Jacob Hemlock's Story

Jasper could still feel the biting cold and hear the howling wind, even in his waking world. These dreams were scaring him. Sometimes he felt like he actually was the person freezing in the snow, like last night. The only thing that reminded him he was still himself was the knowledge that he had never been that far north. The somewhat scruffy looking young blond shivered at the thought.

Outside the window of his boardinghouse room, sky-blue eyes noted it was too early to sell his wares, but he couldn't sleep anymore. With shaking hands, the slim man started a fire to make tea. One of the perks of this boardinghouse was that he always had his own stack of wood, but it was getting expensive. He remained in Whitemouth for several weeks now and his savings were running out, even supplementing what he started with by selling unguents and potions on the way. It was definitely time to move on.

When the fire was ready, he put a kettle on and got dressed for the day. Noting his old traveling clothes were wearing out, he planned to get another set before leaving, among other things. He supposed his vivid dreams were a good thing in that they helped him prepare for the harsh weather in the northern wastes.

After a soothing tea and hearty breakfast, the pale sun rose over the horizon. Soon the market would be open for him to refresh his inventory of food, and clothes, and supplies for his potions. He already had the most common ingredients, but he needed a few more location-specific ones in case of injuries and sickness along the way. Even though Jasper never was sick himself, other travelers would need his skills. An apothecary's trade was always welcome and necessary, which likely saved his life since he learned he was a witch. The young man shivered again at the thought, but kept silent on the issue as he packed his bags.

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Elsewhere ice-blue eyes stared intently into a bowl of water. If possible they became even harder and colder, as he turned his own chiseled face into a grin. This one was definitely NOT friendly. "He's coming," the young man whispered. A heavy hand pressed on his shoulder broke his concentration, and his smile turned into a grimace and groan as nausea set in.

"What are you doing here, Hemlock?" a cruel hissing voice hovered down from above his bent head.

"Master," this other blond started in a carefully measured tone. "I was studying portents." Without stirring the hand on his shoulder, he backed away from the bowl.

"And what do your portents tell you?"

"Something is stirring nearby, that is all, Master." He lifted his head slightly to see the face of his master, an old crone that had pretty much raised him since he was left on the tundra as a child. She wasn't the warmest or most agreeable person, but she was the only family he knew most of his life. His father and brother couldn't be called family, since they left him to die.

"hmmm..." he heard her whisper. The young man noted her narrow lips pressed in a grim line and her grey eyes were blank. Even though she didn't look like it, he knew she was studying him intently. He could even feel something like thorns probing through his mind. The pale young man learned long ago how to counter that probe without fully allowing her to know his intentions.

Until two of their younger members left, the Shadow Sage trusted him completely. This was his only family and he had no reason to seek another. Now though, many were suspicious, so he must always be on his guard. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Jacob Hemlock held that thought on the surface of his mind until he saw the woman's face soften.

"Do you know where enemies are stirring?" She finally asked him.
He frowned and dropped his head again, in apparent disappointment and sadness, "I apologize, master, I can't identify the city. I just know it is very close."

The woman frowned again but released him with a smack on the back. That didn't help his nausea from the broken scrying spell, leaving him to swallow the bile burning in his throat. "Get yourself back to the library to study location runes, and you better know them before The Raven calls you. He wants to see a demonstration of your skills tonight, in case we have a mission for you," she called as he turned away.

A mission? The cold blue eyes widened at that statement. He's been waiting for a mission for some time now. How could he show his skill when he felt like this?

Jasper listened carefully to what this dark stranger had asked for. The list of requests troubled the young man. He would need those exact same things for himself, since he decided to head further north in the morning. Could he spare any? As an apothecary and healer, he couldn't forgive himself if someone died that he had an ability to save, like that child back home in Eastleigh. If he died though, how could he save anyone else?

Jasper swallowed, but said in complete honesty, "I'm actually planning to travel on the morrow and I've either traded or sold most of my stock, to lighten the burden." He hated to disappoint the fellow so he added gently, "Though if you're going my way, we could help each other out." Jasper feared making the offer, especially since he didn't know anything about his unexpected guest. What if he was Shadow Sage or a Witch Hunter? The young blond wanted nothing to do with the evils of Shadow Sage, and if it was a Hunter, could they tell he was a witch? What was he getting into? Since he already said it, he couldn't back down. It would be dishonorable to back down. No matter what anyone thought of him, he was an honorable fellow.

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Jacob's day didn't go well after the interview with his master. Even though he went to the library right away, like she ordered, he couldn't focus on anything except for the pain in his gut. Surely, no one poisoned him, did they? No, there was no reason to get rid of him. The Raven wanted a demonstration, and the Raven's assistants would never go against his requests or orders. The Raven wanted him alive and whole to do whatever mission he had for the pale blond man.

Jacob always felt ill when broken from spells he cast. He just needed some rest to recover his strength, but he would not reveal anyone this weakness. Remembering a recipe for a strengthening infusion he studied early in his time with the Shadow Sage, he went to prepare it. The taste was foul, but it did its job. While in the kitchen, he also claimed a plain roll to eat with the infusion to rid himself of the awful taste on his tongue. Since he couldn't bring his small meal back to the library for fear of damaging the books he sat himself in the dining room for students. Because of the time, few others were there, and made his time unpleasant.

Another of the students, a few years his junior even, heckled Jacob for being lazy. With some energy restored, he gave an early demonstration to that insolent fool and grinned as the fool had to run to the bathroom the rest of the afternoon. Jacob himself didn't even use much of his own energy in the experiment. He simply turned his opponent's against them. Feeling a little better about his own situation, he returned to the library to finish his assignment.

His time had come! After a long day, a nervous and excited Jacob Hemlock had finally entered the Raven's office. He didn't expect to fail in either his demonstration or whatever mission there was for him, but the mysterious Raven was something of a hero to the pale witch. The room was dark as the night outside, so the young man didn't see his leader's face, but he heard the deep bass voice clearer than daylight. "Good Eve, Hemlock." He could almost feel it through the floor and walls. An intimidation device? Well, he wouldn't fall for it.

