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

  He heard a twig snap, and his attention shifted to a new figure that entered the area. Shadow studied it closely and recognized it to be female. Her red hair was unbound, resting atop her shoulders, and she wore a long black leather coat over black clothing. Such a fashion was common among vampire kind. A sheathed short sword hung from her waist, but it seemed as if it were more for show; the woman looked as if she could defend herself well without it. Her dark brown eyes narrowed at her companions, showing disgust.

  “Enough,” she declared. “Show some respect for the departed.”

  The figures above the elf separated, and Shadow noted the two were male. They too wore long black coats and black clothing. They did not appear to have any weapons—none that he could see. Their long red hair was bound, unlike that of the woman, and their pale faces were splashed with the elf’s now dark blood. The irises of their eyes were red, the sign of a full-blood’s bloodlust, along with the elongated fangs.

  One of them laughed.

  “Mistress Netira,” another one of them mocked, bowing dramatically. “To what do we owe the honor of your presence?”

  “Indeed!” the first who laughed began, while licking the blood along his lips and clawed fingertips. “Do you care for the sweet, honeyed blood of the elvenkind? It’d be a shame to waste the opportunity.”

  The one they called Netira moved forward, and she bent to inspect the body they’d gorged on. She kept silent as she rose, and she smacked the nearest vampire hard across the face. She drew her sword and pointed it at the other’s throat, keeping him at bay.

  “Fools! You bring us unwanted attention!” Netira yelled. “The elves will no doubt investigate and learn that full-bloods now dare to enter their territory.”

  “Still your nerves, Netira,” the one she had smacked said, rising to his feet. “Mistress Arlina ordered us to move within the elven borders. Did you not know this?”

  Netira shifted the point of her sword to the other’s throat. “Be silent! You disgrace the full-bloods of Blackwen City with your sloppy hunting! If this starts a war, may Avilyne herself stop me from beheading you both.”

  “Let there be a war,” he retorted. “More blood for me.”

  Before the other full-blood could add to his comrade’s comments, Netira swung her sword and beheaded him. The other full-blood was stricken; he hadn’t expected it at all.

  Shadow shut his eyes momentarily. This did not bode well at all for the woodland elves.

  “It appears Avilyne did not favor him.” Netira twirled her sword and watched the blood fly off the blade. She glanced at the remaining full-blood and pointed the sword at him again. “You will tell me why the Mistress sent you here or you’ll share his fate.”

  The full-blood gulped and twitched nervously. “M-Mistress Arlina sent for us to scout the elven lands and to listen to their words. I don’t know what we were supposed to listen for exactly. We weren’t to return until we felt we gathered enough observations worth reporting back.”

  “How long were you stationed here for?” Netira demanded.

  Shadow grew wary as he watched her irises shift color. They weren’t turning red, but silver. No full-blood was known to carry that trait; it was one carried only by dhampirs.

  “For nearly two full moonturns.”

  Shadow gripped his bow in anger at these words.

  He watched as Netira mirrored his frustrations. Shadow rubbed his eyes, as he swore that Netira’s jacket was growing bigger.

  “The two of you didn’t think to feed on animals rather than the elvenkind while stationed here?” she berated him. “You two jeopardized the safety of our city because you could not keep your bloodlust in check!”

  “Apologies, Netira,” the full-blood murmured. Then he folded his arms in defiance. “Enlighten me, though. How do you think the Mistress would take the news that her Second not only ran off on her own, but is also a dhampir in disguise?”

  Netira shut her eyes for a moment. Upon opening them, she swung her sword and beheaded the remaining full-blood. Ignoring the defiant stare of the dismembered head that was aimed toward her, she wiped the blade along the earth and sheathed it.

  “Avilyne’s hell…I forgot the damned charm. He’ll be pissed.”

  She sighed as she piled the bodies together and held out a hand. Shadow was amazed as it glowed a bright shade of orange, and the bodies ignited in flame.

  Netira removed her jacket, revealing large black wings similar to those of a bat.

  “If Arlina keeps this up…” Netira said to herself as she watched the bodies burn, “then the city will truly be damned.”

