Ravenswynd Visions

RAVENSWYND VISIONS

Book Three

SHARON RICKLIN

Copyright © 2013 Sharon Ricklin

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

Other Titles by Sharon Ricklin

Ravenswynd Legends (Book 1)

Ravenswynd Dreams (Book 2)

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission from the author.

Cover Artwork: Amela M. B. at Madhoshi Arts

Background Image:

copyright © 2011 by Gareth Edwards | synflame.blogspot.com

For my sisters - Pam, Jean, Laurel,

Nina, Amy & Carmen

♥

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a

golden thread to the meaning of life.

~ Isadora James ~

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author’s profound gratitude to…

My awesome editor Barbara Secklin

My fantastic beta-readers: Laurel Johnson and Lisa McFerren

An enormous thanks to my brother Richard - for forging the way in self-publishing and encouraging me to take the risk and join him in this all-consuming, yet exhilarating adventure.

I will be forever grateful to my small, but enthusiastic group of fans who cheer me on with their rave and colorful reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and Facebook. You guys rock!

I love you all.

* * *

† † †

"And you, my pretty little liar - if you wish to keep your

head, you can stay on as my mate. No one else will want you

anyway. A satisfied sneer stretched across his mouth. You

can be damaged goods, or you can be dead. It doesn’t matter

to me." His eyes were malevolent, crimson and full of hate.

"I wouldn’t be your mate if you were the last damn Raven

on earth," I said, seething. I yanked my arm free and tried to

cover myself, crossing my arms again. I had never felt so

vulnerable in my life. He took a quick step forward and

caught my wrist, pulling me firmly to him. Wedging himself

up against me, he pressed his mouth down on mine. I tried to

turn away but he released my wrist and grabbed a handful of

my hair, yanking me back with a jerk. His mouth was

pungent, tasting of alcohol, and his groping hand was

rough and unrelenting. I flinched forward as the cold metal

of the gun raked across my back…

His breath was hot and his eyes were full of lust…

I was scared to death that this time, he might actually

succeed…

† † †

CHAPTER 1

COUNTRY GARDENS

I have no idea what possessed me, other than my irritation at the incessant whispering at the breakfast table, but I jumped up and cleared my throat with a loud determination. It was not like me at all to make a spectacle of myself, to draw everyone’s attention this way, but I felt a new bravery welling up, and was compelled to clear the air. I assumed that everyone had a million questions, and I’d rather they asked me than whisper behind my back. Even though I had specifically said that I didn’t want to discuss my abduction yesterday; today was a new day.

Could I please have everyone’s attention? I announced, feeling bold. I realize you’re all speculating about what happened to me the other day - or the other night. Whatever... Everyone’s eyes turned my way and all the whispering stopped. I took a quick peek at Emrys. He seemed surprised at my sudden and quite unusual public discussion, but did nothing to stop me. Looking back into his cup; he continued to stir the sugar into his tea.

Some of you know the whole story, I said, gazing across the table at my friend, Fiona; her green eyes widened as she stared at me. I glanced beside my chair at my twin, Melinda; her mouth hung open in shock, and she put a soft hand on my arm. Ignoring her, I continued. And some of you have only heard bits and pieces.

Amrita caught my eye and gave me a warm, almost apologetic smile. I couldn’t imagine how this made her feel; after all, my abductor, Rohan was her half-brother, even if he never did acknowledge her as part of his family.

I went on then, feeling even more fearless, inspired by Amrita’s smile, and said, I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t ask me questions about the kidnapping and I certainly don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.

A disconcerted hush engulfed the table. When Emrys suddenly stood, his noisy chair scraping across the floor was sharp and nearly earsplitting. I had been wondering how long he would let me go on before he broke in.