"Good Eve, Master of Shadows." He gave a bow in the room, even if he couldn't see the source of that echoing voice. It must have a source though, and he would find it. All he needed to do was close his eyes and feel for the life energy. Everything that lived in this world had life energy, but some things were stronger than others. Men usually had strong life energy, and he knew for a fact that Raven was indeed a man. Without asking for permission or orders, he sought out the Raven's energy and indeed found it. Seven or eight feet away from him in a right hand corner of this room, which actually wasn't as big as he thought it was. He approached and said quietly, "I understand you wished to see a demonstration of my powers."

An oil lamp flicked to life next to him, and that rumbling bass voice spoke again, without filling the entire room with sound. "Indeed. Aren't you a clever one?" Jacob remained silent. Even though the words were phrased as a question, it didn't sound like it needed an answer. He didn't meet the Raven's eyes as he spoke, respecting the speaker's position of authority, but through veiled lids Jacob noted important features of the man before him to hold in his memory for the future. One such thing was this man was shorter but twice as broad as Jacob himself. Depending on the situation, that could be either an advantage or disadvantage, but as witches they both had a secret arsenal. He did not judge based on appearances, because he didn't know what power was in this man's secret arsenal. Demonstrating what he could do would possibly give the Raven an advantage if they ever held a witch's duel between them, but Jacob held tight to his weaknesses.

It was lucky for him that Jasper already packed most of his supplies during the day. After his supper and tea, he just needed to get his gear, which included a white fox fur cloak and fur-lined knee high boots. The two were indeed an odd pair. Complete opposites in both appearance and personality. The only time Jasper ever rushed was when he feared for someone in danger, so naturally he wasn't happy about this arrangement, but he didn't complain or say much at all.

Wyatt asked a question, probably to reduce the tension between them. To be honest, he didn't want to answer the question. He didn't trust the darker fellow enough to tell him about these dreams he had as long as he could remember, despite all efforts to push them from his mind. That itself gave him the impression they're important, but he didn't know how or why. That's the real mystery. The only way he can think of solving it is to go to the source. Out in the middle of nowhere. To the farthest borders of Vandose. It's not much of a plan, though. "Secrets." he hissed as he stuck his walking stick in the ground in front of him. To keep his body heat in he leaned on it probably more heavily than he should. "Bribes wouldn't be necessary if we waited until it opened in the morning. There's nothing for it now, though." he said quietly with a shake of his shaggy blond head.

~~~

The Raven wasn't satisfied with the one small trick Jacob showed him already, but he knew it would be useful for the future. Still the older man put the pale young protege through his paces until he was satisfied. "That's enough. Take a seat." and he spread his broad hand to an armchair next to the desk and pulled a mirror from one of the drawers. The mirror he placed on top of the desk. "Now, do you know why I wanted to test your strengths?"

Still not making eye contact, Jacob pondered the question in his head, thinking it might be a trick. If he waited too long, the Raven might get suspicious and this close, he didn't want to risk it. "My master didn't go into details."

"And she shouldn't..." The Raven said matter-of-factly with a hint of threat that actually gave Jacob a slight shiver. "Anyway, from your performance here, I have something that I believe you are looking forward to." The Raven waved his hand over the mirror and a familiar face showed up in it.

Jacob's eyes lit up as he leaned in to see better. "That's..."

"Yes, it is. You are to bring this person directly to me, no one else. No one else is to even know. If you can do that, it would secure your position as a full member of Shadow Sage, and if not... I'm sure you know the consequences." Jacob chanced to look up to the expression on his leader's face. Through a curly brown beard, he saw what appeared to be a pleasant grin but the pale blond could almost feel the ice behind it. He mirrored the expression.

"Yes, sir, you can count on me!" Jacob struggled mightily not to jump out of his seat. This is what he wanted, and he already formed a plan to do what's necessary.

"Before you go, Jacob, I prefer the subject alive, and you need your papers, yes?"

"Yes, sir." The Raven handed over a narrow tube that was no longer than the palm of Jacob's hand.

"Remember no one else should know, so prepare yourself." The broad hand clapped the thinner fellow's shoulder and sent him off. Jacob grinned and wasted no time obeying.

Yes, indeed, this Wyatt would surely test his patience. Jasper was already feeling a twinge of annoyance at the flow of the conversation between him and his glowing-eyed friend, or perhaps the fact that the dark traveler had already talked about killing him twice in less than an hour. The blond cursed himself for a fool, but he thought he'd gone too far to head back now.

He picked up his staff and gave the ladies a bow. "I can assure you, ma'am, I am a healer and apothecary first and would rather die myself than put someone else's life in grave danger. That is the reason why I am here."

He could tell them that he was also a witch, but for some reason the words wouldn't come. His strange dreams and visions were the only proof that he had any magic. It wasn't something physical like the glowing eyes of Wyatt's friend, or the other woman's fireball. Perhaps that was the real reason he never had any troubles growing up. To all affects he was perfectly human. There wasn't even a birthmark or brand or any mark on his body for anyone to see. He couldn't force them to believe him, and he didn't really want to force anything.

The glowing woman asked if they were going to the Witches' Fortress and Jasper's eyes widened. Was it really real, not just a fairy tale? If that was the case, there must have been a time of true peace with witches. He gave a little smile at the thought. Despite his apparent excitement at the prospect, though it might be too dark to see, he narrowed his eyes and straightened his stance, as Wyatt asked him if he still wanted to go with them. "Considering how easily you speak of killing, I don't know if I can really trust you, sir." He dropped his shoulders and gave a sigh but continued, " yet I will. I'm honor-bound to continue on this path... for all our sakes." He turned away for a moment and whispered, not expecting to be heard, "Perhaps we can finally have peace..."

~~~

This was better than he ever expected! Jacob had to hold himself back from laughing out loud. He decided to see where his target was before leaving the building, because it would be easier to capture the target if he could surprise them. His main target was a few miles north of Whitemouth, but with that one he recognized other targets as well. The Raven would certainly be impressed if he could bring them all.

By himself it would be tricky, but he swore to keep his mission a secret and to keep his target alive. Why the Raven wanted them alive was a mystery to the pale blond, but he didn't ask questions. It wasn't his place to, at least not yet. It was in his best interests to stay on good terms with all the Shadow Sage leadership, and he also liked to think it was in everyone's best interests to stay on good terms with him. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That was true on all sides in this war.

