Carrion Crow

by Talis Jones

  “Yes it was. But now here I am, part of the Crown’s bloodline and I shall take what my family is due.” He bent down as if confiding in her a delicious secret. “I can’t tell you how wonderful this will feel,” he smiled cruelly. He pulled out a dagger and without hesitance struck it through her heart.

  Cassandra howled in pain, her brain scattering at the overwhelming shredding of nerves. But Cassandra was a Whisper, and she had not lived so long to be ruined by a ghost from her past. Pulling together every last wisp of strength within her she reached up and grabbed the dagger yanking it slowly out of her chest. Christophe’s eyes widened with fear and rage at his failure.

  “No!” He protested stepping back in shock. “No, you should have died! You said Eisen could kill you because you were of blood relation! I am your grandson! Why are you not dead?” he demanded furiously.

  Cassandra smiled coldly, so focused her pain recoiled to the back of her mind. “Because Gerard lied. The baby was not mine. It was a servant girl’s. The only thing you’re entitled to is the right to scrub my floors and kiss my feet.” In one thrust she threw the blade and watched with satisfaction as it sunk itself deep into his chest dropping him to his knees and draining the life out of his still handsome face.

  Taking in another careful breath she held a firm grip on her suddenly razor sharp focus as she held her hands over her destroyed knee and did what little she could to mend it. It wasn’t much but the bleeding had stopped and the bone had stitched itself well enough to move if she was careful. Crawling painfully to where Eisen had cast away her sword she gripped its hilt and used it to drag her body onto her feet.

  Cassandra may have lost everything but she would not be found here when her army fell, a crippled crying mess in the corner. Head always high, back always straight, she limped into the night.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Eisen’s coat flew down the hall as he hurried towards the dungeons with Xiomara and Aleksander by his sides. He would not believe Cassandra’s words until he saw for himself. He wondered if Jack had been unable to get to her in time, for he knew if anyone besides himself would move the stars to save her it would be him.

  Their boots echoed down the dungeons steps. The eerie cavern proved too quiet giving his thoughts far too much room to play. As image after image of Adrianna’s lifeless body flashed in his mind he shook himself, set his jaw, and picked up his pace further. Xiomara held her torch higher as all of the sconces in this hall had been extinguished. Shadows danced upon the walls guiding their way and as they rounded a corner they saw one torch still glowing faintly. Forgetting all care of appearance he broke into a run.

  Staggering to a stop before the room, its door swinging listlessly upon its hinges, his eyes squinted into the depths. As Xiomara’s light caught up to him he carefully stepped inside.

  A man’s hand lay lifeless by his steps but his eyes were fixed on the figure beside him. Adrianna’s body lay curled and empty, her blank eyes fixed upon Jack’s matching pair. A sob threatened to break free but he held it down firmly. He was Eisen, leader of the Iron Army, he would not cry…and yet a part of him reverted to that scared ten-year old boy. He no longer cared. As the pressure threatened to cleave his chest in two he let it go.

  Falling to his knees he held Adrianna in his lap, shoulders shaking as he cried warm tears that caressed her cold face. His companions bowed their heads and remained silent. The little boy who had torn the world apart for his sister had arrived too late. Worst of all he knew it was his fault. He knew she’d do anything for him and he had asked her to stay. She might have tried to convince herself that it was her idea but he knew deep down that she only stayed because of him.

  She’d saved his life, and in return he’d dragged her from her home into this crumbling world. She’d saved his life again, and in return he’d allowed her body to lie cold and alone. His eyes drifted towards where Jack’s body lay. No, she was not alone. But Eisen wondered if that had been a blessing or a curse.

  Wiping the tears from his eyes he gently picked up Adri’s limp frame into his arms and stood. “Aleksander, carry Jack’s body. Xiomara, end this war. Cassandra is taken care of, let no more blood be spilled.” Xiomara nodded and left at once.

  Aleksander carefully hoisted the Whisper over his shoulder. “Can you transport us all at once?” he asked.

  “I will do it,” was all he replied. Aleksander moved closer so that he could grab onto Eisen’s coat and in a blink they were gone leaving no trace except for the gently swirling dust in the cell. Devoid of occupants the solitary torch slowly burned out.

