This is a little something I have had on hand for about six months now. Since it served no earthly purpose just sitting on my computer I have decided to share it with you. It was written in fun and should be taken that way. I am very greatful to Tamara for suggesting the title. Disclaimer. This is a story based on the Forever Knight characters created by J. Parriott and B. Cohen. I know I don't own them so copy right infringement is or was intended. Permission is given to archive this on fkfanfic, fkfanfic2, the ftp site, or anywhere else that might want it provided they give me credit. The Wizard LaCroix By Debbie Clarke When Natalie arrived at the loft, she found Nick sitting in the dark, staring morosely at the floor, listening to CERK. She sighed and shook her head. Nick had been in the dumps all week. No explanation of course. Just Nick in his I am damned mood. Dropping the video Nick had asked her to pick up rather pointedly on the table in front of the sofa, Natalie plopped down next to him. Much to her annoyance, Nick didn’t look up, nor did he give any indication that he was even aware of her arrival. After waiting for about five minutes for him to say something, Natalie finally broke the silence. “Well ...” she said pushing the cassette towards Nick. “I know it was a week ago but you invite me to come over.” Nick came to with a start. Looking faintly apologetic, he picked up the remote and aimed it at the radio. But before he could turn the radio off, the music stopped abruptly and was replaced by the soft voice of the Nightcrawler “I know you are listening.” LaCroix said. Nick waited tensely. “I can hear your doubts and regrets.” continued Nick’s master in the most dulcet of tones. Nick’s hand dropped nervelessly. The remote fell from his fingers onto the sofa Natalie sighed again. Spending an evening listening to the rantings of the Nightcrawler was not exactly what she’d had in mind when she’d accepted Nick’s invitation. “What if, you ask yourself, as your memory slips back to that fateful night so very long ago, what if I had gone another direction? What if I hadn’t stopped when I did? ... Where I did? What if ...? Such foolishness, mon fils. Did not your faith teach you that everything in life is predetermined? That being so who are you ... to question your destiny? You should embrace it instead. Give up this endless struggle to be something you were never meant to be.” Natalie looked at Nick “Nick?” she queried. “What’s going on here?” Nick didn’t answer her. “The truth is, child,” went on LaCroix. “You were mine from the moment you were born. ” Nick flinched. Natalie put her hand on his and squeezed it. “Nick,” she said. “It’s okay, Nat” said Nick. “It’s Okay.” “Is it? thought Natalie watching Nick anxiously. Nick just stared at the radio and waited for the Nightcrawler’s next words. ... “And so, Gentle Listeners, as a special treat in honour of that night so very long ago, I have decided to tell you a fairy tale.” “Oh great” said Natalie. “Just what we need. Talk about a "Grim" Fairy Tale.” However, Nick gave no sign that he had heard her. He was so completely caught up in what the Nightcrawler was saying, it was if he had forgotten she was even there. Natalie sighed. Once upon a time there lived a brave Knight, named Sir Richard, and a beautiful maiden named Claire. They met, fell in love, married and lived happily ever after, or as happily ever after as any married couple ever does. And it goes without saying that about year after their wedding, Lady Claire gave birth to a son whom she called, Nicholas. Naturally, Sir Richard was thrilled when he heard the news that he had become a father, and as is traditional in fairy tales such as these, immediately started making preparations to hold a great celebration in honour of the birth of his son to which he planned to invite the most prominent nobles in the realm. For you see, Children of the Night, even back then, it was the same as it is now. It has always been a well known fact, that is not so much what you know, as whom you know, that is important. Sir Richard understood this concept better than most. He knew there would come a day when Nicholas would benefit from having a friend in high places. Someone ... say, like ... Lord Delabarre. Everyone said Lord Delabarre was going places. There were those who claimed that even now his influence at court was nearly equal to that of the Emperor’s Wizard. But even if that weren’t true, and Sir Richard, remembering the stories he had been told about the Emperor’s Wizard, was of the strong opinion that it probably wasn’t, nevertheless, the fact that such a claim had been made at all, indicated to him that Lord Delabarre’s star was definitely on the rise. Which was a good thing for Nicholas since Lord Delabarre owed him a favour. Or rather his father owed Sir Richard’s father, a favour. If it hadn’t been for Sir Richard’s father’s quick thinking on a battlefield some thirty years earlier, Lord Delabarre’s father would not have survived to even have a son. All of which goes to explain why, some six months after the birth of Nicholas, Sir Richard and Lady Claire were playing host and hostess to some of the most illustrious nobles in the realm. Why the long delay you ask? Well for one thing the winter had been unusually harsh that year making traveling difficult and in many cases nigh on impossible. Since most of his guests lived a fair distance away it would have been highly unlikely if not improbable, they could have come if Sir Richard had held the party any sooner. Then Nicholas caught a cold or was teething or had some such childish complaint. And then they ran into a problem with the guest of honour, Lord Delabarre. Although only too pleased to accept Sir Richard’s kind invitation, Lord Delabarre told Sir Richard, quite firmly, that he would not be able to come, due to state matters you understand, until sometime in late August or early September; and was it true, what they said, about the excellent hunting on the De Brabant estates? . Need I say more? Well , knowing how important first impressions were, you may be sure Sir Richard and Lady Claire