Before he gave himself away to the sleepers or night watchmen, Jacob pulled himself out of the scrying spell. This time without adverse effects, only because he ended on his own volition. Despite the late hour and amount of magic he used since sunset, Jacob wasn't tired at all. With a wide grin and a honey cake in hand, he silently waited for the changing of the guard and left the tower undetected, heading south. Without Jacob's knowledge, the Raven also grinned and whispered in the night, "Do well, my son."

Even though he traveled through "forbidden" territory, Jacob showed no fear. He even traveled in daylight, once beyond the reach of his home tower. Ironically perhaps, he thought his greatest threat was other witches. Some, but not all, could sense magic and all would ask him questions he was both unwilling and not allowed to answer. The plan he formed before he left already accounted for encounters with soldiers and witch hunters.

Because few people traveled into the Northern Wastes, and the land itself was generally inhospitable, anyone braving the death of cold was considered suspicious. To Jacob himself though, it was his home and his life. He knew all the land's secrets and used all of them to his own advantage, including the dead bodies fallen to unforgiving elements. He took anything he needed at the time he found them and continued on his way until coming to Evanpool.

Jacob approached the northern gate, the smallest one, in the early evening. The guards looked bored until he showed himself, and then they attempted to deny him entrance. He avoided using his magic by pulling out a letter with the king's seal on it. Royal hatred for witches was well-known, so with the king's seal, he could not be a witch in the guards' eyes. Keeping the king's seal visible, no one got in his way and he acquired a very nice room with a balcony overlooking the famous hot springs. "Later." he whispered and retreated inside to review his plan.

Even without using his scrying tools, by now Jacob could feel his quarry. They were very, very, close. Now his patience and cleverness would clearly be tested. He could afford no missteps this close to success. He needed to force back his native tendency to impatience. How many times had he been punished for mistakes made at the last minute? Jacob's face burned at those memories. He would not fail! To calm himself down, he left the room to explore his temporary territory. He covered his head and avoided using magic, but saw no one he recognized by the time he returned to have his supper and retire for the night. They weren't there yet, but he could still feel them under his skin. By morning, his prey would be within reach. One more night...

Jasper did look over to see what happened to Katherine when he heard a shout, but when she rejoined them, he nodded acceptance to her explanation.

Though he was more cautious in getting to the springs with the young ladies, as something reminded him of his younger sisters. His hometown of Eastleigh was always busy with people traveling through from both continents of Asiali and Eliradia and he always felt he had to protect his siblings. Neither Katherine nor Sylvana were his sister, and he understood that they were good at protecting themselves. They wouldn't have made it as far as they did otherwise.

He shook his head and then just laughed at himself. Caleb, his brother, and Annemarie, the older of his sisters bathed together as children. His youngest sister was significantly younger than both, so she bathed by herself. His youngest sister though was the one he worried about most. Jasper shook his head again, since there was nothing he could do. Caleb had to take care of her until he returned from this journey. The healer had absolute faith that he would return.

Eventually he slipped under the water and sighed in pleasure, as the stiffness in his limbs melted away. Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes though he didn't sleep. He felt like he could stay here forever. An uncomfortable feeling in his gut changed that though. He opened his eyes and looked around.

Jacob didn't visit the hot springs the first night he was in Evanpool. There were too many other things to think about as he gauged the best place to set up his plans. In the morning he woke early and started talking to townspeople and tourists, throwing out a net for news as he did every town he came to. Any news at all was important to him, not just news specific to his mission, as he could use any tidbit in the future.

On his way to the springs for the promise he made to himself that first night, he paused to chat up a pretty young maid. That feeling under his skin grew stronger and he was downright uncomfortable by now. He couldn't hide it anymore, so he said his goodbyes to the girl with a kiss on her slender hand and she went away giggling like a fool. He smiled as pleasantly as he could until she was out of sight and then tensed up. He appeared to be staring into space.

At the same moment, Jasper also tensed up, "Who are you?" he whispered, though it was unclear who he spoke to.

Hello, brother, came the contemptuous answer inside his head.

"My brother's at home. Who are you?" The second time Jasper's question was louder, and he temporarily broke his trance to climb out, not long enough though as the voice he didn't recognize spoke again.

I'll find you, brother. Don't move and you'll see yourself. The voice cut off and Jasper collapsed on the ground unable to move or speak. Struggling through what felt like heavy mud and pain, he gritted his teeth and forced his body to stand back up again.

That fear that troubled him earlier returned just as strong, possibly even stronger. The pitying looks that Wyatt and Sylvana were giving him didn't help. "Jacob..." Did he hear that right? Could Jacob be the ghost that haunted him his whole life? How? he knew nothing about him, except that he was a witch Wyatt and Sylvana didn't trust. "Why?" he whispered. Why didn't the other two witches trust Jacob? Why would Jacob be interested in him? Why can't they explain it now? He didn't see or hear anyone else in this changing room.

Jasper grimaced at the once again repeated statement about someone killing him. Another why. Why did so many witches want him dead? What about the healer was so threatening or intimidating? He was a healer and apothecary. His entire life was about helping other people. He was too a witch, but his magic was weak. He didn't have it in him to kill any of these people that wanted to kill him. "Good grief! Who knew a simple healer could be so threatening? This is crazy." He almost laughed at the ridiculousness of the situation, but he couldn't completely break past that painful fear. That fear kept him from questioning Wyatt any further. Despite his own threats to Jasper's life, the brooding fellow did keep all of them out of danger, and he did promise to explain everything. Wyatt had yet to break any promises, so for now at least Jasper trusted him.

Jacob cursed under his breath and picked up speed to the hot springs. The good news was that he now knew the exact location of his quarry. He made a mistake and needed to catch them before he lost completely. Jacob had absolutely nothing but Shadow Sage. If he couldn't finish this mission, his life would be over. The family that birthed him didn't want him and the family he knew didn't forgive failure. He said he wouldn't fail. He couldn't fail!

The pale young man paused and leaned against a wall. Where did these feelings come from? What is this weakness? Fear is weakness. Weakness is not allowed. "I shouldn't have allowed my weak brother into my head. He is weak and useless. Raven doesn't even want him. Only I want him. I want him to pay for abandoning me, for rejecting me. I can't touch him until the Raven gets what he wants." By good fortune, no one walked by this wall to hear his personal pep talk. Even if not everyone knew about the Raven, talking to himself about revenge would be suspicious.

