“We keep moving south until we are outside of Springdale, then we make camp for the night,” he told her.
Hellios grunted at Sytravious’ response and said, “Sounds splendid, lad, but have you forgotten who we have in our company? We are not only a band of fugitives now. We are kidnappers with their prized jewel.”
“I was not kidnapped! I left on my own free will,” Raiven exclaimed.
Bryce walked up to the group, taking a defensive stance next to the priestess. Hellios gave him an once-over, and chuckled. “Calm down, colossus. I am just stating the obvious, no need to get all guardian on me. You know as well as I do that we cannot keep running like this for long. We need a long-term plan. It is not going to be safe for any of you in Springdale, or any city in Valcrest for that matter. You should come with Nysight and I, back to the---”
Sytravious cut him off, “We are not going to your home, Hellios! After everything that has happened, that is the last place I want to be. Besides, it is no place for Raiven. We will forge our own way.”
“Where is his home?” Raiven whispered as she studied the legionnaire.
Hellios opened his mouth to reply, but when Sytravious glared at him and shook his head, and the legionnaire murmured, “I am going to check on Nysight,” and he turned to set out for the tree line.
Sytravious gripped Raiven’s shoulders and debated as to how to explain the situation to her, without compromising his real identity yet. Even though he had grown much closer to the priestess, he knew he would have to explain his origins to her eventually. It was something he was hesitant to do because he still feared her reactions. After going through so much to get her by his side, he could not stand to imagine her repulsion when he revealed the shocking truth of who he is.
“Raiven, Hellios is a ranger from abroad, from a place far beyond Moruz and the islands of the sea. My stepfather knew him as a boy, but the man before us today is still very much a stranger and I do not trust him enough to accompany him to his homeland just yet.”
She seemed to accept his explanation, but Bryce appeared to be dwelling on the conversation. The guardian was deep in thought as he stroked his bushy beard.
“But he made a good point, Sytravious. I mean, we have got to live somewhere, right?”
“If there is a land we can travel to and live in peace, I swear I will find it,” Sytravious replied. “The last thing we need to do is start panicking now, when there are far greater things to take into account, like finding shelter from this storm.”
At that moment, Hellios emerged from the woods. He signaled them to gather up their belongings, and follow him into the woods. “Nysight found a small cave. It is nothing fancy like what you are used to, Priestess, but it is warm and more importantly, dry.”
They gathered their things and followed the legionnaire away from the falling rain.
Raiven leaned back against Sytravious’ firm chest, as the sounds of the heavy downpour and crackling campfire filled the small cave. The group sat huddled around the fire, welcoming the warmth. Hellios had shared his rations of dried meat with them. She nibbled on the meat seasoned with spices she had never tasted, and stared into the dancing flames in the center of their encampment.
Her body was exhausted from the trip out of Havencrest, but her mind was far more fatigued. The severity of her actions was settling on her conscience. Every time she started to feel the slightest bit of regret, she would remind herself of Jezra’s deceit and the corruption in the government. Even so, her heart was still beating hard as she struggled to cope with the bold choice she had made to run off with Sytravious. Raiven was only a teenager, but she knew she could not allow them to deal her out to the highest bidder.
She glanced up at Sytravious. He was staring at his stepfather, who had not spoken since finding out about the death of his wife. Raiven realized no one had said a word since settling into the cave. The mood was somber, and everyone was lost in thought.
Bryce was the first to break the silence and directed his question to Hellios, “You would not happen to have any ale in that bag of yours would you, friend?” The guardian waved his hand around, trying to get Hellios’ attention. The legionnaire looked up to see Bryce gesturing as if he was holding a mug and sipping it. Hellios shook his head.
Bryce grumbled, “I am a guardian and a drinker. It is what I do. What am I supposed to do without ale?”
Raiven found herself smiling for the first time all day because she was amused by her guardian’s fondness for drinking. However, not everyone shared her sentiments, as Sytravious demonstrated with a groan.
“Very well, if I cannot have a real drink, then the least we can do is partake in some merriment. I think I remember a few bar tunes from the Trapper House.”
“Bryce, please do not---” Sytravious attempted to stop him, but it was too late.
“If I had one ale, I would ask for another yet
In addition, drink maybe just one more.
Three ales seem plenty, yes,
As for me sir, I will gladly have four!”
Sytravious raised his voice over Bryce’s singing, “Nobody is in the mood for a song right now! Just give it a rest, would you?”
She felt bad for her guardian, who was glaring at Sytravious. “I think we could all use a little entertainment. It is better than wallowing in silence, right?” Raiven said.
Sytravious gawked at her with surprise, but he did not argue. “Very well, sing if you must, Bryce.”
Much to Raiven’s disappointment, the guardian was no longer in the mood to be cheerful. He ignored Sytravious and pulled out a whetstone to sharpen his dagger. She huffed out of frustration, and then noticed Hellios reaching into his bag. He pulled out a small lute, and began tuning its strings. She leaned in, full of curiosity. Raiven had not expected the rugged legionnaire to have any musical talent. Even Sytravious and Bryce seemed interested in the instrument.
