128. Raven Crown Chapters 49, 50, 51 and 52

ghia: 00:00:06

Chapter 49, Bree.

2

: 00:00:11

The dragon has an iron grip on my ankle.

3

: 00:00:15

I lunge for a candlestick and bring

it down repeatedly on his head.

4

: 00:00:20

With a yank, the stick is pulled from

my hand and I push to the ground.

5

: 00:00:24

He's saying something, but I kick

and claw heeless of his words.

6

: 00:00:30

Then a hand is clamped over my mouth.

7

: 00:00:32

I bite down on the fingers.

8

: 00:00:34

As I do, the hand is jerked away.

9

: 00:00:37

My head is yanked along with it.

10

: 00:00:39

I see the face of my

assailant for the first time.

11

: 00:00:43

My jaw relaxes.

12

: 00:00:45

Gray?

13

: 00:00:47

He puts a finger to his lips.

14

: 00:00:49

"I was trying to tell you, " he

whispers as he removes the dragon's

15

: 00:00:54

helm and looks at the dense I've made.

16

: 00:00:57

I can't help myself and throw

my arms around his neck.

17

: 00:01:01

I do it out of relief, but

without thinking, I tip my

18

: 00:01:05

face up and I'm kissing him.

19

: 00:01:08

lips are moist and the scruff

on his face is soft on my skin.

20

: 00:01:13

I'm not embarrassed.

21

: 00:01:14

Not at all.

22

: 00:01:16

Then Gray rolls me away.

23

: 00:01:18

Something is wrong.

24

: 00:01:20

I begin to squirm in his arms, desperate

to put some distance between us.

25

: 00:01:25

But Gray holds me fast.

26

: 00:01:28

"I promised," he says.

27

: 00:01:31

"I promised Nona that I wouldn't

kiss you again until you were 18.

28

: 00:01:36

"She said I had to treat you as my queen.

29

: 00:01:39

I almost choke.

30

: 00:01:41

"Your queen?

31

: 00:01:42

Are you kidding?

32

: 00:01:44

Could I possibly be a queen?"

33

: 00:01:47

Gray looks earnest.

34

: 00:01:49

"Yes.

35

: 00:01:50

"I swallow and stare into his eyes.

36

: 00:01:53

wrinkles his brow and wipes

a finger across my face.

37

: 00:01:58

Even in the dim candlelight, I can

see it come away covered in soot.

38

: 00:02:03

I look down at my dress.

39

: 00:02:05

The beautiful blue fabric

is now filthy black.

40

: 00:02:10

not queenly material.

41

: 00:02:12

Even if a few strands of

silver still shine through.

42

: 00:02:16

" How did you find me?

43

: 00:02:18

"I whisper.

44

: 00:02:19

" It was dumb luck," Grace says.

45

: 00:02:22

"I overheard one of the dragons

tell the warden you were

46

: 00:02:25

locked in the queen's quarters.

47

: 00:02:27

When the warden wasn't looking, I dumped

the last of your capsicum in his food.

48

: 00:02:33

gray grins.

49

: 00:02:35

"It worked better than I expected.

50

: 00:02:37

While he was gasping on the floor,

I whacked him on the head with

51

: 00:02:41

Marzette's staff and stole his uniform.

52

: 00:02:45

Gray pulls the staff from his

shoulder and hands it to me.

53

: 00:02:49

still extended to its full length.

54

: 00:02:51

With a twist and a push

on the button, I close it.

55

: 00:02:56

"That doesn't explain how you

found me, " I say, slipping

56

: 00:03:00

the staff over my shoulder.

57

: 00:03:02

Gray looks surprised, and

I'm sure he's wondering how

58

: 00:03:05

I managed to close the staff.

59

: 00:03:08

Instead of commenting,

he answers my question.

60

: 00:03:12

I was looking for the queen's room

when Reaganthorn came down the stairs.

61

: 00:03:16

I thought my goat was cooked, but he was

so intent on his conversation with some

62

: 00:03:22

croaker that he didn't even look at me.

63

: 00:03:24

I just acted like I knew what I

was doing, and he told me to stand

64

: 00:03:29

watch at the top of the stairs.

65

: 00:03:31

When I got here, I heard

a noise and peeked in.

66

: 00:03:35

I'm amazed by his explanation.

67

: 00:03:38

"It seemed like more than a coincidence.

68

: 00:03:41

If I had climbed to the roof,

Gray would never have found me.

69

: 00:03:45

""But how could this be?

70

: 00:03:47

" The whisper didn't prompt me

to climb down the chimney.

71

: 00:03:50

"I made that decision on my own.

72

: 00:03:53

""Didn't I?

73

: 00:03:54

" "Come on, let's get out of here, "Gray

says, standing and pulling me to my feet.

74

: 00:04:01

"Not yet."

75

: 00:04:02

I shake loose from his

grip and rush to the chest.

76

: 00:04:06

"You've got to help me get this open.

77

: 00:04:08

"Gray doesn't ask why.

78

: 00:04:10

He just says," Stand back.

79

: 00:04:13

Then he pulls a monstrous

axe from his back.

80

: 00:04:16

With one swing, the lock

is knocked off its clasp.

81

: 00:04:20

The noise is so loud, Gray and I freeze,

afraid someone will come to investigate.

82

: 00:04:26

When all remains quiet,

I heave open the lid.

83

: 00:04:30

There in an array of gold

coins is the bag of jewels.

84

: 00:04:35

It takes me a moment to think what to do.

85

: 00:04:38

With a yank at the hem of my skirt,

I rip off a portion of fabric and tie

86

: 00:04:44

the stone securely into the folds.

87

: 00:04:47

I snatch a pile of moonstones off

the table and dump them in the bag.

88

: 00:04:52

They aren't exactly the same size,

but if Reaganthorn doesn't open

89

: 00:04:56

the pouch, he might not notice.

