126. Raven Crown Chapters 46, 47 and 48

ghia: 00:00:06

Chapter 46, Brie,

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just as a wave crashes on

the rocks below the castle.

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I lunge for the jewels scattered across

the terrace, but I'm crushed to the

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ground by the weight of the dragon's

foot on my back while the wave recedes.

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So do my hopes.

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This is it.

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I failed.

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I'm going to lose the Norwood and the

rest of Tambor as well with nothing

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but my tattered small clothes as cover.

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I cower on the terrace.

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Bravo Reagan Thorn says

with three loud claps.

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The Croker claps as well.

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Surveying the scattered

gems with a greedy smile.

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Reagan thorn waves to the dragon.

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Bring me the jewels after stomping on

my back as if to warn me not to move.

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The dragon stoops, to gather the stones.

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Once again, they've been snatched from

my fingertips, ripping away apart of

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my soul With a shutter, I squeeze my

eyes closed in the distance I hear

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a familiar sound rolling slightly.

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I glance up at the fading blue

sky grim circles overhead.

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The sight of him does

nothing to raise my spirits.

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Then I see him dive in seconds.

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There is a whoosh of air as grim wings

across the terrace in my direction.

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He flies with an open beak

directly towards the emerald

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Reagan thorn has left on the table.

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He snatches it at the same instant.

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Reagan thorn swings at the bird.

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I cry out in anguish as grim

is smashed into the castle wall

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and doesn't move in the process.

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The emerald flies from his beak

and rolls across the stone terrace

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to within inches of my face.

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I grab it, squeezing it hard in my fist.

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For a fleeting moment, I feel something

like complete and absolute trust Before

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I can do anything, the dragon has his

foot on my wrist, forcing my hand open.

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The emerald is plucked from my fingers.

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I draw a breath as it leaves me.

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Reagan thorn laughs.

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Fate has deemed it.

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He bellows I am to be

the great corvex Corona.

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I glance at him as he raises a

fist in the air, the croker smirks

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and rubs her hands together.

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You are to become a God, my Lord.

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But how?

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Tell me a Reagan thorn frowns for a

moment, and I suspect he isn't sure

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how much he wants to say, but he goes

on tonight during the blood moon, my

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daughter will be crammed Queen of Tambo

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With my poisons, she'll be

completely under my control.

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All of her power will be mine,

making me hold her of the Corona.

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I gape tonight.

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The blood moon is tonight, but

I didn't think the moon would

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even be full for another day.

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And the corvex, my Lord, the

Roker asks, sounding excited.

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How will you gain that?

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A Reagan thorn looks smug.

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I will time the ceremony

so it takes place.

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Just as the negative light of the

moon reaches its maximum potency

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strengthened by the mosaic of the

crystals inside the dome, the light

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will destroy the jewels of tambor.

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I struggle to understand

what he's talking about.

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The light inside the ulu increases

the power of any gem placed inside it.

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They aren't destroyed.

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Doesn't Reagan thorn understand

this as he continues speaking?

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I roll to a seated

position with the jewels.

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No longer a threat.

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The order will have to recognize

me as the most powerful man alive.

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Reagan thorn's.

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Words rise to a crescendo as he speaks.

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I will become the great corvex.

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Yes, of course.

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I think as I put things together,

the order despises the jewels.

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If Reagan thorn can destroy them, he will

be seen as all powerful, but he can't.

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That isn't what the am does.

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The Croker claps her

hands gleaming at Reagan.

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Thorn behold, our great spiritual leader,

she bows as if in reverence, Reagan,

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thorn stands tall, his head turned to

the side, his hand on his coat lapel,

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as if he is already basking in glory.

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I want to yell that it isn't true.

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Even if he could destroy the jewels,

the status of corvex Corona isn't

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gained until the afterlife.

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It says so in the LXi gloss, but I falter.

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Could the LXi gloss be wrong?

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Is there something I don't know.

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The dragon who has gathered the stones

places them in Reagan thorn's outstretched

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hand His eyes bulge with greed.

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One at a time, he drops them

into his velvet bag, counting

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in a sing-song voice as he does.

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

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His eyes get darker.

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Six.

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His jaw hardens and his nostrils flare.

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Seven.

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There is no eight.

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His anger is palpable as he slams

his hands down on the table.

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He looks at me with venom in his eyes.

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There's one missing with two steps.

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He's in front of me, the tip

of his sword at my cheek.

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Where is it?

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Before I can summon my voice,

there's a ruckus from behind me.

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Reagan Thorn.

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Looks up.

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Step aside.

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Now jackal commands

the dragon at the door.

