The Raven Coven

by Emma Miles

  Osun swallowed and looked down at the floor. ‘I know.’ He looked up and met her eyes. ‘Kesta. Do you forgive me? Do you forgive me for what I did to Milaiya?’

  She caught her breath. She opened her mouth. She wanted to say yes, but she couldn’t.

  ‘Neither do I.’ Osun forced a humourless smile. ‘I’ll do it. I’ll drown my brother and let Hacren take me.’

  ‘No!’ Kesta took two swift steps forward to stand before him.

  He bowed his head and closed his eyes. ‘I would have given anything to know how it felt to love – and to be loved.’ He opened his eyes to look at her, slowly reaching out a hand to touch her face with the tip of two fingers. ‘My brother is everything to me. I want to do this, Kesta. And, I want to be someone you’re both proud of.’

  ‘You already are!’ His image blurred and Kesta had to clench her teeth hard to stop her jaw from shaking.

  He shook his head, not meeting her eyes. ‘You know what kind of man I am, Kesta.’

  She went to protest, but he stopped her.

  ‘Do you know why I came back to Chem? It wasn’t for the reason you and Jorrun did. I came here because I wanted to prove you wrong. I came here to force you to forgive me. I came here because …’ He drew in a breath. ‘I needed you to think better of me. Because … because what you think of me matters.’

  She swallowed, staring at him. She couldn’t find her voice. His image blurred before her, split by rainbows.

  ‘Two boys,’ Azrael darted toward them. ‘Two boys I ssaw through the flame. Both loved by our dearest Naderra, both with special blood and great hearts. We made a sacrifice, Naderra and I, to get them away from Chem sso that they might find the potential for great good, insstead of great evil. Now … I will lose one – or both.’ Azrael started wailing again.

  ‘It’s worth a try, isn’t it?’ Osun looked at her.

  She turned away, rubbing at the back of her neck with one hand. She turned slowly and looked him in the eyes. He seemed somehow younger, vulnerable, his dark-blue eyes wide and desperate. She recalled the first time she’d met him, how affronted he’d been by her behaviour, then his shy smile, his clumsy attempts at friendship. He’d known she’d hated him, but he’d never stopped trying and he’d always tried to protect her, even against Jorrun.

  ‘Just because I can’t forgive what you did, it doesn’t mean I don’t c … It doesn’t mean I don’t love you, Osun.’ Guilt chewed at her heart. She took two steps toward him, lifting a hand to touch his bearded cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned forward to kiss him gently on the lips.

  His eyes widened, but he shook himself and squeezed her hand tightly. ‘Just promise me something. No matter what happens, you must live, Kesta. Don’t let Hacren defeat you. If you have to, then run, save yourself to fight another day. As long as you live then I can have hope you’ll defeat him. As long as you live, I know you’ll save me. Promise me, Kesta.’

  She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his, as much as his intensity burned her heart.

  ‘I promise.’

  ‘Then let’s do this.’

  ‘Are you sure, brother?’

  Osun nodded. ‘I’m sure, my dearest sister.’

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Kesta; Covenet of Chem

  ‘Osun, let it be me!’ Cassien almost ran to keep up with Osun’s long strides as they hurried down the hall.

  ‘Don’t be stupid,’ Osun snapped.

  Kesta wiped at her eyes with the heel of her hand, trying to force her lungs to steady. She glanced at Osun but couldn’t meet his eyes.

  ‘But, maste—’

  Osun rounded on the boy. ‘What have I told you? You don’t call anyone master! You are a ‘master’ now, Cass.’

  Cassien halted, his mouth open, his cheeks were wet. ‘Well at least let me come and fight.’

  ‘Cassien,’ Osun said more gently. ‘I told you, no men must come but me and Temerran.’

  ‘How can you be sure he’ll only go for a man’s body?’

  It was Kesta who answered. ‘Because we have seen enough of the creature’s nature to know that’s so.’

  Osun sighed. ‘Cassien, your friendship and loyalty mean more to me than you’ll ever know. I need to do this, I want to deserve your loyalty.’ He didn’t wait for a reply, but continued into the audience hall.

  The Raven Coven had gathered in their seats, the three central chairs remained empty and Osun headed straight for them. Kesta took the seat to his right. Instead of taking the other seat, Cassien went to sit among the sisters. Dia, Temerran, and Arrus were also there with Heara and Catya. Worvig had remained with the fire-spirits to watch over Jorrun. Captain Rece was the only one who stood.

