Book III

The Prophecy

Chapter Three

     Beneath the deepening purple of a twilight sky, the fortress known as Ravenswood Castle teemed with activity. Tonight was the feast of Lord Augustus’ birthday and the guests were expected to arrive within the hour. Torches were lit, a vast quantity of food was being prepared and the main dining hall sparkled in anticipation of the night’s festivities.

      In her private chamber, Regina inspected the weapons which Torren had chosen as a gift for Lord Augustus. She was dressed in a red satin gown; her hair swept up and arranged with matching ribbons. Tonight no one would have guessed that Regina was the most dangerous female warrior in Ravenswood. And as she stood beside Torren, in the candle light, the blacksmith could not deny that she was, indeed, uncommonly beautiful. 

   An array of finely crafted swords were displayed on a stone table in the center of the room. Each weapon was unique; its size, shape and intricate engraving unlike anything Regina had ever seen before.

    “I cannot choose, Torren” Regina told him. Her slender index finger worried her full lower lip as she concentrated on the task “I would purchase every sword here if I could afford the gold.”

      Torren said nothing. He forced his gaze away from Regina to scan the richly furnished room; searching for the Golden Skye. But the holy weapon was not stored in the wooden rack beside the hearth. The blacksmith hoped that it was locked securely in one of the many chests which were placed against the wall on the far side of the room.

     As if reading Torren’s mind, Regina look up and said “It is safe. I have hidden our precious Golden Skye away in a most secret location.”

    Torren’s gaze locked with Regina’s. She wondered where this strange man was from and who his parents were. There was something compelling in those dark alien eyes; an intense power. His chiseled features were an unreadable mask and he spoke only when it was necessary. Torren was a mystery.

Torren broke eye contact and nodded his approval. “Good.” he said simply

       Despite his black, almond shaped eyes and distinctly pointed ears, Regina found him attractive and purely male. He had dressed in honor of the occasion; donning dark blue trousers, a fine white shirt and a cape of dark blue velvet. The cape was held closed by a golden clasp, fashion the shape of a sea serpent. His blue black hair was carefully braided and secured at the nape of his neck and his boots gleamed from a recent polish. Torren could have been just another handsome knight attending her father’s feast. But his size and unusual features set him apart from all other men.

    Regina turned her attention back to choosing a gift for her father. She picked up a longsword whose blade was engraved with flames rising from the hilt.

      “I think this will do.” Regina said. She stepped away from the table and swung the sword in a wide arc “His lordship will be dazzled by this gift. Indeed, he may appoint you head blacksmith.” Regina teased.

     “Is that a post which needs to be filled?” Torren asked, as he gathered the remaining weapons from the table and began wrapping each one in oil cloth.

     Regina stopped testing the longsword and looked at Torren. Her cheek dimpled with a smile “Is blacksmith of Ravenswood a post which you might wish to acquire?”

            “Aye” Torren answered as he continued to work.

            “Well then” Regina said, thoughtfully “I shall see what I can do to help you.”

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     Regina led the way down a narrow stone stairway to a corridor on the first floor. The din of many voices, talking at once, echoed through the hallway as Torren followed her to the arched doorway of the dining hall. Torren had to lean forward and speak into Regina’s ear in order for her to hear him.

   “I must return these weapons to my workshop in Felucca before joining your guests for the feast, my lady” Torren told her.

      Regina nodded her understanding and directed Torren down the corridor towards the back door of the fortress. As Regina watched his tall, massive form moving away from her, she realized that the sight of his broad back and wide shoulders was appealing to her in a way that she could not explain. She found herself anticipating Torren’s return to the feast. She had every intention of asking her father to hire this mysterious man as the royal smith. Ravenswood Castle would boast the finest weapons in all the land if the giant were in their employ.

    Distracted by thoughts of Torren, Regina took a step forward only to collide with another person.  Dominic stood directly in front of her with his arms folded over his chest. A scowl marred his face as he blocked her from entering the dining hall.

   “I do not like this.” Dominic said, in a loud, stern voice; trying to be heard above the noise.

            “Do not like what?” Regina shouted in reply.

     “I do not like seeing you befriend a man that we know nothing about” he tilted his head in the direction which Torren had just taken.

    “Torren?” Regina exclaimed in disbelief “He is not a threat to me in any way, brother.”

            Dominic said nothing, but continued to frown down at Regina.

            “Do you dislike him?” she asked, her eyes narrowing.

            “Nay” he answered.

  “Is he not the most talented smith you have ever met?” she questioned; poking her index finger into his chest.

