Raven's Game

by Kerry Adrienne

  Hag’s blood, she needed to find the bones quickly.

  She moved closer to Rupe, kicking the small rocks out of the way and searching as large of an area as she could while she walked. She pushed aside a fallen stalactite with her foot. The formation, not much longer than her arm, had a pinkish hue. With the glow of lights in the cave, she wasn’t sure if it really was pink or if it was the light.

  She stopped.

  Hags! Was it that simple?

  She bent and grabbed the stalactite and ran toward Rupe.

  “Ben!” She yelled. “Grab a stalactite. They are the bones of the mountain.”

  “Hags blood!”

  She stopped in front of Rupe and then handed him the stalactite.

  “This is a bone of the mountain, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is. Excellent.”

  “Ben, hurry.”

  Ben ran toward her, stalactite in his hands. Dust and debris fell from the ceiling as a loud thumping rang through the cave. Ben ducked his head but didn’t slow down.

  The dragon shrieked again, this time not only closer, but a more piercing scream.

  “I’m sorry.” Rupe held his hand out toward Ben. “Time’s up.”

  Ben slowed then stopped, the stalactite still in his arms. He didn’t move, and a faint white glow surrounded him. Mouth open and eyes wide, he froze.

  “Ben?” Raven started to run toward him but Rupe grabbed her arm.

  “We have to get out of here,” Rupe said. “Before the—”

  “What have you done to him?” Tears ran down Raven’s face.

  The next moments ran together. A flash of black and scales and claws. A man, also in black, screaming as the dragon slung him from side to side as teeth crushed his limbs. Rupe’s chanting and the sensation of falling, ears ringing and arms flailing.

  Someone, maybe Raven, screaming Ben’s name.

  Raven hit the ground, and all was quiet. She didn’t move for a moment but lay still, letting her head rest so it would stop spinning. Grass underneath her had cushioned her fall. Grass? There wasn’t any grass in the cave. She sat up, the silence pounding in her ears.

  Darkness covered the field, though a few torches burned near the gate. She was back in Cliffhold in the amphitheater.

  “Ben?” she called.

  No answer. Stars blinked overhead and the moon peered from behind a lone, wispy cloud. It was late. She stood, unsure of what to do or where to go. She replayed the last few moments she was in The Cave of Bones in her mind. Had the dragon eaten Stova? Why was Ben unable to move? Rupe had obviously ferried them all out of the cave, but where was everyone now?

  She stood and brushed the grass off her pants. Maybe Rupe was back at the inn’s bar. She’d find him somewhere. Confront him. He did something to Ben and she wanted to know what was going on. Anger and fear fought for attention in her gut and she steeled herself against tears that threatened to wash her away.

  She’d made it partway to the gate when she heard a “pop” behind her. She spun, crouching into a defensive position. Rupe stood behind her, arms out and smiling, his poofy black hair in a perfect round ball on his head.

  “Raven, you did so well today. Congratulations. You’ve moved on to the final part of the game. Tomorrow afternoon, we’ll meet in my library. Yes, at my house. That’s where the dagger is, too, and tomorrow, we’ll know who wins it. You or Mena.”

  “Where is Ben?” Raven clenched her hands into fists. With Rupe’s magic, she didn’t want to upset him. He could kill her with a few words.

  “I’m sorry, but Ben did not complete the second part of the game. Time ran out before he could bring me a bone. Now, he’ll serve me. Too bad the dragon got Stova, or I’d have his soul too. Though I did say someone would feed the mountain, so I guess Stova is doing that now.”

  Raven gritted her teeth. Ben couldn’t be gone. That wasn’t possible.

  “Where is he? Tell me.” It took every bit of effort to rein in her emotion.

  Rupe paced, kicking at the grass as he walked and talked. “Right now, Ben is frozen. I’ve not extracted his soul because frankly, I don’t need it yet. I’ve stored him to use later. He’s okay. He isn’t suffering or even aware of what’s happened.”

  “Let him go!”

  “He signed the contract. He’s fulfilling his end of the deal.”