My wife is indeed quite courageous, but I know her well enough to say that she really has no desire to be the center of attention in this despicable matter, he started with a raised brow. "Perhaps everyone might be a little more attentive to what goes on around Ravenswynd. If you could keep your eyes and ears open; we would very much appreciate it. Most of us sitting here know what Rohan is capable of, and the traits he has apparently inherited from his father, Idris. More than anything I would like to resolve the problem once and for all, but sadly, it appears that the only time he shows his face, is to our women."

That’s because he’s really a hideous filthy coward.

Emrys gave me a quick nod to my silent derogatory observation. I had to assume that his ability to read my mind could sometimes be somewhat of a distraction to him and I snickered to myself.

I watched as my sweet assistant, Kelsey became more unnerved with each word Emrys uttered, and after a moment of hesitation, I decided to sit back down. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said anything in front of her, but it was too late, and now I felt terrible. She looked embarrassed and ashamed but when she glanced at Royal, her new, albeit secret, love - he shook his head slightly, letting her know it wasn’t her fault.

Everyone knew that Rohan had deceived Kelsey for years; using and abusing her, playing with her heartstrings. And now, Royal’s love for Kelsey was evident as he kept his eyes on her through Emrys’ whole speech, conveying with his expressions, empathy and acceptance - an apparent attempt to bolster Kelsey’s self-esteem. I wondered if I was the only one in the room to notice this as Emrys went on. Catching Fiona’s eye for a moment gave me my answer. A quick nod and eyebrow raise was all I needed. She’d noticed it too.

"Please bring it to my attention immediately if you hear or see anything. Rohan must not be allowed to continue to harass my wife, or anyone else in our family for that matter. Emrys turned his attention to me, lovingly reached out his hand and cupped my cheek, saying, She did nothing to deserve this, and already he has assaulted her three times."

Kelsey started to cry, and with much effort she said, Master Emrys… I should have told you when he last came to me. I should have warned you then. I am so sorry. She hung her head, covering her face with her hands and her shoulders shook as she became even more hysterical.

It is not your fault, Kelsey, both Emrys and I said at the same time.

And then all hell broke loose.

Priscilla became downright vehement as her face crumpled and she pointed at her daughter with her pudgy, shaking finger, yelling, I told ye years ago he was no good! What did I say? Some day he would bring such shame on you as ye never thought possible! He’s a rotten egg, that one. It’s a wonder we don’t smell him coming before he gets here.

Kelsey sobbed harder and louder, a few onlookers gasped aloud, and Amrita boomed, Stop it, Priscilla!

I hissed, Priscilla! at the same time as Amrita scolded her, both of us completely appalled at her unhelpful and mean outburst.

Priscilla glared at me through squinty eyes and shouted back, "Well, you know yourself; the rogue wants to get into your knickers as well! He can’t be satisfied with ruining me only daughter’s life. He’s bound to ruin as many as he can! The sodding half-wit."

Enough, woman! Emrys yelled, slamming his hand down on the table - rocking the entire set of plates and glasses. The loud clanging metal of the silverware echoed as everyone fell into a shocked silence, and he fixed his angry eyes on Priscilla.

But she was right. Rohan was a half-wit.

Priscilla clammed up but did not manage to wipe the bitter look off her face. Kelsey continued to whimper quietly. I cleared my throat to get Emrys’ attention and made a silent suggestion regarding Kelsey. When I saw him nod, I was once again glad of his ability to read my mind.

Kelsey, you may be excused to gather yourself together. Would someone please help her? Emrys asked in an unbelievably calm voice.

Priscilla started to get up, but Emrys stopped her, holding up his hand. She sat back down without comment, her expression ashen and chagrined.

Royal jumped up and said, I will. He came around to Kelsey’s side of the table and put one hand on her elbow and the other around her waist, Come on, Kelsey, and let’s go sit in the parlor.

As she stood slowly with Royal’s help, Lindy handed her a napkin. Here, sweetie. She accepted it and wiped her nose, nodding at Melinda through her tears, but hesitated.