            “Aye, without a doubt” Dominic admitted with a nod of his head.

   “Then you will not object if I persuade Father to hire him as our blacksmith” Regina told Dominic, taking his arm and leading him into the dining hall.

   “So that is what you are up to” Dominic said. The tightness around his mouth relaxed a bit “You are as calculating as a….” he stopped speaking and stared across the room; frozen to the spot.

    Regina followed his gaze to see what had left her brother thunderstruck. Her face lit with a mischievous smile when she saw that Shana Rose was standing in the crowded area near the entrance hall. Regina’s grip upon Dominic’s arm tightened as she tried to propel him forward. So dazed was Dominic by the sight of the flame haired maiden, that he let himself be led for several steps before pulling to a halt again.

      “Regina.” he growled, when he saw the sly smile on his sister’s beaming face “What have you done?”

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     Shana Rose felt her courage waning as she approached the entrance to Ravenswood Castle. Accompanied by her sister and brother in law, Amanda Rose and Seamus, she made her way up the stone steps to the open front door.

    What had she been thinking? To face Dominic and his family again when he had not shown the slightest interest in seeing her. Shana clutched Dominic’s folded black cape, which she was going to return to him. She held it closer, as if the woolen fabric could somehow protect her from the heartache which Shana knew this night would bring.

    “Such a lovely night for a party” Amanda was saying “How nice of Lady Loria to invite us.”

    Seamus grumbled an unintelligible answer as he escorted his wife through the front door. Shana knew that her brother in law was not a willing volunteer on this outing. But he had put aside his dislike for large formal gatherings to please his cherished Amanda.

    The entrance hall was packed with people. Most were dressed in the clan colors of black and red. Seamus, wearing his usual black clothing, and Amanda, in her scarlet and gold silk gown, fit right in with the other guests. Shana, however, had chosen a gown of yellow silk without realizing that she would stand out like a Kirin in a herd of Nightmares.

   The trio was jostled along a wide corridor, moving with the crowd, until they were finally standing in the huge dining hall. Long tables had been placed and decorated in the center of the hall for the guests. At the far end of the room a smaller table sat before the enormous hearth. Here Lord Augustus and his family would eat and enjoy the festivities. On the opposite side of the room a long wooden bar was well supplied with kegs of ale and wine for the thirsty guests.

     Shana nervously looked around, hoping for a glimpse of Dominic. She stood on her toes, trying to see beyond the taller guests who surrounded her.

   “Lady Shana!” a deep male voice boomed to her left. Shana glanced in that direction to find Lord Augustus parting the crowd to reach her. On his arm was a lovely older woman, dressed in rich scarlet velvet. This had to be Lady Loria, Shana thought. Augustus’s wife smiled affectionately as the couple stopped before her.

   “Lady Shana Rose” the older woman said, extending her hand “So nice to meet you at last.”

   Shana took Loria’s hand and murmured “Nice to meet you” a blush burned her cheeks and she found herself suddenly tongue tied.

      Lady Loria took Shana’s hand in both of hers, leaned close and whispered “Introduce us to your family, my dear” Loria smiled her understanding at Shana’s discomfort, immediately endearing herself to the young bard.

      Shana made the introductions, feeling more relaxed in the company of their gracious hostess. Amanda smoothly took over the conversation with Lady Loria, much to Shana’s relief. Seamus recognized Lord Augustus from numerous Felucca dungeon crawls and the two men became instant friends.  Soon the men wandered away in search of ale; leaving the women to chat near the entrance.

     When Shana turned to scan the room again, she found Dominic staring at her from across the crowd. He was dressed in a white shirt and black pants, looking even more handsome than Shana remembered. Their eyes clashed and held for several seconds before Dominic turned to someone standing beside him. A scowl clouded his face as he looked down at a beautiful, dark haired woman.

    “Regina!” Shana breathed. Oh dear, she thought, the night was already turning into a disaster.

      Regina was holding firmly onto Dominic’s arm and smiling up at him; her dimple visible even at this distance. Shana felt her heart sink to her toes.

    “Shana.” a female voice called. She mentally shook herself and turned to face Dominic’s mother “Come, young lady, let me show you to your seat.” Loria smiled and held her hand out to Shana. Without looking back at Dominic and Regina, Shana took Lady Loria’s hand and let herself be led through the crowd.

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   Regina rested her elbow on the table and cupped her chin in her palm. Things were not working out the way she had hoped they would. Her bull headed brother was staying near the bar at the far end of the dining hall with the other young single men. The warriors were drinking and exchanging tales of their most recent battles. Dominic had not been pleased when he realized that his family had interfered in his life by secretly inviting Shana to the feast.

