Storm Raven

by K Hanson

  After Nereyda had been hiking for an hour or so, the path widened, and the forest cleared. A town stretched up the bottom part of the nearest of the verdant hills. It straddled the river, with a wooden bridge connecting the two halves. She pushed her exhausted body into the village to search for some sort of inn or tavern.

  While she looked around for a place to stay and regroup, she realized that she didn’t even have any money. The only possessions that she still had were her sword, dagger, and the clothes that she wore. Nereyda didn’t want to take the time to get a job, since every day meant that her crew was another day closer to being consumed by their sentence in the mines, along with another day closer to Erhan getting off that island and finding a way to foil her plans.

  Plans. Like I have any actual plans right now.

  She shook her head. For now, she had to focus on getting some money so that she could afford the food, rest, and transportation that she needed. If actually working was out of the question, that meant her only option was to borrow some money from somebody who wouldn’t notice or miss it.

  Nereyda scanned the buildings to look for a sufficiently wealthy-looking home that she could break into. As she worked her gaze up the hillside, through a gap in the trees, she noticed a house that she had not seen before. Not just a house, but a mansion. From what she could see through the woods, the estate sat upon a terrace that had been flattened on the hillside.

  Nereyda wandered her way through the city streets searching for a road that led up the hill and toward the estate. The villagers that passed by her all gave her strange looks. Whether it was because she was a stranger in their small town or because she still hadn’t had a chance to bathe or clean herself up after enduring a storm and getting tossed onto a beach like a piece of driftwood, she wasn’t quite sure. Maybe the stares were because she had a piece of seaweed somewhere in her hair. Whatever. She didn’t really care what they thought.

  After spotting a road that wound up through the trees in the direction of the mansion, Nereyda quickened her pace and turned up the path. When she had walked a bit up the hill, she looked forward and back. Seeing nobody within view, she slipped among the trees to continue her approach under the forest’s cover. With the path still in view, she matched its course through the woods while moving through the brush. As the trees ahead began to thin out, she slowed down and bent into a crouch as she closed on the estate grounds.

  At the edge of the woods, she peered from behind a tree to gaze out over the terrace ahead. Unfortunately, she couldn’t see much due to a damn hedge in the way.

  From what she could see over the top of the hedge, the mansion really just looked like a gigantic version of the houses she had found in the village below. The wooden walls gave it the look of a large hunting lodge. It featured three stories, each narrower than the one beneath it so that the structure was terraced. Doors on the second and third floors opened onto balconies that lined the entire perimeter of the mansion. At least she didn’t see any guards or anything from where she stood. To her left, the path led up to a closed iron gate. Nereyda assumed that it would be locked or, at the very least, watched. And, in her current state, she didn’t exactly look the part of someone who would drop by for a friendly visit.

  She crept over the last bit of open ground between the tree line and the hedge. Walking to her right, she made her way around the perimeter of the terrace to the rear of the grounds without seeing anyone and seemingly without anyone else seeing her. In the center of the back wall of the hedge, a small gate broke the line of green. A fresh floral scent wafted over the wall and reached her nostrils. Sneaking up to the edge of the opening, she looked through the bars at the area bounded by the walls.

  A garden, filled with colorful flowers and lush vegetables, stretched along the entire rear portion of the grounds and covered the short distance from the hedge to the back of the mansion. The house itself was truly a grand structure. The rear wall was at least as long as an Imperial battleship. A couple of bee houses even sat at either end of the garden, their occupants diligently fluttering through the flowers. Despite the large size, there was humility to the mansion when compared to some of the places that Nereyda had seen in her travels, such as those in the capital. It lacked the excessive opulence that so many nobles seemed to display. Instead, the owner had opted for a plain and rustic appearance with brown walls and dark green trim that matched the forest that surrounded the property. The owner wanted the comforts of wealth but didn’t feel the need to show it off. If she could get inside, she was sure that she would find some coin. Without the cover of darkness on her side, she didn’t dare enter the grounds to survey her potential target any further. Nereyda slid back into the forest and worked her way back to the downhill side of the terrace to return to the village until after dusk.

  Nereyda did not look forward to breaking into a place like the mansion. Without equipment or proper planning for such a heist, she’d be lucky to slip in and out of the property without getting caught. Yet, without the time to earn coin legitimately, she’d have to steal it from some place or another.

  As she walked back into town, she spotted an orchard at the edge of the village. She meandered in that direction and grabbed an apple from a tree to satisfy her hunger, or at least keep it at bay for a little while longer. Next to the orchard, a small barn sat unoccupied. She looked around and didn’t notice anybody looking, so she slipped through the doors of the barn and pulled them shut behind her. The barn appeared to be mostly empty, aside from a few scattered piles of hay. A ladder led from the floor to a loft above. Nereyda climbed the rungs to the platform and reclined to pass the time until daylight slipped away.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  In the dark of night, Nereyda stumbled through the underbrush as she made her way through the forest toward the estate. She took her time navigating the woods to avoid tripping on a root or snapping a stray twig. The air in the forest felt refreshingly cool upon her skin. The only sounds were her soft footsteps and the calls of insects as they came out for their nighttime activities.