  Damned, Shadow thought to himself. I thought it already was. What is going on over there?

  Netira shook her head and suddenly looked fatigued. Shadow realized Netira did not control natural magic. Those who could did not tire so easily. Before he could speculate further, she spoke again. “It’s time. I can’t stand by and let the possible destruction of my home happen.” Looking once more at the fire, Netira lowered her head. “May the next life serve you better than this one did, elf. This was the least I could do.”

  Shadow watched her disappear into the darkness. When he couldn’t sense her presence any longer, he jumped from the branch and inspected the ash from the fire. Shadow shut his eyes and muttered an elven prayer of passage for the fallen elf. After he finished, he ran back to Talisa’s cottage and met with Azrael.

  Riding away from the cottage and back to his home, Shadow felt his uneasiness grow. He knew of Blackwen City; it was the largest known full-blood settlement in the world of Arrygn. And yet, a dhampir lived there, obviously in secret, and was unlike the full-bloods she pretended to be. He wondered what this charm of hers was…perhaps it was how she masked her true nature to the others. She had said “he” before, so perhaps she did know a person of magic.

  Shadow also knew the Mistress of Blackwen, Arlina Ravenwing. She was Tamina’s younger sister…and aunt to Artemis. If what he suspected was true, then not only was the Woodland Realm in danger, but also Artemis.

  He couldn’t let anything happen to her. No, he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

  Warmth crept along my face; it was morning. I pulled the blankets over my head, hoping to return to the deep lull of slumber, but it was no use.

  Groaning, I moved out of bed and sluggishly looked around for a ribbon. Eventually finding one atop my desk, I tied it along a half-assed braid and walked to the spare room to check on Jack.

  Jack wasn’t in bed; he was sitting along the windowsill, with his arm hanging from one arched leg and the other leg dangling from the window. He turned and acknowledged my presence with a small nod. Jack slid over for me to join him, and I sat down.

  He continued watching the trees rather than meeting my gaze. I knew he felt too guilty to look at me.

  “Jack…” I started.

  Jack sighed. “I’m fine, Artemis.”

  “Do you remember last night?”

  “Sadly, yes.” Jack frowned, still not facing me. “And you’re right, you know. I let this get out of control. I keep running away when I should defend myself against that sorry excuse for kin.”

  “Why can’t you just leave?”

  Jack finally looked at me, saddened.

  “Same as you, Artemis. I don’t have anywhere else to go. I’m not brave enough to leave on my own,” he answered. “You’re a good person, you know. It’s a shame the others can’t see it. I…I just can’t keep coming here and force you to play nursemaid to me. It’s not fair to you, nor to our friendship.”

  “You’re always welcome here, you know that,” I reassured him. “You know I worry too much about you when you pull these stunts.”

  “I’m aware of that.” Jack chuckled. “Such a worrywart.”

  “Maybe your apprenticeship with Talisa will help you,” I said, nudging him with my elbow.

  Jack shuddered. “If I get it.” He rubbed his arms to get rid of the forming goosebumps. “If I manage to s
urvive this, I won’t deny that I’ll be drinking a hell of a lot more. Solely for celebratory purposes, mind you.”

  I patted his back, smirking. Jack grew confused.

  “What’s with the smile, you evil woman?” he asked, alarmed. “What do you know?”

  “Talisa accepted you as her apprentice,” I answered, without bothering to hide a smile.

  Jack was horrified.

  “Wh-what?” he yelled as he jumped off the windowsill. “Lies!”

  “Shadow informed me over dinner,” I explained. “This means you owe him, by the way. He has to play servant to Talisa whenever she desires.”

  Jack rubbed his head, stunned. “I’m…I’m afraid, and yet…I can’t help but feel excited.”

  “Now there’s the masochistic elf I know and love,” I teased. “You should be excited! You’ll finally get to learn all the magic you’ve always wanted to! Talisa might even enjoy the ‘scholar mode.’”

  “I know!” Jack beamed as he returned to sit along the windowsill. His smile warped into a frown. “Oh…I apologize for the tease about Shadow last night.”

