Shownotes
A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.
Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne—until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.
Transcripts
Chapter 49, Bree.
2
:The dragon has an iron grip on my ankle.
3
:I lunge for a candlestick and bring
it down repeatedly on his head.
4
:With a yank, the stick is pulled from
my hand and I push to the ground.
5
:He's saying something, but I kick
and claw heeless of his words.
6
:Then a hand is clamped over my mouth.
7
:I bite down on the fingers.
8
:As I do, the hand is jerked away.
9
:My head is yanked along with it.
10
:I see the face of my
assailant for the first time.
11
:My jaw relaxes.
12
:Gray?
13
:He puts a finger to his lips.
14
:"I was trying to tell you, " he
whispers as he removes the dragon's
15
:helm and looks at the dense I've made.
16
:I can't help myself and throw
my arms around his neck.
17
:I do it out of relief, but
without thinking, I tip my
18
:face up and I'm kissing him.
19
:lips are moist and the scruff
on his face is soft on my skin.
20
:I'm not embarrassed.
21
:Not at all.
22
:Then Gray rolls me away.
23
:Something is wrong.
24
:I begin to squirm in his arms, desperate
to put some distance between us.
25
:But Gray holds me fast.
26
:"I promised," he says.
27
:"I promised Nona that I wouldn't
kiss you again until you were 18.
28
:"She said I had to treat you as my queen.
29
:I almost choke.
30
:"Your queen?
31
:Are you kidding?
32
:Could I possibly be a queen?"
33
:Gray looks earnest.
34
:"Yes.
35
:"I swallow and stare into his eyes.
36
:wrinkles his brow and wipes
a finger across my face.
37
:Even in the dim candlelight, I can
see it come away covered in soot.
38
:I look down at my dress.
39
:The beautiful blue fabric
is now filthy black.
40
:not queenly material.
41
:Even if a few strands of
silver still shine through.
42
:" How did you find me?
43
:"I whisper.
44
:" It was dumb luck," Grace says.
45
:"I overheard one of the dragons
tell the warden you were
46
:locked in the queen's quarters.
47
:When the warden wasn't looking, I dumped
the last of your capsicum in his food.
48
:gray grins.
49
:"It worked better than I expected.
50
:While he was gasping on the floor,
I whacked him on the head with
51
:Marzette's staff and stole his uniform.
52
:Gray pulls the staff from his
shoulder and hands it to me.
53
:still extended to its full length.
54
:With a twist and a push
on the button, I close it.
55
:"That doesn't explain how you
found me, " I say, slipping
56
:the staff over my shoulder.
57
:Gray looks surprised, and
I'm sure he's wondering how
58
:I managed to close the staff.
59
:Instead of commenting,
he answers my question.
60
:I was looking for the queen's room
when Reaganthorn came down the stairs.
61
:I thought my goat was cooked, but he was
so intent on his conversation with some
62
:croaker that he didn't even look at me.
63
:I just acted like I knew what I
was doing, and he told me to stand
64
:watch at the top of the stairs.
65
:When I got here, I heard
a noise and peeked in.
66
:I'm amazed by his explanation.
67
:"It seemed like more than a coincidence.
68
:If I had climbed to the roof,
Gray would never have found me.
69
:""But how could this be?
70
:" The whisper didn't prompt me
to climb down the chimney.
71
:"I made that decision on my own.
72
:""Didn't I?
73
:" "Come on, let's get out of here, "Gray
says, standing and pulling me to my feet.
74
:"Not yet."
75
:I shake loose from his
grip and rush to the chest.
76
:"You've got to help me get this open.
77
:"Gray doesn't ask why.
78
:He just says," Stand back.
79
:Then he pulls a monstrous
axe from his back.
80
:With one swing, the lock
is knocked off its clasp.
81
:The noise is so loud, Gray and I freeze,
afraid someone will come to investigate.
82
:When all remains quiet,
I heave open the lid.
83
:There in an array of gold
coins is the bag of jewels.
84
:It takes me a moment to think what to do.
85
:With a yank at the hem of my skirt,
I rip off a portion of fabric and tie
86
:the stone securely into the folds.
87
:I snatch a pile of moonstones off
the table and dump them in the bag.
88
:They aren't exactly the same size,
but if Reaganthorn doesn't open
89
:the pouch, he might not notice.
