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Author's Note

MARSHLIGHT

A King’s Watch Story – Book 6

By Lucy Campbell

with

Mark Hayden

01 Edition March 2021 1st Release

Copyright © Lucy Campbell & Paw Press 2021

www.pawpress.co.uk

Front Cover © Lawston Design 2021

www.lawstondesign.com

Images © Shutterstock

For Graeme, Fraser and Seren,

With all my love

1

Looking back, I’m not sure how I got through those three weeks. Twenty-one days in the… in there. I don’t want to talk about it really. But it’s part of the story, and Conrad said it would help so I’m trying. Something about closure.

Nothing prepared me for how it felt. Vicky had tried, she really had, but the Undercroft was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I felt dead inside; my head was starting to pound, and it felt like I was completely shut off from the world. The only advantage I had was that I could distract myself with my leg recovery. I had left the Foresters on crutches having spent time there recuperating, but the pain in my knee ligament was still intense. I hadn’t felt anything like it before.

I had a list of physiotherapy activities from the hospital to complete if I wanted to walk properly, and not end up with a limp like Conrad. By the Goddess, he must be in pain all the time if my own injury is anything to go by.

The first night, while I waited for the Cloister Court to make a decision about how long I would have to stay in the hateful place, I couldn’t do anything but stare at the walls and try not to scream at the Lux that was slowly draining away. I’d thought trying to come off Forest Manna from the Fae was hard, but this was cold turkey to the extreme. Hannah had indicated she would be pushing for a minimum number of days, but I hadn’t held out much hope, so when the Court sentenced me to three weeks, it was both a blow and utterly expected.

I had no idea how I was going to cope. It was like the whole world had come crashing down. I felt like I’d let everyone down – Dad, Oma Bridget, Conrad, Detective Fraser. This list seemed to go on. I kept repeating the names over and over, a self-inflicted punishment that reminded me of what I’d done.

And then Hannah arrived, bringing something for me to focus on. She stood outside my… my cell, sympathy clear on her face. I usually find it difficult to read people, but I think Hannah is pretty easy. She was, however, still wearing the awful wig she’d put on for Court. I’ve often wished I could tell her what it really looks like, but I don’t want to rock the boat. People who know her much better won’t tell her, so I should probably stay quiet. In the end, I tried to focus on what I was being told.

‘I’m sorry Karina. This isn’t what I wanted for you.’

‘It’s ok.’

It wasn’t. My mind was screaming at the news. ‘I did something wrong. I need to pay the penalty.’ Did I really believe that? No. Not this big a penalty. Would I do the same again, and choose to shoot Elaine instead of the wolf Queen that Conrad had ordered me to shoot? Possibly. In the moment, it had felt like the right thing to do.

‘I don’t think the penalty in this case is deserved.’ She continued. ‘I tried to argue that you had done nothing more than disobey orders, but other parties insisted that you needed a stronger punishment.’ Hannah looked at me wryly. ‘Believe me when I say that I tried my hardest.’ I believed her. Hannah always backs her staff, even if they aren’t technically staff any more. ‘The fact that you came back and helped Conrad deal with the Gnomes worked in your favour, as did your willingness to return and acknowledge your mistake. But the Judge still felt it was too serious an offence and warranted a longer sentence. The subject of your membership of the Watch will be resolved in a few days, following an internal tribunal.’

Hannah paused in her explanation and reached into the slim bag hanging from her shoulder. She pulled a file from it and hesitated for a second before making her mind up. ‘Conrad asked me to give this to you.’ She passed it through the bars to me. The name Genevieve Davison was on the front. ‘That’s the file on your mother’s death.’

I stared at the front. ‘I never knew her last name. My father won’t talk of her.’ I could feel my mind beginning to panic. Now it was in front of me, I had no idea what I was going to do.

‘Conrad felt this was a good time. Give you something to focus on. He told me you wanted to look into it, and find out what happened?’ I nodded. ‘I’d also like to remind you – part of the solution not – ’

‘Part of the problem. I remember. Conrad said he’d help.’

‘Yes, well. That was before he went and got himself stabbed.’

Wait. What? It was enough of a surprise to make me look up from the file. ‘Is he okay?’ I frowned. What had he got himself into this time? He really needed someone to look after him properly in the field.

‘He’ll be fine, but he needs rest and recuperation. I swear that man stays alive just to cause more trouble for me. He got caught up with the Fae and added more wolves to that pack of his. I will be having words with him when he’s well enough to lie about exactly what happened. Hashem must have a reason for bringing him to me, but I haven’t found it yet. He is nothing if not consistent, I suppose.’

Hannah didn’t mean it and is actually very fond of Conrad. Even to me it’s obvious. ‘Thank you, ma’am. And thank him. I do want to know what happened. I don’t even know how my mother was murdered. Oma Bridget didn’t have any details and my father wouldn’t talk about it.’

‘What will you do if you find out who did it?’

Was there a warning in her voice?

‘I will tell Conrad. Or you. Or whoever is the Watch Captain.’

Hannah nodded. ‘Good. Don’t get yourself in trouble. You’re not a Watch officer any more but I’d still expect you to do the right thing.’ She changed tack. ‘You can have visitors after the first week.’

I think she was trying to help. Or be nice. I’m not sure. She was waiting for a response, so I nodded vaguely; I wasn’t expecting any visitors. She glanced at her watch. ‘I have to go.’ I looked up from the file and realised Hannah was staring at me. I could feel the weight of expectation. ‘It’s okay, Hannah. Thank you. I’m grateful for your help.’ She nodded and left me standing there.

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re stuck inside. I have no idea how long I stood holding that file. Eventually, I sat at the small desk and took a deep breath before opening it.

Inside was a short report by a Watch Captain named Quinton Brown. Short was right – it was just under a page long, and very low on details. I hadn’t heard his name before and had no idea what sort of officer he had been, but judging from the length of the report, he wasn’t the most dedicated.

The date on the report was twenty-one years ago, ten days after I’d been born. Genevieve – my mother – had been found dead some way from the Circle property. Her neck had been broken and her Artefacts missing. Brown had found no sign of them. Her body was lying perfectly, as if she’d been sleeping, and yet if it had been an accident, she wouldn’t have been so tidily laid out. The beginning of the report said that she’d contacted Brown and asked him to meet her there, but he had no idea why. At the end of the report was a simple sentence: The Sisters of the Marshes (my mother’s Circle) said they didn’t know why she was found there and that they’d subsequently taken the body for burial.

Most Witches are anti-Watch, but this felt more than just an issue with Witchfinders. Brown had allowed them to refuse him access to their place of power and he’d walked away from my mother’s body. He’d found no sign of her Artefacts, no reason for her broken neck and no evidence that an outside party had been involved. That said, there was a note saying my father had been taken in for questioning under caution by the mundane police, but as he had a solid alibi, he was released with no charge.

I hadn’t known Conrad very long, but I knew he’d have never let that slide. He’d have found a way in. I was disappointed he wouldn’t be available to help me. I had to figure out what to do on my own. It wasn’t like I didn’t have time or peace and quiet to think about it. I felt bad for Brown, though. He had his hands tied by the Sisters, and with no leads to follow, he hadn’t anywhere to go. Even after twenty-one years, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake.

I’d like to tell you that the first week was the worst and that I coped well in the second two weeks. And I’d also like to tell you that I ate well and focused on the positive fact that being there was only for the short term. I’d like to, but I can’t. I’d be lying, and Conrad will tell you I’m a terrible liar.

Every single day I was there was horrendous. I ate badly, despite the fact that Natural food was provided for me. I must have lost quite a bit of weight. It wasn’t worth it.

I prayed to the Goddess every day, asking her to guide me. I didn’t know where to go now. I’d been happy and settled in the Foresters, but I’d messed that up with the hunt for the Phantom Stag, and then I’d joined the Watch. That had been a new experience for sure, but I’d managed to mess that up too. It had been a huge learning curve, working with Conrad. I think I enjoyed it, but it was so removed from anything I had experienced before that I have no benchmark for it really.

So, I spent my time counting down the minutes and working my way through my physio. With the strengthening exercises and knee extensions, at least I wasn’t bored. And as I started to get more movement, I had to add leg presses and practise walking without my crutches. For the first time I was grateful for the fact that Mages heal faster than mundane people. My prayers and meditations helped me focus. I just needed a way forward.

In my second week I actually had a visitor. Oma Bridget arrived, smiling at me. ‘Hello Karina. You’re looking well.’

I frowned. ‘No, I’m not, Oma. But thank you for trying to be kind.’ Oma sat in the chair that was waiting for visitors.

‘How are you coping, Karina?’

I shrugged. ‘I’m getting through. There’s not much more to say.’ I wasn’t sure what she was expecting really.

‘I don’t doubt it. You’re tough Karina. I have known it since the minute you arrived with us.’ She noticed the file on the desk. ‘You’ll need to be if you want to find out what happened.’

‘Can you tell me anything about her?’ I wasn’t hopeful. I had come to the Foresters when I was fourteen and my magick had started to manifest. But maybe my father had said something when he left me there. It was a place to start.

‘I’m afraid I can’t. But we can talk about your father if you’d like to?’ Her gaze wasn’t unkind, but she knew she was moving into an area I was not entirely happy with. My father and I have a complicated relationship.

I was sent to live with him when my mother died, and as I grew up, he encouraged me to find my own solutions to things instead of coming to him. When I was very small, we were close: I spent time with him learning my forest craft until I was old enough to do it alone, but then he left me to it. Then, when I got to thirteen, we had a blazing row. I had been pushing back against him, trying to get some sort of a reaction from him for some stupid, teenage angst reason. He ended up shouting at me and I’d shouted back at him. I said I thought he blamed me for my mother’s death. He went quiet and I stormed out.

We never talked about it again, and I found myself spending time walking around rather than be in the house. I must have explored all of the local walks after the fight. The Military Canal nearby was a particular favourite, but I was always alone. Dad never encouraged me to have friends in school, so no one ever came round to play or to tea. That said, I preferred to be alone. I was so self-sufficient by then that it didn’t bother me too much. I think the girls somehow knew I was a little different from them and I suppose the more I was alone the harder it was to speak to them. And by the time I reached the Foresters I had no real understanding of how to talk to people. It’s only got worse since then.

‘We may as well talk about my father, Oma. I’m not going anywhere.’

She smiled again. ‘When you came to us you were such a skinny little thing. You were so quiet and scared and full of anger at your father. Your foster family told me you refused his visits and wouldn’t go home to see him. I didn’t know how to bring you out of your shell or heal the pain you were in. And then I realised the best thing to do would be to help you build a relationship with your half-brother. For the first few weeks you didn’t want to know, but Colwyn was so good with you. He was patient and let you come to him. It gave you the chance to get used to talking to someone.’ I felt the pain on my face, and Oma nodded sympathetically. ‘He’s doing well. Don’t worry about him.’ I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. She was right about refusing to see Dad. I hadn’t wanted to see him for years. He wrote me letters and I ignored them for a long time. Then, as I became older, I began to reply. Our relationship improved so much that eventually he attended the ceremony that made me a Handmaiden. I’d been pleased to have him there. ‘Anyway. Your father was broken when he brought you to us. He loved your mother you know. It wasn’t just convenience that brought them together.’

‘Really?’ I was surprised by that. I had assumed I was the product of a mutual magickal coupling like Colwyn had been.

‘Yes. And I think she truly loved him. He did love you too, in his way.’ Now that I did not believe, and it must have shown on my face. ‘He did. Whatever you think.’

‘Why didn’t he fight to keep me close? I wanted to get away and he just let me leave.’

‘Don’t be too hard on him. He was struggling to cope and had no idea how to look after you when you grew up. When you left, you were at an awkward age and he had no clue how to deal with a teenage girl and all that that entails. He couldn’t relate to you and certainly at the beginning he was consumed with the loss of your mother. You’re so like her that as you grew, it hurt him to look at you. He felt it would be better for you both if you had some distance.’

‘I didn’t realise you’d known him so well.’