90

: 00:04:59

clasp on the chest is broken,

but I put it back in place

91

: 00:05:03

with the lock hanging from it.

92

: 00:05:05

In the dim light, it

doesn't look disturbed.

93

: 00:05:09

"Any idea how to get out of here?"

94

: 00:05:11

I ask.

95

: 00:05:13

"Let's just walk through the front door.

96

: 00:05:15

If anyone stops us,

pretend you're my prisoner.

97

: 00:05:19

""Are you crazy?"

98

: 00:05:21

"Do you have a better idea?

99

: 00:05:24

"" There isn't any way gray will fit

through the chimney, so I say no."

100

: 00:05:29

That settles it then.

101

: 00:05:31

ghia: Together, we creep

down the spiral stairs.

102

: 00:05:34

I work hard to keep the wooden sole

of my boot from making a sound.

103

: 00:05:38

"I'm thinking we must be at

ground level when we come to a

104

: 00:05:42

wide hallway lit with lanterns.

105

: 00:05:45

"This way, Grace says.

106

: 00:05:47

We proceed down the hall.

107

: 00:05:49

Tapestries hang on the walls

and carpets cover the floor.

108

: 00:05:53

We hear voices as we

approach an open door.

109

: 00:05:57

Gray and I stop mid-step.

110

: 00:05:59

I will inform the necessary

members of voice murmurs.

111

: 00:06:04

"Members, as in members of the order,

images of the man dangling from the

112

: 00:06:10

bridge in Serpesca flash through my mind.

113

: 00:06:14

pulls me behind a tapestry just

before footsteps enter the hall.

114

: 00:06:18

You can inform anyone you want, but be

assured I have everything under control.

115

: 00:06:27

second voice I recognize

as Reaganthorne's croaker.

116

: 00:06:31

I hold my breath, wondering

if I'll be discovered.

117

: 00:06:35

But the footsteps recede down the hallway.

118

: 00:06:38

Gray and I don't move for

a good 10 long breaths.

119

: 00:06:42

"Come on, let's go, " Gray says.

120

: 00:06:46

Together, we hurry back down

the hall, away from the voices.

121

: 00:06:50

We've just started down the steps when

we come face to face with a tall woman.

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: 00:06:55

She has a red welt across her cheek,

which I vaguely remember seeing

123

: 00:07:00

on the servant from the terrace.

124

: 00:07:02

She stares at me

searchingly before asking.

125

: 00:07:06

" Are you Lady Fallon's baby?

126

: 00:07:09

"I hesitate, wondering if it's

safe to admit, but I don't

127

: 00:07:13

see any point in denying it.

128

: 00:07:15

" That's what I'm told," I say.

129

: 00:07:18

The woman looks at Gray.

130

: 00:07:21

"I'll take the girl from here.

131

: 00:07:22

You go back to your duties."

132

: 00:07:24

Her long fingers grip my arm.

133

: 00:07:27

"No, he's staying with me " I blurt out.

134

: 00:07:31

The woman's eyes dart between us

as if she's trying to understand.

135

: 00:07:35

Then she nods.

136

: 00:07:37

"You're gray, I suppose.

137

: 00:07:39

"Gray looks weary, but answers.

138

: 00:07:42

"Yes, and you are?

139

: 00:07:44

" "I'm Zapora, " she

says, pulling on my arm.

140

: 00:07:48

"Come on, the dragons

are searching for you.

141

: 00:07:51

" My mouth drops open.

142

: 00:07:53

"The Zapora I follow her down a

shadowed corridor, I realize that she

143

: 00:08:00

must have given Jackal the Sardinex.

144

: 00:08:03

""Does she know Jackal gave it to me?

145

: 00:08:05

" "It isn't long before she turns

down a smaller hallway and

146

: 00:08:09

stops before a wooden door.

147

: 00:08:12

leads out to the kitchen garden.

148

: 00:08:14

The castle gate is to the left.

149

: 00:08:16

Hurry now."

150

: 00:08:18

Gray and I are just stepping past her

when she grabs me by the arm again.

151

: 00:08:24

"Which one of you will it be?

152

: 00:08:26

" "What?

153

: 00:08:27

" I whisper.

154

: 00:08:28

"The queen.

155

: 00:08:29

Who did Nakona tell you would

be queen, you or Dogmar?"

156

: 00:08:35

I stumble slightly at her words.

157

: 00:08:38

"She never mentioned it, "I reply.

158

: 00:08:41

A loud noise echoes down the

corridor and Zapora looks frightened.

159

: 00:08:45

"You've got to go.

160

: 00:08:46

Hurry."

161

: 00:08:48

want to ask a million questions,

but Zapora pushes me out the door.

162

: 00:08:54

I'm looking over my shoulder at her

as Gray pulls me through the garden.

163

: 00:08:58

Could Nona really have

expected me to be queen?

164

: 00:09:02

I know she didn't want

Jackal on the throne.

165

: 00:09:05

She's Reagan Thorne's

daughter, his puppet.

166

: 00:09:08

"But me?

167

: 00:09:09

I understand I have royal blood.

168

: 00:09:12

Still, that can't be the only

qualification my loathing of

169

: 00:09:17

the idea, a little thrill of

excitement runs through me.

170

: 00:09:22

If it's meant to be, could I deny it?

171

: 00:09:29

Chapter 50, Bri.

172

: 00:09:33

As soon as we reach the garden gate,

I pull away from gray, disturbed by

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: 00:09:38

a foreboding eeriness I can't place.

174

: 00:09:41

"Something's wrong, "I whisper.

175

: 00:09:44

"Looking around, I find the moon."

176

: 00:09:47

Gray follows my gaze.

177

: 00:09:49

"Together, we stare.

178

: 00:09:51

I read about the blood moon in

the pedaler's book, but I never

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: 00:09:55

quite understood how it would look.