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Reagan thorn lets his

blade fall from my cheek.

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I don't move.

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Let her through.

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He says She may as well be party

to this jackal storms onto the

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terrace, the fringe on her leather

pants flapping in the breeze.

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She glances from me to the

velvet bag on the table.

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Understanding shows on her face

she stalks towards her father.

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Now that you've got what

you want, let the girl go.

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A Reagan thorn's face hardens.

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There's one missing.

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She was just about to tell me

where it is, and if she tells you,

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what will you do with her then?

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Reagan.

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Thorn shrugs.

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Oh, what do you care?

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you'll kill her.

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Either way, won't you?

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Father jackal has her hands on her hips.

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Well, you can't, I forbid it with a whirl.

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She grabs the velvet bag from the table.

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I claim the jewels.

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She says, as the next queen of

tambor, they are rightfully mine.

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Her face is fierce as she

holds the bag in the air.

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Reagan thorn's upper lip quivers lightly.

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He brushes a strand of stringy hair from

his face and assumes a sad demeanor.

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I'm sorry, my pet.

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You are mine.

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So what is yours is mine as well.

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Without warning, Reagan thorn

lunges for the bag, but jackal steps

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easily out of the way and holds the

stones over the edge of the terrace.

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Ready to drop them into the sea.

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Jackal don't I?

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Squeal, panicked.

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They'll be lost forever.

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Jackal pays me no mind.

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I'll make you a trade.

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Father, are you an

imbecile Reagan, thorn.

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Bellows.

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How dare you bargain with me.

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I'll give you the jewels for her.

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And jackal nods towards me.

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I blink.

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Why would she care?

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She's the reason I'm here.

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This is all her fault.

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a Reagan thorn, sneers, and grateful brat.

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You would turn on your

father for a sniveling runt.

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Perhaps I'll kill her right now.

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And with a quick step.

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Reagan Thorn is standing over me, his

sword pointed at my chest, ready to slide

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through my ribs and pierce my heart.

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He looks at jackal.

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I look as well.

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There's a long pause.

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jackal.

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By the jewels.

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What?

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Now?

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My eyes jump around the

terrace as I try to think.

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It wasn't until I asked Gray Nona's

Tambor name that I figured it out.

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Nona was Nona Arradondo of the Glens Oak.

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Glens to be precise.

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That's why Noona gave her

rulings under an oak tree

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The two women were one in the same.

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The information confirmed what

I hadn't wanted to believe.

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the baby didn't die as I was

told as a small child, I couldn't

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be trusted with the truth.

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What if I told my father, well,

I've got to tell him now.

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Don't I?

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Telling the truth is the best

chance I have of keeping brie safe.

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I draw a breath and say the words, no,

father, you won't kill her because.

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Because she's my sister

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Brie.

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Her words cause me to choke.

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What kind of Wiley trick is this?

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Why would she make such a claim?

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You don't have a sister

Reagan thorn snaps.

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I would know the tip of

his sword pierces my skin.

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Sorry.

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You are wrong.

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Jackal says, as she plays with the

tassel on the end of the velvet

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bag, Brie, she gestures towards

me Is Fallon's baby my half-sister.

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What?

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That's impossible, as my mind

denies it, my heart knows it's true.

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lady Fallon didn't ask

the maid to take her baby.

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She asked N Kona.

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but if Fallon was my

mother, I gape at Reagan.

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Thorn.

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No, it couldn't be.

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Fallon's baby died with her.

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Reagan Thorn declares his face confident

as he looks down his sword arm at me.

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The Croker, who I forgot was

even there, speaks up then.

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But look, my Lord, she does

have Lady Fallon's countenance.

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I see some hesitation in Reagan thorn's

face as he studies me in the waning light,

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paying particular attention to my foot.

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The disgust is obvious, but after a

moment, he lowers his sword slowly.

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I scoot back until I'm leaning

against the castle wall.

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think, what it would mean.

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The roker goes on.

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Dogmar isn't your only option for

Queen, There is a resemblance,

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a definite resemblance.

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Reagan Thorn says, stroking

the hair on his chin.

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And I suppose her deformity could be

hidden with a suitably long skirt.

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I'm no daughter of yours.

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I'm murmur as I try to hide my foot.

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Reagan thorn leers at me.

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Prove it.

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He says With a snicker, even if it

isn't true, I could pass you off.

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You look enough like her.

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He appears to be gloating.

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Now I have two daughters with royal blood.

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The thought is so ridiculous.

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I almost laugh.

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I don't know the first thing

about how to rule a country.

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then I remember all of

Nona's governance lessons.

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Did she know this would happen?

