Child of Blackwen (An Artemis Ravenwing Novel Book 1) (10 page)

Once I reached Shadow’s house, I heard the sounds of arrows striking wood. Whenever I heard that, it usually meant one thing.

He was angry.
Very
angry.

Walking over, I found him—Shadow’s hair was bound with a brown ribbon that matched his tunic. His black breeches had patches of dirt along the sides; he must have practiced his swordsmanship earlier.

This didn’t bode well at all.

“Shadow?” I called out, wincing as the last arrow he released sank deep into the wooden target.

He didn’t respond. Shadow reached for another arrow, notched it along the bow, and released it within seconds. The arrow landed inches away from the previous one, also deep.

Despite the tension I felt, I walked over and grabbed his shoulder as gently as I could. He jumped and twisted my wrist as he grabbed it. I tried not to snap at him as he turned around and realized it was me. He quickly released it, and I rubbed my wrist while ignoring the red finger marks that then formed.

“Artemis, I’m so sorry!” Shadow took my wrist and inspected it. “I…I wasn’t myself.”

“So I’ve noticed,” I teased.

Shadow shook his head and threw down his bow.

“What happened to you? The last time you were this upset, it was before you told me you were leaving for the war in Fieros Mountains.”

“It’s worse than that,” Shadow explained, while still keeping an eye on my wrist. “Much worse.”

“My wrist is fine, you just took me by surprise.” I hid it behind my back. I sat on the grass, far from the arrows and the target. “Are you leaving again?”

Shadow sat beside me, looking to the sky. “No, I’m not leaving.”

“Then what’s going on?”

Shadow rubbed the back of his neck while thinking hard. He glanced at me, and half-smiled. “I can’t tell you just yet.”

“Meaning you want me to forget about it and not ask you again.”

“No.” Shadow fell back and moved his arms to cushion his head on the earth. “I will tell you when the time comes. Promise me something though, Artemis.”

“Name it.”

“There may be a time where I’ll come to you and tell you to pack only what is necessary for a trip outside of Ellewynth. When it does come, I don’t want you asking questions. You have to trust in me to explain everything when it is safe enough to.”

I stared at him. “Is something going to happen to the city?”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Shadow answered. “Promise me, Artemis.”

“I promise,” I said, now looking away.

I was worried. What did he know?

Shadow took a deep breath, and I could feel him watching me. “What brings you here? Talisa was supposed to visit you today. I know how much you wanted to see her.”

“She already did,” I replied. “And she took Jack away. His training starts tonight.”

“Ah.” Shadow softly laughed. “A word of advice, my dear…it’s better to visit them after at least a week. Talisa tends to put her apprentices through hell and back within their first week.”

“Do you think Jack will make it?”

“Well…” Shadow mused. “I could see him lasting a few years. I’ll give it two.”

“That’s awfully generous of you.”

“Is it? I thought I was being realistic,” Shadow said, shooting me a curious glance.

“I thought
one
year would be considered realistic,” I replied. “You’re being too nice.”

“I’m
always
nice, my dear.” Shadow grinned.

“Will that be true even during my weapons training?”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Shadow stood up and helped me up to my feet. Walking toward the target, he picked up his bow and held it out for me to take. “Why don’t we see, hmm?”

It took every fiber of my being not to groan aloud. Memories of past archery lessons flooded my mind; I tried to reassure myself that things would be
much
better this time around, especially since it was just the two of us.

I grasped the bow, felt satisfied with the balance of it in my grip, and took my stance while awaiting Shadow’s instructions.

lackwen City, home of the largest full-blood population in all of Arrygn, loomed over the Meristl Plains. Built mostly of steel and iron mined from the hills surrounding the plains, the city was eventually nicknamed the “Dark Fortress.” The city itself was in a constant state of darkness, a product of vampire magery. It made it difficult for enemies because they could not strike the city in the daylight hours, for none existed there.

Passing through the gates, Netira acknowledged the guards with a casual nod. Setting foot on the paved slate streets, Netira deeply breathed in the cool air and then surveyed her surroundings.

She loved her home, despite the laws against dhampirs. It pained her to continue watching it fall further into a state of chaos. Blackwen City had been peaceful once long ago; its residents kept to themselves and were of a decent nature. Nowadays, her people prided themselves on thievery, dishonor, and unchecked bloodlust. The leader, or “Mistress,” of Blackwen City, Arlina, ruled as a tyrant would: those who opposed her met their end in unspeakable ways. Netira knew those of the Ravenwing clan who were no longer of this world were twisting in their graves because of such changes and behavior. She missed her mentor, Tamina Ravenwing, greatly. Arlina would pay for that as well…someday.

Netira made her way to City Tower, the home of the Mistress and the center of Blackwen’s operations. Netira needed to speak with Arlina
concerning the scouts she’d sent out; as the city’s Second, Netira should have been informed as well as consulted concerning the action, as the purpose of her station was to advise and co-command.

The Mistress was hiding something, and she was going to find out the cause for all the secrecy.

Entering the tower, Netira first stared at the lengthy spiral staircase. Scowling, she began to climb it soon after. Numerous doors, as well as traps, lined the walls along the staircase. She wished she could fly rather than walk up the wretched stairs, but not only would that reveal her true identity, she could also set off those horrific traps hidden within City Tower. Arlina had a peverse sense of humor, especially when it came to her guests.