  When Aleksander opened his eyes he was greeted by sand and the wide expanse of endless stars. “Where is this?” he wondered.

  “Sankta Jesu, a small village in Ailill,” Eisen answered. “We have to find…” His voice drifted off as Titus approached in the distance followed by Israfil. “Titus, can you—”

  The man held up his hand and shook his head regretfully. “I can save even those on the brink of death, but I cannot bring back the dead. Once they’ve crossed over it is no longer for me to decide. It never was.”

  Sinking his knees into the cool sand he held his sister tightly against him. Aleksander lay Jack’s body beside them then stepped back to stand beside the elders. Slowly little feet joined them, standing in a mournful circle around the dead and the blood-soaked boy who cried for them. Weepys, far from their hideaway in Silvanus, looked on sadly.

  With heads bowed and silent tears dampening the sand at their feet the mourners stood in solemn silence broken only by the crash of the waves, lit only by the light of the full moon. After minutes had passed an older Weepy began to sing as the boy beside her played a wooden flute. At first her voice soared sadly upon gentle notes, then the words began and hot tears filled their eyes.

  When the sun gives way to the moon,

  And shadows fill the night,

  As the sea begins to mourn,

  A star will guide me through.

  I’m but a dream that has no end.

  I sleep in your arms,

  But dance in the wind,

  And drift with the tide.

  I rise up to join the stars,

  You will see me every night.

  Hear my song between the trees,

  And think of me in the rain.

  My time has come to go,

  A story told and done.

  Let me go and join the wind,

  I will always think of you.

  I promise it is so.

  Their tears slowed as the music drifted them away, holding hands with Eisen’s grief and expressing it in a way that let him know that he was not alone. He could hear Adri’s voice within the music and his heart beat reluctantly at her goodbye.

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Three days passed by and with no Crown to be found the people brought the Quidelish palace to its knees, little more than memory and rubble. Soldiers returned to their families and Oneiroi lay in wait for what new era would receive them now. While Xiomara and Aleksander helped organize the situation in Quidel, the Whispers had all found their way to the shores of Ailill.

  Dawn broke slowly and the sun’s golden rays shone through the thick clouds above the sea’s horizon. They’d all gathered around a small wooden boat, each taking a turn to lay down some flowers and murmur a few quiet words. At last they all crowded upon the sand and Geoffrey stepped forwards, arms taut with the effort to push the boat and its passengers onto the sea. A tear rolled off the tip of his nose as he took one final look upon his sister’s face.

  Eyes closed they looked as if gently sleeping. Adrianna had been cleaned of blood and dirt as well as changed into a soft maroon dress that complemented her soft brown hair. Lying by her side Fenwick’s hand clasped hers. He too had been washed of filth and dressed in one of his usual dark outfits complete with his pistol at his side and his favored dagger, gifted to him by Sa, tucked into his boot. Together they lay on a bed of kindling hidden by the flowers the mourners had
placed around them like a soft blanket to keep them warm.

  With one last shove Geoffrey let go. Standing knee deep in the salty water he watched them sail away, taken by the tide. Behind him three archers clad in white raised their bows and together released flame-tipped arrows. They landed in the quickly drifting boat setting it aflame.

  As the flames crackled and smoke drifted into the morning sky, the ocean gently sang, tears dripped softly down cheeks, and music softly grew. A Whisper strummed her guitar, one played his violin, and another puffed sadly on a flute, while the others raised their voices in an ebbing hum. No words this time. Only music. Capturing each thought and feeling, spinning them all one by one into its melody with condolences in the harmony.

  Geoffrey turned and made his way to where they waited on the sand. He pushed past them and they all parted silently to allow him through when an arm suddenly grabbed his tightly, halting his retreat.

  “Geoffrey,” Sasha whispered.

  He pulled away from her but she refused to let go.

  “Geoffrey,” another voice called out. He turned to see Xià’s anxious face.