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Was she trying to prepare me?

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father, jackal, snarls.

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Take the stones and let her go.

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No Reagan thorn answers

like a spoiled brat.

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Take the stones.

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Jackal, yells, hurling

the bag at Reagan Thorn.

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Before I know it, she has me by the arm

and is dragging me towards the door.

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guards, Reagan thorn yells.

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Something hard is slipped into my hand.

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Trust the whisper.

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Jackal.

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Hisses in my ear.

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Three dragons rushed towards us.

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Jackal pulls a knife,

but more dragons arrive.

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She can't hold all of them off for long.

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In the turmoil, I glance at what she

has thrust in my hand, a stone pendant.

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I stuff it in the top of my boot.

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And look back at jackal.

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A dragon has her by the throat.

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Her face is turning blue.

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Let her go.

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I shriek.

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Enough.

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Reagan Thorn says the dragon.

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Lets jackal slump to the ground

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I crawl towards her, but a

dragon grabs me around the

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waist and lifts me off my knees.

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Lock my pet in her room, Reagan

Thorn says, with a dismissive wave.

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Jackal is hauled from the terrace.

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Reagan thorn studies me once again,

and I'm painfully aware that I'm

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clad and only my small clothes.

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unexpectedly.

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There's a familiar squawk.

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My head spins grim is on his

feet, ruffling his feathers.

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He's alive.

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Hitting the wall.

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Only stunned him.

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I want to shout with relief, but

the dragon's grip on me is too tight.

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Grim hops to the terrace railing There.

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He cocks his head to look

at me and clacks his beak.

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no, I can't.

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I'm just a little bird.

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I managed to answer

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His response comes to my heart like the

soft touch of a feather, but I trust that

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you can without anything more, he flaps

off the terrace and into the sinking sun.

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I blink them, blink again.

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He trusts me.

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Grim the corvex, trust me.

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But ravens never trust anyone.

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And yet that's what I heard.

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Does that mean that the

Whisper trusts me as well?

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With an unexpected surge of strength?

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I twist and get the dragon's

forearm in my teeth.

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I bite down hard.

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He yells and knocks me away.

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I stumble, wrenching my foot,

but managed to keep my balance

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and glare at Reagan Thorn.

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The brush at my heart has told

me everything I need to know.

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I'm not brie, the twisted and abandoned.

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I'm not even Brie Reagan thorn's daughter.

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I'm Brie the healer of the Norwood

Brie who bested the Mabu at Naja.

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Brie who ran the cataracts.

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It's all clear.

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I'm Brie of the black raven.

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I say in a loud voice, Brie

who can hear the hesper.

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I take a step towards Reagan thorn

and my voice drops to a whisper.

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Your seed may have spawned me,

but I'll never be your daughter.

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As I utter the words I know they are true.

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It doesn't matter who my

father is or where I'm from.

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It matters who I am.

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What I do with that knowledge

and who I choose to trust.

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Reagan Thorn shows no emotion as

he reaches for the dagger in the

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bowl of apples and proceeds to

clean his fingernails with the tip.

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Take her away, he says,

without looking up, the dragon

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behind me grabs my shoulders.

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I try to shake him off,

but his grip is too tight.

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Where should I take her?

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My Lord.

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The dragon asks Reagan thorn,

ponders for a moment, then says,

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put her in the queen's room

and have her made presentable.

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Chapter 47, Brie with a

massive arm around my waist.

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The dragon drags me down a long

hallway and into a dark room, made he

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bellows as he releases me to the floor.

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A serving girl appears and lights

a giant candelabra along with

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a preset fire in the hearth.

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I don't move.

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When the girl is gone, the

dragon stalks out the door.

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There is a distinct click of the lock.

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Slowly I take in my surroundings

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A bed draped in sheer curtains

sits in the middle of the room.

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tassel cushions are piled on

the richly carpeted floor.

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A fireplace rimmed in

gemstones is on one wall.

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On the other is an enormous

wardrobe with a mere door.

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I walk towards it

shocked at my appearance.

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I'm thin and pale.

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My hair sticks out in all directions.

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Mart's coal has run in

streaks down my face.

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Both knees are scuffed

above my green boots.

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My boots remind me the pendant

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I drop to the floor.

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As I pull it out.

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Could it be the s sardon Xs, the

last of the eight jewels of Tambor?

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The stone is opaque, not translucent,

making it quite different from the others.

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Red, white, and green stripes

run through it, just as Nona

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described it in her parchment.

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As I study the pendant, I

begin to wonder if this is just

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another of jackal's tricks.

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She might be trying to win my trust again.

