118. Raven Crown Chapter 34, 35 and 36

ghia: 00:00:07

Chapter 34, Brie.

2

: 00:00:12

I swing my bundle over my wet tunic and

head up river in search of the gully.

3

: 00:00:17

Madox described.

4

: 00:00:20

I understand why the

old trail is overgrown.

5

: 00:00:23

Everything here is shrouded in vine.

6

: 00:00:26

The plant is ruthless.

7

: 00:00:28

I can't help but wonder how much more

has grown around the dugout since I left.

8

: 00:00:34

I'm certain now that the vial plant

came to the Norwood with Reagan Thorn.

9

: 00:00:39

When I find the gully, I groan,

it isn't wide and rock strewn like

10

: 00:00:44

the gully to the Ram Wat of Naja.

11

: 00:00:47

While it's considerably shorter, it's

narrow and full of mud and roots.

12

: 00:00:52

To top that, it goes

almost straight up Grim.

13

: 00:00:56

Watches me from a tree

14

: 00:00:58

Go away.

15

: 00:00:59

I call out with a dismissive wave.

16

: 00:01:02

He doesn't.

17

: 00:01:03

Instead he blinks and cls his beak.

18

: 00:01:06

I scowl.

19

: 00:01:08

Yes, I know the sun will set

soon, but I can only go so fast.

20

: 00:01:12

All right.

21

: 00:01:13

he looks at me sideways, as if

chastening me for my tone of voice, but

22

: 00:01:18

I don't care After pulling the back

hem of my skirt up between my legs

23

: 00:01:24

freeing me to move, I begin the climb.

24

: 00:01:27

I clinging to the roots and

vines to keep my footing.

25

: 00:01:31

Every step is painstaking,

especially as my boots slips

26

: 00:01:35

in the mud wrenching my foot.

27

: 00:01:38

I know the climb is taking me

twice as long as it would a normal

28

: 00:01:42

person grim squawks in agreement.

29

: 00:01:45

I throw a mud clo at him for a time.

30

: 00:01:49

He's quiet, but he won't go away.

31

: 00:01:52

I'm almost to the top when grim flaps to

my shoulder and starts pruning my hair.

32

: 00:01:58

bird, I mumble, but I'm

too tired to shoo him away.

33

: 00:02:02

Sweat is dripping down my

back and my legs are shaking.

34

: 00:02:07

I climb out of the gully and

crouch involuntarily, alarmed

35

: 00:02:11

by the ominous silhouette.

36

: 00:02:14

after a studying breath, I

realize it's the black castle

37

: 00:02:18

looming against the distant sky.

38

: 00:02:21

I study the crumbling

structure with its giant tower.

39

: 00:02:25

I get the impression that the edifice

would prefer I went away like I'm

40

: 00:02:30

a pest, annoying a mountain lion.

41

: 00:02:33

I'd happily oblige if I could,

but I've got to find the jewels

42

: 00:02:37

before jackal arrives with the

banjara weary but determined.

43

: 00:02:42

I head off.

44

: 00:02:43

Grateful now for Grimm's Company.

45

: 00:02:47

By the time I arrive at the

castle, the sun is about to set

46

: 00:02:51

and rain clouds have moved in.

47

: 00:02:54

My brain is fuzzy with fatigue and

my eyes are dry from so little sleep.

48

: 00:02:59

I sit down and grim cause I know my

time is running out, but I'm too tired

49

: 00:03:06

to think I rub a hand over my face.

50

: 00:03:09

After a moment, the words

of Zippos letter come to me.

51

: 00:03:14

They are in the bowels of Irania.

52

: 00:03:16

I say out loud, grim Cause again,

53

: 00:03:20

The phrase reminds me of the same

thing it did the first time I read it.

54

: 00:03:25

There must be something under the castle.

55

: 00:03:27

I recall the crypt, Madox mentioned.

56

: 00:03:30

That's where I'll look first with a groan.

57

: 00:03:33

I get to my feet and begin

searching for a wave beneath

58

: 00:03:37

the old ruin around the back, I

find a door like that of a root

59

: 00:03:41

cellar made of stout wooden slats.

60

: 00:03:45

It wouldn't be in such good repair unless

someone had worked on it in recent times.

61

: 00:03:50

hope surges through me as I heave the

door open and peer into which shadowy

62

: 00:03:55

depths,

63

: 00:03:56

ghia: Grim lands on the ground beside me.

64

: 00:03:59

I dig a candle from my

bundle and light it.

65

: 00:04:03

Are you coming with me?

66

: 00:04:04

I ask Grim hops backwards.

67

: 00:04:07

I roll my eyes.

68

: 00:04:08

Thanks for the support.

69

: 00:04:11

With a deep breath, I

head down the stone steps.

70

: 00:04:14

I'm halfway to the bottom when grim.

71

: 00:04:16

Lets out three.

72

: 00:04:17

Staccato.

73

: 00:04:18

Cause I fling an arm towards his

silhouette at the top of the stairs.

74

: 00:04:23

I will be careful.

75

: 00:04:24

Stop bothering me when

I get to the bottom.

76

: 00:04:27

I'm in a narrow hallway, Grims

cause echo around me and I know the

77

: 00:04:33

place is much bigger than I can see.

78

: 00:04:35

I am hurrying.

79

: 00:04:37

ghia: I call in his direction.

80

: 00:04:39

On both sides of the

hallway are wooden shelves.

81

: 00:04:43

I move the candle closer and gasp.

82

: 00:04:45

Each shelf holds bones, human bones.

83

: 00:04:49

I'm not sure why I am surprised.

84

: 00:04:51

I was looking for a crypt.

85

: 00:04:53

ghia: I just expected the

bodies to be covered somehow

86

: 00:04:57

holding the candle before me.

