The Raven Tower

by Emma Miles

  ‘Chem attacks to conquer, not to raid.’ Dia went on. ‘It is not a harsh place of limited resources like the Borrows. We have little that they would want in terms of material goods; they would achieve more by going for their traditional target; Elden.’

  What is it that they might want from us though? Dia mused. A base from which to supply themselves and attack Elden? But then surely the island of Mantu would have been a better choice? Unless they had hoped to keep it secret from Elden for as long as possible and were relying on the fact that the Fulmers liked its isolation from its much larger neighbour? She shied away from thinking of her husband and daughter; she had no time to spare for worrying over them when there was nothing she could do about whatever they might be facing in Elden.

  ‘Icante!’ Dorthai came running to join them as they reached the gates of the defensive wall. ‘Should I not search the island with the other warriors?’ The young man sounded offended.

  ‘I need someone I can rely on.’ Dia told him. ‘Worvig needs to coordinate the chieftains; you have proved yourself to be someone that I can trust. Tell me of your experience with the dead man last night.’

  Dorthai hesitated; Pirelle moved ahead to walk beside Shaherra.

  ‘I am obviously not a walker but … even to me they felt wrong. They didn’t quite move like men; like they’d forgotten how to use their bodies at first. They had no expressions.’ Dorthai shuddered. ‘They made no sound. They were incredibly strong. The first strike of one tore the sword from my hand and near broke my wrist. When I struck with my knife, it didn’t bleed. I … I was at a loss as to how to defeat it. I saw other warriors struck down around me and I almost ran. But then I saw that their ship was in flames and it gave me courage. I wondered if they would burn. I did run then but only to start a fire and gather torches. I set light to as many as I could while they fought the warriors who had remained. Someone said we should get back to the stronghold to defend from there with fire arrows.’

  Dia sensed he knew very well who had given that command, but she didn’t press him. ‘But you stayed.’

  ‘There were still several of those things left … alive. I had thought they were easy to sneak up on, but I think I’d only been able to do so when they were distracted and engaged in fighting. That last one you found me with seemed to sense me right away. It moved so quickly! Like it had just then learnt not only how to use its body again but how to do it better. It knocked the torch from my hand and, well, you and Worvig were there then.’

  ‘Thank you; that is useful.’

  ‘Dia!’ Heara appeared on the path in front of them. ‘I have a trail. Seems to be an injured man pursued by one of those creatures.’

  Dia nodded, and they followed the scout through the tall bushes. Heara slowed her pace when she got back to the trail, bending now and again to better read the marks she found. She held up her hand, and they all stopped to wait while she stepped slowly ahead.

  ‘He is dead.’ Heara turned to speak over her shoulder. ‘It’s Onwin.’

  Dia gave a shake of her head. Onwin was – had been – one of their most experienced warriors.

  ‘Looks as though the creature that killed him headed back toward the beach.’

  ‘We will do the same,’ Dia said.

  Heara went ahead again and Shaherra stepped back to Dia’s side with her hand on her dagger hilt. There was a strong smell of smoke and burnt wood long before they stepped out of the trees and onto the beach. The ship had been broken up by the sea and a large part of it had washed up against the rocks. Planks and long crates had been thrown up onto the pebbles and sand along with several bodies. Gulls and crabs swarmed the beach, but one area was notably empty of carrion hunters.

  ‘That’s the head,’ Dorthai whispered.

  Dia’s skin tingled and itched as though she’d walked through an invisible spider’s web. She shuddered and then asked Pirelle, ‘anything?’

  ‘I … I want to say no but that isn’t quite the case. I don’t feel the emotions of a person but there is a wrongness here; it makes me feel queasy.’

  Dia called up her own knowing and immediately tasted the sour fear from Pirelle and Dorthai. The twins were uneasy but alert, concentrating more on their surroundings than their emotions. She picked up on what Pirelle had tried to describe at once; it was a feeling of impending danger such as a lone person might feel on hearing a large predator growl. Life pulsed in the severed head at the same time as death ate at it. For a moment Dia found herself rooted to the spot in dread, but she forced herself to move.

  ‘The head is alive, it’s watching us,’ she said.

