98. Raven Crown Chapters 4, 5 and 6
A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.
Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne…until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.
Transcript
chapter four.
2
:Brie,
3
:as I storm down the trail, I'm
so angry, it's hard to see, and
4
:I'm forced to stop, calm down.
5
:I command myself.
6
:You've got to make it to
Vita's without being seen.
7
:Slipping through the woods is something
I'm good at, but I can't do it like this.
8
:After a few calming
breaths, I make a decision.
9
:I'll stay off the trail.
10
:It's slower but safer.
11
:Resigned.
12
:I set off again.
13
:Still not believing.
14
:I'm about to leave the Norwood.
15
:I step over a log and jump a route.
16
:Nona never considers how I feel.
17
:It's like I don't exist.
18
:I glance at the sky hoping to
see grim, but he isn't there.
19
:On a normal day, he would be, but
this isn't a normal day, he it.
20
:I begin to pick up speed.
21
:My foot is tender, but I welcome the pain.
22
:Anything to divert my attention
from what's happening.
23
:moving so quickly isn't wise.
24
:While I can do it for the short term,
if I keep it up, my foot will swell
25
:and walking will become painful.
26
:But right now I don't care.
27
:I've been scrambling through the
undergrowth for a good distance.
28
:When I stumble over a vine and
fall putting a gash in my knee, in
29
:frustration, I rip up the offending
plant and begin shredding it.
30
:After a moment, I stop realizing
I've never seen the vine before.
31
:It's really quite beautiful with delicate
red veins running through bright leaves.
32
:I drop what's left.
33
:It's not the plant's fault as
usual, it was my own pathetic foot.
34
:I start to feel sorry for
myself, not because I'm lame,
35
:but because I feel so alone.
36
:It's my same old lament.
37
:How different would my life
be if I knew my parents?
38
:I've begged Nona to tell me about them,
but I always get the same stubborn answer.
39
:I promised not to say until you were 18.
40
:As the familiar reply comes to
mind, I blink realizing I've
41
:missed something important.
42
:Since we are leaving the Norwood
early, does that mean Nona will tell
43
:me about my parents early as well?
44
:The inkling of hope gets me
to my feet and moving again.
45
:The sun is overhead When I
arrive, I rush past the gem pit
46
:where Vita's Sun Gray is working.
47
:He waves, but as usual, I
don't acknowledge his presence.
48
:He has the essence of a mole.
49
:At one time, I thought of him
as a laughing sheep dog, but
50
:two years ago I changed my mind.
51
:His father, big Zach, has
called him Gray from the day
52
:he was born, owing to his eyes.
53
:He could have called him
red on account of his hair.
54
:But gray's eyes are, well, They
make me think of rain clouds
55
:with sunlight around the edges.
56
:They snort in disgust.
57
:Mole eyes are useless.
58
:At the dugout, I burst through
the door Vita, whose essence is
59
:that of a mother hen is seated at
the largest loom in the Norwood.
60
:The wunk of the harnesses sliding
past each other and the Zeus
61
:of the shuttle and the thunk.
62
:Thunk of the beater bar reminds
me of the years I played
63
:with gray in this very room.
64
:Hard to believe.
65
:I don't even speak to the mole anymore.
66
:I must look harried as I stand in the
doorway because Vita jumps to her feet
67
:and demands to know what's happened.
68
:before I can speak big,
Zach steps in behind me.
69
:Zach has the essence of
a grizzled black bear.
70
:Without hesitation, he puts
his arms around my shoulders
71
:and I relax into his embrace.
72
:I wish not for the first
time that he was my father.
73
:A moment later, gray enters the
room, mumbling about knowing there
74
:was trouble by the look on my face.
75
:So he presumes to know me so well.
76
:Does he?
77
:Everyone waits for me
to speak, but I can't.
78
:Big Zach seeing my distress
leads me to a chair.
79
:I drop my staff on the floor and sit.
80
:with a stride across the dugout.