87

: 00:04:59

I walked down the corridor, peering into

each shelf, searching for the jewels.

88

: 00:05:05

It's strange, but I don't see

a complete skeleton anywhere.

89

: 00:05:10

The further I move from the

stairs, the more uneasy I become.

90

: 00:05:14

It doesn't help that every few minutes.

91

: 00:05:16

Grim squawks again.

92

: 00:05:18

How many people were buried here?

93

: 00:05:20

Anyway, I bend down to check

a bottom shelf and squeak.

94

: 00:05:25

As I drop my candle, it goes

out and I'm cast into darkness.

95

: 00:05:30

Owl pellets,

96

: 00:05:32

ghia: Grims C sounds far away.

97

: 00:05:34

I grope for the candle.

98

: 00:05:36

When I don't find it, I quickly

decide I can do without it.

99

: 00:05:40

With a hand on the shelves for guidance.

100

: 00:05:43

I make my way fast as possible.

101

: 00:05:45

Back to the stairs

102

: 00:05:47

When I get to the top, grim isn't there?

103

: 00:05:50

Where are you?

104

: 00:05:52

I call not liking to be alone.

105

: 00:05:55

His answer comes from around

the corner of the castle.

106

: 00:05:58

I follow the sound feeling more and

more anxious in the fading light.

107

: 00:06:04

I freeze at the site of grim

standing on a stone vault.

108

: 00:06:08

It's the kind of burial chamber

used when the ground is too hard

109

: 00:06:12

to dig a grave, a thick tangle of

vine has grown up around the box.

110

: 00:06:17

It must have been growing here for

some time because roots have snaked

111

: 00:06:21

inside lifting the lid a fraction.

112

: 00:06:25

I study the vault.

113

: 00:06:26

The gray stone looks newer

than anything else around.

114

: 00:06:30

Instantly, I know who's buried here.

115

: 00:06:33

Or Rania may have been exiled,

but she was still of royal.

116

: 00:06:37

Birth

117

: 00:06:38

Arrangements must have been

made for her internment.

118

: 00:06:42

If Reagan Thorn didn't take care

of it, Shirley Maddox would have

119

: 00:06:47

It's then that the meaning

120

: 00:06:48

ghia: of the strange words hit me like

a rogue wave in the bowels of irania.

121

: 00:06:54

She meant it literally.

122

: 00:06:56

She swallowed the diamond and the garden,

and now they are inside that vault

123

: 00:07:05

Jackal.

124

: 00:07:08

I've been in a rage since

I discovered Brie was gone.

125

: 00:07:11

I had to use my best techniques

of persuasion to convince the

126

: 00:07:15

taru who I am and the importance

of catching Brie without delay.

127

: 00:07:21

In the end, I got him motivated

and we headed downstream.

128

: 00:07:25

The exertion of climbing the

gully dissipated some of my anger.

129

: 00:07:30

Of course, seeing Brie's footprint

slipping in the mud gave me a twinge of

130

: 00:07:34

guilt, curse the stone even in my pocket.

131

: 00:07:38

It works on my emotions now that

I have reached the castle, it's

132

: 00:07:43

just a matter of finding her.

133

: 00:07:45

The majority of the structure is

in ruins, but there is a set of

134

: 00:07:49

wooden doors that look quite sound.

135

: 00:07:52

I'm sure they lead into the castle's.

136

: 00:07:54

Great Hall, it seems like a

good place to start my search.

137

: 00:07:59

I stride towards the doors, which

are enclosed by a large anti

138

: 00:08:03

chamber inside the shadowed space,

I catch my breath by the jewels.

139

: 00:08:09

What is this in the fading light?

140

: 00:08:12

I don't trust my eyes quickly.

141

: 00:08:14

I drop to my knees and light the

banjara lantern I brought with me.

142

: 00:08:19

When it has flickered to life, I lift

the lantern high and gap at the walls.

143

: 00:08:25

drawn with charcoal on every stone in

the anti chamber is a vine pattern.

144

: 00:08:30

I turn in amazement.

145

: 00:08:33

The drawing is almost exactly

the same as the ink on my body.

146

: 00:08:37

I know instinctively it's my

mother's work it, my heart leaps.

147

: 00:08:42

She truly lived here.

148

: 00:08:44

I reach a handout

longingly towards a leaf.

149

: 00:08:48

I find the artistry strangely

beautiful, despite the fact that

150

: 00:08:52

I hate the vine more than ever.

151

: 00:08:55

ironically, I have similar feelings

about the Periodo attraction

152

: 00:09:00

and repulsion at the same time.

153

: 00:09:02

Thoughts of the stone

154

: 00:09:03

make me pull the pouch

155

: 00:09:05

ghia: from my pocket.

156

: 00:09:06

Having it in my hand floods

my body with its influence.

157

: 00:09:10

I set the lantern down

and sink to my knees.

158

: 00:09:14

There I hold the stone to my chest

wishing it didn't feel so good.

159

: 00:09:19

A girl like me should never feel so

good, but I know it's just a feeling.

160

: 00:09:25

The stone can't make me good.

161

: 00:09:27

Nothing can Yet I sigh realizing

that the Pero has exposed something

162

: 00:09:34

inside me, something that I will

never be able to ignore again.

163

: 00:09:39

It's a longing to help to

be kind, to show compassion.

164

: 00:09:44

With or without the jewels.

165

: 00:09:46

I'm doomed.

166

: 00:09:47

My father will consume me.

167

: 00:09:49

If I show anything like sympathy,

I will never be free of him.

168

: 00:09:54

The thought should depress me, but

strangely, I find it liberating.

169

: 00:10:00

I mull over this new reality.

170

: 00:10:02

I may never be free, but that

doesn't mean I'm helpless.

