The Raven Coven

by Emma Miles

  She drew in a sharp breath and bit her lower lip, since when had Navere been hers?

  ‘Come on,’ Dia said. ‘You two were meant to be going.’

  Jorrun nodded and took Kesta’s hand.

  There were so many people waiting to see them off that it took some time to leave the palace. Kesta kissed Jagna and Rece on the cheek, hugging every woman of the Ravens. Jorrun held Kussim for a long time, promising he would be back soon. Kesta went to her parents last, her fingers clutching the fabric of her mother’s cloak.

  ‘Go on,’ Dia said.

  ‘Thank you.’ Kesta’s eyes were screwed tightly shut. She felt Jorrun’s light touch on her back and she stepped away from her mother.

  They were just a small group gathered to walk down to the docks. Temerran had two of his men with him, Azrael and Doroquael had both insisted on braving another sea crossing. Catya was also coming, sniffing back an embarrassed tear at leaving Heara, but wanting to visit Rosa. Cassien held the halter of a horse, a black mare with one white sock.

  ‘We’re taking a horse?’ Jorrun asked.

  Kesta grinned. ‘Yes, it’s your horse.’

  ‘Mine?’

  ‘She’s called Destiny.’ She looked up into his blue eyes. ‘You said you wanted a horse that would enjoy a friendship with a human.’

  He opened his mouth and shook his head, regarding her for a long time before bending down to kiss her. ‘In the middle of all this, you found me a horse.’

  Kesta shrugged. ‘My mother has an affinity for birds, for me it seems to be horses.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  Kesta looked around, her eyes falling on the road that led through the palace gate. ‘There is one last thing I need to do though.’

  ‘What?’ He frowned at her.

  ‘Walk through Navere to the docks on my own.’

  ‘Now that I’ve got to see!’ Jagna said. Several people surged forward, but Kesta raised her hands.

  ‘If you all follow, I won’t be alone!’

  ‘We’ll be five minutes behind,’ Jorrun said. He looked worried, and proud.

  Kesta smiled, taking in a deep breath. She took a last look at her family, that of blood and those of choice, then set off toward the city. She was wearing her green raven cloak, hood down, her face bare. On her tunic was the raven emblem the sisters had designed and sewn. The guards saluted her as she passed and she raised a hand to acknowledge them. The city was busy, everyday life, trade, survival, went on. There were women on the street, but none of them alone and nearly every group still had a male escort. Most people stopped to stare at her and she smiled, holding her head high.

  One man spat on the road in front of her. Kesta laughed, calling up her power and throwing the man down the street. There were several cries and gasps. Kesta ignored them, feeling a sense of peace grow inside her. She called up fire and made three small balls of flame. She juggled them all the way down to the docks, smiling to herself as men fell over themselves to get out of her way and women stopped to watch, wide-eyed. When she reached the waterside, she sent her fireballs to hiss and steam in the sea water.

  The Free City of Navere. Still a dream, but oh so much closer to truth.

  The others caught up with her quickly, but instead of following Temerran toward the Undine, Jorrun placed his hand against Kesta’s back and turned her toward his much smaller but achingly familiar ship.

  ‘Are you not coming on the Undine?’ Temerran asked them.

  ‘We love to sail,’ Jorrun replied.

  ‘Ah.’ Temerran folded his arms and leaned back, looking from Jorrun to Kesta. ‘Well, when you have other things to do than sail, come alongside and I’ll throw you a tow rope.’

  Heat rose to Kesta’s cheeks.

  Jorrun smiled. ‘We’ll do that.’

  ‘What about ussss?’ Azrael turned a backflip.

  ‘You go with Catya and Cass on the Undine until we get to Northold,’ Jorrun replied. ‘You’ll have more room on the Undine and Catya will tell both of you bugs as many stories as you want to hear, no doubt very bloodthirsty ones.’

  ‘I know lots of stories.’ Catya nodded.

  Azrael didn’t seem at all pleased, but he and Doroquael bobbed off after the others.

  Kesta turned to Jorrun. ‘Sailing.’

  ‘Well, it’s true.’ He looked down at her, a spark of mischief in his eyes.

  ‘You’re still recovering from that poiso—’

  He put a finger over her lips. ‘I guess we’ll see about that.’

