Moonblood

by Martin Ash

  ‘What have we here?'

  I stepped up to him. ‘I am Ronbas Dinbig, of Khimmur. May I ask who I have the honour of addressing?’

  ‘I’m Lord Harwen Condark, brother of Lord Ulen who is unlawfully incarcerated with his family inside this rotting remnant of a castle.’

  ‘I believe your brother and his family are now free, or on the point of being freed, as are those others who were likewise wrongfully imprisoned. Certainly, that was my recommendation, and I was given to understand that it would be followed through.’

  Lord Harwen raised his eyebrows. ‘And what might your role be in this matter?’

  I endeavoured to explain in as few words as possible, then asked, ‘How strong is your force?’

  ‘I have seventy-five mounted troops stationed a quarter of a mile down the road. A further two hundred footsoldiers led by my nephew, Jesmond, will be here within a day and a half.’

  ‘I think they will not now be required. Have you asked for entrance?’

  ‘Aye. The gatekeeper seemed confused and has gone off to seek advice. If Lord Flarefist is incommoded, as you say, who now commands the garrison here?’

  ‘Lady Sheerquine. Her manner is somewhat erratic, but I don’t expect she’ll resist you now.’

  ‘And who is your prisoner?’

  ‘He is the captain of Ravenscrag’s guard, a pitiless villain and murderer. There remains much to be explained, but I would request that you take him into custody and hold him securely until he can be tried for his crimes.’

  As I spoke there came the sound of the heavy bar on the other side of the gate being lifted. The gate was drawn open with a creaking of hinges. Beyond, standing beside the gatehouse, was Moonblood. She looked shaken. Her gown was rumpled and still covered in blood. Linvon the Light stood with her, clasping her hand.

  Lord Harwen gazed upon them in some perplexity. I move stiffly to Moonblood. ‘I had expected your mother.’

  She turned deep sorrowful eyes to me. ‘My mother is dead.’

  ‘Dead? But… How?’

  ‘It happened just minutes ago. A soldier came, simply to tell her that you were returning to the castle. She dismissed him and apparently returned to her chambers. She was found at the base of the tower of the family apartments. She had apparently fallen from the parapet. It is strange – in her hands she clutched a tiny garment, a baby’s smock. I’ve seen the smock only once before. My little sister, Misha, was wearing it on the day she died.’

  Moonblood’s voice faded and she bowed her head. I closed my eyes, praying to the Great Moving Spirit, Moban, that Ravenscrag’s bane had now claimed its last victim.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Early in the morning, after a semblance of order had been restored under the auspices of House Condark, and the castle had settled back into a kind of routine, a meeting was convened. We assembled in the dusty reception chamber in Ravenscrag’s private apartments where only three days earlier I’d met with Lord Flarefist and Lady Sheerquine and been assigned my new commission to locate and return their missing son.

  Present around the table with its three silver candlesticks were myself, Moonblood, Lord Ulen Condark and his son, Ilden, and brother, Lord Harwen, plus Linvon the Light – who sat with Moonblood, clasping her hand – and Markin, the castle’s physician.

  Talk was of matters grave and important. Ravenscrag’s future hung here in the balance. Old Flarefist still somehow clung to life but Markin reported that he had slipped into coma and grew weaker by the hour. Decisions were made, therefore, without reference to the old man’s authority, on the plain if unspoken understanding that he would not survive to influence their outcome.

  But the main decision, as to how Ravenscrag would be administered until young Redlock came of age, remained unresolved. That in itself was actually a positive outcome, for it underlined Lord Ulen Condark’s earlier sentiments to me, that he had no particular ambition to procure Ravenscrag for himself. Rather, his aim was to work to establish a firm rapprochement between the two houses and secure a future for the rightful heir and his kin.