171

: 00:10:07

I find myself thinking of the Noona story,

which has been playing over and over in my

172

: 00:10:12

mind since hearing Brie tell it so often.

173

: 00:10:16

If the efforts of an old woman stopped

an invading army, then what can I do?

174

: 00:10:22

I still have a few

resources at my fingertips.

175

: 00:10:25

the idea that comes to me is

so brazen, it makes me laugh.

176

: 00:10:30

I'll start by refusing the throne.

177

: 00:10:33

That should put a stick

in my father's craw.

178

: 00:10:36

But is it enough?

179

: 00:10:38

He already implied he

doesn't really need me.

180

: 00:10:41

With a snort, I realize the obvious.

181

: 00:10:45

If I want to thwart my father, I

should ensure that Bree gets all of

182

: 00:10:49

the jewels, every last one of them.

183

: 00:10:53

I stare at the Pero until this new

resolution solidifies in my mind.

184

: 00:10:59

It feels so right that I snicker.

185

: 00:11:03

Aware that the Perose

influence can only help me.

186

: 00:11:06

Now I slip the pouch around my

neck and tuck it under my tunic.

187

: 00:11:12

my father will be furious.

188

: 00:11:15

Perfect.

189

: 00:11:19

Chapter 35, Brie.

190

: 00:11:25

I walk cautiously towards the vault.

191

: 00:11:28

Can I really do this?

192

: 00:11:30

Searching a grave doesn't seem

right, but what choice do I have?

193

: 00:11:35

I push on the lid.

194

: 00:11:36

It doesn't move.

195

: 00:11:38

I push harder.

196

: 00:11:39

Nothing grim still on the vault.

197

: 00:11:42

Flaps his wings.

198

: 00:11:44

That doesn't help.

199

: 00:11:45

I shied pursing my lips.

200

: 00:11:48

I wonder how Nona would get inside.

201

: 00:11:51

Grim caused loudly.

202

: 00:11:52

I am thinking.

203

: 00:11:54

I snap.

204

: 00:11:55

Then it comes to me.

205

: 00:11:56

A lever.

206

: 00:11:57

Yes, that's it.

207

: 00:12:00

Venturing into the woods,

I find a stout branch.

208

: 00:12:03

When I return, it's

almost too dark to see.

209

: 00:12:06

I've got to hurry.

210

: 00:12:08

I place one end of the branch in the small

space where the vine has lifted the lid

211

: 00:12:13

and throw my weight into the other end.

212

: 00:12:16

Thankfully, the branch doesn't

break and the lid lifts.

213

: 00:12:20

The problem is I can't reach

into the vault and hold the

214

: 00:12:23

lid open at the same time.

215

: 00:12:26

intent on the problem.

216

: 00:12:28

I drop down on the branch

217

: 00:12:30

again,

218

: 00:12:31

ghia: This time, familiar hands

appear on either side of me

219

: 00:12:35

adding weight to the lever.

220

: 00:12:37

I freeze like a Heron stocking

fish Reach in jackal commands.

221

: 00:12:42

I'll keep the lid open for you.

222

: 00:12:45

A wave of anger washes over me

and I wriggle out from under her.

223

: 00:12:50

She drops her weight onto the

branch, keeping the lid open.

224

: 00:12:54

I just stand there her Do it now.

225

: 00:12:57

She growls.

226

: 00:12:58

I can't hold this all day.

227

: 00:13:00

I cross my arms.

228

: 00:13:02

No, jackal lets the lid drop

and gives me a hard look.

229

: 00:13:07

yes, I'm Reagan Thorn's daughter.

230

: 00:13:09

She says as if she knows

exactly what I'm thinking.

231

: 00:13:13

And yes, I have been after the

jewels, but now I've changed my mind.

232

: 00:13:18

I want you to have them.

233

: 00:13:20

I narrow my eyes.

234

: 00:13:22

Why?

235

: 00:13:23

she spits her answer.

236

: 00:13:25

Because giving them to you

will infuriate my father.

237

: 00:13:30

I'm sure she's right, but that

doesn't explain why she would help me.

238

: 00:13:34

I'm about to ask, but a

different question slips out.

239

: 00:13:39

How long have you been kissing gray?

240

: 00:13:41

Jackal rolls her eyes.

241

: 00:13:43

It was nothing.

242

: 00:13:45

It certainly was a reply.

243

: 00:13:47

My pulse rising.

244

: 00:13:49

Look, I saw you mooning over gray,

so I kissed him out of spite.

245

: 00:13:54

I didn't like what Madock said in front

of you about my mother, so I lashed out.

246

: 00:14:00

I was never mooning over gray.

247

: 00:14:02

And jackal shrugs then why are you so mad?

248

: 00:14:07

My face burns and I look away reminding

myself that I didn't leave because

249

: 00:14:12

of the kiss I left because there

wasn't anyone I could trust anymore.

250

: 00:14:17

I knew better, and still

I trusted both of them.

251

: 00:14:21

Come on, forget the kiss.

252

: 00:14:23

I want to help you find the jewels.

253

: 00:14:26

I don't believe her.

254

: 00:14:28

The minute she gets the chance, she'll

take them from me for herself, but.

255

: 00:14:34

Thoughts skidder through my mind.

256

: 00:14:36

There are still so many to find

and my time is running out.

257

: 00:14:41

What if I could use her?

258

: 00:14:43

Nona always told me to

evaluate all my resources.

259

: 00:14:48

My eyes slide towards jackal.

260

: 00:14:51

I'll never trust her again, but that

doesn't mean she can't be useful.

261

: 00:14:56

who else can ensure I get

to the coronation ceremony?

262

: 00:15:00

Using her would be a raven trick.

263

: 00:15:03

I like it.

264

: 00:15:04

I put on a mild expression, fine.