Netira stopped as soon as she saw the steel door engraved with protective runes. Shaking her head, she climbed several more stairs before cursing at herself and returning to the door. Hesitations aside, Netira pushed it open and stepped inside the chamber.

Torchlight illuminated the chamber, revealing stacks of parchment along the walls and thick tomes that had seen better days.

Netira walked toward the black wood desk placed near the windowsill; she sat on it and leafed through the stack of parchment nearest to her. She smiled to herself as she learned they contained spells translated from the old tomes.

“You’ve been busy these past few days,” Netira mused aloud, returning the parchment sheets to where she found them.

“I needed to do
something
in your absence,” a soft, deep voice replied from behind. “It’s not easy, you know…covering for someone the others believe you despise.”

Netira turned and looked upon the source of the voice: a tall male with lengthy black hair and deep violet eyes. He was wearing a black tunic with black breeches—a common style for the citizens of Blackwen City. He sported several silver rings on his left hand, each with small runes along the bands, and he had a large silver cross earring hanging from his right earlobe. He smiled as he grasped Netira’s hand, rubbing it gently.

Netira’s smile widened. “I missed you too, Karesu.”

She stood up to embrace him. Karesu pulled away after the hug, just enough to steal a kiss from her. When he didn’t break it, she did. Karesu chuckled as he caressed her cheek.

“Ah yes, I’ve forgotten. Not here,” he said. “You do realize Arlina can’t break into the chamber right? She still needs to be granted permission to enter.”

“Still playing with fire, I see,” Netira teased.

Karesu kissed her once more. “It is a fun element, my love. It is perfect for describing one’s passion as well.”

“Speaking of passion, have you noticed anything different with the Mistress lately?” Netira asked as she let go of Karesu. She returned to her seat atop the corner of the table.

“And there is the dirt thrown atop the flame.” Karesu frowned while folding his arms. “Her erratic behavior hasn’t changed as of late. Why? What did you discover in that little outing of yours?”

“I followed those two scouts to the Woodland Realm,” Netira answered. “Bad enough that she dismissed my inquiries about them, but to send them there of all places…”

“As far as I know, she has no interest in the elves,” Karesu explained. “I’m not even sure if the whole council knows—”

“The entire council doesn’t know shit! Not even the devout Vashti! Arlina
does
have an interest in the elves,” Netira insisted. “She sent those miscreants to eavesdrop on their local gossip! What does that tell you?”

“Our Mistress is probably deciding to add more enemies to her extermination list. Or perhaps she’s looking for a new stock of blood to supply those goddessforsaken taverns of hers—I don’t know. Arlina does rather enjoy the whole tyrannical-bitch ploy…” Karesu paced back and forth, stopping as soon as a realization set in. “Netira…do you remember the last time she ventured to the Woodland Realm?”

“Of course I do,” Netira replied. “Nearly twenty-one years ago. She claimed it was to hunt down traitors, but you and I both know that wasn’t the truth. She discovered blood relatives living within that realm and eliminated them. She…she killed Tamina.”

“What if Arlina somehow missed another blood kin?”

Netira’s brow furrowed. “I don’t believe that.”

“Netira…it makes sense.” Netira shot him a skeptical look, and he sighed. “Bear with me a moment. Arlina firmly believes she is the last of
the Ravenwing bloodline. She figures she is an example of a ‘pure-blood’ within our race—”

“
Your
race,” Netira corrected.

“
Our
,” Karesu stressed, now grabbing her hand.

“Go on with the point you’re trying to make,” Netira warned.

Karesu shook his head and continued, “Well, Arlina has her goddess complex as you and I both well know.” Netira snorted, and Karesu suppressed a laugh. “Anyone of her bloodline considered tainted or not compliant with her point of view is immediately executed by her hand. That, and she doesn’t want any opposition to the throne of Blackwen City. If she’s returning to the Woodland Realm, she’s missed something…or someone.”

Netira’s finally let herself believe. “Another Ravenwing alive…please let it be a woman. Only a Ravenwing woman can hold the throne of Blackwen.”

“If it is another Ravenwing woman, we can only pray to Avilyne that she survives Arlina.” Karesu flinched when Netira slammed her clenched fist atop the table. “Netira…”

“This has to stop!” she cried. “It just…it has to stop. There’ll be nothing left of Blackwen City if she keeps this up.”

Karesu held her; the gesture was welcome. “Neither of us is in a position to oppose Arlina. We knew this, too, when we first made the pact to join her under false pretenses. It is not yet time, my love. If she were to learn the truth of your heritage…”

“She won’t learn of it,” Netira insisted while trying to calm down. “I must go speak with the Mistress. Arlina will want to know why I left without informing her.”

Karesu released her. Netira headed to the door and pulled it open. She didn’t want Karesu to see the fear that riddled her the moment he brought up his own fear of discovery.

“Netira?” Karesu called, which made her stop from leaving the chamber. “You left your charm behind.”

“I know.” Netira frowned as she saw him pull out a small silver ring with a curved rune engraved within the band. “I was in a rush.”

He handed it over to her, and she felt his gaze follow her as she moved to the chamber door. Netira stopped once again, sensing a question from him.

“What is it?” she asked as she faced him.

“What…whatever did happen to those scouts?”

Netira tapped her fingers along the doorframe, now looking away.

“Yes, I thought as much,” she heard him say. “This is a part of the game I hoped for us to avoid.”