Crow of the Rain Chapter 1

       Lightning flashed in the sky, thunder roared, deafening the area. The stables flashed in the light. The horses stomped nervously, fearful of the weather. In a candle lit room, Rowen thrashed in the bed, his sleep disturbed by the sound. Nightmares bombarded him through the night. He woke up with a fright, a sweaty sheen on skin. He grew tired of these nightmares that tortured him each stormy night. He could never forget that day as much as he tried. The day he lost his mother to an abomination of the darkness.

      He flinched at the flash of lightning that shone through his window. He clutched his covers, staring outside with an ominous expression. He knew what lurked in the darkness but he needed the comfort of the horses. Only the horses could comfort him on these days but to go outside in the night would be suicide. As if on cue, Blaez loped in the room, looking at him with expecting eyes. Rowen gave a light smile. There was never a situation he couldn’t count on Blaez.

     Blaez was a faithful wolf he had since Blaez was a pup. They practically did everything together; their bond is like no other. His ebony pelt blended in with the darkness almost making him invisible. If not for his amber eyes glowing in the dark, Rowen would not have noticed his presence. Unable to stand the storm, Rowen got up, picking up the lantern. He, carefully, tread through the house with Blaez loping behind, careful not to make a disturbing noise. The caretaker could wake up at any time to check up on him.

     Rowen stared down the door with fear. Blaez nudged him forward, insistent. With a heavy heart, Rowen opened the door. He stared at the downpour with a blank expression. Images were flashing before his eyes; his mother’s slow death and the monster with red eyes that ended her life with satisfaction. The lightning flashed that day revealed the scene to him only to sear the image in his brain.

    Even five years later, they torment him so. The only memento he had of his mother was a silver ring. The image of a crow was engraved into it. She had said it was a gift from his father. The rain fell in a downpour; the stables barely visible. The lantern tremble as his hand shook. It was nerve racking. He twisted his ring for luck. Blaez took off first in the downpour with Rowen barely keeping up. He rushed inside the stables, heart pumping adrenaline. He could see Blaez’s glowing eyes in a corner as he walked around on shaky legs. The horses were rather spooked of the violent weather. This wasn’t often that it happened.

    With a calming touch, Rowen went to each stall to stroke their necks. They slowly calmed down with his presence nearby. Oddly, he had the effect with horses making it much easier to train and work with them. In the back, there was a baby foal, only about two months, huddled close to her mother. He went in the back, careful not to make any disturbing movements. Blaez followed silently, an ever present sentry. The foal’s mother, Burst, was patient and caring brown mare. Her partner, Flare, was a blond stallion, ever aware of his surroundings even watching Rowen with an odd stare.

     He tended to the foal, coaxing it to relax. Suddenly the horses started to get agitated. Rowen noticed the hackles rose on Blaez’s fur and flash of fangs. There was a predator outside putting them on high alert. The hairs on his neck rose as he felt he was being watched. He ushered Blaez in the back to hide in the hay along with him. Blaez’s aggression was barely contained, a rumbling growl threatening to escape.

     Peering out, he noticed movement at the entrance, a mere flash before his eyes. Rowen trembled slightly. He knew what was out there. It was drawn out by his scent. He would have to wait till sunrise at this point. At least the fresh hay was comfortable. He lay down, staring at the ceiling. It was unsettling to listen to the horses’ snorts and he wanted to seek peace here. Going back to the house was no longer an option. Blaez settled beside him, tensed with his fangs still revealed. Rowen drowned out the noise, focusing on the peaceful scents. It didn’t take long for relaxation to seep in. He gladly drifted to sleep, wanting away from this reality.

    Dawn broke, light seeping into the stables. Rowen groaned as the light shone on his face. He felt oddly refreshed as he stretched. Blaez was stretched out beside him in a lazy fashion. The horses seemed relaxed as well. He was no longer worried about the beast that could be lurking outside. With sunlight out, it would have to risk death. He stood up, brushing whatever hay that was still on him. Blaez got up immediately, resuming his typical sentry duty. In the morning, Blaez scouted the grounds, searching for any disturbance.

    Rowen jumped at the sound of the gate opening as a middle age man stepped inside.

    “Jesus! Ivan! You normally would knock first you know?”

    Ivan chuckled, patting Rowen’s back with vigor.