90
:clasp on the chest is broken,
but I put it back in place
91
:with the lock hanging from it.
92
:In the dim light, it
doesn't look disturbed.
93
:"Any idea how to get out of here?"
94
:I ask.
95
:"Let's just walk through the front door.
96
:If anyone stops us,
pretend you're my prisoner.
97
:""Are you crazy?"
98
:"Do you have a better idea?
99
:"" There isn't any way gray will fit
through the chimney, so I say no."
100
:That settles it then.
101
:ghia: Together, we creep
down the spiral stairs.
102
:I work hard to keep the wooden sole
of my boot from making a sound.
103
:"I'm thinking we must be at
ground level when we come to a
104
:wide hallway lit with lanterns.
105
:"This way, Grace says.
106
:We proceed down the hall.
107
:Tapestries hang on the walls
and carpets cover the floor.
108
:We hear voices as we
approach an open door.
109
:Gray and I stop mid-step.
110
:I will inform the necessary
members of voice murmurs.
111
:"Members, as in members of the order,
images of the man dangling from the
112
:bridge in Serpesca flash through my mind.
113
:pulls me behind a tapestry just
before footsteps enter the hall.
114
:You can inform anyone you want, but be
assured I have everything under control.
115
:second voice I recognize
as Reaganthorne's croaker.
116
:I hold my breath, wondering
if I'll be discovered.
117
:But the footsteps recede down the hallway.
118
:Gray and I don't move for
a good 10 long breaths.
119
:"Come on, let's go, " Gray says.
120
:Together, we hurry back down
the hall, away from the voices.
121
:We've just started down the steps when
we come face to face with a tall woman.
122
:She has a red welt across her cheek,
which I vaguely remember seeing
123
:on the servant from the terrace.
124
:She stares at me
searchingly before asking.
125
:" Are you Lady Fallon's baby?
126
:"I hesitate, wondering if it's
safe to admit, but I don't
127
:see any point in denying it.
128
:" That's what I'm told," I say.
129
:The woman looks at Gray.
130
:"I'll take the girl from here.
131
:You go back to your duties."
132
:Her long fingers grip my arm.
133
:"No, he's staying with me " I blurt out.
134
:The woman's eyes dart between us
as if she's trying to understand.
135
:Then she nods.
136
:"You're gray, I suppose.
137
:"Gray looks weary, but answers.
138
:"Yes, and you are?
139
:" "I'm Zapora, " she
says, pulling on my arm.
140
:"Come on, the dragons
are searching for you.
141
:" My mouth drops open.
142
:"The Zapora I follow her down a
shadowed corridor, I realize that she
143
:must have given Jackal the Sardinex.
144
:""Does she know Jackal gave it to me?
145
:" "It isn't long before she turns
down a smaller hallway and
146
:stops before a wooden door.
147
:leads out to the kitchen garden.
148
:The castle gate is to the left.
149
:Hurry now."
150
:Gray and I are just stepping past her
when she grabs me by the arm again.
151
:"Which one of you will it be?
152
:" "What?
153
:" I whisper.
154
:"The queen.
155
:Who did Nakona tell you would
be queen, you or Dogmar?"
156
:I stumble slightly at her words.
157
:"She never mentioned it, "I reply.
158
:A loud noise echoes down the
corridor and Zapora looks frightened.
159
:"You've got to go.
160
:Hurry."
161
:want to ask a million questions,
but Zapora pushes me out the door.
162
:I'm looking over my shoulder at her
as Gray pulls me through the garden.
163
:Could Nona really have
expected me to be queen?
164
:I know she didn't want
Jackal on the throne.
165
:She's Reagan Thorne's
daughter, his puppet.
166
:"But me?
167
:I understand I have royal blood.
168
:Still, that can't be the only
qualification my loathing of
169
:the idea, a little thrill of
excitement runs through me.
170
:If it's meant to be, could I deny it?
171
:Chapter 50, Bri.
172
:As soon as we reach the garden gate,
I pull away from gray, disturbed by
173
:a foreboding eeriness I can't place.
174
:"Something's wrong, "I whisper.
175
:"Looking around, I find the moon."
176
:Gray follows my gaze.
177
:"Together, we stare.
178
:I read about the blood moon in
the pedaler's book, but I never
179
:quite understood how it would look.
180
:"The full moon I saw only an hour
ago now appears to be half gone.
181
:"What's happening?