Still standing by the wall, he checked inside his boots, and pockets in his fur cloak and white clothes. All of his stuff was still in order. Jacob tightened the fastening of his cloak and put his hood on to approach the hot springs calmly. He was a government official spending time in Evanpool. That's why he had the king's letter. That's what the townspeople know him as. Government officials have no need to fear common people. Just business.

With that in mind, he breezed onward with polite nods of his head and smiles to those he passed on the way. Jacob gave a chuckle when he found the changing room and caught a few familiar faces leaving it. "My old friends! How good to see you!" he called out jubilantly to Wyatt and Sylvana. "Ah! A new friend?" he commented lightly and smiled to Katherine.

"My old friends! How good to see you!" A voice cut through the silence that had formed in the room as the small group was preparing to leave Evanpool. Wyatt didn't even have to turn to see who it was. He knew. Once upon a time, he and Jacob had been nearly inseparable especially right after the black magic user had arrived at the Shadow Sage to begin their formal training. His mother's half had been completed, even though to the young boy, his mother's had been much harder.

It wasn't until he'd met Sylvana and listened to the things that haunted her young mind and found that they too had been burning on his did he start to drift away. Not only from people like Jacob, but from the Shadow Sage in general. Only it had taken the white magic user leaving for him to pull himself away. Now he was hoping that Jacob didn't know he'd left against orders to find out the truth for himself and not to just blindly follow orders. If the gray magic user didn't know, then there might be a chance to get himself and the others out in one piece. Maybe.

Sylvana repressed a gulp as she turned to face the voice that had called out to them, fearing the worst. She was right. It was Jacob. Almost a spitting image of Jasper only she knew their personalities to be completely different. She liked Jasper for the most part. She'd always felt uneasy around the other.

Wyatt made sure that the other three members of the group were behind him as everyone seemed to be turned to face the newcomer. He inclined his head to his old friend. "Jacob." The male's black eyes bored into the other's blue. He didn't bothering asking why he was there. It wasn't going to be anything good and the man could be there for any one of them. Though, without a doubt he knew who he was after. It wasn't a coincidence that he had run into Jasper on the way up here nor into Jacob here. But then again, he'd also found Sylvana who had escaped the Shadow Sage taking all of their information with her. Not to mention himself basically doing the same thing and he knew nothing about the Katherine girl to know whether or not he could be after her. Maybe he should ask, but he thought better of it.

Sylvana, take the other two and head north. Don't worry about the supplies, we will find a way to manage, but get them and yourself the hell out of here. And please, don't argue with me on this one.

The white magic user had started to object, but thought better of it. She would get them headed north and then come back for Wyatt. She wasn't leaving him to fight this on his own. It went against everything she was. Not to mention, she wasn't losing him again after just getting him back. She nodded knowing he didn't have to see it to know she would do as he bid.

"Come on." She whispered to Jasper and Katherine. She knew it would be difficult to get other male out of there, but she had to do it. They could explain everything once they were safe. He didn't need to hear it coming from Jacob. She knew without a doubt that Jasper was a strong person in his own right, but he wouldn't be able to handle what was coming. "Follow me." She made sure Katherine went first before dragging Jasper. She just hoped she could get them far enough away to safety and make it back in time.

Please be careful, please. She pleaded to Wyatt knowing he would hear, but wouldn't respond as he stared down the enemy once a friend.

Jacob wouldn't let himself be intimidated by the taller Wyatt and that hard look in his ebony eyes. He tucked his arms behind his back and tilted his head sideways, rocking a little on his heels. He needed to keep the appearance of ease, because it would be a failure to let any of the four witches in front of him see that he was uncomfortable. Yes, he knew his weak brother was a witch and that factored into his opinion of the man. They were both witches, but only he, Jacob was abandoned. One of his hands curled into a fist, but as it remained behind his back, the others wouldn't see.

The paler blond turned toward Sylvana as she tried to get the other woman, who rudely hadn't been introduced yet -whether they knew or not, his question about her was sincere - and Jasper, his hated brother, away from the scene. "What's the rush? It's been a while, I just want to catch up." Jacob turned back to Wyatt and gave a smile. "This is a tourist town. Aren't you here to relax?"

Jasper resisted Sylvana's pulling him away from the scene. "At least let me see him," he said quietly and gently maneuvered around closer to Wyatt's side than behind him, because the dark witch was taller than he. The healer's eyes widened and he gasped, "It's you!" He took a surprised step back. He did know this Jacob. He knew that face. "Every night for nineteen years, your face is the first I see when I close my eyes. How...? Why...?" So many questions pushed to the front of his mind that he couldn't even finish voicing one of them. He closed his eyes and pushed his right hand to his forehead until he finally managed to sputter out four words. "What do you want?"

Jacob turned to his brother's interruption. Looking into the face, the same chiseled face as his, the same prominent cheekbones, the same nose, the same mouth, Jacob trembled at the resemblance. There could be no doubt they were brothers, but there were differences as well. Jasper's hair was longer and darker blond, more gold than white, and messier too, which gave Jacob a chuckle. His brother's skin was more tan, as Asiali got more sunshine than Eliradia, longer summers and even a warmer spring. "It's been even longer since I've seen you in the flesh, brother. I do have a portrait, though." To prove it, he pulled a ragged and permanently creased scrap of parchment out of his own white fur cloak. He even dressed identical to his twin. Carefully Jacob unfolded the parchment, exposing a true to life charcoal drawing of Jasper as a child nineteen years ago, when his dreams started.

Jasper trembled at the sight himself, and rasped, "How did you get that?"

Jacob shook his head. "I won't tell you. The artist prefers to keep to himself, and I won't interfere with his wishes. It was a great gift to get the portrait in the first place." He carefully folded up the parchment on its creases, and lifted his head up. Now he actually was at ease. "As for what I want, I already answered that question. I want to catch up with old friends and my estranged brother. Since you have a new friend, I want to get to know her too. Aren't you going to introduce me?" Those ice-blue eyes, harder in appearance than Jasper's, though unintentionally right now, panned over the group.

As the group was leaving the changing rooms, a young man similar in appearance to Jasper blocked their exit. While Wyatt didn't looked to pleased to see him, the blond man looked positively thrilled to see them, "My old friends! How good to see you!" he called out jubilantly to Wyatt and Sylvana. "Ah! A new friend?" He said, looking to Katherine. Katherine suddenly had her guard up. There was something about this man that didn't sit well with her, even just on sight. That and the fact she could tell from Wyatt and Sylvana that they didn't want him here. She kept her mouth shut, not speaking a word to this man until she was more certain of his intentions.