‘He had my contact details from when your brother was conceived. I encouraged him to call me when he visited if he needed advice or to talk. When your mother died, he turned to me for support. He spoke of you often and told me every time you did something new. He just didn’t know how to tell you.’

I thought for a moment. ‘I don’t know if he knows I’m here. I didn’t tell him. But, I think, it would be good to see him. Would you tell him? Ask him if he would visit?’

‘Of course.’ Oma looked pleased that I’d asked.

We spoke for a little longer before Oma Bridget left me to my exercises and my thoughts. Sitting still had made my leg stiff and left my head spinning.

2

There were five days to go when I had my second visitor. Oma Bridget had been as good as her word and had asked my father to come. He stood in front of me with a sorry expression on his face. Dad’s a tall man with light hair that was only just starting to grey at the edges. He’s not as tall or broad as Conrad but he’s still well-built and strong, and I don’t look much like him. I must take after my mum after all, but I’ve never seen a photo of her so I wouldn’t know.

‘I never thought I’d see you in here.’

‘It’s not for much longer. The sooner the better. Thank you for coming.’

He smiled softly. ‘Oma Bridget is very persuasive. But I wanted to see you. She mentioned you were looking at… at…’ I could see the pain in his face and felt I needed to help him out.

‘Mum’s death. Yes. I want to know what happened.’ He’d closed his eyes when I’d said the word Mum. Twenty-one years later it still hurt him.

‘Do you have to? Can you not just let it go? No good will come of this.’ I’d never heard him plead before. I didn’t want to let him down, but I still needed to know.

I shook my head. ‘I have to find out.’

He took a deep breath and steeled himself to say what came next. ‘I have a box of things. At home. I’ll send them to you when you’re out. I don’t know if there’s anything there, but you deserve to have them. I should have sent them before. I’m sorry.’

‘Tell me about her. Please.’

He looked older than I remembered. It shouldn’t have been a surprise but it was. He sat down heavily and looked straight through the grill. ‘I know next to nothing, honestly. Your mother and I were only supposed to be together to produce you. But we found ourselves compatible in more ways than one and soon decided we wanted to spend more time together. She was the Collector in our Circle and had a talent for defensive magick. I’d have liked to have married her, but she was dedicated to the Circle. She was so lovely. You’re so like her.’ He was lost in the memory of my mother and wasn’t looking at me any more. He could only see her. ‘She came to meet me whenever she could. Her pregnancy went beautifully. I adored watching her grow. She was so excited when she felt you kick. About two months before you were due, the Guardian died. She gave birth to you and for about a week, we were both so happy. Then, when you were nine days old, she came to me in bits. Something had happened she said, something awful. She left you with me, gave me some things and then returned to the Sisters. I never saw her again. I never even saw her body. I only heard she was dead because the novice of the Circle contacted me and told me. I thought… I thought she’d come to her senses and didn’t want to be with me anymore.’

I found it hard to share his grief for something he’d lost when Genevieve’s love was something I’d never had. I decided to focus on the how and why of the loss and not the now. ‘And she said something had happened?’ Dad nodded again. ‘She found something out. Have you looked through the box she gave you?’

‘No. I could never bring myself to. It was too painful. Maybe you can find something, although it was so long ago now, I doubt there’s anything left to find.

‘I’ve always kept an eye on you, Karina, even when we weren’t talking. I’ve always been so proud. Even with the situation with Colwyn, you were always doing what you felt was right. You never backed down. You have your mother’s strength.’

There was a lot to unpack after Dad’s visit. I felt comforted by what he’d said, although I was a long way off being what other people would call normal. I know I’m not the easiest person to get on with, and I know that I often say things I shouldn’t. But if I’m lucky, maybe I can move on at some point. Maybe.

I reviewed what I knew. My mother had been part of the Sisters of the Marshes. She had found something out that had shaken her badly. And she was frightened enough to leave something with my father. I had five days to formulate a plan, but the first part was going to be easy. I needed to go and visit the Sisters of the Marshes. I was hoping they could give me some more information about why my mother was so scared. I also needed to check out the box that Mum had left with Dad. After that it was anyone’s guess what I’d be doing. I prayed that the Goddess would guide my footsteps.

The final five days of my confinement passed without any more visits or anything interesting happening. I had the puzzle of what could possibly be in the box to keep me occupied as well as keep up with my physio but being in there was soul destroying. I’d regained most of the movement in my leg which was reassuring though. It was still aching, and I couldn’t walk on it for too long, but it was getting there. I was fairly confident that I would be fighting fit in another couple of weeks, but I wouldn’t be running anywhere any time soon. Not that I planned to. I figured that whoever had killed my mother was long gone, but I needed to know for my peace of mind. And for her. I didn’t want her to be forgotten and for her death to go unpunished. If I could do something about it, I would. But slowly. For a few weeks at least.

The day I could leave I saw Hannah again, this time wearing a smart green headscarf. She escorted me out, smiling at the relief on my face. ‘I swear I will never do another thing to send me back into that place ma’am.’

‘That is rather the point. Imagine how it feels to know you won’t be out for four years.’

I shuddered. I couldn’t imagine anything worse. ‘Three weeks was bad enough thank you. I don’t intend to repeat the experience. Why are you here?’ Oops. I think that may have been a bit rude. ‘Sorry.’

Hannah looked a little put out but covered it quickly. ‘I brought you this.’ She handed me a card with the name Eddie Jones, Captain RMP and a phone number. ‘He’s the Watch Captain for Kent. You should contact him. He knows you’re coming and is willing to provide you with any help you need, but you need to make sure you don’t overstep the mark. He’s a good man and knows the area. I know you lived there during your childhood, but it’s been a long time since you’ve been back. He’ll also have some contact with the Circle, however fleeting. I assume that’s where you’re going?’

‘Yes, it’s my first port of call. I want to see if they remember my mother. If nothing else, it will be nice to hear something of her from people who knew her well.’

‘The location of the Circle is on the back of Jones’s card. Go carefully Karina. I read Brown’s report. Reading between the lines, there was something odd going on. The murderer may still be there.’

‘I know. I’ll be on my guard. Thank you.’

We were well away from the Undercroft by then and I was feeling better and lighter with every step and with the knowledge I didn’t have to go back inside. I gave silent thanks to the Goddess for getting me through and said goodbye to Hannah. After a quick trip to collect some money from the bank, I went to collect my car which Hannah had arranged to have delivered for me. Oma had encouraged me to learn to drive so that I could do more as her handmaiden. I was grateful for that now. I programmed my Satnav and set off.

An hour or so later I was south of London and driving down Acton Lane just outside Tenterden, open for the sense of a Ward. It had been a long time since I’d driven into Kent. Dad had always visited me at Foresters Hall, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about being back. The towns I passed through had their festive lights up reminding me that Christmas was only a couple of weeks away. I’d lost track of time. In a lot of ways, I was happy to be back. I’d been happy here as a child, enjoying the solitude and the walks, but the memory of the arguments I’d had with Dad and the fact that I’d left in anger still remained and it was haunting me. That was harder to ignore than I wished it was, despite the fact Dad and I had made great leaps in our relationship.

I drove on, looking for some sign of the Sisters of the Marshes. There was a sign for some self-catering accommodation called The Blackberry Retreat, and something called Marsh Farm and I nearly drove past it. Just after the retreat, the road forked, the left-hand track going to Brignall. The right hand seemed to lead to some abandoned farm buildings and instinct sent me that way. As I drove towards the right, I heard it.

I’m sure Conrad has told you he feels Lux as heat. For me it’s like a hum in my ear. The closer I get to something high in Lux, the louder the hum. It’s almost like I’m being followed by bees sometimes. It reminds me that the Goddess is guiding me which is comforting and reassuring. It reminds me that I’m not alone.

When I drove past another smaller right-hand turn, I got a tiny, almost imperceptible hum. If I hadn’t been specifically looking for it, I would probably have ignored it as background Lux. I backed up slowly and drove down the lane. The humming got louder, and I suddenly felt a pressure in my head, like I had a weight on me. The pressure got heavier and heavier and I felt sick. It was all I could do to keep going through the Ward and resist the urge to vomit. I imagine that if I had been mundane that the sick feeling would have sent me racing back the other way. I pushed through and suddenly there was a pop in my head and the pressure went. In front of me was a large barn conversion with a red tiled roof and wide windows. It was pretty, I suppose, if you like that sort of thing. I’m not fussed personally.

I pulled up and got out, adjusting my robes and tidying my braid. As I walked towards the door it opened and a woman came out. She was older than me by around twenty-five years or so, and she had her own robe on. It was a dark blue colour and tied with the same rope as mine. Embroidered around the sleeves, I could see a type of bird. It looked a bit like some sort of heron, but I couldn’t tell for certain. She was smiling a greeting.

‘In peace, welcome.’

‘In peace, thank you.’

‘I am Ceridwen, the Balancer. Welcome to the Sisters of the Marshes Circle.’

‘Hello. My name is Karina. I am part of the Foresters of Arden. I…’ before I could continue, Ceridwen gave a sudden gasp.

‘You look like her. Genevieve. Are you her daughter? You must be.’ I nodded, impressed she had made the connection so quickly. ‘The last time I saw you, you were only a few days old. You were so tiny. You must be around twenty-one now?’ I nodded again. Ceridwen’s face dropped. ‘We were so sad when she died.’

‘That’s why I’ve come. To see the people who knew her.’ Ceridwen’s face suddenly went very guarded and I wondered why. I tried to make it better. ‘Please, can you tell me what a Balancer does?’

Her face brightened again so quickly it was almost as if I’d imagined the look from before. ‘Oh, I organise the Circle. I deal with the mundane world, ordering supplies that sort of thing. And if there are disagreements in the Circle, I remain impartial and try to solve the issue fairly.’ That made sense. Certainly, in the Foresters there were often arguments. Perhaps a Balancer would have been a good idea. ‘Please, come in. Accept some refreshments.’

I followed her into the building and was reasonably impressed by the large open plan room in front of me. It had a high ceiling with original beams and large bifold doors that opened on to a herb garden with their Sacred Grove in the distance. It was nowhere near as pleasant as Foresters Hall. But maybe I was biased. I hoped it didn’t show on my face. I’m about as good at hiding my facial expressions as I am at lying.

The room was bright with comfortable chairs centred around a large fireplace. I could see several doors leading off from a corridor which I presumed were sleeping quarters for the Guardian and anyone who wished to stay, prayer rooms and things like that. At the opposite end of the room was a long dining table where the Sisters shared their meals and another door that must have been a kitchen.

Ceridwen turned to me and smiled. ‘Please wait here and I shall fetch the Guardian.’ She walked down the corridor and I gazed out of the window. It occurred to me that my mother had spent most of her life in this place. I wondered which was her favourite chair, and where her room was. Silly. I wasn’t going to get anything done thinking things like that. A cough behind me brought me back into the room. A tall, thin woman stood in front of me, with her long black hair in a Goddess braid and wearing the same robe as the Balancer had worn. There were flecks of grey in her hair, but it was the only indication of her age.

‘In peace, welcome. I am Guardian Raina. Ceridwen tells me you are Genevieve’s daughter.’

‘Yes. I wanted to come and see where she lived and meet the people who knew her best. My father doesn’t talk about her much.’ I had decided to stick close to the truth. It would be easier to tell a half truth, so my bad lying skills wouldn’t come back to me.

The Guardian smiled. ‘Genevieve was our Collector.’ She saw my confused face and explained. ‘She looked after the Grove and the Locus Lucis. She had an affinity for the trees and the Ley line. I knew her well. We were training as Neophytes together when she passed away.’ It’s hard to keep up with the different Circles sometimes; they have their own titles and systems.

I nodded my understanding. ‘Thank you. Forgive my lack of knowledge.’

‘Not at all. Please, will you join us for lunch? We keep with Natural Eating here if that will suit?’ A gong was sounded somewhere, and women of various ages began to wander into the main hall. From the door by the dining table came a young woman who looked a little younger than me. Perhaps seventeen or eighteen. A novice presumably. She was loading the table with plates of food. When she saw me, she went back to the kitchen and brought a plate and some cutlery for me. The young woman offered me a seat at the end of the table, opposite to the Guardian. From the ages of the women, I could tell who the Neophytes were, but beyond that, I had no idea.

