“I talk to the birds,” Osprey said, as if an explanation was required, “and they repay me for the shelter I provide by not making a mess.”
“Indeed,” scoffed Glabbrio. The envoy stepped around a large goose which honked loudly and chased after six runaway brown and white goslings. “Are we not to have breakfast, Master Osprey? I do so love roasted boar and boiled potatoes. The seat which is currently occupied by your cat would do me nicely.”
Osprey walked behind a large desk and stood in front of a painting of Tantalon Castle, centered between two gold ornate candlesticks hanging on the wall. Osprey reached up to the candlestick on the left and turned it sideways. A hidden door in the wall moved inward, revealing a heavy wooden crate with a gate and a railing.
“This is what I call ‘the Ascender,’” Osprey said. Demonstrating with his hands, he formed a square with his finger and, starting low, swiftly lifted his arms. “Most people call it ‘the Bird Cage,’ but it’s a little invention of mine that allows us to travel up, up to the upper branches, for that is the aviary where we house the women and children. It’s also where my private council room is located, and it’s my intention to treat you to a bird’s-eye view of the world.” He held out his hand. “Please, enter without fear, my friend. We will have our breakfast at the top. Hillary has cooked your favorite. Wild boar.”
Glabbrio licked his lips. “I do so love wild boar,” he said. “Very well, Master Osprey, to the top we go, in your little bird cage.”
An enormous pulley reeved with heavy chains was attached to the top of the crate. A strong breeze came from the square-shaped opening that had taken years to carve, running the entire height of the giant oak around which Raven’s Nest was built. Taliesin had ridden the Ascender many times, though the normal route to the upper branches was the winding staircase built around the trunk of the giant tree, now partially removed after the Wolf Clan attack. Intrigued, Secretary Glabbrio eagerly entered the crate and held onto the railing as Osprey, Grudge, and Taliesin followed.
“Do the honors, Captain Grudge,” Osprey ordered as soon as he closed the gate.
Grudge pressed a wooden lever and the large crate gave a hard shake and groaned as it rose at a steady rate until it came to a jarring halt. During the few minutes in which they ascended one hundred feet, the envoy had turned pale, and the knuckles of his hands holding the railing appeared bright red. Osprey opened the gate and walked onto a large roofed platform attached to massive branch. Two other railed platforms, leading to a network of buildings built among the leaves, branched out to either side. Guardhouses could be seen at the ends of several branches where the Black Wings had a bird’s eye view of the area below.
“I assure you, Glabbrio, it’s quite safe,” Osprey said. He took the envoy by the arm and guided him along a walkway and into a room with a spectacular view of the distant mountains.
Cushioned chairs were placed around a wicker table set with a decanter of red wine, glasses, a plate filled with several varieties of cheese, a bowl of cracked walnuts, and a tray of salted crackers. A male servant stood in the corner, ready to serve. The chatter of women and children could be heard, along with the music from a lute, fading in and out as the breeze rustled through the leaves. Osprey pointed to a large chair for Glabbrio and waited until the envoy was comfortable before he took a seat across from him.
“You have many guards stationed up here,” Glabbrio said, sounding impressed. He nodded as he took a glass of wine from the servant. “But you and I are realists, Osprey. There are not enough Black Wings to defend Raven’s Nest against the Wolf Pack. We encountered quite a few on the road, but none were bold enough to approach my caravan.”
“They came for the sword,” Osprey said, “and for Taliesin.”
“Lykus’ desire to obtain magical weapons is known to Lord Arundel, and that is why he sent me here for Doomsayer.” Glabbrio smiled petulantly. “But as your Captain said, it’s only a gold sword. As for Taliesin, I am aware the Wolf Clan believes she is a witch, for those rumors have been around as long as she has lived with you. Of course, Lord Arundel does not believe these wild rumors. Still, we must be cautious, Osprey, and that is why I have come to ask you to accompany me to Eagle’s Cliff.”
Osprey leaned forward. “Then it is true,” he said. “The clans are picking sides in this civil war. Why now, Glabbrio? The dukes have always warred against one another, and the princes frequently rebel against the king. Are Almaric’s chances of winning that strong?”