81
:Zach fetches a kettle from the hearth
and pours a mug of chamomile tea.
82
:Take your time.
83
:He says, handing it to me.
84
:I close my eyes and breathe in
the soothing scent while the day's
85
:events flash through my mind.
86
:I'm startled as I remember the ruby.
87
:with all that's happened.
88
:I actually forgot about it.
89
:The really distressing
part is I never told Nona.
90
:But when did I have time?
91
:Everything happened too fast.
92
:embarrassed to share my folly.
93
:I skip any mention of the stone
and start my story with finding
94
:the dragons in the forest.
95
:Vita cries as I explain
what happened to Fremont.
96
:Big.
97
:Zach tries to comfort her.
98
:Grace sits on the floor,
head on his knees.
99
:Shoulders shaking when I'm done.
100
:It's silent Eventually Vida
wipes her apron across her face.
101
:And stands when will Nona leave?
102
:She demands I am surprised
by her abruptness.
103
:I'm not sure.
104
:As soon as we get back,
I suppose we'll tell her.
105
:It will take us a day to settle
our affairs here, Vita says, but
106
:assure her we'll be on our way soon.
107
:Where are you going?
108
:I ask in surprise.
109
:It's all part of the plan.
110
:Nona will explain.
111
:Vita puts her hands on my shoulders.
112
:I want you to listen to me.
113
:I know you think of yourself as
a little bird, but I'm of the
114
:opinion that you are a Raven.
115
:Ravens are known for
their smarts and daring.
116
:She drops down before me.
117
:I've seen you do anything
you put your mind to.
118
:You can make this trek.
119
:I glance away knowing I'm no Raven.
120
:Avita goes on.
121
:If anyone gives you flack about
your foot, you tell them to stow it.
122
:Do you understand?
123
:I nod.
124
:Weekly, she throws her arms around
me and squeezes hard before rushing.
125
:Out of the dugout.
126
:Big Zach stands and clears his throat.
127
:Tell Nona that Gray and I will
be up to dig Fremont's grave.
128
:But if she wants anything said over
the body, she'll need to do it herself.
129
:I'm not one for words.
130
:With a pat on my shoulder, he
follows his wife out the door.
131
:It takes me a moment to realize
I've been left alone with the mole.
132
:The last time we spoke
was over two years ago.
133
:That was the worst day
of my life until today.
134
:Of course.
135
:The Mole is 18 and I've known him for as
long as I can remember When he grew out
136
:of pulling my hair and otherwise torturing
me, we became friends, best friends.
137
:We used to meet up in the woods
whenever we could escape our chores.
138
:He frequently brought me gifts, wild
berries, a butterfly, a small crystal.
139
:The last day we spoke, he tucked
a pheasant feather into the end
140
:of my braid, sending a tingle
of happiness down my spine.
141
:At the time, I thought, well, I thought
our friendship would go on forever.
142
:Then things changed.
143
:Nona pulled gray aside and told him that
we were growing up and that he should go
144
:home and not come back until I was 18.
145
:18.
146
:I was shocked and expected gray to argue.
147
:But he didn't.
148
:Instead he said things, things I never
thought my best friend would say.
149
:I ran when I heard his words ran and ran.
150
:Finally, my foot gave out
and I fell to the ground.
151
:I ripped the feather from my
braid and shredded it while I
152
:swore never to trust him again.
153
:Since that day, I ignore gray
whenever I see him though.
154
:I did notice how he flirted with the
other girls at the fall gathering.
155
:but I don't care.
156
:He stands now and I'm surprised
at how tall he's gotten.
157
:His red hair almost touches the rafters,
and I'm reminded of a puppy that's
158
:grown into his paws without warning, he
pulls me out of the chair into a hug.
159
:I stand stiff smelling
wood smoke and sweat.
160
:The sprout of hair on his
chin brushes my forehead.
161
:Hey Raven.
162
:I'm sorry we haven't seen
each other for a while.
