Ravenswynd Legends

by Sharon Ricklin

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  Thinking about Emrys’ mother and what she looked like, I learned that she had beautiful eyes just like his: striking, but darkest amber, with thick dark lashes. Phoebe was her name. Her hair was darkest chocolate brown, always worn up as was common for her day. Her personality was one with a gentle and loving spirit, her smile warm and soft. I caught a glimpse of Phoebe as she scolded her son when he was unruly, but she never raised her voice. Sitting him on her lap, she persuaded him with a gentle and quiet voice, explaining the importance of obedience and truthfulness, regardless of the outcome. She smiled while teaching him to forgive others even when they did not deserve it. Phoebe’s hugs were generous, and sometimes given without merit. She taught Emrys to be kind, to love nature, and always use good manners. I dreamed about their happy times together: trips to the ocean or the big city. On their walks in the woods she’d point out plants and animals and he helped her gather wild mushrooms. She read to Emrys every night before bed, showing him the blessing of books. Some of his favorite memories from childhood started out with the soft-spoken voice of his mother, saying: “Once upon a time…”

  At one point an intense pang of sorrow gripped me, and I realized that I now felt all of his feelings. This was his sorrow. Emrys missed his mother so very much, that I couldn’t bear the pain. I had to turn my mind away from his sadness.

  Emrys’ father was a tall man, large in size and in spirit, strong, even-tempered, a kind and just man. Ambrose adored his family above all else, but he was a fair and just leader and always made sound decisions that would benefit their whole society. When Idris challenged his authority, Ambrose was initially shocked; knowing how fair he had always been, and secondly, deeply saddened that one in his own household had become so hungry for power. It was hard for him to acknowledge that anyone felt the need to take his place. He had a discussion with Emrys the evening before the fight, explaining to his son what should take place if he lost, and that Emrys should be sure to remain honorable and follow the new vampire Regent with steadfast loyalty as if he were his own father.

  “My son,” Ambrose put a hand on Emrys’ shoulder. “Honor above all else. If Idris becomes our new leader, you must follow him. It is the way of the Ravens. Always remain loyal to your Regent.”

  I felt the chaos churning within his young mind, the horrible conflicting thoughts as he listened to his father. Emrys’ decision was made prior to the battle; he would obey his father’s wishes no matter what transpired, even though the thought of having to respect and honor Idris vexed him greatly.

  “Yes, Father.” Emrys held his head up high. “I will.”

  I watched the battle from behind his eyes. It was long and brutal, using only wits and fists, no weapons were allowed. Both men followed the rules of engagement. The first to fall unconscious would be the loser. Before long both were bloody and staggering. Idris succeeded in landing a direct hit to the mouth with his large ring, causing the blood to flow freely from Ambrose. In his arrogance, Idris allowed this small success to go to his head, smiling and dancing about with a prideful swagger. Ambrose blindsided him with one quick and powerful fist to the temple. Idris went down with a heavy thud and Ambrose won. The cheering onlookers moved in and carried their beloved Regent away, leaving Rohan glaring angrily after them, tending to his father alone, his face flushed with shame and rage.

  Emrys cheered inwardly, although he contained himself in pubic and showed no animosity toward Idris, just as his father would have expected of him. When they were alone later that evening, Emrys congratulated Ambrose, embracing him. He was proud of his father, and relieved at the outcome. The words his father spoke remained with him.

  “Always remember, my son, there are fates much worse than the loss of your place in our society.” As it turned out, it would have been a better fate for all concerned, if Ambrose had lost that battle.

  My dream jumped then to the horrific day when their fate turned on them. I couldn’t see the actual attack on Phoebe; it had taken place out of everyone’s sight. But the resulting consequences were seen by all. Emrys watched as his father stormed out of their private quarters, his face wrenched in agony, red and swollen from anger and tears. Emrys turned an ear toward the door, hearing his mother weeping hysterically and before he followed his father, he sent the woman, Tansy, to comfort Phoebe.

  He found his father in the armory as Ambrose took out his sharpest double-edged sword. Emrys tried to stop him, reminding him of his honor as Regent, but none of his words mattered. Ambrose had already made up his mind. “I have already lost your mother! What does it matter if I lose my own life?” His voice was cold and raw.

  Of all his memories, this was the only one Emrys had in which true fear took hold of him. He followed Ambrose to Idris’ private quarters and watched as his father kicked in the main door. In all his life he had never seen his father so full of hatred.

  Ambrose called Idris out with an order to meet in the courtyard, telling him to bring his own sword. This battle would be to the death, unlike their first one.

  Through the open doorway Emrys saw the surprise on Rohan’s face which immediately changed to a sneer of contempt when their eyes met. Even though Rohan chose the role of arrogance, Emrys had to believe that, deep inside, he must be feeling the same clutch of fear as he did. One thing was certain; they were both aware that before the day was out, one of them would be fatherless.

  I only allowed myself to see a part of the sword fight. The ferocity and rage within Ambrose made for the most violent battle Emrys had ever witnessed in his life. With a frenzied look in his eyes, Ambrose slashed and sliced bits and pieces of his enemy: a finger here, a piece of arm there, and then an ear. All natural forms of true swordsmanship gone, no holds barred: Ambrose became a monster of revenge.

  By the time Idris lost his head, the courtyard was splattered in blood. Ambrose screamed a long slur of obscenities as he ran about in circles like a raving madman, holding up the severed, bloody head of Idris for all to see. Of those that watched, only the humans recoiled in disgust and hurried away. The Ravens stood quietly by as they watched their leader transform before their eyes. Emrys winced as his father wailed and shrieked repeatedly until his throat went dry. This was not his father. Emrys now feared he had lost his father to insanity.

  This horrific ordeal would be too overwhelming for anyone to deal with, much less such a young man still in his teens. My heart broke for Emrys and his family, and I could no longer think about it.

  I willed this dream to fast forward and sought a happier memory; the bittersweet joy of caring for his new baby sister and watching her grow. Emrys followed his mother’s example, teaching Amrita to enjoy reading and learning. He taught her to be an honest, respectable person – always setting a good example, and maintaining all the excellent character qualities his mother had imparted to him. It wasn’t always an easy task to care for this child, but he did his best. She was all he had left of their mother, and he watched over her like an older brother would, as they were both motherless. He enjoyed seeing her grow into a lovely young lady, and he loved her dearly. Being age seventeen when she was born, he was able to relate to her almost as a father would have, and he refused to think that any of the negative traits of her real father, Idris, would ever be passed on to her. Once Amrita joined him in the Raven society, they became even closer as he taught her all their ways.

  When Emrys took over as Regent, he sometimes sought his sister’s advice. It didn’t matter to him that she had the blood of Idris. As far as he was concerned, their mother gave them the same beginnings: wisdom, intellect and good nature. Together, they made a good ruling unit, although Emrys alone was recognized as true Regent. Their relationship changed once she met and married Larkin. But Emrys was happy for his sister, and more often than not, satisfied with the way she had grown and matured.