Carrion Crow

by Talis Jones

  A memory warmed him as he recalled how sad she seemed on Valentine’s Day knowing she wouldn’t receive a rose at school from anyone so he cut one from a lady’s garden and clumsily painted stripes on it and gave it to her as a gift when she got home. He didn’t understand what it was with girls and flowers but he had never seen her smile so brightly as when he gave her that still wet mess of a rose.

  He gave a small huff of air that almost constituted as laughter. “Honestly anything unexpected or magical she was bound to favor. She probably can’t stand that it’s me who gets the gift.”

  Eisen stood and closed his fingers over the bloom and tossed it high into the sky. As it left his palm the petals separated from one another and as they flew higher they transformed back into light returning to the sun. He bowed his head in quiet thanks. It was a gesture of respect and deference traditionally given after performing magic to remind the worker that their power is but a gift, something given, not taken or made.

  Titus eyed the boy curiously. “You show particular promise amidst the trees and growths. Interesting.”

  “What’s so interesting about that?”

  He tilted his head in a shrug. “Just interesting is all. You’re not the first one to be graced with magic, you know. My last apprentice showed particular strength with water while you seem to excel through earth.” He began walking around the large pond towards their training area. Eisen hurried to fall into step.

  “Does that mean something? Having an elemental instinct?” Eisen could perform an array of skills, perhaps most were rooted in the earth but what did that matter so long as he could accomplish the task?

  “It helps you know how to guide your training. Knowing where to draw your strength from and where to begin will make this all the easier to master, although you seem to have felt the instinct. But really I found it interesting more from a personal perspective.”

  “How so?”

  “Me, for instance, my source is the air. Air is all around us, we know its presence endures by the life that feeds off of it. When the air stirs it transforms into wind and it comes and goes, a force unseen itself but witnessed through its influence on others. Powerful, yet unreliable, you never know when the wind will come or whether it will sing or shriek, whether it will tickle a child’s face playfully or leave ruin in its wake.”

  An unsettling feeling formed in the pit of Eisen’s stomach at the thought. Very fitting, however. “And your last apprentice? The one who aligned with water?”

  Titus drew in a slow breath with an expression that could have been described as sadness or…perhaps regret? “Water. Water is fluid, it moves and chases and dances. It quenches and sustains. Although one can see and hold water, like air one knows its presence by the life that thrives around it. But…”

  “But nature is itself a double-edged sword, yes? Nature is balance. With the bad comes the good and with the good comes the bad,” nodded Eisen.

  “Water, when riled, becomes solid, destructive, and it charges forward with a narrowed mind, its only goal to move downwards. It carves, erodes, and drowns all in its path until it has run its course. Even more it can form ice. Ice freezes, impales, and buries. Ice kills slowly. Ice thins the air, traps the water, and imprisons the earth. And yet ice is…beautiful.”

  Indeed, agreed Eisen. With both a yearning curiosity and a fearful reluctance he asked, “And earth?”

  Titus tilted his head to the side with a knowing smile as he regarded his student. So many secrets swirled behind his dark eyes, most of which would never be released. “Earth…” he mused. “Earth has a strong foundation. It has roots and layers. It is both alive and inanimate. It is both soft and hard. Trees spring forth from it forming great forests. Trees purify the air, provide shelter from the rain and rising tides, cast shade obscuring the burning sun. Earth is armored with rocks and boulders, decorated with flowers and sweet grasses, and festooned with fruits and vegetables.

  “Earth can drown, earth can burn, earth can freeze. Earth can transform, earth can smother, earth can endure.” Titus’ gaze drifted up towards the sky. “A double-edged sword indeed. It is needed but not wanted. When nature is harmed the attacker harms their self. Balance.”

  Thoughts inundated Eisen’s mind and found that he had stopped walking so filled with bombarding questions. Shaking his head slightly he resumed moving, making his way to the training ring Ralph had set up and indeed Ralph was already waiting to begin.

  “Ready, Eisen? Not ‘fraid I’ll beat’cha again are ye?” taunted Ralph as he checked his gauntlets that Eisen knew sheathed a pair of wicked daggers.