‘Sisters before we begin, please may I introduce Karina of the Arden Foresters. She is the daughter of Genevieve, who some among us will remember.’ The older ladies around the table turned to look at me with interest, the younger ones looked mystified. I smiled a little, embarrassed by the attention, but as I glanced around the table, I noticed at least one face that looked less than happy with my presence. Curious. Guardian Raina held out her hands and each member of the table joined with each other. The Neophyte and the young novice from before were sitting either side of me and offered me their hands. Despite my discomfort, I completed the circle.

‘Thank you, Goddess Andred, for your bounty and kindness. May your light shine on us all.’

At this last statement, the rest of the circle repeated the words, dropped hands and began to pass the bowls to each other. The women on either side of me passed me the food before helping themselves. We ate mostly in silence, which suited me. I was waiting for the questions about the Foresters or about myself, but they didn’t come. I was grateful for that. I hate talking about myself.

3

After we had eaten, the Neophytes and novice left to their various tasks and the older Witches and I moved to the chairs around the fire. It was lit and blazing, giving delicious heat in the cold of December. The other women were all wearing the robes of dark blue, but each had a different bird embroidered around the sleeves. Guardian Raina noticed my gaze and smiled. ‘Each bird is native to the marshes and shows our position in the Circle.’ She turned and introduced the other women.

‘Karina, this is Second sister Tabitha, Collector Astra, Supporter Laurie, Ceridwen you’ve met, Healer Tara and our Poet Hazel.’ I nodded to each witch, paying attention the name of the one who had been unhappy with my attendance. It was the Healer, Tara. She was the only one who didn’t smile at me. I would have to come back to that one later. The women were all looking at me expectantly.

‘I am sorry for intruding on your time. I was looking to find some more information on my mother. I understand that you were all in the Circle together and was wondering if you would be kind enough to tell me a little about her?’

I may not be able to tell you much about what people are really like, nor what they are thinking, but even I could see the discomfort on their faces. With the exception of Healer Tara, who was barely containing what was clearly anger. However, I’d put them in an awkward position. They were obliged to say something. They all looked at each other nervously, and there was an unspoken agreement that Astra was the first to speak. ‘I learnt what I knew about being Collector from Genevieve. I was the Neophyte studying from her. She was a kind woman and very patient. I made many mistakes when I was learning.’ That was it. She seemed content to finish there. The other Witches were nodding.

Laurie and Ceridwen continued on the same theme. ‘Yes, she was kind. She had time for everyone. Gen would always help us with our studies. We roomed together when we were daughters and were fostered by a local family.’

Finally, Hazel spoke, quietly and reservedly. ‘I was a novice when Gen was here. She was good to me. Helped me with my chores.’

Oh. The novice who told the Watch Captain of my mother’s death. It probably wasn’t a good idea to mention I knew about the Watch involvement. I doubted it would endear me to the women and it was hard enough getting any actual answers. They were so vague. I made a quick decision – I wasn’t going to get anything else from them. I needed to change tack.

‘I understand you laid her to rest here? Would someone show me where? I’d like to pay my respects.’ I was possibly pushing my luck a little, but I was hoping Hazel would volunteer. I wanted to speak to her away from the others. It was Raina who stood, however.

‘Come. I will take you outside and show you the Grove.’ I followed the older woman through the large bifold doors, leaving the others. I glanced back and realised Hazel and Tara were both watching me, although with very different expressions on their faces. It hadn’t escaped my notice that Tara had been the only one not to speak, despite the fact that each woman had looked at her after they had spoken. I could still see the anger on Tara’s face but hadn’t a clue what Hazel was thinking. I wish I had Conrad’s ability to read people. I’m sure he’d have had a better idea of what was going on.

Outside was cold but fresh, the sky clear; a perfect winter’s day. As we walked, Raina gave me a running commentary on the Circle. ‘We were formed in 1946 and have always resided here in the marshes. The marsh environment is a great help with the growth of the herbs and remedies we use.’ She pointed at one as we walked past. ‘Belladonna grows particularly well here, although of course we’re very careful with it. We don’t tend to be involved with the outside world a great deal, preferring to be self-sufficient, but Ceridwen visits the village when we need anything we can’t provide for ourselves.’ We reached the Grove. ‘We have cultivated the Grove carefully since we began the Circle. Your mother looked after it. She used to say the trees were alive. She would speak to them as she worked. Genevieve was essential in improving the flow of Lux into the Grove.’ We walked to the end of the Grove and found a plaque attached to one of the trees. ‘It’s not a memorial tree. We have never used a memorialist, preferring the written verse. Hazel keeps records of what happens as did the poets that came before her.’

The plaque was simple but made me more emotional than I was expecting. Genevieve Davison. I am in death at peace, but my kindness lives on in those left behind. It was a simple sentence but meant a great deal. Someone cared enough to write this. My mother had made an impact on their life. In my head I swore I would find who had caused her death. Raina stood back and let me have silence for a few moments before touching my arm to bring me back to the present. As we walked back, I asked her some questions, trying to be as subtle as I could be. ‘How long have you been Guardian?’

‘I took over a few weeks before your mother died. The previous Guardian, Ana, passed away very suddenly, and as I was her Second, I took over. It was unexpected.’

‘How did she die?’ See – I can be polite!

Raina sighed. ‘We’re not sure. She became very ill and dizzy before her heart gave up. It was very sad. And then it was followed by your mother’s death.’

‘I noticed Tara didn’t say anything earlier.’ First politeness and now tact. I’m improving!

‘Ah. Yes. Tara and Genevieve were very close. And then suddenly, just before she died, they fell out. She has never spoken about it and I will not push her. If she wants to talk, she will, but it’s been twenty-one years and she still will not say your mother’s name.’

‘Can you tell me a little of yourself?’

‘I don’t know what you want to know about me for. I was a Neophyte at the same time as your mother. We grew up together. She was always the clever one. She could name all the plants and trees in the garden, which was more than I could do. I can’t tell one end of a plant from the other. She was always correcting me when I got things wrong. She should have been a Herbalist but didn’t want to study that any further. I was fond of her. I was chosen to be Second Sister to Guardian Ana. It was a true honour. We nearly merged with another Circle many years ago, but it wasn’t to be, and they disbanded instead of us. I just hope I can continue to lead the Circle the way Ana did. She was a wonderful Guardian and friend.’

We were back at the house by this time, but I decided it was time to go. ‘Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality and your help.’

‘You are welcome. It is so lovely to see Genevieve’s daughter all grown up. You are very like her. Before you go, will you humour me and tell me some gossip? I hear so little about the magickal world these days. Silly really, with us being so close to London, but I prefer to stay in the peace of our home. Tell me, is Bridget still in charge of the Foresters? We knew each other many years ago.’

I was surprised that she knew Oma, but I suppose I shouldn’t have been. The Circles may be spread across the country, but they all talk. ‘As far as gossip is concerned, I’m afraid I know very little. I tend to keep to myself. Oma Bridget is still in charge, yes. Arden is a beautiful place, peaceful. Serene. Oma Bridget is wonderful. I was very lucky being able to grow and learn there.’ That was positively chatty for me. It was interesting that she hadn’t mentioned the issues I had had at the Foresters or my spell in the Watch. Clearly that information hadn’t filtered through yet, and that was to my advantage. I doubted very much that the Sisters would be so accommodating if they knew I was connected, even if I had renounced my commission.

‘That’s lovely to know. Maybe one day I can go and visit. Please come again to see us.’ She handed me a small disc with a small bird engraved on it. ‘To help you through the Wards.’

I smiled a little, gave a small bow and walked around the outside of the house. When I reached my car, Hazel was waiting, hidden in an alcove. She was looking nervous. She spoke in a whisper with urgency.

‘Please, Karina. Your mother. She told me something before she died. She said if anything were to happen, I needed to check the book.’ I frowned.

‘What book?’

‘I have no idea. She just told me to remember. It was only two days before she died. I have to go. Raina will be looking for me.’ She disappeared into the house through a door I hadn’t noticed before. Judging from its position, it must have been in the kitchen. As I drove off, I thought I could see Raina looking at me through the window. I hoped she hadn’t seen Hazel.

As I considered what I had heard from the Circle, it occurred to me that I hadn’t heard anything of any importance. The women in the Circle had been polite but astonishingly vague about my mother. There was no insight into her life there or any information about why she was killed. And why had she fallen out with Tara? Or had Tara fallen out with her?

I had decided to find a hotel in Tenterden. I could get Dad to send the box to me and have a base near to where Mum had died. Dad would have me to stay, but he was a bit far out now, as he’d moved from Ashford to Winchester and I didn’t want to be that far away while I figured out what had happened. I’d found a nice quiet, mundane Air Bnb to rent for a few days in Rolvenden, and I sent a couple of texts while I settled in. One to Dad, asking him for the box of things from Mum and telling him where to send it, and one to Conrad, to ask him if he was okay and to let him know I had started investigating. Dad replied much quicker than I was expecting, telling me he’d send it as quickly as possible. Conrad took a little longer and simply said he was getting there and to let him know if he could help. Guiltily, I thought about the fact that my GPS was still switched on. Conrad would not be impressed if he knew, but I needed it to find where my mother had been found.

I left the apartment and set off. Mum had been found outside Tonbridge. There had been a second Circle located there, although it no longer existed if what Raina had said was correct. Despite the fact he had no connection to the area where she had been found, according to Brown’s report, the police had been called and taken my father in for questioning. Dad had been with friends when Mum had been killed. I hadn’t wanted to bring it up when we spoke. Maybe I am learning to be more tactful after all.

Brown had found out about Dad being arrested because Mum had his (Brown’s) card in her robes and the police had called him. Dad had still been at the police station, so on Brown’s suggestion the body had been released to the Sisters. I knew there wouldn’t be anything at the site, but I just wanted to see it.

I drove reasonably quickly down the lanes following the Satnav instructions. It was only about forty minutes away, and I was surprised that there were two Circles so close together, but maybe that was why the second had disbanded. When I reached Haysden Country Park I parked up and walked – slowly as I was still struggling with my leg. I wasn’t sure exactly where the Circle had been based, but my mother had been found in this park. It was pleasant, if cold, and I enjoyed the fresh air. It reminded me of being back with the Foresters. I made a silent prayer to the Goddess for this opportunity to be in the outdoors once more.

I walked around the park looking for any sign of the other Circle, but I had no idea where they had been located. A slight hum in my ear made me turn towards the River Medway and one of its tributaries that ran through the park. The river was fast and looked dangerous. I could feel the urge in my head to keep away from it. The remainder of the Ward, evidently. The magick wasn’t strong and would have been taken apart when the Circle disbanded, but someone hadn’t done it very carefully obviously. I ignored the urge to walk away and stepped further on. A bridge came into view with a large oast house behind it. It was unoccupied but you could see why the Circle chose it as it was easy to hide from mundane view, it had the bonus of the moving water nearby and it was in an attractive location. There was no point walking into it. The Circle were long gone, and to my knowledge my mother had never actually been inside the property.

The park was lovely, even in December. The local council had decorated some of the trees with lights for Christmas, there was a hint of snow in the air and it made me wish I was back in the Forest of Arden. It was so beautiful there at this time of year. I wasn’t prone to nostalgia, but I was finding myself wondering what had gone so wrong for me. How had I allowed myself to be drawn into the mess of the Phantom Stag situation? I had only wanted to level the playing field for women, but I ended up losing everything I’d known. I thought I was doing the right thing. And then I’d made a mess of being in the Watch as well. The story of my life I think. I refused to feel sorry for myself. It was all my own fault. But now I was lost, without a place anywhere. Once I’d solved this, what would I do?

As I wandered, it struck me that this was a strange place for my mother’s body to be found. Was this where she’d been murdered, or had she been dumped here to link her to the other Circle?