  When she reached the edge of the forest, the estate seemed dark and empty. None of the windows had lights shining from within nor did she see anyone moving around the grounds. Unless the hedge hid something from her view, it should be simple to break into the mansion and get out with whatever she wanted before someone noticed her. Perhaps her earlier apprehension had been unfounded. Some heists were easier than others.

  Like before, she worked her way around to the rear entrance, adjacent to the garden behind the house. Peeking through the bars of the gate, she still saw no evidence of activity within the house. She checked the gate and found it locked.

  Not exactly unexpected.

  Ignoring the prickling from the branches, she grabbed the hedge and started to pull herself over the green wall. Her leather armor prevented most of her body from being scratched as she climbed, but it was still a pain to clamber her way over the bushes. Luckily, the hedge seemed to be intended more as a decoration than a barrier to potential intruders. When she reached the top of the wall, she glanced around the grounds one more time to make sure that nobody was around to see her.

  Again, she saw nothing to dissuade her from her objective that night.

  Nereyda pulled her legs over the top of the hedge and dropped to the ground below, her lithe frame landing with barely a noise.

  Now inside the garden, she remained crouched as she approached the rear of the house. When she reached the wall, she slid along it to the rear entrance of the mansion. She twisted the door handle, and it refused to budge. As gently and quietly as possible, she shook the door, just to check if it was loose, but it had been locked tight. Not a surprise, but it never hurt to try the easy way in before going through the effort of getting creative. The windows were also locked, but she climbed onto one of the window frames and used it to reach the edge of the balcony above her. She pulled herself up and slid over the railing.

  Nereyda kept her footsteps
light as she approached the second-floor wall and climbed it the same way as she had the first. Once she had reached on the third-floor balcony, she walked up to the nearest door and tried the knob.

  The latch clicked as the knob completely turned, and she pulled the door open. Whoever lived here probably figured nobody would bother trying to climb all the way up to the third floor. Either that or someone had just forgotten to check it.

  Stepping into the house, she saw that a hallway ran along the outer edge of the floor with windows that looked out onto the balcony. Doors lined the inner wall. She figured she’d at least find the master bedroom on the top floor, where she was sure to find something valuable. Before she began investigating the rooms, she wanted to walk a lap around the hallway to ensure that she wouldn’t be taken off guard by an unexpected occupant.

  As she crept along the dark hallway, Nereyda overheard voices coming from one of the rooms ahead. A door had been left ajar, with soft orange light glowing from within. Before she got close enough to make out the words, she could tell that whoever spoke the hushed words was agitated.

  “You’ve seen how conditions are in the factories, and all over the country. It can’t continue like this. Someone has to do something,” said a man’s voice.

  “But what can we do? Most of the nobility like things how they are. Not everyone wants to treat their workers like you treat yours,” said a second voice.

  “Enough people desire change that we can at least start to do something. And not all change has to start at the top. I think it’s time that everyone had a say, not just an emperor who sits in his palace without taking the time to get to know his people.”

  “Be careful. What you’re talking about is treason. Rebellion, even.”

  “Exactly, if it comes to that.”

  “I’m not sure the people have the stomach for another war. Not so soon after the war with Stalsta.”

  “The same could be said of the Empire itself. If we gather enough support, maybe we can force the emperor to do something without war.”

  “But if he doesn’t?”

  “Then we do what we need to do.”

  Nereyda listened from the edge of the door frame. She didn’t know who she overheard, but if they were considering opposing the emperor, and even going as far as supporting open revolt, perhaps they would be able to help her get to the mines. And, if not, she’d have to run like hell to escape this mansion and disappear.

  She took a deep breath and lifted her hand to the door. Pressing forward, she stepped into the dimly lit room. Two men sat in high-backed chairs in front of a warm fireplace. A third chair sat next to them, though it remained unoccupied. As the floor creaked beneath her feet, they turned with wide eyes toward the new face intruding on their private meeting. Terror spread over their faces as they realized that she’d overheard them.

  “You should probably lock the doors for chats like this,” she said.

  “How did you get in here? And why are you here?” said one of the men. Nereyda recognized the voice as that of the first man, the one who wanted to rebel. He had dark, rough features, the face of someone who was used to working hard. Even in the light of the fire, she saw that he had a tan complexion.

  “Well, as for how I got in,” said Nereyda as she closed the door and walked further into the room, “you didn’t have any guards outside, and the door to your upper balcony is unlocked. For why, I don’t suppose it would be a great first impression if I told you I was here to rob you. Though, from what I overheard, I think I have a better idea.”

  “If I were you, I’d get out of here right now. If you leave, I’ll forget I saw you.”

  “The thing is, from what I just heard, I’m pretty sure we can help each other.” Without waiting for an invitation, Nereyda plopped down into the open chair and poured herself a drink from the decanter on the table. As she sat back, she stifled a sigh. The soft cushions of the chair were a welcome relief. She hadn’t relaxed anywhere comfortable since the fisherman’s cottage.

  The man’s eyes narrowed. “Who exactly are you?”

