Flight of the Raven

by Morgan L. Busse

  “Yes.” She glanced at him from under her hood. “I’m just tired.”

  “You’re still not sleeping well?”

  “No, but who can on the ground?” She let out a shaky laugh, hoping it would put him off.

  Damien studied her thoughtfully. “It’s a good thing we’ll be arriving in Rone this evening and should be able to find an inn. A bed will be a nice change to sleeping on hard ground.”

  “Yes, a bed will be very ni—” Her eyes went wide. Would she have to share a bed with Damien? Heat flooded her face. Dart’an!

  Karl glanced back, caught the look on her face, and snickered.

  Confound it all!

  Damien sent a stern look toward Karl, who sobered and turned back around. “We’ll be keeping the arrangement we had back in Riveram,” he said quietly, so as not to be overheard.

  Selene let out a breathy sigh, and her body sagged forward. “I would like that.” Eventually she would have to face the reality of her new marriage, but right now all she could handle was today.

  As dusk fell across the forest, the trees split, and in the distance, past fields of tall grass, stood the bustling city of Rone. Music, conversation, and laughter drifted over the twelve-foot wall that surrounded the city. Beyond the barrier, narrow two-story homes made of the same stone overlooked the wall, candlelight spilling from the curved windows. A single torch blazed beside the thick wooden door that led into Rone. Up above, the first stars appeared in the night sky.

  As they approached the city, the gatekeeper appeared upon the wall above the door and held up a lantern. “Who goes there?” He was an older man, his stringy grey hair shadowed by the hood of his cloak.

  “Six weary travelers on our way back from Rook Castle,” Taegis said, taking the lead.

  “Rook Castle? You’ve come a long way, strangers.”

  “Yes. With us is Grand Lord Maris, returning from his trip there.”

  “Grand Lord Maris?” Like Jorgen from Riveram, the gatekeeper looked over at the other riders. Selene was grateful she had her hood pulled over her head this time.

  Damien brought his horse forward. “Yes. We are seeking a place to spend the night. What inn do you recommend?”

  “My lord.” The gatekeeper bowed, the lantern still in his hand. “The Bored Boar Tavern is the best place for food, drink, and bed. Just follow the first street inside toward the middle of Rone. Tell Mildred I sent you.”

  “Thank you.”

  The gatekeeper disappeared behind the wall. Moments later, there was a loud creak, and the door began to shift. When the door was fully open, the gatekeeper appeared again with his lantern and ushered the party into the city. He glanced at Damien as he passed, a smile across his weathered lips.

  Selene watched the exchange, once again puzzled. She couldn’t recall seeing the mountain people smile when her mother rode into their villages. The gatekeeper’s reaction to Damien moved her.

  The horses’ hooves clicked as they rode across the cobblestone street. Wooden shutters lined the windows that graced the fronts of two-story homes built next to each other with no space in between. Trees devoid of most of their leaves stood on the street corners. The houses disappeared the deeper they rode into Rone, replaced with small shops, smiths, stables, local guildhalls, and a covered market area. At the end of the market stood a large wooden building three times the size of any other nearby, with an array of windows along both floors and candles lit within.

  Damien dismounted and gave instructions to Karl before heading over to Selene. He held up a hand and helped her down. The moment her feet hit the ground, she let go and took a step back. She glanced at the faded sign above the door. The Bored Boar. Hopefully the inn also had a bath. Or at least some way she could wash up.

  Taegis led the way inside, followed by everyone but Karl, who stayed back to see to the horses. Warmth and smoke filled her nostrils as Selene’s eyes adjusted to the bright and cheery interior. The inn consisted of one large main room, with a set of stairs over to the right that led up to a second floor overlooking the main room. Wrought-iron chandeliers hung from the wooden beams above, and dripping candles stood on every table, which were filled with a mix of farmers, travelers, and merchants.

  Behind the long counter on the left, various animal skins and horns hung as decoration. A short, stout woman stood beneath them, her thick black hair pulled into a dense braid that hung over one shoulder. Her cheeks were rosy, and there was a mischievous glint to her brown eyes.