“Indeed,” Glabbrio said. He paused to place crackers on his plate and selected three slices of different-flavored cheese, smacking loudly as he ate and talked at the same time. “We find ourselves in a serious situation, old friend. While Lord Arundel is reluctant to involve you in affairs of state, this time it cannot be avoided. Your clan resides in Maldavia, and the royal city will soon be under siege by Duke Peergynt’s and Prince Almaric’s army, which means it is too dangerous for you to remain here. Lord Arundel thinks it best if you, your wife, and your children came to Eagle’s Cliff to remain for the duration of the war. We have been advised the Wolf Pack intends to destroy Raven’s Nest and your entire clan. Peergynt wants you out, and the Wolf Pack will get the job done.”
“Thank you for the generous offer. Of course, we’ll come with you,” Osprey said. “But I would like to know why your clan left behind the bodies of Duke Hrothgar and Lord Jasper Silverhand. Leaving their bodies has roused many questions, and I cannot help but wonder if this is merely a ruse to mislead the Wolfmen into thinking Lord Arundel favors Prince Almaric and his younger brother.”
Taliesin felt her pride in Osprey grow. Osprey had rooted out the mushrooms of intrigue with his first attempt; the question clearly ruffled Glabbrio’s composure.
“Troubling news that reached me while I was in Burnlak prevented me from attending the Gathering,” Glabbrio said. “A local farmer was hired to collect the noblemen’s bodies and return them to Fregia, while I have spent the last few days trying to locate Lord Arundel’s son.”
He took a sip of wine, aware he held a captive audience. “Master Xander intended to go to the Gathering and rode ahead. However, when he failed to meet me in Burnlak, I immediately started inquiring, and now I suspect he is a prisoner of the Wolf Clan. Lord Arundel is too busy helping gather a royal army and has asked the Raven Clan for assistance.”
“What can we do for Lord Arundel?” Osprey said, looking rather pleased at the turn of events.
“My Lord has asked that you send the Black Wings to Wolf’s Lair in search of the boy. It will be dangerous, but quite necessary. In exchange, Lord Arundel offers sanctuary for you and your family.”
Taliesin’s mouth fell open. Grudge shook his head at her, and she remained silent.
“This is a great deal to ask, Glabbrio,” Osprey said. “Lord Arundel honors me by asking the Black Wings to rescue his son. Rest assured, the Black Wings will find his son and the Raven Clan will gladly support King Frederick. Of course, my entire clan must be given sanctuary, not just a select few, for this will mean open war with the Wolf Clan.”
The secretary eyed Osprey as he licked each finger. He selected a date and popped it into his mouth with a belch. “A pity you did not find Doomsayer,” he said. “I realize magic is outlawed by royal decree; however, if we hope to defeat Almaric and Peergynt, such a magic sword would be an invaluable asset. The King’s enemies are growing in number. Though the king does not approve of magic, Lord Arundel is desperate to see him remain on the throne. Of course, since your daughter has a knack for finding valuable weapons, it’s only logical the Wolf Clan believes she is a witch. Chief Lykus is as anxious to find magical weapons as is Lord Arundel, but we cannot allow that to happen.”
Another date was selected by the fat envoy. Taliesin noticed Glabbrio chewed sparingly and practically swallowed the fruit whole. She was tempted to tell Osprey and the envoy the truth about Doomsayer, but Grudge had his eyes on her, and as if he could read her thoughts, gave a
shake of his head. The royal flag was no longer important, which was a relief, but Taliesin had a feeling Glabbrio’s men at the Gathering had been looking for the scroll. Master Xander could have arrived at the onset of the battle with that goal in mind, but the Wolfmen had abducted him before he could acquire it. Grudge certainly wasn’t mentioning it, and she likewise remained silent.
“No, we cannot,” Osprey said. “Captain Grudge, you will handpick a rescue team and leave at once. If Master Xander was captured, he may still be in route. There is a very good chance you will find him on the road and be able to join us in Erindor.”
“I’ll leave as soon as I see you packed and on the road.” Grudge didn’t sound pleased. “Of course, men will have to remain behind to give the impression Raven’s Nest has not been entirely abandoned. You’ll have to travel light, Master Osprey. All the spoils of war will have to be left behind, along with the barn animals. This war will not be over in a few days or weeks. It could last a year or more, and it’s doubtful Raven’s Nest will survive the duration.”