     Shana Rose and her family were seated at a long table not far from the hearth. The young woman looked decidedly uncomfortable. And although Regina had attempted to speak with Shana earlier, the stricken look which had crossed Shana’s face, at Regina’s greeting, had put an end to any further conversation. It was very obvious that something or someone had  upset Shana. So Regina decided to retreat back to her table until she could decipher what it was.

  “Why so glum?” Regina’s cousin, Michael asked. He slid into the empty chair beside her with a full tankard of ale in his fist “You look as if you had just been defeated in combat by a flock of mongbats.”

    Regina laughed at the absurd comment. Michael could always cheer her up “I hate it when my plans fail.” she told him, staring thoughtfully at Shana Rose “If only there were a way to…”     Regina stopped and looked over at Michael. Her eyes narrowed as a new tactic formed in her mind. She was not going to give up the contest of wills with Dominic. For, Regina felt sure that this was a battle that she would win. 

“I have a challenge for you, cousin.” she purred.

            Michael smiled; his eyes sparkled with interest “A challenge?”

    “Do you see that pretty red head in yellow there?” she nodded towards Shana Rose, who was seated at a table near them.

     “Aye, she is hard to miss. Truth be known, I have been watching her all night.”  Michael confessed with a grin “But she seems unapproachable. And her guardian” he indicated Seamus, who was seated beside Shana “does not appear to be a man I would care to cross.”

     Regina leaned close to Michael and said “The lady in question is none other than the infamous Shana Rose.”

    “The lass who inspires your brother to murder Lord Jack on a daily basis?” Michael asked, craning his neck to inspect the maiden again.

            “The same.” Regina replied.

      “Then why is Dominic over there,” Michael sloshed his mug of ale in the direction of the bar “while the lovely lady sits here looking forlorn.”

   “That is the problem.” Regina smiled slyly up at Michael “And hence the challenge, cousin.”

    Michael gave a jovial laugh “I fear to ask what role I must play in this little drama.”

     “I challenge you to charm the maiden into joining you for a moonlight walk in the garden.” Regina replied. She lifted her eyebrows “Perhaps a little jealousy is needed to spur my brother into action.” She sat back in her chair and let her gaze rest upon Dominic; drinking and laughing at the bar “Do you think you can manage such a dangerous mission, Michael?”

   “Taunting Dominic into a jealous rage could be quite perilous, should we succeed.” he grinned “What reward do you offer should I accept your challenge?”

  Regina slanted him a teasing smile “An axe, custom made by the blacksmith Torren."

     “A worthy prize indeed!” Michael chuckled and pushed away from the table. He stood and quickly drained his tankard of ale; slamming the empty mug onto the table when he finished.

 “Watch and learn, dear cousin” he said with a wink.

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    Shana was miserable. Everyone around her was eating, drinking and celebrating Lord Augustus’s birthday. Amanda and Seamus were enjoying themselves as well. Seamus was entertaining the other warriors with tales of his latest adventures. Half the people at their table would be joining Seamus for a Doom gauntlet crawl tomorrow morning.

     Amanda was exchanging recipes with an older woman on her right. Shana’s older sister seemed to be right at home with the clanswomen of Ravenswood.

     Shana cautiously glanced towards the bar, once more, to find Dominic still drinking with his fellow warriors. He had come by their table and briefly greeted Shana and her family. Shana had noted a look of surprise upon Dominic’s face when she had returned his black woolen cape. The emotion, however, was quickly masked and, with a curt nod, the warrior had withdrawn.

    Dominic appeared to be ignoring Regina, as well, Shana noticed. The beautiful, dark haired woman sat at the table of honor with the Lord and Lady of the castle.  But she looked rather annoyed. To Shana, it seemed rude for Dominic to let his lady eat alone while he drank with his friends. The empty chair next to Regina’s gave proof of Dominic’s neglect. Perhaps Shana was lucky to have escaped Regina’s fate. Yes, Shana told herself, she should feel lucky that Dominic was not interested in her, after all.

   “Excuse me.” a male voice broke into Shana’s musing. She looked up to see a handsome young man, with a shaved head, leaning over her shoulder.

   “Aye?” Shana blinked at the man.

   “Lady Shana, I am Michael, nephew of Lord Augustus.” the young man informed Shana, with a charming grin.

   “Tis an hornor to meet you, Michael” Shana said, forcing a smile in return.