Wyatt blocked the newcomers entry, Jacob he called the blond man. Katherine heard Sylvana whisper to her, "Come on," Katherine didn't know what they were planning, but she had a feeling that mindspeak, that's what they had spoken about earlier when Jasper had collapses, was involved. She made a note to herself to learn how to mindspeak, it seemed to come in useful from time to time, "Follow me," Katherine wasn't about to argue with Sylvana on this. The way she was reacting and the way Wyatt was blocking the man just screamed 'trouble'.

She didn't see Jacob catch them moving, but he must have for he asked, "What's the rush? It's been a while, I just want to catch up." Catch up? Wasn't it clear that Wyatt didn't want him around, that Sylvana didn't want him around, hence why they were trying to get away. Katherine's eyes went wide as the reason he and Jasper looked like one another dawned on her. "This is a tourist town. Aren't you here to relax?" Jacob continued. Katherine managed to hold back a sarcastic laugh. This was hardly a relaxing trip for her. She didn't know about the rest of the group, but she certainly wasn't having a relaxing trip home.

Katherine watched Jasper pull away from Sylvana to stand by Wyatt, "It's you!" She heard him exclaim, "Every night for nineteen years, your face is the first I see when I close my eyes. How...? Why...?/What do you want?" Jasper finished. Katherine took several steps back into the room, feeling that this deserved to be a private conversation, or at least not a one for her ears to hear. She tuned out the conversation, until she heard Jacob say, "Since you have a new friend, I want to get to know her too. Aren't you going to introduce me?"

Katherine took the few steps to Wyatt's side, getting her first proper look at Jacob. His eyes were blue, much like Jasper's, but much harder and colder than his brother's were, "My name is Katherine," she said coldly, her arms crossed, subconsciously creating a barrier between herself and Jacob. She squeezed past the human wall that Wyatt had created, "I'm going to see about supplies," she mumbled, pushing her way past Jacob and heading down into the village.

Things were not going according to plan. When did they ever really? At least Katherine had sense enough to get herself away. If she could get them some of the needed supplies for the trip at the same time than they were doing good. Maybe they could still make it out of this in one piece. Or hell, Evanpool still standing.

Sylvana wanted to curse at herself for allowing Jasper to get away from her. Judging from the conversation she was hearing it wasn't a good thing that the two brothers had been reunited. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. Jasper wasn't used to the magic, but he was going to have to get over it.

Jasper, I need you to listen carefully to me. You need to come with me and get away from here. Wyatt can take care of Jacob. You have to understand, he is a threat. While he may be your blood, I promise the only thing between the two of you is hatred. Please trust me. Come with me and get away from here as quickly as possible.

She was pleading in her mind with him even though she was standing only a few feet away. Her face never gave away the fact that she was using magic except for the eyes she kept hidden, staring at the floorboards between her feet. Wyatt had it made with his black eyes never giving anything away.

On the inside, she was shaking. She knew she was a good fighter, but even she wasn't sure she could take on Jacob and win. Wyatt sure, but not with the rest of them around to distract him. And while they made a great team, she knew he would be more worried about protecting her than fighting Jacob. Besides, she had to protect the others and get them out of Evanpool safely and without attracting attention of the locals.

Sylvana, I said get him out of here.

I'm trying, damnit. He's just as stubborn and hard headed as you and Jacob. She turned her attention back to the male in question. Come on, Jasper. Please trust me. We need you out of here. Before he kills us all. She decided she needed to let him know just how grave the situation was with his twin in hopes that he would understand.

Jasper started when he heard voices in his head again. Last time that happened he was in pain and couldn't move. Briefly he panicked, and tried to force whoever it was out. No, he wouldn't let a witch hurt him again! Only witches could do it, -that's what Sylvana said - wait... Sylvana. It was Sylvana's voice. He relaxed and let her finish. A few words grasped his attention, take care of... "How?" How exactly would Wyatt take care of Jacob? The brooding witch wasn't afraid to harm other people, even if he had never harmed anyone in their group. If he feels threatened, he will kill. He said so himself.

So far though Jasper hasn't seen Jacob do anything threatening. He hadn't attacked them, or did he? Did Jacob cause him pain and paralyze him? Why? Too many bloody questions! Many of them probably only Jacob could answer. Feelings atypical to him grew inside him. Anger and hatred. No, it can't be. Jasper never hated anyone in his life. He did know anger, but he never worked violence in his anger. Could he...? Jasper glanced back to Wyatt and Jacob's standoff, and then to Sylvana with her head down. He didn't realize his hands shook again as he reached for hers.

Jasper didn't want to leave. He never knew his estranged brother, Jacob's exact words, but he didn't want to give up without getting a chance to know him. Why were they estranged? Where did that picture come from? Did it have something to do with his powers? If so, was he really a witch? The only magic Jasper knew he had were his vivid dreams. Many people praised his ability to heal. It truly was something to be praised, as he never lost a patient, but he didn't recognize it as magic. He didn't even know how magic worked. Sylvana and Wyatt definitely understood how it worked, and possibly Katherine too. Since Jacob was well-known to at least two of those three witches, the likelihood was just as great that he understood it. Jasper silently cursed himself. He truly was the weakest person here, and he really couldn't do anything. Even though he was weak, he couldn't run away from this path he set his feet on back in Whitemouth. Promise made means that promise must be kept.

"Am I..." He started to ask Sylvana a question, but changed his mind, because he didn't want Jacob to hear the answer. All these witches could mindspeak, but he didn't have that ability. "You know how to reach me, if something happens." Did he just invite those powerful witches into his head? He must be crazy.

NONONONO! This could not be happening! First the Katherine girl pushed past him, and he resisted reaching out to grab her to steer suspicion away from his intentions. He didn't know much about her, but he thought she would be of interest to his family. Unfortunately, Wyatt was already suspicious as noted by his action to block Jacob's access to the other three, two now. That news was bad enough, but now, Jasper, the easiest target of all of them was pulling away. He even reached for Sylvana's hand. Sylvana who he fought to get away from, only moments ago. Of course, if he traveled with the two of them, he did trust them to some degree. Since Wyatt and Sylvana didn't trust Jacob, he didn't trust him either.