265

: 00:15:08

I say.

266

: 00:15:09

Open the lid, Jackal hesitates her eyes

on the vault, and I wonder if she's

267

: 00:15:15

thinking about her mother for an instant.

268

: 00:15:18

I feel sorry for her.

269

: 00:15:20

Then I recover.

270

: 00:15:21

Get on with it.

271

: 00:15:22

I insist jackal hardens her

face and replaces the branch.

272

: 00:15:27

When the lid lifts, I reach my arm

into the vault and grope around.

273

: 00:15:32

I can't believe I'm doing

this, especially with jackal's

274

: 00:15:35

help, but it's got to be done.

275

: 00:15:38

My fingers come across things

I can't identify, and I

276

: 00:15:42

pull my arm out in disgust.

277

: 00:15:44

I try peering into the vault, but

it's black inside by the jewels.

278

: 00:15:49

Hurry.

279

: 00:15:50

Jackal says as she strains to hold

up the lid, ignoring her, I lift the

280

: 00:15:55

lantern she brought and position it

so I can see inside of the vault.

281

: 00:16:00

I feel ill, as I realize

what I was touching.

282

: 00:16:04

Irania is there, all of her that is left.

283

: 00:16:07

Anyway, a skeleton rests in the

box, arms crossed over ribs.

284

: 00:16:13

Vestiges of fabric, clinging to the

bones, roots twine through it all.

285

: 00:16:19

Opening the grave seems like a

horrible violation, but Irania

286

: 00:16:23

must have known it would happen.

287

: 00:16:26

Don't drop the lid.

288

: 00:16:27

I say as I swallow my revulsion and plunge

my arm up to my shoulder into the vault.

289

: 00:16:34

This time I aim my hand to the space

below the ribs and above the pelvis.

290

: 00:16:39

I grope around finding the

backbone, but nothing else.

291

: 00:16:43

Then I feel it something

hard and circular.

292

: 00:16:47

I pull out my arm fingers,

clutching an object.

293

: 00:16:51

Jackal drops the branch and leans over

me as I kneel at the side of the vault.

294

: 00:16:56

Can you feel it?

295

: 00:16:57

She asks her voice soft as usual.

296

: 00:17:01

I feel nothing.

297

: 00:17:02

Sense.

298

: 00:17:03

Nothing.

299

: 00:17:03

No.

300

: 00:17:04

I say disappointed.

301

: 00:17:06

I can feel it from here.

302

: 00:17:08

You're trying too hard.

303

: 00:17:09

Relax.

304

: 00:17:11

I shake my head.

305

: 00:17:12

How is jackal such an expert?

306

: 00:17:15

Close your eyes.

307

: 00:17:16

She commands.

308

: 00:17:17

I obey, but still there is nothing.

309

: 00:17:20

Now quiet your mind.

310

: 00:17:22

I do it the way Nona taught

me when meditating and feel.

311

: 00:17:27

What is it?

312

: 00:17:28

My awareness heightened the

quality is similar to what I now

313

: 00:17:32

realize I've been feeling from the

sapphire, not there, but there.

314

: 00:17:38

Quiet, but constant, subtle but powerful.

315

: 00:17:43

After a few moments, I open my eyes

and look at the rough stone in my hand.

316

: 00:17:49

By its deep red color.

317

: 00:17:50

I know it's the garnet gripping it

between my thumb and forefinger.

318

: 00:17:55

I hold it towards jackal's lantern.

319

: 00:17:58

It looks flawless.

320

: 00:18:00

I wouldn't feel its influence

if I didn't know it was there.

321

: 00:18:04

It's that delicate.

322

: 00:18:05

The sensation makes me unusually

confident, like I have value and worth.

323

: 00:18:11

like maybe I'm more than a little

bird, like maybe I have some useful

324

: 00:18:16

skills such as my ability as a healer.

325

: 00:18:20

I hold the stone towards jackal.

326

: 00:18:23

Here.

327

: 00:18:23

You try.

328

: 00:18:25

I don't want to let it go, But I

know just like I know how to care for

329

: 00:18:29

injured birds, that jackal needs it.

330

: 00:18:32

She backs away.

331

: 00:18:33

No, I can't.

332

: 00:18:35

Her eyes are wild, confident

of what needs to be done.

333

: 00:18:39

I take jackal's hand and

force the stone into her palm.

334

: 00:18:44

I gasp at the aching sense of loss.

335

: 00:18:47

I feel at letting it go.

336

: 00:18:49

it's the same sensation I've

experienced on two other occasions

337

: 00:18:54

once when grim snatched the ruby,

and again, when I lost the perio.

338

: 00:18:58

Do.

339

: 00:18:59

Why do the jewels only have

an effect on me when they're

340

: 00:19:02

no longer in my possession?

341

: 00:19:05

Jackal is tense and rigid, but

she doesn't refuse the stone.

342

: 00:19:10

I know that deep inside she wants to hold

it and I know that it will do her good.

343

: 00:19:16

With firm pressure, I close

her fingers around the stone.

344

: 00:19:20

A shutter runs through her.

345

: 00:19:22

It's wonderful.

346

: 00:19:24

She whispers bowing her head.

347

: 00:19:26

It's as if I can remember who

I was before this life began.

348

: 00:19:31

She sits with her eyes closed,

apparently soaking up the feeling

349

: 00:19:36

after several deep breaths.

350

: 00:19:38

She looks up.

351

: 00:19:39

Are there more?

352

: 00:19:41

I think so getting to my feet.

353

: 00:19:43

I hunched down next to the vault again.

354

: 00:19:46

Jackal places the branch back in

the opening and leans on the end.

355

: 00:19:51

now that I know about where the

stone should be, I'm faster.

356

: 00:19:55

I search around but find nothing.

