Return of the Crown (16 page)

“Your harpy mates have failed me. You will
not be returning home,” she declared.

Jedro tucked his head under his wing and
closed his eyes.

"Never fear, my pet,” she crooned. “I have
another use for you. Your end is not imminent.”

He lifted his head, opening his mouth to
plead for release, but she was gone leaving only the pervasive
scent of evil. Jedro tucked his head under his wing. If he couldn’t
smell the Darkness, could it find him?

Zelera rounded the corner, black robes
billowing out behind her. The air grew warmer with each step. She
stopped outside the incubation room. The guard sat in his chair,
chin to his chest, snoring soundly.

Zelera pointed bony fingers at his head,
releasing a streak of violet energy. The guard yelped, eyes wide,
and jumped to his feet. “My apologies, m'lady,” he sputtered. “It’s
so warm down here, I got dozy. It won’t happen again.”

“It had better not or I shall have to find
another use for you. Any change in my egg?”

"No, m'lady, not a scratch or a peep. Is it
alive?”

Glaring at the guard, she snapped, “You keep
the temperature up at all times? You never let it slack?” Her eyes
narrowed as she scrutinized his sweaty face.

“Y-y-yes, m'lady.”

“Then all is fine. You had better let me know
the moment you hear it starting to crack. I must be the one it sees
first.” Spinning on her heel, she stormed back toward her tower.
Servants scurried away like rats as she approached. She tossed her
head back, soaking up the fear radiating throughout the castle.

Returning to her room, she found a tray
waiting for her. Fruit, cheese, and a large trencher of meat
covered with gravy lay waiting. The smell of fresh fruit turned her
stomach. It was difficult to find food pleasing to her palate.

Picking up a decanter of dark red wine, she
swirled it beneath her nose. She’d need something to wash down the
meal. Exposure to Dark magic had its side effects. Along with the
changes in her diet, she found it increasingly difficult to
sleep.

She nibbled at the contents of the tray. It
all tasted bland, and it never satisfied her. She tossed back
several glasses of the wine, trying to fill the hollow in her
middle. Feeling drowsy, she settled back onto her divan, closing
her eyes.

Black hair bloomed into view, flying away
from an angelic face. Blue eyes deep and consuming, stared her
down. Lareina and Bryant joined Ravyn; the mirror shattered,
throwing shards into the Darkness. The Darkness became a vicious
monster with blood red eyes and razor sharp teeth. The mouth
expanded, looming over Zelera swallowing her in one tremendous
gulp. All went black. Zelera bolted upright, sweat beading her
brow.

She stared out the window at the night sky,
trying to erase the dream image etched in her memory. The dream
returned night after night, haunting her. Easing off the divan, she
went to her books, thumbing through the tomes of Darkness. It was
better when she worked.

Ravyn opened her eyes to predawn light
filtering through the leafy lattice above. Rolling on her side, she
stared at Blade’s face. Her eyes traced his strong jaws, the soft
locks of tawny hair, and the closed lids hiding his emerald green
eyes. A soft blush tinged her cheeks. He made her feel strong,
secure, and able to overcome any obstacle. The sun peeked into the
sky casting a rosy glow about them. If only it could stay this
way.

Blade and Giallag began stirring, and the
moment was broken. Ravyn turned away, lest her eyes betray her.

“Good morning, Rav,” Blade murmured.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

“I did. I believe I actually closed both eyes
last night. Giallag offered to take a turn at watch.” He turned to
the stallion. “Thank you again for that.”

“You are more than welcome, Blade. I’m glad
you were able to get some rest. Princess, how do you fare this
morning?”

“Well, I can tell you this, I’m not exactly
looking forward to another ride upon your back. My bottom is
sore!”

Giallag snorted, and Blade nearly choked on
his laughter. They all rose, yawning and stretching. Ravyn excused
herself to wash the sleep from her eyes. Giallag joined her at the
pool for a cool drink. “A quick breakfast and then you can have
that ride you’re looking forward to,” he chortled, brassy tones
erupting in the quiet morning air.

“I’m so delighted; I can hardly wait,” she
trilled back. “I think we have some leftovers from last night.” She
looked over at Blade who was stoking the little fire. He was busy
preparing their morning meal.