  “I have to let you win once in a while, friend. Got to keep your spirits up,” winked Eisen. Ralph rolled his eyes. Suddenly something struck Eisen, time had flown him by faster than he’d thought possible. Turning towards Titus he planted himself firmly and summoned his most determined stare. “Titus, when will you keep your promise?”

  “Which one and to whom?” he asked. Eisen knew he was feigning ignorance just to be difficult but he had such a straight face he almost believed him.

  “Your promise to me. Your promise to give me names so I might begin forming an army to get back Adri,” he clarified.

  “Ah yes, who could ever forget your relentless noble tirade to rescue your dear sister,” smirked Titus. Ralph snickered.

  “It’s been a month since you promised me, Titus.”

  “A month you say? And is a month long enough to have mastered the art of magic?” he questioned.

  “Art cannot be mastered. It can only be explored, trialed, expressed, rivaled, and experienced. If magic is an art then I will be exploring it for the rest of my life and will still never live to set foot upon the horizon.” Ralph snorted and Titus’s face beheld a queer expression that Eisen couldn’t quite read. Something perhaps crossed between amusement and resignation. “Besides, I spent months training both on my own and with Israfil. Does all that count for nothing?”

  “The young are always so impatient…” muttered Titus. “Fine. The two you should seek are Xiomara and Aleksander.”

  Eisen nodded. “Where will I find them?”

  Titus bobbed his head a bit as if deciding whether or not to tell him. “The city of Barnum.”

  Eisen made to leave at once but with a swift movement Titus clasped the boy’s forearm in a vice-like grip. “One wrong move, Eisen. One wrong move and I won’t hesitate to draw the air from your lungs until you return to dust.” The flat but deadly look in Titus’ gaze chilled Eisen. It was an expression so ancient and hard that not even for a moment did he hesitate to believe his words.

  “Is that what happened to your last apprentice?” asked Eisen quietly. He hadn’t really meant to voice his question out loud but as it spilled from his lips he found he already knew the answer.

  “I don’t make the same mistake twice,” is all he replied. With a stiff nod of understanding from Eisen he released him.

  A sharp whistle pierced the air and Henry appeared in response soaring smoothly through the air before landing on Eisen’s extended arm with surprisingly gentle agility. With a slight step forwards they disappeared from the clearing in the woods. Eisen hadn’t bothered with the smoky veil this time. It wasn’t necessary, mostly just for dramatic effect, but as there was no one to dazzle or scare he needn't waste the effort.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  His step forwards landed on a cobblestone street that was lively with the wakening city of Barnum. He sent his bird to the sky and paused to take in his new surroundings. He’d been through Ailill before with Ralph. They had traveled a fair bit of Oneiroi during those months after he left the Whispers. He kept in contact through Kofi and the bird he had gifted him but had not returned to the camp since that last deciding moment when Abel had refused him aid.

  Despite the thawing season he stood clothed in the darkest browns and a long coat dyed a forest green. His dark hair was a stylishly rumpled mess of curls and his emerald eyes flashed within a ring of thick lashes
. He strode down the cobblestone street between the narrow squeezed buildings that loomed above. Secretly he admired the odd architecture. Everything was in a different state of care, some stood tall and fresh while other structures tilted hap hazardously with peeling patches of paint like curling leaves in autumn.

  As his feet pounded the pavement in a stride that hovered between a stealthy glide and a predatory stomp, the citizens swarming the street instinctually gave him a wide berth. He had grown used to this and perhaps even relished it. Power could be so delicious he could not begin to fathom his life after rescuing Adrianna. But he needed the people’s respectful fear for now.

  His footsteps faltered outside a worrisomely leaning pub called the Rose & Crown as the sounds of a growing fight drew his attention and after only a brief hesitation he followed his curiosity inside.

  As he slid silently through the door into the bar the crowd’s shouting became exponentially more deafening. The wreckage was impressive. Splintered chairs, utterly smashed tables, shattered shards of glass everywhere, and in the midst of the carnage and the brutal crowd of onlookers egging them on crouched two fighters.