357

: 00:19:58

I reach further.

358

: 00:19:59

Something rolls.

359

: 00:20:01

Got it.

360

: 00:20:01

I say pulling out my arm.

361

: 00:20:04

I glance at the stone in my fingers

. It's small compared to the others.

362

: 00:20:09

Only about the size of a quail's egg.

363

: 00:20:11

It's colorless and sparkles,

despite its uncut state.

364

: 00:20:16

Reminding me of Morning

Dew on a spider's web.

365

: 00:20:19

I've found the diamond.

366

: 00:20:22

How does it make you feel?

367

: 00:20:24

Jackal asks.

368

: 00:20:25

With anticipation, I clutch it

to my chest and try to relax.

369

: 00:20:30

Like I hesitate, like pure white light.

370

: 00:20:33

I decide

371

: 00:20:35

And jackal pales when I

hold the stone out to her.

372

: 00:20:38

Take it.

373

: 00:20:39

I say, but jackal backs away.

374

: 00:20:42

No, I don't want it just like before.

375

: 00:20:45

I know she needs it With the same pressure

I used to hold down the wounded jackal.

376

: 00:20:51

I push her firmly to her knees, then I

force the stone into her hand Instantly,

377

: 00:20:58

tears begin to stream down her face.

378

: 00:21:01

it's divinity, she says with a

sob and doubles over clutching

379

: 00:21:06

the stone to her chest.

380

: 00:21:08

Struggling with my own pain

at giving up the stone.

381

: 00:21:11

I slouched next to her like

soothing an injured animal.

382

: 00:21:16

I softly rub a hand over her hair.

383

: 00:21:19

We sit huddled on the ground next

to each other for a long time.

384

: 00:21:24

She shakes with each tear.

385

: 00:21:26

I do my best to comfort her.

386

: 00:21:29

Yes, she's Reagan thorn's daughter,

and I shouldn't care about her.

387

: 00:21:34

But right now, that doesn't matter.

388

: 00:21:37

She's wounded, not on the outside, Like

the wounds I usually heal, but on the

389

: 00:21:42

inside It comes to me then this is part

of what the jewels do, heal on the inside.

390

: 00:21:51

It's not until it begins to rain

that I shake, jackal, come on,

391

: 00:21:55

we need to find someplace dry.

392

: 00:21:58

I pull on her hand, and together we

scramble from the vault to a wooden door.

393

: 00:22:02

In the castle wall.

394

: 00:22:04

The hinges squeak as I push my way in.

395

: 00:22:08

Jackal holds up the lantern.

396

: 00:22:10

We're in the tower.

397

: 00:22:11

I breathe.

398

: 00:22:13

The sight of the circular

room is stunning.

399

: 00:22:16

Reflecting the light of the

lantern are thousands of polished

400

: 00:22:20

stones forming a mosaic.

401

: 00:22:23

It's reminiscent of the pattern around

the Pero in the stone replica of Naja.

402

: 00:22:29

Rain is still hitting my face.

403

: 00:22:31

I look up to see that the roof

is gone along with a good

404

: 00:22:35

portion of the upper wall.

405

: 00:22:37

Clearly, a serpent's head once

adorn the top of the tower.

406

: 00:22:41

Now only the body of the snake is left

winding its way down around the inside.

407

: 00:22:48

Below the serpent at the bottom

of the tower are a series of jewel

408

: 00:22:52

images the size of wash tubs.

409

: 00:22:55

As I turn about, I'm not

surprised to see there are eight.

410

: 00:23:00

What gives me pause is

the artistic design.

411

: 00:23:03

It's almost exactly the same

as the pattern embossed on the

412

: 00:23:06

cover of the Pedallers book.

413

: 00:23:09

Could this castle have been built by

the same ancients that wrote the book

414

: 00:23:14

I look about for more indication?

415

: 00:23:17

Below the jewels are eight phases

of the moon, ranging from full

416

: 00:23:22

on one side to new on the other.

417

: 00:23:25

The only oddity is that the

moon isn't turning from white

418

: 00:23:28

to black as I would expect.

419

: 00:23:31

Instead, it's turning from

white to red, blood red.

420

: 00:23:40

chapter 36, Brie,

421

: 00:23:46

I gape at the moon motif

at the bottom of the tower.

422

: 00:23:50

Clearly it represents the blood moon

described in the peddlers book, but

423

: 00:23:55

what does it have to do with the jewels?

424

: 00:23:58

Jackal steps up beside me.

425

: 00:24:00

My father added mosaics just like

this to the Ram Wat of pheon only.

426

: 00:24:06

He used precious gems

instead of colored pebbles.

427

: 00:24:10

I look at jackal confused.

428

: 00:24:12

Ram Watt of ion.

429

: 00:24:15

She rolls her eyes.

430

: 00:24:16

Tell me you've heard of the

grandest Ram Rott in Tambo.

431

: 00:24:21

I shake my head.

432

: 00:24:23

Well, you won't be able to miss

it if we ever get to Ultan.

433

: 00:24:27

jackal pulls on my arm.

434

: 00:24:29

This place gives me the creeps.

435

: 00:24:31

Let's try the doors on the

other side of the castle.

436

: 00:24:35

It's raining harder now and threatening

to soak through my cloak, so I agree

437

: 00:24:40

with jackal holding up the lantern.

438

: 00:24:42

We hurry around to the

front of the castle.

439

: 00:24:45

Jackal stops within the vestibule

to push on a giant wooden door.

440

: 00:24:49

I stare at the stone walls

around us in amazement.

441

: 00:24:53

Every space within the illumination

of the lantern is covered with a

442

: 00:24:57

vine pattern drawn in charcoal.

443

: 00:25:00

I note that the pattern is eerily

close to the ink on jackal's body.