Katherine wandered through the village, searching for Arianna. Despite the huge secret she was keeping from Ari, Katherine knew the girl could be trusted. She spotted Arianna, the girl was deep in conversation with the butcher, most likely bartering fiercely as her mother had done. Katherine fell back until Ari walked away from the butcher before sneaking up to her. She dug her fingers into Ari's sides as they had done as children, making the girl squeal.

"Katie Fletcher!" She yelled, twisting around to face Katherine, "You've been nothing but mischief since the day you were born." Ari tried to sound serious but Katherine could see from her friend's attempt to suppress a grin that she wasn't in trouble.

Katherine pressed a finger to Ari's mouth, silencing the girl, "And that is exactly why you love me. And that is the reason I need your help," Ari raised an eyebrow, indicating her wish to speak but Katherine kept her finger against Ari's lips, "A place to sleep for the night for me and my companions, and some food, if you can." She said quickly, almost business-like in her attitude.

Ari nodded slowly, wondering what in the name of all things good Katie Fletcher was up to this time. "You and the girl can sleep in the house," She said, remembering Katherine's travelling companions, "We have room. The boys will have to sleep in the barn. Father won't allow them in the house, not while there's unmarried women around," Katherine nodded, remembering how uptight Ari's father was about young men in the house, "Food... food," Ari thought for a moment, "I'm sure we can spare a few coins to help you. The crop was good this year, we're hardly struggling."

Katherine wrapped her arms around Arianna, embracing her tightly, "Thank you, thank you, thank you," She pulled back from Ari, keeping her hands on the girl's shoulders, "may the gods bless your home forevermore," She quickly embraced Ari again before heading off back to the springs, albeit at a slower pace when she was sure she was out of sight of Arianna, mulling over the man, Jasper's brother, that had found them. The feeling she had that something was a little off about grew more and more the closer she got to the springs. She hoped he wasn't still there when she got back, that maybe he was one of these people who could take a hint that he wasn't wanted here. Kicking the snow off her feet as she walked, delaying her return to the springs even more, she wondered why Jacob had actually come to find Jasper. Something told her it was more than sheer curiosity that had brought Jacob to them. She sneaked through the woodland to get back to the springs, not wanting to waste more money on paying entry. She kept her distance from where the group had been, wondering if they had managed to take off or if she would need to run at a moments notice.

Maybe she was getting lucky after all. Jasper seemed to be wanting to come with her. It seemed like she wasn't going to get overly chewed over by Wyatt if she could get the two of them out of the springs and out of the town as quickly as possible. Sylvana took Jasper's hand, letting the magic she'd been holding onto go, so that she could raise her head back up as her eyes returned to their normal shade.

Without a glance at Wyatt, she gripped Jasper's hand tighter, turning back around and leaving the area as quickly as she could basically drag the man. On the way out, the young woman saw Katherine had come back, but had chosen wisely to stay back away from the group. The woman was definitely smart and had earned some points in the white magic user's book.

She didn't say anything as she passed the woman just nodded at her. Sylvana hoped she understood that it meant follow her, or get out of there. She lead the way back out of the springs having gotten all of their gear. Finally she turned back towards Katherine.

"Were you able to get any supplies for the cold?" Wyatt may have wanted them out of the town but she had to make sure they would all survive the journey to the Witches' Fortress. She also let go of Jasper's hand, took a deep breath and turned to him. "I know you have a lot of questions and I promise I will do my best to answer them. Once we're out of Evanpool." They needed to get moving and as quickly as possible.

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Once both Sylvana and Jasper were out of the hot springs, Wyatt was finally able to relax his tense muscles. He was still ready to move at a moments notice, but now he didn't have to worry about covering anyone's back but his own. He uncrossed his arms, allowing his hand to fall near his weapon's pouch just to be on the safe side.

"What are you really doing here, Jacob? I know it's not to catch up. You hate your brother and his family. You've said so you're entire life as long as I've known you." The black magic user wasn't going to be fooled like Katherine or Jasper to the man's antics. He grew up with the gray magic user. He knew most of his tricks.

So long as Sylvana got the other two out of Evanpool, he would be safe to fight Jacob if it came down to it. He was hoping it wouldn't, but there would be nothing he could do about it if it did. He would protect his traveling companions, Sylvana above all and then the townsfolk from the man. Very few people could stand up to the man and he was one of the few and even he knew he would struggle.

Jacob cried out and turned to the door as Sylvana and Jasper left. No, he can't lose! He can't fail! The man's face flushed as he heard Wyatt. Curses! He let his guard down and Wyatt saw it! Still he quickly turned his embarrassed expression to a smirk. Maybe the other witch didn't notice. "He is still my blood you know. It's undeniable." The shorter witch leaned against the wall, crossed his arms and closed his eyes. It was the same pose he held when looking for the Raven when he received his secret mission in the first place. It was a habit of his that he always used before starting any magic duel.

While living in the Northern Tower, Jacob enjoyed duels with other students to sharpen his skills. Dueling actually served him better than reading dusty books in the library, because his mind wandered less while active. Sitting still too long bored him, and in that boredom distracted easily. His master accepted his hobby, since the tower was more isolated than other Shadow Sage bases. Even if it wasn't, Jacob was clever and knew he'd find a way to duel anyway.