The more I thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Why here? As lovely as it was, Mum had no reason to be here. Dad had lived in the other direction in Ashford, so she couldn’t have been going to see him. It was just another question to add to my collection. My head was swimming with thoughts, and I didn’t know which way to turn. I decided I wasn’t gaining anything by being in the park, so I walked back to the car.

When I returned to my apartment it was late. I’d picked up some food on the way, so made myself a simple meal and had an early night.

4

I always rise early to pray to the Goddess, so when the delivery driver brought the box of my mother’s things before nine o’ clock, I’d already been up three hours. Dad must have paid a fortune to get it shipped to me that quickly. I’d have to text him to say thank you. On the face of it, there was nothing special inside: some letters from my father judging by the handwriting, a small box containing some dried flowers, a set of books about flowers, birds, and countryside animals, a set of watercolours which it seemed like my mother had painted and an album of pictures. I flicked through the pictures. Some of her on her own when she was younger were at the front. Everyone was right: I did look like her, although she had a poise I don’t have and a contentment that was clear in her smile. She knew who she was in the world and was happy. There were a few photos of her with my father too. The smile on her face was even broader, and Dad was looking at her with so much love in his eyes. At the very end was a single photograph of a baby being held by my mother. I flipped it over. On the back was written ‘Karina, three days.’ I felt tears in my eyes. I found myself wondering what she would have been like as a mother.

My first thought was that the box was a dud, but then I remembered Hazel’s comment about a book. I looked at the book selection again and flicked through them in turn. The flowers and birds were a bust, but when I skimmed the animal book, a folded piece of paper fell out. I picked it up and opened it. Inside was a letter to my Dad. I don’t know if she put it there for him to find, or if she intended to send it and never got the time. I skimmed it and then realised it wasn’t going to be enough. I went back to the beginning and read more slowly.

It started innocently enough. She told my dad that she loved him, that she had never been happier than when she had been with him, that she was missing him whilst she visited the Circle. She mentioned that she hoped I was behaving. Then the point of the letter became clear. I am worried, Martin. I don’t think I can stay in with the Sisters any longer. I want to be with you and safe. By the time you read this letter, I will have left the Circle. It’s my intention to stay long enough to sort everything out. I’ve made an appointment with the Watch. I need help with this. I love you, and I’ll see you soon. Yours always, Gen x.

She was going to leave the Circle. Had she done so? If she didn’t, did Raina know that it was her plan? My poor father had spent his life thinking she was going to leave him when that couldn’t have been further from the truth. She was planning on leaving the Circle for him. And the letter confirmed she had involved the Watch, but clearly, she’d never made her appointment. I needed to make another visit to the Sisters of the Marshes.

I had a quick lunch and then drove over to the Circle once again. Thanks to the Artefact Raina had given me, I drove through the Wards without trouble this time. I was grateful for that. The memory of the overwhelming sickness I had felt was still strong enough to almost put me off. Maybe I should have called first, but I wanted to catch Raina on the back foot. She had obviously seen me from the window and came out with a smile on her face.

‘Karina! Back so soon? Not that it isn’t lovely to see you. What can we do for you this time?’

‘I found a letter that my mother wrote before she died. It says she was leaving the Circle. Did you know?’ It was maybe a little direct, but I wasn’t bothered by this point. She had lied to me, and I suspect it wouldn’t be the first time. She had the good grace to look surprised.

‘Please. Come inside and sit with me. I’ll explain.’

I followed her into the house and down the corridor to a small room that Raina was using as an office. It had two chairs, next to a fireplace and a smart desk that stood in front of a window. As nice as the view was, I’m not sure I could have sat with my back to the door. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I like to know who’s behind me. We sat in the chairs and Raina folded her hands in her lap.

‘Gen came to me the day before she died. She said she had fallen in love with your father and wanted to move away from the Circle and have a life with you as a family. She didn’t want to be tied to the Sisters anymore. I think she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to see as much of you as she wanted to. I was disappointed, but not surprised. I said I would honour her wishes, and she left us the same day. I never saw her again.’ She gave me what she thought would be a sympathetic face. ‘We assumed that whatever had happened to her had come from her life outside here.’

In other words, my father. I knew better now. I knew how much he loved her. Her words just confirmed what I knew. She was lying. Time to be a little more direct. ‘Why would she contact the Watch?’ There was no denying it this time. Raina’s face blanched.

‘What do you mean?’

‘In the letter she said she was scared, was leaving the Circle and that she had contacted the Watch. Why would she contact the Witchfinders?’ Okay. I have stopped using that word since I’ve been a Watch Officer, but I knew Raina would still use it.

‘I don’t know anything about that. Gen only told me she wanted to be with Martin. Where did you find this letter?’ Her eyes were wide in innocence, but I noticed her hands were clasped very tightly. This was something she didn’t expect to come to light.

‘In a box of things she’d left with Dad.’ Was that a flash of anger in her eyes? She hid it quickly, so I couldn’t be sure. ‘Perhaps I could ask the others?’

‘No! I mean, I will ask. Please, let me deal with this. I will let you know as soon as I know anything.’

I looked out of the window as I stood, distracted by something. Was it movement? A flash of dark hair maybe? I couldn’t be sure, but had someone been listening? Raina was itching to get me out of her office, so I complied and walked straight back to the car. I hadn’t seen anyone else during my visit, so if I had seen someone listening it could have been a number of people. Tara, Astra and Laurie all had dark hair. I tapped my steering wheel as I thought but I really hadn’t seen much more than a glimpse and I couldn’t even be sure of that.

I took my time going back to my apartment. I wasn’t at all convinced by Raina’s assertion that my mother was leaving the Circle to be with my father. Judging from the letter that may well have been a factor, but it certainly wasn’t the main reason. She was hiding something.

When I got back, I checked my phone. A message from Dad, checking I’d received the box and one from Conrad. That was a surprise. Let me know how it’s going and if there’s anything I can do. I’m in Birk Rigg Fell, but if I can help, I will. That was kind. I’m not sure what I did to deserve such support. I certainly wasn’t the best partner. I sent a quick one to Dad, and then gave Conrad an update on what was happening. Mum had left the Circle. Guardian lying about something. Still early days. Thanks. I owed him a reply. Then I remembered his injury and sent him another quick text. Hope you’re getting better.

I spent some time going back over the photos of my mum. I left the one of her and me alone. I wasn’t sure I could see it again so soon. I was surprised at how emotional it made me. I was simultaneously upset and angry. As I looked at her smiling face, I couldn’t understand what had made someone want to kill her and leave me without a mother. My foster mother had been great when I hit puberty, a fact I would be eternally grateful for. I would never have been able to go to Dad, even if we had been talking at the time. But Mollie wasn’t my Mum. I always knew I was an outsider and never felt I could really go to her when I was upset. Someone had taken that person from me.

I needed some air.

When I got outside, it was dusk and raining but it felt so good on my skin I didn’t care. I’ve always felt more alive when I was outside. It’s where I belong. I’m sure the Goddess has intended me to be outside in some capacity. My eyes were closed and turned up to the sky when I heard it; a hum. I opened my eyes and looked quickly around but I wasn’t quick enough. A blast of air hit me hard. I was thankful for my Ancile, or I’d have been thrown against the door behind me. Where had that come from? There was no one around that I could see but I could still hear the hum in my ears. Another blast came at me and seemed to be coming from the trees to the left of the apartment.

I’d left the car unlocked and raced towards it, wrenching open the boot. My bow was in there. As I picked it up the hum in my ears grew louder and the wind increased in intensity. There was a sudden panic in my head as I remembered what had happened with the wolves. I didn’t want to be responsible for hurting someone else again. But then the wind rocked the car and sent bits of gravel flying around, causing tiny cuts to my exposed skin. They were close enough to get within the protection of my ancile. Whoever was attacking me didn’t care if they hurt me and they’d probably hurt my mother too, so I dismissed the thought with some effort, and raised my arrow making sure I took the swirling air current into account. The extra magick I sent down the shaft helped it stay reasonably unaffected by the air. The shot went through the trees and disappeared, only knocked a little off course. The wind didn’t die down, so I loosed another, this time to the right of where I had aimed before. It took another two shots before the attack dropped off a little. I was able to fire one more shot before there was a huge gust. I dived behind the car and waited. The wind dropped off after a few moments and I stood shakily before moving into the trees to see if any of my arrows had hit the mark.

It wasn’t easy finding the arrows but eventually I saw them embedded into the trunks of several trees near to one another. I began to collect them and stopped at the last. There was fabric on the bullet point. Whoever had attacked me had been hit. They had been wearing an Ancile, so they hadn’t been hurt, but my arrow had deflected into their clothes. It was dark blue. One of the Sisters. I’d been aiming at shoulder height, hoping to catch them rather than kill them on the off chance that they hadn’t got an ancile on. Part of the solution and all that. Conrad would be proud. I hope.

I walked back to the apartment and cleaned myself up. The cuts weren’t serious just irritating like paper cuts but still in need of some attention. I grabbed some antiseptic and dabbed it on before I sat down and closed my eyes, letting the pain wash over me for a few moments. It was good pain. It meant I was on the right track.

Even though I wasn’t a member of the Watch anymore, I felt I should let Hannah know what had happened. I didn’t make too much of it, just let her know someone had attacked me, but that I was okay. The reply was quickly sent. Be careful. If you haven’t already, contact Watch Captain Jones for support.

I went to bed early after taking some lavender oil for the headache I was quickly developing – Oma’s secret solution – and surprisingly I slept soundly. It was clearly needed though, as I slept until nearly eight o’clock. My head was still sore, but much less so and the cuts on my arms and face didn’t look nearly as bad in the light. I needed a plan, but I had no idea where to go next. The Sisters weren’t going to tell me any more unless I had something to push them with, Watch Captain Brown was long gone, and my father had given all he could. I would visit him when all this was done and give him the letter I’d found. It seemed such a shame that he’d never read it and never known how much my mother loved him. I was glad I’d be able to do that for him.

Thinking of my mother had made me want to look at the picture of us again. It was painful to look at, but it made me feel loved. Wanted. Even when I was at Foresters Hall, I felt like I didn’t belong but the look in my Mum’s eyes made that not matter. I felt tears in my eyes again and was about to put the picture back when a hum made me stop. It was tiny, almost not there, like I was imagining it. But I opened my sight further and ran my fingers down the back of the photo. There. Right in the bottom left-hand corner. It was hidden under a small Charm. My mother’s tiny writing, spelling out ‘p.394’.

The books. It wasn’t the letter she was hiding in the books. I’d been so caught up with it, I hadn’t considered there was something else being hidden. I didn’t check in ‘Animals of the Marshes’. I knew page 394 of that one didn’t exist, so I didn’t bother taking it out of the box. I moved on to ‘Birds of the Marshes’. Page 394 didn’t contain anything of interest that I could see, just information on something called the ‘Marsh Harrier’. It was a bird of prey apparently. I dropped it into the box and picked up the final one. ‘Plants of the Marshes’. The same author had written all three of the books, and apparently wasn’t very good at thinking of original titles. Page 394 had details of a plant called ‘Monkshood’. It was blue and the flower hung down like a snow drop. And it was poisonous. I felt a buzz of excitement run through me.

According to the book, if eaten if caused stomach pain and dizziness. If enough was eaten it could cause heart problems and be fatal.

Raina had told me that the previous Guardian, Ana, had been ill and dizzy before her heart stopped. This was what my mother had found. Someone had murdered Ana.

5

My mother had somehow discovered that this had happened, contacted the Watch to give them the information, and been murdered before she could meet them. According to the book, death didn’t happen often because it had a bitter flavour and was easily noticed, but I was willing to bet that someone in the Circle had found a way around that. I needed to speak to a Herbalist. I dropped Conrad a quick text. No, he’s not a Herbalist. I doubt he even knows what a daffodil is. But he knows someone who does. I just needed to check it was okay to contact her. After thirty minutes or so, Conrad sent the affirmative and the number I needed, so I sent Myfanwy a text; I really don’t like making phone calls if I can help it. Hi Myfanwy. It’s Karina Kent. I worked with Conrad. I know we haven’t met, but I could really use your help. I understand you’re a Herbalist. Is it possible for someone to be poisoned with Monkshood without it being detected?