182
:" Gray breathes.
183
:Presumably, that moon is the reason
Reaganthorne insisted on the coronation
184
:taking place tonight, I whisper.
185
:peddler's book says it
creates negative light.
186
:When that negative light bounces off
the crystals of the mosaic inside
187
:Opheon's ramwatt, it will amplify the
essence of any gems within its glow.
188
:What I understand is that Reaganthorne
plans to put the jewels of Tambor into
189
:that beam, but it doesn't make sense.
190
:The order wouldn't want Reaganthorne
to make the jewels stronger.
191
:Greg grabs me by the elbow.
192
:"First, let's get out of here.
193
:Later, we'll figure out
what Reaganthorne is up to.
194
:" I relent and together we
hurry to the castle gate.
195
:There we find three
dragons guarding our scape.
196
:Owl pellets, I breathe in frustration.
197
:The sound of tramping
feet comes from behind us.
198
:Soldiers are heading our way.
199
:Gray and I fling ourselves
into some bushes.
200
:Thorns scratch my face and rip
through my dress as I crouch down.
201
:We are out of sight just
before the soldiers march past.
202
:Now what?
203
:" I whisper in Gray's ear.
204
:"We wait until the coast is clear.
205
:Then we run for the gate, " he
says, sounding confident.
206
:"For the first time, I think
Gray has forgotten about my foot.
207
:I don't remind him.
208
:Instead, I glance at the moon.
209
:There isn't time to wait," I hiss.
210
:got less than an hour before
the blood moon is complete.
211
:I'm searching for a distraction when the
sound of hoof beats draws my attention.
212
:From the side of the castle,
something flashes in the torch light.
213
:A moment later, I realize it's the
ornate trim on a black carriage
214
:being pulled by sable horses.
215
:The carriage comes into the
courtyard and stops at the
216
:circular drive before the gate.
217
:A dragon hustles to the large front
door of the castle and heaves it open.
218
:Light streams down a wide set of stairs.
219
:Reaganthorne emerges in a
coat the color of old gold.
220
:The ruffled shirt beneath it
is a light shade of pewter.
221
:Three strands of rubies rest on his
chest, rings sparkle on his fingers.
222
:His hair is pulled back high on his head.
223
:Held in place with a golden
serpent, complete with emerald eyes.
224
:Looped earrings hang with gemstones.
225
:On his feet are knee high boots.
226
:At his side is a jeweled sword.
227
:Emerging after him is Jackal.
228
:It takes me a moment to recognize her.
229
:She has never looked so delicate.
230
:She is wrapped in layers of light fabric.
231
:Her hair done up in jewels with long
curls dangling over one shoulder.
232
:Diamonds trickle from her
ears and around her neck.
233
:Soft jeweled slippers are on her feet.
234
:I can't help but scrutinize her.
235
:Compare her to the image I saw
of myself in the wardrobe mirror.
236
:Which one of us is meant to be queen?
237
:She pauses with her hand
on the door for support.
238
:A maid standing behind her wraps a
scarf over her head and around her neck,
239
:leaving the ends dangling down her back.
240
:At the same time, I see
Zapora slip Jackal's black
241
:leather belt around her waist.
242
:certain the scarf has been added to
cover the ugly bruising on Jackal's
243
:neck from the dragon on the terrace.
244
:But the belt seems out of place.
245
:a quick tug from Zapora, the flowing
fabric of the dress blouses over
246
:it, adding to the draped appearance.
247
:It could be the final touch to
Jackle's attire, but I'm not convinced.
248
:dragon strides forward and
bows before Reaganthorn.
249
:"My Lord, we haven't located the girl, but
she couldn't have left the castle grounds.
250
:We'll find her Reaganthorne snarls.
251
:You had better.
252
:"There's a titter from Jackal.
253
:Reaganthorne grabs her arm, digging
his fingers into the flesh.
254
:Don't act so pleased," he hisses.
255
:If she gets away, you'll
be the one who pays.
256
:"I gulp.
257
:Jackal doesn't react.
258
:Instead, she stands motionless as a
stiff breeze blows the ends of her scarf.
259
:At the same time, my nose is
filled with a vile stench.
260
:I glance around, but don't see
the source before my attention
261
:is drawn back to Jackal.
262
:eyes are glazed as she looks at
her father's hand on her arm.
263
:When she speaks, her words
are slightly garbled.
