CHAPTER 4

On the eve of Ravenna's eighteenth birthday, the storm clouds descended upon Halim Huzol.

The sound of the pouring rain could be heard even in her inner chambers, and so could the rustling of leaves as torrential gusts of wind lashed the trees. Now and then a sheet of lightning illumined the black night sky, soon followed by the rumbling of faraway thunder.

Ravenna tossed restlessly beneath the covers. Sleep was impossible in weather like this, and she was suddenly aware of a fierce hunger gnawing at her vitals. She threw off the sheets and got up, pulling on her cloak and hood to keep her warm.

Outside her chambers, the Palace corridor was dark, silent and deserted. Ravenna shivered even beneath her cloak. Maybe the larder would yield something good to eat.

The Palace felt quiet- unusually quiet as she descended the stairs. Usually some activity would be going on even this late in the night. Lord Baldwin would be talking to one of his advisors; or some of her young cousins' could sometimes be found playing hide-and-seek through the myriad corridors, stairways or rooms; even the Royal tutors, especially the Blademaster, sometimes took night classes with their pupils. But tonight all was silent.

The larder was on the bottom level, and Ravenna walked faster. The main stairway ended at the first level, and she had to walk the entire length of the corridor to reach the winding side stairway that led further down. It was on her way that she noticed that the door of the Council chamber was half open and there was a shaft of light shining through it.

Ravenna stopped, and then moved towards the door, a strange fascination overcoming her. What guests would her father entertain in such weather and at this time of the night? But then, the Council Chamber was strangely quiet. Hesitantly, Ravenna peeked in.

The Chamber was empty, and there were three chairs drawn to the table. In front of each chair lay a jeweled, ruby-encrusted goblet of wine, whose inlaid gemstones shone in the bright lamplight. And upon the table lay a map; Ravenna walked to the table and glanced curiously at large parchment before her. It was a map of Western Rim, beyond the Great Sea, and the Eastern Rim until the end of the Archipelago. Her fingers passed over the uncertain names… the Nine Realms in close proximity in the barren and harsh land of the North. Below them, broken up by mountain and desert to such an extent that even the map looked scarred was the barbarous land of the Karstark savages. And beyond the Southmost ranges, in more hospitable terrain were the prosperous Kingdoms of Corfirth, Baixa and Martim, before land gave way to the unending vastness of the sea.

Yet what was a map of the Western Rim doing in Lord Baldwin's council chambers?

Ravenna had not long to ponder because footsteps, faint at first but steadily growing louder sounded from the corridor. She glanced around her wildly, a mixture of fear and insatiable curiosity burgeoning within her. Fortunately there was a large iron cupboard in one corner of the room in which Lord Baldwin kept important maps and documents. Ravenna hurried to the cupboard and got in, wrinkling her nose at the musty smell of old, dry paper that was pervading the cupboard. She left the door open just a crack, so that she could see out.

"Inside, Chief Mordont," Ravenna stiffened as the voice of Lord Baldwin sounded outside the door. "Inside, Castile. We can talk in peace here."

The door opened, and Castile entered. Behind him came Lord Baldwin and a great giant of a man, the likes of whom Ravenna had never seen before in the Archipelago. He was extraordinary tall and broad of shoulder; his complexion was swarthy, and fierce black eyes glittered from deep-set sockets in his dark face. The man's beard was scanty, and his jet-black hair was braided back tightly. And his raiment too was every bit as striking as his appearance- a sleeveless leather jerkin covered his torso, leaving his arms free to move. Two daggers and an unsheathed longsword were buckled at his waist, and there seemed to be more knives enclosed in his boots. Such then was the man her father had called Chief Mordont. Yet despite his fierce appearance and the barbarous glint in his eyes, the Chief bore himself with a dignity no less than regal- so much so that Ravenna found her own father paling in comparison.

"Wine, Chief?" Castile asked as the three of them seated themselves. Chief Mordont nodded and downed his draught in one swallow.

"Well, then," said Lord Baldwin, once Mordont had wiped his lips. "Do we have a deal, Chief?"

Mordont replied in a deep, strangely tuneful voice, "If you keep your side of the bargain, we assuredly do."

"We have kept ours," said Lord Baldwin sharply. "The fleet is ready to leave, under your command. In return, I do not want the hounds from the West baying at my doorstep for the next four years."