  So the talks progressed in a spirit of amity, constructively and with a genuine desire to bury past differences. Moonblood, her eyes red and darkly circled, said little. I felt she had hardly taken in the scale of the responsibility that had fallen so suddenly upon her shoulders. And I couldn’t help but be struck by the sheer irony of the situation as I sat there and listened to those men deciding the fate of that young girl. Plainly, none of them understood what had happened here. It was true that they were not party to what Moonblood had done. They didn’t know what she had become, nor could they know the ancient and manifest truth behind the mysteries that had occurred. But it was equally true that their minds would not allow them to see. To them it was inconceivable that Ravenscrag might be governed, even temporarily, by a female, be she the daughter of its rightful lord or any other. The notion was not entertained, and nobody questioned it.

  Everything changes and all remains the same.

  I suspected, as it happened, that Moonblood would have wanted nothing of it anyway. There was a change, a knowingness in her, which I sensed even through her grief. She had discovered something of her true nature, her true heritage and independence, and she knew her connection to the past, and her power. Nothing that good and powerful men might do could alter that. It was for the future to reveal the real consequences of her struggle.

  Tentative mention was made of a marriage between the two houses. Moonblood spoke up then, declaring politely but firmly that she would entertain no such idea. Young Ilden blushed to his roots, but his father, Lord Ulen, nodded sagely and glanced, not unkindly, at Linvon the Light, and made no further reference to the matter.

  At length the meeting was adjourned. Moonblood was plainly exhausted and preoccupied, and could not be expected to give her fullest attention to such weighty matters just now, no matter their import.

  Lord Ulen stood, then, saying, ‘I am optimistic. We have yet to arrive at a full settlement that is acceptable to all, but I feel we have paved the way that will take us to that desired condition. With your permission, Lady Moonblood, I would like to remain here at Ravenscrag for a while longer, with a small retinue and guard, to oversee administration and continue to work with you towards an amicable resolution. There is no question as to your brother’s birthright. My aim is purely to establish the means whereby Redlock’s – and your own – future security may be assured, and a close relationship be cemented between Ravenscrag and House Condark.’

  Moonblood nodded graciously. ‘Of course, my lord. You are a welcome guest here – and be assured, the key to the door to your apartments will remain in your possession at all times.’

  Lord Ulen laughed. ‘I’m relieved to hear it!’

  Outside the chamber, as he left with his brother and son, I drew him aside. Earlier I’d drafted a signed statement detailing the crimes of Darean Monsard. ‘His future is a matter of concern to me, Lord Condark. I fear for Ravenscrag if he is set free.’

  ‘Monsard’s reputation as a thug and bully has long been known to us,’ replied Condark sombrely. ‘In the past we could but remain silent, for it was not for us to involve ourselves in Ravenscrag’s internal affairs. Now it’s different. Your statement has been supplemented by others from a number of Monsard’s own men. They, realizing themselves seriously implicated, did not hesitate to provide damning evidence against him. Add to these certain unfortunates who have been found in Ravenscrag’s dungeon, many in a most dreadful condition, who have also attested to Monsard’s predilection for cruelty and torture. His fate is sealed. Tomorrow morning he will be taken into the forest and, beyond sight of the castle, executed and buried in an unmarked grave.’

  Perhaps surprisingly, I felt nothing. ‘Is Lady Moonblood aware of this?’

  ‘She is. She has seen and heard the evidence against him, and knows him for what he is. She accepts, albeit without pleasure, that it must be this way.’

  I nodded a
nd made to leave. Lord Ulen said, ‘Master Dinbig, I’ve not yet extended to you my personal gratitude and that of my family and house for what you have done. Without you I fear we might not have been here today to tell our story.’ He extended his hand and shook mine firmly. ‘Know that you are a welcome guest in my house any time, and if there is anything you wish from me, now or in the future, do not hesitate to ask.’

  The reception chamber door opened and Moonblood came out, Linvon at her side. As Lord Ulen went on his way I joined them. We walked through Ravenscrag’s ancient ways, and came eventually into the sunlit courtyard where – it seemed an age ago – I had first been received by the old Lord of Ravenscrag. I recalled with a pang of sadness how I had sat there with Flarefist, Irnbold and Lord Ulen. I recalled the anticipation and excitement as Redlock’s birth drew near. I recalled the arrival from the shadows of Moonblood, and I looked at her now and realized suddenly what a profound transformation had taken place. Just days ago she had been a child, hardly touched by the concerns of the world. Now she was another person, and her universe was an unimaginably different place.