  ***

  The Undine was a magnificent ship, her lines so sharp she seemed to be made of wind. Jorrun and Kesta had to use their magic to keep up with her, but they both revelled in the challenge. At night they drew up alongside, taking the tow rope and shutting themselves in the cabin away from the rest of the world.

  They sailed down the Taur together, stopping at the small wharf of Northold only long enough for the fire-spirits, Catya, and Cassien to disembark with Destiny. They exchanged news, learning from Kurghan that Tantony and Rosa were still at Taurmaline. Kesta and Jorrun both thanked Temerran profusely, promising to stay in close contact. The Undine turned about in the lake, heading back up the Taur to return Everlyn and Worvig safely back to the Fulmers.

  ‘What now?’ Kesta asked Jorrun.

  Jorrun untied the rope from the post and shoved them away from the wharf with his boot. ‘Now, we sort out Bractius.’

  ***

  Kesta stood at the prow, watching as the castle of Taurmaline grew larger on the horizon. It was hard to tell if the butterflies in her stomach were anxiety or excitement, perhaps a little of both. Jorrun’s eyes were firmly fixed on the harbour, watching for directions from the harbourmaster. She jumped out of the ship to tie up; the wharves were busy. Jorrun turned to her with a grin as he drew himself up and took on the demeanour of the Dark Man, even calling flames to his fingers as he cleared a way for them through the startled crowd. The castle guards straightened as they passed and Jorrun headed directly to the audience room. He didn’t knock, blasting the doors open as the herald and two guards scrambled out of the way.

  The room appeared empty, only two torches burning on the walls. Movement caught Kesta’s eye and she realised there was a man seated on one of the benches at the side of the room, the very place she’d first sat many months before with her father to speak to Bractius.

  Adrin looked pale, his eyes wide. His right arm was strapped against his left shoulder and stubble grew on his cheeks and chin.

  ‘Thane!’

  Jorrun narrowed his eyes. ‘Where’s the King?’

  ‘In his private study.’

  Jorrun turned to go and Adrin scrambled to his feet. ‘None of this was my fault, I couldn’t d—’

  Jorrun spun around and pointed a finger at the chieftain who shrank back against the wall. ‘That had better be so.’

  He didn’t waste any more time but headed back out into the hall. Kesta spared a glance for the cowering Adrin, how had she ever felt any fear of the pathetic man?

  Kesta looked up at her husband as they marched toward the King’s private room.

  ‘Jorrun?’

  He glanced at her, his eyes hard, but he placed a hand against her back and ran a lock of her long, black hair, gently through his fingers.

  As before, he didn’t knock. The King wasn’t alone, Tantony leapt to his feet, his eyes wide.

  ‘Jorrun! Kesta.’

  Kesta only had time to give him a brief smile. Bractius stood slowly, moving to the edge of his ornate desk. His eyes flickered from her to Jorrun.

  ‘Jorru—’

  Jorrun didn’t stop, he strode straight up to the King, punching him hard in the face and knocking him off his feet to sprawl against the wall.

  Kesta covered her mouth with both hands, staring at her husband in shock. Tantony edged around to her, his skin reddening.

  Jorrun glared down at the King, his fists still clenched. ‘If you ever threaten my wife or her famil
y again, king or no, I will end your reign!’

  ‘Jorrun!’ Bractius spluttered, pulling himself up against the wall. ‘I was bewitche—’

  ‘I should have knocked you on your arse a long time ago!’ Jorrun snarled. ‘Instead of making excuses for you. I should have spoken up every time you were wrong!’

  Bractius stared up at him with his mouth open.

  Tantony touched Kesta’s arm. ‘Come on, let’s leave them to sort this out.’

  ‘Bu—’

  ‘Come on.’ Tantony pushed the door open. Kesta left reluctantly, not because she was worried about Jorrun, but because she dearly wanted to see Bractius get what he deserved.

  ‘Rosa will be glad to see you.’ Tantony looked her up and down. ‘I’m glad to see you too, strangely enough.’

  Kesta turned and grinned at him, then flustered him with a bear hug. ‘I’m glad to see you too. What’s been happening?’

  Tantony sighed and shook his head. ‘Things are settling but Bractius is still all over the place. He refuses to admit Ayline had any part in this and has pretty much shut himself away. I’ve been doing the best I can with Teliff and the Huscarls, but running a kingdom is a bit over my head.’