It took about an hour before I got a reply. She obviously wanted to make sure she was right before she gave me the answer.

Hello Karina. Conrad told me you’d be sending me a message. You can hide Monkshood if you use something very sweet, like marzipan. It has to be sweet enough to cover the bitter taste. It still might be noticed though. I think any symptoms will begin in around an hour depending on the dose.

So, there was definitely a way round the bitterness then. I sent a quick text back to Myfanwy to say thanks. I honestly do prefer to do things by text, but the next thing I had to do would have to be done properly. Hannah was right – I needed to call the Watch Captain and let him know what was going on. I dialled the number and took a deep breath. He answered on the third ring.

‘Hello, is that Watch Captain Jones? This is Karina Kent. I was a Watch Officer until recently.’ That was awkward.

‘Yes, hello. The Constable told me you might be calling. I understand you’ve been looking into the death of your mother?’ He had a deep, melodious voice. For some reason, I wondered if he sang and imagined he would be good at it.

I filled him in on what had happened and what I’d discovered so far, including my conclusions. I even included the fact I suspected someone had been eavesdropping on my conversation with Raina.

‘That certainly suggests the Sisters are involved somewhere along the line, but we’ve got nothing concrete yet. We won’t have anything on the death of the previous Guardian. It would have been kept within the Circle and by the sounds of it, it wasn’t considered suspicious by them at the time anyway.’

‘I was planning on going back to see them again to ask them about the Guardian’s death some more.’

‘I wouldn’t advise it. Let me do some digging. I’ll see what I can find and get back to you. I know some people who may be able to help.’

‘Thank you. I appreciate your help.’

He seemed like a decent guy, and it was reassuring to know that he wasn’t dismissing my thoughts, and that he was willing to take it further. But it did mean I had some time to kill. I decided to go for a walk and left the apartment. Then I stopped short. Tara was standing in front of me, her hands raised as if to begin an offensive Work, and she looked less than happy.

Cautiously I raised my hands. ‘In peace Tara.’

‘Why are you poking around? Why can’t you let things go?’

‘I just want to know what happened to my mother.’ She looked upset at that and didn’t lower her hands.

‘It’s history. Your mother is gone. Why rake it up now?’

‘Why do you hate my mother so much?’ That pulled her up short.

‘Hate your… I don’t hate her. I never hated her.’ She dropped her hands and dissolved into tears. Oh dear. I’m not good with emotions. My own or other people’s.

‘Umm. Do you want to come in? I can make tea?’ She calmed down enough to nod and followed me back into the house.

I gestured to the chairs and put the kettle on. By the time I got back to her, Tara had stopped crying, thank the Goddess. I figured she’d talk when she wanted to, so I let her drink her tea. After a few minutes, she took a deep breath.

‘Your mother and I were best friends. When we were training, we spent as much time together as we could. We lived in the same foster home as teenagers and then rented a flat together when we officially joined the Sisters as Neophytes. It was expensive to rent here when we were young.’ Her voice was even now, less emotional, but I wondered how much she was holding in.

‘We were closer than real sisters. I knew everything about her. And then she met your dad. She was different then. Gen was always a happy soul but when she came back from spending time with Martin there was a different sort of twinkle in her eye. She was more settled. Then she got pregnant with you and she bloomed. I didn’t mind. I was happy for her.’

‘So what happened?’

Instead of answering my question, she gave me a sad smile. ‘When you were barely two days old, Gen brought you to the Grove and presented you to the Goddess. I thought my heart would never stop singing.’

I thought she was going to leave it there and retreat into her memories, and then her face changed to an expression I couldn’t read. ‘When Gen left the Grove, she gave me a look that cut right into my heart. I was shocked. And then she went very quiet, avoiding us and changing the subject. She lost her sparkle, and I even wondered if it was post-natal depression.

‘And then, in the few days before she died, she refused to spend time at Marsh House at all, and wouldn’t say why. It was like I’d done something wrong, but I had no idea what.’ Tara was starting to lose the even tone to her voice. ‘Then your mother announced that she was leaving the Sisters. I was so angry with her. She was leaving me with no explanation and no support. I went from having a best friend in the world to having no one. We were so close you see. We were set apart from the others.’ She was miserable now, dejected. It was written all over her face. I realised how much I’d missed by not having a friendship like theirs.

‘You didn’t kill her then?’

‘By the Goddess no! I loved her. I just wish I knew what had made her leave and not tell me. I’m sure I didn’t do anything to hurt her.’

‘You didn’t. But I think she may have thought you could have been involved in something else.’

‘What do you mean?’

For the second time that day, I braced myself for telling what I knew. I was pretty sure now that Tara wasn’t the one responsible for Ana’s death and I think she deserved to know what had happened. Her love for my mother seemed completely genuine. ‘My mother discovered that the previous Guardian, Ana, had been murdered.’

‘Murdered?’ She didn’t shout, but her voice was measured. The shock was written on her face plain enough for even me to read. Definitely not responsible. No one could fake being that surprised.

I shrugged. ‘I found a note she’d written on a photograph that was about a page in a plant book. Monkshood. The book described exactly the symptoms that Ana suffered before she died. I don’t know who it was though. Mum had contacted the Watch and was obviously going to report it but died before she could. If I’m being honest, that’s why I asked if you’d killed Mum.’

‘And I would be the most obvious suspect. I’m the Healer and I’d know what would work best. And it was obviously someone in the Circle. That’s why she didn’t tell me.’ Understanding dawned on her face. She suddenly looked her age. ‘We haven’t lost anyone in the last twenty-one years, so the culprit must be there. Ana was a kind, generous person. She never upset a soul. We all adored her, and still miss her terribly.’

I found I liked Tara. There was a strength to her that I wished I had. She had a look on her face now that told me I was going to get help whether I wanted it or not.

‘Who would have a reason to kill Ana then?’ I asked, more to myself than to Tara.

‘Well. I suppose the obvious suspect would be Raina. She became Guardian after Ana died, but she loved the Guardian, and was training as her Second. Ceridwen had no issue with Ana that I can remember. Nor Hazel. She doesn’t have the temperament. Tabitha, Astra and Laurie are a different matter. Tabitha didn’t want to merge the Circles; I take it you’ve heard about that?’

I nodded. ‘Only that it was a possibility and that it fell apart.’

‘Exactly that. I don’t know many more details myself to be honest. I wasn’t interested either way at the time, as it wasn’t going to affect me, but I remember Tabitha complaining that she’d be stuck as a Neophyte for longer. Astra and Laurie always followed what Tabitha wanted to do. I also seem to remember Astra spending a lot of time in the garden. She asked me a lot about the plants I grew. Maybe we should contact the Watch?’ She was reluctant both to admit her friends could be responsible for two deaths and to involve the Watch, I could see that, but it was a mark of how much she’d cared for my mother that she was making the suggestion. I appreciated it.

‘I’ve already been in touch.’ Should I tell her I had been in the Watch? Probably. ‘Umm. Actually, there’s something I should tell you. Until recently I was in the Watch myself.’ I found myself praying to the Goddess that Tara didn’t get angry.

Tara looked surprised but didn’t have the instant dislike or anger that most Witches have when they hear the Watch’s name. She considered what I’d said and nodded slowly. ‘I wasn’t anticipating that, but thank you for telling me. I have learnt that in life, people often take routes they are not expecting.’ She looked kindly at me. ‘What has happened in your life has happened for a reason. Learn from it and move forwards. Don’t let another’s opinion colour your experiences. You may not know your place in life yet, but you will. Be proud of your achievements and own your mistakes.’

Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. To distract myself from the lump that had suddenly formed in my throat, I changed the subject. ‘The Watch Captain is a man called Jones. He said he’d look into it and get back to me.’

Tara was nodding. ‘Good. That would be helpful. I have something I need to tell you too. I was listening to you talk to Raina when you were discussing Gen leaving the Sisters. I thought I might get an answer to why she’d gone. Childish, I know, but I couldn’t help myself.’ She chuckled. ‘I’m old enough to know better!’ At least that was that mystery solved. She looked at her watch and stood. ‘I need to get back. We’re having a dinner for the Solstice, and I’m expected. Let me know if the Watch Captain says anything.’ She scribbled her number down on a piece of paper and hesitated before coming to a decision.

Suddenly she flung her arms around me and squeezed. I stood in complete shock, my arms pinned to my sides. She released me before I had to say anything awkward, but gently raised a hand to my cheek. ‘You’re so like Gen. It’s like having her back.’ She gave a sad smile and hurried out of the door. I’d been told I looked like my Mum a lot in the last few days, but this was the first time I felt like it meant something from someone other than my Dad. I admit it had left me feeling quite emotional myself. Although I’d rather not repeat that hug any time soon, that’s for sure.

Once again, I found myself with a head full of information I needed to sort through. I sat down and wrote down everything I knew to try and get it straight in my head. I realised I had a list of questions forming. Why was Ana murdered in the first place? What could be served by killing her? If what Tara had said was correct, everyone loved her. Had my mother found a reason for it? If she had, she hadn’t written it anywhere. I’d have to figure it out myself. Why was my mother dumped where she was? What happened to the other Circle? Who in the Sisters knew my mother was leaving? Did she tell anyone else about what she suspected? Every time I made some sort of progress, it threw up a lot more questions. And I had a feeling I was running out of time.

6

The next morning, I woke and gave thanks to the Goddess before looking back over my notes from the previous day. I’d had a thought the previous night in bed: how had my mother discovered what had happened to Ana? Irritatingly, it was nothing more than another question, but it was an interesting one. Any one of the Sisters, apart from Tara, could have been the killer. I didn’t feel like it was Hazel – my mother wouldn’t have given her that message if it had been. But I had no idea about the others.

My phone rang. Captain Jones. ‘Hello Karina, it’s Eddie Jones.’

‘Captain Jones. Hi.’

‘Eddie, please. Listen, I won’t beat around the bush, I’m sure you’ve got a list of questions. Hopefully I’ll be able to answer some of them.’ Suddenly I felt a bit sick. What was he going to tell me? ‘My contacts in the area have been able to find out some information about the other Circle. They were called the Kentish Maids, referencing the nickname locals give themselves. They were a closed Circle but were having a hard time keeping their numbers up. Women were leaving for other areas and they couldn’t fill the positions. They began to make suggestions to the Sisters that they should have a merger. Share novices and Neophytes. The Guardian at the time was all for it. They were facing some missing positions soon, and it would make sense. Before it could be finalised the Guardian died, as you know. The new Guardian wasn’t interested in continuing with the merger.’

‘Raina was against it?’

‘It seems so. Your mother being found so close to the Kentish Maids Circle finished them off. They couldn’t attract any young Witches once they were associated with the death of another. They closed down, the Witches disbanded and moved to other Circles.’ That made sense I suppose. ‘As far as we can tell, your mother had no links to the Kentish Maids at all. A contact of mine has managed to speak to one of the members of the Circle and there was no reason for her to be there, which suggests she wasn’t killed there but was moved there later to throw suspicion onto the other Circle.’

He talked a lot, which covered the fact that I didn’t. ‘What are your conclusions?’

‘I’m going to make the leap that she was killed in or near her own Circle. The evidence seems to be pointing towards the idea that she was killed by someone there. I agree that your mother’s findings suggest that the previous Guardian was murdered, especially given that she was then killed herself.’ I was really hoping that he was going to suggest that we go to the Circle and ask questions. I was getting fed up with trying to be subtle. I’m not very good at it at the best of times and now I wanted answers.

‘What’s the next step?’

‘I’m going to visit the Circle this afternoon. They won’t like me turning up, but I think it’s the only way to get to the bottom of it. If I ask some loud questions, I suspect we’ll get a reaction from the culprit. I was wondering if you would come with me? I wouldn’t usually ask, but they know you, and I’m going to need help getting in. And you were a Watch Officer yourself, so you know the drill.’ He tactfully didn’t mention what had happened. The whole Watch must know by now. I felt my cheeks grow red and wondered when or if that particular chapter of my life would be forgotten.