went out of their way to make certain each one of their guests had a good time. Leaving his wife to entertain the Ladies, Sir Richard took the men hunting and leaned over backwards to make sure everyone, especially Lord Delabarre, got his quota of game, no matter how incompetent a hunter he was. And when afterwards Lord Delabarre, having drunk a little too heavily of Sir Richard’s ale, started to boast of the hunts he had been on and the battles he had won, the likes of which he was sure Sir Richard had never seen, Sir Richard did not to challenge his statements, something he might have done quite justifiably, for Sir Richard’s own acts of valour were legendary in the realm. No indeed. Reminding himself that Nicholas’ very future might someday depend on Lord Delabarre’s goodwill, Sir Richard bit his tongue and swallowed his pride. Or in other words he agreed politely and as soon as he could changed the subject. While all this was going on, Lady Claire realizing that any misstep on her part would instantly be reported back to their husbands, was working equally hard at charming the Ladies. She listened politely to everything her guests said, and believe me the ladies had a lot to say. They discussed their own pregnancies and made comparisons with Lady Claire’s. They bragged about their own offspring and explained to her in great detail how handsome and talented they all were. . And all the while they talked, Lady Claire smiled and tried to look suitably impressed. Which of course she wasn’t . How could she be? For she knew in her heart of hearts that there was no way any of their children could even come close to being as wonderful, and handsome and perfect as her Nicholas. For a while everything went smoothly. Then Lady Delabarre took over the conversation . Not satisfied with just describing the clever things sons had done when they were the same age as Nicholas, Lady Delabarre demanded to know if Nicholas had done any of them yet. It was right here that a dozen warning bells should have gone off in Lady Claire’s head. Unfortunately they didn’t. Instead rather naively she answered proudly “Oh yes he has and ever so much more.” Lady Delabarre bridled. “So you say.” you could almost hear her thinking. True she smiled but Lady Claire couldn’t help noticing that her smile did not reach her eyes. Nevertheless she was not prepared for what happened next. end of 1/1 any comments should be sent to Debbie Clarke dittany121@hotmail.com The Wizard LaCroix 2/5 by Debbie Clarke Lady Delabarre began to cross examine Lady Claire minutely on every aspect of Nicholas’ life starting from the day he was born. It turned out no detail was too small for her Ladyship’s attention. Lady Delabarre, Lady Claire now found out, was positively teeming with advice on the proper care of babies. She had opinions on everything and expressed them quite forcibly. Lady Claire soon felt overwhelmed by the amount of advice that was being showered on her head. In desperation she passed Lady Delabarre something to eat hoping that the simple act of chewing would stem the flow of words coming from her mouth. It did but only briefly. As soon as she swallowed Lady Delabarre started up again. “She had heard Nicholas had been unwell.” she said Lady Claire confessed “Yes, it was true what Lady Delabarre had heard. Nicholas had been under weather a few weeks ago. However, ” Lady Claire went on to say, more brightly than she felt “ He is perfectly fine now.” Lady Delabarre shook her head grimly when she heard that and said “My poor dear Lady Claire, I pray for your sake you are right, but I feel I should warn you that is exactly what my sainted Pierre did just before he died.” Her Ladyship then went on to describe in great detail the illness that had taken Pierre’s life as well as life of her son Henri. Lady Claire listened to everything she said and the longer she listened, the more frightened she became. Lady Claire understood only too well the nightmare of losing a child. She had seen her own sister age before her eyes after her six month old daughter had died from much the same type of illness as Lady Delabarre had just described to her. So it is not at all surprising that after an hour of listening to Lady Delabarre’s dire prognostications about Nicholas’ chances of surviving to adulthood that Lady Claire suddenly found herself with an uncontrollable urge to go check on her son. She rose abruptly and excusing herself from her company, on the grounds she had to instruct Nicholas’s nurse on some matter, fairly tore out of the room. Lady Delabarre clicked her tongue disapprovingly after her. She didn’t believe for a minute Lady Claire needed to talk to Nicholas’ nurse. Lady Claire was going to her baby. Lady Delabarre had strong views on mothers who let their children take over their lives. Views she felt Lady Claire would benefit from hearing. However at the moment, Lady Claire didn’t care what Lady Delabarre or any of them thought of her as long as Nicholas was all right. . Fortunately for my story Nicholas was fine. Lady Claire found him dozing in his cradle, as was his custom this time of day. Picking him up she cuddled him and cooed lovingly at him. He was quiet child. “No trouble at all”, she had foolishly bragged to Lady Delabarre. But according to Lady Delabarre that was all wrong. “Why” she said “Her babies (at least those who had somehow managed to survive her care of them) had cried all the time. “I don’t care what Lady Delabarre says. God would never be so cruel as to take you from me. I won’t let him. If anything were to happen to you,” Lady Claire said kissing Nicholas on his forehead, “I know I would just die.” “Such is the intense love of a parent for a child. How tragic it is that children seldom if ever appreciate the depths of their parents’ love for them. Take Nicholas for example. You would think that after everything his parents had done and were doing for him right now, he would feel some kind of obligation to at least let his mother know her love was reciprocated. But no. Nicholas just stared sleepily up at Lady Claire and yawned in a bored sort of way. Alas I’m afraid tis true