  “My name is Nereyda, and I’m a pirate captain. Or, I was. I’m pretty used to doing things that aren’t allowed in places I’m not supposed to be. Clearly, you could use a little help in the sneaky subterfuge area. Now, whose party did I walk into?”

  The dark-haired man looked over at his companion, with lighter and cleaner features, who just shrugged and remained silent. Turning back, the first man said, “I am Lord Devrim. This is my home that you’ve broken into.”

  “What about your friend?”

  “Let’s leave him out of this for now. So, you said you’re a pirate. What’s the name of your ship? And just how do you think we can work together?”

  “My ship is, well, was the Storm Raven. Until we got caught, that is. My crew is currently serving their sentence in the mines. I need your help to get there so I can break them out.”

  The man let out an incredulous laugh. “How exactly do you plan to do that? Nobody has ever escaped.”

  “I’ll find a way. I just need money and supplies for the trip there. And you’re going to give them to me.”

  “Why should I help you with that?”

  “A couple of reasons. First, I’m trying to do something that will at the very least embarrass the Empire. I think that would be helpful for you. Also, I just heard you conspiring against the emperor. If you don’t help me, I’ll make sure that someone hears what you’re plotting.” Nereyda flashed a wicked grin.

  Devrim raised his voice. “You’re blackmailing me in my own home? That’s it, I’m turning you in.” He shoved himself to his feet and glanced down at his friend. “Do whatever you need to keep her here.” He strode toward the door.

  “I’ve clearly already escaped once,” Nereyda said from the chair. “I can do it again. How do you feel about your odds after I tell them what I overheard?”

  He halted with his hand resting on the doorknob and looked over his shoulder. “You have no proof. They won’t believe you.”

  “Maybe not enough to arrest you. But it will make them look at you more closely from here on out. You can forget trying to organize your little rebellion or whatever it is you’re planning.”

  Devrim’s hand dropped from the door as he turned around and walked back to the seating area. “You just said you escaped already. You weren’t with your crew?”

  “No, they separated us. I was pressed into serving on a ship in the Shattered Sea. I don’t have time to tell the whole story, but let’s just say I escaped and washed up on the beach not far from here.”

  “That explains why you look like, well, that.” He gestured toward her.

  “You really know how to charm the ladies with that silver tongue of yours. It’s also why I have nothing, aside from my weapons and clothes.”

  “Let’s say I give you what you say you need. How do I know that you’ll actually use it for what you say you’re going to do?”

  Nereyda shrugged. “I suppose you don’t. You’ll just have to keep your ears open for news of anything unusual happening at the mining complex.”

  Devrim gripped the back of the empty chair that he had been sitting in and gazed into the fire. “I’ll need to think on this.”

  “Sure, but where am I supposed to go?”

  “I guess you can stay here for now. And grab a bath while you’re at it.” He wrinkled his nose. “You’re making my house smell like fish.” He moved toward the door and gestured for her to follow.

  Nereyda didn’t move. “With all of this charm and charisma, you’ll definitely make an inspirational leader for your revolution. Just tell everyone that they look awful and smell, and they’ll do whatever you ask. Why are you so quick to trust me?” she asked as she studied him. “You just met me after I came here to rob you and you’re letting me stay in your home?”

  “I’m not letting you stay out of the kindness of my heart.” He gave her a cheerless smile. “I don’t want you leaving and talking to the
wrong person about what you saw here tonight. Here, at least, I can keep an eye on you until I decide what to do.”

  “Fine.” Nereyda shrugged. “As long as I don’t have to sleep in a barn, I’ll take it.”

  “Just follow me to one of my guest rooms and then you can have the place to yourself.”

  Devrim led her through the halls of the mansion to another room on the third floor. For a guest room, it was still quite opulent. A large four-post bed sat at one end, with a dresser and vanity on the other. A door in the corner opened into a spacious washroom, with a large tub and toilet. Apparently, Devrim had managed to set up plumbing all the way out here.

  “Now, I’ll leave you be, and we can chat over breakfast tomorrow morning,” he said before leaving and pulling the door shut behind him.

  Nereyda heard a click after the door had latched. Not surprising that he wouldn’t trust her to wander around his house. Her stomach growled, and she wished she had thought to ask for something to eat before calling it a night. Oh well, she could endure hunger just a bit longer. At least she would be able to clean the sea and sand off of her.

  She drew a warm bath for herself and slipped into the comforting water, letting it wash away the grit, sand, and salt that she had collected from her time on the island and at sea. As the heat relaxed her muscles, her mind followed suit, and soon she dozed off. After waking to lukewarm water, she groaned with the effort to haul herself out of the tub. Barely making an effort to dry off, she soon collapsed in a heap on the bed.

  ---

  When Nereyda, at last, opened her eyes to the morning light and got dressed, she checked the door and found that it had been unlocked. She emerged into the hallway, and the scent of meat and eggs wafted through the corridor. Following her nose, she descended to the first floor of the mansion and found her way to a dining room. A table sat in the middle, with several plates of food spread over the surface. Devrim sat at the head of the table.