  “I should’ve listened to him and we should have left the first day. As for your stupid game, I quit.” Raven turned to storm off. She’d have to figure out a good plan if she had any chance of rescuing Ben. It sounded like he wasn’t separated from his body yet, so surely someone knew the magic required to get him back.

  “You can quit, but then you forfeit your soul, too, as per our contract.” Rupe spoke matter-of-factly, like he was talking about the weather or the latest grain prices.

  Raven chewed her bottom lip. If only she had her sword, she could kill him where he stood. “I want to know where Ben is. I want him back.”

  Rupe rocked back on his heels and took a deep breath. “Right now, he’s where I store all my extra souls. It’s not somewhere you can go. But, if you can complete the third part of the game tomorrow, maybe I’ll let you see him one last time. But only if you participate in the last task. And win. Mena’s going to be a formidable opponent.”

  “What time do I need to be at your house and where is it?” Raven knew he could tell she was angry. She didn’t give a hag’s tooth. She wanted him to know she wasn’t going to bow to him. One way or another, she’d save Ben from this madman.

  And then she’d apologize for not trusting his judgment to begin with.

  She was surprised Rupe’s orc guards weren’t near. Maybe they were hiding in the shadows, waiting on her to make a move against their master. Now was not the time. She had to figure out where Ben was first. Once she knew, she could kill Rupe.

  “I’m glad you’ll play the game, Raven. I’ll send a footman to the inn tomorrow after lunch. Be ready. He’ll bring you to my house.”

  “You promise I can see Ben? You swear it?”

  “By Hag’s blood, if you win the third part of the game tomorrow, I’ll let you see Ben one more time.”

  “Fine.”

  “Good night, Raven,” Rupe mumbled and popped out of sight, leaving her alone in the field again.

  She flew partway back to the inn, her body shaking from the stress of the day and the lack of food. It felt good to feel the night air lift her wings and be off her feet.

  She couldn’t believe Ben was gone. Her anchor. Her true love. She wasn’t used to being without him, and now, somehow, she felt like she’d not appreciated his presence enough. Now that he was gone, guilt flooded her and she cried.

  Her bawling turned to wails and faulty flying and she set down outside the church near the town marketplace. With her hysterics, walking would be safer, so she set out toward the inn on foot. She hoped the barkeep was still awake and would prepare food for her. It didn’t matter what, but she needed something to eat before she rested up for the final part of the game.

  She needed strength to rescue Ben.

  Her shoes clomped on the cobblestones and echoed down the empty street. It had rained earlier, and dampness permeated the air and slicked the stones. If Ben had been with her, she’d have laid her head on him and put her arms around him as they walked. Now, she could barely hold herself up to walk. Her head pounded and she rubbed her temples.

  She’d agreed to finish the game, but only so she’d have a chance to see Ben. Maybe the old man could help her free Ben. She clasped her necklace and held it tight, waiting on the low vibration that helped ease her worries. The metal pulsed and she squeezed it. Her family might not have much magic, but what they had was forged in love.

  I told you that you couldn’t trust him.

  Who?

  Rupe. He’s after something. Something that will bring ruin to Oriste. I can feel it. I didn’t see it before.

  I’m going to kill him.

  That won’t be ea
sy. Rupe is very strong and holds a lot of magic. I suspect he has some kind of agreement with the dragons because his power has grown as they steal the magic from Oriste.

  I’ll figure it out. Can you help me save Ben?

  As long as Rupe hasn’t separated him from his soul, there is a better chance of a rescue. Once they are separate, it takes a lot of magic to forge them together again. I’m not sure we’d be able to do it.

  We can do it and we will. How do I prepare?

  Eat, wash up, and rest for tomorrow. Bring your sword and your calmest demeanor. Rupe won’t put up with any tears or anger in his house. Especially if Ben really is there.

  He better be.

  After you get the task for the final part of the game, call to me. Hold your necklace and think about me. I’ll be waiting. Hag hopes I will be able to help you with the last part. Mena is pretty smart for a mountain troll. Expect her to try to stop you from winning. She might be willing to share the gold, but she’s going to want that dagger as much as you do. We need to see to it that you win it.