what the poet says. “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is, To have a thankless child!” ... “Are you that thankless child, mon fils? I leave it up to your conscience to reply.” Natalie glanced at Nick. That barb had most decidedly been aimed at him. She hoped it would convince him to turn off the radio. But although Nick looked desperately unhappy, the radio stayed on. Natalie sighed again. “Why does he do this to himself?” she wondered not for the first time. “But I am digressing from my story.” said the Nightcrawler after a brief pause. “Where was I? Ah yes.” And then it happened. Shortly before dawn on the day of the great banquet, a pair of dark riders were seen riding ventre a terre towards the castle walls. The Chief Guardsman watched their approach uneasily, for it seemed to him they rode as if the devil himself were hot on their tails. “Which at this time of night wouldn’t surprise him at all.” he thought. After all it was common knowledge that after the sun set, all sorts of demons emerged from hell to prey upon the unwary traveler. “This is so wrong ” he said to himself eying the riders suspiciously . Yes they were definitely coming to the castle. He glanced up at the sky. Dawn was at least fifteen minutes away. If he had his way he would lock them out until the sun was safely in the sky. However in spite of his misgivings, the chief guardsman shouted down the order to open the castle gate and let the riders in. He could do nothing else. Sir Richard had left strict instructions that all persons in distress were to be given sanctuary within his walls, no matter what the danger was. But you may be sure that as soon the strangers passed through the gate into the courtyard, he ordered the gate to be closed behind them and instructed his bowmen to scan the surrounding countryside carefully for whatever monster had sent these travelers on their mad dash to the castle. To his surprise everything appeared as it should be, at least outside the castle walls. In spite of the early hour, Sir Richard’s servants were already up and about, preparing for the great feast which was to held that very night. As the man and a woman galloped into the courtyard, they stopped what they were doing and eyed them curiously, and I have to say with some annoyance. The last thing they wanted right now was more guests. They had already been working their fingers to the bone trying to keep up with the demands of the ones they had. You can well understand their point of view. Lord and Lady Delabarre expected high standards of service. These two were even more richly dressed than either Lord and Lady Delabarre . Even the meanest servant among them could see that the lace on this lady’s gown was a finer quality than any Lady Delabarre had on any of her gowns. Not to mention the fact that only the very, very wealthy could afford to wear black. And these nobles whoever they were, were dressed entirely in black. The man dismounted his steaming black horse and assisted his companion from her mount. He said something to her then glanced around him. As his gaze passed over them, the servants recoiled . One of them even fainted. There was something about that expression , something dangerous something evil, something predatory, that struck terror into their very souls. . Unfortunately like so many of others of their class I’m afraid Sir Richard’s servants were a superstitious lot. The man frowned. He was accustomed to better service. Besides he didn’t have time for this. Singling out one of servants, he barked out an order for him to escort him and his companion to Sir Richard. “.” he said. As he spoke he glanced up at the sky. The servant, (Old Tom was his name) cringed. Then, somehow he plucked up courage to speak. To the complete amazement of everyone present, himself included, Old Tom refused the stranger’s request. I think he had some foolish notion of protecting his master, whom he had known since he was a little boy from this man, if that was indeed what he was. (Old Tom, like the others, had his doubts about that.) “His master was asleep” he said, hoping, I suppose, to excuse his foolish reply. “It is very early,” he pointed out nervously to the Stranger. “The sun is not yet up” he added even more fearfully when he saw the stranger’s expression begin to darken ominously “Perhaps” Old Tom said, now quite terrified; it suddenly crossed his mind that perhaps he had been a trifle foolhardy in presuming he could deny this man what he wanted. He tried to make amends. “If your Lordship would condescend to w ...” Old Tom suddenly stopped speaking in mid word . A hard hand had grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and lifted him effortlessly off the ground. “What made you think I ever wanted your thoughts on the matter, Old man ” asked the stranger softly, looking Old Tom directly in the eye, his eyes blazing with the flames of hell. Old Tom stared back at him in abject terror. What manner of demon was this? When Old Tom didn’t bother to answer him, (which is not at all surprising considering he was having a hard enough time breathing, the stranger had him so tightly by his collar) the stranger callously flung him aside. Old Tom fell in a confused heap on the ground in front of the lady. As he lay there gurgling and gasping for breath, she glanced down at him, in cold disdain . “Any one else care to comment?”, the stranger asked. Once again he gazed around him. He was met by a frightened silence. No one said a word. “Good ” he said. “In that case where were we? Ah yes, One of you was just about to escort us to Sir Richard.” As he spoke he smiled a terrifying smile. “Not so fast.” said a voice directly behind him. “I think you will find I have something to say about that” The stranger turned and found that while he had been "talking" with Old Tom, the chief guardsman and about half a dozen other men had come up behind him. Each one of them had his hand poised challenging on the hilt of his sword. all comments etc should be sent to Dittany121@hotmail.com The Wizard LaCroix 3/5 By Debbie Clarke After Old Tom was attacked, it had not taken the chief guardsman long