Annatrice of Cayborne by Jonathan Davison Read Free Book Online

easier.”
    Annatrice was outraged by Marianne's capitulation and her weak answer.
    “I'll take his manhood off with a sharp blade; it will be he who will be left with regret!” Annatrice whispered through gritted teeth causing Marianne to clutch at the young girls arm.
    “No, Annatrice. You do not understand. This would be your undoing. Be like the tree that is battered by the wind and rain but remains standing tall and proud to prosper the next day. We live a fortunate existence here at Fontayne; we suffer in silence but grow strong through our kinship.”
    Annatrice looked up to the heavens and ran her fingers through her long, sleek almost black hair.
    “The King has cast a spell on you all; you give thanks to your captor for the bribes he bestows upon you in return for your favour. You are slaves to his depravity. Can you not see how wrong this is?”
    Marianne nodded, this was not the first time she had had this conversation.
    “Annatrice, you are wise beyond your years. I have never met another of the like. I have heard petty talk and rumour of your encounter with Tragian; you speak from the heart and with the courage of a lion but your outspoken nature will quickly become your weakness in this place. Quarrel with Tragian at your peril, his thirst for blood equals only his hunger for virgin flesh, you must relent to his will, to oppose him would be your end.”
    Annatrice looked at Marianne with a sideways glance; they both knew that the time of her purity had since passed. Annatrice motioned to speak on the subject but was quickly silenced by Marianne.
    “You will not speak of it...ever. If Tragian discovers that you have been taken, he will dispose of you quicker than he would wipe the mud from his boot.”
    Annatrice looked downwards glumly; it was not in anyone's interest to reveal this except for the small satisfaction of denying Tragian his sick fantasies.
    “It is almost time for our gathering. It is a time where we sit and share stories. We are about to begin a new manuscript of some renown. I believe you would enjoy it. Will you join us this evening?” Marianne was doing her best to be inclusive; she was all too aware that solitude at a time like this was only destructive. Annatrice nodded reluctantly, she did not enjoy the prospect of returning to the scrutiny of the others.
    “Before we do, I...”
    Marianne seemed suddenly speechless, as if trying to formulate her words without causing offence. Marianne laughed.
    “I think that I was waiting for you to read my thoughts and finish my sentence?” She smiled at Annatrice to understood and saw the humorous side of it.
    “I am intrigued.” Marianne said, hoping that Annatrice would enlighten her.
    “How do you...what...?” Marianne stumbled once more.
    “I do not know. It is something that seems to be happening since yesterday. I don't really know how it works.” Annatrice struggled to put her feelings into a cohesive sentence, it was clear however that a curious talent was emerging.
    “I cannot see your thoughts now if that is what you are asking? I'm not sure it works that way.”
    “Even so, you have a powerful gift that you need to keep to yourself if you seek to avoid scrutiny. I can tell you now from personal experience that it is disquieting to know that your personal feelings are not your own any more. I would ask you to let me know if any more of these incidents occur. The welfare of the ladies must be my first concern and it is not fair on them to be subject to any more unfortunate 'revelations'.”
    Annatrice nodded.
    “Yes, I understand. Earlier, it just got the better of me; I did not mean any harm.”
    “I know Annatrice; I believe there is much good in you. You must also realise that you will be of great interest to the girls. You are a fresh face and you are very different in many ways. They are keen to get to know you.”
    “They think I am a witch!” Annatrice said with a wry smile.
    “They will only think that if that is