The Crystal Key: An LGBTQ+ Fantasy Series (The Crystalline Chronicles Book 3)

by Blake R. Wolfe

  “Okay.”

  “I’ll try to make it a happy one this time,” Lex chuckled. He paused for a long moment, his hand stroking the facial hair growing in on his jaw. “Have you ever heard the story about the Boy and the Raven?”

  “The only stories I’ve ever heard were the ones you told me.”

  “Great. No pressure then.” Lex reached down and began to trace lines over Dusk’s forearm absentmindedly. He cleared his throat and began to speak. “Once upon a time there was a small boy who lived at the edge of a great wood with his parents. They were very poor and had little to eat. It had been a particularly bad harvest that year and as winter came on the little boy’s father became ill, making him unable to work. His mother stayed home all day to care for his father and they relied on the boy to bring home what little he could find to eat in the forest, as they couldn’t afford to buy any at the town market.

  “One day the little boy was walking his usual path through the woods with his bow. The snow was deep and it was hard work, but he was determined not to come home empty-handed. He’d seen a few small animals, but they, being well accustomed to his habits, flew away at the first hint of danger. Even his traps had failed him. As the day was growing late the little boy realized that he needed to head back to make it home before dark and before the woods became treacherous. He felt guilty, knowing that he’d promised his mother and father a fine meal before he’d set out that morning.

  “On his way home he heard a strange sound in the distance. With a flutter in his heart he realized that something must have been caught in one of his traps. Overjoyed that they would have a hot meal, he took off running towards the sound. When he finally came to the source he found a stark white raven caught in his snare, cawing madly and filling the forest with its cries.

  “The little boy came forward, drawing his bow, ready to kill the raven. He’d eaten plenty of ravens before thanks to being easily lured by shiny objects. However, as he drew closer the bird stopped struggling and turned to him. To his surprise it spoke. The raven told the little boy that he was the King of Ravens and if the boy would spare his life, he would bring him three life-changing gifts.

  “The boy couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He’d never imagined that one of the animals of the forest would talk to him. He thought of his sick father who needed food to get well, and the growling in his own belly. He pulled the bow up and drew the arrow back, staring at the raven who had now gone quiet, waiting for his death.”

  Lex paused for dramatic effect.

  “But he couldn’t do it. The boy let the bow fall to his side. It didn’t feel right to him to kill such a beautiful creature and especially one that could talk. Sighing deeply he gingerly cut the strings from the raven’s feet and wings, leaving him undamaged. The raven thanked him kindly and told him he’d make good on his promise before he flew off into the forest.

  “That night when he got home he found that his father had taken a turn for the worst. The three of them were slowly starving to death, but his father most of all. The boy ran to his room in shame after seeing the tears pouring down his mother’s face, knowing that his father would soon die. He fell asleep that night, hungry and guilty, feeling as if his choice to spare the raven’s life had doomed his father.

  “However, the next morning the little boy woke to the sound of tapping on his window. He got up to find the white raven perched outside the window with a lovely golden flower held in its beak. The boy opened the window to let the raven in who dropped the flower in his hands. In hushed tones he told the boy that the flower came from a faraway northern mountain and to feed the flower to his father as tea.

  “The little boy was furious at the raven, feeling cheated that he had to starve while the raven brought him something as trivial as a flower. He threw the flower to the ground, cursing the raven and reaching out in an attempt to capture and kill it so that they’d have meat. But the raven dodged his attempt and flew off. Hearing the commotion, his mother came in and saw the flower lying on the floor. She quickly snatched it up, knowing from her grandmother’s stories that it was a rare herb that could cure almost any illness. In a flash she brewed the tea and gave it to her ailing husband. Within moments of drinking the concoction his father began to stir, coming awake and speaking for the first time in days. The little boy told him all about the raven and the flower, but neither of his parents seemed to truly believe him.

