Child of Blackwen (An Artemis Ravenwing Novel Book 1) Read online

  “I’m following the instinct of a loved one.”

  “Have you spoken to the vampire about Arlina?” Talisa asked. “Have you even spoken to Lord Celstian about this request?”

  Talisa didn’t bother to include Lord Destrius; she knew better.

  Lady Clarayne shook her head. “No need to. There would be no debate concerning the safety of the people in the city. Start gathering those unable to wield a weapon—”

  “A child can easily wield a weapon,” Talisa muttered. She clamped a hand over her mouth when she realized Lady Clarayne had heard her. “Apologies!”

  “It’s fine, Talisa.” Lady Clarayne smiled. “I want you to take those we do not wish to fight to the open forest, and hide them past the veils.”

  “Very well.” Talisa tipped the brim of her hat and smirked. “And what if your people decide to curse me for interrupting their slumber?”

  Lady Clarayne laughed. “Then I trust you’ll remind them of the pains you put your apprentices through.”

  Talisa rolled her eyes, but nonetheless smiled. “That’ll work.”

  rlina kicked through the frail wooden door of the cottage and was surprised at the disarray of broken glass and furniture within. She found herself pouting; someone had destroyed her sister’s home before she could.

  Ordering her scouts to stand watch outside, she went inside to investigate. It was hard not to make her presence known to anyone who might have remained in the home, as Arlina couldn’t avoid stepping on the sea of glass shards.

  Still taking in the sight before her, she caught a familiar human scent. It grew stronger the closer she moved to what was once a bedroom. She gripped a sai hidden within her boot while she slowly pushed the half-hinged door. Arlina pursed her lips at the sight of a human male sitting cross-legged in the center of the room. His back was to her; his shoulder-length black hair was in a crazed mess that mirrored the state of the cottage, and she noticed his tunic and vest sported claw-like tears.

  Arlina couldn’t help but smirk, as she then understood what happened.

  “Gavin,” she called, taking a firmer grip on the onyx-jeweled hilt of her sai.

  The man she called Gavin didn’t respond. Arlina decided to move in front of him, and when she noticed a flintlock pistol in his right hand, she knew to keep her distance. The hazel eyes that peered at her through strands of stringy black hair were dark and angry; Arlina found it enticing.

  “What do you want, you hateful full-blood bitch?” Gavin demanded as he stood.

  He was much taller than Arlina, and he was of a burly build. Arlina thought he was wasted as a human. He was wasted even more once he made it a habit to bed her sister.

  “Hello to you as well, my bastard of a brother-in-law,” Arlina replied, folding her arms and pointing her sai outward. “Where is my dear sister, and where did she take that little brat?”

  “They’re gone.” Gavin looked away while tapping the barrel of the flintlock pistol. “Gone before I could kill them.”

  Arlina raised a brow and didn’t bother to hide her amusement with him anymore. “Yes, and the tears in your clothing aren’t any indication that you tried.”

  “Shut up, you corpse hag!” Gavin seethed.

  Arlina shrugged. “As far as I was concerned, you were so madly in love with my sister.” She began to pace around him, taking pleasure in his rising anger. “You were overjoyed at the birth of a daughter. The dishonorable merchant was suddenly living a life of legitimacy. What a laughable concept!”

  “As far as I’m concerned, my daughter never lived. That hellspawn monster that masquerades in her body destroyed her soul the second it was born!” Gavin cried, as tears welled in his eyes.

  He glared at Arlina as she began to laugh hysterically.

  “Oh, my apologies!” she said, now hugging her waist. “I’m just surprised, really. How is it that a well-known merchant such as yourself—wait, let me rephrase that. How is it that a well-known smuggler such as yourself never encountered a dhampir child before? You’ve had dealings with vampires before!”

  “I fail to see the humor in this, Arlina.”

  “You’ll forgive me if I see the humor in the fact that you had no notion you were bedding a corpse all this time! Did you honestly believe that the look of hunger on dear Tamina’s face was that of lust? She wanted to eat you, you pathetic waste of a human!” Arlina exclaimed, while her laughter continued.