‘Of course I’ll come. I want to know what happened.’

‘Good. I’ll collect you at one o’clock. Text me your postcode when you get a chance and I’ll see you then.’

He hung up and left me to consider what he’d said. My mother was right, and by the end of the day, I’d have my answer. I felt dizzy with anticipation. And then panic set in. What was I going to do when I’d reached the end of this? I’d be able to give my mother peace, but then what? Would I be able to return to the Watch in some capacity, or would I need to find another place to start again? Where would I even go? After what had happened before, I couldn’t go back to live with the Foresters full time. Being there while I waited for my hearing at the Cloister Court was harder than I wanted to admit. Everyone was polite, but I didn’t feel like it was my home the way it had been. Oma Bridget had been wonderful in helping me and encouraging everyone to treat me as normal, but there was nothing she could do about the whispers.

Trying not to let thoughts of the future overwhelm me, I went into the garden to pray to the Goddess and wait for Captain Jones to arrive. I also sent a quick text to Tara to let her know when we were going to arrive at the Circle.

When he did, I did a double take. Eddie Jones was a tall man, nearly as tall as Conrad, but not quite. He had a thick head of blonde, wavy hair and bright blue eyes. He looked a few years older than me, but not as old as Conrad. And he was very good looking. High cheekbones and a strong jaw. To be honest, I have no idea how to talk to attractive men. I wouldn’t even know where to begin and they were never interested in me anyway. I could see how another woman would be interested though.

‘Hi Karina. I’m Edmund Jones, but for goodness sake call me Eddie. I loathe Edmund. Blame my mother.’ He smiled and displayed a set of perfect white teeth. I gave him a small smile back, already feeling shy and stupidly young. ‘Shall we go find our killer?’

We got into his car – a battered, dark blue Ford of some description – and drove off to Marsh House. We didn’t talk much until I pointed out the turning and told him to stop just before where I knew the Ward started. Before he drove over the threshold, we both held the Artefact. It didn’t seem fair to leave him with the sick feeling I had got the first time I had visited the house. As we pulled up, he turned to me, his expression serious. I had a feeling I knew what was coming. Once again, I could feel my face beginning to turn red. Dammit. Would I ever get over this? I’ve paid the price for what I did. I can’t change it so I’m going to have to learn to deal with it. Own it, as Tara had told me to.

‘I don’t care about what’s happened in the past, it doesn’t make a difference to me. What matters is the here and now.’ I appreciated that. ‘So, this is the deal. I’m going to do the talking as much as possible. I’ll let you know if you can talk. It would probably be better if you don’t get involved. Try not to be drawn into any arguments, try not to start shouting any accusations and if the killer gives themselves away, let me make the arrest. Is that clear?’ He wasn’t angry, and I really think he wasn’t laying down the rules because of my history. This was his jurisdiction, I wasn’t a member of the Watch anymore, and he needed to know I would do as I was told in the here and now. I got it. I nodded my agreement and we got out of the car. Maybe this was my chance to prove I had learnt my lesson.

Tara was waiting for us, looking very nervous.

‘They’re all waiting. I told them you were coming Karina, but I didn’t mention the Watch Captain.’ She had cast her eyes on Eddie. Judging from the ghost of a smile on her lips, she liked what she saw, and it looked as though she was wishing she was twenty years younger. Tara was pretty, with wide brown eyes and a slim figure. I wondered if she had someone. Not the time for that thought though.

We walked into the main hall. The Neophytes and the novice were nowhere to be seen. Probably for the best. Raina’s smile died when she saw who I had with me. ‘What do you mean bringing a Witchfinder here.’ I actually winced. That was a surprise. I cared more about the Watch than I realised.

Tabitha stood. She was shorter than I remembered, and her robes skimmed the ground. There was venom on her face. ‘She’s one of them! I asked my friend in London about her. She’s a Watch Officer. She’s been lying to us the whole time!’ I hadn’t thought it was possible for Raina’s face to get even more angry, but evidently, I was wrong.

I glanced at Captain Jones. He’d given me my orders and I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. Let him do the talking was the order. He nodded to let me know I could talk. ‘Peace, please. No. I’m not a Watch Officer. I was, that’s true. But I’m not now. I resigned my commission. I didn’t lie to you. I didn’t tell you the whole truth perhaps, but I didn’t lie. I did come to find out more about my mother. I wanted to know why she was killed.’

Jones took over. ‘Specifically, we want to know who killed her. And we believe that it was someone here.’

All the women except Tara and Hazel reacted, and it wasn’t a positive reaction. There were choruses of ‘don’t be ridiculous’, ‘what on Earth are you talking about’ and ‘by the Goddess, what rubbish’. They were all talking at once, but I was trying to watch their expressions to see if anyone was going to give themselves away. No chance there. Whichever one it was had kept the secret for twenty-one years. They weren’t going to give it up so easily.

Jones held up a hand for quiet. Surprisingly they all stopped talking. He wasn’t Conrad, but he had a presence about him. Tabitha was still glaring at me and Astra and Laurie were looking mutinously at Jones. Raina, however, was staring hard at Hazel and Tara.

‘You knew this was going to happen, didn’t you?’

Tara looked a little guilty. ‘I went to see Karina. We talked. Gen discovered something.’

Hazel looked wretched. ‘Gen told me she’d hidden something. She obviously wanted it kept secret.’

‘I have never been so betrayed. How could you?’ Raina was furious, and now so were Tabitha, Astra and Laurie. Ceridwen seemed to be reserving judgement and saying nothing. Still none of them looked like they were hiding anything.

Jones was trying his hardest to regain control. ‘There are certain questions I would like answers to. Genevieve Davison left information suggesting that your previous Guardian’s death was not natural.’ Objections were made once again, but Jones raised his voice. ‘I would like to know who had knowledge of the plants in the garden?’

Tabitha piped up spitefully. ‘Tara and Gen herself.’ I did not like her. ‘They didn’t explain their information to any of the rest of us.’

Tara glared at her. ‘I didn’t do anything. I had no idea Ana was murdered until yesterday.’

‘Ms Davison tried to contact Ms Kent’s father and tell him she was leaving the Circle, and that she had discovered something. When she was found, her Artefacts were gone, and she had been dumped outside the Kentish Maids Circle property. They had no idea why she was there. It is my belief she made a meeting with the killer before she could tell anyone what she had found out. Would anyone like to make a comment?’

Silence. No one was going to say anything. Honestly, I didn’t know what he was expecting. We didn’t really have any evidence. There had to be a way of drawing them out.

‘I’ll ask again. Who among you had knowledge of plants?’ Jones was calm, but not impressed with their lack of response.

Raina glared. ‘I have already told you Witchfinder, just like I told her.’ That one was spat at me. Guess my invitation to visit when I wanted had been retracted. ‘None of us know a thing about plants.’

Something pinged in my brain. What was it? There was an answer there somewhere. Suddenly, it came to me. That was it. I was fairly sure I knew who’d killed my mother and Ana, but it would take a little fishing.

7

I turned to Jones. ‘May I say something?’ He looked quizzical but indicated that I could carry on. There was a warning in his face though to not overstep the mark.

‘Guardian Raina, when I first visited you here, you took me for a walk in your gardens. I was glad to know it was a place my mother had been happy. While we walked, you talked. And you pointed out Belladonna. You said it grew well here and that you had to be careful with it. If you knew nothing about plants, how would you know that?’ Jones grinned at me. Raina didn’t look away from my face. She was furious.

‘That means nothing. You have no proof.’ That was a mistake, and a bad one at that. She should have just said it was the only one she remembered, not that I had no proof of anything. It was all I had though. Raina folded her arms in defiance and glared, daring me to challenge her again. As she moved, a fold on the shoulder of her robe fell lose. Something didn’t look quite right, and I focused on it. It was almost imperceptible, but Raina had stitched her robe with thread that was a slightly different colour to her robe which is what had drawn my eye. I couldn’t be sure, but it looked new. The memory of the piece of cloth on my arrow pushed its way to the front of my mind. I reached into my pocket, hoping I hadn’t taken it out.

I continued. ‘That’s true I suppose. But the other day, after I’d started asking questions about my mother leaving the Circle, someone attacked me. That’s where I got the scratches. But I managed to nick their clothes with an arrow. It ripped a patch of dark blue cloth.’ I nodded to Raina’s arm, then held up the piece of cloth.

‘I caught it on brambles.’

It was a bad lie, and everyone could see through it. Tabitha, Astra and Laurie had stopped glaring at me, and turned to Raina, aghast.

‘Raina? What did you do?’ Laurie whispered.

Raina clearly sensed the room turn against her. She looked around quickly before shoving Astra out of the way and running for the large French doors, making for the Grove. None of us reacted quickly enough to stop her. Astra had fallen to the floor and landed heavily on her hip. Laurie and Tabitha bent to help her. Ceridwen had been standing near the front door, and rushed forwards to check everyone was okay. Jones and I ran after Raina, with Tara a second behind us. Hazel stood still, looking dazed.

I made it outside before my knee reminded me I wasn’t supposed to be running. Damn. Pain lanced through my leg and I winced before slowing to as swift a walk as I dared, jogging every now and then to try and keep up. Tara had caught up with Jones and clearly told him I was struggling as he glanced backwards. He grimaced and made to come back for me, but I waved him on. Catching up with Raina was more important. I’d get there in the end. Jones ignored me and came back.

‘Go! I’ll manage.’ I waved him away again, but he shook his head.

‘She’s not going anywhere. Tara’s just told me the Grove is enclosed by high hedges to stop anyone getting in from the back. Placed after a certain Watch Captain at Large got across a large river and through a memorial forest.’ He grinned his infectious grin. ‘Our Conrad’s actions have cast a long shadow. When we get up there, keep her talking. I’ll go around with Tara and try and get her Artefacts. Once we’ve managed that, I can arrest her. Do NOT under any circumstances attempt to go for her yourself.’ It was a good idea and I still wanted answers about what had happened to my mother.

Jones helped me across the uneven ground. It was very soft underfoot, but thankfully not a total mud bath as there’d been no rain in the last couple of days. I didn’t think I’d done much damage trying to run, but I suspected I’d need to add a few days physio onto my total. I channelled some of my magick down my leg in an effort to keep the pain at bay. It dulled it a little, which helped.

Jones looked from Tara to me. ‘Karina, you block the exit. Tara, go right.’ He let go of me and sprinted off. Tara was already on her way. I gritted my teeth and made it to the Grove, where Raina was looking around wildly for a way out. In her hurry to escape, she’d forgotten about the change in terrain, and I needed to distract Raina.

‘It’s over Raina. The least you can do is explain why you left me without my mother.’ She didn’t answer, her eyes were darting desperately. ‘Raina, why?’ I was shouting now. I was doing my best to keep my emotions in check, to not let it get the better of me. I didn’t want to let Jones down the way I’d let down Conrad.

Finally, Raina turned and stared at me, and seeing that I was on my own, she raised her hands, and started a Charm, calling up a wind that battered me from all sides. My Ancile protected me, but it was hard work standing up. I knew I’d have to shout to make myself heard, but it would also mean any approach from Jones and Tara would be hidden a little more, as long as I could keep her attention.

She drew more power from the Locus Lucis and made one last effort to break through my Ancile. When it failed, she dropped the wind.

‘Why did you do it?’ I repeated.

Raina drew a small knife from her pocket and hitched up the sleeves of her robe. She raised her arms, and a new, different Charm began to build. I took a couple of paces towards the Grove, narrowing the angles, and planted my feet. What was she doing?

She lowered her arms. ‘Yes. I helped Ana to be united with the Goddess. She was losing her memory and losing sight of why the Sisters of the Marsh were founded. If she had prevailed, everything our mothers and grandmothers had worked for would have been swept away in a merger with the Kentish Maids. Her time had passed, but she couldn’t – or wouldn’t – see it. I pray for forgiveness every day.’

