When Ravens Call: The Fourth Book in the Small Gods Epic Fantasy Series (The Books of the Small Gods by Bruce Blake (books under 200 pages txt) 📗

been at Juddah's homestead being the barren mother from the prophecy had started the vibrations, and they'd continued off and on since. Danya remained unsure whether it encouraged them to continue, telling her they pursued the right path, or if it meant to warn them.

The girl's Goddess should have chosen a more precise method of communication.

Ive followed his partner to the forest floor, then turned toward them.

"Ladies, we go from here on foot. My apologies you have to leave behind the comfort and luxury of the Fellick and Ive wain but, as you can see, we have no opportunity to continue with it."

"Where are we going?" Danya asked as she stood. Beside her, Evalal scrambled over the side of the wagon, an unexpected enthusiasm in her movements.

"It's imperative we find our friend, Mr. Birk. It appears he has come this way, doesn't it, Mr. Fellick?"

He grunted in response, but said nothing else. The princess shifted toward the wagon's edge, hesitant to remove her foot from the doeskin pouch and its contents. Her thighs ached, and she suspected the ride had pressed her behind flat, proving the sarcasm seated in Ive's description of his wagon. She feigned a stretch which became real and necessary, but she didn't move away from her sword belt. How to take the Seed of Life with her?

"I thought you intended to help Evalal and I on our journey. Instead, you've waylaid us into joining yours."

Ive tilted his head at her, half-scowled. "I believe our search for Mr. Birk and where you intend to go will end up being the same place. Funny how things work out, eh?"

She stared at him as though doing so might uncover the meaning of his words. He no more knew where they intended to go—Danya didn't know herself—than she knew their intent. Or did he? So many unanswerable questions came to mind. If the woman from the barn was the barren mother, who'd accompanied her? And who were Juddah and Birk? Where did Fellick and Ive fit in with the prophecy? Did they mean harm to either of them? Would they offer help?

He spoke again, pulling the princess from her thoughts. He awaited her response, but she hadn't heard what he said, so she waited for him to repeat himself. After a moment, he nodded toward her feet.

"The sword belt, lass. Leave the weapon it holds behind, but bring the rest with you. I suspect we might want the contents of your pouch with us."

Danya struggled to keep from reacting, hoped she kept the shock of surprise from her expression. She bent at the waist, reaching for the belt, but holding her eyes on his, waiting for him to divert his gaze. His half-scowl transformed into a grin. Did he guess what the bag contained? Had he from the start?

She glanced away for an instant to find the hilt of her sword and pull the weapon from its scabbard. It clunked against the wood floor boards as she laid it at her feet and straightened, the belt dangling from her hand. Ive smiled more fully and nodded, satisfied, before leaving his spot at the side of the wagon to help his partner with the horses. As soon as his gaze left her, Danya pivoted toward Evalal, allowing her face to register the surprise and concern bolting through her at Ive's mention of the pouch. The younger girl stared back at her, eyes wide but flickering with the confidence of her beliefs. As unsure as she was of continuing with the weapons merchants being the right thing to do, Evalal remained convinced the Goddess walked beside them, guiding their actions through means they'd never realize or understand. A sliver of the princess wished she possessed the same blind faith; seemed life would be so much easier.

With a shake of her head, she put the belt around her waist and buckled it. The pouch and the seed hidden within bounced against her thigh, its touch transferring a gentle vibration through her muscle. Though she didn't understand its meaning, it lent her a measure of relief. Deserved or not, she felt thankful for it.

Evalal helped her from the wagon until she got both feet planted on the ground. She held the wooden edge for a few heartbeats, legs wobbly from sitting on the uncomfortable bench for so long. The girl allowed her a short time to recover before touching her shoulder, requesting her attention.

The princess faced her companion. Despite the shadows of the forest falling across her face in the approaching twilight, Evalal's features glowed with an expression resembling joy, or perhaps reverence. Danya raised an eyebrow, wondering what should bring such an aspect to the girl when their situation may be dire. Evalal responded by raising her arm, pointing past her head.

Leery, Danya pivoted.

Fellick and Ive remained by the horses, sorting out harnesses and setting them up to be on their own. Beyond them lay the darkening forest of cool shadows and twisted limbs. But she hadn't been gesturing toward either the men or the trees, she'd raised her arm farther. Danya tilted her head back, scanning tree trunks. She saw nothing amongst them other than green needles and gray and brown wood. Above the treetops, the sky stretched out and away, but it wasn't all the indigo of creeping twilight.

Straight ahead, the heavens glowed emerald.

XV  Teryk - Meadow

Darkness returned.

At first, Teryk suspected he'd forgotten to open his eyes. He considered the possibility he might yet be falling out of the sky, but no air rushed around him or whistled in his ears. He blinked, sensed his lashes flutter—he lived, but the world no longer existed.

"Nghn."

The groan came from his right, startling him; the lone sound in an otherwise complete silence.

"Rilum?"

Another moan followed by the scrape of movement as the sailor repositioned himself. Teryk put his