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Well, there's one sure way to know.

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Holding out the stone,

I drop it to the rug.

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It's there.

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The ripping at my soul.

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When the stone leaves my hand, I snatch

it back up, and the pain is gone.

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That can only mean one thing.

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I'm in possession of a

genuine jewel of tambor.

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Closing my eyes.

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I try to relax and feel its essence.

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A yearning.

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To be honest and truthful floods my heart

as if my character is being strengthened.

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It kindles memories of noona, my myna.

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What lesson was she trying to teach

me when she told me her story?

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That sometimes you have to

leave your home, that you have

341

: 00:19:05

to stand for what you believe.

342

: 00:19:08

That an old woman or even a young

girl can be trusted to do the

343

: 00:19:12

impossible if only she will act.

344

: 00:19:15

I open my eyes and ponder the stone.

345

: 00:19:19

Nona had a choice.

346

: 00:19:21

She could watch her people suffer

at the hands of the invaders or go

347

: 00:19:25

with the queen and try to save them.

348

: 00:19:28

she chose to leave her oak.

349

: 00:19:30

She taught the people about

the whisper and they triumphed.

350

: 00:19:34

Soft spoken as the whisper is.

351

: 00:19:37

The order has driven it

from most people's minds,

352

: 00:19:40

But I'm sure there are still a

few people who can feel it and

353

: 00:19:44

more would if they had a chance.

354

: 00:19:47

Is this the reason Nona pushed me so hard?

355

: 00:19:51

Did she want me to wear the crown?

356

: 00:19:53

Teach the people to hear the whisper?

357

: 00:19:56

Could I do it?

358

: 00:19:57

Could I be queen?

359

: 00:19:59

The idea seems preposterous, yet

I wouldn't put it past Nona to

360

: 00:20:03

believe such a thing possible.

361

: 00:20:06

I look at the stone in my hand

and think of jackal again.

362

: 00:20:10

I don't know what game she's playing,

but it doesn't really matter.

363

: 00:20:15

I have a job to do.

364

: 00:20:16

Stop the coronation.

365

: 00:20:19

I stuff the sardi next back in the

top of my boot and look around.

366

: 00:20:24

I won't be able to do anything if I don't

get out of this room going to the window.

367

: 00:20:29

I pull back the curtain and see that the

full moon is just rising in the East.

368

: 00:20:34

I try the latch, it doesn't budge.

369

: 00:20:37

I go to the next window

with the same results.

370

: 00:20:40

I'm working on the third when horns Blair,

the doors of the ram watt of ion will be

371

: 00:20:46

opening and Nobilis will be filing in.

372

: 00:20:49

I glance at the moon again, there isn't

any sign that the blood moon is starting.

373

: 00:20:55

That's good because if I understood

the Pedallers book correctly,

374

: 00:20:59

once it starts, I'll only have

two hours before it's complete.

375

: 00:21:04

For now, at least, I still have time.

376

: 00:21:07

I'm trying the last window.

377

: 00:21:09

When I hear a key in the door

behind me, I turn just as a crew

378

: 00:21:14

of serving girls enter with buckets

of water with swift efficiency.

379

: 00:21:19

They pour the water into a

copper tub in the corner.

380

: 00:21:22

A basket of bathing supplies is left on a

cushion without a word or a glance at me.

381

: 00:21:29

They leave and I hear the door lock again.

382

: 00:21:32

I stare with longing

at the steaming water.

383

: 00:21:35

but I couldn't possibly take a bath.

384

: 00:21:37

Not now.

385

: 00:21:38

There isn't time.

386

: 00:21:40

Then I come to my senses and begin

ripping at the laces of my boot.

387

: 00:21:45

Yes, yes, I need to get going, but

I haven't bathed in over a month.

388

: 00:21:50

Surely I can take a few minutes When my

boots and small clothes are off, I slide

389

: 00:21:55

gingerly into the rose scented water.

390

: 00:21:58

The tub is big enough for me to completely

submerge a luxury I've never experienced.

391

: 00:22:05

I allow myself a moment to relax

before vigorously scrubbing at

392

: 00:22:10

my body and washing my hair.

393

: 00:22:13

The warm water does wonders for

my foot, and I carefully flex it

394

: 00:22:17

back and forth and side to side.

395

: 00:22:20

There was still a red welt on my

ankle where I caught it in the

396

: 00:22:24

clothes line, but it could be worse.

397

: 00:22:27

Even still, I worry

about what's before me.

398

: 00:22:30

Somehow.

399

: 00:22:31

I've got to get out of this

room and into the coronation.

400

: 00:22:35

Will my foot hold out?