    “My boy! I thought you would be more alert at this point. Storm get to ya?” his voice quietly on the question. Rowen looked away unable to answer. It was embarrassing. To run away from nightmares like a child. But Ivan was the only thing, beside Blaez, closest to a family he had left. He took him when he had nowhere else to go. Ivan housed him and gave him a job to keep him busy. He’s the only father figure he has.

    “It’s alright. I won’t bother ya’ anymore. Now tend to the horses. I’ll get breakfast ready. You might need to run to the village later. We are running short on eggs and bacon.”

            “Fine. You better make sure that’s all we need. I’m not doing double trips this time old man. I have to bond a horse with one of the soldiers,” his distaste apparent at the end.

            Ivan frowned at his tone. “Money is money boy. He gave us a lot of gold for that single horse. Gold that keeps us going for at least three months. He wasn’t just a soldier. He’s the commander of the 4^th Brigade.”

            Rowen snorted. “He’s still just a soldier. The King has been sending our people out to die for no cause! I say to hell with him.”

            Ivan smacked him upside the head. “Don’t be using that language around me boy. The King’s actions may very well have a cause. You’re not on the battlefield to see. I wouldn’t want you to see such violence at the tender age of fifteen.”

            Rowen grumbled, rubbing his head.

            “Don’t start any trouble with them boy. You hear me?”

            “I hear you sir.”

            Ivan walked out, leaving him to his daily duties. Rowen sighed, tending to the horses. He cleaned each stall, sometimes holding his nose when the smell was bad. He replaced the hay and filled up the feeding bin and bucket full of water. It was tiring and took a few hours but he felt pride when he finished the job properly. As he brushed Flare’s mane, Blaez’s barks reached his ears.

            He rushed outside, hoping Blaez wasn’t in danger. When he reached Blaez however, the sight he saw had him sick. A horse lay lifeless on the ground. It didn’t appear to be one of his, all ten were accounted for. It was a chocolate stallion. His eyes were open as if it was staring its attacker in horror. Now they were void of life. He noted the two pinpricks on the neck and the fact its skeleton was showing. It was drained of blood. Rowen was gagging at this point. He knew he had to be responsible for this poor creature’s death.

            The kill wasn’t even a day old.

            Soon Ivan was beside him called by Blaez’s barking as well.

            “It’s not one of ours is it?”

            Rowen shook his head. “Maybe one of the neighbors’. This happened last night.”

             “Damn bloodsuckers. We’ll use this for meat. Doubt they’ll miss it since they let it go wandering in the night. The one thing they’re good at is leaving plenty of meat for us to live off of. Go eat your breakfast. When you finish grab the coins on the table and head off. We want the prime stuff.”

  Rowen gladly left this for Ivan to deal with as he headed inside. He savored each bite, trying to get rid of the acidic bite on his tongue that threatened to come out earlier. He grabbed the gold coins lying on the counter before heading out. Rowen went to the stalls to retrieve Flare. He patiently held still as Rowen placed the saddle on his back. The second Rowen climbed on, Flare took charge rushing outside.

              “Whoa!” Rowen quickly pulled on the reins as Blaez leapt him front with a sharp bark, effectively halting the horse. Ivan gave a haughty laugh. “Ol’ boy can’t wait to get movin’ eh!” Ivan came over to pat the horse on the neck as he attached a cart to Flare. Rowen flushed, steering the horse away. He hardly failed at controlling a horse. He had a feeling Flare was being a little bit too calm for his liking. Rowen waved goodbye to Ivan as he took off down the trail with Blaez following after him.

             It was only a twenty minute trot down the trail before they arrived at the village. The villagers greeted them with smiles and waves as they trotted down the cobblestone road. Rowen leapt off Flare, keeping a tight grip on the reins. You will not play me this time Flare. He guided them to the food distract savoring the scent of the fresh bread in the air. Rowen was practically salivating when he neared the bread. Even Flare was interested, forcing Rowen to push his snout away every ten seconds to prevent him from eating the bread.

              He picked out all the necessaries for back home. They no longer needed meat due to last night incident. He was still disgusted by the thought but food was food. No one gets infected that way. He also had to get leather and nails to craft more saddles and racks. That’s all he could remember. Now to bargain with a blacksmith… A large commotion at the square distracted him. A large crowd surrounded what seemed to be a large silver cage. Rowen leapt on Flare to get a better view.