163
:He says into the top of my
head, but you know how Nona is.
164
:It's too much.
165
:Everything that's happened today and
now Gray acting like, like he never
166
:said those things and calling me Raven.
167
:I know he just got it from his ma.
168
:Still, it's too horrible to bear.
169
:I break from his grasp and reach down
to pick up my staff, but running so
170
:hard has caused my foot to swell.
171
:I stumble and fall to my knees.
172
:Gray tries to help me, but I push
him away using my staff as a walking
173
:stick, I stagger out the door.
174
:Raven Gray calls after me, but I hurry
across the yard without acknowledging him.
175
:When I get to the woods, I'm
shaking with humiliation.
176
:Why did my foot act up in front of gray?
177
:I should have known better than
to trust the wretched thing.
178
:I try releasing my boot for
support, but it doesn't help.
179
:This is going to be a painful walk home.
180
:It's mid-afternoon and my
pace has slowed to a hobble.
181
:By the time I reach the
dugout, Nona won't be happy.
182
:I could have pushed it and gotten
home faster, But Nona is the one who
183
:always insists I take care of my foot.
184
:Not doing so could lead to infection
or possibly amputation a fact.
185
:I'm never allowed to forget.
186
:As I enter the yard, I notice two
large bundles next to the door.
187
:The chicken coop is open, and the
goats Nona tried so hard to save,
188
:have been scattered, things that
were once important don't matter now.
189
:Everything has changed.
190
:The realization makes my heart ache.
191
:I leave my staff in its customary
place over the door and step inside.
192
:As usual.
193
:It's dark except for a few
embers in the fireplace.
194
:I can just make out a quilt
in the middle of the floor.
195
:My knees go weak when I realize
that Nona has sewed the quilt
196
:closed around Fremont's body.
197
:How does she always know what to do?
198
:You are home.
199
:I jump at the sound of Nona's
voice coming from the darkness I
200
:was about to go looking for you.
201
:And don't you think I
can take care of myself?
202
:Nona doesn't answer my question.
203
:Instead, she asks one of her own.
204
:Where's the stone?
205
:Chapter five, Brie.
206
:The stone, my shoulder slump, and I
resolved to tell Nona as fast as possible.
207
:I found the ruby while looking
for the crock of lineman.
208
:I say I just wanted to see what it was.
209
:I planned on putting it right back.
210
:Nona's brows go up and my
heart sinks to my knees.
211
:I stepped towards a stool to sit down,
but almost trip over Fremont's body.
212
:I gasp.
213
:How could I have forgotten he was there?
214
:Go on.
215
:Nona says her voice soft but resolute.
216
:I blurt what happened?
217
:Nona's face changes from its usual
stoic expression to a look of despair.
218
:She drops into a chair
and rubs her temples.
219
:After a moment she speaks
we'll stay until morning.
220
:When Grim comes for his breakfast,
we'll follow him back to his roost.
221
:There's a chance we'll
find the ruby there.
222
:I'm flooded with relief.
223
:If anyone can get the
stone back, it's Nona.
224
:I drop to my knees before her.
225
:Where did the Ruby come from?
226
:No size after all these years.
227
:I'd like nothing better than
to tell you child, but I can't.
228
:Why I groan.
229
:You know why?
230
:Just as I promised not to speak of your
parents until you turned 18, I also
231
:promise not to say how I came by the ruby.
232
:My promise is a solemn vow.
233
:I drop my head to Nona's knees,
tired of never getting any answers.
234
:She strokes my hair and I relax some.
235
:Of course, you already know
where the Ruby came from.
236
:My head shoots up.
237
:I do not.
238
:Don't you remember your lessons
about the jewels of Tambor?
239
:Yes.
240
:I say tentatively it's tradition for
the queen to wear a crown adorned
241
:with special jewels on her coronation.
242
:Nona nods.
243
:that's right.
244
:For centuries.
245
:The queen of tambor have been
crowned with a woven circlet of gold.