  She stopped laughing when Gavin held the flintlock pistol inches from her face. Arlina sighed and tapped her sai with a clawed finger. “What? You’re going to shoot me now?”

  Gavin narrowed his gaze at her. “If I know Tamina well enough, she is heading toward Ellewynth. She’s going to that bastard elf, Shadow, and that crone stuck in a maiden’s body, Talisa. What you choose to do with that information is up to you.”

  “My, my!” Arlina gave an exaggerated gasp. “I actually expected to be shot in the face, and here you are being generous!”

  “You are truly annoying, Arlina,” Gavin cursed.

  “You know, when that kind of generosity is given to me, the person usually expects something in return,” Arlina mused. “What is your price?”

  Gavin loosened the grip on the pistol and let it swing with the hilt facing her so she could grasp it. “I want to return to my home city without being hunted by your lapdogs. I want nothing to do with this life anymore…I want it behind me.”

  “And?” Arlina asked, gesturing toward the pistol.

  Gavin handed it over to her and then made his way to leave. Stopping at the half-hinged door, he turned. “When you find her, make sure she knows exactly what she’s done to me.”

  Arlina’s eyes snapped open, and she felt sharp pains in her chest. Even with the agony, she felt herself chuckling.

  “So-called death serum…to think a cordial of all things could have ended me. Hah!”

  She reached for the jacket that was neatly folded beside her cot. Slipping into the sleek, warm leather of her long jacket, she felt the opening flap of her tent with her fingertips. She smiled when she felt the crispness of the night.

  She was greeted by the scouts and warriors of her city when she stepped out, and Arlina scoffed to show her acknowledgement of them.

  She was hoping to find the location of Karesu’s tent. Arlina wanted to find him and requisition more of the cordial he made for personal use. Not only was she refreshed, but she also didn’t feel the soul-sucking energies of both the forest and her specter sister. The scratches on her arms were gone as well.

  Arlina recalled the memory she’d relived while under the influence of the milky root cordial. Gavin was both a face and a name she hadn’t seen or heard since the night she disposed of Tamina. Arlina couldn’t help but grin; it was such a fond memory.

  What happened afterward was an even sweeter memory that she wished she’d relived in the comatose state as well.

  “Mistress. You’re awake.”

  Arlina recognized the voice of the mage and watched him step out of the tent closest to her.

  “Of course I’m awake.” She glared at him. “Did you think I would fall prey to the hazards of the cordial like the common scum that live on the streets of the Dark Fortress? No.”

  “I meant no disrespect.” Karesu bowed his head. “I’m only surprised, as the cordial had you in its grasp for only several days. Those who’ve woken from it didn’t do so until at least a month’s passing.”

  Arlina felt amazed. Several days?

  It felt as if she’d had one night’s rest.

  “What has been going on since my, ah, slumber, if you will?”

  “I’ve sent several scouts to keep an eye on Ellewynth, as we are only a night’s march away,” Karesu explained while tying his hair back with a silver ribbon. She noted his agitation by the constant breeze of the forest. “If you’re wondering about Latos, do not worry. He has kept his silence, especially since I took temporary command.”

  Arlina noted the enjoyment in Kar
esu’s normally stoic violet eyes. She thought he could become a worthy Second.

  “And what news of Ellewynth do we have?” Arlina asked.

  “There has been some strange activity as of late. One scout spotted some groups leaving the city in what they believed to be in a ‘discreet’ fashion,” Karesu answered. “One scout claimed that the one leading them is Talisa herself.”

  “Talisa?” Arlina tapped her chin and thought for a moment. “They’re being hidden away in the veils then.”

  “Do you think Netira could have told them? Even so, why would the Elders have listened? They despise vampires.”

  “She could have. But if I remember correctly, Clarayne is still one of the Elders of Ellewynth. She would have heeded Netira’s words, if that traitor said any. Clarayne could also have suspected this from my letter, and is taking what she believes to be necessary precautions,” Arlina grumbled. “We’ll have to make them pay, Karesu.”

  “How should we do so, my Mistress?”

  “Normally, I would have dispatched Latos and several others to intercept those traveling and cause some chaos.” Arlina dramatically sighed. “I think the honor now belongs to you, mage.”