“I will not leave behind one goose or gold coin,” Osprey said, unnerved. “But I do agree a few men should remain behind and keep the torches lit.”
“I realize the imposition placed upon your clan,” Glabbrio said, holding up his sticky hands. “My allegiance is to Lord Arundel, but my affection for you, Master Osprey, is long abiding. We have been friends all our lives. If you want to take your goose, Osprey, then take him, and your dogs and goats and sheep.” He wiped his fingers across the front of his robes. “It will not be a pleasant journey, in any case. The Wolf Pack will be on our heels the entire way.”
A raven fluttering its large wings appeared from out of nowhere and, without pausing, grabbed the nut from Osprey’s fingers and flew off. Three more ravens appeared on the railing in front of Taliesin, and remaining silent, eyeing the bowl of nuts, which Osprey set upon the ground. The black birds hopped onto the floor and rushed toward the nuts, pushing each other out of the way to be the first to reach the prize. Glabbrio ignored them and continued eating cheese and crackers.
“I don’t like the idea of leaving Raven’s Nest,” Taliesin said. “A whole year? How will our clan make a living if we’re hiding at Eagle’s Cliff?”
“Oh, you’re not coming with us,” replied Glabbrio. “Our duty is to the King, first, and it is imperative I bring Master Osprey to Eagle’s Cliff. Your clan will be instrumental in helping us collect weapons from the battlefields, as always, but you are wanted by the Wolf Clan. Do not think me a heartless man; I like it no more than any of you, but if we are to reach Eagle’s Cliff unmolested, then a decoy is necessary.”
“A decoy? I’m to be a decoy?” Taliesin was horrified. “Am I to stay here then, or am I to leave with Captain Grudge?”
“Someone has to be a decoy, my dear,” Glabbrio said. “War has not been openly declared; not yet, but time is of the essence. Your father and I must reach Eagle’s Cliff. What greater sacrifice could you make to protect your clan than remaining here?”
“She can’t stay here,” Osprey said. “The Wolfmen will burn Raven’s Nest if they think she is hiding here. Am I to send her off into the wilderness alone? You’ve already requested my Captain seek Lord Arundel’s boy at the very place that harbors our enemy. I cannot send Taliesin into the unknown. There must be another way.”
“Then what is it?” Glabbrio said, annoyed. “Tell me. I’m open to reason.”
Osprey shook his head. “I don’t know,” he said. “We could send guards in every direction, carrying one of her garments and leading the Wolf Clan on a wild goose chase. Taliesin must go into hiding. She will need a guard. Perhaps young Rook should go with her; he is a clever boy and can take her somewhere safe to hide until this blows over.”
“A sound plan,” Glabbrio said. “Make your campfires large tonight to give the impression Raven’s Nest is still occupied and the girl still here. But do not send her into hiding, Master Osprey. Taliesin should keep on the move, so the Wolf Pack gives chase.”
Grudge rose from his seat, his brown eyes shimmering with anger. “It won’t take Wolfgar long to figure out the four guards are decoys, and he’ll be on Taliesin’s tail in no time,” he said. “Better she comes with me than end up dead.”
“Absolutely not!” Glabbrio slammed his hands onto the table. “Find Master Xander! That’s your job! Taking this witch-girl along will only complicate things. Let her ride with the old farmer hired to take the two dead Fregian lords home. Stroud knows, no one will smell her among the dead.”
Taliesin thought of the day she’d found Traeden, winning Lord Arundel’s favor and securing her position as a woman of property among the Raven Clan. After so many years collecting weapons, her life suddenly had no value to the Eagle Clan. Feeling sick to her stomach, Taliesin stood, walked to the railing, and gazed at the tiny figures below in the courtyard, busy packing wagons. The man serving wine had apparently told the clan they were going to Erindor. On the other side of Raven’s Nest, outside the wall, she spotted black smoke from the funeral pyre for the dead Wolfmen. There were no vultures in the sky, as if they knew to avoid Raven’s Nest, and no birds sang in the trees. Apart from the four pet ravens Osprey fed, no birds were roosting in the branches. It was an ill omen.
