Band of the Raven

“Are you ready, young one?” Kiara spoke to Harly as they paced towards the valley leading to the woods beyond.

“I only wish to grow stronger, my lady.” Harly replied with a shaky voice.

Mira skipped behind them with a smile stretched across her face. “It is such a beautiful morning! The birds are chasing one another above us, and the sun is shining! We could not have been more blessed by the gods for this day!”

Kiara glanced back with a cheerful smile. “You seem quite excited, Mira! It must be nice to not have to strain yourself as you have these past few days.”

“I am just ready to train, princess. It has been far too long!”

They reached the tree line and Mira gleefully rushed in and disappeared into the shadows. Kiara turned and grabbed Harly by her shoulders.

“When you are in there, remember this. You control what is around you. You have no limits. Strain yourself if you must. Mira and I will be there to guide you.” She smiled and patted her on the back. Harly turned and took a deep breath. Each step she took felt like she was moving anvils.

“Why am I so nervous? This is just training, isn’t it?” She thought to herself as she pushed away stray branches and shuffled through the fallen leaves. She took another deep breath, then called out to Mira. “Mira, where have you gone?” Silence fell over her echoing voice. “Mira?” She called out again. Suddenly, a flash of light burst towards her. She fell to her knees, just dodging a sweeping ray that was aimed at her neck. “So, this is how you want to start. Alright, fine.” She lifted her hands over the ground and violet strings reached down through the earth. She lifted her hands and shouted as the ground lifted beneath her hands and shot two strips of chaos energy towards where the light came from. The trees ached and fell around her as the energy destroyed all she could see. A huge wall of light burst from the ground and held the wave in its tracks.

“Is that all you can muster? I have been waiting for this for far too long! Hit me with everything you have and more!” Mira called out in a laughing tone. Harly, feeling annoyed at the mages’ jest, cried out once more and swung her arms to her sides and let out another blast of energy. The woods around them crumbled, but again her attack was stopped. “Have I annoyed you, little one? I thought between Wolarian and yourself, you would be the stronger!” Mira’s laugh was all around her and echoed between the trees.

“Damn fairy!” Harly shouted and began running towards the wall of light. She reached her hands out and recalled her energy back to her hands and leapt in the air. She raised her hands and collected her powers into whips and thrusted them back down onto the wall. Cracks began to form at its base as she repeatedly swung frantically. With time, the wall fell and revealed Mira laying on a large root with her legs crossed and her head laid back. Her eyes were closed, and her arms were spread wide.

“Finally, you got through! I almost took a nap!” She called out. Harly, unamused by her antics, charged forward without thinking. Mira chuckled and vanished with nothing but pink specks where she was laying. Harly slowed her charge and looked around frantically.

“What is this? She has always been so soft and fragile during our hunts.” Harly spoke to herself. A branch cracked to her side as another wave of light flew toward her. She quickly dodged and watched as the light drifted past. “Think. Calm your mind.” She closed her eyes and listened. Unleash everything. That is what Kiara told you. She thought to herself. She opened her eyes and revealed her purple glare. She reached out and threaded a web in front of her. Lifting her arms towards the sky, she created her own barrier and attached it to the treetops that were still standing at her sides.

“Very good young one! Defense is key when facing an enemy you cannot see!” Mira called out. “But what will you do when the enemy is behind that barrier?” Harly felt a tap on her shoulder. She quickly turned and saw the smiling pink eyes staring at her. “Hello!” Mira said gleefully. Harly swung her fist at her foe, missing as Mira fell backwards. “All that power and you resort to fists? My my, have I found your weakness already?” She chuckled and put her hands behind her back. “We have two full days to train. I do not plan on letting you sleep, either.” She vanished once again as light flashed all around Harly, trapping her in a box. She reached out and let out her power against the walls that began enclosing around her. Her arms pushed back towards her and the purple aura began to weaken. She let out a gasp as her arms fell and the walls crushed her from all around. She let out a scream of pain as her bones began to crack. Fear overtook her mind and tears ran down her face.

Am I truly this weak? She thought to herself. Am I that useless that I cannot even defeat a friend?” As her shoulder broke and her knee bent, the walls stopped and soon vanished around her. She fell face first into the ground. She tried to push herself up, but her arms would not move.