264
:You drove my mother mad with
this poison, didn't you?
265
:" Reaganthorne's nostrils flare, and he
pushes Jackal towards the carriage.
266
:She stumbles, but manages to climb in.
267
:Reaganthorne gets in behind her.
268
:The coachman snaps his whip
and the horses lunge forward.
269
:"Find the girl, " Reaganthorne
yells out the window.
270
:The coach rolls through the gate
and the dragon slam it closed.
271
:My mouth goes dry.
272
:Our escape is gone.
273
:Now what?
274
:" I hiss.
275
:Gray rubs his face and looks solemn.
276
:"I don't know.
277
:Something black brushes past me, and I
see a rat disappear through a metal grate
278
:in the cobblestones just beyond our bush.
279
:A second drops in before
something clicks in my head.
280
:I stare, trying to decide if
what I'm seeing makes sense.
281
:With another breeze, I catch the same
foul smell I caught a moment ago.
282
:Excited, I grab Gray's arm.
283
:"Look."
284
:Gray glances in the direction
I point, but seems confused.
285
:"The grate.
286
:Doesn't it look like a spider's web?
287
:I exclaim.
288
:Gray's face is still blank.
289
:""It's the same pattern on Fremont's arm,"
I say, desperate for him to understand.
290
:Gray looks down at the ink on his own arm.
291
:"
You think Fremont was tethered in the sewer?
292
:Yes, and I bet that's how he escaped.
293
:Gray nods.
294
:We wait until the dragons
have their backs to us.
295
:Then we leap towards the grate.
296
:Gray has it pried up in seconds.
297
:look at the size of the
opening then up at gray.
298
:If Fremont fit, so will you, I whisper.
299
:Gray nods, though we both know he's
a good bit bigger than Fremont.
300
:"You go first," he says.
301
:With only a slight hesitation,
I drop into the hole.
302
:My feet sink in soft muck and
the stench causes me to gag.
303
:I'm grateful that the hem of my
dress is still tucked up in my belt.
304
:After a moment, Gray drops down behind
me and slides the grate back in place.
305
:I move down the tunnel.
306
:Gray grunts behind me.
307
:I know why.
308
:While I'm able to crawl
through the tunnel in a squat.
309
:Gray is forced to his hands and knees.
310
:move forward, but haven't gone
far when the light of the grate is
311
:gone and I'm submerged in darkness.
312
:All I can do is feel my way along.
313
:It seems like I've been crawling
forever before there's a
314
:glimmer of light in front of us.
315
:Please let it be a way out.
316
:I push forward and find the grate, but
the street above is teeming with people.
317
:" We can't climb out here.
318
:Someone will see us, " I whisper.
319
:"Keep going, " Grace says.
320
:"We'll find a better place.
321
:"We pass through three more grace
before finding an empty street.
322
:After climbing out, I'm elated
by the feeling of freedom.
323
:I don't even care that my
boots are smeared with muck.
324
:Gray washes in a horse trough while
I find a shadowed corner to crouch.
325
:soot covered hands, I entire the strip
of fabric I used to secure the jewels
326
:to my belt and spread it out on my lap.
327
:Then I pull the sardinix
from the top of my boot.
328
:I'm buzzing with satisfaction as I
place it with the other seven stones.
329
:I've done it.
330
:I've gathered all eight jewels of tambour.
331
:I pick up Vita's emerald
and cup it in my hands.
332
:With my eyes closed, I feel
reason, understanding, and hope.
333
:The same sensations I've felt
from her for my whole life.
334
:Gray clears his throat and
looks around nervously.
335
:I know he wants me to hurry, but I
can't resist picking up the ruby.
336
:The last time I held it,
the occasion was cut short.
337
:With the stone cupped in my
hand, I feel my heart quicken.
338
:It's purity, passion, and courage.
339
:Exactly what I need right now.
340
:I do my best to soak up the feeling.
341
:After a final squeeze, I put the
ruby back in my lap with the others.
342
:Now, I can feel all the
jewels in equal measure.
343
:Delicate vibrations of
goodness invade my being.
344
:know this is what Nona always wanted.
345
:With the eight jewels of Tambor held in
my heart, I feel in command of myself.
346
:Not because I'm in possession
of power, but because I feel
347
:in tune with the whisper.
348
:Nona's words from a month
ago echo in my head.