  Okay. That is a good plan, though part of me wants to get my armor and sword and tear down Rupe’s front door. But I know Rupe could simply cast me out and land me in the volcano. Or far out to sea. Or his orcs could cut me up and roast me on the fire for dinner. But I’ll play his stupid little game and then I’ll show him how a real game is played.

  In the morning, meditate to control your emotions. You can’t go to Rupe’s house in this frame of mind. You will lose if you do.

  Why can’t I see you? It feels like you’re in my mind.

  It takes a lot of effort to appear at all. I’m very tired now. I need to rest so that I’m able to help you tomorrow.

  Okay. Tell me one thing.

  If I can.

  His voice grew fainter with each word.

  What’s your name? I can’t call you the mountain anymore, since you said that isn’t right. Who are you?

  I will tell you, but you must not tell anyone and never speak it aloud. There are too many who seek me. My name and anything I talk to you about must remain a secret so that you nor I, nor my children will be harmed.

  Are you a criminal? Why do you have to hide?

  I’m not. I will tell you more another time. I have to go now. I’m fading quickly.

  Your name?

  The Last Druid.

  Raven adjusted her sword sheath. The night had been long, but she’d gotten some sleep. Exhaustion had a way of taking what it needed. Though she’d eaten a hearty meal in the bar when she got to the inn, her stomach growled. She adjusted her pendant, then pulled her hair back into a tight braid. She’d changed to more comfortable shoes and was ready to take on the last part of the game.

  One way or another, she’d save Ben.

  She’d dreamed about the dagger. Whatever magic it held it could help her free Ben. She wasn’t sure how she knew that, but she did. She slipped the coin into her pocket then headed to the bar to get a quick lunch before Rupe’s messenger arrived to take her to the house. She pushed the memory of leaving the hotel with Ben the day before far out of her mind for the time. Though the memories were happy, right now she had to focus on what needed to be done.

  If she was going to save Ben, she had to make sure she did everything right. Rupe was too powerful to not make a thorough plan with contingencies.

  The bar was about a third full of patrons for lunch and Raven chose a table in the far corner where she could watch the door. By the time the barkeep brought out her small tureen of soup and glass of water, Raven had a plan.

  She unfolded her napkin in her lap. The men at the table beside her were drinking alcohol and Raven winced at their loud banter. She sipped spoonfuls of warm, creamy soup. Her plan was simple. After Rupe gave them the instructions, she’d excuse herself to the restroom or somewhere private, and talk to The Last Druid. She was counting on him to be able to help with the task, as he’d done with the previous two. She’d solve the riddle before Mena, and secure the dagger as her own.

  Since it was a magic dagger, it would hold more power over Rupe when she pressed it to his throat. If she didn’t get the chance, she’d wait till she saw Ben, then hold Rupe at knifepoint then. His henchmen wouldn’t risk him being hurt.

  He’d comply.

  And then, she’d offer him all the winnings back if he would just release Ben. After all, it sounded like he had quite a stock of souls saved up. What was one more? Maybe he thought they’d help in the great war that was coming, but she’d tell him he could secure more. Ben wasn’t the only centaur around. It didn’t matter. She’d tell him whatever he wanted to hear. Then she’d kill him.

  Ben would not be fighting for anyone in the great war besides Lorkhit Ka and Oriste.

  She finished the soup and drank her glass of water. She scanned the bar. The windows were clear today and no one had lined up to see the game contestants like they had yesterday. Maybe the audience would be at Rupe’s house. Or maybe he wasn’t sharing his home address with the villagers.

  No matter. Whether they were there or not, she had a job to do and a plan to do it.

  She stood and walked over to the bar, hoping the barkeep had heard from Rupe or his orcs.

  “Has anyone called for me? I’m Raven.” She leaned on the heavy wooden bar top.

  An orc with rainbow-colored epaulettes stepped up to her before the barkeep could respond. “I’m here to transport you.”

  “Rupe’s house?” she asked.

  “Yes. Let’s go. I have a carriage outside.”