“This is going to be the longest two days of your life, young one!” Mira called out with joy.

Sinical bitch. Harly thought. She looked to her side and saw small glowing bulbs creep towards her ever so gently. Damn. I never thought Mira was this powerful. As the light touched her skin, she winced. Expecting the unimaginable pain that came with the last attack. Against her own thoughts, however, a soothing sensation fell upon her. Her body felt lighter and her pains vanished.

“We have only just begun. Do not forget. I am here to train as well. Do not let me down.” Mira called out, sparking confidence in the mage’s body. She slowly began to stand and stretched out her limbs. “That’s it. Now, let us continue.” Mira said to herself as she watched her rising opponent.

The market was erupting with people as Killian gracefully moved through the crowds, stopping by every vendor collecting materials for the long journey. He carried several large bags on his back that were filled to his knuckles. He could not help but smile watching the little ones running around causing havoc amongst the townsfolk. “Do you remember being so little and carefree, Brendiel?” He called back at the large man behind him that was holding his head.

“Honestly, I can barely remember last night. Why does it have to be so bright out today?” he cried forward. Chuckling, Killian continued to a gap in the mass of people and looked back.

“Did Kiara at least take you to your room last night? Where did you wake up?”

“If she did take me to my room at some point, it was short lived. I somehow found my way into the horse pens and woke up with my pants around my ankles…” He trailed off. “I hope I gave someone a good time because I certainly don’t remember a thing.”

“I can only hope it was someone and not something. I cannot bear the thought of word getting out that our fearless mountain man spends his time with anything other than creatures with two legs.” Killian teased. He waited for Brendiel to get closer and gestured towards a house not far from the market. “I have to stop at that house for a moment. Can you stand watch over our things while I am inside? It shouldn’t be long.”

“I cannot promise I will be standing, but I will watch our things as best as possible.” The large man called out, covering his eyes from the sun.

“I cannot ask for much more from you right now. One of these days we are going to have a serious talk about your consumption of ale.” He jested as he approached the door to a raggedy old house with the window hinges broken off and weeds growing from its base. “I will only be a moment. Make sure no one enters.” Brendiel nodded as Killian dropped his bags to the side and pressed his hand against the wooden door. The air grew thick and stale as he entered. The crowd noise vanished as the creaking wood took its place with every step. The door slowly closed behind him and candles lit around a table to his left.

“Welcome, Lord Killian of the old realm. How might I serve you this evening?” An old voice softly spoke. An old man crept from behind some old parchments hanging from threads connecting through the ceiling gaps. His back was hunched, and he held a cane made of a firm oak with small gems glowing faintly between its weaves.

“Hello old friend. The years have served you well it seems. Finally away from the hecticness of the kingdoms. But let us be formal. You do not need to shroud yourself to me.”

The old man chuckled. “You can never be too careful these days.” The gems in the man’s cane brightened and lit the room with an array of greens and blues. His hunch straightened and he grew to the height of Killian. The cane formed into a long staff and flicked up over the man’s shoulder. His hair grew from short and faded to long and gold. His bleak complexion was enhanced and radiated from the glowing lights.

“That is much better, Leon. Although you do pull off the innocent hermit quite well, I must say.” They both chuckled and embraced one another tightly. “It has been too long, my friend.” Killian said with joy.

“Yes, it has.” Leon said with an angelic voice. “Yet every time we meet, I fear it is on the cusp of something unfortunate. I felt your party enter the village and was counting down to days I would see you. It is great to gaze upon you, nonetheless. But what brings you to me at this moment?”

“Do you not have the gift of foresight any longer? I would have assumed you’d know full well why I was here.” Killian spoke with curiosity in his voice.

“Once the Great War had ended, and peace was restored to the western lands, I felt it best to take time and live amongst those we protected. Making sure they cherished the lives we provided for them.”

“I sense there is only a little truth in that answer. If you were genuinely curious, why not stay in the Western Kingdom? There are plenty of small villages you could settle into without anyone knowing.”