  Sasha gave his arm a stern tug and this time he followed. Leading him back to the edge of the water Sasha held him in place, anchoring him as his eyes scrutinized the scene before him. The fire grew ferociously high consuming the small boat in its hungry jaws. All at once the entire boat turned into an impossible inferno upon the water but with one mighty crescendo of its flames it vanished. No trace of ash or wood left to be seen.

  Gasps filled the air and the music had long since stopped, all eyes transfixed upon the smooth tide. The glassy waters rippled, circles blooming from where the boat once floated. Closer and closer until out of the water burst two heads, one with hair dark as night and the other a bright brown. Step by step they walked beneath the churning sea until at last they stood before Geoffrey. Shock clung to his face. His eyes roamed over her quickly but she appeared healthy, unblemished, and impossibly alive.

  Adrianna grinned and Geoffrey closed the distance between them throwing his arms around her in a fierce hug. As he lifted her up and spun her around astonishment filled him but as he looked closer he could glimpse the daylight shining through her. He set her down gently looking at his sister and Fenwick by her side. They were here, but not all here.

  “Weepys,” Seamus breathed. With a grin he walked over to hug Adrianna and Fenwick as well.

  “We are not done here,” Adrianna told them softly. “And so we were allowed to stay.”

  The Whispers gathered around them as the shock finally broke. Shouts and cheers rose up among them as they all went to greet the pair.

  “So you let her drag you back here, huh?” Kofi teased.

  Fenwick smiled. “We may be bonded but I would follow her anywhere.” Adrianna beamed and he couldn’t hold it back any longer. Wrapping his arms around her waist he kissed her like he’d dreamed all those weeks they’d spent apart. Laughter and whistles broke out from their friends but neither minded.

  A feeling of peace and hope filled all of their hearts. Suddenly a morning that had brought nothing but sorrow shone as bright as the sun. There was work to be done. They had an entire island to restore. But in that moment no one rushed, no one worried, and the only tears shed were ones filled with happiness.

  * * *

  Cassandra had still yet to be found and it worried them.

  “She’s of no threat any longer,” Kevin reminded them.

  “Even so I’d feel better if we knew where she’s gotten to,” Abel insisted.

  Geoffrey nodded.

  “I’d like to find her, if I may,” Adrianna requested suddenly. Fenwick tried to catch her eye but she just squeezed his hand.

  A surprised pause parted his lips but at last Abel agreed. “If that’s what you want.”

  Adrianna pulled Fenwick after her knowing that her brother would also follow. Turning to them she shared, “I think I know where to find her, if you’ll take me there Geoff.”

  “How?”

  “I can…” her brow furrowed as she tried to understand it herself. “I feel as if she’s calling to me. Like a distant voice or a gentle tug.”

  He was hesitant but made no argument. “We can leave when you’re ready.”

  “Might as well go now,” she shrugged. She released Fenwick’s hand but he caught it again. “You don’t have to come,” she offered.

  He shook his head. “Where you go, I will follow,” he promised.

  With a pleased bob of her head she extended her other hand to Geoffrey and the three of them left but footprints in the sand behind.

  Their feet slammed down onto the craggy rock of Mordréda. The wreckage of battle still lingered along with soldiers resting, packing, or planning their next endeavor. Geoffrey had disbanded the Iron Army and the only ruler that remained was Addar whom had already returned with his warriors to Llyr.

  They skirted around the castle’s remains and gaped at the sight of it. “Was this the soldiers’ doing?” Adrianna asked.

  Geoffrey’s eyes roamed the crumpled stone. “I’m not sure,” he admitted slowly.

  When they reached what was the back of the palace they stood side-by-side on the cliff looking out at the ocean. Adrianna’s eyes scanned the shore far below and frowned. Pointing to a solitary figure standing with her feet inches from the unusually calm waves her face twisted softly in puzzlement. “I’d like to talk to her alone.”

  Geoffrey and Fenwick glanced at each other but neither refused her request. Standing on the ledge they marked her progress down the small cliff path until she reached the gritty sand below. Slowly she approached the Whisper as if trying not to startle an unbroken horse. Reaching her side Cassandra at last turned her head briefly to take her in before looking back out at sea.

  “Of course you found me,” she murmured more to herself.

  “You’re not surprised I’m alive?”

