Hangman's Gate by R S Ford

Author:R S Ford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Titan

II

RANDAL had never thought of himself as paternal. Finding a wife and starting a family had always been something that appealed to other men. It came as a surprise that he then found himself spending longer at the orphanage than he would have previously thought healthy.

The children were receptive, obedient and, after he had evaded their questions about Mistress Goodwife’s fate, completely beholden to his every word. It was a strange power he held over these youngsters. A distant change from the power he usually held over people, which was derived via threats of violence and torture.

Of course it had taken no time to discover his favourites – five of them in all, each gifted in their own unique way. Bertrand’s rumours and Mistress Goodwife’s confirmation of their unique gifts had merely scratched the surface of what these children were capable of, and Randal wasted no time in nurturing their potential.

Hestan was the eldest. His hair was shorn to the scalp – the result of a bout of lice he’d had when younger, but now he kept it that way through preference. He was a quiet boy, as they all were, but there was something unnerving about him. Randal hadn’t been able to put his finger on just what, until the boy had wanted something from one of the other children and been refused it. With a word and a gesture Hestan had compelled the child to give him the small wooden horse he coveted. The incident fascinated Randal so much he had ordered one of his tallymen to bring him every book he could find on the Crown Sorcerers. It was clear Randal had some studying to do.

Lena and Castiel were twins. They spoke to no one but each other, though it was clear they could understand anything asked of them. They walked around, often holding hands, their heads inclined towards one another. Lena was always cold, shivering in her brother’s arms, whereas Castiel could be seen perspiring even when the weather was inclement. The smell from them both was most like rotten turnips, but Randal was willing to put up with that. He hadn’t quite worked out the nature of their gifts but he was more than happy to wait. He was sure patience would be its own reward where these children were concerned.

Little Mabel Fogg’s gifts were the easiest to spot. She often delighted the other children with her ability to arrange stones and toys without touching them. The other children had no idea what horrors they were witnessing – how just being privy to such witchcraft put them in mortal danger. But Randal had taken on responsibility for his wards. As long as they stayed within the temple he would see that no harm came to any of them. They were his now, and he took his duties as their guardian very seriously.

Youngest of those gifted children was Olivar. Little more than an infant, Olivar spoke in religious tenets, relaying his scripture better than any nursery rhyme.

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