180

: 00:09:57

"The full moon I saw only an hour

ago now appears to be half gone.

181

: 00:10:04

"What's happening?

182

: 00:10:05

" Gray breathes.

183

: 00:10:07

Presumably, that moon is the reason

Reaganthorne insisted on the coronation

184

: 00:10:12

taking place tonight, I whisper.

185

: 00:10:15

peddler's book says it

creates negative light.

186

: 00:10:18

When that negative light bounces off

the crystals of the mosaic inside

187

: 00:10:23

Opheon's ramwatt, it will amplify the

essence of any gems within its glow.

188

: 00:10:29

What I understand is that Reaganthorne

plans to put the jewels of Tambor into

189

: 00:10:35

that beam, but it doesn't make sense.

190

: 00:10:38

The order wouldn't want Reaganthorne

to make the jewels stronger.

191

: 00:10:43

Greg grabs me by the elbow.

192

: 00:10:45

"First, let's get out of here.

193

: 00:10:47

Later, we'll figure out

what Reaganthorne is up to.

194

: 00:10:51

" I relent and together we

hurry to the castle gate.

195

: 00:10:55

There we find three

dragons guarding our scape.

196

: 00:10:59

Owl pellets, I breathe in frustration.

197

: 00:11:03

The sound of tramping

feet comes from behind us.

198

: 00:11:06

Soldiers are heading our way.

199

: 00:11:09

Gray and I fling ourselves

into some bushes.

200

: 00:11:12

Thorns scratch my face and rip

through my dress as I crouch down.

201

: 00:11:17

We are out of sight just

before the soldiers march past.

202

: 00:11:21

Now what?

203

: 00:11:22

" I whisper in Gray's ear.

204

: 00:11:25

"We wait until the coast is clear.

205

: 00:11:28

Then we run for the gate, " he

says, sounding confident.

206

: 00:11:32

"For the first time, I think

Gray has forgotten about my foot.

207

: 00:11:36

I don't remind him.

208

: 00:11:38

Instead, I glance at the moon.

209

: 00:11:40

There isn't time to wait," I hiss.

210

: 00:11:43

got less than an hour before

the blood moon is complete.

211

: 00:11:47

I'm searching for a distraction when the

sound of hoof beats draws my attention.

212

: 00:11:53

From the side of the castle,

something flashes in the torch light.

213

: 00:11:57

A moment later, I realize it's the

ornate trim on a black carriage

214

: 00:12:02

being pulled by sable horses.

215

: 00:12:05

The carriage comes into the

courtyard and stops at the

216

: 00:12:08

circular drive before the gate.

217

: 00:12:10

A dragon hustles to the large front

door of the castle and heaves it open.

218

: 00:12:15

Light streams down a wide set of stairs.

219

: 00:12:19

Reaganthorne emerges in a

coat the color of old gold.

220

: 00:12:23

The ruffled shirt beneath it

is a light shade of pewter.

221

: 00:12:28

Three strands of rubies rest on his

chest, rings sparkle on his fingers.

222

: 00:12:34

His hair is pulled back high on his head.

223

: 00:12:37

Held in place with a golden

serpent, complete with emerald eyes.

224

: 00:12:42

Looped earrings hang with gemstones.

225

: 00:12:45

On his feet are knee high boots.

226

: 00:12:48

At his side is a jeweled sword.

227

: 00:12:51

Emerging after him is Jackal.

228

: 00:12:55

It takes me a moment to recognize her.

229

: 00:12:58

She has never looked so delicate.

230

: 00:13:02

She is wrapped in layers of light fabric.

231

: 00:13:05

Her hair done up in jewels with long

curls dangling over one shoulder.

232

: 00:13:11

Diamonds trickle from her

ears and around her neck.

233

: 00:13:15

Soft jeweled slippers are on her feet.

234

: 00:13:18

I can't help but scrutinize her.

235

: 00:13:21

Compare her to the image I saw

of myself in the wardrobe mirror.

236

: 00:13:26

Which one of us is meant to be queen?

237

: 00:13:30

She pauses with her hand

on the door for support.

238

: 00:13:34

A maid standing behind her wraps a

scarf over her head and around her neck,

239

: 00:13:39

leaving the ends dangling down her back.

240

: 00:13:43

At the same time, I see

Zapora slip Jackal's black

241

: 00:13:46

leather belt around her waist.

242

: 00:13:49

certain the scarf has been added to

cover the ugly bruising on Jackal's

243

: 00:13:53

neck from the dragon on the terrace.

244

: 00:13:56

But the belt seems out of place.

245

: 00:13:59

a quick tug from Zapora, the flowing

fabric of the dress blouses over

246

: 00:14:04

it, adding to the draped appearance.

247

: 00:14:07

It could be the final touch to

Jackle's attire, but I'm not convinced.

248

: 00:14:13

dragon strides forward and

bows before Reaganthorn.

249

: 00:14:18

"My Lord, we haven't located the girl, but

she couldn't have left the castle grounds.

250

: 00:14:24

We'll find her Reaganthorne snarls.

251

: 00:14:28

You had better.

252

: 00:14:31

"There's a titter from Jackal.

253

: 00:14:33

Reaganthorne grabs her arm, digging

his fingers into the flesh.

254

: 00:14:38

Don't act so pleased," he hisses.

255

: 00:14:41

If she gets away, you'll

be the one who pays.

256

: 00:14:45

"I gulp.

257

: 00:14:47

Jackal doesn't react.

258

: 00:14:49

Instead, she stands motionless as a

stiff breeze blows the ends of her scarf.

259

: 00:14:56

At the same time, my nose is

filled with a vile stench.

260

: 00:15:00

I glance around, but don't see

the source before my attention

261

: 00:15:03

is drawn back to Jackal.

262

: 00:15:06

eyes are glazed as she looks at

her father's hand on her arm.