  “I’ve forgiven you already. I know you have less control than usual when you’re drunk.”

  “And how was dinner with him?”

  “It was…interesting.” I frowned when I noticed Jack’s inquiring glance. “You have a terrible mind sometimes, you know that? I made the mistake of telling him I wanted to return to weapons training.”

  Jack snorted. “Shame, shame.”

  “I know,” I said. I then explained the possibility of full-bloods venturing into the realm’s borders. Jack rubbed his chin and smirked. “What?”

  “Good thing Shadow will be teaching you to fight,” he said. “You’ll need all the help you can get. Pure hatred of them won’t be enough.”

  “Don’t act as if you wouldn’t fight alongside me if the chance came.” I pointed a teasing finger at him. “You wouldn’t dare pass up the chance to fight with magic.”

  “True enough.” Jack looked out to the trees again. “When do the lessons start for you?”

  “I don’t know,” I admitted. “I imagine Shadow will drag me out when it’s time.”

  “Talisa will most likely do the same for me,” Jack said, growing fearful again. “Make sure she doesn’t throw away my soul once I sell it to her, will you? I’ll deal with the physical abuse…but I rather like my soul.”

  I nodded. “Your soul will be just fine.”

  I spent most of the day lying on the grass outside of the house, staring at the clouds. I was thinking of the dream about Mother; the sudden dream along with the idea of full-bloods hiding within the realm couldn’t have been a coincidence. It felt as if something had been trying to unfold since the soldiers returned from the war, and the evil behind it felt far worse than that of turncoat dragons and wizards.

  I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that somehow I would be involved in the next big fight that was to come, and I assumed the dreams would continue. Perhaps it would also explain the increasing amount of blackouts lately…

  My thoughts were interrupted by Jack’s snoring; he was lying close by. He had gone home to change and returned soon after. Jack had walked out on his aunt, who, as usual, was yelling at him. She yelled at him simply for living.

  As much as I wished he would release his anger toward her, I didn’t blame him for wishing to avoid her for the remainder of the day. He was too nervous about his coming meeting with Talisa and discussing his future with her. Once he officially became her apprentice, I knew I wouldn’t see Jack as often as I did now. I laughed to myself once I realized I would actually miss his daily intrusions and complaints.

  I thought about the dream once more and gnawed on my lower lip. I knew I had to talk to Shadow about it; the coincidence of it was not something I could ignore. I thought it was time he told me the whole truth about my mother’s death.

  “Why is this coming now?” I said aloud, frowning.

  “Everything happens for a reason, you know.”

  I quickly sat up once I heard the familiar voice. Jack’s eyes snapped open and he shot up; he too knew the voice well enough.

  Standing up and looking behind us, Jack and I were now facing Talisa. Her signature dark blue, pointed, wide-brimmed hat sat atop her long black hair streaked with white. She wore a sleeveless, dark blue robe, one of the many indicators of one in service to Kiare, and it made her fair skin stand out. Talisa blinked her cool gray eyes while smiling.

  I leaped and hugged her hard.

  “It’s so good to see you again, Talisa!” I exclaimed, pulling away from the embrace.

  “The sentiment is shared, Artemis.” She rubbed a part of my cheek, just as she used to when I was a child.

  It was strange now, standing eye to eye with her when I was so used to looking up to the witch. It was just another reminder that too much time had passed by.

  Talisa looked over my shoulder and raised an inquiring eyebrow. She was staring at Jack; I could feel his nerves from where I stood.

  “You remember Jack, right?” I fetched him to stand beside me.

  I shot him a glance to tell him to calm himself.

  “Indeed I do,” Talisa said, now folding her arms. “You’ve grown quite a bit as well.”

  “Y-Yes, it’s certainly been a while.” Jack nervously laughed. “Talisa. Miss Talisa! Uh—”

  Talisa strode beside him and gripped his shoulder, causing Jack to flinch. She laughed while I resisted the urge to scowl at him.

  “I see my reputation precedes me.” She cast a mischievous smile. “Good. It means you know what lies before you as my apprentice. And ‘Talisa’ will be just fine. ‘Master’ just seems far too controlling.”

