The Raven Coven

by Emma Miles

  Arrus winced. ‘Only his changing opinion of Jorrun. He seems … I don’t know, ill almost. Exhausted, manic at times. He is not the secretive and controlled man I’ve met on other occasions. What of you?’ He looked from Dia to Heara.

  ‘We found these.’ Heara stood up from where she sat on the table and lifted up three pieces of parchment. ‘Letters Larissa had begun but not sent. Strangely they were hidden under her mattress.’

  ‘What do they say?’ Arrus asked as he reached out to take them.

  ‘That Bractius’s nightmares are so severe they are disturbing his waking mind,’ Dia told him. ‘And that she’d also begun to have frightening dreams.’

  ‘Jorrun used to fix my bad dreams,’ Catya told Arrus, her blue eyes wide. ‘He taught me how to make them go away.’

  ‘But nothing Larissa tried, worked,’ Dia took the letters from Bractius and waved them in the air. ‘She was also concerned about sending these, even though they were written using the code we agreed.’

  ‘So, she suspected someone is somehow behind this?’ Arrus looked around at the women.

  Dia jumped as someone knocked at the door. Heara went to answer, her hand on her dagger hilt. She moved aside to let Temerran in. There were two Elden guards with him, but she shut the door in their faces.

  ‘Icante, Silene! Thank you for clearing my name.’

  ‘It’s no more than you deserve,’ Dia replied.

  ‘So, did you discover anything?’ He looked around at them all.

  ‘Some hidden letters,’ Dia told him. ‘What magics do you know of that can manipulate dreams?’

  ‘Dreams?’ Temerran frowned. ‘I can help induce sleep and encourage calmer dreams with my songs, is that the sort of thing you mean?’

  ‘Maybe.’ Dia tapped at one of her teeth with her thumbnail. ‘Can you give someone nightmares?’

  Temerran breathed out loudly. ‘Possibly, I’ve never tried. There are no songs I know of for such. Is there someone you want me to try it on?’

  ‘No,’ Dia sighed and looked up at the ceiling. ‘The magic of dreams is an ancient Elden magic. As far as I know only Jorrun can dream-walk.’

  ‘Dream-walk?’ Temerran’s eyebrows shot up.

  ‘Not a myth,’ Dia confirmed.

  ‘Listen, there’s something else,’ Temerran said urgently. ‘You remember there was something that deeply concerned me, a hazy memory of danger? I’ve been wracking my brain. I’ve recalled something, but it’s all but useless. Green eyes, and a sense of danger.’

  Dia leapt to her feet and the others looked at her in shock. ‘Green eyes?’

  ‘Yes.’ Temerran looked her up and down with a worried frown. ‘I remember seeing green eyes over the Queen’s shoulder and that’s when I knew something evil dogged her steps.’

  Dia glanced at Heara. ‘I too have seen green eyes and felt a dire warning, although I dismissed it as imagination.’

  ‘When?’ Arrus demanded.

  ‘In a water bowl. Weeks ago.’

  Temerran drew in a deep breath. ‘Someone has been watching you.’

  A shiver ran down Dia’s spine.

  ‘Listen, under these circumstances I don’t feel happy leavin—’

  Dia opened her mouth to protest but he held up a hand and continued.

  ‘I’ve no choice but to leave Taurmaline on the Undine, but I don’t intend to leave Elden until you’re safely away, Icante.’

  Dia thought for a moment. Fear was walking about the inside of her ribs on tiptoes. ‘I don’t want you to get into any trouble, nor for anyone else to get involved really, but you could go to the Raven Tower at Northold. We have friends there, Merkis Tantony and Rosa. They might shelter you for a while. Be honest with them – completely.’

  Temerran nodded.

  ‘There are ravens there, they know me. If you find a way to communicate with them, you might be able to send a message.’

  ‘Is there a quill and ink here?’ Temerran looked around the room.

  Heara grabbed some from behind her and handed them to him. He held his hand out toward Dia. ‘Give me one of them.’

  She handed him one of Larissa’s unfinished letters and, turning it over, he drew several strange runes. Under each he then wrote a letter and handed it back to Dia.

  ‘If I write to you, I’ll use the old Borrow runes,’ he said. ‘No one here should be able to read them.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  Temerran hesitated, then stepped forward to hug Dia, and then shook Arrus’s hand. ‘No matter what, I’ll try to be near in case you need me.’ With a nod, he headed toward the door.