  “Aye!” she hollered over the conversations and laughter around the room. “Travelers! Over here.”

  Taegis led the party over to the counter.

  “Name’s Mildred and I run this here establishment. What’ll you be needing this evening?”

  “The gatekeeper recommended your inn,” Taegis said. “We desire food and bed for this evening. And perhaps a bath, if you have the means.”

  Mildred looked over the party, her eyes lingering on Selene. Selene looked away, but she had a feeling the innkeeper knew she was a woman.

  “I have all three,” Mildred said, her gaze returning to Taegis. “Might I ask who you all be, and where you’re heading?”

  “Taegis, guardian for his lordship, Grand Lord Damien Maris. We are returning from our trip to Rook Castle, heading back to Nor Esen.”

  Her eyes widened. “Grand Lord Maris?”

  Voices within the room paused.

  “Yes,” Damien said, stepping forward. “I do not need any special accommodations. Just rooms for myself and those traveling with me, as well as food and a way to wash from our travels.” He reached the counter and leaned forward. “And yes, there is a woman in our company,” he said so quietly that Selene barely caught his words. “She is my wife, but she is still adjusting to the title.”

  Mildred’s gaze darted back to Selene. “I see. I have two rooms upstairs that are available. I also have a wooden tub that I will have brought up to the first room. I’m afraid you and your company will have to share.”

  “I understand.” Damien stepped back. “Thank you, Mildred.”

  She clapped her hands three times and yelled, “Aye! Hobbes! I need the wooden tub brought up to the first room. And get the hot water going.”

  There was grumbling from the back room.

  “Now!”

  “I’m coming, I’m coming,” a gruff voice yelled back.

  “I’ll make sure you have soap and some clean linen.” Mildred smiled broadly, exposing the gap between her teeth. “In the meantime, take a seat at one of the tables, and food will be brought out.”

  “Thank you,” Damien said again.

  As Mildred headed to the back room, the travelers turned and moved toward the largest table set below the balcony. Selene took a seat with her back to the rest of the room, taking care to keep her hood up. A quick perusal of the inn confirmed that, apart from Mildred, she was the only woman in the room.

  Damien took a seat beside her, while Taegis and Sten sat across from them, where they could watch the rest of the inn and the front door. Cohen joined Damien on the other side. The men talked quietly amongst themselves, while Selene folded her hands and sat on the bench, her muscles sore and tired, and her clothes feeling like they were caked in dirt and sweat. Minutes later, steaming bowls of venison stew and brown bread arrived, along with Karl, who joined the other guards.

  “Water will be ready soon in the first room at the top of the balcony,” Mildred said as she placed pewter tankards around the table.

  Damien glanced over at Selene. “You should go first.”

  “Thank you.” She had never bathed in anything other than a metal tub or the hot springs back in Rook Castle, and she couldn’t imagine sharing the same water with five men. The thought made her wrinkle her nose, and she felt bad for whoever was last.

  As Selene took her final bite of stew, Mildred informed them that the bath was ready. Selene stood and stepped away from the bench.

  “Follow me,” Mildred said, heading
for the staircase up to the balcony. Selene ignored the curious glances of the other inn patrons and followed the stout innkeeper. At the top of the stairs, Mildred opened the door and ushered Selene inside.

  “My lady.” Mildred bowed after she’d shut the door behind her. “I’m afraid I only have tallow soap for your use.”

  “Tallow is fine. I’m just thankful for a chance to wash.”

  Selene looked around the room. It was the size of a small sitting room, with four beds lined along the right wall and wooden shutters across the windows. Lit candles were scattered across the small tables between the beds. A handwoven rug sat across the wooden floor, and on the left side, close to the foot of the beds, sat a round wooden tub, steam rising above the water.

  Selene took a step forward, then realized Mildred wasn’t moving. She looked back. Mildred stood by the door, a curious expression on her face. “This is the first time I’ve had a consort stay at my inn,” she said with a little bit of awe. “Or the grand lord.”