  Shaherra drew her dagger and Heara nocked an arrow to her bow. Dorthai gripped the torch he carried in both hands like a club. Pirelle shrank back behind them as Dia stalked forward. The eyes of the head followed her as she approached, the slack mouth contorted as though attempting a grin.

  ‘Who are you?’ Dia demanded. ‘Why have you attacked the Fulmers?’

  ‘I’ve come for you, Icante,’ The head slurred. ‘I intend to put a child in your belly myself!’

  Dia stepped back, mouth open and eyes wide, her hand going to her stomach. Her muscles tightened over her lungs so she had to fight to draw in air. She snatched at Dorthai’s torch and reached for the wind; flame billowed forward and engulfed the head. It laughed as the flesh melted away.

  ‘I am coming, Icante!’

  Chapter Six

  Kesta; Kingdom of Elden

  Rosa watched her with amusement and curiosity as she ate her breakfast like a starving cub.

  ‘You’re much happier today. I noticed that Thane Jorrun left rather quickly last night?’

  Kesta looked up and almost laughed at the burning curiosity on Rosa’s face.

  ‘I admit he surprised me a little. I wonder …’

  ‘What?’ Rosa demanded.

  ‘He is so secretive up in his tower; I wonder if he has a mistress – or a man even – hidden away up there. It seems that this marriage is purely political to him.’ She laughed at Rosa’s scandalised expression. ‘Is that such a rare thing in Elden?’

  Rosa sat back. ‘No, I suppose it isn’t.’ She fastened back a loose strand of her hair. ‘So, what are we going to do today?’

  ‘Today,’ Kesta stood up and pushed back her chair. ‘We are going to turn this hovel into a stronghold! Let’s go pester Tantony.’

  They found Tantony in the great hall with a few warriors and keep staff. He was mopping up some stew with coarse oat cakes and quickly wiped his mouth with the back of his hand when he saw Kesta.

  ‘My lady?’ He looked wary.

  Kesta came straight to the point. ‘This stronghold needs to be more self-sufficient. I may no longer be able to help my own people in the Fulmers, but I can at least get us readier for war here. I need the land around the stronghold cleared and timber cut; the ward also needs clearing to make room for growing food.’

  ‘Well now.’ Tantony wiped his hands on his trousers. ‘That might not be such a bad plan, but it would take a lot of labour and a lot of coin.’

  ‘I see plenty of men about the stronghold with nothing better to do than eat and sleep and lean against the walls!’

  Tantony winced and glanced back at the warriors who were seated at the table watching the exchange. ‘Ma’am, there are a few labourers and tradesmen whom we could get to do the work but mostly the men here are warriors. When they are not on duty, they have weapons practice and hunting to do. I cannot spare any warriors.’

  ‘A shame; I was thinking of holding a feast and bringing out some kegs of ale for anyone willing to help me with the work.’ She saw several of the warriors sit up straighter. ‘Never mind, us women will have to do the best we can and hold our own celebration.’

  ‘Merkis!’ one of the men tried to whisper, but it came out a sharp hiss.

  ‘Look, maybe I can ask for volunteers among the warriors.’ Tantony sighed. ‘We can offer a couple of coins and this feast of yours. It’s about time
we cleared away some of the encroaching trees, anyway; too many hiding places for raiders. I’ll put the word about. I take it you want to start on this right away?’

  ‘Tomorrow will do; thank you Merkis.’

  ‘Indeed.’ He looked at her reproachfully. ‘I’ll get any of the bondsmen who are not engaged in more urgent duties to report to you tomorrow morning.’

  ‘Thank you.’ She gave a slight bow of her head and the most charming smile she could muster. Her knowing told her that most of those in the room felt intrigue and even a little excitement. Only one or two projected stinging resentment. ‘Come, Rosa, let us see Reetha next.’

  Word had obviously gone ahead as Reetha was waiting for them at the bottom of the tower stairs. She was a tall, sinewy, woman with flint-grey hair coiled in plaits about her head. She looked unabashedly at both Kesta’s mismatched eyes.

  ‘How would you feel about a herb garden and a large vegetable plot within the keep?’ Kesta came straight to the point.