  ‘Wait!’ Catya called out.

  Temerran halted and they all turned to look at her in surprise.

  ‘I should go.’

  ‘What?’ Heara looked down at the girl, her hands on her hips.

  Catya rolled her eyes. ‘I’m from Northold. Rosa and Tantony know me and I know the Raven Tower. We can look there for books on dream-walking.’

  Arrus grunted in surprised approval.

  Heara shook her head, ‘I can’t let yo—’

  ‘Yeah, you can.’ Catya mirrored Heara’s stance. ‘I don’t trust many men, you know that. I trust Tem. This will probably be a safer mission for me than staying here with green eyes.’ She glanced at Temerran and noted the Bard’s own emerald eyes. ‘No offense.’

  ‘None taken.’ A spark of amusement lit his face.

  ‘You may go,’ Dia said, above Heara’s protest.

  Temerran regarded them all slowly before holding a hand out for Catya. ‘Look after yourselves.’

  ‘You too,’ Dia murmured.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Kesta; Covenet of Chem

  ‘But what if they attack you?’

  Kesta, Jorrun, and Osun had taken their conversation into the library. Jorrun had barely said a word and was avoiding her eyes.

  ‘That’s why it’s important to win Gerant over,’ Osun told her. ‘Make him believe that despite our differences we’re not planning on causing trouble – at least for a while.’

  ‘Is Feren likely to win a vote to be Overlord?’ Kesta looked from Osun to Jorrun.

  ‘Probably more likely than anyone else.’ Osun sighed. ‘The Dunham name is still feared and from my intelligence he has the support of four seats compared to our one. We always knew this could happen. We’ll have to hope diplomacy or Jorrun’s greater strength will be enough to buy us time.’

  ‘You need me to go with you.’

  Neither Jorrun nor Osun disagreed, though she knew they hadn’t changed their minds.

  ‘I’ll try to walk Gerant’s dreams tonight,’ Jorrun said quietly.

  ‘What?’ Both Kesta and Osun replied at once.

  ‘I may find something of Feren’s intentions, possibly even learn more of the Seats Gerant has already visited.’ Jorrun leaned back in his chair to look at them both. ‘Gerant is nowhere near as strong as me.’

  ‘But he might have better training at dream-walking.’ Kesta turned to Osun for support.

  ‘No, look.’ Jorrun stood and bending over the table moved some books aside to pick up a plain bound ledger. ‘Dryn kept a record of everyone’s bloodlines. I remember seeing Gerant Irren.’ He opened the ledger and leafed through the pages. ‘Here. There is almost no Elden blood in Gerant’s line, but if you look at Karinna’s, he had strong Elden hereditary, like me.’

  Osun looked at his brother with wide eyes. ‘This ledger is invaluable!’

  ‘Indeed.’ Jorrun displayed no emotion on his face and Kesta immediately felt concerned he was withdrawing again.

  ‘Are we in there?’ Osun moved around the table to look over Jorrun’s shoulder.

  Pain flickered in Jorrun’s eyes, ‘I am. You … you were.’ He turned the pages and came to one with Osun’s name at the top. The page had been scored through with several heavy lines.

  Osun shrugged. ‘It’s of no matter, we know I have no magic in my blood. What of Feren?’

 
‘He is here.’ Jorrun closed the book and placed his hand on it. ‘We should all study this, get some idea of what to expect of those we might come up against.’

  ‘What of Jagna?’ Kesta asked.

  ‘His bloodlines are also mostly Chemman, with a little of both Elden and Fulmer,’ Jorrun told her.

  ‘I meant should he learn this also.’ Kesta shook her head. ‘And will he go with you or stay here with me?’

  ‘I’m sorry, Kesta,’ Osun said with genuine concern. ‘He is the only other magic user we have. We’ll need him in Arkoom.’

  She nodded. Untrained as they were, she’d at least have the other women. ‘What of Azrael?’

  ‘With us,’ Osun replied.

  ‘With you,’ Jorrun said at the same time.

  ‘He must go with the two of you.’ Kesta held Jorrun’s gaze. ‘Your mother gave her life so he could be here to protect you both.’

  Jorrun looked away, Osun stared at her and then nodded.