263

: 00:15:11

When she speaks, her words

are slightly garbled.

264

: 00:15:15

You drove my mother mad with

this poison, didn't you?

265

: 00:15:20

" Reaganthorne's nostrils flare, and he

pushes Jackal towards the carriage.

266

: 00:15:26

She stumbles, but manages to climb in.

267

: 00:15:29

Reaganthorne gets in behind her.

268

: 00:15:31

The coachman snaps his whip

and the horses lunge forward.

269

: 00:15:36

"Find the girl, " Reaganthorne

yells out the window.

270

: 00:15:40

The coach rolls through the gate

and the dragon slam it closed.

271

: 00:15:45

My mouth goes dry.

272

: 00:15:47

Our escape is gone.

273

: 00:15:49

Now what?

274

: 00:15:51

" I hiss.

275

: 00:15:52

Gray rubs his face and looks solemn.

276

: 00:15:56

"I don't know.

277

: 00:15:57

Something black brushes past me, and I

see a rat disappear through a metal grate

278

: 00:16:04

in the cobblestones just beyond our bush.

279

: 00:16:07

A second drops in before

something clicks in my head.

280

: 00:16:11

I stare, trying to decide if

what I'm seeing makes sense.

281

: 00:16:16

With another breeze, I catch the same

foul smell I caught a moment ago.

282

: 00:16:21

Excited, I grab Gray's arm.

283

: 00:16:23

"Look."

284

: 00:16:25

Gray glances in the direction

I point, but seems confused.

285

: 00:16:29

"The grate.

286

: 00:16:30

Doesn't it look like a spider's web?

287

: 00:16:32

I exclaim.

288

: 00:16:34

Gray's face is still blank.

289

: 00:16:36

""It's the same pattern on Fremont's arm,"

I say, desperate for him to understand.

290

: 00:16:43

Gray looks down at the ink on his own arm.

291

: 00:16:46

"

You think Fremont was tethered in the sewer?

292

: 00:16:50

Yes, and I bet that's how he escaped.

293

: 00:16:53

Gray nods.

294

: 00:16:55

We wait until the dragons

have their backs to us.

295

: 00:16:59

Then we leap towards the grate.

296

: 00:17:01

Gray has it pried up in seconds.

297

: 00:17:04

look at the size of the

opening then up at gray.

298

: 00:17:07

If Fremont fit, so will you, I whisper.

299

: 00:17:11

Gray nods, though we both know he's

a good bit bigger than Fremont.

300

: 00:17:16

"You go first," he says.

301

: 00:17:19

With only a slight hesitation,

I drop into the hole.

302

: 00:17:23

My feet sink in soft muck and

the stench causes me to gag.

303

: 00:17:28

I'm grateful that the hem of my

dress is still tucked up in my belt.

304

: 00:17:33

After a moment, Gray drops down behind

me and slides the grate back in place.

305

: 00:17:39

I move down the tunnel.

306

: 00:17:42

Gray grunts behind me.

307

: 00:17:44

I know why.

308

: 00:17:45

While I'm able to crawl

through the tunnel in a squat.

309

: 00:17:49

Gray is forced to his hands and knees.

310

: 00:17:52

move forward, but haven't gone

far when the light of the grate is

311

: 00:17:56

gone and I'm submerged in darkness.

312

: 00:17:59

All I can do is feel my way along.

313

: 00:18:02

It seems like I've been crawling

forever before there's a

314

: 00:18:05

glimmer of light in front of us.

315

: 00:18:08

Please let it be a way out.

316

: 00:18:10

I push forward and find the grate, but

the street above is teeming with people.

317

: 00:18:16

" We can't climb out here.

318

: 00:18:18

Someone will see us, " I whisper.

319

: 00:18:21

"Keep going, " Grace says.

320

: 00:18:23

"We'll find a better place.

321

: 00:18:25

"We pass through three more grace

before finding an empty street.

322

: 00:18:30

After climbing out, I'm elated

by the feeling of freedom.

323

: 00:18:34

I don't even care that my

boots are smeared with muck.

324

: 00:18:38

Gray washes in a horse trough while

I find a shadowed corner to crouch.

325

: 00:18:44

soot covered hands, I entire the strip

of fabric I used to secure the jewels

326

: 00:18:50

to my belt and spread it out on my lap.

327

: 00:18:54

Then I pull the sardinix

from the top of my boot.

328

: 00:18:57

I'm buzzing with satisfaction as I

place it with the other seven stones.

329

: 00:19:03

I've done it.

330

: 00:19:04

I've gathered all eight jewels of tambour.

331

: 00:19:08

I pick up Vita's emerald

and cup it in my hands.

332

: 00:19:13

With my eyes closed, I feel

reason, understanding, and hope.

333

: 00:19:18

The same sensations I've felt

from her for my whole life.

334

: 00:19:23

Gray clears his throat and

looks around nervously.

335

: 00:19:27

I know he wants me to hurry, but I

can't resist picking up the ruby.

336

: 00:19:32

The last time I held it,

the occasion was cut short.

337

: 00:19:36

With the stone cupped in my

hand, I feel my heart quicken.

338

: 00:19:41

It's purity, passion, and courage.

339

: 00:19:44

Exactly what I need right now.

340

: 00:19:46

I do my best to soak up the feeling.

341

: 00:19:50

After a final squeeze, I put the

ruby back in my lap with the others.

342

: 00:19:55

Now, I can feel all the

jewels in equal measure.

343

: 00:19:59

Delicate vibrations of

goodness invade my being.

344

: 00:20:03

know this is what Nona always wanted.

345

: 00:20:07

With the eight jewels of Tambor held in

my heart, I feel in command of myself.

346

: 00:20:12

Not because I'm in possession

of power, but because I feel

347

: 00:20:17

in tune with the whisper.

348

: 00:20:19

Nona's words from a month

ago echo in my head.