Osprey clasped his hands together and leaned forward. “Do we know where Prince Sertorius has gone? Is it safe for us to be on the road? Going to the royal city of Padama seems like the logical place for us; the journey is only sixty miles and, once there, we will be protected by the King’s army.”
“Peergynt’s castle stands between us and Padama,” Grudge replied. He filled his wine glass and grumbled as he took large sips.
“From what I understand of the princes,” Glabbrio said, not missing a beat, “each is vying for his father’s throne, and each has his own supporters among the noblemen. The Eagle Clan may curry favor with the princes, and we may ransom this lord and that duke, but Lord Arundel, as well as every member of the Eagle clan, loves our king. All would give our lives to support him, but we do not condone the methods of any of the princes. Almaric sold his brother Galinn to the northern tribes, leaving Dinadan, Konall, and Sertorius nipping at their father’s heels. From what I hear, Galinn is a slave of Lord Talas Kull. As for Prince Sertorius, he disappeared a day ago, but we believe he is headed toward Garridan to solicit the help of Duke Richelieu on behalf of Almaric. Our spies are looking for him, fear not.”
“Taliesin,” Osprey said, turning. “Tell Minerva to start packing for the journey to Erindor. Captain Grudge, you will arrange for Taliesin’s departure. I will see you both before the clan departs.”
“As you will,” Grudge said.
With nothing further to say, Osprey dismissed them with a wave of his hand. Taliesin was far too angry and upset to speak any pleasantries and left with Grudge. Osprey said he’d see her off, but something told her she’d never see him again. She entered the Ascender and let Grudge close the gate. As the crate descended, she allowed an impulse to override her usual calm, and, throwing her arms around Grudge’s hard body, she pressed her face against his back.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Taliesin said. “Glabbrio might as well put me in a sack and hand me over to the Wolf Clan. Rook won’t leave Raven’s Nest without Wren, and she won’t part from Hawk. The only person I can rely on is you. Please, let me come with you, Grudge. I won’t survive on my own.”
Grudge snorted. “That pompous ass wants the scroll, just like Wolfgar, but didn’t have the balls to admit it,” he said. “I’m sure that is what the Eagles were looking for on the battlefield. We should be going south with the clan. King Frederick will rely on Lord Arundel and the Duke of Erindor to gather an army and defend Padama. The last thing I want to do is go after Arundel’s wayward son.”
Taliesin felt Grudge’s hands caress her arms. He turned to embrace her, and in the next second he was kissing her. His lips were firm, and his tongue tasted of wine as it entwined with he
rs. A shiver went through her body as she clung to his shoulders, kissing him passionately. For a moment she wondered if he’d stop their descent, but he did not. When they reached the ground, he drew away, leaving her holding onto the railing for support, and opened the gate.
“Is that it?” Taliesin said, as they walked out of the crate. “You go on this mission and leave me to fend for myself?”
Grudge walked with her to the door. “I have no intention of going to Scrydon after Master Xander,” he said. “But I must select a new commander for the Black Wings and see that the clan is ready to leave before night falls. Hawk is coming with us.”
“Thank you,” Taliesin said. “I knew I could depend on you.”
“I like this change in your attitude,” he replied, laughing. “I’ll select four guards to act as decoys. Hillary can provide them with a piece of your clothing. Go find Rook and tell him what’s happened. As soon as it’s dark, I’ll come for you.”
Taliesin watched the tall man open the door. He marched across the hall and bellowed at the few guards seated at the table with the Eagle legionnaires to join him outside. She headed straight to the kitchen, told Mrs. Caldwell to find Hillary, then grabbed a bag of green apples before going out the back door. Circling Raven’s Nest, Taliesin went through the garden, taking a quiet stone path to reach the stables, where four grooms were putting bridles and saddles on the horses. The Ravens had 20 wagons pulled by horses and a number of smaller carts pulled by mules. Minerva had been notified they were leaving and had made certain everyone in the village loaded their meager belongings into the wagons.
Rook was inside the stable grooming Hawk’s white stallion with a soft brush. Wren sat on a bale of hay repairing a broken bridle, and she looked up as Taliesin entered. The grooms returned and walked straight to where Taliesin’s eight horses were stabled. Wren softly whistled and stood, putting aside the bridle.
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