to figure out that the threat lay not outside the castle walls but rather inside. “This is what comes” the Guardsman thought to himself “Of opening the gate to strangers.” For the past five minutes the Lady had been staring anxiously at the sky. Now she gasped with alarm and pointed up at the castle walls. The servants followed her gaze and breathed a collective sigh of relief. For standing above them along the castle walls was a line of bowmen. Each had his arrow aimed directly at the man and woman, just waiting for a signal from the Chief Guardsman to fire. The stranger remained unpreturbed. He stared down at the Chief Guardsman from his superior height. Did I mention before he was a veritable giant of a man? “Are you certain you want to do this ?” he asked softly. It was then the chief guardsman, saw the stranger’s face for the first time, and brave man though he was, he quailed. “Oh my God” he thought staring at man in front of him . If this was who he thought he was .... “Forgive me, my Lord ” he gasped out even as his knees began to buckle beneath him. “ I did not recognize you.” . “And now that you do?” asked the man gently. The head guardsman swallowed. Then to the complete astonishment of everyone in the courtyard he ordered his soldiers to stand down, every last one of them. Taking a deep breath he beckoned one of the servants over to him. “Take his Lordship inside immediately and inform Sir Richard that Lord La ...” “Inform your Lord, only that he has company” interrupted the man curtly stopping the chief Guardsman before he could say his name. “As for the rest, I will introduce myself to Sir Richard in my own way.” The head guardsman swallowed again nervously. “Sir?” asked the servant, looking bewilderedly at the chief guardsman for guidance. But the Chief Guardsman, feeling the full weight of the stranger’s eye on him, found he had only enough strength of mind left to wave his hand in the direction of the door and gasp out the word “ Go.” Trembling, the servant led the man and his lady into the castle. Once he had seen them settled, he scurried off to his master’s bed chamber to tell him that two strangers had arrived and that they were demanding an audience with him. Naturally Sir Richard wanted to know who they were. To his astonishment, the servant said he didn’t know. The man had refused to give his name. The servant then went on to tell Sir Richard something of what had just happened. “How the chief guardsman’s courage had wilted after a single look from the stranger. How the stranger had attacked Old Tom. (God knows if he will recover) Why he just picked him up with one hand as easily as I pick up my broom. This is no ordinary man, my Lord” he finished “I fear there are dark forces at work here.” . Naturally Sir Richard was much perturbed But demons or not it was his sworn duty to defend his house or die in the attempt. He got up and dressed. Then sword in hand, he bravely went down to confront his unwelcome visitors. As soon as he saw the man, a cold shiver ran down his spine. He knew why his people had been frightened. They had every cause to be. This was no ordinary mortal standing before him, but a great and powerful Wizard, chief advisor and confident to the Emperor, a man reputed to be the most powerful man in the Realm, second to none, except maybe the Emperor. But even that was a moot distinction to make, since it was a well known fact that the Emperor made no decision what so ever without first consulting his Wizard. "My Lord, my house is honoured by your presence.” lied Sir Richard sheathing his sword and going over to greet his unwelcome visitor. Lie I say for in truth he wished him elsewhere. The Wizard contemplated the Knight in silence. I can tell you that the longer those hard blue eyes rested on the Knight the more uneasy Sir Richard became. Finally the Wizard spoke. “Am I correct in presuming that you are the grandson of the late Lord Gervase de Brabant. “That is true my Lord.” answered the Knight quite taken aback by the manner of the greeting. “My father was his second son.” And am I not also correct in believing that your wife is the daughter of the late Charles de Conde. “Yes but ...?” Sir Richard stopped. He was reluctant to say more. He did not wish to appear overly inquisitive for fear it would be construed as presumptuous on his part. Wizards as a rule had to handled with extreme caution lest they turn their magic against you, and this one especially. He had heard many frightening stories about the Emperor’s Wizard. The least of all was that those who offended him had a bad habit of disappearing without a trace. “It is a policy of mine to know about the people I have dealings with” replied the Wizard smiling graciously on him. “Your grandfather was a brilliant soldier as was your wife’s father ... Tis a pity they both died ... so very young ... but then tis always a tragedy that any brave man should die.” As he spoke the Wizard eyed Sir Richard very intently. “Yes.” replied Sir Richard. “However I have solace in knowing they died a hero’s death in the service of God and their Emperor. What better fate could any man hope for?” “What indeed?” said the Wizard noncommittally. He frowned slightly. Sir Richard shifted uneasily. He had a distinct feeling that he had offended in some way in his reply. Though for the life of him he couldn’t see how. “My Lord?” he asked uncertainly. “You are very like your grandfather, Sir Richard. In speech as well as appearance.” said the Wizard dryly. “So my mother told me many times.” Sir Richard answered politely. “Unfortunately I never knew him . He died many years before I was ever born.” Then he stared at the Wizard in amazement for it it suddenly dawned on him from the Wizard’s words that had. “That is indeed a pity. Lord Gervase was one of the few mortals I’ve ever met whom I considered worthy of the title, Knight. A brilliant military mind.” explained the Wizard to his lady companion. She nodded gravely. “My daughter, Janette.” he said taking the raven haired beauty by the hand and leading her forward to introduce her to Sir Richard. Janette curtsied gracefully. Sir Richard