  ‘I think I would feel it was about time.’ Reetha folded her wrinkle-skinned arms. ‘For as long as I’ve worked here people have kept their animals in the keep. There are still some herbs and onions to be found out there if you’re willing to wade through brambles and stickles.’

  Kesta nodded. ‘I intend to have a proper barn built with pens and storage space. When the land around the keep is properly cleared, we can pasture the animals there.’

  ‘It would take a lot of fencing or animal herds to keep them safe; and since they are all owned by different karls and warriors, ther—’

  Kesta waved a hand. ‘Animals are not a problem; I am a walker. Can you find me a handful of trustworthy children who can mind them? It need be only during the day, the animals will all come back into the keep at night if I ask them.’

  Reetha’s eyes narrowed. ‘As long as y’ witchcraft harms none I can find y’ the workers from among the children of the owners. Some of them could do with more honest work.’

  ‘Have them report to me when we have finished clearing the ward. Also, I’ve promised a feast and ale for those who help me clear the land and dig the plots; is that something we are in a position to provide?’

  Reetha gave a slight shake of her head. ‘We brew our own mead and have some stores but our next supply boat from Taurmaline is due three weeks hence. How long do you think this work will take?’

  ‘I’m not sure.’ Kesta’s shoulders sagged. ‘Can you send to Taurmaline for an earlier delivery of extra goods?’

  ‘If y’ got the coin, I can send someone to the city to make the purchases and secure a boat to deliver.’

  ‘I’ll have coin for you this morning.’

  Reetha raised an eyebrow but unfolded her arms. ‘Do you want to see the kitchen and cellars?’

  Kesta tried to hide her disinterest; cooking was something her mother had never been able to involve her in. ‘Yes, I should see it all; but be assured I’ve heard good reports of how you run the keep household and I have no desire to interfere.’

  A tension that had hung between the two women evaporated almost at once and Reetha’s thin mouth turned upward into a smile. ‘Well, of course I will need to change a few of our supply orders to take into account what you like to eat; but I am sure your garden will be a Goddess-send.’ Reetha chattered away as she showed them around the main kitchen with its huge fireplace, stone bread oven, and dry and cold cellars. There was a well in the wine cellar and Reetha told them there was another out in the ward close to the stables. As they came back through, Reetha picked up a freshly baked bread roll and splitting it in half with her long fingers slathered both pieces with butter. She handed Kesta and Rosa a half each.

  ‘My thyme bread.’ She nodded at it proudly. ‘I was going to send you some up with your noon meal but it’s so much nicer hot.’

  Kesta took a bite; it was soft and slightly sweet and the thyme subtle but delicious. She wiped a drip of butter from her chin and laughing declared, ‘That must be the best bread I’ve ever tasted! Thank you, Reetha, if you could send me some up warm with breakfast each day I will be delighted!’

  Reetha gave a satisfied nod and held back a smile. ‘I will do that, Lady.’

  ‘And I will be sure that there is plenty of thyme in the herb beds.’

  ***

  ‘Where next?’ Rosa asked as Kesta headed out of the keep.

  ‘I want a proper look around the grounds to see how much work will need doing and choose a sight for the barn. Then we will go and see the man that Jorrun spoke to yesterday to see if he will build it for us.’

  Rosa looked down at her feet and Kesta saw that she was wearing a pair of dainty court shoes.

  ‘I think I may need to adjust my attire while I stay with you!’

  Kesta lifted her day dress to reveal her own sturdy boots. ‘We’ll see if there is a cobbler anywhere about. You might want to stick to the paths in the meantime.’

  ‘No, I’ll manage.’ Rosa smiled and to show her determination she set off around the keep.

  While most of the ward was cropped grass, in places the ground was churned up by the rooting of pigs, and in others it was so overgrown they could not find a way through it. They discovered several goats that made both of them jump when they started up their eerie bleating.

  ‘They sound like dying babies!’ Rosa exclaimed.

  ‘I can’t believe the place has been left to go so wild.’ Kesta shook her head and looked up at the Raven Tower. They had come within a few yards of it and another two steps would bring them under its shadow. ‘I wonder what so preoccupies him up there that he doesn’t even see what has become of the ward.’

