A Flight of Ravens by John Conroe (thriller books to read TXT) 📗

“A Raven in Porye has reported a situation that could be a real problem for us,” the king began.  “I don’t have to tell you that our tiny coastline is our only link to the ocean.  Neil’s asset indicates rapidly rising tensions between factions in Berkette and Mandrigo, with Porye caught right in the middle.”

“What factions, Sire?”

The king turned to Slinch, who cleared his throat.  “That’s just it.  The term factions is one we can apply only loosely.  The reality is the conflicts are popping up between disparate groups of individuals with no known previous involvement.  It seems to be ideological in nature and split between individuals who feel the republic’s form of government is superior to Mandrigo’s, or the kingdom’s is superior to the republic.  These individuals are coming into conflict, more and more, in our territory.”

“The two countries have existed peacefully for decades,” I said. “And left our coastline alone.”

“That’s just it,” the head Raven said.  “This came out of nowhere without any warnings.  Literally, it has blown up overnight.  Three days ago, it was a bar fight.  Two days ago, a mass brawl in the streets of Porye. Merchants, fishermen, tavern, and inn owners, even farmers from outside the town, all fighting each other over differences that have been in place for more than a hundred years.”

“You will take a team and investigate this unrest,” King Helat said, “and when you find its cause, you will take whatever steps are necessary to alleviate the situation.  Clear?”

“Clear, Sire.”

“My daughter will give you the rest of your briefing.  You leave as soon as your team is selected and assembled.”

“Yes, Majesty.”

Clearly dismissed, I followed Brona out of the king’s office and into hers, nodding to Marda as we passed her desk.

My princess led me to the sitting area and took a seat closest to the fireplace.  I mentally smiled to myself.  Brona hates the cold.  She doesn’t allow that hatred to slow her down, as witnessed by her work in the freezing cold garden, but she still gravitates to warmth whenever possible.

“What are you smirking about?  Father is very… concerned about you.  Slinch is whispering in his ear and any sign of insubordination will turn ugly fast,” she said.

“I took your warning,” I said, the smile I thought I had concealed sliding off my face. “Why is he so sensitive all of a sudden?  I follow orders and have been at least modestly successful.”

“You did, you do, and you are… much more than modestly.  Slinch is using that efficiency against you.  Instead of being a good thing, he makes it out to be a threat.”

“Your father is very intelligent; how can he fall for that?”

“Intelligent, but egotistical and emotional.  He is jealous.  You are my operative.  The Shadows are my agency.”

“Hence him giving me multiple direct orders lately,” I said.

“Exactly.  You and the Shadows have become too good of a weapon to leave in my hands.”

“Are you in danger from your father?” I asked, aghast at the thought but knowing it wasn’t completely out of order.

“No.  Unless I begin to defy him and feed into the paranoia that Slinch has been spooning him,” she said in a cold tone.

“Slinch has made an enemy of you.  Why would he take that risk?  Is he our traitor?”

She smiled.  “So many questions, Savid.  Yes, Neil Slinch’s days are numbered, but I don’t know why—at least not yet.  But today was the last straw.  Sending you away from me is an unforgivable offense.  Steps have been taken.  But, Savid, my dear, the mission you have been given is no less important.  And it will take time, between travel, investigation, and travel back.  That, too, is intentional.  Send away my most dangerous ally, isolate me, leave me vulnerable,” she said, her eyes going wide in mock fear.  I might actually be one of her top weapons, but Brona collected living weapons like nobles collected swords.  She grew up watching Slinch plot, listening to her father plan and maneuver.  I didn’t like leaving her, but I had no doubts she had numerous assets and weapons the head Raven knew nothing about.

“So, to your mission, which you must handle well and quickly.  The Raven in Porye is named Freyla Slost.  She owns a tavern, the Lost Lobster, down near the waterfront.  She will house your team and brief you on the particulars, which will surely have changed by the time you get there.  It’ll take what?  Four days?”

“Roughly, depending on weather and road conditions.”

“Slinch received a falcon this morning from Freyla.  There are rumors that the regent of Stoneport in Berkette and the magistrate of Kittwell in Mandrigo are becoming involved in this mess.  You need to get there and stop this before they become the actual factions in this dispute.  You must prevent a war that will take out our only seaport.”

Chapter 20

We left almost immediately, less than two hours after my meetings at the castle.  Jella, Soshi, Drew, Cort, Trell—and Kassa.  Hemppe was in charge in my absence and I had given him some very detailed instructions regarding Ash and Brona.

Darkness came fast but we pushed on, the King’s Highway making for easy travel with a crescent moon shining on the thin layer of snow.  We didn’t make it to Lil, just halfway.  Jella chose a sheltered spot just off the road, against a sheer rock wall that faced south.  As such, it was free of snow and slightly warmed by the day’s sun.  We built a big fire and reheated an excellent moose stew that Brin had packed for us.  I kept my eyes on both Trell and Kassa, as they were not Shadows and not accustomed to our pace.  Of the two, Trell seemed the worse for wear.  Kassa seemed tired but cheerful, as if horseback travel was nothing new to her.  Trell, who had traveled a great deal as a bard, looked pretty done in.  My estimation of our eslling ally rose a great