349
:The jewels allow the queen to be a link
between the Hesperian and her people.
350
:I close my eyes.
351
:If I can finally feel the whisper.
352
:"Does that confirm that I should be queen?
353
:"Let's go, Raven, "Grace says,
interrupting my thoughts.
354
:I tie the stones back in the fabric and
secure the makeshift bundle in my belt.
355
:a glance at the moon, I see there was
only a crescent left in the sky, and that
356
:the shadowed side is now glowing red.
357
:not the red of fresh living blood,
but the red of old, dried blood.
358
:Time is running out.
359
:I've got to get to the ramwatt before
the blood moon is complete, or I won't
360
:be able to stop the coronation, but
there's something that must be done first.
361
:" Follow me, "I call to gray, and
begin jogging down the street.
362
:Chapter 51, Bree.
363
:"Raven, wait.
364
:You're going in the wrong direction.
365
:The ramwatt is the other way,"
Gray calls from behind me.
366
:"No, "I answer without explaining."
367
:Dull spikes of pain shoot up my
leg, which isn't good, but I
368
:don't let it slow me down.
369
:As the alleys are too dark to
navigate, I stick to the streets,
370
:which are lit with torches.
371
:takes some searching, but I'm
ecstatic when I recognize where I am.
372
:"This way, I call."
373
:We turn down an alley and
stop at a wooden door.
374
:""Break it down," I tell Gray.
375
:Without a question, he kicks in the door.
376
:I rush into the dim room.
377
:Vita sits slumped at her loom.
378
:we're here, I say, throwing my
arms around her withered form.
379
:"I've brought Gray."
380
:""Bris..."
381
:"Bri, is that you?
382
:" I was afraid the whole thing was a dream.
383
:She touches my face.
384
:"Ma?
385
:"I'm practically knocked out
of the way as Gray hugs Vita.
386
:He must see her eyes,
but he makes no comment.
387
:"Gray, get this chain off.
388
:"Gray gropes around, feeling the chain
and how it's attached to the loom at one
389
:end and his mother's ankle at the other.
390
:" Stand back," he says,
raising the ax in the air.
391
:With a yell, he drives
it through the chain.
392
:""Nice work," I say, truly impressed.
393
:Gray grins.
394
:starting to like this
thing, " says, hefting the ax.
395
:" Now take your mother
and get out of the city.
396
:The closest gate is that
way," I point out the door.
397
:""If you get lost, keep the top
of the ramwatt to your left.
398
:You'll come to the gate eventually."
399
:Gray scowls.
400
:"What are you talking about?
401
:""We're not going anywhere without
Before he finishes, I dash out the door.
402
:This has got to be the most low
down raven trick I've ever pulled.
403
:He won't be able to leave Vita, and with
her and Toe, he won't be able to catch me.
404
:I only hope he does the wise
thing and vacates the city.
405
:I can't risk either of
them being captured again.
406
:I traverse the streets of Ultan, splashing
through puddles and dodging laundry.
407
:The run takes longer than I expect as
the streets are packed with diggers.
408
:While many merchants are taking advantage
of the crowds to hawk their wares, the
409
:mood on the street isn't exactly festive.
410
:I have to wonder if the people are nervous
about the ominous state of the moon.
411
:When I burst into the courtyard
surrounding the ramwatt of Opheon, find
412
:myself on the side with the golden doors.
413
:As all the Nobiles are inside, the
plaza is empty except for one thing,
414
:Reagan Thorn's black carriage.
415
:For a moment, I wonder
what he's waiting for.
416
:Then I know.
417
:He wants the blood moon almost complete
before making his grand entrance.
418
:He needs Jackal Crown just as the negative
light shines through the moon hollow.
419
:Through the open doors, I see
torches mounted on the walls
420
:to illuminate the ramwatt.
421
:Every inch of the floor
is packed with nobilus.
422
:Tonight, there is no room for diggers.
423
:The main floor and the gallery are flooded
with jewels, furs, feathers, and wigs.
424
:Chanting Marabu with green
robes stand on the platform
425
:surrounding the central column.
426
:Other Marabu stand as guards at the doors,
preventing anyone else from entering.
427
:My heart beats louder than
Nona, pounding on abalone.
428
:This is it.
429
:I have the jewels.
430
:The coronation is about to begin.
431
:But for the love of rats,
what am I supposed to do?