  A young woman with mocha colored skin and black hair cropped to her chin danced around the ring with eerie ease and when her gaze flickered towards his direction he stood rooted to the spot. Her eyes were a beautifully pale shade of green and against her warm tanned skin they shone like precious jewels. His gaze quickly took in her long dark lashes, muscled body, and slightly large nose. She’d be quite beautiful if not for the murderous expression marring her face. Across from her crouched in a similar fighting stance was a troll-like woman complete with stringy brown hair, missing teeth, and a hideous scowl.

  In a flash the dark-haired woman struck the brunette clasping her hands behind her opponent’s neck and shoving it downwards to meet her raised knee smashing her nose in. Sliding her hands to the woman’s shoulders she shoved her towards the ground whilst sweeping her right leg behind the woman’s feet knocking them from under her and leaving her body to crash upon the littered floor with an almighty thud. Grasping a large splinter of wood from the floor she stabbed it deeply through the woman’s arm pinning her to the spot. The crowd exploded in a mind-shattering swell of emotions as some cheered, others protested, and most exchanged coins.

  Without so much as a glance backwards the winner slid through the crowd and exited the establishment with a tall man in tow. Eisen hurried to follow them. As he stumbled back into the bright light of morning a sharp whistle snapped his head around and he found himself face to face with the female victor and her princely companion.

  Despite his deadly demeanor the man had a very aristocratic look about him. He stood straight and tall fitted with broad shoulders, a sharp jaw, and an aquiline nose. His head was topped with light honey-colored brown hair that was cut impeccably and neatly arranged, not a hair out of place. The light brown eyes matched his hair and both complimented his northern pale skin. Something in the pit of his stomach jolted with warning at his coldness but he pushed it aside on a hunch.

  “Titus’ friends, I presume?” he inquired nonchalantly. The pair seemed neither impressed nor intimidated and in fact made no move confirming they had even heard him speak at all. “Is there a place we can talk? I’d suggest the Rose & Crown but I daresay you’ve managed to destroy every seat in the place.”

  Remaining silent the male nodded his head signaling for him to follow. To Eisen’s surprise they led him closer to the center of town moving towards the square filled with shops, cafes, and the endless bustle of blissfully normal people. He noticed that the two moved in tandem, when one shifted the other moved in response and their eyes always remained alert. Despite their seemingly relaxed stroll down the streets of Barnum, Eisen could tell that the pair practiced constant vigilance. He himself followed with his hands in his pockets and an easy slouch in his posture.

  Crossing the far side of the main plaza the group trundled up a stack of stone steps. Eisen’s gaze found the plaque indicating the gray stone fortress to be a library. His eyebrow arched in curiosity. Of all the things he hadn’t thought to do in Oneiroi since his arrival visiting a library was certainly one of them. The man held open the door and Eisen followed the woman inside. What greeted his sight nearly dropped his jaw to the floor. Quickly composing his face into an impassive expression he secretly let his eyes roam and eagerly drink in his surroundings.

  Tall massive windows with intricate ironwork flooded the three-floor vault with golden sunlight revealing the dancing dust set free by readers disturbing the slumbering books. The library was stuffed from wall to wall with endless rows of bookcases. Books of all sizes, colors, genres, and lives waited patiently upon their methodically organized shelves. The main floor was an utter hive of activity with visitors and scholars practically buzzing with their tasks. Tilting his head back Eisen admired the carved-wooden railing that encompassed the second and third floors, each smaller than the last leaving the ground floor the most expansive of all.

  To the left of the main doors sat a massive oak desk that guarded the exit with a careful eye for any unauthorized borrowers of books. Behind the tall counter sat a man with a pointed black goatee and sharp eyes that flashed behind a pair of round spectacles. He nodded in their direction and they returned the gesture.

  Quickly they climbed their way up flight after flight of stairs until on the third floor Eisen followed the warriors to a door tucked behind a conveniently shadowy corner of dull dusty tomes. Inside hid yet another set of spiraling steps and indeed these steps did they climb. As Eisen reached the top his eyes smiled at the sight.