  She followed the orc into the street.

  “Over here,” he said.

  She rushed to the white carriage with gilded rails and decoration. Rupe apparently had a lot of money in addition to his magic. Had he come by it honestly or had he taken advantage of gamblers?

  She’d gone over the past couple days in her mind as she’d waited for sleep to come. Ben was right. There had to be a reason that Rupe was playing this game. It wasn’t to earn money or fame—he had that. No, there was a personal reason.

  Could it really be linked to the dragon’s invasion of Oriste?

  If so, what she did next would have a big impact on the world. She could end up getting the whole of Oriste enslaved. Or worse, killed. She swallowed hard.

  No pressure.

  She stepped up to the carriage door.

  The orc held the door open and she climbed in. The inside was plush, like the most elegant room in a castle. Embroidered pillows lined the benches and the damask on the walls shifted color in the light with winks of crystal and flashes of deep purple. The orc closed the door, then locked it.

  Raven scowled. Why was he locking her in? He hopped into the driver’s seat and got the horses going with a shout and a crack of a whip. Raven leaned back in the seat and watched Cliffhold go by outside the window. The carriage must’ve been mostly soundproof because she didn’t hear much of the outside noise.

  A very different experience from her journey to Cliffhold.

  They bumped over uneven cobblestone streets, past the market, then past the amphitheater field. The carriage creaked as it ascended a steep hill to the side of the mountain. The road was covered with a gravel that provided more traction than cobblestones, especially in the damp environment. Cliffhold had gotten a good bit of rain overnight and the midday sun slid through humid air into a rainbow that dove off the mountain toward the world below.

  When they pulled up to Rupe’s house, Raven couldn’t conceal her gasp. She’d seen nice houses, or so she thought. This house was one of a kind. The center living area was a large dome with lots of windows and a large flat roof, and around that dome were longer rooms and courtyards, all in colors of blue and purple and white. A tall iron fence with sharp points painted gold formed the perimeter of the yard.

  The house was stunning, but the fence was both to keep things out and in.

  She fisted her hands, remembering why she was there. Rupe would not be allowed to keep Ben. No matter wha
t it took. If Ben really was inside, she was going to free him, somehow.

  The orc opened the door and stepped aside to let her disembark from the carriage. She scanned for Mena but didn’t see her anywhere on the expansive lawn. Either she was coming by way of another carriage, or she was already inside the mansion. Raven made her way to the house, past stone steps and night-blooming flowers, then to the large front door.

  Other flowering plants grew all around her, scenting the air with all flavors of honeyed nectars. Raven fought the urge to pluck one to take inside with her. She loved flowers—they reminded her of her family’s herb-growing business. It was strange that a man with so much power, like Rupe, would spend time growing flowers.

  She was about to knock on the large oak door when the orc came up from behind and opened it for her. He motioned her inside, pausing for Raven to come in before shutting and locking the door behind her.

  Chivalrous orcs? She was going to have to work at getting used to that. In Lostmere, orcs were grouchy and violent, if they even showed themselves in town. Usually, they kept to themselves, though Ben had a few run-ins with them when he was on patrol.

  Ben. She steeled herself against crying. She was at Rupe’s to rescue Ben, and she needed to focus, not cry.

  “Follow me,” the orc said. His eyes glowed red in the dark foyer. “Master Rupe is waiting on you.”

  “Let’s get this over with.”

  He held up his hand. “First, you must turn over your weapon.” He pointed to the sword.

  “No way.” Raven grabbed the hilt protectively.

  “It will be returned to you when the game is over.” He smiled. “If you survive.”

  “I’m not giving you my sword.”

  “The contract you signed says you will.” He held his hand out.

  Hag’s blood. The damn contract is a nuisance.

  Raven released the buckle and handed the sword and scabbard to the orc. No point in arguing. Lesson learned, though. Read the contract carefully, even if its super long, and consider its limits.

  There were so many little, seemingly unimportant details in the section of rules, she’d skimmed over many of them. Ben probably remembered them all, but Raven didn’t. And she hadn’t expected to be playing the game without him.