Return of the Crown
Page 15
Hetty, the Innkeep, backed away slowly, slightly bowing. “I’ll see what I can procure for you. Give me a moment, sirs.”
Connor followed Hetty inside. The crowd dispersed, downhearted that the bard would not arrive.
“Those men aren’t from here, are they?” Connor whispered.
“No, they say they came from Kindlewood and had heard of a bard traveling this way. Claim they want to join the resistance, but something in my gut tells me they’re up to no good.” Brushing a straying lock of hair from her brow, she sighed, “If I don’t give them something, they’ll just take it, and more than they need.”
“You give them what you can, and I will give them a little something special too.” Connor winked at Hetty.
Hetty was packing sacks with bread, cheese, and dried meat. She raised an eyebrow as Connor dripped spicy smelling liquid over the meat.
“This won’t kill them, dear, no. It’s just a bit of something to make their travel a little less pleasant.” A sly smile spread across his disguised face. “I’m something of a healer and herb-woman. A drizzle of this,” Connor said, holding up a little bottle of amber liquid, “and they’ll need to stop frequently, or soil their pants and their horses. If you like, we can add a dash to the ale you will kindly donate as well.”
Chuckling, Hetty held out her hand, “Pleased to make your acquaintance, though I don’t know your name.”
Connor paused, “It’s Corina, and I’m pleased to make yours as well.” Corina clasped Hetty’s work-worn hand.
Corina watched from the inn’s windows as Hetty took the doctored provisions to the men. The leader’s horse was stamping its feet. “Hurry, woman, we’ve got miles to go!”
Hetty raised the bag to the man. “Blessings of the Light,” she said. She cried out in shock as the man snatched the provisions from her hand. He pulled hard on his reins, and his horse reared, feet pawing over Hetty’s head. They then turned their horses and galloped out of the village, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
“Whatever ails them, serves them right,” Hetty humphed, entering the inn. “They didn’t even say thank you.”
Smiling at Corina she asked, “What do you say to a spot of tea and some honey cakes? We can get to know one another better.”
“Splendid idea,” Corina replied, following Hetty into the cozy kitchen.
Blade sighed, feeling warm and comfortable. He remembered being incredibly cold, covered by a blanket of snow that stole his breath. His head ached, and carefully opening one eye, he tried to survey his surroundings. Flickering light swam around in circles. He tried pushing up on his elbows only to fall back. Soft fur brushed across his hand and he heard yipping.
“He’s waking, Princess, he’s waking,” Shera barked.
“Scamp, let go of my trousers you silly pup. Blade’s waking.” Ravyn flew across the den, dropping down to Blade’s side.
“Ravyn,” he croaked, “The world is spinning.”
“You took a nasty bump on the head. You’ve had a fever for three days, but it broke this morning. We are in the wolves’ den. Now, shush, and drink,” she said, holding a cup to his lips.
He took a big gulp of the cool water. Then he started gagging, “Ugh, that’s bitter!”
“Drink it,” she commanded, “the herbs will help you heal.”
“Fine, I’ll drink it,” he whined. “But, can you help me sit up please? I feel so stiff.”
Edging Blade’s shoulders up against the wall, Ravyn then propped his cloak behind him. She placed the cup in his hands. “Can you manage that?” she asked, eyeing him with concern.
“I can keep most of it in my mouth and not have it go dribbling down my chest.” He grimaced, “Can’t say I’m glad of that though,” he grumbled, managing a weak smile.
“Finish that and I’ll get you some broth.”
Blade finished the herbs, shuddering as the last sip went down. He handed Ravyn the cup, “How long have I been out?”
“You’ve been unconscious four days, since Zelera sent the snow crashing down on us. Oh, Blade, I can’t tell you how glad I am you’re feeling better. I’ve been so worried.” She sat down next to him, handing him some broth. Resting her head on his shoulders, she softly wept. “I thought I’d lost you.”
Extending a weak hand, Blade rumpled Ravyn’s velvety black hair. “It’ll take more than Zelera can dish out to keep me from you.” He turned, facing her liquid blue eyes, all the love he possessed pouring out in that single glance.