Mordont chuckled. "The Nine Realms will soon have more important matters to deal with. Why merely four years, may I ask? Extend your side of the bargain, and we will keep them busy for far longer than that."

Lord Baldwin's was facing her, and now Ravenna could see that he was smiling thinly. "That it because in four years I plan to wrest the Wreath and the Horn from Diztot no matter what the price- and cool the blood of the Princes of the Nine Realms."

"A strange business, this fascination you have with Lagon," observed Mordont. To think that a mere game can dictate whether the swords of the Nine Realms unite and rise in anger, or stay divided for all eternity."

"Do you not feel the same towards your great race… the Bridge to Eternity?" asked Castile quietly.

Ravenna gasped audibly. The Bridge to Eternity… Chief Mordont was a Karstark. My father is dealing with a Karstark! The realization was swift and bitter.

"It is true that we feel passionately about the Bridge to Eternity," conceded Mordont, "But at least our conquests do not wait upon the outcome of the race."

Lord Baldwin shrugged. "To each his own, Chief. Now if you would tell us where you plan to employ the fleet…"

There followed a brief discussion in which a number of strange names were mentioned. At length, Lord Baldwin said, "That is all very good. Now when will we see you again?"

Chief Mordon laughed softly, bloodthirstily, and Ravenna felt shivers run down her spine. "I will come again after we conquer Corfirth, Lord Baldwin. Until then, farewell."

"Farewell," replied Lord Baldwin, as Mordont stood. "My guards are waiting outside and will escort you to your ship. I need hardly remind you that I must not be seen with you in public."

Chief Mordont nodded, and turning, walked out of the door.

There was a brief silence. Then Lord Baldwin let out a long breath. "There, Castile. That's done. He is a very dangerous man."

"Assuredly," said the Councilor. "And yet, my Lord… I do not like this Karstark business."

"Nor do I," replied Lord Baldwin. "Yet there is no other way. If we do not ally now, the Nine Realms will be sacking Halim Huzol on their way to Diztot before the year is out."

"The Nine Realms or the Karstarks… which is the lesser evil?" Castile wondered aloud. "The Karstarks love conquest best, that chief said it himself. After they conquer Corfirth and the lands on the Rim, what is to stop them from taking the ship over the Ocean and doing the same to us?"

"As long as the Nine Realms exist, the Karstarks will not dare to leave the Rim. They do not have enough men to fight on two fronts, and however much they love conquest, they love their own land more."

Castile laughed thinly. "Their own land? The land of harsh stone and barren desert? I went there once as an envoy my Lord, and I do not wish to go there again. We passed over the highest stone crags of their mountains and through their endless shifting sand dunes just to get to their capital Roune. On the way we must have been attacked at least five times by bandits and a dozen more by wild beasts. The gates to their capital city are lines with skulls… a very warm welcome for anyone who enters. Their own speech is harsh and jarring to the ear, and they know neither diplomatic subtlety nor the language of politics. The demeanor of both their men and women is just as hostile as their speech. It is said that every child born to the Karstarks is taught how to handle a sword before the age of ten and to throw a spear before the age of twelve. That is a harsh race, my Lord. I would not want them for allies."

"It is their land which has made them harsh," was the only comment Lord Baldwin had to offer.

There was a long silence. Finally, Castile said, "I hope you are certain of what you intend, my Lord. I can only say again, do not trust the Karstarks." He got up and strode out of the room.

Now only Lord Baldwin remained, running his hands through his hair. Ravenna stayed quiet; and in any case the events she had witnessed had taken the power of speech from her. Her father, allying with the Karstarks to help them in their conquest of the Western Rim… it could not be…

Lord Baldwin had finished his wine, and now refilled his glass. This second helping he quaffed in one gulp, and then began to pore over the map. Ravenna watched as her father grew more and more restless, and then suddenly Lord Baldwin threw up his head and cried to the roof, "I do what I do for my people. Let any soul come before me and question me, by the Fire, my conscience is clean."

Ravenna stepped out of the cupboard. "I am that soul."

Lord Baldwin stared at her, the color draining rapidly from his face. "Ravenna!" he gasped. "You heard everything?"

Ravenna nodded. "I would never have believed it of you, father," she said quietly, "Had I not heard it with my own ears."

