Birdsong - Chapter 8

"Spirits of the North and South, East and West, hear my call! Spirits of the skies and you of the underworld, hear my call!"

Julia threw the powder up above her head. It hung there for a moment before it spread out in every direction and fell back onto the floor, forming a seven-pointed star, with her in the middle. Six of the points burned in purple flames. The seventh still waited for its call.

She drew her breath and then started to sing in a low voice. It was the ancient language of the north. It sounded hard and strong.

For minutes and minutes she stood there, singing. When the song finally neared its end she draw a knife. She closed her eyes, held her left hand out in front of her, the palm facing the ceiling. The song ended suddenly and the silence was complete.

She carefully lifted the knife and pressed it lightly against the palm of her outstretched hand. A few drops of blood became visible.

"Take this my sacrifice.
Blood to give you strength.
Dragons of old,
I give your souls fuel,
I give you my strength.
With this my sacrifice,
Come forth to give me strength!"

With the last word she cut open her hand. Blood welled forth but didn't fall to the floor. Instead it floated through the air towards the seventh of the star's points. The one without a flame. The point started to shine as the blood reached it. Julia opened her eyes.

The six purple fires burned brighter for each second. Their flames begun to spread out along lines of powder. The seventh peak shone brighter and brighter and then suddenly a black fire burst out. The seven peaks of the star now burnt. Julia's purple eyes shone not only with magic but with satisfaction. From her hand blood slowly dropped to the floor. Her dark hair floated like a dark halo around her head. If anyone had seen her at this moment they would have thought her the Queen of Demons.

From all of the fires smoke begun to move towards her. It surrounded her and lifted her into the air. A globe of purple and black smoke strings held her. It became heavy to breath. Smoke filled her nose and mouth.

I can't fail! I did everything right! Everything! I'm sure of it.

She went over the process of the spell again.

I can't fail. I can't...


When Julia woke up the hall was dark, but her eyes still shone of the magic. On the floor the black remnants of the star were visible.

I have to go back.

The exhaustion was overwhelming. Her legs shook as she stood up. Slowly she walked forward, concentrating on every step. After what felt like eternity she reached the stairs. There she took support of the wall, deciding not to rest. Up through the darkness she went. Step by step. Further and further. Minute after minute.

When she finally reached the entrance hall she collapsed. She let all of the magic go and her eyes stopped shining. Dawn hadn't come yet and everything was silent. After e while, when she felt she had gotten back some strength she continued her journey towards her sleeping chambers. Nowhere were there guards to be seen or heard. Thanks to the Goddess.

When she finally reached her bed she didn't even bother to change. Fully dressed in a shirt, cape, trousers and boots, all in black or grey, she fell asleep.

The sun was shining in trough the window the next time Julia opened her eyes. Still feeling tired she rose up.

"My Lady..." Ella stood in the doorway looking rather shocked.

Damn! How am I going to explain this?

"Ella, listen..." but she was interrupted.

"I'm so glad you're back! Everybody has been worrying sick about you. It isn't good manners to just be gone for two days without leaving a note. You should have heard what people were saying. Terrible things." And on she went.

I've been gone for two days? This is no good... I have to come up with a story. Julia looked around the room. Nothing had changed. Then she looked down on herself. I've got to get out of this! A lady of court is never dressed like a man.

"...the newest of the kitchen boys even suggested that you'd been thrown in the dungeons. Ridiculous if you ask m..."

"Ella", Julia interrupted, "would you please fetch me some bath water?"

"Oh, yes my Lady."

When she was gone Julia took off her clothes and locked them away in a chest under her bed. She swept a towel around her and waited. Outside she saw the knights' training field. Bowmen were shooting arrows, there were swordplay and horseback riding. She looked at them all and smiled. If they only had a leader worth following.

Ella soon came back, followed by four girls carrying water. The bathtub was brought forth and filled. Julia smiled and let herself sink down in the water. There she spent quite a few minutes, just relaxing, before she let Ella wash her hair. They small talked for a bit and then went silent.

"There will be a special guest today", Ella said while helping Julia dress. "No one seems sure if he'll be coming or not but everybody is preparing. The Lord Matthew has made it clear that he is special and have come a far way. Some say he's a lord of the west, others of the south. Some even believe he's of the common folk. That last one I don't believe. Why would someone like our Lord make such a fuss over someone common?"

"He might be an important common?" Julia smiled.

"Then why haven't we heard his name? If you ask me I think it is someone of the other High Lords. Someone with a daughter. Young Lord Devan should have married already. I would have liked to... no. Now I'm overstepping my boundaries."

"Haha! What were you going to say?"

"I... I would have liked to see him marry you..."

"What..?" Julia was shocked.

"I mean, you're a lady from the north, unmarried, beautiful, kind... I think you would have been a good wife and a great Lady of the East... I'm sorry. I shouldn't talk like this."

"It's okay. I asked. Don't be afraid to tell me what you think." What was that? Me and Devan? Never. Julia shook her head and turned to look in the mirror. The dress was beautiful in green colours and gold embroideries and her hair was masterly done. I want to go back. This life isn't for me.