Leon looked back at the fireplace made of stone and the embers slowly dying. “After seeing what we had seen all those years ago, I felt it was necessary to remove myself from such memories.” He took a few steps closer to the fire and lifted his hand in front of it. The flames slowly fell into a quaint ember. “I can still hear their screams, Killian. Every single one of those who fell by my hand or the hands we led. I fear my mind is that of these embers. Still alive, yet not strong enough to heat the heart.”

“Well, my dear friend, we have much to discuss. May I sit at your table?” Killian spoke, extending his hand at the seat to his side.

Leon turned with a grim look on his face. “The warning in my chest leads me to deny you that seat. This unsettling feeling in my stomach has been entangling me since you arrived.” He continued towards Killian and extended his hand, placing it on the warrior’s burly shoulder. “Whatever you need, I cannot give you. Except my love.” He forced a small smirk.

Killian reached up and placed his hand on Leon’s. “There is something growing back home. I can feel it. My sources tell me a darkness is rising within the guild that stretches from the old castle. I need your powers once more. To be used once more together with my own and vanquish this coming enemy.”

“That castle was abandoned. Well, whatever you left standing in that wretched place. I am sure you are just inside your own head, great king of kings. Have you ever rested from your journey? Taking time to enjoy the finer things in life as I have?”

Killian brushed Leon’s hand away softly. “There is no rest…for a monster like me. I am no king. Nor have I ever been. But even through the horrors we have faced, you and I, I stand for the protection of these good people. What do you stand for, brother?” Killian turned and began walking towards the door. Leon’s head bowed in defeat while his shoulders shrugged. As Killian’s hand touched the door he paused and tilted his head back slightly. “You once told me, long ago, if you do not stand for something, you will fall for everything.” The warrior said softly. “Stay well, old friend.” He pushed the door open and unleashed the light of the market onto his face.

“There is one thing, young lord.” Leon called out. Killian turned and closed the door softly.

“And what would that be?” He asked.

“All I can tell you for now, is that you and your group must leave immediately. There has been word in the streets of a new caravan coming. One that bears the emblem of a bleeding bore. I am not in the guild, yet I do know of their customs. Only one Hunter pack can be in a city at a time unless it is under guild control.” Killian nodded his head in acceptance. As he left he saw his old friend raising his hand to say goodbye with a faint smile on his face. Colors swirled around him as he reverted to the old hermit he had met when he entered. "Goodbye, old wizard." He thought to himself as the door closed behind him. He took a deep breath and looked over at Brendiel who had fallen asleep leaning against the large sacks he had put down before entering. “Well you are just a wonderful look out, aren’t you?” He said as he kicked Brendiel’s boot to wake him. With a quick and aggressive snort, he stood and rubbed off the dirt he had collected while laying on the ground from his chest.

“I was just practicing my new stealth attack. I was full awake the whole time. Had you fooled, didn’t I?” Brendiel said, panicking.

“Come on. We have what we need for the journey.” Killian said, rolling his eyes.

“What was your business here?” The burly man asked as he threw the sacks over his shoulder to follow.

“I was just visiting an old friend. It has seemed old friendships do in fact fade over time.” He looked over at Brendiel. “I must ask something of you. When we venture out on the road, be wary of who is watching. The threat of this hunt may only be a ball of snow gathering speed on a high mountain top. For now, though, we must tell the others to pack their things. A hunting party is coming and we must leave immediately.”

As the sun began to peak in the sky, Killian approached the bench where Kiara was sitting, staring at the forest’s treeline. Wolarian sat at her side staring up at the big blue ocean above him.

“Kiara, I need you to stop their training now. We need to leave.” Kiara turned and stood in concern.

“What is the matter?” She exclaimed. Wolarian turned as well and bowed his head.

“Gidion is on his way with his party. He will be here by days end. Unfortunately Harly and Mira will need to put a hold on their training for now.”

“Why do we need to leave just because a different hunting party is coming?” Wolarian asked curiously.

“There would be too much noticeable power in one area if there are two parties in the same place unless the Guild has control. Which we all know that the only place they have control of is where the stronghold was built as a safe haven. Once we enter a village or city with another party, it sets off a magical beacon that can be felt by, shall we say, pestering eyes. We cannot do our jobs correctly with people knowing where, and who we are.”

“I see. Who is Gidion?” Wolarian asked as a follow up question.