  Karesu inclined his head. “So shall it be done.”

  She watched Karesu step back inside the tent, and Arlina motioned for another scout to join her.

  “Mistress?” the scout inquired.

  “Have the others prepare for battle. Karesu will need you and one other to accompany him and take care of those running to the veils. I want to march straight to Ellewynth,” Arlina ordered.

  Her anticipation for the blood of her enemies rose. She loved that feeling.

  “As you command, my Mistress.”

  Talisa was ferrying the elves deemed unfit to serve Ellewynth to the veils of the open forest for what felt like an eternity. Some refused her order to flee the city, but they changed their minds the moment she dragged them out of their homes by their pointed ears with her sharp nails.

  Clearly, there were those who had no idea what her past apprentices had been through. Talisa wondered how that was even possible, since the elves were infamous for gossip. Then again, the elves were also infamous for looking the other way on certain matters.

  To Talisa’s surprise, the children were more cooperative than the adults. They enjoyed the idea of walking to the open forest; it was something that was rare for them, as they were never allowed to venture there unescorted. A child was one of the most precious treasures to the elves, especially when childhood was so short-lived in their culture.

  While ignoring the grumbling of many, Talisa moved past the group and was amazed to find Serlene’s sister, Lily. Lily was wearing a simple white robe, and she held a child’s hand in each of her own. She was maintaining a smile, but Talisa could sense the anger within her.

  “Hello, Lily,” Talisa greeted her as she began to walk beside her.

  “Talisa,” Lily slightly bowed her head. “How do you fare?”

  “Oh, don’t start with the pleasantries. It’s far too late in the night for it.” Talisa frowned. “Or too early in the morning, if you prefer.”

  Lily chuckled. “Both are truth.”

  Talisa urged the children Lily held to move forward, and she noted Lily’s now sad demeanor. “What troubles you?”

  “It’s…” Lily began, with a sigh, “it’s not fair. I should be back in the city with Serlene and the others. I’m a capable bow-hand, and I know Ellewynth will need all of her soldiers.”

  “But that’s just it,” Talisa said. “You are not a soldier. Not yet.”

  “Shadow was officially a soldier when he was only three decades old. I’m nearly the same age, and my own sister was my instructor,” Lily fumed. “Why can’t I do the same?”

  “For starters, your sister is a mediocre archery instructor at best,” Talisa explained. “And second, Shadow had the archery instructor since he was able to lift a bow. It was also fortunate that he had the skills necessary for war before they were even taught to him. He was also one of the ‘chosen’. They train a great deal more than those who aren’t picked, as you well know.”

  “Even though I wasn’t picked to join the ‘chosen’, you can’t deny that I have skill with the bow.”

  Talisa sighed. The girl was worse than Jack.

  “Yes, you have skill, Lily…but you are not there yet.” She rubbed Lily’s shoulder in an effort to comfort her. “I promise that you will be of use to the realm in a war one day. Right now, it seems you’re more useful in keeping the children happy.”

  Lily shrugged as she smiled. “I suppose so.”

  “There’s that smile.” Talisa winked. “Why do I still sense some uneasiness?”

  “Well…” Lily rubbed her nose and avoided eye contact. “I was also wondering how Jack is.”

  “Jack?” Talisa failed to hide her amusement. “Why?”

  “He is a friend.” Lily flushed. “Serlene never approved, but…”

  Ah, I know why. Serlene can see that you love him, Talisa thought, even if you’re unsure of it yourself.

  “She never approved of Artemis either,” Lily continued, breaking Talisa’s train of thought. “Artemis has such a sweet soul. I wish others could see it.”

  “People fear those different from them,” Talisa reminded her. “And she’s a dhampir. The hatred the elves carry for any with vampiric blood runs too deep.”

  “But Shadow cares for Artemis!” Lily pointed out.

  “Yes, because he was a dear friend to her mother and feels the need to continue being her guardian.”

  Lily crossed her arms, and her brow furrowed. “Here I thought it was because he loves her. I thought Artemis loved him as well, but she scolded me for saying so. I’ve seen how they look at one another! How could they deny it?”