Lord Baldwin was recovering rapidly. "Then you also heard what I told Castile… there is no other way, my child. I must keep my people safe."

"And for that you will ally with the Karstarks, who have neither honor nor conscience? Father, this is folly. When in the history of the world have the Karstarks proven loyal friends to any realm?"

"Ravenna…" her father motioned to her, and she came closer. "Look." He pointed to the map.

"Here we are, upon the Eastern Rim. We are the gateway to the East, my child. Anyone seeking to enter the mainland must pass through us. When the Nine Realms attack, for attack they shall unless something stops them, we shall be first in their path. They shall not care if it is Diztot dominating the Lagon field or us. They shall put us to fire and sword."

Now it was Ravenna's turn to point to the map. "Look father- that is the Western Rim." Her finger traveled South. "Corfirth, Baixa, Martim… our friends since the time of Aliadere. What harm have they ever done you that you should contribute to their destruction?"

Impatience glittered in Lord Baldwin's eyes. "My duty is first and foremost to my people."

"And for that you will sacrifice the Western Rim?"

"If it keeps the Archipelago safe, yes."

"The people of Halim Huzol and the Archipelago can defend themselves," Ravenna heard her voice rising. "When have we ever begged for help from outside? When have we sold our own sovereignty like this? Cesc must be turning in his grave right now, father."

"Ravenna," Lord Baldwin said desperately. "We are not living in the days of Cesc the Conqueror any longer. We are weak now… that is the truth. We cannot withstand an attack from the Nine Realms- and that is the truth as well. I must look to the safety of the Archipelago. And if that comes at a price…"

"Even if the price is sacrificing our own honor and pride…?"
"So be it!"

Ravenna was silent, gazing at her father. There was no lie in his eyes, no cunning in his voice. Lord Baldwin believed absolutely that what he was doing was right. Yet there was one last effort she could make…

"Father… have you planned for a Karstark betrayal?"
"The Karstarks will not betray," Lord Baldwin said confidently. "They will gain nothing from it. And then there is that race of theirs, that Bridge to Eternity, which nobody outside of the Karstarks and Nine Realms has ever won. I have sent two of my best horsemen to take part in it… if one of them can win it, we shall rise greatly in the estimation of the Karstarks."

The Bridge to Eternity… memories came flooding back, Ravenna felt anger rise again. "So you were using Valeron Maloren as a pawn for your own ends?"

Shock played on her father's features. "You knew that boy?"

"He was my friend." Ravenna hardly knew why she said that. After all, she had met him only twice.

"I am sorry, my child. But he would have no part in it in any case."

She was silent for a long time. "Very well, father," she said. "It is your hand which guides the destiny of the Archipelago… but all I can say to you is beware of the Kar-"

Yet before Ravenna could finish, a Horn sounded through the night. Her father stiffened as the notes wound into the Council chamber, once, twice, thrice. They were clear, sharp… and urgent."

"That is the Guard," said Lord Baldwin. "Something must be amiss. To your room, Ravenna. Quickly now."

Ravenna nodded wordlessly, and together they left the chamber. Lord Baldwin turned to go up to the terraces. "Do not leave your room, come what may." Then he was gone.

Ravenna watched him disappear down the corridor, and then she too retraced her steps to her chambers. The horn was still blowing, loudly and insistently. And suddenly the Palace seemed to be stirring. She could hear voices below, and the sound of feet running across the corridors, and a loud crash as something heavy fell to the floor. What was happening?

The horn stopped blowing at last, as she reached her chambers. Ravenna sat on the side of her bed, not bothering to take off her cloak and hood and climb into the sheets. Sleep was not going to come tonight.

"Ravenna!"

Ravenna started as a loud voice called her name. Footsteps sounded on the landing, and they came rushing up to the entrance to her room as a cloaked figure dashed in.

"Ravenna, climb out of bed!" It was a young man, whose striking resemblance to Lord Baldwin indicated a common lineage. Yet where Lord Baldwin was well into his forties, this man's features still bore the unmistakable stamp of youth.

"Hallvard!" she gasped. "Cousin, what's going on?"

"The Palace is under attack. Some men with flaming torches…"

"Did father ask them what they wanted?"
"He did. They gave no reply. Instead, they continued to bring down the gate with a battering ram…"

"The army…?"