bowed. He took the hand she held out to him and kissed it respectfully. “She has a rare beauty about her ” he thought gazing admiringly at Janette. “Although a little too pale for my tastes.” Then, still trying to make sense of the Wizard’s statement that he had known his grandfather, Sir Richard turned his attention back to the Wizard and asked “You say you knew my grandfather, my Lord? How can that be? He’s been dead more than forty years” He sounded very puzzled, which indeed he was. “Perhaps I am older than I look” was the Wizard’s amused reply. “Appearances are often deceiving, you know” Sir Richard was uncertain what to make of that. He had heard Wizards lived long lives but if what this man said was true he must be close to a century old. “You are no doubt anxious to learn why I have come, Sir Knight.” said the Wizard changing the subject abruptly. “I am here at your Emperor’s request.” “My lord?” questioned Sir Richard, no doubt bracing himself for news he had been summoned to court or something else equally inconvenient. “ Do not look so troubled Sir Richard.” said the Wizard, apparently reading his thoughts. A talent many wizards have. “It is nothing so mundane as that . It is simply that upon learning of the birth of your son, his Majesty, the Emperor, was most anxious for me to come and tell you how delighted he was by the news.” Janette looked at her father curiously when he said this, and wondered not for the first time since they’d left the Emperor’s court four nights ago. “What was his interest in this child?” For interest there definitely was. As soon as word had come of the child’s birth, nothing would do but that they should leave for Brabant immediately. Indeed they had barely stopped on the way to rest the horses or ... feed. Sir Richard bowed “My Lord” he said “I am honoured.” Frankly he was more surprised than honoured. True he had sent an invitation to the Emperor inviting him to join with him in his celebration of his son’s birth as was customary, but he had never dreamed the Emperor would take notice of it. “You have a distinguished pedigree, as does your wife, Sir Knight.” continued the Wizard. “You should be proud. It is an excellent bloodline. And although he is but a babe now, I feel confident your son, like his father and his grandfather before him, will prove himself worthy to bear the illustrious name de Brabant. “You are too kind, My Lord” said Sir Richard. The Wizard smiled to himself. “Not at all Sir Richard . It is you who are overly modest. Over the years I have heard many reports of your bravery in battle.” Janette moved restlessly away. She had little enthusiasm for rehashing old war stories. The sun would be up soon. She was tired and she was hungry. She looked about her in a bored manner and observing a handsome young servant boy standing inside the doorway smiled encouragingly at him. “Now he looks promising” she thought to herself. “Janette.” said the Wizard interrupting this interchange. He frowned disapprovingly at his daughter. Janette pouted prettily. Seeing that, the Wizard’s expression became even more forbidding. He shook his head severely at her. Then turning back to the Knight he said “I fear my daughter has grown weary. We had a long hard ride to get here. Perhaps it would be better if we were to retire to our chambers now and continue these discussions later .” “Of course my Lord. Anything you say, my Lord”. said the Knight, only too anxious to please. He beckoned to the boy who had caught Janette’s fancy a few minutes earlier. Then turning to the Wizard’s daughter he said apologetically “I hope you will find it in your heart to pardon Lady Claire for not being here to escort you to your room personally, Milady, but she is presently attending to our son.” “Of course we forgive her.” answered the Wizard smoothly “Pray, do not give the matter a second thought. The requirements of your son are far more important than any of ours. Indeed, you will find our needs quite simple. All we wish is a place to rest during the day until we can recover from rigours of our journey.” “Of course my Lord,” said the Knight very much relieved to find, contrary to his reputation the Wizard was so amenable . “It shall be as you wish. And if there is anything you desire, you have only to ask and if it is at all within my humble means I will provide it.” “Anything?” murmured the dark beauty gazing speculatively at the handsome servant boy. Again the Wizard shook his head at her. “Anything my lady” answered the Knight bowing. “You are too kind” interjected the Wizard quickly stepping between his daughter and the boy. “But all we really want is to be left alone.” Any comments should be sent to Dittany121@hotmail.com The Wizard LaCroix 4/5 by Debbie Clarke Once he had seen the Wizard and his daughter settled for the day, the Knight hastened to his wife to tell her of arrival of their illustrious guests and to stress to her how important it was that she extend them every courtesy. “Why If such a man could be persuaded to give his patronage and support to our son,” he said “Nicholas would be set for life.” Lady Claire heard his words in dismay.. “If what they say about him is true, my Lord, he is more liable to destroy Nicholas than help him.” she replied. She too had heard stories of the Wizard. How he had appeared out of nowhere one stormy night and demanded to be taken to the emperor. How shortly after he arrived, the emperor’s advisers had started to disappear one by one until only he was left “Nicholas will be far better off with Lord Delabarre as we planned.” she continued forcefully . “ He is connected to all the best people. Not to mention the fact that he owes you a favour. It is true, this man has greater power but I have yet to hear he has ever used it to help anybody. Look what he did to Old Tom who never hurt a fly. I only hope, dear husband, that you do not end up regretting offering him the hospitality of our house.” she protested. Sir Richard hesitated before he answered . “Indeed I could not refuse him. It is not that simple, my Love. I know what you have heard and what you are thinking, but you would be very wise to keep