444

: 00:25:06

The castle door creaks

in objection as it opens.

445

: 00:25:10

I stagger slightly at the site

before me, is a great hall

446

: 00:25:15

filled with dilapidated tables.

447

: 00:25:17

Suspended from the rafters are

sculptures fashioned from bones.

448

: 00:25:22

The sculptures aren't mere jumbles,

but intricate organized motifs.

449

: 00:25:27

Each depicting a different moon

symbol draped between the sculptures

450

: 00:25:33

are garlands of human skulls.

451

: 00:25:35

black eyes stare at me

through gaping holes.

452

: 00:25:39

She got the bones from the crypt.

453

: 00:25:41

I whisper knowing this is Irania work.

454

: 00:25:45

It's what Madox meant when he said

Irania was obsessed with death.

455

: 00:25:50

Jackal and I crouch just inside the

door, preferring not to venture further.

456

: 00:25:56

Despite how gruesome the sculptures

are, I can't help staring.

457

: 00:26:00

They seem meant to be appealing,

like party decorations.

458

: 00:26:05

Each moon symbol is constructed

with different bones.

459

: 00:26:09

Some are made of arm bones with rib cages.

460

: 00:26:12

Others are delicately

fashioned from finger bones.

461

: 00:26:16

Jackal clears her throat.

462

: 00:26:18

Did you notice the vine?

463

: 00:26:20

She nods towards the wall behind me

and I realize it's covered with the

464

: 00:26:25

same charcoal drawing as the vestibule.

465

: 00:26:29

It's like your ink.

466

: 00:26:30

I say jackal.

467

: 00:26:32

Looks pained.

468

: 00:26:33

It's a sign of how my

father drove my mother mad.

469

: 00:26:37

He's doing the same thing to me.

470

: 00:26:40

In the end.

471

: 00:26:41

All go mad as well, just not as quickly.

472

: 00:26:45

The jewels won't change anything.

473

: 00:26:47

I frown unsure what she's talking about.

474

: 00:26:51

My father may have

killed the queen as well.

475

: 00:26:53

She adds I blink.

476

: 00:26:56

You mean he murdered her?

477

: 00:26:58

How?

478

: 00:26:59

Jackal stares blankly at the wall

the same way he killed my mother.

479

: 00:27:05

The Banjara Think news.

480

: 00:27:07

Weed kills by strangulation.

481

: 00:27:10

I think it's poison that does the job.

482

: 00:27:13

I've seen my father feed leaves to mice.

483

: 00:27:16

They always die.

484

: 00:27:18

I suspect he adds the

poison to Croker's Inc.

485

: 00:27:21

Jackal's voice waivers.

486

: 00:27:24

I'm guessing my father didn't know how

much to use when he started poisoning

487

: 00:27:28

my mother, and that's why she went mad.

488

: 00:27:32

he perfected his skill on me.

489

: 00:27:34

Then he tried the poison out on the queen.

490

: 00:27:37

A year ago, she became very,

shall we say placid, and began

491

: 00:27:43

granting my father's every request.

492

: 00:27:47

Then the queen shocked the nobilis

by making him keeper of the jewels,

493

: 00:27:52

which was the first time the

position has ever been held by a man.

494

: 00:27:58

I don't know what to say.

495

: 00:27:59

How would it be like to know your

father was capable of murder?

496

: 00:28:04

Jackal is silent for a long moment as she

looks at the stones still in her hand.

497

: 00:28:10

I think the vine feeds off evil.

498

: 00:28:13

The more power my father

gains, the more it grows.

499

: 00:28:18

I blink mulling this over.

500

: 00:28:20

Are there more jewels

in my mother's grave?

501

: 00:28:23

Jackal asks.

502

: 00:28:24

Changing the subject, I shake my head.

503

: 00:28:28

Porras letter only mentioned

the diamond and the garnet.

504

: 00:28:32

Jackal furrows.

505

: 00:28:33

Her brow zipporah.

506

: 00:28:36

I nod.

507

: 00:28:37

Zipporah was my nurse.

508

: 00:28:40

Now it's my turn to be surprised.

509

: 00:28:43

It makes sense.

510

: 00:28:44

Jackal says, as she seems

to pull things together.

511

: 00:28:48

I think Zipporah had the

amethyst when I was little.

512

: 00:28:52

She let me play with it

once when I was crying.

513

: 00:28:55

Jackal's face turns hard as she continues.

514

: 00:28:59

My father came in

unexpectedly and took it away.

515

: 00:29:02

After that, they told me Zipporah

was ill and had to leave the castle.

516

: 00:29:07

I got a new nurse.

517

: 00:29:09

Zipporah returned a few years later,

but I didn't need a nurse by then.

518

: 00:29:14

She just became another servant.

519

: 00:29:17

I'm intrigued.

520

: 00:29:18

If your father had the amethyst,

that would mean bogged.

521

: 00:29:22

Dan stole it from him.

522

: 00:29:24

That's some daring.

523

: 00:29:26

Don't be impressed.

524

: 00:29:28

I suspect my father didn't have

any idea what the amethyst was and

525

: 00:29:32

arranged the theft for political gain.

526

: 00:29:35

Jackal looks at me.

527

: 00:29:37

Her eyes flashing golden

in the lantern light.

528

: 00:29:40

You found the amethyst didn't.

529

: 00:29:42

You don't lie.

530

: 00:29:44

I can feel a new stone.

531

: 00:29:47

There's no use denying it.

532

: 00:29:48

So I slip the amethyst from Nona

shawl and hand it to jackal.

533

: 00:29:53

She hesitates then takes

it as it leaves my hand.

534

: 00:29:58

I draw a breath at the loss.

535

: 00:30:00

I must be getting used to the

pain because it doesn't double

536

: 00:30:03

me over as it did in the past.