401

: 00:22:37

If I damage it?

402

: 00:22:38

If I push it too far, what then?

403

: 00:22:41

I might never walk again, but

I've come such a long way.

404

: 00:22:45

Surely I can make it a little further.

405

: 00:22:48

when I slip out of the water,

there's a ring of grime left in

406

: 00:22:52

the tub, wrapping in a towel.

407

: 00:22:54

I step to the ward.

408

: 00:22:56

I'm relieved to find it

stuffed with dresses, at least

409

: 00:23:00

I'll have something to wear.

410

: 00:23:02

I rifle through the selection, looking

for something simple, but everything is

411

: 00:23:07

covered with jewels or lined with fur.

412

: 00:23:10

I've just decided on a black dress when

my eye is caught by the shimmer of silver.

413

: 00:23:15

Threads running through blue fabric.

414

: 00:23:18

Just like grim.

415

: 00:23:20

Attracted to a flash or sparkle.

416

: 00:23:22

I snatched the dress from

the wardrobe Despite it being

417

: 00:23:26

much too lavish, I slip it on.

418

: 00:23:29

It bags at the waist and drags on

the floor, but that can be remedied.

419

: 00:23:34

I'm sad to ruin the dress, but with a

tiny pair of nail scissors left in the

420

: 00:23:39

wash basket, I snip the fabric, then tear

the bottom of the dress is in tatters

421

: 00:23:45

around my ankles when I'm done, But at

least I won't trip over it from a chest.

422

: 00:23:51

I pull out a brown leather belt

with diamonds on the buckle

423

: 00:23:55

and fix it around my waist.

424

: 00:23:57

Next I find a pair of

peacock blue stockings.

425

: 00:24:01

They sag at the knees, but

they are soft and clean.

426

: 00:24:05

When I look in the mirror, I'm

shocked at the transformation.

427

: 00:24:09

The speckled finch is now

a radiant blue thrush.

428

: 00:24:13

But I'm not really a thrush am I?

429

: 00:24:16

I cock my head as I acknowledge

my latest Raven trick.

430

: 00:24:21

Who would suspect I'm actually a

corvex bent on stopping the coronation?

431

: 00:24:27

This returns me to my question,

could I be the next queen of tambor?

432

: 00:24:33

I blink as I think this over and then

shaking my head, I turn from the mirror.

433

: 00:24:39

Don't be ridiculous.

434

: 00:24:41

You are not queenly material.

435

: 00:24:43

despite my certainty, there's

an itching at the back of my

436

: 00:24:47

mind that it's what Nona wanted.

437

: 00:24:50

I lace up my boots and tuck in

the S Sardon Xs before I remember.

438

: 00:24:54

I'm still a prisoner.

439

: 00:24:56

I can't do anything until

I get out of this room.

440

: 00:24:59

I check each window again, shaking

them and fiddling with the latches.

441

: 00:25:04

They don't budge.

442

: 00:25:06

I go to the door and rattle it as well.

443

: 00:25:09

Nothing.

444

: 00:25:10

I purse my lips.

445

: 00:25:11

Nona would find a way out.

446

: 00:25:14

You'll fit the words come

like a soft brush to my heart.

447

: 00:25:19

I turn about in confusion

until I'm facing the fireplace

448

: 00:25:24

There I stopped to consider.

449

: 00:25:26

I suppose it would be possible if not for

the smoke, maybe I can put the flames out.

450

: 00:25:32

I look at the tub.

451

: 00:25:34

I've got plenty of water, but what to

carry it with in an instant, I've got it.

452

: 00:25:40

I soak my bath towel in the tub

and drag it across the floor There.

453

: 00:25:45

I ring the water out over the fire.

454

: 00:25:47

I use the same technique three

more times to my frustration.

455

: 00:25:52

When the flames are doused, the wood

continues to smolder owl pellets.

456

: 00:25:57

What now?

457

: 00:25:59

Then it dawns on me.

458

: 00:26:00

I just need the smoke out of the chimney.

459

: 00:26:03

I don't care if it fills the room.

460

: 00:26:05

Using a poker from the rack beside

the hearth, I scrape the smoldering

461

: 00:26:10

wood onto the stone floor.

462

: 00:26:12

Long, tendrils of smoke

drift up to the high ceiling.

463

: 00:26:16

There they begin to gather

in poisonous swirls.

464

: 00:26:20

I start to worry as soon as I've done it.

465

: 00:26:23

If I can't get out through the

chimney, I won't be able to retreat.

466

: 00:26:27

the room, will be full of smoke.

467

: 00:26:30

guess I just can't come back.