Color graced Ravyn’s cheeks. “Well, don’t ever scare me like that again,” she mumbled. She jumped up, crossing the den to talk to the big grey wolf who had been watching them intently.
“Kialgyn, Blade woke up. He will still need rest to regain his strength. I was wondering, though, could I ask a favor of you?”
Blade shouted at Ravyn, “Ravyn, this mother is growling at me. These pups are grabbing at my hand. Please tell her I’d never harm them.”
Without thinking about it, Ravyn adjusted the communication spell. “Tell her yourself, Blade,” she yipped.
She heard Blade barking to Shera, “I promise I won’t hurt your pups.”
“I know that,” Shera growled softly, “I was trying to keep Scamp and Sprit from bothering you. You need rest.”
Returning her attention to Kialgyn once more, Ravyn said, “Could you ask some wolves to bring me large branches? I need to make a sled. It will help get us down the mountain faster than walking, especially since Blade is so weak.”
A grin curled Kialgyn’s mouth, showing sharp white teeth. “I can do better. I know where a trapper lives midway down the mountain. My wolves will acquire his sled for you.”
“But that would be stealing, Kialgyn.”
“Not if we leave payment, say two large deer freshly killed.” He smiled again. “We will return the sled to him when you are done with it. It is a dog sled. We wolves will pull you and the Blade down the mountain.”
Ravyn hugged the large wolf, nuzzling her cheek against his soft fur. “You are amazing, you know,” she laughed into his chest.
Extricating himself from her hug Kialgyn growled softly, “This will take time to get it and bring it back. The strongest wolves will go; I will lead.”
Laughter erupted from the far side of the den, Shera yowling, “Kialgyn, I’d say you are going soft.”
Kialgyn turned his back on them, addressing several young males, barking orders. Then he led them from the den.
Zelera was dreaming again. This time it was different. Ravyn haunted her dream, heading toward the castle, leading a large army. The Darkness came to life, towering over her. It commanded her to build defenses. It showed her a wall 150 feet high, a moat 300 feet across, a wall of living fire, and a swirling vortex that sucked everything into its whirling maw.
She woke, the plan firmly embedded in her mind. It would take many sacrifices to feed the Darkness, to make her defenses secure.
Zelera smiled. The dungeons were full. There would be plenty of fuel for the Darkness, for creating her wall, her moat, her burning pyre. The Darkness had bestowed a vision upon her; she would emerge the winner.
She sniffed, pouting lips pinched tight. The dream showed her that her plans to kill Ravyn had failed. Let Ravyn come, her pitiful army with her. She and her parents will make a wonderful sacrifice to the Darkness. Zelera ran her tongue along her lips, savoring victory.
Connor was enjoying his role as herb woman. The villagers hadn’t had a healer for years. He kept very busy. If a person was busy, they couldn’t waste much time worrying.
Sitting in the kitchen with Hetty, Corina took another honey cake, and nibbled at it. “How is it you are running this Inn on your own, Hetty?”
Hetty smiled, but her eyes remained sad. “My husband and son were taken a few years ago by Zelera’s men. We couldn’t pay her taxes, and she just took them.”
“Oh, I see,” Corina said. She placed the honey cake down. “They’re in the dungeons still?”
Corina reached across and patted Hetty’s hand. “Hetty, I have something important to tell you. I might know a thing or two about the resistance. Things that could put you in harm’s way.”
“Aye, Corina?” Hetty’s eyes narrowed, as she looked over her new friend. “I suspect there is more to you than meets the eye. Are you in trouble, dear? Is there a price on your head?”
“Well, in a way, yes. Do you remember that doddering old fool Connor, the King’s adviser?”
“Aye, but I wouldn’t call him an old fool. Rumor has it he travels the country in disguise, preparing people for a day when the throne is reclaimed. He’s preparing for the return of the crown. Some say he can even look like a woman,” she said, eyeing Corina.