  Kesta slipped her arm through his. ‘Oh, I doubt that, Merkis.’

  ‘I’m telling you, without Rosa’s sensible head I’d have drowned in paperwork and hung every idiot who comes here with a petty petition by now!’

  Kesta grinned. ‘That would be one way to stop petty petitions.’

  He glanced around at her and snorted. ‘I miss the quiet of Northold.’

  ‘Me too,’ Kesta replied, her heart clenching and all humour fleeing.

  Rosa was seated in the Queen’s parlour and she dropped her sewing, leaping to her feet as soon as she saw Kesta. She gave a startled cry, then threw herself across the room to hug her.

  There were four other ladies in the room and they all politely got to their feet.

  ‘Kesta!’ Rosa looked her up and down. ‘You look well, but … what has happened?’ She regarded Kesta’s eyes intently.

  ‘A lot.’ Grief pushed at Kesta’s throat. ‘But we’ll tell you both soon. For the moment,’ she looked across to the closed door. ‘I think I need to speak to the Queen.’

  Rosa’s smile faded and she glanced at Tantony.

  ‘I won’t hurt her,’ Kesta said. ‘You know that.’

  Rosa rubbed at her forehead. ‘Well, I’m not sure I couldn’t say that she’d deserve it, but it’s not up to me.’

  Tantony hung back as Rosa knocked softly and then entered the Queen’s private rooms. Ayline was in bed, propped up against pillows, a young girl who was reading to her from a book stopped as they came in. Ayline’s eyes widened and she fought her bedding to sit up straighter.

  ‘You!’

  Kesta’s eyes narrowed as she regarded the queen. Her hair was perfectly pinned up and there was a flush to her pale cheeks.

  ‘Yes, me. Don’t worry, I haven’t come to kill you.’

  ‘I was enchanted!’ Ayline fluttered her eyelashes. ‘Bewitched by evil dreams!’

  Kesta drew up her knowing. ‘No doubt, but the darkness in your heart is yours alone. You see enemies where you could have had friends. I imagine that has been so all of your life. Is the loneliness worth it, Ayline? Is the shadow of power worth the fear and the paranoia?’

  All pretence fell away from Ayline’s face and she glared at Kesta with open hatred. ‘I have power!’

  ‘Hmmm.’ Kesta raised her hand and looked down at her palm, she called flames there and Ayline shrank back. ‘What is power? I imagine you see it as something needed to dominate, to control. Luckily for you.’ Kesta let her flames die and looked her in the eyes. ‘I believe power is having the strength to stand up against what is wrong, to protect those you love. And to know when to not use it. Perhaps you’ll understand when your child is born. Perhaps you won’t. But I’ll be watching you, Ayline.’

  ‘Watch away,’ Ayline snarled.

  ‘Oh, I will.’ With a nod at Rosa, Kesta left the room, closing it slowly behind her.

  Rosa and Tantony walked with her to Jorrun’s quarters.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Rosa asked.

  Kesta realised they hadn’t said a word in quite some time.

  ‘Yes, I’m fine.’ She forced a smile. ‘I fear Ayline will be trouble, and yet I can’t quite hate her.’

  ‘Elden isn’t Chem,’ Rosa replied. ‘But it’s hard enough for a woman with a sharp mind. Unless she is lucky.’ She turned to smile at Tantony and the gruff Merkis blushed beneath his beard.

  ‘I see that.’ Kesta sighed. ‘Catya is back at The Tower waiting to see you.’

  ‘She is?’ Rosa’s eyes lit and she looked at her husband.

  ‘We’ll go as soon as Jorrun has finished with the king,’ he reassured her.

  ***

  They stayed for five days, Kesta anxiously feeling their short break away from Chem slipping by. Although she knew the Drakes, Catya, and Cassien were all safe back at Northold, she itched to be there with them too. On the fourth and fifth night they dined with Bractius, Ayline making excuses that she was too tired and due to have her child at any moment.

  As much as she wanted to remain angry at Bractius, Kesta’s heart eased as she saw the friendship between Jorrun and Bractius relax and then blossom again. Jorrun had told the King of Elden he would always be his friend, that he would always protect him, but that he was a Raven now, bound to defend anyone in need on the land beneath their sky. In a quiet moment, his face flushed by wine, Bractius said, ‘I abused your friendship, Jorrun, took advantage of your conditioning in Chem, just as my father did.’