349

: 00:20:23

The jewels allow the queen to be a link

between the Hesperian and her people.

350

: 00:20:29

I close my eyes.

351

: 00:20:31

If I can finally feel the whisper.

352

: 00:20:33

"Does that confirm that I should be queen?

353

: 00:20:38

"Let's go, Raven, "Grace says,

interrupting my thoughts.

354

: 00:20:43

I tie the stones back in the fabric and

secure the makeshift bundle in my belt.

355

: 00:20:49

a glance at the moon, I see there was

only a crescent left in the sky, and that

356

: 00:20:54

the shadowed side is now glowing red.

357

: 00:20:57

not the red of fresh living blood,

but the red of old, dried blood.

358

: 00:21:04

Time is running out.

359

: 00:21:06

I've got to get to the ramwatt before

the blood moon is complete, or I won't

360

: 00:21:11

be able to stop the coronation, but

there's something that must be done first.

361

: 00:21:17

" Follow me, "I call to gray, and

begin jogging down the street.

362

: 00:21:26

Chapter 51, Bree.

363

: 00:21:30

"Raven, wait.

364

: 00:21:31

You're going in the wrong direction.

365

: 00:21:34

The ramwatt is the other way,"

Gray calls from behind me.

366

: 00:21:38

"No, "I answer without explaining."

367

: 00:21:42

Dull spikes of pain shoot up my

leg, which isn't good, but I

368

: 00:21:46

don't let it slow me down.

369

: 00:21:48

As the alleys are too dark to

navigate, I stick to the streets,

370

: 00:21:52

which are lit with torches.

371

: 00:21:55

takes some searching, but I'm

ecstatic when I recognize where I am.

372

: 00:21:59

"This way, I call."

373

: 00:22:01

We turn down an alley and

stop at a wooden door.

374

: 00:22:05

""Break it down," I tell Gray.

375

: 00:22:07

Without a question, he kicks in the door.

376

: 00:22:10

I rush into the dim room.

377

: 00:22:13

Vita sits slumped at her loom.

378

: 00:22:15

we're here, I say, throwing my

arms around her withered form.

379

: 00:22:19

"I've brought Gray."

380

: 00:22:21

""Bris..."

381

: 00:22:22

"Bri, is that you?

382

: 00:22:24

" I was afraid the whole thing was a dream.

383

: 00:22:27

She touches my face.

384

: 00:22:29

"Ma?

385

: 00:22:30

"I'm practically knocked out

of the way as Gray hugs Vita.

386

: 00:22:34

He must see her eyes,

but he makes no comment.

387

: 00:22:38

"Gray, get this chain off.

388

: 00:22:40

"Gray gropes around, feeling the chain

and how it's attached to the loom at one

389

: 00:22:45

end and his mother's ankle at the other.

390

: 00:22:48

" Stand back," he says,

raising the ax in the air.

391

: 00:22:52

With a yell, he drives

it through the chain.

392

: 00:22:55

""Nice work," I say, truly impressed.

393

: 00:22:59

Gray grins.

394

: 00:23:01

starting to like this

thing, " says, hefting the ax.

395

: 00:23:05

" Now take your mother

and get out of the city.

396

: 00:23:08

The closest gate is that

way," I point out the door.

397

: 00:23:12

""If you get lost, keep the top

of the ramwatt to your left.

398

: 00:23:16

You'll come to the gate eventually."

399

: 00:23:18

Gray scowls.

400

: 00:23:20

"What are you talking about?

401

: 00:23:22

""We're not going anywhere without

Before he finishes, I dash out the door.

402

: 00:23:26

This has got to be the most low

down raven trick I've ever pulled.

403

: 00:23:31

He won't be able to leave Vita, and with

her and Toe, he won't be able to catch me.

404

: 00:23:37

I only hope he does the wise

thing and vacates the city.

405

: 00:23:41

I can't risk either of

them being captured again.

406

: 00:23:45

I traverse the streets of Ultan, splashing

through puddles and dodging laundry.

407

: 00:23:51

The run takes longer than I expect as

the streets are packed with diggers.

408

: 00:23:56

While many merchants are taking advantage

of the crowds to hawk their wares, the

409

: 00:24:01

mood on the street isn't exactly festive.

410

: 00:24:05

I have to wonder if the people are nervous

about the ominous state of the moon.

411

: 00:24:10

When I burst into the courtyard

surrounding the ramwatt of Opheon, find

412

: 00:24:15

myself on the side with the golden doors.

413

: 00:24:18

As all the Nobiles are inside, the

plaza is empty except for one thing,

414

: 00:24:24

Reagan Thorn's black carriage.

415

: 00:24:27

For a moment, I wonder

what he's waiting for.

416

: 00:24:30

Then I know.

417

: 00:24:32

He wants the blood moon almost complete

before making his grand entrance.

418

: 00:24:37

He needs Jackal Crown just as the negative

light shines through the moon hollow.

419

: 00:24:44

Through the open doors, I see

torches mounted on the walls

420

: 00:24:48

to illuminate the ramwatt.

421

: 00:24:50

Every inch of the floor

is packed with nobilus.

422

: 00:24:54

Tonight, there is no room for diggers.

423

: 00:24:57

The main floor and the gallery are flooded

with jewels, furs, feathers, and wigs.

424

: 00:25:03

Chanting Marabu with green

robes stand on the platform

425

: 00:25:07

surrounding the central column.

426

: 00:25:09

Other Marabu stand as guards at the doors,

preventing anyone else from entering.

427

: 00:25:16

My heart beats louder than

Nona, pounding on abalone.

428

: 00:25:20

This is it.

429

: 00:25:21

I have the jewels.

430

: 00:25:23

The coronation is about to begin.

431

: 00:25:26

But for the love of rats,

what am I supposed to do?

432

: 00:25:31

There isn't any way in.

