The Raven Collection

‘Hirad, it’s become obvious to everyone that Erie

‘So what do we do?’ Hirad at last picked his head up and looked at The Unknown. There was no anger in his expression, just frustration.

‘Well we have to assume any Dordovans in Arlen are already aware of Erie

‘Which means Denser communes, right?’

‘Yes, Hirad,’ said Denser curtly. ‘Not exactly how I’d pla

‘I’m sorry, all right?’ Hirad couldn’t keep the irritation out of his voice. ‘We’ll sort it out.’

‘Will we?’ Denser’s eyes flashed angrily. ‘There’s four of us. What exactly do you suppose we’ll do if the Dordovans get to her before we do?’

‘They’re not going to hurt her, Denser.’

‘But they’ll take her from me and time is so short,’ he said, fidgeting again. ‘And capturing her is all they need to get to Lya

‘So you keep saying. So get them to avoid Arlen and we’ll meet them further down the coast. Don’t panic.’ Hirad stabbed another branch into the fire, sending a few sparks past the gently steaming pot. Ilkar scrambled over and sat the opposite side of the fire to the barbarian.

‘I’m not panicking, Hirad. I’m worried for my wife and daughter. I hope that’s all right.’

‘And I’m worried for my dragons but I’m still here helping you.’

‘Oh, Gods,’ muttered Ilkar under his breath. ‘Must you?’

‘Yes, such helpless creatures,’ said Denser. ‘So vulnerable. I can’t imagine how they’ll survive without you.’

‘They’re already dying, Denser,’ snarled Hirad. ‘Not that you’d know, eating delicacies in your comfortable tower.’

‘That’s not how it is,’ said Denser, leaning back deliberately, attempting to calm the situation a little.

‘No, sure, I mean the fruits of your hard work are everywhere, aren’t they?’ Hirad waved his arms expansively. ‘Do you see Protectors freed? Are the Kaan dragons any closer to going home?’

‘Those are just two issues in—’

‘ “Just?” In case it’s escaped your attention, Denser, those two issues saved Balaia. One knowingly exiling themselves in the process, the other fought at great cost outside the Septern Manse. Unfortunately, it was some time ago, and perhaps your memory has dimmed over the years.’ Hirad’s caustic tone echoed around the fireplace. There was a contemplative silence.

‘Hirad, I know this is critical to you,’ said Ilkar. ‘But temporarily, we have more pressing matters. And getting to Erie

Hirad nodded. ‘I know I made a mistake and I’m sorry. I just want him to know what he’s done. Or rather not done.’ He jabbed a finger at Denser.

‘At the risk of seeming stupid, what does finding the Al-Drechar have to do with Hirad’s dragons?’ asked Denser.

‘The Kaan think they can solve the dimensional riddle,’ said The Unknown. ‘They have Septern’s knowledge after all. And one other thing. Hirad’s right, the Kaan are dying and the Protectors aren’t free—’

‘Hold on, I—’

‘Don’t interrupt me, Denser,’ warned The Unknown. ‘I know Mount politics are complex but you’re a senior master now. We’ve seen no results. No progress. And we want answers. Just as soon as Lya

Denser regarded The Unknown with a slight frown on his face. A corner of his mouth turned up as he spoke, a little nervous reaction.

‘Let’s face it, unless we can secure Lya

‘All the worse that you’ve let it go this long, then,’ said Hirad. He lined up a row of mugs and tipped the coffee into them.

Denser shook his head. ‘You see, the trouble is, you haven’t grasped the seriousness of all this yet, have you?’

‘Credit me with some notion,’ said Hirad, thrusting a mug at Denser roughly enough for coffee to spill over. ‘If we don’t get to Lya

Denser gaped. ‘Haven’t you told him anything?’ he demanded of Ilkar.

The elf shrugged. ‘We tried . . .’

‘I understand,’ said Denser, nodding in resignation. ‘Let me try and put this in words you’ll understand.’

‘Don’t patronise me, Xetesk man.’

‘Sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it came out.’ He took a sip of his drink. ‘This isn’t like a passing storm front. “Bad weather” does not cover what might happen - this is only the start. We’ve already seen a raising of the earth, a hurricane, floods and tidal waves. Imagine that happening a hundred times worse and all across Balaia. Because if Lya

‘And can we, or rather you, control her?’ asked Hirad, his voice quieter as the weight of Denser’s words sank in.

‘Yes, I keep telling you,’ Denser replied, anxiety back in his voice. ‘But we have to get to her quickly. The Al-Drechar can’t contain her for long, even at this level of mess. At least the fact that Erie

‘But then she won’t know the extent of what’s already happened,’ reasoned Ilkar.

‘I think the Al-Drechar will have guessed,’ replied Denser. ‘But the point is that letting Lya

Hirad opened his mouth to speak, saw the depths of worry in Denser’s eyes and chose to drink some coffee instead. What he had been about to say was inflammatory anyway. Perhaps another time.

‘We have to deal with the here and now,’ said The Unknown. ‘Denser, Communion. If you can get Erie

‘Are you all right, Unknown?’ asked the Julatsan.

‘Yeah, fine,’ said The Unknown but they could all see a distant look in his eye.

Hirad shrugged and walked over to the stream, a smile breaking over his face as his irritation faded. The horses looked relaxed and ready and were grazing contentedly. He patted one on the neck and ran a hand down its foreleg, feeling the fit muscle and bone beneath his fingers.

His smile broadened. They may have been apart for five years but still, when The Unknown spoke, they listened. That fact alone would, he considered, give them the ghost of a chance in the days to come. And it sounded like they might need every ghost they could grasp.

Chapter 15

Selik leaned back in his richly upholstered red and gold chair in a private room of the Lakehome I

He wouldn’t have described the feeling as ‘happiness’ either. A bitter satisfaction, maybe, an easing of the burning hate in the knowledge of its ultimate extinguishing through sweet revenge. But happiness, no. That was an emotion he hadn’t experienced since the bitch had frozen him. Lesser men would have died. His strength and breastplate had saved his life when the IceWind had struck him. Nothing so resistant had been protecting his hands and face, though, and he’d borne the stigma for six long years, just waiting his chance.

And now, he was to be presented with it.