  Old Rogue lay stretched upon a step nearby. Seeing his mistress he climbed to his feet and ambled across to greet her, swinging his tail from side to side. Moonblood stroked him distractedly, gazing out beyond the castle walls to the rugged green heights.

  I cleared my throat. ‘You are greatly burdened at this time, and it’s not for me to add to your concerns, but I wonder if I might ask a small favour of you?’

  She turned her big green eyes to me with a wan, dimpled smile. ‘You may ask anything of me, at any time, Dinbig. Surely you know that? What is it that you wish?’

  ‘I feel concern for Madam Cametta. From what I understand she has suffered greatly at her husband’s hands. Now, with his imminent… demise, it appears she stands to lose everything. Really, she is an innocent victim of circumstances that are entirely beyond her control. She also has a young son to care for.’

  Moonblood’s look was knowing – or so I perceived – and I shifted my eyes away uncomfortably. ‘I’m aware of Cametta’s misfortune, Dinbig. I will do all I can to ensure that she does not lose her home, or anything else. And I believe she ought to be due at least a modest allowance from the castle treasury, in recognition of her and her husband’s years of service to my family.’

  I nodded gratefully. Moonblood’s gaze still rested on me. ‘Is it true that you’re leaving us today?’

  ‘Aye, it is.’

  ‘I’ll be sad to see you go. We will miss you. Will you not stay a while longer? We would be so happy if you would.’

  ‘You’re very kind, and I wish it were possible. But I’ve lingered too long and am expected elsewhere.’

  ‘But you will return to visit us, often, won’t you?’

  ‘Of course.’

  She stepped forward and kissed me upon the cheek, then threw her arms around my neck and hugged me. ‘Thank you, dear Dinbig, my friend, for all you have done.’

  ‘I did little, Lady Moonblood. Truly. At the most, I simply helped clear obstructions from the path that enabled you to discover your true heritage. And I have learned and, I feel, gained immensely from that experience. Really, it is I who should be thanking you.’

  Linvon stepped forward and clasped my hand, then embraced me. ‘You must promise us that at the least you will return as a guest of honour at our wedding.’

  ‘Your wedding? My, this is news indeed! Congratulations!’ I warmly embraced them both again. ‘When is the happy day to be?’

  ‘Not yet,’ said Moonblood, tears brimming in her eyes. ‘There is so much else to be done. But when all is settled here we will formally announced our betrothal, and you will be among the first to know.’

  I stared at them, and suddenly the joy I felt for them was clouded with deep misgiving. Young Linvon, I thought, you know nothing of your true origin.

  What was his future, here among us? Now that the bane had been lifted and Ravenscrag’s troubles were over, his original purpose was done. Could he still remain, or did other, immutable laws apply? Was he to be struck down suddenly, by illness or accident, recalled to the Realm of the Dead from which he had come?

  I masked my fears, but when we parted I made my way quickly, for the last time, to the high turret chambers that had been my home these past three days. There I entered trance. While Yo took custody of my corporeal form, I sped anxiously to that hallowed and mysterious locale, Shalu, and the Meeting-Place of the Dead.

  ~

  Beside the crystal cairn where the stick and Drum of Calling rested, I perceived a ghostly figure seated cross-legged upon the ground.

  ‘Lord Draremont!’

  The shade of Ravenscrag’s erstwhile lord rose to greet me. There was a new vigour in his movement, a lightness of being. ‘I waited, hoping that you would come here. I was prepared to remain here until you did, or until I might find some means of contacting you. I thank you for all you have done. I cannot thank you enough, my friend. The bane is lifted from Ravenscrag; our foe is defeated. My home and my descendants can at last know peace.’

  ‘Aye, the work is done, though the cost was high.’

  ‘Perhaps not quite as high as you conceive. Hectal is back among us, relieved of his mortal suffering. His shade may pass on now in its proper course. Lady Sheerquine has been borne to us, as have Irnbold and Elmag. They too are cleansed and liberated from their pains and sufferings and the dreadful burdens that existence in the corporeal world so often lays upon us. Soon Lord Flarefist will come, too. They will experience peace, at last.’