433

: 00:25:33

I stand, waiting, waiting, waiting for

the whisper to prompt me to do something.

434

: 00:25:41

know very well this

could go terribly wrong.

435

: 00:25:44

It wouldn't be the first time the

whisper has led me into a mess, though

436

: 00:25:48

I will admit that eventually things

have always worked out for the best.

437

: 00:25:53

I let out a breath and tried to clear

my mind, but I feel no inspiration.

438

: 00:26:00

Al Pelletz.

439

: 00:26:01

Reaganthorne leads out the carriage

door and motions to the coachmen.

440

: 00:26:06

With a flick of his reigns, the horse

pulls the carriage through the golden

441

: 00:26:10

doors and right into the ramwatt.

442

: 00:26:13

Horns blare.

443

: 00:26:15

The nobilits on the main floor are forced

to move out of the way as the horses

444

: 00:26:20

pull the carriage around the column.

445

: 00:26:23

On the far side of the ramwatt,

the horses are reigned to a stop

446

: 00:26:27

where they prance nervously.

447

: 00:26:30

The crowd cheers as Reaganthorne

and Jackal emerge and mount the

448

: 00:26:34

platform at the base of the column.

449

: 00:26:37

Reaganthorne bows with the flourish,

but Jackal stands perfectly still.

450

: 00:26:42

Her eyes are wide, and I think she

is more nervous than the horses.

451

: 00:26:48

Reaganthorne takes her arm and parades

her around the column for all to see.

452

: 00:26:53

Her walk is steadier than it

seemed at the castle, and I

453

: 00:26:58

think she may have sobered some.

454

: 00:27:00

A breeze causes the ends of her scarf

to flutter, and I can't help but notice

455

: 00:27:06

how much more regal she looks than

any of the Gotti Nobilis around her.

456

: 00:27:11

Shirley Jackel is more

fit to be queen than I am.

457

: 00:27:15

She has the poise.

458

: 00:27:17

She knows the politics.

459

: 00:27:19

She can play the game.

460

: 00:27:21

But what of the puppet queen

Nona wanted to prevent?

461

: 00:27:25

What of saving the Norwood?

462

: 00:27:28

Reaganthorne holds up his

hands to silence the crowd.

463

: 00:27:32

Open the moon hollow.

464

: 00:27:34

he commands.

465

: 00:27:36

From where I'm standing outside the

courtyard, I look up at the roof of the

466

: 00:27:41

ramwatt and see the hatch slide open.

467

: 00:27:44

Apparently, the Nobiles have been

inside long enough that they haven't

468

: 00:27:48

noticed the state of the moon.

469

: 00:27:51

There's a collective gasp.

470

: 00:27:53

Only a thin crescent of white is left.

471

: 00:27:56

The rest of the moon is

glowing and orange is red.

472

: 00:28:00

" On this evening, you will witness

the greatest miracle in the world,

473

: 00:28:06

"Reaganthorne calls to the crowd

as he parades around the platform.

474

: 00:28:11

"Show us the crown,"

bellows as he looks up.

475

: 00:28:16

"My heart takes an extra beat.

476

: 00:28:18

"What is he talking about?

477

: 00:28:20

"There aren't any jewels in it.

478

: 00:28:22

The presiding Marabu at the top of

the column gives Reaganthorn a nod.

479

: 00:28:28

With another fanfare of horns,

the Maribu produces the crown

480

: 00:28:32

displayed on a marble head.

481

: 00:28:35

He holds it high for all to see.

482

: 00:28:38

Golden cords dangle down the sides.

483

: 00:28:41

Uncut jewels are mounted

at the ends of each chord.

484

: 00:28:45

a loud voice that reverberates

off the dome, the presiding Marabu

485

: 00:28:50

begins to recount the history

and symbolism of the crown.

486

: 00:28:55

Nona wouldn't approve as he leaves

out all mention of the hysperian.

487

: 00:29:01

I peer at the top of the column.

488

: 00:29:03

Next to the jewels on the nobilus, the

golden circlet looks overly simple,

489

: 00:29:09

but it also holds an ancient air of

beauty, unmatched by the current styles.

490

: 00:29:16

Obviously, Reaganthorne had the

jewels replaced with fakes after

491

: 00:29:20

discovering they were missing.

492

: 00:29:22

I suppose he plans on holding the bag

of what he believes are the actual

493

: 00:29:27

jewels under the negative light of the

blood moon, just at the right moment.

494

: 00:29:33

But he won't be able to, will he?

495

: 00:29:35

I pat the scrap of

fabric tied at my waist.

496

: 00:29:39

Still, I've got to stop

him from crowning jackal.

497

: 00:29:44

"Those jewels are fake," I yell

from where I stand in the plaza.

498

: 00:29:49

"But I can't be heard over the

bellowing voice of the Marabou.

499

: 00:29:53

Desperate, I dash towards the open doors.

500

: 00:29:56

Before I can get inside, two

Marabou guards block my way.

501

: 00:30:01

I swerve, but they catch me.

502

: 00:30:03

"No, you don't, "a Marabou

says," As he hurls me like a

503

: 00:30:07

rotten potato into the courtyard.

504

: 00:30:10

"I land with a crash and jar my foot.

505

: 00:30:13

"Stupid, stupid, stupid."

506

: 00:30:16

Did I really think I could

just march in the front doors?

507

: 00:30:24

door?"

508

: 00:30:25

Chapter 52,

509

: 00:30:31

" I know the vines aren't real.

510

: 00:30:33

Still I can't drive them away.

511

: 00:30:36

I squeeze my eyes closed only

to feel the vines get tighter.

512

: 00:30:41

With effort, I peer through the leaves

and make out the cheering nobils.

513

: 00:30:47

I'm not supposed to be here, but I

can't remember why a cool breeze from

514

: 00:30:53

the door blows on my face and I bite

my lip until pain brings some clarity.

