The Raven Collection

The rain had ceased for a while and the sun finally broke through the clouds. Away in the middle distance, the blue-grey sea, backed by stark black rock, had a splash of colour. A sail.

‘Do you see the boat, Lya

Lya

‘Yes, he will,’ said Erie

‘Like the elf man inside?’

‘That’s right.’ Ilkar’s words echoed in Erie

She sat down on the damp rock, her legs stretched out, her feet hanging just over the edge.

‘Now, Lya

Lya

‘There are bad people coming here,’ said Erie

‘I know,’ said Lya

Erie

‘But we can stop them,’ said Erie

Lya

‘Yes, it’s easy. Your light that helped me find you. You should take it away or the bad people will find you as well.’

Lya

‘And Daddy can find his way, even if you take the light away now,’ urged Erie

‘When I can see him. Then I’ll let them go,’ said Lya

‘Who?’

‘The old ladies. They are helping me.’

And so Erie

‘Perhaps you should let them rest now. We’re all here with you. We won’t let you go.’

She hugged the little girl to her body, opening herself to the joy of the feeling and knowing it couldn’t go on for much longer. Lya

‘He’ll be here soon,’ she said.

‘Yes, he will,’ said Erie

She relaxed with her child in her arms and tried to forget how little time they had left together.

By the time The Raven arrived, Ilkar had seen the Guild elves remove the body of Aviana, wrap her in light cotton and place her in the otherwise empty cold store. There had been no talk of burial. That was a ceremony which would have to wait and Ilkar feared that many more would be joining her below the ground when this was all over.

His tour around the house had left him depressed at its ruin and at the prospects of defending it. He hoped that The Raven’s warriors would have more idea how to plug the gaps than he had.

He was seated in the kitchen, nursing another mug of tea when the Al-Drechar awoke. A wave of excitement and relief swept over the Guild elves and he was soon ushered into the dining room where the Al-Drechar had been made comfortable.

Walking in, Ilkar was faced by one of the old elven women sitting propped up in her bed, a long pipe in her mouth. It was an incongruous sight but he recognised the smell of the smoke immediately and understood.

‘Lemiir,’ he said as he approached. It was rare that Ilkar felt overawed but, walking towards the Al-Drechar, that was exactly how he did feel. He was in the presence of history, of great power and of living myth. It increased his pulse and made his throat go dry.

‘It is a wonderful infusion but also has great restorative powers when taken in the bowl of a pipe,’ said the Al-Drechar, her voice rough and deep.

Ilkar was ushered into a chair near the bed of the Al-Drechar. He looked into the taut, fleshless face framed by her long white hair and was captivated by her glittering, piercing eyes. In beds flanking her, the other two were watching him, both tended by Guild elves but not sitting up, their faces drained and sallow.

‘I am Ephemere,’ she said. ‘To my left is Cleress and to my right, Myriell. It is a great regret that you did not arrive soon enough to meet our dear sister, Aviana. For her we will grieve but not just now, I fear.’

‘No,’ said Ilkar. ‘I’m sorry for your loss. I am Ilkar, mage of The Raven and Julatsa. I take it since you’re awake that Erie

‘Yes. She is a girl of staggering talent. It’s a great shame we weren’t strong enough to keep her shielded in her Night for longer. I’m afraid she has no idea of the consequences to others around her of what she does.’

‘So I understand,’ said Ilkar. ‘I’m sorry to rush you but I need to apprise you of our current situation and I also have to understand the condition of you and your sisters.’

Ephemere raised a brittle smile. ‘I suspect neither of us have much good news.’

‘No,’ agreed Ilkar. ‘I’m afraid there was a great deal of trouble in Arlen when we tried to meet Erie

‘How interesting where the College alliances fall. I am not surprised that Xetesk seeks to aid us, or that the Dordovans seek to destroy us. Fear and ignorance are powerful forces. But you, Ilkar of Julatsa, where do your loyalties lie?’

‘As a Julatsan I’m worried about the return of the One magic,’ said Ilkar. ‘It is a threat, however small that threat appears as I sit here. But Erie

‘And you are an elf, Ilkar. Honour and respect are part of your make-up.’

Ilkar nodded. ‘But you. How are you now you’ve awoken?’

‘I take it this house is in something of a state?’ asked Ephemere as if she hadn’t heard his question.

‘That’s a considerable understatement,’ said Ilkar. ‘And that’s why I have to know what you’re capable of. The Dordovans will attack us with magic and we must have the house shielded. We can’t hope to plug all the gaps effectively but at least we can stop the magic hurting us.’

‘It’s a question I can’t answer now,’ said Ephemere. ‘We’ve been so drained by Lya

Ilkar rose, feeling the meeting was over. He felt awkward in their presence, like a boy mage before a great master. ‘I’m sorry to press but The Raven musters just three mages and the Dordovans could have twenty times that. The situation is severe.’

‘Before you go, tell me two things. What of the crew of the Ocean Elm and Ren’erei?’

‘Ren’erei is with us and safe,’ said Ilkar. ‘But the crew were taken by the Black Wing Witch Hunters and I fear for them, I’m sorry.’ He shrugged. ‘And there’s something else?’

‘I could be mistaken but while I was asleep I felt the touch of ancient minds seeking us out. Powerful minds. It’s been a long time since I sensed Kaan dragons.’

Ilkar nodded. ‘You weren’t mistaken. Three Kaan helped us during our voyage here. One was killed by Dordovan magic and the other two are badly hurt. Too badly to help us any further. They’re resting in the archipelago somewhere.’