Fiona chimed in, It’ll be ok, Kelsey. Go with Royal.

At first she just stood there checking around the table; Amrita and Emrys both nodded. Kelsey searched my face for approval, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy, her face white with fear, and her lip quivering, barely holding herself together. Lizzy? she whispered.

I nodded. Yes, you should go with Royal. He’ll bring you back when you’re feeling better. I hoped her reason for seeking my opinion was more out of friendship rather than employee relations. Kelsey needed friends much more than she needed a boss. And I was so proud of Fiona and Lindy, and glad they had taken a step in affirming that need.

Everyone remained quiet as Royal and Kelsey made their way out of the room.

Emrys cleared his throat and said, There are some things which must be changed here at Ravenswynd. He looked around slowly as he gathered his thoughts, his eyes finally landing on our cook. Priscilla? he said firmly.

Yes, sir? She stood up, calmer now, but still visibly upset. I wasn’t sure if she felt unfairly chastised, or just completely humiliated and angry. She laced her fingers together, standing at attention, apparently ready to receive her Regent’s chastisement.

Sit down, please. It is about time you realized your place here, he began.

She kept her eyes down, refolded her pudgy hands on her lap, and now looked nervous as her head seemed to bob up and down, waiting to receive the rest of her lecture from the Regent.

Your contract has been fulfilled, Emrys started. His next words surprised everyone, but no one more so than Priscilla. "If you should choose to continue to cook for the family, you will do so only if you promise to delegate some of the chores to those whom we have hired for the job. I do not want to come into the kitchen and find you working your fingers to the bone, while our gainfully employed donors sit around and watch television. You are a Raven, no longer just a hired servant. He paused for a moment, waiting for it to sink in, and then asked, Do you understand?"

She raised her head and her eyes grew large and round when she started to realize that he was treating her with respect and equality. Nodding, she said, Yes.

And furthermore, you need to understand that not only does Kelsey need to make a life of her own, but you must as well. You have both been model employees for decades, but your debt has been paid, as well as your daughter’s. It is time to enjoy your lives. I watched as a few other fellow Ravens nodded, agreeing with him. You should get out of the kitchen once in a while. Relax. Perhaps take a holiday.

Priscilla gave him a surprised smile. Thank you, Master Emrys. I appreciate your kindness. I will do as you suggest, and as long as you allow me to cook for the enjoyment of it, I will be happy. It was obvious she was both pleased and grateful that what she thought would be a severe reprimand, instead came as kindness and compassion.

As you wish, he stated with a smile. I shall always cherish the meals you prepare for us.

He then turned to the men, and taking in a breath, said, I must call a meeting after breakfast, gentlemen. And I do expect everyone to be in attendance.

I saw Gavin nod, and down on the far end of the table Latimer, our oldest and most respected record keeper, raised a hand and then spoke softly. Do you require all of us, sir? I do believe I have a meeting this morning with our new friend, Steven. He glanced across the table at Barbara Lee’s fiancé, apparently asking if Emrys meant to include the humans as well.

By all means, I want all of you there; including you, Steven; and someone please make sure that Royal joins us as well. I want all of our men, even our human donors. This concerns every single one of us. We will meet out at the gatehouse so that everyone can be included.

Latimer turned to Matthew and whispered something that I couldn’t hear and a moment later Matthew said, I will see to it that everyone is informed, sir. He stood at once and left the room.

I realized then that they must have hired several new gatekeepers and guards already, since both Matthew and Royal were here inside the house. A quick shiver shot through me as I remembered the dead body I’d tripped over in the foyer the night Rohan kidnapped me. And the memory of the tempting scent of the blood of the two humans in the gatehouse gave me an instant guilt-trip, even though I had nothing to do with their deaths.

How could Rohan think he would ever get away with murder?