these thoughts to yourself, Claire. Remember simply that he is the Emperor's favourite. As such he must be welcomed everywhere. And as for Old Tom I am very sorry, but it was not his place to challenge a guest of this house. However you will pleased to hear his injuries were minor and that he will recover.” Lady Claire looked at him steadily “I know” said Sir Richard uncomfortably. “But what else can I do? But in all fairness to the man, I have to say, he has shown me nothing but courtesy. Not only that, I believe him sincerely interested in our son. It is always possible the stories told of him are exaggerated.” he suggested doubtfully. “And you have to admit, my love, for Nicholas to have the support of someone like the Wizard ... Lady Claire looked troubled. “Well I won’t say any more than that ...” he finished and with that exited the room leaving Lady Claire alone with her thoughts. These were not very satisfactory. “Why did everything have to be so complicated.” she wondered She wished Nicholas didn’t need a patron but she knew he did. She wished they could find someone else other than Lord Delabarre or, horrors, the Wizard to sponsor him. But there was no one, at least no one who was under any obligation to oblige them. And on top of everything else she wished she had never listened to Lady Delabarre dire warnings about Nicholas’s health. “He’ll be all right” she muttered. “ He just has to be.” ***** The sun was still shining in the sky when Sir Richard sent his own personal servant to the Wizard to escort him and his daughter to the festivities. To his chagrin, the Wizard send back word that he and his daughter were still resting and would join them later. Sir Richard was very disappointed. To have had the Emperor’s Wizard standing by his side while he greeted his guests would have guaranteed his party becoming the social event of the season. Lord Delabarre in particular had been particularly impressed when Sir Richard let drop, quite casually of course, the news of the Wizard’s arrival and of his interest in Nicholas. As the guests entered the great hall, each one of them stopped in turn to admire the baby lying in his cradle. Finally Lord and Lady Delabarre arrived, fashionably late of course as befitting persons of their superior rank. Sir Richard and Lady Claire greeted them then led them over to Nicholas’ cradle, where, after complimenting them on their son, his Lordship swore an great oath in which he pledged to honour his father’s debt to Sir Richard’s family by becoming Nicholas’s patron. Sir Richard positively beamed as he thanked Lord Delabarre on behalf of his son, his father and anyone else he could think of. It was right after that, that the room began to darken ominously as if a storm was brewing. Suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder and with it the Wizard and his daughter magically appeared in the great hall. Well you can imagine the excitement and consternation that caused. Everyone began talking at once. They all wanted to know who they were and how they had got there. The Wizard held up his hand for silence and instantly an eerie hush fell over the company. They waited in silent anticipation to see what was going to happen next. For a while nothing happened. During what seemed like an endless time the Wizard stood motionless, silently contemplating the child lying in his cradle. Finally he seemed to make up his mind. He leaned over and picked the baby up. No sooner had he touched him then Nicholas let out a scream of fury. Hearing that cry, Lady Claire tore to Nicholas’ side like a tigress defending her cub, intending no doubt to snatch her baby from the Wizard. She was not allowed to reach him. Moving faster than the eye could see Janette stepped between the Wizard and Lady Claire; Sir Richard, reacting more to the menacing expression he saw on the wizard’s daughter’s face than out of any fear for his son, also sprang forward. Grabbing his wife from behind, he pulled her back to his side and held her there. He then whispered in her ear a warning not to interfere. To all of this the Wizard paid no heed. Cradling Nicholas in his arms he spoke to him softly in a strange mystical language. Whatever spell he cast, it worked. Nicholas stopped crying. At which point Wizard placed him gently back in his cradle. “Exquisite” the Wizard said to Janette standing back and once again contemplating Nicholas . “Pure Ambrosia” As he spoke, Janette saw him rub the tip of his index finger across his mouth. She stared inquiringly at him then looked down at the baby speculatively. “So that was what this is all about.” thought Janette. She eyed Nicholas with new interest. By this time Lady Claire had managed to shake off her husband’s restraining hand. Pushing the Wizard unceremoniously aside, she now snatched Nicholas up and checked him over thoroughly . To her alarm she found a small cut on the side of his neck. Lady Claire glared angrily at the wizard. “If he had done this. If he had hurt her child ...” The Wizard saw her concern and spoke to her soothingly “There is no reason for alarm , my dear.” he said “Tis but the merest scratch. As you see the bleeding has already stopped ’ “You must forgive my wife, My Lord . interjected Sir Richard, throughly embarrassed by what he considered Lady Claire’s irrational behaviour. “She is a new mother and tends to worry about trifles,. Claire my love” he said “ Calm yourself. Nicholas is fine. It is after all, as the wizard says, only a scratch.” Lady Claire’s only response was to press Nicholas possessively against her heaving bosom. Seeing this, Lady Delabarre, who could never be in a room for very long without expressing her opinion about something, spoke up . “Yes my dear. You really should control yourself. If a scratch is the worst thing that ever happens to your baby, you may consider yourself very fortunate.” “On the contrary Lady Claire is right to be concerned.” said the Wizard softly, “There are so many things in this world that can harm a child.” “Indeed there are.” agreed Lady Delabarre complacently. “ I myself lost two sons . They were not much older than Nicholas at the