432
:There isn't any way in.
433
:I stand, waiting, waiting, waiting for
the whisper to prompt me to do something.
434
:know very well this
could go terribly wrong.
435
:It wouldn't be the first time the
whisper has led me into a mess, though
436
:I will admit that eventually things
have always worked out for the best.
437
:I let out a breath and tried to clear
my mind, but I feel no inspiration.
438
:Al Pelletz.
439
:Reaganthorne leads out the carriage
door and motions to the coachmen.
440
:With a flick of his reigns, the horse
pulls the carriage through the golden
441
:doors and right into the ramwatt.
442
:Horns blare.
443
:The nobilits on the main floor are forced
to move out of the way as the horses
444
:pull the carriage around the column.
445
:On the far side of the ramwatt,
the horses are reigned to a stop
446
:where they prance nervously.
447
:The crowd cheers as Reaganthorne
and Jackal emerge and mount the
448
:platform at the base of the column.
449
:Reaganthorne bows with the flourish,
but Jackal stands perfectly still.
450
:Her eyes are wide, and I think she
is more nervous than the horses.
451
:Reaganthorne takes her arm and parades
her around the column for all to see.
452
:Her walk is steadier than it
seemed at the castle, and I
453
:think she may have sobered some.
454
:A breeze causes the ends of her scarf
to flutter, and I can't help but notice
455
:how much more regal she looks than
any of the Gotti Nobilis around her.
456
:Shirley Jackel is more
fit to be queen than I am.
457
:She has the poise.
458
:She knows the politics.
459
:She can play the game.
460
:But what of the puppet queen
Nona wanted to prevent?
461
:What of saving the Norwood?
462
:Reaganthorne holds up his
hands to silence the crowd.
463
:Open the moon hollow.
464
:he commands.
465
:From where I'm standing outside the
courtyard, I look up at the roof of the
466
:ramwatt and see the hatch slide open.
467
:Apparently, the Nobiles have been
inside long enough that they haven't
468
:noticed the state of the moon.
469
:There's a collective gasp.
470
:Only a thin crescent of white is left.
471
:The rest of the moon is
glowing and orange is red.
472
:" On this evening, you will witness
the greatest miracle in the world,
473
:"Reaganthorne calls to the crowd
as he parades around the platform.
474
:"Show us the crown,"
bellows as he looks up.
475
:"My heart takes an extra beat.
476
:"What is he talking about?
477
:"There aren't any jewels in it.
478
:The presiding Marabu at the top of
the column gives Reaganthorn a nod.
479
:With another fanfare of horns,
the Maribu produces the crown
480
:displayed on a marble head.
481
:He holds it high for all to see.
482
:Golden cords dangle down the sides.
483
:Uncut jewels are mounted
at the ends of each chord.
484
:a loud voice that reverberates
off the dome, the presiding Marabu
485
:begins to recount the history
and symbolism of the crown.
486
:Nona wouldn't approve as he leaves
out all mention of the hysperian.
487
:I peer at the top of the column.
488
:Next to the jewels on the nobilus, the
golden circlet looks overly simple,
489
:but it also holds an ancient air of
beauty, unmatched by the current styles.
490
:Obviously, Reaganthorne had the
jewels replaced with fakes after
491
:discovering they were missing.
492
:I suppose he plans on holding the bag
of what he believes are the actual
493
:jewels under the negative light of the
blood moon, just at the right moment.
494
:But he won't be able to, will he?
495
:I pat the scrap of
fabric tied at my waist.
496
:Still, I've got to stop
him from crowning jackal.
497
:"Those jewels are fake," I yell
from where I stand in the plaza.
498
:"But I can't be heard over the
bellowing voice of the Marabou.
499
:Desperate, I dash towards the open doors.
500
:Before I can get inside, two
Marabou guards block my way.
501
:I swerve, but they catch me.
502
:"No, you don't, "a Marabou
says," As he hurls me like a
503
:rotten potato into the courtyard.
504
:"I land with a crash and jar my foot.
505
:"Stupid, stupid, stupid."
506
:Did I really think I could
just march in the front doors?
507
:door?"
508
:Chapter 52,
509
:" I know the vines aren't real.
510
:Still I can't drive them away.
511
:I squeeze my eyes closed only
to feel the vines get tighter.
512
:With effort, I peer through the leaves
and make out the cheering nobils.