246
:The jewels dangle from the circlet on
golden cords, Nona trails her fingers down
247
:the side of her face to her shoulders.
248
:This is to remind the queen to listen.
249
:She touches her ear with compassion.
250
:She touches her heart.
251
:horse feathers.
252
:I mumble.
253
:How can a queen listen with her heart?
254
:Nona goes on.
255
:When the queen is in tune with the jewels,
she is the link between the hesperian and
256
:the people, but things have gone awry.
257
:I squirm at the mention of the hesperian.
258
:I'm convinced the whisper, as I call
it, doesn't exist over the last century.
259
:Nona says The historian's priestesses
have been driven from the land, but at
260
:least the various queens have always
worn the circlet with its dangling gems,
261
:preserving the historian's influence.
262
:Unfortunately, the late queen
was so enamored with the latest
263
:fashions that she didn't bother
to wear the outdated circlet.
264
:Nona shakes her head.
265
:Now, there are only a handful of us
who remember the Hesperian at all.
266
:Most people have turned their attention
to the blood rituals of the snake gods.
267
:She pauses.
268
:When I first came across the Ruby,
I didn't know what it was, but
269
:I had an insatiable urge to find
out, so that's why you accost.
270
:Every traveler that walks our coast,
I say you're fishing for information,
271
:known as eyes twinkle.
272
:I don't accost anyone.
273
:You wouldn't let the last traveler
sleep until he told you some legend
274
:about a golden city where children
played with gems in the street.
275
:I remember because I sat
wrapped in a rabbit skin blanket
276
:wishing I could go to bed.
277
:Nona nods.
278
:Yes, there are many
versions of that story.
279
:I listen to them all because once in a
while I find a glimmer of new information.
280
:She holds up a finger, but
this is the important part.
281
:The people didn't live in a golden
city because they were rich.
282
:They were rich because everyone in the
city was in tune with the hesperian and
283
:they were in tune because they heeded
the gentle vibrations of the jewels.
284
:That's why the whole province was
eventually lifted into the heavens,
285
:away from the cares of this world.
286
:Nona looks me hard in the face
as if willing me to understand.
287
:the eight most powerful stones were left
behind to teach those still on earth
288
:how to become in tune with the hesperian,
thus leading them to joy and prosperity.
289
:And you think these eight stones were
passed down in the queen's crown?
290
:Yes.
291
:Nona says, then she looks pensive
As if deciding how much to say
292
:there are certain influential
people working in secret who
293
:don't want anyone to feel the his.
294
:They call themselves the order.
295
:Their greatest desire is to rid
the country of light and goodness.
296
:All that truly makes people happy.
297
:As darkness increases, so does their
ability to dominate and control.
298
:Thus they yearn to destroy the
jewels, but since that's impossible,
299
:they've locked them away.
300
:This tactic has all but succeeded
as tambor is slowly being
301
:enveloped by a vine of darkness.
302
:I'm sure no one would ever see the jewels
again if it weren't tradition for the
303
:queen to wear the crown at her coronation.
304
:Now I'm confused, but if
the gems are locked away.
305
:How did you end up with one?
306
:Nona lifts her chin.
307
:They were pride from the crown and slipped
from the castle without anyone knowing.
308
:I wait for her to go
on, but Nona is silent.
309
:I know she won't explain more,
so I ask my next question.
310
:If you need the jewels to
hear the whisper, why are you
311
:always harping on me about it?
312
:I don't have them.
313
:Nona gives a tired exhale, and I wonder
if my mind was off wool gathering while
314
:she was trying to teach this lesson.
315
:You don't need the physical stones.
316
:She says you only need to
understand their vibrations.
317
:I was taught to hear the historian by my
mother, and I've tried to teach you, not
318
:that you've come to appreciate it yet.
319
:Her eyes bore intently into
mine before she goes on.
320
:The problem is if we continue
passing down the lessons from
321
:person to person, eventually the
meaning will become distorted.
