Return of the Crown (20 page)

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?”

Tears leaked out of Hetty’s hazel eyes. “If
only, if only,” she cried. “No, that evil witch killed John shortly
after she took him. Didn’t like his cooking. And I haven’t heard a
thing about Lucan. I’m sure he’s dead too!” She slammed her fist on
the table. “I swear, before I die, I’ll have vengeance for their
souls. They were good men, good men.”

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.

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.