Free Enchantress Awakening: Part One of the Book of Water (The Elemental Cycle 1) by J.W. Whitmarsh Page A

Order of the Sacred White Maiden, and we are the sworn protectors of her holy shrines. We are both monks and knights, some only the former, some only the latter, some holding both roles equal yet all of us bound by our vows to serve the most blessed lady.”
    “They’re Cruxiars, in other words.”
    “No, we are the Knights Repentant.”
    “I do not know what either is, yet I think Dana is right. If you want to help, let me find my path my own way.”
    “As you wish, nevertheless I insist on seeing your party safe to Connlad on the morrow. We can spare a cart for the trip so at the least your journey will be swifter and less wearying.”
    “Thank you that is most kind.”
     
     
    …
     
     
     
    The rest of the journey passed uneventfully enough. As promised it was both swifter and less tiring than their outward trek had been. The four of them sat in the horse-drawn cart while Brother Adam rode alongside. His outward appearance was little changed he still wore the brown, hooded, cassock and this almost completely covered the mail hauberk underneath. Likewise, stowed amongst his packs his longsword was not immediately obvious either.
    For the most part he talked with Penric about his martial training and about the benefits of a sword with a longer cross guard. The Knights Repentant supposedly modelled their blades on the enchanted sword of Albion and it certainly gave them a distinct appearance from the standard design of the day.
    In the event, no swords of any kind were needed and they rolled into Connlad in good time and said their farewells before heading into the main hall. Leaving the others to their purposes, Caleigh made at once for Sir Marc’s study, his usual point of refuge after a morning hunt. She wrapped on the door and was immediately met with “Come” from the inside.
    “My liege.”
    “Ah, Caleigh you have returned.” Caleigh tried to prevent colour from going to her cheek as Sir Marc’s eye accidentally skimmed over her cleavage causing him a brief flutter of excitement. “I trust your trip was enlightening? In truth, I am slightly surprised to see you returned so soon. What is the cause of this urgency? I do hope it was not for my wife’s sake. Whatever she may tell you she has been adequately attended in your absence.” Sir Marc said lightly.
    “No, my lord, though you are right about my urgency. Sire, I need to see Tovrik. I know not how to seek him but I know you are friends…” Before she could continue Sir Marc held up his hand.
    “So, this is the day. In truth, Caleigh, I have long known this moment would come.”
    “My lord?”
    “You may have wondered why we took you into the household a year ago. No doubt you have noticed that there are rarely enough duties to keep all hands busy. We took you in because Tovrik asked us to. Do not think we were unwilling; your presence has lightened our hearts each day. Indeed, Tovrik predicted that we would find you invaluable in ways far beyond the duties you might perform. Yet we always knew it would not last and that there would come a day when you would ask to see him and that from that day on we must free you from any ties you may feel to us or any notions of servitude or duty.”
    “You accepted these terms readily?”
    “Why not? We would not have otherwise known the kindness you have brought to our hall. Besides, Tovrik is a friend and it need not be more complicated than that. So now, I will send word to Tovrik and ere long he will come, I am certain. Is there more I can do for you?”
    “No, my lord, you have done so much. I cannot begin to thank you for all that you’ve done for me.”
    “Ah Caleigh, it was never a trial. Showing kindness to the kind is not a hard task.” Sir Marc and Caleigh exchanged smiles and once again she felt the knight’s guilty tension. She looked away and almost as if he was aware his feelings had betrayed him, Sir Marc looked away too and bid farewell in a rather forced and formal fashion. For the