  Determinedly Kesta strode toward the tower and walked around to its entrance. She heard Rosa gasp, but she didn’t try to stop her. The door was set deep in the grey stone and looked disappointingly plain. Her eyes were drawn to the large keyhole, and she reached out a finger to touch the metal edge of it. She crouched just a little to move her eyes closer to it but bit her lower lip and straightened up again. The handle was a large hoop of iron on a hinge which had been oiled and showed no signs of rust. Would the door be locked if she gave it a pull?

  ‘So where do you think you want the barn?’ Rosa asked anxiously behind her.

  Kesta sighed and turned her back on the door. ‘Near the well so water doesn’t need to be hauled too far; close to where the stables are I think. Let’s take a look at those and then go on down to the lake.’

  ‘These stables are almost as big as at castle Taurmaline.’ Rosa lifted her skirts to keep up with her. ‘Did Tantony say how many warriors man the stronghold?’

  Kesta frowned. ‘I don’t think so; I guess I should ask.’

  Two men stood outside the stables; one holding the halter of a roan gelding while the other worked at a hoof with a file. They looked up but didn’t pause in their work.

  ‘Master’s inside,’ the farrier said.

  Kesta nodded and pushing aside one of the double doors went in. After a moment she realised that she was staring with her mouth open and quickly closed it. It was airy, light, spacious and absolutely spotless; a complete contrast to the ward outside. It went back a long way with stalls to either side and storage space in the rafters accessed by ladders and narrow walkways. She could smell the warmth of the horses and hear the rustle of straw and the snuffle of curious nostrils. Several windows let in light; the shutters thrown back against the whitewashed walls. There was an underlying smell of vinegar and lavender and she guessed they used both to scrub out the stalls.

  ‘Ma’am?’ A startled boy, no more than twelve, stepped out of a stall pulling a cart full of soiled straw behind him.

  ‘I’m Kesta Silene; the Thane’s new wife. I am just looking about the stronghold and I must say these stables are … well, they are the best I’ve seen.’

  A huge grin took over the boy’s face, and a man walked out behind him. He was a good six inches taller than her, wiry with a long grey beard and moustache, both plaited a
nd clipped with steel rings. His hair was a lighter grey and also clipped neatly back. A huge pink scar covered one side of his face and sealed shut one eye; from the dip of the skin Kesta guessed that the socket was empty. Fire. She called up her knowing. The boy seemed excited and there was an uncomplicated friendliness about him that she took to at once. The man was guarded, and she sensed a lot of pride there. She became aware at once of the different personalities of the horses also, some like still pools, others like bright darting dragonflies.

  ‘Are you master here?’ Kesta broke the silence. ‘I am Kesta Silene and this is my companion, Rosa.’

  ‘I heard.’ The man folded his arms. ‘The Thane leaves me to run things.’

  ‘I can see why; I can’t imagine anyone doing a finer job. I’m having the ward cleared and the land about the stronghold. Tell me, where do you pasture the horses?’

  The man’s eyes narrowed but she could sense more curiosity than hostility. ‘We winter the warhorses here; but when they are not being used elsewise they get taken across the river to the pastures north-west of here. What are you thinking?’

  ‘That once cleared, we make more use of the land around the stronghold; it will take a lot of work, but I’d like to take the forest back several yards.’

  ‘That would be a lot of work.’ The man took a step back and let his arms drop to his sides. Kesta tried not to smile when she felt his grudging approval. ‘About time someone took more interest in the hold ’stead of stargazing in towers. You’ll need horses. Couple o’ old warhorses here could take a run out hauling logs. Ricer and his brother Kine, down at the dock, both have plough horses they loan out. My names Nerim, by the way; the boy is Nip.’

  Kesta gave the slightest of bows in acknowledgement. ‘An herb garden is among what I plan for the ward; anything in particular you need grown for the horses let me know.’

  ‘I’ll draw up a list. By the by, your pony is just down there. Not in the best way when she got here, but I heard what you did for her. She is coming on well and should make a nice lady’s mount; however, we are clearing out this stall as the Thane says he has bought a horse for you in Taurmaline. On its way here, so it is. Nip will take you down to see the pony if you like?’