  Jorrun sighed. ‘We should get ready to entertain Gerant.’

  ‘I don’t think all of the women should come.’ Kesta’s hand went to her throat. ‘Let him see we are strong, but not how strong.’

  ‘Agreed.’ Osun nodded firmly. ‘I’ll see you shortly.’ He gave Jorrun’s forearm a squeeze as he went past.

  As soon as the door closed behind Osun, Jorrun spun about and grabbed Kesta’s hand. ‘I don’t want to leave you here, but I can’t see another way, not ye—’

  ‘It’s okay, I know.’ She squeezed his fingers. ‘We have a little time yet. I wouldn’t normally try this early, but I’ll begin getting the women to start learning to shield. Some of the Drakes that helped us before might be prepared to help us again for a while.’ She laughed nervously. ‘I’m almost tempted to ask my mother to come!’

  Jorrun narrowed his eyes, becoming very still.

  ‘What?’ Kesta demanded.

  ‘Loathe as I am to drag the Fulmers into this, it might be worth seeing if the Icante can spare a trained walker to help you. In the meantime, you’ve given me another idea. I’ll send a pigeon to Bractius and see if he can schedule Teliff’s next trade visit for when Osun and I head to Arkoom. It will give you some support without it looking like an Elden invasion of the palace.’

  Kesta felt some of the tension go from her shoulders. ‘That would help so much.’

  He hugged her tightly, leaning his cheek on the top of her head. She breathed in the scent of him, drawing in his warmth. ‘It’s going to be okay.’

  I hope so, Kesta thought.

  ***

  The evening with Gerant wasn’t as fraught as Kesta had expected. The Chemman sorcerer did seem uncomfortable at first with the women talking freely around the table, he made little or no eye contact with them and spoke to none of them directly, however he wasn’t rude or antagonistic. Mostly they talked of the difficulties that faced Chem after the downfall of Dryn and the fights between the remaining covens that had followed.

  ‘I’d be interested to know what Feren plans for Chem’s recovery,’ Osun said, putting down his fork and playing with the stem of his wineglass. ‘After all we can’t support someone if our vision for Chem’s future is too different.’

  Gerant gave a snort and Kesta stiffened. ‘I don’t think anyone’s vision for Chem’s future matches yours.’ His eyes travelled over the women.

  Kesta opened her mouth but Jorrun squeezed her leg under the table.

  Osun took a sip of his wine. ‘I imagine this does seem very strange and after years of the same traditions, a little frightening, even. But with most magic users here dead, it seems prudent to make use of those with good blood. How many sorcerers are there left in Chem with trained power exactly?’ He held Gerant’s gaze.

  Gerant shifted in his seat. ‘Lord Feren only seeks stability, to restore law back to the land and ensure our defences.’

  ‘You need not worry about attacks from Elden or the Fulmers,’ Jorrun told him, his eyes were narrowed as he regarded the Chemmen. ‘Our links with those countries and the trade we are establishing ensures peace. As long as we are here in Navere, there will be no attacks from our neighbours.’

  Gerant leaned back in his chair and regarded Jorrun. ‘I see.’

  ‘I hope you do.’ Jorrun didn’t blink.

  ‘Peace and stability suit us very well.’ Osun leaned forward to pour more wine into Gerant’s glass. ‘And if that’s what Feren is aiming for we have no reason not to vote him in as Overlord.’

  Gerant lifted his chin a little. ‘That’s good to hear,’ he said eventually.

  They went back to eating, Kesta made an effort to try to get a comfortable conversation started again. She missed her father, getting people relaxed and talking was something he was always good at. She noticed Gerant was staring at one of the female servants who waited on them and she went cold inside. The woman was young and quite pretty, she’d already had to ask Captain Rece to warn his guards to stop harassing her when she’d seen two of them try to corner her in a hallway. She called the woman over and discreetly asked her to stay and help in the kitchens. From her expression, Kesta knew she understood and was grateful.

  ‘I don’t suppose that one will be available tonight?’ Gerant pointed toward the servant’s back with his knife, as she left through the door. The whole room grew silent, most eyes turned toward Kesta. ‘Or is she used by one of you?’ Gerant grinned at Jorrun and Osun.

  Osun looked quickly down at the table but Kesta saw his jaw clench and his face redden. Jorrun went to stand, but it was Kesta’s turn to stop him.