Resting her chin on her hands, Corina gave Hetty an appraising look. “Right you are, Hetty, on both counts. He’s known to look for help at inns along the road, for that is where news spreads the quickest. And he seems to have a fondness for the female form.”
“Suppose for a moment he stopped here at Shadowkeep. Would he ask me for help, I wonder?” Hetty stared deep into Corina’s eyes. “I am very interested in the destruction of Zelera. I want to be part of it.”
Corina chuckled, “He knows that, Hetty, or he wouldn’t have helped you feed those ruffians a few days ago. I wonder how they’re getting along.”
Gleeful laughter erupted from Hetty, tears streaking her cheeks, “I’d say the trail they are leaving would be easy to follow by the stench alone.”
Corina’s eyes lit with mischief. Then sobering she took one of Hetty’s hands in her own, “I’ve got to continue my journey tomorrow. I’ve one more inn to visit before I reach my final destination. I believe you are capable of getting word to those loyal to the true crown. Whatever fighting men you can round up should mass along Brightling River a short distance from Veris. Ravyn is coming, and she will confront Zelera. She is our hope.”
Smiling, Hetty replied, “I’m already on it. I’ve sent word that a traveling herb-woman is heading to Farrier, and the inn there, The Dancing Bear. Men are gathering weapons as we speak and spreading the word of the resistance.”
Corina smiled, standing. “I knew you were the right person for the job. Now, there are sick to attend to before I leave, so I’d better get busy.”
Blade played with the pups on the floor, rolling around laughing. Ravyn smiled. He’d regained his strength so quickly. She had been drying venison over the last few days, preparing to leave. If the wolves could get a sled, they would be down the mountain in a heartbeat. Things were looking up.
A series of howls brought her attention to the den entrance. Kialgyn entered the cozy cave, looking proud.
“Ravyn, we have a sled and some furs as well to keep you warm. Is the Blade ready to travel?” His eyes crossed the room to where Blade was still cavorting with Scamp and Sprit. “I see that he is. The sun will be going down soon. I suggest we leave with its rising.”
Skipping across the cave, Ravyn hugged the fatherly wolf about his neck, nuzzling into the soft fur. “Thank you, Kialgyn. We’ll be ready to leave at dawn.”
Looking over Ravyn’s head, Kialgyn growled softly at Shera, “The Blade should still be in the warmth of the cave tonight. Tomorrow night he will be out in the cold. That’s soon enough.” Shera grinned at her softhearted mate.
Chapter 15
The morning dawned glorious, the air crisp. Ravyn and Blade tied all their supplies to the sled before they began strapping the wolves into the harnesses.
Scamp and Sprit barked and nipped at their feet, begging to go on the adventure. Shera moved to intervene, but Kialgyn barked, “Come here, boys, I need to have a talk with you.” He crouched down before them, “My two brave lads, I’ve got to get Ravyn and the Blade down off the mountain. But, that means your mom will be left without protection. I’m relying on you two to keep things safe in my absence. Can I count on you?”
The pups puffed out their furry chests, howling, “Yes, sir, we’ll keep mama safe. We can do it.”
“I knew I could count on you.” He growled lovingly. Turning to Shera, he winked. “I’ll be back before the next full moon. Take Care,” he said, leaning over to rub noses.
Ravyn made the rounds, caressing each wolf that was staying behind and thanking them for their care and protection. Blade also thanked each wolf, scratching them behind their ears or ruffling their fur. They strapped Kialgyn in the lead position.
Climbing aboard the sled, they bundled up in the furs. “The blessing of the Light upon this pack,” Ravyn cried. The sled lurched forward, crunching through the snow.
A chorus of howls resounded, echoing a safe journey’s blessing and a triumphant resolution of the challenges ahead.
Breaking into a steady lope, the wolves headed southwesterly down the mountain, following a switchback trail. The wind whistled around the blankets, but Ravyn and Blade were snug and cozy inside their fur shelter.
Blade encircled Ravyn in his arms, and she snuggled closer. In that instant nothing existed but the two of them. He inhaled deeply, breathing her in. Sighing, she relaxed in his arms. Riding in comfortable silence, they luxuriated in the peace of the moment, listening to the soft shushing of the sled as it glided across the snow.