Where on earth were Jones and Tara? And why was Raina just standing there? In the silence after her windstorm, I thought it was the Grove returning to life at first. It wasn’t. It was the hum of magick, getting louder in my ear.

I hadn’t known Ana. What she had done to Ana was wrong, and she would pay, but I hadn’t come here for Ana.

I took a deep breath, and another to get enough air to shout. ‘What about my mother! What did you do to her?’

‘She was already lost to us before she came to see me. The Circle lost no one when she died.’

The words of Oma Bridget came back to me, the ones she’d spoken when I left the hospital to await my sentence at the Cloister Court. If you have to ask whether the ends justify the means, then they don’t, Karina.

The hum of magick was louder still, drowning out the breeze that was blowing over me. Was Raina going to try another windstorm? My gaze was narrowing, focused totally on Raina, and I was panting from stress.

‘You did it for power, Raina,’ I shouted. ‘You did it for yourself, not for the Circle.’

My breathing was ragged now, and I wanted to sit down. Perhaps Raina would be less blurred then. What was wrong with my eyes?

‘There’s fresh air in the Grove,’ said Raina. ‘Come and breathe it.’

Of course. She was taking the oxygen out of the air around me somehow, and my standing here had made it easier. I staggered forwards a step. Would I have enough strength to take her when I rushed her?

She looked at me with contempt. ‘Your mother was a snoop, Karina. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, clearly. She was going to tell the Witchfinders.’ The word was spat out.

Finally, there was movement behind Raina, I could just make it out, and it hit me that Raina wanted me to attack her. ‘After I took her Artefacts, she begged for her life. Begged.’

I closed my eyes to hide the mocking smile on her face and forced the image of Detective Fraser into my mind. Her injury was due to my ignoring direct orders. I was not going to do that again, even if it went against everything my brain was telling me to do. I sent a silent prayer to the Goddess for the strength to keep my temper. When I opened them again, Raina had moved, and behind her I saw the plaque to my mother.

Mother Goddess, help me. I squatted down and rested my hand on the grass to stop me toppling over. When it was there, I dug deep with my Sight and drew up power. Lux can’t replace oxygen, but it can give life where none should be. I drew it into my heart and let it spread out.

‘Come on, Karina,’ she said. ‘The air is sweet in the Grove. Or would you rather die like your mother and take your secrets to the grave?’

I fought the urge to send magick back at her, to even the odds. I wound the grass round my fist, forcing myself to hear Conrad’s voice in my head beating a mantra. Part of the solution. Part of the solution.

When Jones was directly behind her, I couldn’t resist the urge to look over her shoulder and grin. As she turned, he used the distraction to bring his arm up to her neck. In his hands were a small, sharp pair of pliers. Quickly and neatly he cut the chain around her neck. As the Artefacts fell, Raina screamed and launched herself at Jones. Her attack on Jones was a physical one, her nails outstretched and aimed at his face. From out of nowhere, Tara dived at her, wrapping her arms around Raina’s waist and pulling her backwards away from Jones, giving him the time to put one hand on his Badge of Office and one hand on her shoulder to make the arrest.

‘Raina, I am arresting you for breaching the King’s Peace and for the murders of Ana and Genevieve Davison.’ He secured her hands behind her back and, once Tara had released her, placed her under a Silence.

It was time to let go. I pitched forwards and let the ground take me in its arms.

8

I woke up in the Grove, a blue-robed figure bending over me. ‘Well done, little Harriet. I’m so proud of you.’

Tara’s voice sounded weird. So young. I closed my eyes and only opened them when I felt arms under my shoulders. ‘Drink this,’ said Tara, sounding much more normal. I felt her Healing powers warming my back and chasing the fog out of my brain as I leaned against her. In front of me she held a can of Red Bull. I bet Eddie Jones gave her that. ‘It’s not exactly Nature’s finest, but it’s what you need.’

I slurped the caffeine and sugar cocktail greedily. I managed a couple of mouthfuls until the taste overcame my body’s need for energy. ‘Yeuch. Thank you.’

Tara gently let go of my back and came to sit in front of me. She took the drink and felt my wrist. I felt my pulse throb against her fingers. Satisfied, she let go.

‘Why did you call me Harriet?’ I asked.

I am getting used to Tara’s face, and I could see the confusion. Then a half-thought came into her head. ‘Gen was going to call you Harriet because you reminded her of a marsh harrier for some reason. And then she discovered that your father’s least favourite aunt was called Harriet, so she changed her mind.’ She looked around the Grove, her eyes resting on the memorial tree. She stood up and Eddie Jones offered me his hand to help me get up.

Had my mother visited me with help from the Goddess? What else could explain what I’d seen. I made a promise to come back and pray here. If the Sisters would let me.

Jones gave me a big smile. ‘Well done. You did that well. That Work of hers was evil, but I could still hear what she said.’ His face dropped suddenly. ‘I’m sorry you had to hear it, too. It can’t have been easy.’

He was right. And now I had the chance to let it sink in, I realised there was a tear rolling down my cheek. I wiped it away angrily. I wasn’t supposed to be this emotional and had no wish to see the look of sympathy on Jones’s face. I felt my face set.

‘I’m fine.’ Hmm. I suspect that was a bit rude, but I had just heard about my mother’s death. I think I was allowed. That said, I couldn’t have stopped Raina without him. I made a real effort to soften my face. ‘I’m sorry. Thank you, Captain Jones. Eddie. I appreciate it. I have my answer now and my mother can truly rest in peace.’ I stared at Raina, who was now sitting on the grass, her face a mask of misery.

She had lost everything just like me because she did the wrong thing. How had she dropped so low to think that murder was the only way out? It forced me to think of Colwyn, and what happened during the hunt for the Phantom Stag. Why on Earth had we thought it was a good idea? What had possessed Colwyn to think that it was okay to kill? What had possessed me?? I was so easily led, and access to Forest Manna had been a contributing factor, but it was no excuse. I was no different to Raina at the end of the day. I was more ashamed then of my actions than ever before.

I was so glad my mother had been able to get the information to my Dad, even if it hadn’t been found for twenty-one years. I was surprised to find I wasn’t angrier at Raina. She’d killed for nothing more than power, but instead of hating her, I found myself feeling sorry for her. The Circle had taken over her entire life to the point that she felt she had to protect it beyond anything. It was sad that she felt that it was her only option. That said, I wasn’t going to be forgiving her any time soon.

Jones saw my gaze. ‘I would imagine Raina will get four years, but it’ll be up to the Cloister Court. Whether she’ll make it, is anyone’s guess. As you know, the Undercroft is not to be taken lightly.’ It was the first real reference he’d made to my time there, and it made me shudder. I was grateful he didn’t make any more of it. Gently, he continued. ‘You’ll have to give evidence. You found the information that led to the arrest, and Raina made her confession to you.’ I’d been expecting that, but it wasn’t something I was looking forward to.

It was interesting that, as I watched Jones escort Raina to his car, I realised I was missing being part of the Watch. I wondered what would happen at Hannah’s tribunal and suddenly it was a lot more important than I had thought it was. If nothing else, this whole investigation had made me realise that I’d felt more at home in the Watch than I had known. I wasn’t sure if I’d be allowed back in, and if I was, if Nimue would accept me back as an officer. Had anyone resigned and managed to get their commission back?

With Raina in the back of the car, Jones was talking to Tara. I watched them from the door of Marsh House. He handed her a card and grinned before nodding at me. As he drove off, Tara gave me a wink. There was a new Watch and Circle friendship there and I was glad.

We went back indoors to see what the damage was with the remaining Sisters.

Tabitha was sitting on one of the chairs, her head in her hands, Astra and Laurie at the dining table holding hands and talking quietly together. When we walked in, they looked up. Laurie was the first to speak. Hazel and Ceridwen had been looking out of the French windows towards the Grove where Raina had made her stand. They both looked pale and shocked.

‘Is she gone?’

Tara took the lead, a fact I was thankful for. I didn’t really feel like talking through it all again. ‘Yes. Captain Jones has taken her. She admitted everything. She killed Ana and Gen to stop the merger and keep her position.’ She turned to Tabitha. ‘You were second. You’re Guardian now, thank the Goddess.’ Tabitha looked surprised. It clearly hadn’t occurred to her that she would now be in charge. ‘We’ll have a position for a new novice, and we need to make sure that the everyone knows that the Circle does not condone Raina’s actions.’ Tara’s words seemed to galvanise Tabitha into action.

‘Yes. You’re right. Of course you are.’ She seemed to gain a little height as the mantle of Guardian settled on her shoulders. It suited her. ‘We’ll clear out the office today and make a clean start. It’s important that we move forwards. Ceridwen, could you start drafting a statement for the Cloister Court? Laurie, Astra and Hazel, can you come and help me in the office?’ She began to move down the corridor, then stopped suddenly. She turned to me and looked contrite. ‘I’m sorry Karina, I truly am. Please know, if we had had any idea that Raina had done those things, we’d have dealt with it sooner. Your mother really was a wonderful person and didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Please know you will always be welcome here in peace.’ The treacherous tears were threatening to make a comeback. I blinked them away, refusing to look too emotional. It was a kind gesture, and one I think my mother would have appreciated.

‘Thank you, Guardian.’ She blinked at the title, still getting used to it. She smiled softly and walked down the corridor. The others followed to their jobs and left Tara and me in the main hall. Tara smiled wearily and gestured to the chairs. I sat with her, realising as I did that I had no energy left. Hearing Raina’s confession had exhausted me.

‘What will you do now Karina?’ Tara was looking at me kindly. I had a feeling I’d found someone who would stick with me, to watch over me like my mother should have done. The thought made me happier than I was expecting. I wondered suddenly if I would have made different decisions had I had my mother or Tara around when I was young. Perhaps I would be a better person?

‘I’ve got a couple more days at my rental. I’ll spend some time resting and giving thanks to the Goddess for her help. Then I think I’ll spend Christmas and New Year with my Dad. It would be good to spend some time with him, explain what happened. After that, I don’t know. I have a… thing with the Watch that needs completing at some point. I’ll almost certainly go and see Oma at Foresters Hall. She’s given me more support than anyone. I owe her, and another, a debt of gratitude that I would like to find a way to repay.’

‘If you need me, you have my number. As Tabitha said, you are always welcome here, and on a personal note, your mother made me promise I would look out for you. I have failed on that count because of my own damn stubbornness. I don’t want to miss out on any more of your life. You look like you need someone you can call on.’

Tears dripped down my face. I couldn’t stop them this time and found I didn’t want to. Tara moved over to my chair and flung her arms around my shoulders again. For the first time in my life, I realised I wanted the hug. We sat like that for a few moments before she released me and wiped the tears from my face. I smiled softly. ‘Thank you. I would like that very much.’

‘Come on. I’ll take you back to your apartment.’ She pulled me to my feet and drove me back to the rental property.

I took the time when I got back to send Conrad a message to let him know what had happened. It was a while before I could find the right words. The Guardian of the Circle my mother was in has confessed to killing her. Captain Jones was able to arrest her. I think I’ve done a lot of growing up recently. I have you to thank for a lot of that. I don’t know what the future holds for me, but please know, I appreciated your voice in my head reminding me of what I needed to do.

It didn’t really convey how much it had helped having Conrad Bloody Clarke’s voice as my conscience, but hopefully I would be able to explain in person what had really happened. Conrad’s reply was quick to come.

Mina says you don’t need me to be your conscience! I’m glad things worked out and that you’ve found some peace. I’m sure we will see each other again.

I seemed to have more allies than I thought. I didn’t feel it right to give Conrad the accolade of ‘friend’ without his say so. And I knew it would take a lot more effort on my part to make up for disobeying his orders. But my experience in the last few days had made me look at my behaviour towards others, and I knew I had work to do. I thought that, with the combined forces of the Goddess’s guidance, Oma Bridget’s kindness and, if I was very lucky, Conrad’s voice in my ear, maybe I’d come out the other end a better person.