  “Later that day, as the boy put on his boots to go back into the forest for food, he heard a tapping at the front door. Confused, he went to the door and opened it to find the white raven sitting on the handle. The raven said nothing before he flew off towards the forest once more. The boy looked down and could barely believe his eyes when he saw a large burlap sack stuffed with vegetables sitting against the side of the house. He pulled it inside, showing it to his mother and telling her the raven had brought it. Although she didn’t truly believe him, she was happier than she’d been in years and began to cook to feed her starving family.

  “That night, with full bellies and a glowing, healthy father once more, the little boy sat at the table with his parents. They chatted happily, as if everything were finally right in the world. A strange sound echoed into the room and to their surprise, a white raven burst out of the fireplace, having come down the chimney. It was covered in soot as it landed on the table in front of them, leaving small tracks on the wood. In its beak it held a dirty stone the size of a plum. He dropped it to the table and turned to the boy, once again thanking him for sparing his life. He said that this stone was his final gift from the royal treasury and that they should sell it and never go hungry again. The boy’s parents were stunned, but he thanked the raven and apologized for his attempts to catch him. The raven nodded and thanked him in return once more, decreeing that from that day on all ravens would repay kindnesses with gifts. With a final farewell, the raven flew back up the chimney, staining himself completely black in the process.

  “The little boy’s parents were dumbfounded and full of questions, but the boy’s attention was on the stone. He picked it up and turned it over in his hands, staining them with soot. Using his shirt he rubbed away the dirt and grime to reveal a diamond as big as his fist. That night they rejoiced knowing that they would never have to starve again for the rest of their lives and the little boy took a vow never to hurt another raven as long as he lived. Since then ravens have been stained black and always bring gifts to those that show them kindness.”

  Lex went silent, his hand still slowly caressing the inside of Dusk’s forearm. Dusk didn’t say anything in response to the story. Instead he let the feeling of safety and contentment wash over him. He hoped Lex would always be there to tell him more stories when he needed them. He snuggled in a bit closer before letting sleep take him.

  Fifteen

  By the time they awoke the next morning the sails had been repaired and they were well underway once more. Dusk and Lex found themselves standing near the bow of the ship, watching the mountainous islands sink away into the distance behind them. The ship had turned back towards the north. There was nothing but blue skies and dark blue ocean all around them, the space between filled with a light breeze scented with salt.

  They spent the majority of the morning together, talking over things that had happened the night before. Both were surprised that Cyrilo was able to display some inherent magical powers without any help. Even more that he didn’t seem to need any glyphs in order to activate it. The power seemed to be completely instinctual. Lex mentioned that the Rhyka had always been painted in a bad light in his history books, but they’d never mentioned any magic. However, the lack of information made sense to Dusk the more he thought about it. Books were written by those in power and they didn’t want anyone threatening that power. It was no different than the mines. Maxon had punished companionship and conversation as a way to keep everyone under control. The less talk there was, the less likely an idea would bloom into a full on rebellion.

  Aroun
d midday Dusk found himself knocking on the captain’s cabin door.

  “Just a moment!” the captain called.

  Dusk waited patiently. He heard some minor scuffling inside before the door was pulled open by the captain who was only wearing his trousers.

  “Yes, Dusk. What can I do for you?” he asked, seeming slightly annoyed, but pleasant.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt…” Dusk saw a furred hand come over Duillearga’s shoulder.

  “You’re fine, don’t let him make you feel bad,” Cyrilo said, pushing his way into the door. “We haven’t even gotten started yet.”

  “What is it you needed?” Duillearga urged, his eyes wide.

  Dusk shook his head. “I just wondered if I could borrow a book of yours, the one about the Rhykan man.”

  “You told me you didn’t know anything about Rhyka,” Cyrilo smirked.

  “I don’t! It’s just a story!” Duillearga disappeared for a moment and came back with the familiar tome, handing it over to Dusk. “Here you go.”

  “So is this some weird sick fantasy of yours?” Cyrilo crossed his arms looking at the captain, but gave Dusk a wink.