  ‘I know.’ Jorrun looked down at his hands. ‘But you’re still my friend. As long as you understand, you will never take advantage of me again. There is a bigger worl—’

  ‘You belong to the world. It makes me feel jealous.’ Bractius sniffed, wiping his nose with the back of his hand and grabbing for his goblet. He took a big gulp of wine. ‘You and Kesta. Ravens. I’d be obliged if you could visit me now and again. I’ll miss you.’

  Kesta had reached for her own wine with one hand, finding Jorrun’s long fingers with the other. He squeezed her hand tightly.

  ‘I’ll miss you also,’ Jorrun replied. ‘Northol—’

  Bractius banged his goblet down on the table. ‘Northold is yours forever, your home.’ Bractius’s words slurred but his eyes were intense. ‘Always. Your home. Whenever you need it. No conditions.’

  Jorrun drew in a breath, his eyes fixed on his empty plate. He turned to look at Kesta and she placed a hand on his chest. He leaned in to kiss her.

  ***

  As they stepped through the inner gates of Northold the next day, they became aware of the sound of swords clashing, the ring and shriek of metal on metal occasionally drowned out by a cheer or a collective gasp.

  ‘What in the Gods’ name?’ Tantony exclaimed.

  They rounded the keep to see a large gathering of folk not far from the Raven Tower. The ravens themselves were unsettled, circling the high tower and uttering deep throated cries.

  Jorrun pushed his way through the crowd, holding out his hand for Kesta. When they got to the front, Kesta shook her head and groaned. Cassien and Catya were fighting, the girl moving with breathtaking speed but the young man totally unphased, calm, thoughtful, careful. It was exciting, inspirational to watch, but Kesta found her heart in her throat.

  ‘Children!’ Rosa stepped forward, clapping her hands together.

  Both Cassien and Catya stopped. Cassien lowered his sword and Catya dropped hers, running to throw her arms around Rosa.

  ‘Hmmm,’ Kesta leaned against Jorrun. ‘That’s something to watch I hadn’t considered.’

  ‘Catya is just a girl.’ Jorrun frowned. ‘There’s three years between them.’

  ‘There’s ten years between us, old man.’ She looked up at him and grinned.

  He pulled her around and kissed her, bit
ing her lower lip. ‘I’ll show you who’s old.’

  She slapped his thigh hard. ‘Seriously though, we’d better watch them.’

  Jorrun nodded. ‘Yes, Silene.’

  She narrowed her eyes at him, her pulse beating faster.

  Kesta turned to Tantony. ‘We expect an exceptional welcome home feast, Merkis. I’m sure you can see to it.’

  Tantony gave a bow. ‘It will be dealt with at once, Raven Kesta.’

  Kesta startled, staring at Tantony wide-eyed. She bowed her head, raising her hand to her forehead to hide her eyes, why had that title hurt so much?

  ‘Kes?’ Jorrun took her hand.

  She squeezed his fingers and headed for the Raven Tower.

  The door closed behind them and they paused on the stairs, her hands tangling in his thick, dark hair. Like a cold wind, memories of Osun’s curly hair and dark-blue eyes struck her and she wrapped her arms tightly around Jorrun, her face tucked against his warm neck, feeling the pulse of his veins.

  ‘Kes?’

  ‘Let’s go up,’ she said.

  Her heart caught at the sight of the familiar room at the top of The Tower, the mess on the table. The scrabbling and reptilian smell of the ravens in the loft above. The small, unmade bed pushed up below the window, the books lain everywhere with feathers, paper, ribbons, anything thin enough to use as a bookmark.

  The fire sparked and Azrael came leaping out, followed by Doroquael.

  ‘You’re home!’ Azrael flew crazy loops around the room.

  Jorrun turned to look down at her.

  She reached up to touch the side of his face, relishing the familiar feel of his neatly trimmed beard. Kesta looked into his blue eyes, recalling the day she’d been forced to marry this man against her will to save her people. ‘From this day we are bound together, pledged to work together to make our lives a better one; a happy one.’

  His eyes widened and he smiled. ‘We will listen to each other, respect each other, and support each other, being patient with each other’s differences and imperfections.’

  ‘We will remain truthful, loyal, and faithful to each other in all aspects of life. Do you agree to these terms?’