I had a message from Hannah telling me my tribunal would be on the fourth of January, which at least gave me the chance to spend the holidays with Dad, despite it hanging over my head. I gave him the letter I’d found from my Mum. I’ve never seen him cry before that day, but I’ll admit we were both emotional as he read it. I offered him the photographs too, but he refused. Said Mum would have wanted me to have them. The surprise was the parcel that had arrived between Christmas and New Year.

Tara had taken my Dad’s address in case she needed to contact me. Her spidery writing was on a small card on top of the box. We found this in Raina’s office, hidden in a case. They belong to you. When I opened the box, there was a broken chain and a series of Artefacts. My mother’s. There were five still on the chain. I saw the token to get through the Wards of the Circle, one that appeared to be an ancile, one a persona and one I was unsure of. The Lux had gone from them, presumably lost when my mother was killed as they were bound to her imprint. I picked up the final one, felt a warm tingle in my fingers and heard a tiny buzz in my ear. On the disc was engraved a woman and a baby. A mother’s protection and love. On the back was my name. This one was meant for me. A way for my mother to give me her own protection when she wasn’t with me. I wasn’t sure exactly how it would work or even to what extent – it wouldn’t be a true Ancile – but it was enough to know she’d had it made for me. I attached it to my own chain and smiled.

As well as the present from Tara, I also got a phone call from Eddie Jones.

‘I thought you’d like to know that Raina has made a full confession. She said she’d made a study of plants when she was young and your mother knew that. It seems she came across notes Raina had made on poisonous plants and put two and two together. Ana apparently had a notorious sweet tooth so Raina had made a Bakewell tart laced with the monkshood. Raina said she’d changed her mind about the merger and the cake was an apology. The marzipan masked the taste of the monkshood and she was none the wiser. Ana ate the whole thing. When she became ill later, she had no reason to connect it to the tart. She went to rest, and never woke up. Raina took over as Guardian and the rest of the Circle assumed it was natural causes as she’d been ill earlier in the year. It was clever, even if it was an awful thing to do to someone.’

‘What about my mother?’

‘Raina met your mother in the gardens. Genevieve told her what she knew and that she’d contacted the Watch. Raina said she had a small pair of secateurs from collecting some nettles to make tea and used them to remove your mother’s Artefacts, then broke her neck using her offensive magick. She knew that no one else knew anything, and the best way to totally prevent the merger of the two Circles would be to leave the body outside the Kentish Maids property. And it worked. Having a body on their property was the final straw. They couldn’t attract any new Witches and the Circle collapsed.’

I was biting my lip so hard I could taste blood and the nails on my free hand were pressed into my palm hard enough to leave marks. To treat my mother’s body like that was so disrespectful. For that alone, Raina deserved to be in the Undercroft. I thanked Eddie, and after the conversation was over, I wondered if I’d be lucky enough to work with him again. He was a decent man.

After that, January came round quickly.

I wore my full dress uniform, pressed and smart, making sure the buttons were sparkling. It’s not the most comfortable thing to wear, but I knew it was expected. As I arrived, I met my lawyer at the gate. Sarah Ritchie was young – barely older than me – and a Daughter of the Earth. If I was being honest, I couldn’t afford anyone more experienced, but she was decent, very enthusiastic and seemed hard working, which was all I needed. We’d gone over the facts at the weekend, and she said the tribunal would be fairly straightforward and more of a formality. There was no denying what had happened, and I’d taken the main punishment. This was more to sort out where I was in relation to the Watch. To figure out what that part of my future held.

We got to Merlyn’s Tower a few minutes early, and Tennille was waiting. I like Tennille. She always says what she’s thinking. She smiled a little, and I think there was sympathy on her face. ‘Go on through. They’re waiting for you.’ I found I was a more nervous than I was expecting. I realised I didn’t want to lose my connection to the Watch.

I paused at the door, glanced at Sarah, took a deep breath, knocked and entered Hannah’s office. Hannah, Iain Drummond and Annelise van Kampen were seated at Hannah’s meeting table. The Watch Clerk, Maxine Lambert, was in the corner of the room waiting to make notes. Hannah, wearing that wig again, had a laptop open in front of her. I stood to attention and gave my best salute. Hannah gave me a salute back and gestured to the chairs on our side of the table. We sat and Hannah began proceedings.

‘We are here for the tribunal of Karina Kent. Present are The Peculier Constable, Deputy Constable Iain Drummond, Watch Officer Annelise van Kampen, and The Vicar of London Stone is present via video-link,’ she indicated the laptop before continuing. ‘Also present are Maxine Lambert, Clerk to the Watch, Karina Kent and Sarah Hari Ritchie, lawyer for Lieutenant Kent.’ I’d sent information on my lawyer to Hannah after she’d informed me of the date of the tribunal.

I was sitting with my back to the door, which made me deeply uncomfortable. As I’ve said, I don’t like people having the opportunity to come up behind me without my knowledge. Maybe it’s the hunter in me. The Constable’s coat of arms complete with Caledfwlch was on the wall. The only positive I could find was that I could see the Thames through the window. It made me feel a little better, knowing that I could still see fresh air. I made a quick and silent prayer to the Goddess to give me her support and listened to Sarah’s defence, such as it was.

I don’t want to go into too much detail – there was a lot of legal jargon, and I’m sure everyone knows the details of the incident we were there to discuss by now. There were a few surprises though. After Hannah had gone over the details of the shooting, including the information that Tom and Elaine had been Entangled (also mostly my fault), the discussion turned to me specifically, and what would happen next. Hannah looked at the screen in front of her. She had an earpiece in one ear, through which the Vicar of the London Stone was communicating. I could neither see nor hear her. Hannah nodded. ‘Ms Ritchie, the Vicar would like to know what assurances we have that Lieutenant Kent has learnt her lesson and can be trusted in the field?’ Sarah took the metaphorical floor.

‘My client has spent her time in the Undercroft and has learnt her lesson about following orders. Indeed, I have this statement from Watch Captain Edmund Jones, with whom Lieutenant Kent has recently worked.’ She produced a piece of paper and read from it. ‘During her time investigating the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death, Lt Kent used intelligence and common sense. She did not panic when attacked, but informed the Peculier Constable as soon as she could and used defensive force only. She then informed me of all the information she had discovered. When told to do nothing until I had gained additional intel, she did as ordered. Later, when we went to apprehend the culprit, Lt Kent was given orders which were followed to the letter. She was put under considerable emotional strain and was able to operate without issue. By doing so, she ensured I could make the arrest safely and without injury or loss of life. I was impressed with her professionalism and her diligence. I would have no hesitation in working with her again and would trust her to follow orders without argument.’

I tried to look like I’d known that was coming. Sarah hadn’t told me she’d asked Jones for a statement. It doesn’t happen very often, but on the odd occasion someone does say nice things about me, I get very self-conscious. I felt my cheeks go red. Hannah looked at her screen again and nodded. ‘Thank you. Captain van Kampen, Deputy Constable Drummond, do you have anything to add on behalf of the Crown?’

Annelise van Kampen nodded. ‘We are satisfied that Lieutenant Kent has served her sentence and that she is willing to follow any and all orders she is given. However, we do not feel that Lieutenant Kent has enough suitable experience to re-join the Watch as a full officer.’ Neither she nor Iain Drummond had said much during the tribunal. I suspected that Drummond was responsible for my extended stay in the Undercroft, although I’d never know for sure. Don’t ask me why, it was just a feeling. We’d known that particular comment was coming. Hannah nodded and turned to me.

‘Lieutenant Kent. Have you anything to add?’ We’d known this was coming too and had discussed a suitable statement for me to make. I took a deep breath. My mouth was dry and my hands were sweaty. I reached up and briefly touched the Artefact that my mother had made for me before dropping my hand back into my lap.

‘Yes ma’am. Since my time in the Undercroft, I have been wondering what the future holds for me. I do not know where I belong. However, I have recently become aware that I felt more at home in the Watch than I realised. I cannot and will not make excuses for my actions. I would like to make amends and have come to believe that the best way of doing so is to be part of the solution. I know I am young and lacking in life experience. But I am willing to learn and be part of the Watch in any way if it is allowed.’

That was a lot for me to say to a room full of people. I meant every word though. I couldn’t be sure if I’d still do the same now, not after what I’d been through. I’d changed. Sarah reached over and gripped my hand tightly. Unprofessional perhaps, but I found the contact reassuring. That was proof in itself that I wasn’t the same person.

Hannah nodded again then spoke. ‘Lieutenant Kent, Ms Ritchie, if you would wait outside while we discuss the ruling in this matter.’ We stood and left the room. When I reached the outer office, I dropped into a chair and let out a breath. Sarah put her hand on my shoulder.

‘Well done. You did well.’

Tennille walked over with a glass of water which she handed to me. I was grateful for that. My hands shook a little as I drank but it was good to have. We weren’t outside for very long. Hannah opened the door after about five minutes and gestured for us to come back in.

Sarah sat, but I remained standing to attention. Hannah turned. ‘Karina Kent, as Peculier Constable and by agreement of us all, I am informing you that you are officially placed in the Reserves for the King’s Watch and the Army for a minimum of six months. Before returning to active duty, you will need to complete a course of training and probation with an experienced Watch officer. Do you accept the findings of this tribunal?’

I saluted. ‘Yes ma’am. Thank you, ma’am. I will do my best to listen and learn.’

‘At ease Karina. Take a seat.’ I did as I was told. To be truthful, I wasn’t sure my legs would stand much longer. Annelise and Iain stood and said goodbye. Hannah completed the video call with the Vicar of the London Stone and closed the laptop before turning to me. She gave me an appraising look.

‘You look different Karina. Finding out what happened has given you some peace I think.’

‘I think so too ma’am.’

She pulled a face. ‘I think we can make do with Hannah now that’s over, don’t you?’

‘Yes ma’… Hannah.’ She turned to Sarah.

‘Ms Ritchie. It’s good to see a Daughter of the Earth here as a legal representative. I’m sure Karina appreciates your good work today.’ Sarah beamed. ‘Would you mind giving Karina and myself a few minutes?’

‘Of course not Constable. I’ll be outside.’ She left quickly as I smiled my thanks. Hannah turned to me.

‘You have a great deal of potential Karina. I’m glad you feel that you’ve found any sort of home in the Watch. You’ll have to be on the reserves for a while, but eventually there may be a way for you to become a full officer again. I’ll let you know who you’ll be working with when it’s been decided.’ She paused. ‘On a personal note, well done for uncovering your mother’s murderer. It can’t have been easy, and Jones tells me he was impressed with your work.’ She smiled. ‘Go home Karina. Go and see Oma Bridget. What’s happened is over now, and you can move on.’

The meeting was over. I stood, saluted again and left the room. Sarah and I said our goodbyes and, after getting changed, I did exactly as I’d been ordered: I went home. Now I could start again. A clean slate. And I couldn’t be happier.

The next instalment from the world of magick will be Five Leaf Clover, the Ninth Book of the King’s Watch, due out in late Spring 2021.

Author’s Note

Lucy –

Writing this was as big an adventure for me as it was for Karina. It has been a real pleasure to complete. I hope you have enjoyed reading it, and have perhaps seen a side of Karina you haven’t seen before. Karina has grown a lot, and hopefully will continue to try and redeem herself.

I will be forever grateful to Mark for allowing me the opportunity to add my own ideas to the wonderful world of the King’s Watch. I also need to thank him for his guidance and support to ensure that all Magickal references are correct, as well as his improvements to my original story.

I also need to thank my wonderful husband for letting me read and write as much as I do, and my children for sleeping, so I could write when they’d gone to bed!

Mark –

I very much hope that you’ve enjoyed Marshlight, my first collaboration with another author to produce a story for the King’s Watch. Why? Because there are simply too many stories too be told, and Karina’s search for her mother’s killer needed to be told before it became old news.

I should also add that working with Lucy was a complete pleasure from beginning to end, and I hope that this is the first of many books by her.

I don’t have a lot to add to what Lucy’s said, so it just remains for me to thank Ian Forsdike for casting his eye over the final draft. Any remaining errors are entirely my fault. Or deliberate.