468

: 00:26:32

I say with determination, I

pull the back hem of my dress up

469

: 00:26:36

between my legs and tuck it in the

belt, freeing my legs to climb.

470

: 00:26:41

The stones in the hearth are hot,

so I kneel on the wet towel with

471

: 00:26:46

a deep breath to calm my nerves.

472

: 00:26:48

I stand up my head engulfed

in the darkness of the flu.

473

: 00:26:53

I don't want to do this.

474

: 00:26:54

I really don't, but I can't back

out now with tentative fingers.

475

: 00:27:00

I reached for a handhold.

476

: 00:27:02

The fire hadn't been burning long, so

while the stone is hot, thankfully

477

: 00:27:06

it doesn't scorch my fingertips.

478

: 00:27:09

The problem I discover is

that the inside of the chimney

479

: 00:27:12

is almost completely smooth.

480

: 00:27:15

I twist and turn stretching and

groping, but there isn't a notch

481

: 00:27:19

or crack to grip in the end.

482

: 00:27:22

all I can do is wedge myself

arms and legs on one side, back

483

: 00:27:27

on the other into the opening.

484

: 00:27:30

If I don't keep constant

pressure between my back and my

485

: 00:27:33

extremities, I slip As I look up

ash sprinkles into my eyes and nose.

486

: 00:27:40

Finally, I quit looking up.

487

: 00:27:42

It's too dark to see.

488

: 00:27:44

Anyway, besides I have a bigger

worry, Namely, what will I

489

: 00:27:49

do when I get to the roof?

490

: 00:27:55

Chapter 48, Bri, I make the

mistake of licking my lips as I

491

: 00:28:01

climb and get a mouthful of grit.

492

: 00:28:04

I spit and try to wipe

my face on my sleeve.

493

: 00:28:08

That's a mistake.

494

: 00:28:09

As my dress is completely covered

in thick black soot, perhaps

495

: 00:28:14

my raven essence is emerging.

496

: 00:28:16

I snort at the thought only to

grunt in the subsequent breath.

497

: 00:28:21

As I struggle to inch my way up, it

seems the higher I go, the tighter

498

: 00:28:26

the chimney gets on the next move.

499

: 00:28:29

My hand finds open air.

500

: 00:28:32

I slip and panic.

501

: 00:28:34

After a moment, I figure out

that the breach in the wall is

502

: 00:28:37

another chimney joining mine.

503

: 00:28:40

This could be good.

504

: 00:28:41

Maybe I can climb out somewhere

besides the roof, But where will I be?

505

: 00:28:47

I sniff the hole, but

there isn't any smoke.

506

: 00:28:50

I vacillate like a mug, lump up

or down roof or unknown room.

507

: 00:28:56

Finally, I drop feet first

into the new chimney.

508

: 00:29:00

I'm not sure what I'll find, but

surely it can't be worse than

509

: 00:29:04

ending up on the castle's crest

510

: 00:29:07

After some time, there's a hint of

light on a stone hearth beneath me.

511

: 00:29:11

I stop and listen nothing carefully.

512

: 00:29:15

I drop into the room.

513

: 00:29:17

The only light comes from a wrought iron

candelabra that stands in the corner.

514

: 00:29:22

Most of the candles have burned out,

leaving only a flicker of illumination.

515

: 00:29:28

There is a door on the

far side of the room.

516

: 00:29:31

I head towards it on my way.

517

: 00:29:34

I can't help but notice all the books.

518

: 00:29:37

Nona would be in heaven.

519

: 00:29:39

There's also a bewildering array

of herbs and powders stored

520

: 00:29:43

in bowls and stopper flasks.

521

: 00:29:46

Uncut jewels and crystals are

scattered among the piles of papers.

522

: 00:29:51

A copper pot rests on a small

brazier yellow smoke wafts

523

: 00:29:56

from it towards the ceiling.

524

: 00:29:58

The smell is sharp and stings my nose.

525

: 00:30:01

I'm reaching for the doorknob

when I hear footsteps.

526

: 00:30:05

For the love of rats, someone is coming.

527

: 00:30:08

I dive for a space between a large

wooden chest and the wall and

528

: 00:30:13

squirm down just as the door opens.

529

: 00:30:16

Please don't see me.

530

: 00:30:17

Please.

531

: 00:30:18

I squeeze my eyes shut

as if that will help.

532

: 00:30:21

at least three people enter the room.

533

: 00:30:24

It's my destiny of voice booms,

but the timing must be precise.

534

: 00:30:31

My heart skidders.

535

: 00:30:33

It's Reagan thorn.

536

: 00:30:34

This is bad.