  ‘I’m sure you have already heard our situation.’ Osun looked around at them all. ‘We don’t have time for long farewells. I wanted to thank you all for everything you’ve done, without your courage we’d have had no chance to change Navere. Without your faith, we could never have held it. Stand by each other and you will do more than survive, you will put in place a foundation to secure the safety of the women – and men – of Chem for generations to come. Our plan was for me to be Lord of Navere Coven, perhaps even Overlord. You don’t need a lord. Chem doesn’t need an Overlord. You are the Raven Coven, share your wisdom and run Navere together. There are fifteen ruling Seats, vote on every major decision and there will always be a yes or a no with no need for one person to dictate. Arkoom Palace is in ruins, Navere is the most stable and prosperous city in Chem, you have a chance to make it the centre of this land. Take it.

  ‘Calayna, Rece, Jagna, and Estre, I’ve left plans, ideas, detailed laws that I would like you to consider. It’s all in my study. I leave them in your capable hands.’

  He stood and there were several cries of protest. Dia and the others from the Fulmers headed straight for the door.

  ‘Jorrun doesn’t have much time.’ Osun raised his voice to be heard. ‘Those who will fight, please come with me now.’ He turned to Jagna and they clasped wrists. Rece gave him a salute before doing the same. Calayna hugged him, kissing his cheek before stepping away. Kesta couldn’t help but notice how much Osun tensed at such close contact. Osun searched the crowd with his eyes and spotted Cassien sitting with his head bowed. Kesta held her breath as Osun made his way over.

  ‘Cassien,’ he said. ‘It was worth coming back to Chem just to free you.’

  Kesta choked back a sob, swallowing hard and rubbing at her forehead to hide her tears.

  Cassien stood slowly and Osun hugged him, Kesta could see the boy was shaking and she had to look away. She hurried to catch up with her mother.

  ‘How are you doing?’ Dia slipped her arm around Kesta’s.

  ‘I’m terrified,’ she admitted. ‘I’m sorry you got dragged into thi—’

  ‘Kesta.’ Her mother squeezed her arm. ‘We were all dragged into this. I’m glad I’m here to fight at your side this time.’

  ‘I wish we didn’t have to risk the others.’

  Dia glanced over her shoulder. Their plan was simple, but there was so much that could go wrong.

  Arrus went ahead of them with Worvig and two other warriors, bearing Jorrun away from the city and toward the beach. Rece and his guards had to chase away several curious onlookers. They placed their stretcher down and the men who wouldn’t be staying started back toward the city. Arrus and Worvig lingered, Kesta wished they would just go, it was hard to see the sadness and fear on their faces and their anger that they couldn’t stay to fight. They both hugged her, but she pulled herself away from them quickly. She needed to get it over, she needed to fight Hacren.

  When they were all in position, Osun took hold of Jorrun’s shoulders and dragged him backward into the water. Kesta’s breathing was so rapid she felt dizzy. She couldn’t bear it, but she couldn’t look away. Osun glanced at her as the water reached his knees, Jorrun’s long legs floated up, moved by the waves. Osun’s own shoulders rose and fell as he looked down at his brother. A s
mall sound escaped from Kesta’s lips. It felt like forever before Osun tensed and stopped supporting Jorrun to force him down below the water. Kesta wanted to scream, but she couldn’t move, couldn’t even call her power. Was she losing him? Was she watching Jorrun’s life leave him forever?

  There was no struggle, but Osun’s face had reddened. He looked up and as his eyes caught Kesta’s it felt as though lightning had struck her heart.

  Osun let go of Jorrun.

  He arched backward, his body spasmed. Osun’s hands flew to his temples to hold his head. He staggered. Kesta instinctively stepped forward, but her mother grabbed her arm. Both Azrael and Doroquael wailed like keening seabirds.

  Osun looked up but it was no longer he.

  Hacren regarded all of those on the beach. The gathered Raven Sisters had already been shielding and Temerran began his clear-voiced chanting.

  Hacren walked slowly up out of the water, his eyes on Kesta and Dia. He completely ignored Jorrun’s lifeless body. He didn’t move like Osun, he moved like a hunter, placing each foot carefully on the wet sand. ‘So, this is your plan.’