  “No… I…” the captain stammered.

  “I think I have some business to take care of, if you’ll excuse us Dusk.” Cyrilo waved a hand, grabbing the side of the door. “Seems somebody has a hard time being honest.”

  “I was being honest!”

  “You will be when I’m through with you.”

  With that Cyrilo closed the door, leaving Dusk standing there clutching the book with a grin on his face. He knew Cyrilo wasn’t actually upset, but it was nice to see the captain’s ego taken down a peg. Knowing how strong Cyrilo was, he only hoped the captain came out the other side still walking.

  Dusk made his way out onto the deck, finding a cozy spot out of the way to sit and read for a while. He’d barely begun the book the night before, but it had caught his attention from the first page. The Rhykan man, Jax, was standing at the edge of a great cliff, tormented about the terrible fate that had fallen upon his village. He had jumped into the ocean below, the churning waves crashing against the stone cliff sides, knowing he would die. But then, he woke up on a beach and he didn’t remember how he’d gotten there. The only clues he had were a strange brass ring on his right hand and a woman’s voice in his head telling him to find the fountain.

  Leaning back against the railing as he read and listening to the waves crash against the hull, Dusk passed the rest of the afternoon. The book consumed him and the world around him fell away. It was the first time he’d ever read something that wasn’t a historical account and it was entrancing. He forgot about his own problems for a while and fell into a world based on Udalara, but filled with magic, gods, and heroes. It seemed so fantastical, but he felt as if he was actually living it, seeing all the characters alive in front of his very eyes.

  Eventually the light of the day grew soft and orange before it began to darken. Dusk, pulling himself out of the world he’d become so absorbed in, looked up. The sun was sinking towards the horizon and mountain peaks began to rise in the east as more islands came into view. He pushed himself to his feet, flipping the book closed as he leaned against the railing, looking out over the ocean.

  “I knew I’d find you out here, staring wistfully at the landscape like some sap,” Tara chuckled, stepping up next to Dusk and leaning on the railing. “It is beautiful though.”

  “Considering you’ve come to stare with me, I’d say we both fit in that category,” Dusk replied, smiling. They stood there for a few moments in silence before Dusk finally spoke. “I’m sorry for upsetting you so much before we left Emerald Deep. Maybe I should have kept things to myself.”

  Tara was silent for a long moment before replying: “No, I’m glad you told me.” She leaned forward over the railing, hanging her upper body off the ship and staring down at the waves catching the sunlight. “I don’t know if I believe it’s true, but on the off chance that it is, I’m glad to have a warning.”

  “Lex told me a while back that I’d never taken the effort to get to know you.” Dusk leaned forward, joining her looking at the waves. “To be honest, I didn’t think you cared, but there’s more to you than I thought.”

  “There’s more to everyone than anyone thinks. People are strange creatures.”

  “That’s what I’m learning with each passing day.”

  Tara sat back up, turning to Dusk. “So what about you and Lex? What’s going on there?”

  Dusk felt his cheeks grow red at the question. “I… I’m not really sure. It’s something I’ve never felt before.”

  “I knew you two were into each other. The disgusting way he’s been looking at you for months. I’m surprised you didn’t notice.”

  “You remember where I come from right?” Dusk chuckled, leaning on his elbows. “I’m not exactly experienced with anything. Everything is new.”

  “He’s a good guy,” Tara said, crossing her arms. “But I feel like he’s hiding something.”

  “Like what?” Dusk felt a shudder in his chest. “About me?”

  “No, it’s obvious how much of a puppy he is for you.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe I’m looking too far into it. I feel like I know him, but there’s a few pieces missing.”

  “That’s how I feel about everyone,” Dusk sighed. “People are so odd. Just when you think you know one of them,” his voice grew dark, “they turn on you.”

  “What happened with Yarick wasn’t your fault,” Tara said sternly. “He manipulated you with precision. I don’t think anyone would have been able to resist him, least of all you. He knew exactly what he was doing.”