  Talisa burst out laughing. “Oh, Lily…that is one matter I dare not meddle in.”

  “Somehow I doubt that.”

  “Oh, fine.” Talisa shrugged. “For now, I dare not meddle in it. It’s not fun when they’re moody about it.”

  Lily chuckled and was about to say something, until she came to a sudden stop.

  “What is it?” Talisa asked. “We’re not at the veils yet.”

  Lily didn’t say a word as the rest of the group stopped. One of the children who ran ahead screamed. Talisa and Lily ran to where the child stopped, and Lily choked on a sob.

  The child had found the mangled corpse of an elf. Talisa saw the elf’s throat torn out, and its chest was ripped apart. She inhaled sharply.

  “How could this have—”

  “Lily, lead the others back to Ellewynth,” Talisa cut Lily off. “And be quick about it. The paths to the veils are no longer safe.”

  “But—”

  “You will do as I command, as a good soldier would, and you will make sure no harm comes to the children and your fellow elves!” Talisa barked. “Go.”

  Lily ordered the group to turn back, and Talisa felt some of her calm return once the group was out of sight. Returning to the body of the elf, Talisa knelt beside it to examine it further. She spotted multiple puncture marks all over the corpse, and before she could study the odd wounds in the remains of the neck and shoulder, Talisa felt cold steel rest beneath her chin.

  A single arm restrained her and crushed her chest from behind, and she silently cursed herself for allowing someone to capture her with such ease.

  “You’re losing your touch, witch,” a male voice said.

  She did not recognize him. Talisa could, however, sense an odd power within him…it wasn’t quite like Jack’s, but it was similar enough.

  “I should have known the corpse was a trick to have me stay and send the others away.” Talisa frowned. “Tell me true: Do you enjoy being a worthless lapdog to that bitch Mistress of yours?”

  The grip of her captor tightened, and the sword was getting uncomfortably close to her throat.

  “Tell me true,” the voice mocked, “do you enjoy knowing t
hat even you can be wrong?”

  Talisa chuckled. “If you’re not one of Arlina’s whelps, then why hold me at sword point?”

  “Because you are Talisa, the great witch of the elves and Kiare’s vassal,” he answered, now removing the sword and turning her around.

  She saw her captor and took in the black clothing along with his long black hair, bound with a silver ribbon. He wore a large, silver, cross-shaped earring on his right earlobe, and Talisa noted the dark look in his deep violet eyes. “You have someone dear to me held prisoner in Ellewynth. You’re going to lead me to her, and I would think twice about trying to lead me astray.”

  Someone dear? Talisa thought, puzzled.

  “Why?” Talisa inquired, now noticing the silver rings the man wore on his left hand. Her initial judgment of him was correct. “Judging from the runes on those rings of yours, I’d say you’re a mage. You wouldn’t even break a sweat bringing down the prison bars.”

  “The bars, no. I wouldn’t,” he said. “I have no desire, however, to bring any unwanted attention to myself. You will take me into the city as discreetly as possible. Once I get Netira and am guaranteed a safe escape, I will spare you your life, Talisa.”

  Talisa raised an eyebrow. “Amazing.”

  The man frowned. “What?”

  “You’ll have to forgive me if you honestly think that I believe all of this.” Talisa laughed. “You’re obviously well trained by your Mistress. I’m sure Arlina got impatient that the Elders haven’t disposed of Netira and decided to send you to finish the job. Lies are all you full-bloods know.”

  The mage took her by surprise again and held her tightly against his chest. His sword rested beneath her chin once more. “It would be in your best interests not to anger me, witch. Now move.”

  After the training Shadow decided to spring on me, I was too tired and bruised to return home that very moment. Shadow, of course, offered for me to stay the night. Even with my grumbling of it all being his fault in the first place, I accepted.

  I made my way to one of the spare rooms that I had often slept in before Shadow left for the war. Falling face first onto the bed, I felt my legs throb and ache. Even with the extra strength I had from the fox blood, I was in pain. I didn’t bother to get up and massage my legs. My mind changed, however, the moment one leg caught a cramp, and I snapped up to relieve myself of it. I stopped when I noticed Shadow standing in the doorway, clearly amused.