322
:That's why the actual
stones are important.
323
:If people aren't constantly
reminded of the true vibrations, the
324
:intent of the stones will be lost.
325
:But.
326
:Nona holds up her hand to stop me.
327
:The jewels were left behind as a
means of recording the qualities.
328
:Each person must tone in
order to feel the hesperian.
329
:Unfortunately, not everyone is
able to sense the subtle vibrations
330
:that requires a special talent.
331
:Thus, the royal bloodline was
chosen to take the throne.
332
:They have a natural ability
to feel the jewels and pass
333
:the lessons onto the people.
334
:That's why it's imperative
the queen wear the crown.
335
:But Nona, what does any of
this have to do with us?
336
:Nona looks at her hands before speaking.
337
:Without the Hesperian
evil is enveloping tambor.
338
:I believe Lord Reagan, thorn
as a zealous member of the
339
:order is spreading that evil.
340
:If he isn't stopped, the Norwood and
all of Tambor will be under his control.
341
:Slowly, the reality of Nona's
words sink in If I hadn't just
342
:witnessed Reagan thorn's handiwork,
I wouldn't have believed it.
343
:Now for the first time, I understand why
Nona planned our trick through Tambor.
344
:You want us to find the jewels, don't you?
345
:Nona leans forward exactly.
346
:But how will we know where to look?
347
:The Hesperian will guide us.
348
:Nona says, with conviction,
I stare at her in disbelief.
349
:That's it.
350
:All we have are some feelings from
the Hesperian, Nona frowns, If that's
351
:all we had, it would be enough.
352
:But as it turns out, I've
been gathering information.
353
:She picks up a large leather
envelope, resting on the table
354
:beside her, and releases a loop of
sinew from an abalone button gently.
355
:She opens the flap and
removes a worn parchment.
356
:I recall she bought it
from a Banjara pedler.
357
:It took every last shackle we had
earned from selling goat cheese.
358
:I was furious.
359
:What good is a parchment
written in the ancient language?
360
:It took Nona a month even
with her LXi glass of word
361
:translations to decipher the thing.
362
:This holds the most information I found.
363
:Nona says, running a hand lightly over
the ancient text, it explains the power of
364
:the jewels and how to hear their message.
365
:They speak, I ask Sarcastically
no, Nona says with a pointed look.
366
:Each stone radiates its
own essence, if you will.
367
:They help you hear the His by Nona
looks around as if searching
368
:for a suitable explanation by
adjusting your heartstrings.
369
:I roll my eyes, Nona ignores me.
370
:It's like Fremont using a
pitch pipe to tune his fiddle.
371
:And you think the whisper, I mean the
hesperian will make Reagan thorn go away.
372
:I ask with a scoff known as eyes flash,
it'll take some work on our part.
373
:But yes, I believe the Hesper can root
out the evil plaguing this country.
374
:I cross my arms.
375
:No, no.
376
:Looks down at the parchment.
377
:Brie, I'm sorry.
378
:This isn't the way I
planned for things to go.
379
:She shakes her head.
380
:We should have gone on this search
months ago, but I wanted you to have
381
:more time to strengthen your foot and
of course to finish your education.
382
:I'm still trying to take this
all in when Nona goes on.
383
:With the queen dead, I'm certain
Reagan Thorn has realized
384
:that the stones are missing.
385
:We've got to find them and get to ultan.
386
:Before the coronation of a new
Queen, Reagan thorn can't be allowed
387
:to put a puppet on the throne.
388
:With the jewels in proper hands, the
order will shrink back to obscurity.
389
:Tambor will be safe.
390
:What if we can't get
the ruby back from Grim?
391
:I ask there's concern on Nona's
face, but she purses her lips.
392
:if we can't retrieve the ruby, we'll
just have to remember how it feels.
393
:Will that help?
394
:Of course, Nona closes her eyes
and holds her hands out before
395
:her as if the ruby rests in them.