537

: 00:30:35

Really bad.

538

: 00:30:37

Why didn't I go for the roof?

539

: 00:30:39

Yes, my Lord.

540

: 00:30:41

Someone answers.

541

: 00:30:43

I understand, but there's no accurate way

to predict the exact timing of the event.

542

: 00:30:50

As I listen, the room flickers with light.

543

: 00:30:53

As more candles are lit, I feel as if

I've heard the second voice before.

544

: 00:30:58

Then it comes to me and I almost gag.

545

: 00:31:01

It's the mabu that drank the girl's blood.

546

: 00:31:05

That isn't enough.

547

: 00:31:07

Reagan Thorn shouts.

548

: 00:31:09

If we had the book, don't mention

that book Reagan Thorn cuts

549

: 00:31:14

in, you know, perfectly well.

550

: 00:31:16

There was nothing I could

do when it went missing.

551

: 00:31:19

if the order heard I was searching for it,

that would've been the end of everything.

552

: 00:31:25

All I was going to say is that I have

no way of predicting the exact time

553

: 00:31:31

of the blood moon without the charts.

554

: 00:31:34

The mabu says, You'll just have

to stall Reagan thorn snaps.

555

: 00:31:40

But the nobilis will get impatient.

556

: 00:31:43

Yes, I know.

557

: 00:31:45

Reagan Thorn says There is a moment

of silence before a female speaks.

558

: 00:31:51

Shall I get the girl ready?

559

: 00:31:54

I recognize the voice of the

Roker Reagan thorn grunts,

560

: 00:31:59

then calls out guard the door.

561

: 00:32:02

Opens at your service.

562

: 00:32:05

My Lord.

563

: 00:32:06

A low voice rumbles, Bring

dog Mar right away my Lord.

564

: 00:32:13

The door closes.

565

: 00:32:15

mix, the ink strong.

566

: 00:32:17

I don't want any trouble

tonight as you wish.

567

: 00:32:21

The Croker says Shortly I hear

the sound of jars opening and the

568

: 00:32:27

grinding of mortar and pestle.

569

: 00:32:29

We need to discuss the ceremony.

570

: 00:32:32

The Mabu says, what do you have in mind?

571

: 00:32:36

You will give the jewels history

and perform a cleansing ritual.

572

: 00:32:41

Reagan thorn answers.

573

: 00:32:43

I don't care what else you do, as long

as the crown isn't placed on dog Mar's

574

: 00:32:48

head until the blood moon is complete.

575

: 00:32:52

I'm very well.

576

: 00:32:53

The mabu replies.

577

: 00:32:55

There's a knock Enter Reagan thorn calls.

578

: 00:32:59

heavy boots, clump in and

stop just inside the door.

579

: 00:33:04

My Lord, I have bad news.

580

: 00:33:06

There's a slight hesitation.

581

: 00:33:09

The girl in the queen's room is missing.

582

: 00:33:13

Well find her.

583

: 00:33:14

Reagan thorn roars.

584

: 00:33:16

She couldn't have gone far.

585

: 00:33:18

We'll have her soon.

586

: 00:33:20

You had better Reagan thorn's.

587

: 00:33:23

Voice is low and menacing and

I find it hard to breathe.

588

: 00:33:30

Jackal, I'm furious as

I enter the library.

589

: 00:33:35

If it weren't for the dragons at

my side, I wouldn't be here at

590

: 00:33:38

all, but my throat is bruised.

591

: 00:33:41

From the last time I tried to

resist my father, so I will comply.

592

: 00:33:46

For now.

593

: 00:33:48

The news that Brie is missing cheers

me somewhat, though I'm not sure she

594

: 00:33:52

has much of a chance of escaping.

595

: 00:33:55

I catch the distinct smell of blood and

look up to see the presiding mabu with

596

: 00:34:01

his serpent inked head, and purple robe.

597

: 00:34:05

Thankfully, he brushes past

me and out of the library.

598

: 00:34:09

then I see the Roker and

know why I've been summoned.

599

: 00:34:13

I spin in an attempt to get out the

door, but the dragon anticipates

600

: 00:34:17

my move and grabs me by the arms.

601

: 00:34:20

Let me go.

602

: 00:34:21

I yell.

603

: 00:34:22

Kicking at the dragon.

604

: 00:34:24

My father nods.

605

: 00:34:26

So the dragons loosen their

grip and I wrench my arms away.

606

: 00:34:30

No ink.

607

: 00:34:31

I snarl.

608

: 00:34:32

Especially not from her.

609

: 00:34:35

I don't know why the old Kroger was

sent away, but I won't have anyone new.