  A small table sat tucked into the far corner with two chairs at adjacent sides. Beside it was a small counter with a kettle and some cups. To his left was a massive set of windows that formed a half dome reaching from floor to ceiling and before it sat an impressive grand-scale telescope. A large hatch in the glass could be opened for any stargazer to enjoy the night sky.

  Squeezed against the wall on the right lay a sagging couch, a quilt folded on its arm and a colorful hand-woven rug at its feet. It was such a quaint hideout particularly for the fearsome pair that stood before him that he could not fight the smile off his face.

  “Is this place yours?” he asked. At their silence Eisen growled with impatience. “At least tell me your names. Or did you really plan to drag me all the way up here to your little hideout just to stare at me?”

  The woman rolled her eyes. “I’m Xiomara and this is Aleksander. Titus sent you did he?” she inquired warily.

  “Yes,” he answered slowly trying to figure out exactly what Titus was playing at. “He gave me your names insinuating that you would be interested in assisting me. My name is—”

  “Eisen,” Aleksander finished. “Yes, we know.” He gestured to the chairs while Xiomara sprawled upon the couch. “Why don’t you have a seat and explain to us why you seek our help.”

  Eisen sank stiffly into the creaky chair and withdrew a frustrated sigh as his hand ruffled his hair. “Well I’m not sure why I’ve been sent to you specifically. I made a deal with Titus and he promised to provide me with two names. Two people who would be willing to help me save my sister, Adrianna. It’s been six months now since we were dropped upon the shores of Privatus and shortly after our arrival she was stolen from me. At the time I could do little to find her but things have changed. I’ve changed.”

  “You have magic,” interjected Xiomara calmly though her eyes sparkled with intrigue.

  “Indeed. I’ve been gifted with full magic. More than the tricks of mortals and greater even than the powers of the Whispers.”

  “You say it has been six months since you were separated from your sister. But rumors spread of Titus’ new apprentice far before now. Why haven’t you used your powers to steal her back yourself?” inquired Aleksander candidly. “Or are you not as strong as you claim?” he added with a skeptical smile.

  Eisen wanted to punch something to release the steam of
frustration that constantly roiled in his veins. Hitting Aleksander’s stupidly noble face just might do.

  Clenching his fists he answered in a voice that not once faltered nor wavered. “Titus bound my hands. I could not strike until after Morrigan had been crowned. Adrianna was supposed to be released then anyhow. But something changed that night. Adrianna is trapped within the palace walls and Morrigan, I fear, is not what she seems. Saving my sister remains my first priority, but Crown Morrigan must also be stopped. I can feel it. I can feel her calling me.

  “As the months have stretched I have not been sitting by idly. Day and night I have trained and honed my powers alongside my combat skills. It would have been foolish of me to charge into Mordréda so quickly as I was unfamiliar with my magic and indeed my new body. My goal has grown larger and thus I require more people on my side.”

  “What of the Whispers?” asked Xiomara suspiciously. “Are they not enough?”

  “The Whispers will not fight with me. They remain in hiding waiting for…something. They will not tell me what it is they are waiting for but until they see the signs they will not step into the light out of legend.”

  Aleksander sat back in his chair scrutinizing the strange young man before him. “So you wish to assassinate a Crown. And so soon after her coronation? The people adore her. They cling to her with renewed hope for peace and equality.”

  “Equality is a misconception,” snorted Xiomara. “But that is besides the point. Alek and I are mercenaries. Breaking out your sister we could be paid to do. However, to take on the Crown with an army? That is something we must be swayed into by more than gold coin.”

  “I can’t explain it,” muttered Eisen exasperated. For months the visions had plagued him. He felt as if he knew Morrigan, as impossible as that was, and what he saw was horror and what he felt was fear. She would not bring peace for she wanted something more.

  “I do know that whether or not I am right about her false intentions towards Oneiroi it is certain that Adrianna’s fate hangs in the balance. I would have taken her from Quidel already but she refuses insisting that if she were to escape our lives would forever be forced to run. If that is her choice then the solution is to eliminate her jailer: Crown Sarai Morrigan. And to do that I will require an army of my own beginning, hopefully, with you.” He looked both of them in the eye showing them nothing but determination and resolve.