513
:I'm not supposed to be here, but I
can't remember why a cool breeze from
514
:the door blows on my face and I bite
my lip until pain brings some clarity.
515
:""Yes, I remember.
516
:Tonight is the coronation, my coronation.
517
:The trumpet sounds, and I
make out the Maraboo's purple
518
:robe at the top of the column.
519
:He's holding up the queen's
crown and the jewels.
520
:The memory rips away some of
the vines, clearing my vision.
521
:not the one that should hold the throne.
522
:It's Bri.
523
:She should wear the crown.
524
:It will keep her safe.
525
:I've got to make sure Bri is crowned.
526
:I baw my hands into fists,
trying to force myself to think.
527
:The Marabu calls out to the people.
528
:Reaganthorne Electro of the Southern
Plains presents dogmar ethereal of
529
:Ultan before Opheon and the people.
530
:The Nobiles applaud.
531
:My father takes me by the arm and
pulls me toward the bottom of the
532
:stairs that wind up the column.
533
:With a jerk, I yank away.
534
:I won't go.
535
:My father sneers and
places a hand at his sword.
536
:I snort.
537
:He won't use it on me, not here.
538
:Then I realize he isn't trying
to threaten me with the blade.
539
:He's showing me what's in his hand.
540
:A Croaker's needle.
541
:I twitch.
542
:If he sticks me again, the
vines will grow thicker.
543
:I'll be lost.
544
:My nostrils flare.
545
:Before I can summon a solution,
he's pulling me up the stairs.
546
:Bri.
547
:I watch Reaganthorn and Jackal
reach the top of the column.
548
:I've got to do something now.
549
:There must be another
way into the ram rot.
550
:I'm frantic until I notice the vine
growing up the pillars that hold up
551
:the balcony and the central dome.
552
:That's it.
553
:I'll climb.
554
:I look back through the open doors.
555
:green robed Marabu are still chanting as
they push the spokes that turn the column.
556
:Over them booms the voice
of the presiding Marabu.
557
:this water, I now cleanse you
before Opheon, dipping his
558
:fingers into a crystal bowl.
559
:The Marabou splashes water on
Jackal's face, neck, and arms.
560
:She is seated on a marble throne.
561
:Her black hair stands out
against the gleaming whiteness.
562
:Her face is pale and devoid of expression.
563
:Overhead, the moon is
almost completely red.
564
:The thundering of my heart is
now issuing from a sledgehammer.
565
:Please, please, please, let the
bloodmoon slow down until I can get
566
:inside With a quick glance to make
sure the marabou aren't watching.
567
:I slip around the side of the ramwatt.
568
:There I stop at the pillar with the
most vines, my hopes slump as I look up.
569
:While the vines extend almost to
the balcony and circling the dome
570
:they don't quite reach the top.
571
:There, I'll be forced to climb
without anything except bare stone.
572
:My mind flashes on the day I rescued grim.
573
:The day I froze on the sea cliff.
574
:The pa- Hit of my stomach hollows.
575
:If Gray hadn't been there to drop me a
rope, I would eventually have slipped
576
:and been crushed on the rocks below.
577
:This time, there won't
be anyone to rescue me.
578
:I'm alone.
579
:My foot throbs and my confidence crumbles.
580
:Nevermind.
581
:I'm not a raven.
582
:I'm not fit to be queen.
583
:I'm just a lame girl.
584
:What made me think I could do anything?
585
:As if trying to offer comfort, I
sense huge imaginary wings wrap
586
:around me, but I push them away.
587
:It's useless.
588
:It can't be done.
589
:The next thing I know, I'm
clutching my chest like I've
590
:lost the jewels all over again.
591
:I gasp at the pain as
I realize what it is.
592
:Loneliness.
593
:Aching loneliness.
594
:thought losing Nona was bad.
595
:This is like being in a void of darkness.
596
:I squeeze my eyes closed, knowing
exactly why I feel so bad.
597
:By denying my essence, I
have driven away the whisper.
598
:It doesn't matter that the jewels
are hanging in a pouch at my side.
599
:They aren't in my heart.
600
:"Come back, " I plead.
601
:"I won't push you away again."
602
:Nothing happens.
603
:I clasp my hands.
604
:I must be true to myself.
605
:I must acknowledge my value.
606
:I must trust.
607
:"I'm sorry, " I say.