  Neither Kesta nor Dia replied, they moved apart, backing a little way up the beach. Doroquael flew to Dia’s shoulder and Azrael to Kesta’s. Kesta could see Heara waiting, her knees bent, watching for Hacren to be far enough away for her to run for Jorrun’s body.

  ‘I’ve beaten you before,’ Kesta said, letting her voice tremble. She backed up a little more. Hacren followed, glancing at the Raven Sisters.

  ‘I only had the feeble powers of a mortal, then, and I didn’t know a fire-walker knew the magics of the gods. Now I do. Don’t worry, I still won’t kill you too quickly.’

  Dia called her power and Hacren’s eyes flashed open wider; Osun’s eyes. He turned to face the Icante.

  ‘So, who might you be?’

  Heara made a dash along the shoreline, Catya on her heels.

  ‘The Icante of the Fulmers,’ Dia replied, her head held high, her breathing steady. ‘And we know you are no god.’

  Hacren laughed, so different to Osun’s shy laugh. He grinned. ‘Oh, I’ve been a god. It was long ago, but I rather liked it.’

  Temerran continued to sing his chant. Kesta didn’t dare look toward the water, didn’t dare hope, she couldn’t afford to let herself be distracted. She called up her knowing, watching for any warning of when Hacren’s body was bound and his powers were his. She could feel emotion, but like Azrael it was different, hard to pin down. It reminded her of touching something metal that had been struck and still vibrated.

  ‘You are just a spirit.’ Dia continued to keep his attention.

  Hacren’s face darkened, his smile fading slowly. ‘Be careful, woman, there’s a reason why I was named the God of Death.’

  ‘Because you’ve gotten used to dying?’ Dia raised an eyebrow.

  Hacren growled, his fists tensed, but he drew no power. Kesta’s eyes flickered past him to the sea, Heara had pulled Jorrun out of the water and Catya was breathing into his mouth. Hacren glanced behind him.

  ‘You creatures are so stupidly sentimental.’ He turned to head back toward Jorrun, he had no weapons, Osun had made sure of that. Heara leapt up from pushing at Jorrun’s heart, drawing her short sword. With a glance at her mother, Kesta called up power and swept Hacren off his feet, throwing him onto his back and tumbling him along the wet sand. Everlyn broke free from the circle of the Raven Sisters to form a shield around Catya, Heara, and Jorrun’s still body.

  Hacren got slowly to his feet, trying to retain some dignity. His face had reddened and his blue eyes had darkened, seeming more a slate-grey than blue. Kesta glanced at Temerran; was the binding even working? Azrael made an anxious loop in the air.

  ‘That wasn’t wise, Kesta,’ Hacren snarled.

  She didn’t respond, forcing herself to relax her power a little and not waste it.

  She stepped back, drawing in air sharply as flames blazed in Hacren’s hands. He went straight for Kesta, the force of his attack driving her to her knees, she raised her arms above her head, straining to keep her shield. Azrael flew in front of her, giving her strength, but even with the two of them her muscles screamed and sweat beaded her skin.

  She fell back as Hacren’s attack broke off without warning. A huge tornado surrounded Hacren flinging stinging sand and stones as it dug into the beach. Dia held it balanced with one hand at the same time as starting to build a thunderhead. Kesta scrambled to her feet.

  The tornado dissipated, sand and debris rained down on the beach and Dia staggered back, fighting to retain control of her storm. Waves of fire rolled toward Dia and for a moment Kesta lost sight of her mother. Kesta gathered power, bracing herself to reach below the sand for the rock below. She heaved upward, feeling a vein burst in her nostril and the warm tickle of blood. Her muscles screamed at her to stop but she kept going, trying to find a weakness in the unrelenting rock. With a gasp she let go, staggering back and blinking at the red and black that flashed behind her eyes. A small dip appeared in the sand, but that was all. Despair washed through Kesta, the rock was too hard, too solid, she’d wasted all that power for nothing.

  Taking in a deep breath she sent a gale toward Hacren, turning aside his flames to give her mother a moment of relief. From the corner of her eye she saw Everlyn stalking closer, her shield raised.

  What of Jorrun?

  Kesta added flame to the wind, both Azrael and Doroquael swooped in to attack Hacren, battering against his shield. Everlyn added a blast of her own and finally Hacren’s attack on Dia faltered. Kesta felt pride straighten her spine, the Icante was still on her feet, still building her storm.