396
:The essence starts in your chest and
radiates outward with a red hot light.
397
:It's about passion and a zest for life.
398
:It balances the concerns of the heart and
gives you confidence in your convictions.
399
:When her eyes open, there's a
sparkle that wasn't there before.
400
:I know she won't like my next
question, but I have to ask,
401
:What did the jewels have to do with
my parents known as Face Falls?
402
:Oh, Brie, do you have
to make this so hard?
403
:I feel a P of guilt, but don't take
back my question known as size.
404
:You know more about your
parents than you realize.
405
:She places a palm to the side of my face.
406
:Think on the things you were taught
with time you will understand.
407
:I blink in confusion.
408
:That's not true.
409
:I don't know anything.
410
:I'm about to demand an explanation.
411
:When shouts echo from the
forest, I jump to my feet.
412
:The dragons have returned.
413
:Chapter six, Brie known as stands as she
listens to the sound of men in the forest.
414
:I think they're coming this way.
415
:She whispers
416
:With a step to the door.
417
:She cracks it just enough to
let in the late afternoon sun.
418
:It's clear.
419
:Let's go.
420
:We each grab a staff and a
bundle, then run for the woods
421
:like rabbits, dashing for safety.
422
:I start down the forest trail,
but Nona grabs my arm and
423
:points to a giant cypress.
424
:I can't imagine what she's thinking.
425
:Then it dawns on me.
426
:She's holding out for the ruby.
427
:I hurry to the weathered
trunk and pull myself up.
428
:I'm good at climbing trees, though I've
learned the hard way that I'm lousy at
429
:climbing other things such as C Cliffs?
430
:Nona scrambles up behind me.
431
:Most people would think an
old woman couldn't climb so
432
:well, but they don't know.
433
:My Nona.
434
:In the crook of a wind warped branch,
we find a secure place to sit.
435
:The scaled needles of the
old Cyprus envelop us.
436
:It's only by leaning forward and peering
through a small hole in the foliage that
437
:I can see the yard below creeping up.
438
:The trunk next to me is a
tendril of the same red vine
439
:I tripped over earlier today.
440
:How strange that I've
never noticed it before.
441
:We haven't been seated
for more than a minute.
442
:When Reagan thorn comes over
the hill, he is followed by
443
:two dragons and four soldiers.
444
:Nona tenses beside me.
445
:it's all right.
446
:I tell myself there isn't any
reason for them to look up,
447
:and if they do, it's doubtful.
448
:We could be seen through the greenery.
449
:Without so much as a knock three of
the soldiers barge into the dugout.
450
:There's the distinct sound of
crashing books and a volley of curses
451
:After a moment, a soldier calls.
452
:No one's here.
453
:My Lord
454
:Reagan Thorn is scowling.
455
:When grim arrives flapping to a tree
on the far side of the yard, I catch a
456
:glint of red in his beak and almost gasp.
457
:Does he still have the ruby?
458
:It's rare, but he has returned with pilfer
objects before Nona and I exchange a look.
459
:A foul smile spreads across Reagan thorn's
face I want to yell at grim to fly away,
460
:but of course I don't make a sound.
461
:Find me some food.
462
:Reagan thorn commands, one of the
soldiers hurries into the dugout
463
:and returns with a braid of garlic.
464
:Reagan Thorn doesn't look
impressed with the man's choice,
465
:but he waves the garlic at grim.
466
:Nonetheless, grim clucks deep in
his throat, making a sound akin
467
:to a stick, hitting a hollow log.
468
:It means he's curious.
469
:You want it?
470
:Come and get it.
471
:Reagan thorn throws the braid
towards the base of the tree.
472
:Grim flies down to look it
over, and I see the ruby.
473
:I wonder if he'll drop
it, but he holds it fast.
474
:While hopping around the garlic, I
watch Reagan Thorn watching Grim.
475
:Find me something we can use as a net.
476
:Reagan thorn calls one of the
soldiers scrambles to obey.