515

: 00:30:59

""Yes, I remember.

516

: 00:31:01

Tonight is the coronation, my coronation.

517

: 00:31:07

The trumpet sounds, and I

make out the Maraboo's purple

518

: 00:31:10

robe at the top of the column.

519

: 00:31:12

He's holding up the queen's

crown and the jewels.

520

: 00:31:16

The memory rips away some of

the vines, clearing my vision.

521

: 00:31:21

not the one that should hold the throne.

522

: 00:31:23

It's Bri.

523

: 00:31:24

She should wear the crown.

524

: 00:31:26

It will keep her safe.

525

: 00:31:28

I've got to make sure Bri is crowned.

526

: 00:31:31

I baw my hands into fists,

trying to force myself to think.

527

: 00:31:36

The Marabu calls out to the people.

528

: 00:31:39

Reaganthorne Electro of the Southern

Plains presents dogmar ethereal of

529

: 00:31:45

Ultan before Opheon and the people.

530

: 00:31:49

The Nobiles applaud.

531

: 00:31:51

My father takes me by the arm and

pulls me toward the bottom of the

532

: 00:31:55

stairs that wind up the column.

533

: 00:31:58

With a jerk, I yank away.

534

: 00:32:00

I won't go.

535

: 00:32:01

My father sneers and

places a hand at his sword.

536

: 00:32:05

I snort.

537

: 00:32:06

He won't use it on me, not here.

538

: 00:32:09

Then I realize he isn't trying

to threaten me with the blade.

539

: 00:32:13

He's showing me what's in his hand.

540

: 00:32:16

A Croaker's needle.

541

: 00:32:18

I twitch.

542

: 00:32:19

If he sticks me again, the

vines will grow thicker.

543

: 00:32:23

I'll be lost.

544

: 00:32:24

My nostrils flare.

545

: 00:32:26

Before I can summon a solution,

he's pulling me up the stairs.

546

: 00:32:34

Bri.

547

: 00:32:35

I watch Reaganthorn and Jackal

reach the top of the column.

548

: 00:32:39

I've got to do something now.

549

: 00:32:42

There must be another

way into the ram rot.

550

: 00:32:45

I'm frantic until I notice the vine

growing up the pillars that hold up

551

: 00:32:49

the balcony and the central dome.

552

: 00:32:52

That's it.

553

: 00:32:53

I'll climb.

554

: 00:32:55

I look back through the open doors.

555

: 00:32:57

green robed Marabu are still chanting as

they push the spokes that turn the column.

556

: 00:33:03

Over them booms the voice

of the presiding Marabu.

557

: 00:33:08

this water, I now cleanse you

before Opheon, dipping his

558

: 00:33:13

fingers into a crystal bowl.

559

: 00:33:15

The Marabou splashes water on

Jackal's face, neck, and arms.

560

: 00:33:20

She is seated on a marble throne.

561

: 00:33:23

Her black hair stands out

against the gleaming whiteness.

562

: 00:33:27

Her face is pale and devoid of expression.

563

: 00:33:30

Overhead, the moon is

almost completely red.

564

: 00:33:34

The thundering of my heart is

now issuing from a sledgehammer.

565

: 00:33:39

Please, please, please, let the

bloodmoon slow down until I can get

566

: 00:33:44

inside With a quick glance to make

sure the marabou aren't watching.

567

: 00:33:49

I slip around the side of the ramwatt.

568

: 00:33:52

There I stop at the pillar with the

most vines, my hopes slump as I look up.

569

: 00:33:59

While the vines extend almost to

the balcony and circling the dome

570

: 00:34:03

they don't quite reach the top.

571

: 00:34:06

There, I'll be forced to climb

without anything except bare stone.

572

: 00:34:10

My mind flashes on the day I rescued grim.

573

: 00:34:14

The day I froze on the sea cliff.

574

: 00:34:17

The pa- Hit of my stomach hollows.

575

: 00:34:20

If Gray hadn't been there to drop me a

rope, I would eventually have slipped

576

: 00:34:24

and been crushed on the rocks below.

577

: 00:34:27

This time, there won't

be anyone to rescue me.

578

: 00:34:31

I'm alone.

579

: 00:34:32

My foot throbs and my confidence crumbles.

580

: 00:34:36

Nevermind.

581

: 00:34:37

I'm not a raven.

582

: 00:34:38

I'm not fit to be queen.

583

: 00:34:40

I'm just a lame girl.

584

: 00:34:43

What made me think I could do anything?

585

: 00:34:46

As if trying to offer comfort, I

sense huge imaginary wings wrap

586

: 00:34:51

around me, but I push them away.

587

: 00:34:54

It's useless.

588

: 00:34:56

It can't be done.

589

: 00:34:58

The next thing I know, I'm

clutching my chest like I've

590

: 00:35:01

lost the jewels all over again.

591

: 00:35:04

I gasp at the pain as

I realize what it is.

592

: 00:35:08

Loneliness.

593

: 00:35:10

Aching loneliness.

594

: 00:35:13

thought losing Nona was bad.

595

: 00:35:15

This is like being in a void of darkness.

596

: 00:35:18

I squeeze my eyes closed, knowing

exactly why I feel so bad.

597

: 00:35:24

By denying my essence, I

have driven away the whisper.

598

: 00:35:29

It doesn't matter that the jewels

are hanging in a pouch at my side.

599

: 00:35:34

They aren't in my heart.

600

: 00:35:36

"Come back, " I plead.

601

: 00:35:38

"I won't push you away again."

602

: 00:35:41

Nothing happens.

603

: 00:35:43

I clasp my hands.

604

: 00:35:46

I must be true to myself.

605

: 00:35:49

I must acknowledge my value.

606

: 00:35:52

I must trust.

607

: 00:35:53

"I'm sorry, " I say.

608

: 00:35:56

Then louder, I add.