610

: 00:34:41

My father furrows his brows.

611

: 00:34:44

Why make things difficult?

612

: 00:34:47

Panic rises in the pit of my stomach.

613

: 00:34:50

I search the room looking

for a means of escape.

614

: 00:34:54

My eyes fall on the bag of jewels,

carelessly left on a table.

615

: 00:34:59

I tried to look nonchalant as I

slide up with my back to them.

616

: 00:35:03

I won't be drugged like my mother.

617

: 00:35:06

I say, hoping the words

will distract my father.

618

: 00:35:10

It works.

619

: 00:35:11

He turns away flaring

his nostrils Casually.

620

: 00:35:15

I grab the bag but my actions aren't

smooth enough because my father's rapier

621

: 00:35:21

is instantly at my throat, put the jewels

down and get on the Kroger's table.

622

: 00:35:28

I drop the bag, but don't move on

the table Now my father hisses.

623

: 00:35:35

what?

624

: 00:35:36

Are you going to slip my throat then?

625

: 00:35:38

Who will you put on the throne?

626

: 00:35:40

You've already lost my sister.

627

: 00:35:43

I don't know why I'm goading him.

628

: 00:35:45

Habit, I guess my father's rapier.

629

: 00:35:48

Flashes in front of my face and

I feel a sting on my cheek Before

630

: 00:35:53

the sword is back at my neck.

631

: 00:35:55

Without moving his blade, my father

reaches around me and grabs the bag.

632

: 00:36:01

I'll be putting these somewhere

safe, he says with a sneer.

633

: 00:36:05

Louder.

634

: 00:36:06

He adds.

635

: 00:36:07

Take her.

636

: 00:36:08

Knowing exactly what my father wants.

637

: 00:36:11

The dragon step forward and

force me to the croker's table.

638

: 00:36:15

I twist my head and see my father

drop the bag into a trunk by the door,

639

: 00:36:20

closing it with the click of a lock.

640

: 00:36:22

I struggle to no avail.

641

: 00:36:25

Soon I'm flat on the table,

and after that, I feel the

642

: 00:36:28

prick of a croker's needle.

643

: 00:36:30

It only takes a moment for

the effect to hit me shortly.

644

: 00:36:34

The dragons let go.

645

: 00:36:37

I watch as vine tendrils creep over me.

646

: 00:36:40

Soon my body is draped in leaves.

647

: 00:36:44

I'm aware that only I can see them, but

they weigh me down and block my vision.

648

: 00:36:50

I try to push them away, but if I move

or even think too much, the vines grow

649

: 00:36:55

thicker, return her to her room and

have her dressed for the coronation.

650

: 00:37:02

My father says, one of the dragons pulls

me off the table when I can't stand.

651

: 00:37:08

He grabs me by the back of my shirt

and drags me across the floor.

652

: 00:37:13

As I slide through the doorway, I notice

a dark face that looks almost like Bree.

653

: 00:37:19

Strange, what the drugs can do.

654

: 00:37:24

Brie Jackal's eyes look glazed as she

slides past me and I half expect her to

655

: 00:37:31

expose my hiding place, but she doesn't.

656

: 00:37:35

Soon the room dims, and I know most

of the candles have been snuffed.

657

: 00:37:40

I see Reagan thorn's, boots pass by,

followed by the croker's black robe.

658

: 00:37:45

The door closes I huddle in silence until

I'm sure they're gone without a sound.

659

: 00:37:52

I climb from behind the trunk.

660

: 00:37:54

All my senses are commanding me

to dash for the chimney, but I

661

: 00:37:58

can't, not until I have the jewels.

662

: 00:38:02

I try to open the trunk, but it's locked.

663

: 00:38:05

I look about searching the room

for something I can use to pry

664

: 00:38:08

it open On the table, I find a

small dagger and slip the blade.

665

: 00:38:13

Between the clasp and the padlock,

I'm pounding on the blade's hilt.

666

: 00:38:18

Just as the door opens,

there's no time to hide.

667

: 00:38:22

All I can do is crouch where I

am and hope the semi-darkness

668

: 00:38:27

conceals me The hulking silhouette

of a dragon stands in the doorway.

669

: 00:38:33

As he steps into the room, I think my

heart may explode with excessive pounding.

670

: 00:38:39

My only chance of escape

is to dash for the chimney.

671

: 00:38:42

I bolt knocking over a pile of

books and sending a flask of liquid

672

: 00:38:47

crashing to the floor, but the dragon

is fast before I can haw myself up.

673

: 00:38:53

He has me by the leg

674

: 00:38:55

and is yanking me down.