“He is a cruel bastard.” Brendiel said, scoffing at hearing the name. “He is a true sword for hire. No honor, or morals. He would kill a child if it paid for his room and food for a night.”

“That being said.” Killian interrupted. “We do not want to cause trouble. He is not our concern until the meetings in a few months time. For now. We need to leave and get on the road north.” He looked around for a moment then shouted, “Darin!” A black mist formed around the group and the sorcerer stepped out from the void.

“You called, sire?”

“I need you to notify the girls to end their training and come back at once. We are leaving.” Darin bowed his head and transformed into a black raven, speeding off towards the woods. “Kiara, drop the barrier and gather your things with Wolarian. Brendiel, load up the horses and meet me here when you are done.”

A few moments passed with Killian standing on the hillside, watching the treeline for his comrades. He noticed a raven spring out towards him with a haze of black following behind it. Shortly after the two women emerged as well with dirt covering their arms and faces. Mira was skipping with her hands held behind her back and a grin on her face, while Harly looked irritated and her fists clenched.

“Why do we have to leave? During MY training, no less!” Harly yelled out. Killian sighed heavily and shook his head.

“We will be leaving shortly!” He called out. “Hurry yourselves and meet me here once you have gathered your belongings!” The raven swooped up to Killian’s side and morphed into Darin, with his long robes gently falling onto the green grass.

Harly is not very pleased with your decision. Darin spoke.

“I truly do not care. She is still young and has never seen what happens when two parties join outside of guild grounds. I am sure Gidion will raise hell once he arrives without us being here. We do not need to add to it.” Killian looked over at the pale man. “When was the last time you slept, my old friend?” He asked.

It has been so long now. I cannot remember what a dream even feels like anymore, sire. The darkness keeps me busy when I am not in this realm. The cries of the damned never stop stirring in my ears.

“I fear I am suffering from the same fate.” Killian replied. “Every night, I close my eyes and I see his face. I hear the screams of my people burning in the fires. I may not hold power over a different realm as you do. But I see we share a similar fate.” He extended his hand and grasped Darin’s shoulder and gently shook it. “I am proud to have you at my side.” He smirked and started walking towards the tavern. Wolarian was creeping out the door with his bags slung over his shoulder when he noticed Killian pacing towards him.

“I have gathered everything from my room. Along with some scraps I found at the bar. Would you like me to fetch the horses?” He asked.

“That would be greatly appreciated, Wolarian. Harly and Mira are making their way up the valley as we speak. We should be leaving soon. Have you seen Kiara?”

“Last I saw, she was in her room. Something seemed slightly off about her, though. She was mumbling to someone I thought, but I did not notice anyone else go into the room with her.” Killian looked through the door and peaked up the stairs for a moment.

“I am sure it's nothing. Go fetch the horses and we will meet you back here shortly.” Wolarian nodded and proceeded towards the stables. “And if you have enough coins,” Killian called out. “Could you get us a horse for Harly as well? We had to leave hers at the river, remember.” The young man nodded and turned back on his way.

Killian entered through the dank tavern where it was beginning to fill with men after their days of work. The shouts and the laughter filled the room and servers smiled at everyone they served. A sense of peace fell over him as he started walking up the stairs. I miss this. It has been far too long. He thought as he reached the top of the stairs and approached Kiara’s room. The door was cracked and he listened carefully. Heavy breathing panted on the other side. He pushed the door open quickly to find Kiara on a knee, leaning against her bed. beads of sweat ran down her face and her skin looked ice cold.

“Killian, I don’t know if I can hold her.” She strained in pain.

“Is she trying to get out?” He asked as he rushed to her side.

“No, but her power is growing. I can feel her ripping my body apart from inside. She told me she wasn't doing this. But her power is returning, and my body is not ready to contain her.” Killian placed the back of his hand on her forehead and closed his eyes. Her skin was blistering to the touch and her sweat steamed off his hand.

“Let me speak with her.” He whispered. Kiara’s head shot up and shook frantically with fear in her white eyes.

“No, Killian, you have no idea what would happen.”

“Just focus on her. I will enter your mind and speak. I promise, no harm will come to anyone.” He said calmly, with his emerald eyes piercing through Kiara. She took a few struggling breaths and nodded. The room darkened around them and the old wood creaked from the walls. Kiara vanished and Killian stood. The air was damp and his skin started to tingle.