537

: 00:30:06

jackal, clutches the stone to her chest.

538

: 00:30:09

it feels like it would keep a person safe.

539

: 00:30:12

She says like you would always

make good choices with it around.

540

: 00:30:17

It didn't keep bogged

down safe, jackal, shrugs.

541

: 00:30:22

I don't think everyone can feel

the influence of the jewels,

542

: 00:30:25

but they drive me crazy.

543

: 00:30:27

As she says this, she shakes the

pero from a pouch around her neck.

544

: 00:30:33

I'm surprised though I shouldn't be.

545

: 00:30:35

Of course it was jackal who

snatched it from my fingers.

546

: 00:30:39

She hands me the stone

and I hold it tight.

547

: 00:30:43

It's warm from being around

her neck with my eyes closed.

548

: 00:30:47

I try to feel it relax, Jackal

says I do, and my heart flutters.

549

: 00:30:54

Oh, I squeak, jackal chuckles.

550

: 00:30:58

Maybe a little jealousy has drained away.

551

: 00:31:01

I squirm.

552

: 00:31:02

Or you might feel open

to new relationships.

553

: 00:31:06

How about an irresistible desire to help?

554

: 00:31:10

I nod.

555

: 00:31:11

Yeah, something like that.

556

: 00:31:14

I think all gems resonate.

557

: 00:31:15

Influence to one degree or another.

558

: 00:31:18

Jackal says, I look at her.

559

: 00:31:22

Are you saying a pero from any

gem pit would feel like this?

560

: 00:31:26

Yes, just not with as much power.

561

: 00:31:29

I can feel a jewel of Tambo from

across the room, but I think

562

: 00:31:34

that's due to its size and clarity.

563

: 00:31:37

Other jewels just aren't as strong.

564

: 00:31:40

Before I can comment, jackal

begins counting on her fingers.

565

: 00:31:45

We have the pero, the diamond,

the garnet, and the amethyst.

566

: 00:31:50

With my father having the

ruby, she looks at her fingers.

567

: 00:31:54

That leaves three jewels unaccounted for.

568

: 00:31:58

No, I say

569

: 00:31:59

only two.

570

: 00:32:01

. ghia: Jackal's eyes blaze, and

I'm sure she's known all along

571

: 00:32:05

that I had another stone.

572

: 00:32:07

unie Nona shawl from my waist

and produce the sapphire after

573

: 00:32:12

holding it for a moment.

574

: 00:32:14

I brace myself for the feeling of loss.

575

: 00:32:16

I expect as I pass it to her.

576

: 00:32:19

What sensation does it give you ? I ask.

577

: 00:32:22

and jackal holds the stone.

578

: 00:32:25

It makes me want to find answers.

579

: 00:32:28

She looks thoughtful.

580

: 00:32:30

You like to study.

581

: 00:32:31

Is this why I snort?

582

: 00:32:34

Not exactly, but it has

been easier to concentrate.

583

: 00:32:39

Jackal takes Nona shawl from me and

spreads it out between us with care.

584

: 00:32:44

She places the sapphire, the amethyst,

the diamond, and the garnet down on it.

585

: 00:32:49

I add the perio, do they sparkle in the

lamplight, twisting over on my stomach.

586

: 00:32:56

I lay down with my feet in the air and

my chin on my arms and inside view.

587

: 00:33:01

I say jackal snorts and takes a similar

position on the other side facing me.

588

: 00:33:08

Together we look at the

mysterious gemstones.

589

: 00:33:12

What is it about these?

590

: 00:33:14

She asks, why are they so important?

591

: 00:33:17

They're supposed to teach

us how to hear the whisper.

592

: 00:33:20

The what?

593

: 00:33:22

I look at jackal.

594

: 00:33:24

Do you think the stones talk to you?

595

: 00:33:26

Not really talk to you, but

you know, tell you things.

596

: 00:33:30

Well, not exactly tell you things, but.

597

: 00:33:33

I struggle for the words.

598

: 00:33:35

Yes.

599

: 00:33:36

Jackal says like she knows

exactly what I'm trying to say.

600

: 00:33:41

The stones are supposed to

put you in tune with the his.

601

: 00:33:45

I call it the whisper

because it's so hard to hear.

602

: 00:33:48

Leave off the end of Hisperia.

603

: 00:33:51

And it sounds like whisper,

604

: 00:33:53

Try it.

605

: 00:33:54

ghia: whisper, whisper,

Jackal says out loud.

606

: 00:33:59

Yes, they sound similar.

607

: 00:34:01

Jackal shakes her head.

608

: 00:34:03

The stones aren't what my

father thinks they are.

609

: 00:34:06

He expects them to make him all powerful.

610

: 00:34:09

I sit up, Well they're supposed

to help me stop the coronation.

611

: 00:34:14

That sounds pretty powerful.

612

: 00:34:16

The words leave my mouth before

I realize what I'm saying.

613

: 00:34:20

jackal sits up as well.

614

: 00:34:22

You mean stop my coronation?

615

: 00:34:25

I hesitate.

616

: 00:34:26

Wondering how she'll react.

617

: 00:34:28

Yes.

618

: 00:34:29

Your coronation.

619

: 00:34:31

And why exactly do you want to

keep me from becoming queen?

620

: 00:34:36

She doesn't sound mad,

but genuinely curious.

621

: 00:34:40

It's not to stop you.

622

: 00:34:42

I insist it's to stop Reagan Thorn

from putting a puppet on the throne.

623

: 00:34:47

Jackal nods.

624

: 00:34:49

I thought that jewels would

prevent that from happening.

625

: 00:34:53

Now, I realize they don't

have that kind of power.

626

: 00:34:56

Jackal starts talking fast.

627

: 00:34:59

I'm going to refuse the throne.