After a moment or so, he opened his eyes again but surprisingly didn't attack. He said sweet as honey, "Someone needs to look after him, and who better than myself. I've spent many years learning about him, and he didn't even know I existed until he saw me. Even though he claims I've been in his dreams for nineteen years, he didn't even think I was a real person." The honey words sharpened as a knife, ...but I've always known him. I've always known of his existence. He may see me all the time, but I feel him. I've felt his rejection and hatred of me burning under my skin all these years." The paler witch dropped his head and took a deep breath. He needed to be calm. "Of course that's in the past and dwelling on it doesn't help our unfortunate situation. You're correct that I'm not here just to catch up. The king's wrath at witches is growing. He's building an army of Witch Hunters, and witches that don't know how to use their powers will be the first and easiest targets. Anything they do in ignorance could be considered a threat, and that's why I need to protect him." He gave a heavy sigh and dropped his shoulders in dejection. "Since he's already with you, I thought I could ask for your help, but if you aren't willing..." Jacob turned his back to Wyatt again and pressed on the door.

~~~

Even though he knew his weakness, Jasper couldn't help himself from looking over his shoulder as Sylvana pulled him along. Because he kept looking back, it felt like dragging, which wasn't comfortable for him, and just as likely uncomfortable to her. The two of them passed Katherine, as she came back from wherever she went, but no words were spoken until they were a distance away from the hot springs. Sylvana asked if Katherine found any supplies and told Jasper that she knew he had questions but couldn't answer until they were out of town. The healer wasn't happy with the forced continuation of his confusion. "I want to ask Jacob some questions too, if I can." He looked back again and crossed his arms, since she let go of him temporarily. "I know you don't trust him and think he's dangerous, but he is obviously my brother, even if we didn't grow up together. He is my family and the reason I started this journey." He looked around and then dropped his head. They were out in public again and remembering the reaction when he first mentioned his dreams, it wouldn't be safe to address it. "I wanted a name behind a face that refused to leave me. I have the name, but this journey isn't over yet." Jasper sighed and drifted into silence.

Katherine saw two figures coming towards her, a man and a woman. The dark hair of the woman and paleness of the man told her it was Sylvana and Jasper. Katherine let out a sigh of relief, at least they had managed to get away safely. From here, it looked like Sylvana was having to drag Jasper along behind her. Katherine waited patiently for them to arrive, wondering how they had managed to get away from Jacob, when he had seemed so intent on keeping them there for as long as possible. Sylvana passed her with a nod in her direction. Picking up on the hint, Katherine fell in line with the other witch.

"Were you able to get any supplies for the cold?" Sylvana asked

Katherine looked up, "My friend, Arianna, said the harvest was good this year so there's plenty food that won't be missed," She explained, hoping that she wasn't going to have to steal from her old friend. Arianna was a good person, with a good soul. Katherine didn't want to steal from one of her few friends. "She offered us a bed for the night too, but I'm starting to think we won't be needing it tonight," She added, casting a look back over her shoulder. From this distance, if she squinted, she could see the blurred outline of Jacob standing at the changing rooms. Wyatt was hidden by the shack.

Katherine looked at Jasper, hoping she didn't look like she was pitying him. She knew what it was like to want answers and not get them. It was a horrible place to be. Katherine looked between Sylvana and Jasper. On the one hand, Jasper deserved to have his questions answered, to not be kept in the dark, on the other hand, there was something a little off about Jacob and she wasn't altogether sure that the answers Jasper got from him would be the absolute truth, "He deserves his answers Sylvana," she said quietly, her tongue apparently making her mind up for her, "At least let him try and get them."

((Want to start off by saying I'm sorry for taking so long to post. Have been going through a rough time at the moment with health issues that doctors can't explain, but I should be all right to get my posts back to being regular again.))

Wyatt wasn't simply going to allow Jacob to get out of the door. Here in the changing area, he was confined and more easy to control. Once he was out of the building there might not be any chance at keeping the locals from getting a large whiff of what was going on. The fact that there were four witches in their town and one who was now becoming highly likely to be a witch himself for whatever reason Jasper denied it. Unless it was true.

"I think if he's made it this far he needs no coddling from the likes of you. Regardless, we both know he's safer away from you. And believe me when I say he doesn't hate you. I don't think he could hate anyone even those who try to kill him. You know nothing of him and I'm not allowing you near him."

The black magic user wasn't sure when or why he'd come so protective over the healer. He'd just met the man and had threatened to kill him himself on several occasions, but even then he knew he would only kill those who came at him first. Jacob was an exemption. He was being given a golden opportunity to take the gray magic user out, but because of their surroundings he couldn't do it. Not without risking everything around him.

"You know for a fact I will give you no aid. We didn't exactly part on friendship terms if I recall." Wyatt's blood was boiling. It had been when Sylvana had left after everyone had learned she had white magic. Jacob was very vocal about it. The black magic user on the other hand didn't care what kind of magic people had, it didn't make them distinctly one way or another because of the type. No their personalities did. Had it been the other way around Jacob would have had magic blacker than his own, but he only had gray; a mix of black and white. Didn't he know he was half like the woman he despised?

"So we have two options, you leave willingly now without making a scene. Or I will make you leave."

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Sylvana shook her head. "No." Her voice was strained. She knew she was fighting a losing battle, but she wasn't going to stop. Allowing Jasper or Katherine back near Jacob wouldn't be a good thing. She took a deep breath knowing she was going to have to take charge.

"Katherine, go get the food from your friend. Also ask if any of the vendors have supplies for braving the cold. Buy what you can. Then meet us at the gate leading north. Go as quickly as you can. We need to be away from here as soon as possible in case the two of them start fighting." Her voice was low in fear that someone around them might hear what she was saying.

The woman turned to face Jasper, she sighed. "I know you want and deserve your answers, but believe me all you will get is lies from that man. If he even is a man. I won't be able to answer everything you want to know, but I will do my best." She took one of his hands between her own and held it up. "I promise, but come with me to the north gate to wait with Katherine. I will explain what I can there."

She turned, keeping a hold of his hand and lead him to the gate. There were two guards stationed outside of it now, but she already had the story in her mind on how to get past them without any real fuss. Jasper's job was going to be a great use and Wyatt she knew could just sneak out without being caught.

Once they were by the gate, out of view of the townsfolk, did she turn back to the man. "I am truly sorry that it has to be this way. But take this to heart when I say I am glad you are nothing like your twin at all. I much like you better than that scum. Now ask your questions quickly, but keep your voice down."

The others may have slipped past him, but Jacob turned to block the door with his slight frame at Wyatt's answer. At least one of them wouldn't escape him. By claiming they could no longer be friends, even if it was true, Wyatt now also fell in the same category as Jacob's parents and brother: people he trusted who rejected him and therefore scorned his trust. Jacob's trust already waned when the taller witch started spending more time with Sylvana than him. His lover. When he ran away with her, their relationship was over. In Wyatt and Sylvana's case, Jacob would be rewarded for his revenge. The Raven made him promise not to kill though. One way, perhaps the only way, he was like his brother was that Jacob did keep his promises.

The challenge the black magic user presented, stirred his blood and put a light in the cold eyes. A duel! Leaning on the door with crossed arms, Jacob flicked his fingers and smirked. Wyatt may feel a slight pulse of the paler witch's magic, but it didn't strike him yet. "Go ahead and try," he challenged right back. "It's been a long time since I've had a good duel."

