Return of the Crown by Millie Burns Page B

fields, villages, and
mountains out to the sea. The thread dropped rapidly to a little
raft cruising toward the northernmost tip of Aigerach.
‘ Hopefully the wind will blow you a bit more southerly. For now,
I will do nothing to aid its course. I will track you and assist
the wind if necessary. I’d rather not employ magic that may alert
Zelera to us, if I can avoid it. ’
    ‘ Is Blade there yet ?’ Ravyn asked
hopefully.
    Connor’s face was grim. ‘ He has yet to
arrive. I expected him three days ago. Fret not, there is more
difficulty traveling abroad recently. I am sure he’s just had to
avoid Zelera’s forces. I will contact you when he arrives .’
    ‘ I can scarcely wait to see you both. When
will it be safe to attempt magic? ’
    ‘ Avoid its use unless it is a life or
death situation. Something is happening at the castle; Zelera has
been in the towers a great deal of time. She is likely searching
for you. For now, scrying is all the magic I want you using. Was it
easier for you to contact me this time? ’
    ‘ Well, I had to find the right state of
mind, but finding your aural thread was easy. I don’t feel nearly
as stretched this time. Though, come to think of it, I am getting a
bit hungry .’
    ‘ I will disconnect the thread this time,
you get a bite to eat, and pray to the Light the winds
persist .’
    Ravyn scented and felt Connor one moment, and
then he gently vanished into the breeze, the scent of pine replaced
with the briny sea air. She was alone once more. She relaxed
against a crate, digging out some cheese and fruit. She sighed,
playing out memories of Rowan and life on the island to keep the
loneliness at bay.
    The next day passed slowly; the breeze filled
the sails and the raft made steady progress, but the scenery never
changed. The dolphin pod stayed near the raft, playing in the wake
it created. Delighted by her touch, they took turns swimming near
the side of the raft eager for caresses. She loved the dolphins’
attention, but it wasn’t enough to keep the day from dragging
by.
    As the sun slunk below the horizon, her heart
sank as well. Connor hadn’t contacted her about Blade. Memories of
her friend swam into view. What would he look like now? Was he tall
or short? Fat or thin? She ate though she wasn’t hungry, pulling
the cloak tight around her, trying to find elusive peace. Anxious
thoughts flitted about, and it felt as though sleep would never
come.

 
     
     
     
     

Chapter 5
     
     
     
     
    As glorious pinks spread across the sky
heralding the dawn, Ravyn yawned and stretched, spying land in the
distance. The breeze died away overnight, leaving the raft to bob
aimlessly. She placed some provisions, her cloak, and the scrying
bowl into her pack. She glared at the limp sail, while unstrapping
the oars with a heavy sigh. Fitting the oars into the channels at
the front of the raft, she rowed toward land. Stroke, stroke,
stroke. She lost herself in a rhythmic cadence.
    Without warning, a gaping maw erupted from
the water as sharp teeth snapped an oar in two. Ravyn shrieked
falling back, the oars ripped from her grasp. The raft lurched as
the shark rammed it, rocking it wildly from side to side. Its heavy
tail slapped hard against the logs. It disappeared beneath the sea,
and Ravyn staggered to her feet, scanning about for signs of the
creature. A menacing fin sliced through the water, gathering speed
as it neared the raft. Ravyn lurched to the mast, clutching it for
dear life.
    The creature slammed into the raft, sending
the whole vessel teetering on its side. Ravyn’s feet slipped out
from beneath her, and she felt herself dangling like bait on a
hook. Supplies flew in all directions, and Ravyn’s pack sailed
through the air. Clinging to the mast with one hand, she snapped
her other hand out snagging the strap of the pack. The raft hung
crazily on its side for an instant before crashing back onto the
water.
    Ravyn looked into the beast’s blood red eyes
as it circled for