609

: 00:35:58

I'm bree of the black raven.

610

: 00:36:00

If this is what the whisper

wants me to do, I'll try.

611

: 00:36:05

The warmth starts in my heart and

spreads through my body like a sunrise.

612

: 00:36:11

I feel whole again.

613

: 00:36:14

I'm still not sure how I'm going to

make the climb, but I won't be alone.

614

: 00:36:19

Stealing my nerve, I check that

the hem of my dress is still

615

: 00:36:24

securely tucked in my belt.

616

: 00:36:26

Then I stick a foot into

the tangle of vines.

617

: 00:36:30

With a purse of my lips, I

begin to scramble up the pillar.

618

: 00:36:35

It's easier than I expected,

and my confidence swells

619

: 00:36:39

until the vine begins to thin.

620

: 00:36:41

I'm almost to the balcony when

the last tendril rips from the

621

: 00:36:46

wall and hangs limp in my hand.

622

: 00:36:48

For the love of rats, I look

up and my legs begin to shake.

623

: 00:36:54

I try to concentrate on who I am, a raven.

624

: 00:36:58

I'm a raven.

625

: 00:37:00

I gathered the jewels of Tambor.

626

: 00:37:03

If I can come this far,

surely I can finish the job.

627

: 00:37:07

With effort, I revert to the

meditative breath I assumed while

628

: 00:37:11

rowing the Tawari flat water.

629

: 00:37:14

My nerves calm, and I begin

to climb the rough cut stones.

630

: 00:37:19

First a hand hold, then a foothold.

631

: 00:37:22

With my emotions under

control, I make progress.

632

: 00:37:27

two moves from the balcony when I

reach for a hold but find nothing.

633

: 00:37:32

I reach again.

634

: 00:37:33

Still nothing.

635

: 00:37:35

Breathe, I command myself.

636

: 00:37:38

The shaking in my legs gets worse.

637

: 00:37:40

I make the mistake of looking

down and nearly lose my composure.

638

: 00:37:45

Frantically, my eyes dart

around for another hold.

639

: 00:37:49

The only one I see is too high.

640

: 00:37:52

"Jump," I hear inside.

641

: 00:37:54

The word comes so forcefully, I obey.

642

: 00:37:58

My fingers clamp down

on the spot I've chosen.

643

: 00:38:01

But the hold is sloped.

644

: 00:38:03

I'm slipping.

645

: 00:38:04

The skin on my fingers tearing.

646

: 00:38:06

I'm going to fall In

desperation, I reach out a foot.

647

: 00:38:11

The wooden heel of my boot

catches on a small knob.

648

: 00:38:15

My leg is shaking, but the

boot heel gives me just enough

649

: 00:38:19

balance to hold me on the wall.

650

: 00:38:21

With a grunt, I make another lunge.

651

: 00:38:23

This time for the railing.

652

: 00:38:25

It takes all my strength, but

I heave myself to safety.

653

: 00:38:30

Here I sprawl on the hard

stones of the balcony and gasp.

654

: 00:38:35

The cold air racks my throat.

655

: 00:38:37

I want to rest until I can breathe

normally again, but I've got to move.

656

: 00:38:42

The coronation is about to take place.

657

: 00:38:45

Struggling to my feet.

658

: 00:38:46

I hurry around the balcony until

I find a door and crack it open.

659

: 00:38:52

Dogmar Ethereal of Ultan.

660

: 00:38:54

Do you swear to Opheon and these people

to rule this country with all the

661

: 00:39:00

strength and power in your possession?

662

: 00:39:02

I hear the presiding Marabu call.

663

: 00:39:05

Panic rises in my gut.

664

: 00:39:07

I've got to act now or

the deed will be done.

665

: 00:39:10

Jackal will be crowned.

666

: 00:39:12

Reaganthorne's puppet

will be on the throne.

667

: 00:39:16

" I yell, pushing through the door

and rushing to the gallery railing.

668

: 00:39:21

The Nobiles around me step away

with looks of shock and disgust.

669

: 00:39:26

The presiding Marabu regards

me over his shoulder.

670

: 00:39:30

" The jewels in the crown

are fake, " I yell.

671

: 00:39:36

Jackal.

672

: 00:39:38

When the voice calls out, everyone stares.

673

: 00:39:41

I stare myself.

674

: 00:39:43

Unable for a moment to imagine

who the filthy black creature is.

675

: 00:39:49

Then I know it's Bree.

676

: 00:39:52

Bri can take the throne.

677

: 00:39:54

"Who are you to interrupt

these proceedings?"

678

: 00:39:58

The presiding Marabu calls.

679

: 00:40:01

I pinch my arm in an effort to clear

away the vines muddling my brain.

680

: 00:40:07

" She's a welp.

681

: 00:40:08

Come to make trouble, " my

father announces.

682

: 00:40:12

flinging a dismissive hand.

683

: 00:40:14

"" Seize her," he yells to the Marabu

at the bottom of the column.

684

: 00:40:19

"No, leave her alone.

685

: 00:40:22

" I staggered to my feet, almost

bumping into the presiding Marabu who

686

: 00:40:26

is still holding the crystal bowl.

687

: 00:40:29

My head spins mercilessly, and I'm

forced to hold onto the arm of the

688

: 00:40:34

marble throne to keep from toppling.

689

: 00:40:37

She has every right to be here, I call

out, with all the strength I can muster.

690

: 00:40:43

With an arm held high, I focus

on the words I must speak.

691

: 00:40:48

"Breen of the Black Raven, daughter

of Fallon Ethereal and Reaganthorne

692

: 00:40:54

Electro stands before you, " I cry.

693

: 00:40:57

She carries royal blood.

694

: 00:41:00

I relinquish my claim

on the throne to her.

695

: 00:41:05

The words take all my strength, and I

drop back to the cold marble throne.