Hellios peered up at her. “I do not know about that song of ale, but if you would like to listen to a real tune, I know one about a tale from my people. Would you like to hear it?”
Raiven was quick to nod her head before the others could chime in. She welcomed the chance to distract her mind from all the stress around her.
“Now, this tune is not one of merriment. It tells a tale of woe from a time long before our fathers’ fathers roamed these lands,” Hellios muttered as he tested the tension on the lute strings again. When he looked satisfied with the sound, he began plucking the strings with a smooth and slow cadence.
A dark and brooding melody echoed throughout the cave. The music pulled her in with its evocative tune, but she became even more intrigued when Hellios began singing. His voice was so deep and haunting, yet so beautiful that even Nysight glanced up. The group listened, as Hellios’ vocals had everyone’s undivided attention.
“The King is gone, our king is gone
Lost to love's heartbreak
And out of Nocturna’s ash
Comes the feared VanDrake.”
“With pain and hate comes Daegon's rage,
And Griever's used to rule
Fighting for his stolen heart
Is the lost princeof Moruz.”
“Here are we, the legionnaires
Know not love like you
Bound to that fateful night
Known only to us few.”
“With pain and hate comes Daegon's rage,
And Griever's used to rule
Fighting for his stolen heart
Is the lost prince Moruz.”
The eerie song entranced everyone, especially Raiven, but she still noticed when Hellios’ gaze darted up from his lute and settled on Sytravious.
“A day will come that all will fear
When a ruse becomes the truth
The return of the dragon's flame,
And the lost warlock of Moruz.”
He sang the last verse without breaking eye contact with Sytravious, which piqued her interest. When he finished the s
ong, he gave her a weak smile. She applauded with enthusiasm, and he bowed his head in return. Nysight clapped Hellios on the shoulder and looked at Sytravious. Raiven felt odd as she watched the silent exchange going on between the men. She could not pick up on what they were communicating to each other, but at this point, she did not care. Her tiredness from the day’s events had caught up to her, and she felt her eyelids become heavy. Sytravious glimpsed down at her with an adoring expression. She grinned at him, resting her head against his chest once more. The noises of the crackling fire and the falling rain helped her drift into a deep sleep as she closed her eyes.
Chapter 27
A Painful Truth Revealed
Early the next morning, Sytravious awoke to the sounds of birds singing at the sunrise. The storm had passed some time during the night, and morning dew clung to the flowers and grass outside the cave’s entrance. The others still slept inside, so Sytravious scouted the area around their camp. He decided to search for fresh water for them to drink. The journey ahead would be a long one, and they needed their strength if they hoped to be in Springdale by nightfall.
A few hundred feet into the woods, Sytravious found a small pond with an abandoned mill next to it. After searching the building, he found it was empty, with the exception of a soft bed and a few tools. He found a few buckets and filled them with water before returning to the camp.
After the animals had their fill, he went to return to the pond to refill the water skins, but instead, decided to check on Raiven first. If she were awake, perhaps she would join him on the walk to the pond. Tiptoeing into the cave, Sytravious made his way to her bedroll without alarming the others. She was lying on her side with the exposed flesh of her back facing the cave entrance. The backless dress she wore was ivory and tattered from the long journey and her smooth thigh stuck out from under her blanket. Sytravious stared at her flawless skin, resisting the urge to touch it. Instead, he moved his attention to her face and pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
She opened her eyes, and looked a bit disorientated. He used his shadow to block the incoming sunlight from her face, and placed a finger on his lips. Raiven gained her bearings, and smiled up at him. He motioned for her to follow, and helped her stand up. They exited the cave and snuck out to where the horses were grazing.
“Good morning, my priestess. How was your rest?”
“I have slept better, but for a cave it was not too bad, I suppose.”
She stretched her arms out and yawned. Sytravious watched the arch of her lower back as her arms were up in the air. He was now able to appreciate it more without the white temple cloak covering her. She was up on her toes, inhaling the morning air as she finished her stretching.
“Do you want to accompany me to a pond I found in the woods? Maybe we can freshen up like old times,” he offered.
Raiven smirked at him and nodded. His heart began to beat faster, knowing they would soon be alone together again without the anxiety of being caught anymore. He had daydreamt about the first time they would have privacy beyond the city walls. However, now that the moment was upon them, he was not sure if he had the nerve to try anything so audacious with the priestess.
Even after all this time had passed between them, her beauty still disarmed him. He loved the way her cheekbones rose when she smiled, or how they flushed pink when she focused on him. He looked at her, watching as the morning breeze danced through her hair. She seemed in better spirits today. Her warmth was contagious, causing his own mood to ease.
When they arrived to the pond, she lifted her dress above her knees to walk into the shallow edge of the waters. He got goosebumps at the sight of her perfect legs.
“Raiven, are you really going to go in there? I was only kidding earlier.”
“I will, if you do,” she said, and then dove head first into the pond. “Oh, my! It is so cold, but refreshing at the same time.” She waved him over.