They ate, tidied up the campsite, and packed
their bags with efficient haste. Once again, Giallag lowered
himself to the ground allowing them to mount. Then they were off,
streaking through the forest to Hidden Pass.

The blurring trees soon took on distinct
shapes. Giallag slowed. The ride was over. After they dismounted,
Giallag shook himself lightly. Ravyn rubbed her sore bottom, which
set the stallion to laughing again, his horn reflecting the morning
sun as his head bobbed.

“I’m so glad I amuse you,” she teased, her
lilting flute sounds dancing on the breeze.

“Ah, Princess, it was such a blessing to come
to know you. I’m sorry you have to start this steep trek with an
aching backside,” he trumpeted again.

Ravyn smiled, then put a hand to the
stallion’s neck. “Giallag,” Ravyn began, “I can never thank you
enough for your aid. We would never have come so far so fast.”

“Princess, the honor was mine. Should you
require the services of the unicorn herd of Wanderer’s Forest, we
are at your disposal.” Turning to Blade he stated, “Take good care
of her, Sir Blade. All of Aigerach is counting on you.”

Blade put an arm around Ravyn’s shoulders
drawing her close to his side. “You can count on that, Giallag, to
my dying breath.” The melodious tones of his deep brass climbed
skyward. Ravyn felt sheltered from the evils of the world, wrapped
in the cocoon of Blade’s arm.

Giallag pointed his horn at two large
boulders directly before them. “Behind those boulders lies the
path. It starts in a narrow gully winding upwards. The path heads
in a southwesterly direction. Midway through, it aims east for a
few days before cutting back to the west. It is narrow, steep, and
difficult, but the path is clear as long as you stay upon it.”

Running her fingers through the soft mane,
Rayvn leaned forward kissing Giallag on the forehead. “Good-bye,
friend, till we meet again.”

Turning as one, Ravyn and Blade circled
behind the boulders to find Hidden Pass, disappearing from the
unicorn’s view.

Giallag trumpeted softly, “The blessing of
the Light upon you both.” Rearing in salute, he raced off to his
herd, a snowy smudge against the evergreens.

Captain Joff spied an old washerwoman
trudging out of the village. A sack bearing all her belongings
weighed heavy on her stooped shoulders. He walked towards her, and
she turned, looking him square in the eye.

Joff smiled, “Old mother, where are you
going? We’ve sent Zelera’s henchmen packing. They won’t return
soon.”

The wizened old woman returned the smile,
flashing a toothy grin. “Ah lad, my being here caused this village
its troubles. I’d best be on my way.”

“You, ma’am, how could that be?” Joff cocked
an eyebrow, taking in the deteriorating old body.

The old woman bent over, letting her pack
fall to the ground. She stood back up, putting leathery hands on
her plump hips and cackled, “What would Zelera want with an old
worn-out washerwoman you ask. Things are not always what they seem,
Captain Joff, or have you forgotten that day at the gates of
Veris?”

While the captain scrutinized the weathered
face before him, Cornelia winked. Throwing his head back, Joff
roared in laughter.

“You crafty old fox. I’ve been looking for
you for weeks. What is the news?”

“Why don’t you take this kind old lady to the
tavern for a pint? That should loosen my lips.”

Shouldering the pack, Joff lent his arm to
the elderly woman. They headed back up the road into town, heading
to the Golden Eagle Inn. Joff ushered the washerwoman in before
him.

Brigan the innkeeper hustled out from behind
the bar, “What can I do for you, Captain Joff?”

“A private room please, Brigan. This woman
has news for the resistance. I would hear her tale without
distractions. A couple pints and some stew would do nicely as
well.”

Bustling ahead of them, Brigan indicated a
small room in the back. “I’ll be right back with those pints and
some stew.”

It was a small room with a little hearth. The
fire was unlit, but the smoky scent clung to the air. Joff closed
the window, shutting out the fresh breeze. Brigan bustled in,
setting down their meal and pints. He wiped the table down and then
backed out shutting the door behind him.

Settling into his chair, Joff broke out
chuckling. “You’ve outdone yourself, Connor. I never would’ve
guessed.”

“Ah, it worked to a degree, but Zelera knows
I am about. Her soldiers have been bullying these folk every day,
and each time they come it gets more horrific. It’s time I moved
on.”

“Well, what is the news? Where’s Blade? It’s
been quite some time since I’ve seen the lad.”