"The men in the Palace barracks left today for some unknown mission across the Great Sea, and the rest of the army is ensconced in the Royal Barracks at the dock. This has been very well planned, Ravenna. The army is not going to help us now…"

Ravenna stared at Hallvard. "Just a moment, cousin. How could they reach as far as the Palace without an alarm being raised?"
Hallvard glared at her. "It's obvious, isn't it? They are from Halim Huzol… this is a coup, Ravenna. Now come on… and get your bow. We are well short of defenders."

Ravenna argued no longer. Her training bow was lying next to the bed, and she took it up. "A quiver?"
"Arrows are up on the roof," said Hallvard. "Follow me."

He rushed out, and Ravenna raced after him. Their journey to the terrace seemed something out of a nightmare; the corridors were a chaotic haze of running people, cries and shouts and conflicting commands. Ravenna grasped her bow tighter and tried to keep up with Hallvard.

At length they reached the terrace. The few soldiers left in the Palace after Lord Baldwin had dispatched the rest with Chief Mordont were peering out below. Her father was in the middle of the terrace, flanked by Castile and two more of his councilors.

"Uncle…" called Hallvard.

Lord Baldwin swung around, and sudden fury appeared on his face as he saw Ravenna. He rounded on Hallvard. "You idiot! Why have you brought her here?"

"You asked for defenders…" Hallvard began, but Lord Baldwin cut him short. "Silence!" Breathing hard, he turned to her. "Down, Ravenna. At once! Don't arg-"

There was a sudden cry from the edge of the terrace, and Castile's voice came, anxious and urgent. "My Lord, the door will not last much longer. What are we to do?"
Lord Baldwin turned from them, all else banished from his mind. "Is all my family safe?"

"Yes, my Lord. I have sent men to take them down into the catacombs to the Inner Retreat- no matter who these attackers are, they will never find them." Castile's eyes passed over Ravenna and Hallvard, but he did not say anything.

"Gather all the men, Castile," continued Lord Baldwin. Let them break in… we shall engage them when they are climbing the first level, thinking that they have succeeded."

Castile shouted commands, and the soldiers turned from their positions. "Down," called Lord Baldwin. "Follow me, men."

In two minutes, the terrace was empty.

"Well…?" said Ravenna. She crossed to the edge of the terrace. A truly fearsome sight met her eyes. A number of men were engaged in breaking down the Palace gate, as others stood around holding flame lamps to illumine the surroundings. But was truly terrifying was the utter silence in which it was being done. No cries, no shouts, no chanting came from below; the work went on in utter, inexorable quiet.

"Who are these people?" she said.

"I do not know," replied Hallvard. But a strange attacking force which comes without banner or standard."

Ravenna thought furiously. The timing of this attack was opportune- to opportune. Who could have known that there would be no soldiers this night in the Palace… who would have dared to attack at the heart of the Archipelago…

"Mordont!" she breathed. "Karstark treachery!"

"What?"

Ravenna turned to him. "I cannot explain now, Hallvard. But our lives are in grave danger… those attackers are going to spare no one. We must speak to father…"

"He will be halfway down by now," replied Hallvard. "And he would order you to bed before you could so much as begin to talk."

Ravenna strung her bow. She had never shot at a man before, and now she found her fingers trembling. "Wait…" called out Hallvard. "You cannot hope to shoot true in the dark. Let us go down to the first level…"

Ravenna turned to him, stung. "The Blademaster has made us practice in far more difficult conditions."

Hallvard shrugged. "As you wish." Ravenna let loose the arrow, but there was no answering cry from below. "Now come on," said Hallvard impatiently. "We cannot hope to be of any use up here." Even as he spoke, the gate was down, and the men advanced into the inner compound. Now only a wooden door separated them from the Palace.

"The door will be down in three blows," said Hallvard. Ravenna heard a sudden ringing noise; Hallvard had unsheathed the longsword hanging from his belt. He looked at her as though seeing her for the first time. "If these are Karstarks like you said, Ravenna, this will be very dangerous. You do not have to come along… you can join the others in the catacombs."

"I am coming along," said Ravenna, and as Hallvard opened his mouth to protest, she added, "In any case I will have to go down to the ground level to enter the catacombs, and they will already be there by then."

Hallvard nodded. "Keep your bow ready then. Down we go!"