628

: 00:35:01

You and the stones have

already stopped the coronation.

629

: 00:35:04

Do you understand?

630

: 00:35:06

I'm shocked.

631

: 00:35:07

Jackal continues.

632

: 00:35:09

I thought the jewels would

give me power over my father,

633

: 00:35:12

but that's not what they do.

634

: 00:35:15

Jackal's eyes bore into mine.

635

: 00:35:17

I won't take the throne.

636

: 00:35:19

She reaches out and grabs my shoulders.

637

: 00:35:22

You've got to believe me.

638

: 00:35:24

I study her face and know it's true.

639

: 00:35:27

Jackal's words are sincere.

640

: 00:35:30

Yes, I believe you.

641

: 00:35:32

I say

642

: 00:35:33

jackal.

643

: 00:35:34

Let's go of me.

644

: 00:35:35

Relief showing on her face for a moment.

645

: 00:35:38

We sit in silence, staring at each other.

646

: 00:35:41

Then jackal asks,

647

: 00:35:43

ghia: Where are the other two stones?

648

: 00:35:46

That's the question, isn't it?

649

: 00:35:48

I reach into my bundle and pull out,

known as list of jewels from the

650

: 00:35:52

envelope scanning the parchment.

651

: 00:35:55

I place a thumb and forefinger

next to the two stones.

652

: 00:35:58

I don't know anything about

This one has me really confused,

653

: 00:36:03

I say, and read it out loud.

654

: 00:36:06

Emerald Deep forest green characteristics

brings awareness of the unknown

655

: 00:36:12

to conscious recognition, impart

reason, and clarity of thought.

656

: 00:36:17

Location, Norwood.

657

: 00:36:20

I put the parchment down with a flutter.

658

: 00:36:23

If it was in the Norwood, why

did Nona leave without it?

659

: 00:36:27

Maybe it was moved.

660

: 00:36:28

Jackal says, or maybe it was with her

when she died, and Reagan Thorn got it.

661

: 00:36:34

I say, Jackal reaches

out and grabs my hand.

662

: 00:36:38

She didn't have it.

663

: 00:36:40

She says, looking at me earnestly.

664

: 00:36:43

Trust me, I know.

665

: 00:36:45

My jaw goes slack, and I

realize jackal was there.

666

: 00:36:50

She holds my gaze for another moment

before returning to the question at

667

: 00:36:54

hand, what else does the parchment say?

668

: 00:36:58

I am grateful to pull

my thoughts from Nona.

669

: 00:37:01

I study the list in my hand,

Denix banded with red, white,

670

: 00:37:07

and green characteristics.

671

: 00:37:09

Unknown location, unknown.

672

: 00:37:12

I read, not much help

673

: 00:37:14

there..

674

: 00:37:15

ghia: Looking up, I catch

a curious expression on

675

: 00:37:18

jackal's face, what I demand.

676

: 00:37:23

Zipporah used to wear a

stone around her neck.

677

: 00:37:26

That sounds like the sardi necks.

678

: 00:37:28

I become hopeful.

679

: 00:37:30

Maybe she had two like

Nona Jackal's face sours.

680

: 00:37:35

My father probably took

it from her as well.

681

: 00:37:39

She pauses.

682

: 00:37:40

Then again, it isn't

the same kind of stone.

683

: 00:37:43

Maybe he didn't realize its value.

684

: 00:37:46

I jumped to my feet.

685

: 00:37:48

We have to find Zipporah.

686

: 00:37:50

Jackal doesn't move.

687

: 00:37:54

Jackal.

688

: 00:37:57

I agree.

689

: 00:37:58

Someone needs to find Zipporah, but

Brie isn't going anywhere near Ultan.

690

: 00:38:03

If I can help it.

691

: 00:38:05

Taking a deep breath, I ask.

692

: 00:38:07

Did you say there was a

crypt around here somewhere?

693

: 00:38:11

Bri nods.

694

: 00:38:12

Can you show it to me right now?

695

: 00:38:15

Yes, I think silently I need to get

down the gully and back to the banjara.

696

: 00:38:20

Before they leave, I

give Brie an urgent look.

697

: 00:38:24

Determined to convince her

698

: 00:38:26

I need to see the crypt.

699

: 00:38:28

It might be important.

700

: 00:38:30

ghia: Why?

701

: 00:38:31

What is it?

702

: 00:38:32

Just show me.

703

: 00:38:34

Brie Relents.

704

: 00:38:35

All right, come on.

705

: 00:38:37

I stand and follow her outside.

706

: 00:38:40

everything is wet, but it has stopped

raining, We go around to the back of the

707

: 00:38:46

castle and down a steep set of stairs.

708

: 00:38:50

Is there another way out of here?

709

: 00:38:51

I ask.

710

: 00:38:53

Not that I found.

711

: 00:38:54

Brie says perfect.

712

: 00:38:56

I spin and bound up the steps, taking

them three at a time with a slam.

713

: 00:39:02

I close the door and flip the latch,

securing it with a dagger from my boot.

714

: 00:39:07

No Brie yells from behind me.

715

: 00:39:11

I hesitate before reminding

myself she's safer here.

716

: 00:39:15

I trusted you.

717

: 00:39:16

She howls studying my resolve.

718

: 00:39:19

I walk away at the main

hall, I look at the jewels.

719

: 00:39:24

I can't take them, but Brie can't know

she has them or she's bound to follow me.

720

: 00:39:30

I dig in her bundle until I

find the bag of reddish powder.

721

: 00:39:34

She sprinkled in my stew the day we met.

722

: 00:39:37

Perfect.

723

: 00:39:38

I bury the stones in the powder

724

: 00:39:41

and by the time she finds them, she'll be

well on her way back to the Norwood and.