I looked at Emrys, who seemed deep in thought, and decided to refrain from asking any questions. I glanced over at Melinda. She gave me a satisfied look, now that something would finally be done. As far as I knew, my sister was the only one who had the guts to stand up to our esteemed Regent and tell him he needed to make some changes around here. Although I had no idea what Emrys had in mind, I could only assume he planned to reinforce the security measures that obviously had not been working. Somehow though, no matter what extra protection they came up with, I wondered if I’d ever be one hundred percent sure that Rohan wouldn’t still get through. He had a one-track mind and knew if he could ruin what Emrys and I had together; it would be far easier for him to challenge Emrys for his title. Just like his father before him, Rohan’s greatest desire was to be the Regent. I just could not picture him giving up even with any extra security in place. And since he was also a flyer, I imagined that the only sure way to keep him out, they’d have to fence in the entire estate, including the air above it…or… someone would have to kill him. I shivered at the thought, but realized my opinion of the death penalty was definitely changing, especially when it came to him.

Emrys made a sound, not quite a sigh, not quite a snicker, but I became well aware; he had been listening to my thoughts. I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip, my appetite abated completely. Normal sounds now resumed around the table; forks scraping on the plates, spoons clinking in tea and coffee cups, and the quiet murmur of conversations continued between couples and friends once again.

Emrys put a soft hand on my arm and said, Elizabeth, you must try to eat something. After the meeting we will get on with our fencing lesson; that will require some energy, you know?

I grabbed my fork and stabbed a piece of my mushroom and ham omelet, slid it into my mouth and with unintentional surliness, I snapped, There, are you happy? I hated feeling this way, so negative and edgy, but I resented always having to live in fear. Of course, as soon as I realized the sharpness of my tone, I regretted it with a long sigh. I’m sorry, I whispered, blinking back the tears and peering into his eyes. I’m just so tired of...

He interrupted. I know. There is no need for explanation. He gave my arm a gentle squeeze and said quietly, "We will think of something even if we have to search for Rohan and bring him to justice ourselves. I am the one who is sorry. Sorry I brought you into this world of constant uncertainty and fear." He looked somber and troubled, and heaved a huge sigh.

Before I could respond, Royal and Kelsey returned, and my attention was drawn away from Emrys and all of my negativity. I decided instead to focus on more positive thoughts, and watched the way Kelsey and Royal interacted while they ate. She looked much better than when she had left, but I noticed she deliberately avoided her mother’s eyes for the remainder of the meal, and ate in silence.

Priscilla stood and began to clear the plates. Out of sheer habit, Kelsey jumped up to help, but Priscilla’s next move shocked us all, though no one more so than her own daughter. She held up her hand as if to stop Kelsey, walked over and put a hand on her shoulder and said, Please finish eating, daughter. I will get the new girls to help. You’ve enough to keep you busy now - with Miss Elizabeth, your gardens, and what-not. There was no sarcasm in her voice whatsoever - only soft and sincere words. Then without reserve, Priscilla bent and kissed her daughter’s cheek. The look on Kelsey’s face was one I would not soon forget. First she appeared downright shocked as she seemed to question her own hearing. Then after her mother kissed her, Kelsey looked like she had been freed of a heavy burden. A stunned smile turned up her mouth, and she touched her own cheek as though to keep the reality of the kiss from fading. Priscilla scurried away without another word, and Kelsey leaned back into the chair, sighing and grinning, her brown eyes brighter than ever.

I have no idea what happened while I was gone, but it’s plain to see, I have someone to thank. Kelsey looked around the table, searching for some kind of clue. I cannot remember the last time mum gave me a kiss, she added, shaking her head.

Someone cleared his or her throat, but no one spoke.

Well, then. I thank you all for your kind words, for not judging or blaming me for things I have no control over - like she always tended to do.

That part of your life is in the past and I expect your mother will treat you with fairness and respect from now on, Emrys said with reassuring certainty.