  “Don’t kill him, Talisa,” I teased. “He’s one of the few friends I actually have.”

  “Oh, I won’t,” Talisa replied, her smile growing as she slapped Jack’s back. “I’ve been convinced that Jack here will prove to be someone of worth. I do have to steal him for a bit, however. You understand, of course.”

  “Of course.” I nodded. “I’ll be in my home preparing tea for you.”

  Talisa tipped the brim of her hat in thanks, and then dragged Jack along with her. Jack looked over his shoulder, terrified. He mouthed the words “help me,” and I shook my head. I motioned for him to stop worrying and returned to my home to prepare Talisa’s favorite tea.

  hadow stopped once he reached the Hall of the Elders. It stood tall in the grove of oak trees, with ornate vines and flowers carved within the woodwork. The bell tower atop it housed three large bells that played only in times of celebration or attack. Shadow prayed he wouldn’t have to hear the bells of danger for a very long time.

  As he stepped inside, he was greeted with cool air and a mixed scent of brewed teas. A servant greeted him and bade him sit on the benches in the main room. The benches were carved within the walls, with intricate decorations similar to the outside of the hall; the carvings were plated silver.

  “With whom do you desire a word, Master Shadow?” the servant asked, while keeping her head low to avoid eye contact.

  “Preferably all three Elders,” Shadow answered.

  The servant now glanced at him, shocked.

  “A-All three?”

  “Yes.”

  “But…but o-only o-o-one is here at the moment…perhaps if you would like for m-me to leave a message?”

  Shadow suppressed a sigh. The poor girl must have been overworked during the Eelders’ absence. That, or she hadn’t been around long enough to understand certain protocols and had recently learned the various temperaments each Elder possessed.

  “That won’t be necessary,” Shadow answered, wishing the servant would calm down. “Who is currently in office?”

  “The Lady Clarayne, Master Shadow.” The servant rubbed the sweat off her brow and composed herself. “I’ll see if she’ll grant you audience.”

  “Thank you.”

  Shadow watched the servant dis
appear into one of three doors that led to the offices of the Elders. Each door had silver-plated carvings, and the center of each had a different flower that represented the identity of each Elder. The door that led to Lady Clarayne was marked with a rose. It amused him whenever he saw her door.

  Moments later, the servant appeared from the door and bade him to follow her. Walking into the room, he heard the door shut and he looked around the study. A large ashen desk was in the center of the office with a large stack of parchment sheets and inkwells resting atop it; bookcases lined the walls, and above one bookcase hung an aged elven blade.

  The soft sound of a throat clearing drew Shadow’s attention to the window ahead of him; Lady Clarayne had her back to him, as she was window-gazing. She wore a white elven gown with sleeves draped nearly to the ground, and her long, dark blond hair was hanging freely along her back and shoulders; a small silver leaf-and-vine circlet rested atop her hair.

  Turning around, Shadow was met with an amused stare that emanated from green eyes like his own. Her skin wasn’t as tanned as his, but she flashed a smirk that Shadow often sported. Shadow bowed his head, and Lady Clarayne scoffed.

  “There’s no need for formalities in private meetings, my dear Shadow.” Lady Clarayne laughed, taking a long stride toward him. “I trust you won’t object to a hug from your aunt?”

  “I do not.” Shadow chuckled as he received her warm embrace. “If Uncle were alive today, I think he would be horrified his personal name for you had transformed into your war emblem.”

  “Perhaps he would. I think he would forgive me seeing as it’s a way of keeping a piece of him with me on the battlefield,” Lady Clarayne replied as she pulled away. Shadow grew nervous as she stared at the exact spot that hid the chain with Artemis’ ring. “I will admit, dear nephew, I didn’t expect to see you for a while. I know you wanted to enjoy the peace we’ve all earned from this ordeal.”

  “I intended to,” Shadow began as he took a seat opposite her desk. Lady Clarayne poured tea for the both of them and took her seat across from him. “However, I fear something is brewing outside the city borders…something far more unpleasant.”