~~~

Jasper wasn't sure if he was embarrassed or flattered that the women argued over him. Soon, he decided on embarrassed, because the argument was over what he should be allowed to do. A grimace touched his mouth and he grumbled slightly under his breath. "Stop!" he called out louder and harsher than he expected. More gently, the healer added, "Please, stop treating me like I'm going to break. I appreciate the concern and I know there's a lot going on that I don't understand. I don't want pity. I just want answers..." Turning to Sylvana with a stern look, he added, "...and I wish you would stop dragging it out."

She didn't respond immediately as she apparently thought she needed to act as leader while Wyatt was tied up, which didn't trouble him, but the unspoken fear they might not have enough provisions for the last leg of their journey troubled him more than Jacob. He slipped out of sight and removed a small leather bag from his person. The bag itself was no different than his tea bag, except for its heavy weight of coin. In most ways, especially right now, Jasper stood at a significant disadvantage, but he knew he had one strong advantage to share. "Katherine..." he called gently. "Take this so we need not fear running out of supplies."

After handing Katherine the money bag, he turned back to Sylvana, who took his hand and made more promises to answer his questions. With a sigh, he followed after her again. Finally they stopped and she gave him freedom to ask. He looked around, noting the guards at the gate. Not the best circumstances for free conversation. Well, maybe he could save his questions about witches and magic for later. "To start with, how do you and Wyatt know Jacob? Where and when did you meet him? Why don't you trust him? Why do you think he's dangerous? How could I have lived my entire life and never known my twin brother? Why were we separated?" Jasper swallowed tightly. He shouldn't expect either Sylvana or Wyatt to know that answer, but he thought it was the most important. Why would a parent keep one child and leave behind another?

Wyatt didn't like the way Jacob had stopped. Before hand he was more liking to keep on talking, but the conversation was becoming crisper. And the stance he was holding? The black magic user knew it well. He'd watched the man take it against many others before. Others who he'd beaten down. He had to stay calm. Jacob knew all of the same things that he knew. All the things the Shadow Sage had taught them. There was one major difference between the two of them.

Their total training.

Jacob had learned completely from the organization with no outside interference. Wyatt on the other hand had been bred for them using his parents and their training first. It was all he needed to beat Jacob. He calmed his breathing down allowing his heart beat to slow to conserve energy for later as well as to give his magic for bursting power.

He could feel Jacob's magic around him and he smirked. He wasn't nervous. This was what his mother had beat into him since he could walk, since he had access to his powers. His black magic flooded his veins. He felt his body gaining strength. The warmth coming off the springs wasn't the only thing battling the cold now. Since his eyes were already black unless the other witch could sense magic like he could there would be no way for Jacob to know he was just as ready.

"You knew I could best you then and I sure as hell can now." He was going to have to forgive himself for damaging the town, probably leveling it to the ground after this. He always tried to avoid fighting in cities, but unless they both transported away there would be no hope of escaping it.

"But let's not destroy both of our covers. To the woods." If he could get Jacob there willingly, he might have a better chance. He could go full out without having to restrain himself or worry about the locals and the other witches. They needed a clean getaway from Evanspool to the north.

He was steeled ready for combat at a moment's notice. It was time for the gray magic user to see why the higher ups had wanted his parents to have a child combing both of their powers. He'd see why they'd gone nuts trying to find him when he told them he wouldn't follow orders blindly without knowing the truth for himself. He hadn't set out after Sylvana. He'd gone to his parents, mainly his mother, for more training and let set out of the Witches' Fortress only lucking into finding the girl.
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Glancing over her shoulder, the young woman made sure the guards weren't paying them any attention. They weren't. Then she looked back towards the springs almost as if she could will Wyatt to appear unarmed and Jacob out of their lives. She sighed when she heard the first question. Then the rest seemed to come out in rapid secession.

"Wyatt and I... I don't know how much you know," her voice was low. She would be speaking things that should never be spoken of. "After the King ordered all witches dead regardless of their training, place in the murders, anything, the darkest witches joined together. They formed the Shadow Sage. It's a large underground network for black magic witches, like Wyatt.

They recruit as young as they can. They train them to fight to one day take out the ruling party and put witches back in a seat of control. Now some of the kids don't turn out to have black, others have gray like Jacob which is a combination of magic. Others like me, who they find out have white are killed. They deem us weak. I hide my magic until I couldn't. We know Jacob from the organization. We were all trained there."

She let the first part, the most daunting she believed hang in the air as she watched their surroundings. She didn't want anyone to over hear what was being said. They didn't need to draw more attention to themselves. Not with Jacob and Wyatt possibly going to try and kill each other in the middle of Evanspool.

"I met Wyatt and Jacob when I was young, but not a toddler. They'd already known each other and were thick as thieves. Though they had many major differences.Wyatt was quiet, brooding, and dark but not a mean dark. Jacob was more outgoing, if that makes sense, and mean. But his darkness was like a deep pit of hell. It's not something you see or understand. It's just something I felt. Maybe because I have white magic. I was different from them. We were all at one of the many underground training places. I don't remember which, sorry."

Two questions down and she already felt like she'd either said too much or was going to be repeating herself for everything he was asking. Sylvana took a deep breath and rubbed the back of her neck with her hand. She frowned and shook her head. "I never trusted him. He always picked on me, was always mean to everyone he deemed unworthy which was pretty much everyone. I couldn't even fight back against him for free of anyone finding out I didn't have black or gray magic. And if you can't see he's dangerous from anything I've said then you're a damned fool. Use that brain of yours for more than just healing and feel him. He'll stop at nothing once his mind is set on a task. You are in grave danger if he wants you."

"I can't really help with the latter, but I know that some places look down on twins like a curse or something. Maybe he was the youngest and didn't want two heirs if you two were the first children. Maybe he was sickly and they didn't want to waste your mother away to try and care for two, risky everyone including you. It's not uncommon to never know. Be glad you never knew him. I just wish he had died. It would have made life a lot easier."

The woman knew her words were harsh, but he wanted and needed the reality of the life he was living in now. Jacob wanted Jasper. The only thing standing between them was Wyatt and Sylvana. She just hoped it was enough. A quick glance around told her the guards still didn't care about them, but she wondered where Katherine was. They needed to hurry.

"I hope I could help any."