time. My poor sainted Pierre and Henri. One day they were fine, the next day they were gone.” Lady Claire looked positively stricken with terror when she heard this. The Wizard saw her fear and smiled secretly to himself. Really he thought Lady Delabarre couldn’t have been more helpful if he had orchestrated what she was going to say. “Take it from someone who has been there. It is not wise to care as much as you do, my dear Lady Claire” continued Lady Delabarre severely. “Yesterday afternoon was a case in point. There was no need for you to abandon us the way you did to check on young Nicholas. You have servants. He has a nurse. Let them take care of him. You must learn to distance yourself from him. To do anything else will only make it all the harder on you if God forbid anything should ever happen to him. I am sure you agree with me, my Lord” she said addressing the Wizard. “No, I do not.” replied the Wizard his voice coldly deliberate, and keeping his eye all the while on Lady Claire’s face. Lady Delabarre’s mouth fell open in amazement . I doubt whether any one had ever dared contradict one of her pronouncements before. For a minute it seemed as if she might argue with him, but before she could say another word she happened to catch sight of her husband’s warning eye and was silenced. “You shall not quarrel with the most powerful man in the empire,” that eye said, “And thereby ruin your husband’s prospects at court. ” “You see, I have every sympathy with Lady Claire’s feelings. If young Nicholas were my son, I would want to keep him by my side forever”. continued the Wizard looking down at the child again The baby stared back at him revealing brilliant blue eyes and yawned. “He is a beautiful boy, my dear.” he said to Lady Claire” “You are very kind, my Lord” said Lady Claire uncertainly. As she spoke she placed Nicholas back in his cradle, Any comments should be sent to Dittany121@hotmail.com The Wizard LaCroix 5/5 by Debbie Clarke “I would walk and speak with you alone” said the Wizard abruptly bowing and offering Lady Claire his arm. “With your permission of course, Sir Knight” he added looking at Sir Richard. Lady Claire looked desperately towards her husband. She wanted to stay with her baby. Much to her dismay Sir Richard nodded his approval leaving her little choice but to take the Wizard’s arm and accompany him. As they strolled out of the great hall. the Wizard said softly now speaking more to himself than to her “Indeed, he is a truly remarkable boy” Lady Claire shuddered involuntarily. “You are cold my dear?”asked the Wizard solicitously, feeling her shiver “ True it is a frigid night. Here take my cloak. Fortunately I myself do not notice the cold.” and saying that he wrapped his great black cloak around her shoulders. “Thank you ” stammered Lady Claire. She knew her husband expected her to be polite to this man but there was something about him which frightened her. Something predatory. “ Surely you are not afraid of me, are you my dear?” said the Wizard seeming to read her mind. “No” she lied “No? Not even a little, Now be honest.” he said smiling. “Pray forgive me. It’s just that I have heard many stories about you.” she stammered “What kind of stories?” asked the Wizard, ever so gently “Only that you are a dangerous enemy if you are offended and that you have powers beyond those of mortal men. “ The Wizard laughed merrily when he heard that. “True” he said. “But those I make my friends have naught to fear from me.” He looked down at her. She was a pretty young thing, blonde with blue eyes. Nicholas evidently got his colouring from her. Another time, another place he might have wanted her for himself. But tonight he had something far more important in mind. “You wouldn't do anything to harm my son would you ? “ asked Lady Claire fearfully. His reputation coupled with his interest in her Nicholas worried her. He did not strike her as the type of man who would interest himself in anyone, least of all a child, without a reason. “Harm him? No. Of course not. Why ever would you think such a thing, my dear? Like you I want only the best for him. To see him grow up to be healthy and strong. That what you want is it not.?” asked the Wizard catching her eyes once again and holding them. “Oh yes” answered the Lady. His eyes were so compelling, she hardly knew what she was saying, “ I thought as much. I don’t blame you for being anxious about him though. The sad truth is Lady Delabarre is right in what she said. These are perilous times. So many children die before they reach adulthood.” he said sadly. “I know” said Lady Claire shivering. If anything were to happen to Nicholas she did not think she could bear it. she thought again “ “I pray for my son everyday.” she said breathlessly. “I am glad to hear that” said the Wizard, “But unfortunately prayer is sometimes not enough. “ “But it is all we have” said Lady Claire “Not necessarily.” answered the Wizard, catching her eyes again. “My Lord?” “What if I were to tell you I have within my power to give young Nicholas an elixir that would guarantee he live a long and healthy life, free from disease.” Lady Claire thought. “If such a thing were possible, what a marvelous thing it would be.” ”Could you my lord? “ she asked “Would you? “ “Nothing would be simpler. . ” This is almost too easy the Wizard thought. How true what they say about the strength of a mother’s love for her child. In this case, it was powerful enough to overcome Lady Claire’s fear of him. “What would you want in return?” asked Lady Claire, still wary “He is almost too eager” she thought “But still, if he has the power to keep Nicholas safe ...” “Nothing, that need concern you ... now.” answered the Wizard speaking in a soothing voice. “Only the promise you will bring your son up to be worthy of the name he bears.” “That’s all?.” she asked confused. She had been so certain he would want something more than that. Maybe her husband was right and the stories she had heard told of this man’s cruelties were lies made up by his enemies. “Such a man holding position he held would be bound to have enemies.” she told herself. “ And after all , Old