“I said I was joking. I do not know how I feel about going into freezing water.”
Raiven rolled her eyes and started splashing water at him, missing him by a few feet. “Is the mighty Sytravious scared of getting wet? I suppose that is my fault though, right? You have been traumatized by my little spell from last time.”
Sytravious laughed at her attempt to tease him. He pulled off his shirt, kicked off his boots, and ran in after her. Seeing Raiven in her soaked white dress reminded him of the first day they met, except now she was unashamed to be swimming with him.
When she took notice of how transparent her dress had become, she dipped down into the water and gave him a shy smile. Even though he wanted to keep staring, he respected her privacy and turned his back to her. “It is nothing I have not seen before, but I understand.”
He noticed she did not offer a reply and listened to be sure she was still swimming behind him. He could hear the slow sounds of her breathing. “Does this not remind you of our spring? I was so mesmerized by you that morning, and I would be lying if I said I did not feel the same way right now.”
“Mmmhmm,” was her only response.
He smiled, knowing she would not be impressed with flattery. However, he did not say those things just to sweet-talk her, he had meant every word, and wished she knew how much he yearned for her. He glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of her in his peripheral vision. “You think I jest? Raiven, you are everything to me, the reason my heart still beats in my chest. If I ever lost you, I do not know what I would do.” He paused before whispering, “I imagine I would die inside.”
At that moment, a soaking wet garment flew over his head and splatted onto the shore in front of him. It was her dress. His eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at it, and then he felt Raiven’s arms wrap around his waist from behind. She embraced him, pressing her bare breasts against his back. Sytravious could not believe her bold actions. He inhaled sharply and tensed up, unsure of how to proceed. He grabbed her small hands in his, and lifted them to his lips, placing a warm kiss on her fingers.
“Tell me again…that I am everything to you.”
Sytravious spun around and took in the sight of her uncovered beauty, which glistened with water. He held her face in his hands. Her warm, golden eyes stared up at him.
“You are everything to me, always and forever. I love you more than I love myself, and I would do anything to be with you. I would face an army, battle across time, and abolish anything that stood in our way. I will always be yours, Raiven.”
“Kiss me, Sytravious.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with more passion than ever before. He was lost in his love for her, the tender touch of her mouth brought a feeling of complete ecstasy, and before he knew it, Raiven’s legs were wrapping around his waist. He held her up, feeling the softest parts of her in his strong hands. They were engrossed in each other, fully devoted to their love. They spent the next moments enjoying the solitude of the pond by using their bodies to take the final step in sharing such deep feelings for one another.
No memory would be sweeter or purer than the one he was creating with Raiven that morning in the pond by the mill. He knew at that moment that he would die for this woman, and devote the rest of his life to her happiness. His destiny was clear to him. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he would always strive to protect Raiven.
“Were those really womachs?” Raiven asked, with fear and curiosity in her voice.
Sytravious had stayed back with her and Bryce, while Nysight and Hellios dealt with a small pack of the beasts. He had heard many tales of the womachs that controlled the southern lands of Valcrest beyond the mountains, but had never seen one up close. The four-legged creatures were covered in thick layer of brown fur and were a head taller than any man he had ever seen. The manes of hair around their snarling faces gave them a commanding presence. They were layered with muscle, and to his surprise, more intelligent than anyone had let on.
Hellios explained that the womachs controlled the
shortcut to Springdale that they were traveling and since he and Nysight had experience dealing with their kind, they were the ones to negotiate their passage. Several daggers and pounds of food lighter, they were allowed to pass without any incident of any kind.
“I believe so. Though, they do not appear to have been the aggressive packs that raid the farmlands,” Sytravious replied.
“They will slit our throats as we sleep with the daggers we gave them,” Nysight objected.
His stepfather had been against negotiating with the beasts, but Hellios convinced him it was best to give them what they asked for instead of adding a clan of womachs to their pursuers.
“Maybe they will remember us fondly next time we pass through. There are fewer creatures you would rather have on your side than a womach,” Hellios said.
Sytravious peered back at the large creatures, thinking over the legionnaire’s words. He had to admit, they would indeed make a strong ally. “Too bad they are so barbaric or they might be ruling Valcrest by now.”
Hellios laughed and continued to lead the way through the thick shrubbery. The womach’s path was narrow, but proved true, as they reach the outskirts of Springdale a few hours later. By the time they reached the seaside city, the sun was setting. The small town was closing the gates for the day, so the group decided to camp out at the foot of the mountains along the south side of the city. It had been another long ride and everyone was ready for supper, especially Sytravious. Distracted by his wild thoughts of Raiven, he had hardly eaten since that morning.
After quite some time by the pond, they had ended up inside the abandoned mill, where they laid together on a soft bed until Nysight called on them. He could not shake the perfect memory from his mind. He glanced at the priestess and her cheeks turned a rosy pink as she smiled back at him.
Sytravious: The Lost Warlock Of Moruz (The Oathbreaker Book 1) Page 27