608
:Then louder, I add.
609
:I'm bree of the black raven.
610
:If this is what the whisper
wants me to do, I'll try.
611
:The warmth starts in my heart and
spreads through my body like a sunrise.
612
:I feel whole again.
613
:I'm still not sure how I'm going to
make the climb, but I won't be alone.
614
:Stealing my nerve, I check that
the hem of my dress is still
615
:securely tucked in my belt.
616
:Then I stick a foot into
the tangle of vines.
617
:With a purse of my lips, I
begin to scramble up the pillar.
618
:It's easier than I expected,
and my confidence swells
619
:until the vine begins to thin.
620
:I'm almost to the balcony when
the last tendril rips from the
621
:wall and hangs limp in my hand.
622
:For the love of rats, I look
up and my legs begin to shake.
623
:I try to concentrate on who I am, a raven.
624
:I'm a raven.
625
:I gathered the jewels of Tambor.
626
:If I can come this far,
surely I can finish the job.
627
:With effort, I revert to the
meditative breath I assumed while
628
:rowing the Tawari flat water.
629
:My nerves calm, and I begin
to climb the rough cut stones.
630
:First a hand hold, then a foothold.
631
:With my emotions under
control, I make progress.
632
:two moves from the balcony when I
reach for a hold but find nothing.
633
:I reach again.
634
:Still nothing.
635
:Breathe, I command myself.
636
:The shaking in my legs gets worse.
637
:I make the mistake of looking
down and nearly lose my composure.
638
:Frantically, my eyes dart
around for another hold.
639
:The only one I see is too high.
640
:"Jump," I hear inside.
641
:The word comes so forcefully, I obey.
642
:My fingers clamp down
on the spot I've chosen.
643
:But the hold is sloped.
644
:I'm slipping.
645
:The skin on my fingers tearing.
646
:I'm going to fall In
desperation, I reach out a foot.
647
:The wooden heel of my boot
catches on a small knob.
648
:My leg is shaking, but the
boot heel gives me just enough
649
:balance to hold me on the wall.
650
:With a grunt, I make another lunge.
651
:This time for the railing.
652
:It takes all my strength, but
I heave myself to safety.
653
:Here I sprawl on the hard
stones of the balcony and gasp.
654
:The cold air racks my throat.
655
:I want to rest until I can breathe
normally again, but I've got to move.
656
:The coronation is about to take place.
657
:Struggling to my feet.
658
:I hurry around the balcony until
I find a door and crack it open.
659
:Dogmar Ethereal of Ultan.
660
:Do you swear to Opheon and these people
to rule this country with all the
661
:strength and power in your possession?
662
:I hear the presiding Marabu call.
663
:Panic rises in my gut.
664
:I've got to act now or
the deed will be done.
665
:Jackal will be crowned.
666
:Reaganthorne's puppet
will be on the throne.
667
:" I yell, pushing through the door
and rushing to the gallery railing.
668
:The Nobiles around me step away
with looks of shock and disgust.
669
:The presiding Marabu regards
me over his shoulder.
670
:" The jewels in the crown
are fake, " I yell.
671
:Jackal.
672
:When the voice calls out, everyone stares.
673
:I stare myself.
674
:Unable for a moment to imagine
who the filthy black creature is.
675
:Then I know it's Bree.
676
:Bri can take the throne.
677
:"Who are you to interrupt
these proceedings?"
678
:The presiding Marabu calls.
679
:I pinch my arm in an effort to clear
away the vines muddling my brain.
680
:" She's a welp.
681
:Come to make trouble, " my
father announces.
682
:flinging a dismissive hand.
683
:"" Seize her," he yells to the Marabu
at the bottom of the column.
684
:"No, leave her alone.
685
:" I staggered to my feet, almost
bumping into the presiding Marabu who
686
:is still holding the crystal bowl.
687
:My head spins mercilessly, and I'm
forced to hold onto the arm of the
688
:marble throne to keep from toppling.
689
:She has every right to be here, I call
out, with all the strength I can muster.
690
:With an arm held high, I focus
on the words I must speak.
691
:"Breen of the Black Raven, daughter
of Fallon Ethereal and Reaganthorne
692
:Electro stands before you, " I cry.
693
:She carries royal blood.
694
:I relinquish my claim
on the throne to her.
695
:The words take all my strength, and I
drop back to the cold marble throne.