“Well, well, well.” A voice echoed through the void. “It has been a long time, young warrior.”

“Yes it has.” Killian spoke calmly. “I can not say I enjoy what you've done with your home here. Can we skip the dramatics and talk face to face?” A chuckle emerged as the black veil lifted and revealed an endless white room. The winged beast laid on a long silver chair with her knee up and her arms bent behind her head.

“Is this better for you? My darling?” She spoke with a mischievous grin on her face.

“You know I do not enjoy you calling me that. Considering who you reside in. I find it quite strange and unsettling.” He spoke as he walked with his hand on his hilt. “Let me get to the point. Are you causing harm to Kiara?” Valkyria spread her arms out to her side in protest.

“I am doing nothing of the sort!” She exclaimed. “I have been sitting right here this whole time. Observing the world through her eyes. What ales her is what you have done. Unleashing my powers onto her with no amount of preparation is an ill look onto you, if I do say so myself.” She chuckled and began to stand. “However, I do know of a way I can help her with this,” She paused for a moment, looking inconvenienced while she stood. “She will need to let out my powers in spurts. I promised to not harm anyone in this pathetic group of hers. So in order to keep my promise, she will need to be alone, and away from everything living. The impact will be glorious!” She raised her arms and reached high above her head with her wings spread.

“I agree. However, you never do anything out of charity. What are you asking for in return?” Killian asked. Valkyria gracefully started walking towards the man with her eyes fixed on his. Her wings folded behind her as hips swayed side to side seductively.

“All I want, great warrior, is to know what it is like to be in your company.” She reached out and gently pressed her hands against his chest. Her lips traced up his neck. “I want to know what it is like to feel your embrace, and clash swords with you once again. Nothing gives me a rush like feeling your sword clashing against mine.” As her lips reached Killian’s, he pulled back slightly and gently held her hand.

“If you can help Kiara, I will give you what you want. But not before.” He stepped back slowly. “This is my fault she is in this position. I assumed this would be a potential outcome, and I will do whatever is needed to make sure she stays safe.” The winged soldier smiled and tilted her head slightly.

“Are you sure there isn’t a part of you that would enjoy such an encounter with me? You cannot deny that last we met, there was something between you and I.” She spoke with an enticing voice. Killian couldn’t help but break a rye smile at her advances.

“If you weren’t trapped in the body you are in, we could have that conversation. I will make you an offer. Since you are so keen on making deals.”

“What offer can you provide that will out bid my proposal?” Valkyria asked.

“Keep Kiara ailve, and I shall find you a new vessel. One that you can devour and become whole again. Then you can have me.” A laughter came from Valkyria as she flew into the air.

“You offer me freedom in exchange for Kiara’s safety?” She cried out. “Do you think there is a vessel out there in your world that can match my beauty?”

“You can see through the eyes of Kiara. I will give you a signal through her eyes when I believe I have found you a suiter. Do we have a deal?” Killian called out.

“You most certainly have a deal!” Valkyria shouted while the veil of white began to fade back into darkness. Her laughter echoed as it faded. Killian stood alone until Kiara’s room slowly grew back into vision. He stood slowly and reached down towards the kneeling sorceress. The beads of sweat on her forehead began to vanish and her breathing steadied. She glanced up and grabbed Killian’s hand. He raised her to her feet and looked her deep in her white eyes.

“How do you feel?” He asked with concern in his voice.

“I feel as though the weight has been lifted. What did she say?” She asked.

“Once we make camp for the night, you need to go away from camp. The pain will grow again and you must release the excess energy. Valkyria will temper the impact. You will have to do this every time the pain comes until you can control it again. I do not know how long that will take. But I promise you, this will pass and you will be under control again.” He pulled her in and embraced her in his arms, squeezing tightly. “I am sorry this is happening. I know you do not have the right to forgive me for welcoming pain back into your life.” Kiara pulled away from his embrace to look into his emerald eyes that were filling up with growing tears.

“My brother, you have nothing to apologize for. It is for the betterment of the company. I understand that. Do not fret. I will be fine.”