Tom had really been more shaken than hurt.” “ Only that. Surely that is not a problem? That what you and Sir Richard want for him is it not?” asked the Wizard seductively. He waited a moment then said. “Do we have an agreement? You want Nicholas to live a long life .” Lady Claire hesitated no longer. “Oh Yes my Lord.” “Consent freely given.” the Wizard muttered to himself. “In that case" he said "I will give him the elixir.” “How? when ?” Her decision made, Lady Claire could not want to wait for this miracle to occur. “ When ever you like. Tonight if you wish.” “I do” “Then as soon as your guests have retired for the night bring young Nicholas to my chambers” “This potion, it won’t hurt him will it?” Lady Claire asked worrying again. It suddenly struck her the Wizard was a little too pleased by her response. “Of course not. It will simply give him a life span beyond your wildest imagination.” “Then I’ll do it.” It was for Nicholas after all. “Good. Now you must return to your party. I will wait for you in my chambers. Bring Nicholas to me there.” As Lady Claire turned to leave, the Wizard stopped her . “One more thing, child, it would probably be wiser if we didn’t tell your husband what we are planning.” He paused a moment then added “He is such a fine specimen of health himself, he might not fully understand the necessity of what we are doing. ” The Lady agree and left. After she gone the Wizard gazed up at the stars “So far so good.” he said. Now all he had to do was wait. Something he was very good at. ***** “Well that went over quite well.” said Sir Richard to his wife when the last of their guests had retired for the night and they were alone in their bedchamber. “And what of you my love. Did you and the Wizard have a good talk.” “Yes my Lord.” Lady Claire replied. As she spoke she yawned supposedly sleepily. “Pardon my Love. I can barely keep my eyes open.” she lied guiltily. Guiltily because it was the first lie she had ever told her husband. For a moment she debated on telling him the truth, but then she remembered the Wizard’s warning. The Wizard did not strike her as a man who would tolerate disobedience. He might even change his mind about giving Nicholas the elixir if he found out she had ignored his instructions. So with that in mind, Lady Claire said “You were right about him. He genuinely interested in Nicholas.” “That’s wonderful.” said Sir Richard in a satisfied voice. “With both Lord Delabarre and the Wizard to sponsor him, Nicholas future happiness is guaranteed. Of course I knew Lord Delabarre would agree to help as soon as he learned of the Wizard’s interest in Nicholas. What else could he do? He is very ambitious, my Lord Delabarre. He would never dare do anything to offend the Emperor’s favourite.” said Sir Richard shrewdly. “But you are right it has been a long day and I do not blame you for being weary. I am myself. “ He kissed his wife as he spoke. Then he too yawned and soon fell asleep Lady Claire waited until she was certain her husband was sound asleep. She then slipped out of their room and went to fetch Nicholas from his nursery to take him to the Wizard. She found the Wizard waiting for her just as he promised he would be. He instructed Lady Claire to give Nicholas to Janette to hold, which she did. The Wizard then picked up a small vial containing a bright red liquid. Lady Claire watched him carefully as he poured a drop from this the vial, no bigger than a dab of blood from a pin prick, onto his finger . “That should be sufficient” he said after a moment during which he studied the red drop carefully . “ Are you certain?” asked Janette anxiously. “If you were to give too much or too little ...” “It is exactly the right amount” said the Wizard firmly. He put his finger with the elixir on it against the baby’s mouth and held it there until the child began to suckle on his finger. “It’s done” he said in satisfied voice and he pulled his now clean finger away from Nicholas’ mouth and examined it. “He drank it all” he said. Then the Wizard leaned over Nicholas, kissed him on his cheek and whispered in his ear. “A la prochaine mon fils.” Janette kissed Nicholas as well then handed him back to his mother . “That’s it? “ asked Lady Claire examining her baby carefully. As far as she could tell Nicholas seemed no different than he had been before the Wizard gave him the potion. She looked uncertainly at the Wizard . “ You promise he will live a long and happy life?”, she asked “My word of honour, my dear. Nicholas will live a very long time.” “If that is indeed so I thank you from the bottom of my heart. How will I ever be able to repay you my lord? ” “ By remembering our bargain. Teach Nicholas to be worthy of his family’s name. When I next introduce myself to your son, I expect to find a man.” **** The Wizard’s elixir worked The years went by and young Nicholas grew up healthy and strong, virtually untouched by sickness or disease. Indeed any injury he received seemed to heal miraculously over night. Like his father and grandfather before him Nicholas became a brave and noble Knight who distinguished himself countless times with honour on the battle field. And yes gentle Listeners to answer your question, he did live a very long time. Just as the Wizard promised he would. Nick turned off the radio and frowned uneasily. Now that he thought it over he had been extraordinarily healthy during the mortal part of his existence. Not only that but the wound he had received while fighting in the crusades, a wound, which everyone said at the time, should have killed him had healed remarkably quickly “Nick, He was just pulling your strings.” said Natalie guessing something of what was running through his mind . “What he said is medically impossible. Believe me I know. I have studied you guys after all. Besides ... “ “I know.” said Nick. but even as he spoke his mind slipped back to a time before LaCroix. A time when he was still untouched by evil, or so he thought Nick: What did your soothsayer tell you of me? Surely you would have asked. Gwyneth: That you will live very long and in that time never find happiness. The Queen of Harps The end