  Dusk sighed. “I feel like I can’t trust myself anymore. I’m starting to realize how naȉve I really am.” He threw his arms up. “And then I just blindly invited Cyrilo along because I feel so guilty about Eiran, and for all we know Cyrilo could be a Circle member.”

  “Dusk, there’s one thing you’ll learn in this life and that’s not to trust anyone until they give you a good reason to.” Tara shook her head, tilting it back to look up at the sails. “Even saying that, it sounds wrong.” She turned back to the railing, lacing her fingers together. “Nobody can be right all the time, but I think your gut instinct with Cyrilo was right. Give yourself some credit.”

  “I just feel like, wherever I go, people die and get hurt.”

  “People will die and get hurt whether you’re there or not, that’s just how life goes.” Her gaze was unfocused as she stared across the ocean. “Even people you care about.”

  “Is it really worth it then?”

  Tara sighed and turned around. She reached a hand out and tapped Dusk on the shoulder, pointing behind him. “Isn’t it?”

  Dusk straightened up and turned around to see Lex approaching. The setting sun caught his blond hair, dying it orange with the light. He was wearing just a simple cotton shirt and trousers, looking almost naked without his sword, cloak, and leathers. As his gaze met Dusk’s, he smiled.

  “What are you two talking about over here?” he asked, stepping up beside them.

  “Trust, friendship, and what makes life worth living,” Tara replied, smiling at Dusk.

  “Oh gods, isn’t that a bit out of your scope?” Lex didn’t do anything to conceal the sly smile as he cocked an eyebrow at Tara.

  “I still don’t understand why I travel with you two assholes.”

  Lex came forward, throwing an arm around Dusk’s shoulders. “You love us, just admit it.”

  “I think I’d rather go talk to that fucking horse,” Tara scoffed, stepping away from them. She waved with her back turned to them. “Don’t stay up too late, children.”

  Lex chuckled, turning back to Dusk. “I think we can stay up as late as we want.” He smiled, looking Dusk up and down. “So what have you been doing all day? I haven’t seen you.”

  “Oh.” He held up the book, showing it to Lex. “I was reading.”

  �
��I’m glad Yarick taught you,” Lex said seriously. “I know he was terrible and I really wanted to be the one to teach you, but at least some good came out of it, right?”

  “I hadn’t thought about it that way.” Dusk thought back to the nights he’d spent in the monastery library pouring over books and practicing sounding out words. “I do really love it. Books have so many strange things in them. As I read them I can see everything in my head as if I were really living it.”

  “It’s a great way to escape the real world,” Lex murmured, absently running his hand over Dusk’s. “That’s why I did it so much when I was a kid. I read every book we owned before I was fourteen. Well, except for the really boring stuff.”

  “You never really talk about your family.”

  “I didn’t really know them. My father was okay when I was young, but as I grew older he only took things from me and gave me orders. My mother was no more than a trophy and she was almost indifferent to me.” Lex shook his head, rubbing his eyes for a moment. “But I still had a family, so I guess I shouldn’t be complaining.”

  “Having a family that doesn’t care about you seems worse than not having one at all.” Dusk wrapped an arm around Lex’s waist, digging his fingers into his hip. “I grew up on the streets and I don’t remember if I ever had a family. Maybe mine never cared about me either and that’s why I was on the streets to begin with.” Dusk stopped for a moment, scrunching his eyebrows together. “I guess what I mean is that I’m sorry you had to go through that. You’re allowed to feel bad about it.”

  “I know you had a tough life too…”

  “So did everyone else at the mines and all those people in the little towns we passed through.” He thought about it for a moment. “Everyone has problems that are important to them. They don’t become less important just because someone else has different problems.” Dusk turned and looked up at him. “I know I said some terrible things to you because I was repeating what Yarick was feeding me. It’s not an excuse not to think for myself, but I’m sorry.” He paused, staring into Lex’s sea blue eyes. “But I’m telling the truth when I say I want to know more about you.”