  ‘That doesn’t happen here,’ she said, forcing her voice to be calm, although her hands shook beneath the table. ‘No man in this palace can lay with a woman without her consent.’

  ‘I don’t suppose you would consent?’ His grin widened.

  Jorrun’s hands clenched into fists.

  Kesta laughed, although it sounded hollow even to her. ‘I’m married to Jorrun, as you know full well, Gerant.’

  He raised his hand in a shrug and winked at Jorrun. ‘Ah, you can’t blame me for trying!’

  Osun cleared his throat and deftly changed the subject. ‘So where are you off to next?’

  ‘West to Letniv.’

  Jorrun reached for Kesta’s hand under the table and didn’t let go until dinner was finished and Osun suggested they move to a receiving room along the hall. Several of the women took the opportunity to slip away, escorted by Cassien and Captain Rece. Only Calayna and Estre remained with them, the latter standing very close to Jagna. To their dismay, Gerant drunkenly regaled them with the tale of the grizzly part he’d played in the destruction of the Borrows. Kesta found herself feeling sick and looking around she realised no one else was speaking.

  Gerant’s story came to a faltering halt and he drained his glass.

  ‘Fascinating,’ Osun said through gritted teeth. ‘Thank you for sharing that.’ He looked toward the door where Captain Rece had returned to wait with one of the other guards. ‘Captain, perhaps you would be so good as to assist our guest to his room?’

  Rece stepped forward at once. Gerant waved a hand lazily. ‘I suppose I’m about ready to sleep.’ He pushed himself up from the chair and followed Rece out of the room without a backward glance.

  The moment the door closed, Azrael shot out of one of the lanterns, making himself big and contorting his face to the most demonic expression he could muster. ‘I wanted to burn him!’

  ‘Yes, it was very tempting,’ Jorrun agreed.

  Osun sighed and slumped into one of the chairs. ‘Hopefully we have done enough to warn them off attacking Navere or murdering us in Arkoom.’

  ‘I thought everyone did really well,’ Calayna said.

  ‘We’ll see.’ Jorrun gave a slight shake of his head before turning to Kesta. ‘Come on, we have more work to do tonight.’

  Kesta said her goodnights and followed Jorrun out into the hallway, Azrael bobbed along ahead of them. Jorrun stopped.

  �
�Azrael, sneak into that man’s room and see if he scries to Feren.’

  Azrael darted about in a big loop. ‘Good idea!’ The fire-spirit darted into one of the lamps and vanished.

  ‘You’re very quiet again,’ Kesta said as the went up the stairs to the library.

  ‘Am I?’ He glanced down at her with a frown. ‘I guess I’m worried. And I don’t want to leave you.’

  Kesta smiled briefly. Although she didn’t doubt how much he loved her, it was still good to hear it sometimes. ‘I envy you getting to leave the palace and travelling for a while. Thank the spirits for the gardens here.’

  ‘Kesta.’ He turned toward her outside the library door, he glanced down at the carpet before capturing her eyes and asked without blinking. ‘Would you consent to swapping some vials of each other’s blood so we can scry? I know it’s blood magic bu—’

  ‘Yes.’ She placed a hand on his chest and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. ‘Absolutely, yes!’

  His shoulders and back relaxed a little and he pushed the library doors open. ‘Under the circumstances I think it will be wise for me to enhance my power and protect myself and set out an elemental star. I’ll have to do my dream-walk down here, there’s no room up on the balcony.’

  He strode about the room, gathering up his items. Kesta built and lit the fire and then waited in one of the chairs, glancing through Dryn’s ledger of magical ability. She found Jorrun’s page, but hesitated to read it. It felt like too much of an invasion of his privacy.

  ‘Have you read about yourself?’ she asked him.

  He glanced up from where he knelt on the floor setting out his items. ‘Yes. There is Borrow blood in my ancestry, too.’ He sat back on his heels. ‘I thought that was strange considering how …’ He winced. ‘How carefully I was bred. Take a look at the next page.’

  Kesta turned the paper and had only just started reading the name when she noticed the jagged remains of a torn-out page. ‘Something has been removed. Was it Osun, do you think?’

  He came to stand beside her. ‘No, his page was crossed out, remember. I have no idea who could have been removed, I’m surprised it wasn’t mine. It might be worth discovering, though.’