Kelsey’s face softened when she realized how much had taken place in her short absence. The Regent had spoken. It was very rare for anyone not to take what he said to heart. With a new confidence, she looked him in the eye and said, I thank you, Master Emrys.

You are welcome, he said, getting to his feet.

Kelsey nodded, and said, If it’s alright, I think I might go out now and attend to my gardens. She glanced my way. If you need anything after your lesson, that’s where you can find me Lizzy." She smiled at me and pushed herself away from the table.

Royal and I stood at the same instant, and I said, Okay, I’ll send for you if I need anything.

As she started to leave the room she held her head up high, more self-assured and calm than she had been since I’d met her. Royal never took his eyes off her.

Wait! I called, now rethinking my plans.

Kelsey stopped just before turning the corner out of the dining room, and looked back quizzically. Yes?

Do you mind if I join you while the men have their meeting? My lessons won’t begin until Emrys is finished, and I would love to see your gardens.

Of course! Kelsey grinned proudly. Glancing back at the other women, she added, Anyone is welcome. Please join us if you aren’t busy. She waited while I set my napkin down and said goodbye to Emrys with a quick kiss.

See you a bit later, love. I left his side and joined Kelsey, turning a quick glance back and saying, Is anyone else coming?

Fiona sounded disappointed when she said, I wish I could. But I’ve got to get upstairs with Constance and Barbara Lee. We’re having our dresses altered, remember?

I gave her a nod, and then looked around.

I’ll come take a quick peek, sis, Melinda said, jumping up. I could tell she was worried she’d have to postpone her scheduled trip to London with Gavin, if their meeting took too long.

Surprising everyone, Amrita stood up and joined us with a smile. I’ve got time enough and no plans to speak of. By all means, let’s see what Kelsey’s been up to lately.

That was a move I never expected, but I grinned at Amrita, glad she wanted to join us too.

Kelsey beamed as the three of us followed her through the kitchen, which she said was a short cut to the back of the estate, and seeing her smile and wave at her mother warmed my heart all over again. Once outside she led us down a path which started at the very back of the house and went toward an old brick building.

We came around the corner of the structure and passed under an arched trellis covered in morning glories, dark blue with purple star-like centers. And then we entered the most beautiful plot of land I had ever seen in my life. At first glance, it was like a brilliant rainbow of colors. There were mums of bright orange and yellows and rows of delicate red roses, and daisy-like flowers in blues and lavenders with brilliant yellow centers.

What are those? I asked, pointing at the colorful feathery blooms.

Kelsey said, Oh these are my Asters. They’ll be the last blooms of the season in my garden. I tried to choose flowers that blossom well into the autumn so I can enjoy the colors as long as possible. She seemed to reflect the brightness and beauty of this garden as she spoke excitedly.

We strolled along a lovely brick pathway that was edged with many different plants and flowers, grasses and shrubs, and here and there I’d spot a statue of a smiling fairy or a white-bearded garden gnome. Some patches of the herbs and beds of flowering plants had already stopped blooming. But I’m sure if I had asked her; Kelsey would have known the name of every single one, even in this stage. The only herb I could recognize myself was parsley, and the only flower I could name was the tall narrow lavender plants, only because their scent was so familiar.

We followed her through a sequence of hillside paths, paved stone landings and granite stairs which wound among purplish-pink flowering shrubs and some that had deep purple berries. I counted at least three different benches where one could sit at leisure and enjoy the sights and heavenly scents in different areas of the yard. It was absolutely lovely, and around each turn I inhaled deeply, enjoying every single moment.

We came upon what I thought was a patch of multicolored wild flowers, until I got closer and realized this was yet another herb garden of sorts. Kelsey explained all the variations of herbs she grew, and even picked a few tiny snippets, rubbed them into the palm of her hand, and let us smell them one by one. She told us that some of her herbs were used in the kitchen to enhance our meals, and some she grew just for their beauty.

Right in the middle of all this colorful landscaping was a small, round garden-pond with water