  ‘And what of Linvon the Light, who returned to end Ravenscrag’s suffering and now seeks to remain there as the husband of Moonblood? He knows nothing, or almost nothing, of his real nature. What will be his fate?

  ‘You need not fear for Linvon. He returned to the flesh of his own will. Happily, he survived without the sad consequences that so often occur. There is no inherent condition to prevent him living out his full span.

  ‘I am relieved to hear it. I could not bear to see that young girl suffer any more.’

  ‘Nor I.’

  ‘And you, Lord Draremont, what is your future now?’

  ‘Future?’ He smiled. ‘None. I too can know peace. Ravenscrag is saved, I am no longer chained. I go at last into eternity where my beloved Molgane awaits me.’

  He moved to one side and I saw at the edge of the ring of stones the phantom form of a young woman. It was the same woman who had materialized to stand beside Moonblood outside the cellar deep within the bowels of Castle Ravenscrag.

  ‘My eternal thanks to you, Master Dinbig,’ said Lord Draremont. ‘And my blessing and the blessing of my house and my folk be upon you. Fare well, go safely through this life, in the knowledge of what you have made possible.’

  So saying, he moved away across the grey powdery earth to where his love awaited him. She opened her arms as he approached, and the two ghostly forms embraced and, as I watched, began to merge into one. They rose together above the stones, a single entity now, and as it went it faded until there was nothing left to be seen.

  Epilogue

  The wagons, laden with pottery, cloth, spirits and other local goods, rumbled slowly out of the market-place along Ravenscrag’s dusty main street towards the town gate. I rode, with no little discomfort, on my mare at their fore, glancing about me from time to time, scanning the faces that watched us pass. I looked beyond, to the cluttered houses rising behind the main street, and higher, to the house where Cametta lived.

  Her door was closed, as were the shutters and windows. Any hopes I’d entertained that I might catch a final glimpse of her – that she might perhaps have reconsidered, be making her way down here even now – were lost.

  The old castle walls loomed above us. Upon the ramparts stood two figures: a pale, fair-haired maiden in a sleeveless blue frock upon which, even at this distance, the sunlight glittered on the stones of a most unusual brooch. And beside her a handsome, slender y
outh clad in green. Together they raised their arms and waved as we moved on along the way.

  Half a mile or so beyond the town we came to the place where we had lost the wagon. Its wreck still lay upturned in the shallow river bed below. The road had yet to be repaired but here was sufficient space for us to pass. The boy, Moles, bandaged and bruised, sat beside the driver of the second wagon.

  ‘Do you want to take the reins?’ I asked.

  He smiled, lifting a splinted arm, and shook his head. ‘Another time.’

  I nodded, then swung my horse around to gaze back through the heat-addled air at Ravenscrag town huddled in the distance between the soaring crags, its rooftops shimmering pink, grey and blue in the sunshine. The mouldering hulk of the castle, its ancient walls, towers and turrets, rose at its back. There were no dark specks circling now in the skies over Ravenscrag. The bane was lifted, the ravens had gone.

  I felt no jubilation.

  I sat still for a moment, immersed in my thoughts, then turned back to join my wagons. We moved on, past the fated spot. The forest closed in, blocking the sun. Ravenscrag passed from sight.

  Unlike the ravens, I believed that one day I would return.

  Initiation

  (Ritual of binding of the First Realm spirit ally)

  Torch-flames flickered and flared, casting shifting tones of eerie light across the rough-hewn walls of the central chamber. Shadows danced over runes and symbols etched into the polished marble floor. The air was thick with smoke and the reek of smouldering herbs and incense. From a concealed sidechamber came the muffled pulse of a drum.

  The veiled figure, garbed in full ceremonial attire, stood beside the High Altar where the Fire of the Sacred Spirit burned. Encircling me as I knelt in the centre of the floor, nine Witnesses were seated in ritual posture, each giving voice to sonorous, unearthly chants, sometimes harmonious, sometimes discordant, petitioning the spirits, calling for guidance and protection, warning off any that might approach with malign intentions.