Connor wiped ale from his lip, dirtying his
sleeve. “Blade is with Ravyn; they should be starting out on Hidden
Pass any time now. Without any storms hampering them, they should
be with us in a couple weeks. That will give us time before the
Autumn Equinox to plan. We need to alert all those willing to stand
against Zelera. We need an army.”

Joff sobered. “Few real soldiers exist
anymore. Zelera has killed everyone who stood against her. But, I
know many people will rally to the cause. They will be green in the
arts of war. I hope it will suffice.”

Connor smiled grimly. “Twenty men or ten
thousand men, it will have to do. They may be green, but the Light
will be with them. That counts; never forget that. We fight for our
country. We fight for the Light.” He paused, fat fingers drumming
the table, “Ravyn made friends with the harpies and unicorns of
Wanderer’s Forest. Seek them out. This will be a battle waged for
all of Aigerach; all creatures have a stake in the outcome.”

Raising an eyebrow, Joff replied, “You think
these creatures will fight alongside men?”

“I do. Ravyn has made quite an impression
with them all. I think they’d do anything for her.”

"I’ll send my men at once. We’ll find every
able bodied creature or man available.”

Connor smiled looking down at his bulging
chest, “Or woman. I believe your title undervalues you. If you
don’t mind, I think I shall start calling you General Joff.”

Joff leaned back, “But.”

Connor thumped the table with his hand, “No
fussing, General Joff. Ravyn will agree that you are our man. Now,
let’s eat. I’m starving. There is much to do, and little time to do
it in.”

Joff smiled sadly. “I always wanted an army
career, and truth be told, I wanted to be the General one day. But
not like this.” The muscle in his jaw twitched, and he wiped all
emotion from his face. “Where will you be, so that we might
continue with our plans?” He picked up a spoonful of hearty
stew.

“Hidden Pass is where I’m heading. I must
work with Ravyn as soon as she is off the mountain. I’ll be in one
disguise or another at the villages along the way.”

They finished the meal, draining their pints.
Joff escorted the old washerwoman to the road, handing her pack to
her. The washerwoman shouldered it and shuffled down the road
heading into the forest. Looking back, Connor saw Joff amongst his
men, spreading news and giving orders.

Ravyn’s arms flew out wide as she lost her
balance again. Loose scree covered the steep slope causing her feet
to slide out from underneath her. Small patches of snow peeked out
from the shadows of huge boulders. The thinning air caused them to
huff and puff; she felt like a fish lying on a dock gasping for
breath. The cool breeze sweeping down the mountain chilled their
sweaty limbs, sending shivers racing up their spines.

Around noon, Blade halted. The mountain
loomed over them, and Blade felt like a little ant climbing a tree.
Looking down on Wanderer’s Forest, he saw nothing but a carpet of
green.

They sat on the cold rocky ground, eating
bits of bread and cheese, and drinking sparingly from the
water-skin. Ravyn shivered, looking toward the peak towering above.
Blade reached over and patted Ravyn’s hand. “Only a few more
switchbacks,” he said with a sigh, “then a few more, and a few more
after that.”

“Will it never stop?” Ravyn cried. “This
mountain seems to go on forever.”

Blade stood up, holding his hand out to
Ravyn, “Time to get going. If we stay sitting on this cold ground,
it’s going to sap all the strength right out of us.”

“Oh, all right, killjoy,” she took his hand,
hauling herself upright. She stomped her feet to get the blood
flowing, then started walking up the path behind Blade.

The trail continued winding up the mountain’s
flanks, around huge rock spurs, and through gullies created by
spring snowmelt. Emerging from a narrow gully, they noticed the sun
was dropping below the horizon. Frigid air seeped through the
stitches in their clothing, chilling their flesh.

The tree line had disappeared several hours
before, leaving them with no fuel for a fire. Huddling down next to
a boulder, they ate a brief meal, the sky darkening around them.
Exhausted, Ravyn leaned her head on Blade’s shoulders, a sigh
escaping as she slipped into slumber.

Smiling down at the top of the ebony head
nuzzled into his arm, Blade tucked the Elven cloak tighter about
Ravyn. He liked the way her warm body felt snuggled against him. He
kissed the top of Ravyn’s head; it was like a whisper of a kiss.
Then he settled down for much needed rest, one eye slightly
open.