaned toward him and their lips met in a gentle, yet pa.s.sionate, kiss. Her hands slid to the base of his neck, pulling him closer. He responded by tangling his hand in her hair, as his tongue met hers in a dance of desire.

His free hand moved up her side, felt the soft roundness of her breast. Deirdre let out a soft moan, her own desires clearly evident. She leaned backward and he fell atop her on the lounge. All reason left him. He wanted her, entirely. Now! His hands moved over her body, as his breath quickened. Deirdre easily stripped him of his tunic then ran her fingers lightly along his back and sides. The touch sent shivers racing through him and he abruptly stood, drawing her with him. It didn't take but a moment for her to shed her gown. Baris picked her up and placed her gently on the bed then lay beside her, again claiming her lips with his.

The scent of iron wafted into the air, calling out to his Vector need. He moved his mouth to her neck, where he kissed and teased, before finally biting. Deirdre shuddered beneath him.

Her deft fingers easily loosened his breeches, slipped them away from him. She touched him, her soft, warm hands sending waves of l.u.s.t roaring through him. He slowed his draw of blood, wanting to make it last, wanting to ride to o.r.g.a.s.m with her. When she abruptly lifted her legs and wrapped them about his waist, driving him ever deeper into her softness, he could no longer stand the tension. He allowed the blood to flow into his mouth as easily as his seed flowed into her body.