  Cassandra frowned. “No, I’m not.”

  For a while they stood together in silence, their eyes fixed upon the horizon. “Did anyone ever tell you why we’re called Whispers?” she asked quietly.

  Adrianna shrugged. “No.”

  “Oneiroi means dreams. It is a place between living and death. A final dream before you drift into that deep eternal sleep.” Adrianna nodded careful to remain silent. Cassandra continued, “Jourdies is a name that comes from the word Jord which means land. Jourdies are those born of this place.” Kneeling down into the sharp sand Cassandra kept her eyes fixed upon the horizon while her fingers traced lightly in the glassy grains.

  “Weepy comes from the sound you hear running through the trees at dusk when they begin to arrive. It’s a strange mix of thrill and terror. The sound fills the Silas Mountains with an echoing cry of horrible mourning as souls that wish to leave their world too soon show up on ours.” A woeful smile teased the corners of her mouth. “They’re not always sad, though. Many of them are just dreamers, excited to explore a world different from their own.”

  After Cassandra had remained quiet for several minutes Adrianna finally spoke up. “And Whispers?” she asked curiously.

  Cassandra wiped her hands together, rubbing the sticky sand from her fingers. She sighed with a weight of lives lived and burdens buried. “We are called Whispers because while we live we are everywhere. Whispering to the people. Lies, hope, advice, song, we whisper it all. And when we die, we become nothing more than a story upon the wind.” Sadness filled her eyes as she continued. “Some will forget us. Some will remember our story wrong or in part. But if you listen very closely you will hear our voices in the winter’s howl, the summer’s whistle, the spring’s snap, or the autumn epistle.”

  Sinking lower she let her gaze fall. “I have sacrificed so much only to become a cry in the night.”

  Slowly, Adrianna sat upon the sand beside the girl. With heaviness in her eyes she took one of Cassandra’s hands. Entwining their fingers Cassandra gripped her hand tightly. “Cassandra,” Adri m
urmured sadly. “You have to let go.”

  “I loved you, you know,” Cassandra confessed. “Would it have been so hard for just one soul to love me back?”

  Adrianna held her gaze. “You are not unloved.”

  A single pearly tear completed a journey down her face. “Will you sing to me?”

  With an aching smile she answered, “Of course.” Cassandra’s slumped form leaned against the girl who might have been a friend once and in return Adrianna wrapped her arms around the girl who might have loved once before she forgot how. Gently rocking Cassandra against her she began to sing.

  As the lullaby faded into the sea she looked down at the girl in her arms and saw that she was gone. Burying her face in her hair, she wiped away her few tears and whispered, “I’m so sorry.”

  A wolf’s howl pierced the air causing her to startle. Twisting her head this way and that she searched for the source of the cry but spotted nothing of the sort. Geoffrey and Fenwick made their way to the small beach and when they were close enough she asked them quickly, “Did you hear that?”

  “The wolf?” Geoffrey asked. “There are bound to be a few roaming nearby,” he shrugged.

  Adrianna shivered. “No, didn’t you hear it? It sounded almost…sad.”

  Fenwick looked into the faraway trees then down to the girl still held in Adrianna’s arms. A frown settled upon his face and bowed his head. “It was Ralph,” he murmured softly.

  With a hesitant bracing slap on Fenwick’s back, Geoffrey broke the trance and together they gathered driftwood for a pyre. Hoisting her body atop it, Adrianna drifted over and arranged her body, brushing aside her white gold hair. Geoffrey lit it and they climbed back atop the cliff. They stood at its edge for a solemn period watching as the fire filled the sky and ashes drifted into the sea, but they left long before it burned itself out. Geoffrey brought them back to Ailill and sent Kofi and Sasha back to watch over it.

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  Sankta Jesu bustled with activity as Whispers and Jourdies rushed about with preparations. Trays of food dashed onto tables, piled high with fruit, roast ham, bread, and an assortment of cheeses and drinks. A few Jourdie girls sat to the side weaving crowns of flowers and heather. Already anxious fingers tuned their instruments or strummed a few formless chords. Adrianna looked around at it all, it was to be a proper celebration, but for what?