  “I’m not Lord Damien’s consort,” Selene said, slightly horrified. Consorts were spouses from lesser houses, whereas she was an equal to Damien. “I’m Lady Selene of Ravenwood.”

  Or was she? If she was disowned, who did that make her?

  “Oh!” Mildred’s eyes went so wide Selene could see the whites around the edges. “I had no idea. . . .”

  “It was a surprise to all of us.” She clamped her lips shut. That was more than she had wanted to share.

  “I see.” Mildred’s mischievous look came back. “I wish I had more to offer, like scented water. Nothing like lavender for a new couple.” Mildred clapped her hands. “Well then. Best to use the water while it’s still hot. And let me know if you need anythi—”

  “Yes,” Selene blurted out. “I do need something.”

  “Yes?”

  “Is there a chance you might have a change of clothes? I’ve been traveling in these garments for days. . . .” Her voice trailed off as she looked down at her black clothing. Not the typical kind of clothes a lady would wear.

  She looked up and caught Mildred eyeing her. “You’re a bit taller than I am, but I might have something.”

  “You do?” Selene sighed gratefully. She had never washed clothing before and wasn’t quite sure how. With all the servants at Rook Castle, she’d never had to think about it before. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure. It’s not every day I have the grand lord himself and his wife staying in my inn.” She gleefully rubbed her hands together. “What a story this’ll make. Now I’ll leave you to bathe.” Mildred turned and left, leaving Selene alone in the room, with only the candles for light and a tub waiting for her.

  After checking that the latch was secure, Selene stripped off her soiled clothes and dumped them near the door, then stepped into the round wooden tub—barely bigger than a rain barrel—careful not to dislodge the wooden plank that lay across one end and held the beige bar of soap.

  The moment she sank down, a long sigh escaped her lips. She didn’t have much time, not if the men downstairs had to share the water, but she couldn’t help taking a moment to savor the water before dunking her head and grabbing the soap.

  The soap had very little smell, but it did wash away the grime and dirt from her travels. Selene washed her hair twice, then let it hang over the edge of the tub. Then she leaned over to one side and placed her arms across the edge. Just one more minute, then she would get out.

  She laid her head across her arms and closed her eyes. She yawned and before she knew it, she slipped into the darkness.

  5

  Sten sat back and patted his belly. “Nothing like hot stew and bread when you’ve been traveling all day.”

  “I agree,” Cohen said, breaking off another piece of the brown bread.

  Karl just nodded, his mouth full.

  Taegis quietly sipped on the ale next to Damien. Every few seconds, Damien glanced up at the first door along the balcony and wondered what was taking Selene so long.

  “How do you think she’s doing?” Taegis asked as he placed his tankard down.

  “Doing?” Damien said, bringing his mind back to Taegis’s question.

  “Lady Selene. Her whole life has changed in the last few days, yet she seems to be holding up rather well. Or at least that’s how she appears.”

  Damien studied his empty bowl and tapped the wooden spoon against the side. “I’m not sure. Compared to most women I know, she is strong. I haven’t seen her cry once since we left.” But he could tell she was exhausted. Was it from the long days of travel or was there something more?

  Taegis leaned in closer and spoke quietly. “I saw how you reacted when you bonded with Lady Selene. I take it you found out more than you bargained for.”

  “You have no idea.” He tapped his bowl again. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to Selene about it, and even though he was privileged to the knowledge of her gift via their bond, his men were not. So even if he were to try to broach the subject, her house secrets would probably prevent him from saying anything to others, as it had prevented Selene’s father, Caiaphas. When they arrived at Northwind Castle, he would speak to her.

  Damien paused his tapping and looked up at the balcony again. “Something’s wrong,” he muttered. He stood and turned to go to the counter to get Mildred to check on Selene, then realized how odd that would appear since she was his wife and there was no reason why he couldn’t do it.

