Legend of the Ravenstone by M.S. Verish Read Free Book Online Page A

her otherwise. “ They are not worth your pain. I learned that much long ago. What they say is said in ignorance, and it takes time before you learn not to believe their words.”
    She nodded but said nothing more until they reached a point outside the city walls. Arcturus helped her from the carriage and walked with her to a stream not far from the road. “You have revealed your secret,” he said, “and I would like to reveal mine. I cannot imagine you have encountered one of my race before.”
    Kariayla shook her head.
    “All I ask is that you trust me. I wish only to help you.” He expected her to protest when he lifted her injured arm and pulled away the soiled material, but she was silent. The cuts were deep, as though she had been raked by the claws of an animal. He dipped his handkerchief in the stream and cleaned around the wound; all the while, she did not utter a sound. “Now,” he said when he had finished, “I am going to heal you with my ability. You have nothing to fear, I promise you, though it may hurt at first.”
    Kariayla seemed more curious than wary as he placed his hand over her slender arm. He watched her large eyes widen even more when his flesh began to move in worm-like tendrils, entering beneath her skin. She drew a sharp breath and then came to relax as he retreated. The cuts were gone, barely a mark to indicate where they had been. She gaped at him. “Can all Blood Mages heal as you do?”
    “Indeed, my dear,” he said. “But the term ‘Blood Mage’ is considered crude. We are Markanturians.”
    “I’m sorry, si—”
    “Arcturus,” he corrected. “And I must insist upon no apologies.”
    “But it was you who apologized first.”
    “I...” He recalled that his apology was the subject of their last encounter in the castle. “Indeed,” he said, a smile slowly spreading across his face. “I do believe you are right.”
    “Arcturus....”
    “Yes, my dear.”
    “May I come with you to Valesage?”
    Arcturus blinked. “I...I cannot fathom a reason to the negative.”
    “Thank you,” she said, her eyes welling again.
    Those are the tears I can bear, he thought.

4
Journey by Caravan
    T he tailor seemed most disconcerted. He combed through his thinning hair enough that Arcturus expected it to pull free of his scalp. “This is rather abrupt,” the man said. “What you want cannot be done with such short notice.”
    Kariayla stared at her feet. She looked much better after she had the opportunity to clean up, but no amount of scrubbing or grooming could lift her chin or straighten her shoulders. Such a shame for so pretty a young woman to be so downtrodden, Arcturus thought. What weight still rests upon those shoulders, I wonder... He turned to the tailor, growing irritated himself. “I do not expect a ballroom gown. This young lady needs attire that is clean and intact. Surely you can make a simple modification for her wings.”
    The tailor snorted and muttered something beneath his breath.
    “Your pardon?” Arcturus snapped.
    “I will see what I can do, sir,” the man muttered and went to sift through his supply of premade garments.
    “I don’t want to be a burden,” Kariayla protested. “This is your time, your money, and your journey. I don’t deserve—”
    “Enough,” Arcturus said, thumping Whitestar upon the ground. “I will hear no such talk. If you are to travel with me, you will be clothed, fed, and cared for. You are no longer under any servitude; you are my companion.”
    Kariayla nodded.
    “Now, I must inquire as to when and where we are to meet our party. If you are comfortable remaining here, I will return as soon as I have confirmed these specifics.” Despite her second nod, he searched her for any fear or hesitation.
    “I will be all right,” she said at last.
    “Very well.” He handed her several coins. “Keep these concealed, my dear. I should return before you see a need to relinquish them.” Then he left the shop and stood,