At noon the wolves stopped to rest. Ravyn rolled her head in a big circle, working out the kinks in her neck. She and Blade pushed away the furs, getting out of the cramped sled to stretch their legs. Walking off in opposite directions, they found privacy to relieve their bladders.
“We make good time. We should be down in two or three days if the weather holds. The Blade should get some walking in and work his sword arm. He needs to regain strength,” Kialgyn informed them.
“While you get a workout, I’ll contact Connor. I haven’t spoken with him in days.” Pulling out the scrying bowl, she set it on a fur she’d spread on the ground. Finding the aural plane came easy and she projected her thread down the mountain, searching to the east and Connor’s last location. She opened her senses, discovering Connor’s thread. Gently she tapped his thread, getting his attention. She giggled at the sight of him; he reminded her of her nurse, plump and rosy-cheeked.
‘What are you twittering about, Ravyn? You’ve seen me as a woman before,’ he grouched.
‘But not like Nurse Mayweather. You look like her twin.’
Connor paused, thinking, ‘You know you’re right. I wasn’t consciously trying to look like her, but trying to find an image people would trust and feel comfortable around.’ He chuckled. ‘She always made people feel right at home in the castle, didn’t she? Now, where are you?’
‘Kialgyn and his pack are bringing us down in a sled; they borrowed it from a trapper. Blade is recovering and nearly back to full strength. Kialgyn says we should be down in two or three days. Will you meet us?’
‘I will be in Farrier at The Dancing Bear, the only inn in town. I’m working as a healer. The army is gathering at Brightling River. I’ve received disturbing news from Veris. We must proceed quickly. Zelera is fortifying the castle with defenses conjured from the Dark Arts. Many good folk have lost their lives and more will follow.’
‘What are these defenses?’
‘I tried to ascertain them, but the Darkness shrouds everything. Searing pain surrounds the castle; when I attempt to scry it, my heart feels as though it will burst. I will make another attempt later today after I’ve rested.’ His voice sounded weary.
Ravyn sensed his apprehension, and her stomach began coiling. Connor was nervous, and that made her nervous.
‘Don’t fret, Ravyn, I just overdid myself. I’ll find a way through the Darkness, never
fear. I will see you at The Dancing Bear, and we will begin planning. The Light’s blessing upon you.’
Retreating from his thread, Ravyn then projected her aura toward Veris, toward her home. As she approached the place where the castle should be, a bitter taste saturated the aural field. Color faded to inky black. Anguish and pain clawed at her mind. Turning to retreat, she found herself surrounded by the Darkness. Her heartbeat raced; her breathing came in shallow little gasps. The Darkness continued pushing in on her, crushing her. The constricting coils squeezed all the happiness and hope out of her. If only she could cut through it.
Envisioning a sword in her mind, her father’s sword glowing with the Light, she imagined it cutting away the layers of ebony decay. She screamed in agony as countless dead and dying filled her vision, their faces burning into her mind. Zelera’s maniacal laughter echoed through her head. A glimpse of rock, fire, water, and wind whipping past her, she screamed again before collapsing on the fur. Pain burned through every fiber of her being. The image of the sword dissolved depositing Ravyn in complete Darkness. Ravyn cried out for the mercy of the Light.
Dropping his sword, Blade raced to Ravyn as she screamed. He caught her as she slumped down unconscious, limp as a noodle. Fear gripping him, he noticed her rapid breathing and the throbbing blood vessel on her temple.
Kialgyn sat alert, ears pricked forward, nose scenting the air. “There was no magical attack. I do not sense it. But, the aura surrounding her smells of festering decay,” he growled and his gray hair stood on end.
Blade splashed water on Ravyn’s face. Moaning, she tried to open her eyes. The light stabbed at her. The Light! Her eyes fluttered open and she was looking up into Blade’s anxious face.
“Ravyn, are you alright? Is Connor okay?” the words tumbled out. Blade brushed a stray black lock of hair away from her eyes.