477
:A minute later, he returns with the
quilt off our bed, the commotion sends
478
:grim fluttering back to his tree.
479
:I give a silent cheer.
480
:Ile Reagan, thorn, bellows,
glaring at the soldier.
481
:The man goes pale and the reddish
brown ink on his neck stands out like
482
:a raven caught in a chicken coop.
483
:Reagan thorn turns away with a quivering
lip, get the blanket ready to throw.
484
:He orders Removing his jacket.
485
:Reagan thorn tosses it over a garden
stool and rolls up his shirt sleeves.
486
:my eyes are drawn to
the ink on his forearm.
487
:It looks like a moon symbol,
but not one of the standard 12.
488
:I'm familiar with Two smiling lines found
in all moon symbols look like nesting
489
:bowls and denote the crescent moon
490
:Within the bowl is usually a
motif such as a lightning bolt for
491
:August, or a flower bud for April.
492
:But this symbol has two lines
drawn in a V with a jewel wedged,
493
:like a chalk stone in the middle.
494
:I can't think of anything it could
represent while I squint at the symbol.
495
:The four soldiers tie rocks
in the corners of the quilt.
496
:Reagan thorn tries again to entice
grim out of the tree with the garlic.
497
:But grim isn't interested.
498
:At length, Reagan Thorn reaches
into a pouch at his waist and
499
:removes a gold coin with a grin.
500
:He flashes the coin in the
sun, grim clucks deep in his
501
:throat, and Reagan thorn snes.
502
:You like this, don't you?
503
:He flashes the coin again.
504
:Are you ready?
505
:Reagan Thorn asked the men behind him.
506
:Yes, my Lord.
507
:Good throw on my command.
508
:The soldiers look apprehensive,
but stand prepared.
509
:Each man holding a corner of the
quilt, Reagan thorn, tosses the coin.
510
:It spins through a shaft of sunlight.
511
:Grim flies for it at the same instant.
512
:Now.
513
:Reagan Thorn shouts.
514
:The soldiers fling.
515
:The quilt Grim makes a gallant swerve.
516
:For a moment, I think he'll escape,
but the quilt catches him within
517
:inches of freedom and forces
him to the ground horrified.
518
:I slap a hand over my mouth
to keep from crying out.
519
:Reagan thorn strides to the base
of the tree and collects the
520
:ruby from where Grim dropped it.
521
:He examines the stone and his
lips curl without warning.
522
:He throws his arms in the air.
523
:On the next full moon, I'll
become the great Corvex Corona.
524
:What is he talking about?
525
:Corvex Corona sounds like a word
from the ancient language, though
526
:I've never heard it before.
527
:Nona leans close and whispers in my ear.
528
:We've only a month to find the stones.
529
:I blink somehow.
530
:Reagan thorn's announcement has
told Nona when the coronation of the
531
:puppet queen will take place, find
the woman and the girl Reagan thorn,
532
:snarls, and secure that bird as well.
533
:Nona puts her mouth to my ear.
534
:We will run at the first chance we get.
535
:I can't help feeling guilty.
536
:Nona and I should have left just
after I returned, and we would
537
:have if I hadn't lost the ruby.
538
:This is all my fault as a soldier.
539
:Ties grim.
540
:Tightly in the quilt.
541
:Reagan thorn marches into the dugout.
542
:Books began to fly out the door.
543
:I assume he's looking for more jewels.
544
:The men scatter searching
the forest for us.
545
:Nona and I sit motionless After an
eternity, Reagan thorn exits the dugout.
546
:His eyes are furious.
547
:He didn't find what he was looking for.
548
:Grim still struggling to escape the quilt.
549
:Lets out a Squawk.
550
:Reagan thorn's, lips turn to a hard smile.
551
:You've done well my friend.
552
:I only need one jewel to prove my power.
553
:The rest will come with a
dramatic sweep of his arm.
554
:Reagan thorn scoops up grim
and marches over the hill.
555
:I.