   “I am sorry to interrupt your meal, my lady. But my uncle Augustus has asked me to take you on a private tour of Ravenswood Castle.” he said pleasantly and held out his hand.

   “How thoughtful of his lordship.” Shana replied, without much enthusiasm. She took Michael’s hand and let him help her to rise.

   When Shana was standing, Michael tucked her hand firmly into the crook of his arm and said “I think you are going to find this tour very interesting, Lady Shana.”

   Keeping Shana Rose close beside him, Michael led her towards a stone staircase in the far corner of the hall.

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      Regina covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a laugh. Her cousin, Michael, had simply gone over to Shana, spoken briefly with her, and was now spiriting her off towards the stairs which led to the roof top garden. Michael kept Shana close to his side, creating the appearance that the two were clinging to each other as they left.

   Glancing over towards the bar, Regina saw that Dominic was also watching the pair disappear up the stairway. Her brother glared after the retreating couple, but continued to sip his mug of ale.

    Regina began to think that she had over estimated her brother’s interest in Shana Rose. Perhaps he had never really thought of Shana as anything more than someone who needed saving from the scoundrel, Lord Jack. Could it be that Regina’s feelings of guilt over teasing her brother had caused her to misread the situation completely?

    The castle musicians began to play a lively tune for the guests. Couples left their seats and joined hands to form a circle around the perimeter of the dining hall. Peels of laughter echoed through the hall, as dozens of people danced to rhythmic clapping of those who were still seated.

   Suddenly Dominic slammed his mug onto the top of the bar and stalked in the direction of the garden stairway. He skirted the dancers with a frown, as he made his way across the room; drawing curious glances from many of his fellow clansmen.

    “Well done, Michael!” Regina said softly, as she watched her brother follow the couple to the garden. Michael had completed his challenge in record time, and with excellent results “I will have Torren make you a very special axe.” She promised him silently.

Regina started to rise from her chair, determined to follow Dominic and see how he would react to Shana and Michael alone together in the garden. But a momentary hush fell over the crowd, followed by several gasps; drawing Regina’s attention to the main entrance of the dining hall. Turning to see what the disturbance was, Regina realized that Torren had returned.

      The tall blacksmith was standing in the arched doorway, towering above the other guests. His black hair and bronzed skin were a sharp contrast to the white of his dress shirt. He remained motionless; his pitch black eyes fixed upon Regina. Torren gave no sign that he noticed the other guests staring at him or the stir his was creating among her clansmen. Instead, he stood proudly, just inside the doorway, as if waiting for Regina to welcome him into the hall.

   Regina suddenly remembered the longsword she was presenting to her father and her plan to hire Torren as the Ravenswood smith. With a smile, she motioned for Torren to join her, before reaching beneath the table for the oil cloth wrapped long sword.

    As she watched Torren make his way through the crowd, Regina went to stand before her parents. They were seated at the table near the hearth, overlooking the guest tables.

    Torren stopped beside Regina, as she held the oil cloth out to Lord Augustus “Happy Birthday, Father.” She told him with a smile.

  “Thank you, my dear” Augustus replied, taking the gift. His eyes surveyed Torren, from head to toe, before he turned his attention to opening the oil cloth. But a moment later, a look of sheer pleasure lit his face as he inspected the weapon which Torren had crafted.

  “Marvelous!” Augustus chuckled, lifting the sword up and letting it shine in the torch light “Where did you find this exceptional sword?”

  “Father, this is Torren. He created this weapon” Regina turned slightly and placed her hand upon Torren’s arm “Torren is the finest blacksmith in all the land.” she heard Torren make a soft grunting sound, as if he had taken a blow to the mid section. Regina realized that the smith was not accustomed to such compliments, but she laughed softly and continued “I ask you to offer him a position at Ravenswood as blacksmith.”

  “You are gifted, Torren.” Augustus said, examining the flames engraved on the blade of the longsword “We can certainly use a talented smith like yourself in our armory. The job is yours if you want it, lad.”

  Regina smile up at Torren, expecting to see him grinning from ear to ear. But he remained as stone faced as ever, letting no emotion show in his dark eyes. Torren’s gaze, however, had settled upon Augustus’s wife.

   It was then that Regina noticed her mother’s face. Lady Loria was staring at Torren with an expression of concern. Loria’s hand was grasping her husband’s arm in apparent distress; and Augustus’ hand covered his wife’s hand in obvious comfort.

  “Oh Augustus!” Regina heard her mother say in a soft, frightened voice “It is the one I saw in the cards. It is the dark stranger!”