  He rubbed the back of his neck and looked one more time at the balcony, then dropped his hand and started for the stairs. Taegis was already on his feet, following.

  “You think something is wrong with Lady Selene?” Taegis asked as pairs of eyes turned in their direction.

  “I’m not sure, but it’s been a while. She should have been out by now. And I feel—” He stopped at the foot of the stairs, on the other side of the wall and away from the looks around the inn. Was it danger? No. “I feel responsibility.”

  Taegis nodded.

  The two men headed up the stairs. At the top, Damien turned toward the first door and knocked. There was no answer. He knocked again, his heart beating faster. Nothing.

  “Selene,” he said, using her first name as he knocked for a third time. No answer.

  He reached for the lever and pressed down on the metal handle. “Wait here,” he told Taegis, then entered.

  It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim candlelit interior. Then he spotted her, in the middle of the room in a round wooden tub, her head lying unnaturally to the side.

  “Selene!” He ran toward the tub. Had she passed out? Was she hurt?

  Her head shot up and water splashed over the sides of the tub.

  He skidded to a stop just behind the tub as her head twisted around and up toward his.

  Her eyes went wide. She wrapped her arms around her legs and hunched forward. “What are you doing in here?” Her long black hair hung in dark strands along her back, blocking any view of her skin.

  “You’ve been in here for over twenty minutes. I knocked three times and called out, but you didn’t answer. I thought . . .” He ran a hand through his hair and turned around.

  “I-I fell asleep,” she said sheepishly.

  “Oh.” He couldn’t get the image of her black hair hanging down her back out of his mind or comprehend the fact that she had nothing on behind him. His heart felt like it was going to explode from his chest, and heat spread across his entire body.

  “I’ll get out now. I’m sorry for taking so much time.” Her voice came out muffled.

  “It’s all right. I’ll leave.” He wanted to run for the door but made himself walk instead.

  Taegis met him outside. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes,” Damien said too quickly.

  Taegis quirked an eyebrow at him.

  “She fell asleep. In the, uh, bathtub.”

  “I see.”

  Mildred stepped off the stairs with clothing hanging over one arm. She glanced at Damie
n, then at Taegis. “Is her ladyship done?”

  “Yes.” His heart was slowly returning to its normal rhythm.

  “I brought some clothes for her.”

  Damien stepped to the side. Mildred glanced one more time at him before heading in.

  Taegis tugged on the hair below his chin. “I’m going to see if there is a well in town. I’m sure the water has cooled by now, and it’s getting late. The other guards and I can use the well to wash up.”

  Damien stared at the door. “I’ll join you. That way Lady Selene has all the time she needs.”

  After receiving another bar of soap from Hobbes, the men headed out into the brisk night to the well.

  “I can’t wait to get home,” Cohen said through chattering teeth as he splashed water from one of the buckets and washed his upper body as fast as he could.

  “Indeed,” Karl replied. The stables stood on the other side of the road and a horse neighed, as if to tell the men to keep quiet.

  “Wish I could wash my clothes.” Sten held up his tunic and wrinkled his nose. “I guess this will have to do.” He dumped the shirt in the bucket and took the bar of soap after it. “I’ll just hang it to dry in our room tonight.”

  Karl watched him for a moment. “Good idea.”

  Damien finished washing up. “I’m heading back. The rest of you take your time. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He knew Taegis was with him without having to look back. Until he reached Northwind Castle, Taegis would be his shadow, whether he wanted it or not. They walked quietly for a few blocks until the inn came into view.

  “I’m assuming you will share a room with Lady Selene,” Taegis said.

  “I should. Mildred said there were only two rooms and the one with the tub had four beds. Most likely the other room is the same. That leaves everyone with a bed if I room with her. But . . .” He let out a breath. “It’s not something I’m used to.”

  “That will take time.” There was merriment in Taegis’s voice.

  Damien glanced over at his guardian. There was a small smile on his face, visible by the light shining from the inn’s windows.

  Damien decided to play back. “And what would you know of it?”