  Hacren turned his attention to Everlyn, he glanced at Kesta, showing his teeth, before tearing up sand to form a molten ball to hurl at the walker. Kesta did her best to turn it aside but it still took out Everlyn’s shield. The Raven Sisters hurried forward, keeping formation, all of them shielding. Everlyn got onto her feet, retreating backward toward the safety of the sisters. Lightning lashed out from Hacren, leaving sharp after-images on Kesta’s retinas. She spun around, expecting to see Everlyn dead, but the walker had somehow drawn enough power to shield again. The Raven Sisters reached her, Jollen stepping in front of Everlyn.

  Kesta turned to look at her mother and their eyes met. How had he called lightning without first creating a storm?

  Dia gave Kesta a single sharp nod and they both sent a blast of fire at Hacren. The Sisters and the two fire-spirits all joined in. Hacren’s shield held, his face – Osun’s face – showing little strain as the fire shifted to reveal him.

  They’d feared he would be much stronger, they’d been right to be afraid. It was obvious that even with the Icante here they didn’t have the power to defeat him. They’d have to rely on being smarter, in catching him out in some way. Kesta felt a fool for having banked on her ability to raise rock, in choosing a place where they might save Jorrun, she’d unwittingly sacrificed that exceptional power. There had to be something else she could try.

  Lightning flashed within the clouds up ahead and thunder left Kesta’s ears ringing. Dia reached up to aim the lightning, but Hacren was quicker, somehow manifesting the elemental magic within himself and hurling it at the Icante. The sharp smell of ozone filled Kesta’s lungs and she had to blink several times before her vision cleared enough for her to see her mother was still alive. She moved toward her, intending to shield and allow her mother to concentrate on attacking, but Hacren turned instead to hurl his next bolt of lightning at the Raven Sisters. Several of them screamed as their shields failed, but some held, protecting the rest.

  Kesta turned back to Hacren, the creature was laughing. Fury stiffened every muscle in Kesta’s body, he was still playing with her, making her choose between the Sisters and her mother.

  She stepped back toward the Chem women and Hacren grinned, sending blinding light lashing toward Dia.

  ‘Fight me!’ Kesta yelled. She drew up her power and threw everything she could a
t Hacren. Azrael and Doroquael flew to her shoulders creating a fiery barrier to protect her, but they were both hurled aside by icy winds.

  Three times Dia called lightning down, but Hacren’s shield held. Ignoring Kesta, the demon began a continuous attack on the Icante, each time Kesta moved toward her, Hacren blasted the Raven Sisters. Heat left Kesta’s blood and she was suddenly chilled to the bone despite the flames. She was panting, her leg muscles straining to keep her steady, the pathways in her body that channelled power so raw and swollen she could barely pull anything through.

  Dia collapsed onto one knee, blood tracked down her sand spattered face. Kesta glanced at the Raven Sisters, huddled together, exhausted Everlyn at their head. The fire-spirits rejoined her, but their flame was a dull yellow.

  Hacren called power to his hands.

  She had to do something, now before he killed them all. She looked at his face, seeing past the contorted features to remember the surly, selfish, shy, incredibly brave man she’d not allowed herself to know.

  Promise me, Kesta.

  ‘Wait!’ Kesta stepped forward.

  Hacren lowered his hands, tilting his head to one side as he regarded her.

  ‘Let them go, let them all get safely to the Fulmers and … and I’ll stay with you. I’ll obey you for as long as you leave them alone.’

  ‘Kesta, no!’ Dia got to her feet. ‘Don’t you dare!’

  Hacren grinned, his eyes travelled over Kesta before he took a few, considered steps closer. Kesta felt sick, she clenched her fists to stop her hands from shaking.

  Hacren grunted. ‘I’m not sure you’re worth that many lives, Kesta, much as I’d enjoy torturing you. Choose five.’

  Her mouth opened but she couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe. How could she choose? She couldn’t!

  Behind her both fire-spirits were making an angry, buzzing sound. Somewhere, Temerran was singing. Dia stiffened.

  Kesta glanced around at the others, shaking her head, gripping the fabric of her tunic hard in one fist. It would have to be those that had the most chance of defeating Hacren in the future, the strongest magic users, but that would mea–