             He stared in amazement at the large beast within. A large black fox sat chained inside. It could hardly sit up, appearing to be beaten to within inches of its life. A scar covered its right eye yet it seemed to be able to see with as it gazed at the crowd, hopelessly. He was still amazed by the height of the creature. It has to be eight feet!  Beside the cage, he spotted the king’s soliders proudly holding a white Pegasus banner. His anger started to boil. How dare they torture such a creature?

         He leapt down, squeezing through the crowd to listen in. As he got in the frontlines, he saw more soldiers, wielding silver spears for protection, some actually in the cage, prepared to stab the creature should it act out. Rowen balled his hands in fists, searching for a gap. He would free that fox no matter. This was cruel and unusual even for the king.

            “Come on people! See the rarest fox of the world!” One of the soldiers boomed. Rowen could see the disgusted looks in the villagers’ eyes. They were disgusted by this act as much as he was. But they were afraid at the same time to act against the king’s soldiers. Rowen spotted a weak spot in the formation as he sneak through as a guard was dozing off. The beast spared him a glance before looking forward. It had all given up getting out this cage. This human wasn’t going to aid him. Rowen kept his head down, searching of a spear. It was sheer luck finding one lying on the ground as he rushed to pick it up.

            Rowen stabbed the lance at the shackles weak point, weakening them. He had the beast’s full attention at this point. The amber eyes seemed too intelligent as they looked at him. One of soldiers spotted him, yelling at the others. The villagers had surprised looks, watching them rush at Rowen, weapons at the way. Rowen fought the gasp of one as Blaez rushed to his defense, jaws locked on the attackers’ arm. The soldiers yowled, letting go giving Rowen enough time to stab the shackle again.

            “Be free…,” he murmured as he smashed the shackles into pieces. A savage roar came from the beast stunning everyone into silence. The fox rammed into the side, effectively smashing it open. It bared its teeth at the soldiers, daring them to make a step forward. Everyone froze in place as it loped out the cage on the streets. It gave Rowen one last look before running off. Immediately the soldiers pinned Rowen down on the ground. He gritted his teeth, wincing as they lifted him up roughly.

            “That was the king’s prized possession. A rarity among beasts…” A sharp blow to the stomach nearly caused him to double over. His vision blurred as he stared at the ground. The soldiers gripping him lifted Rowen on his feet as they kept giving him blow after blow. They carelessly tossed him on ground, like garbage when they were done with him. He coughed up blood as he attempted to get up. The beating was brute and a public humiliation. No one came to his aid.

            The adults were just simply shielding their children from such a horrific sight. The one of the soldiers kicked dirt at him before all finally disburse going to the castle. Rowen felt absolutely humiliated. He looked around for Blaez, the wolf nowhere in sight. Worried, he asked the villagers where Blaez was. They parted, showing a little girl holding Blaez. He was badly wounded. Shallow slashes and bruises covered his body. Rowen kneeled beside him, carefully brushing his neck fur. If he lost Blaez… Blaez whined under his touch, focusing on him.           

            Rowen swore under his breath. Damn those soldiers! He whistled, calling Flare over. For once, Flare remained still as Rowen carefully placed Blaez in the cart. He grabbed the reins, practically leaning against the animal as they walked to the doctor’s. He felt pain all over as he limped. Luckily they didn’t stomp his face but anywhere else hurt like hell. The villagers said nothing but simply parted out of their way. Such cowards… He trusted these people but they just let the soldiers beat him down without even an attempt to stop it.

            When he arrived at the doctor’s, he quietly picked up Blaez carrying him inside. The doctor immediately dropped what he was doing, aiding him with placing Blaez on the bed.

            “Oh dear dear dear! What happened to you both?!” The doctor clamored, carefully touching Rowen’s bruises. He winced, taking a seat, letting the doctor examine him. Rowen knew Ceas since he was seven years old. He could always trust Ceas for wounds and such. He was a very passionate man, loving his profession like no other.

            Rowen glanced at Blaez with concern. He didn’t like Blaez shallow breathing. “Ceas… Can you please stitch up Blaez first? I can handle my bruises but I don’t think he can…”

            Ceas nodded, focusing on Blaez immediately. Ceas knew it would no point arguing with Rowen any further. He knew that boy could stubborn at times from experience and this was a subject he could never win on. He was quickly efficient as he cleaned the wounds before finally stitching the cuts on the wolf. He hardly worked on animals but he knew Blaez’s anatomy from experience. Ceas shook his head slowly. These two can never keep out of trouble… He carefully smoothed a herbal medicine on the wolf, receiving a whine. “Shh… it’ll help with healing.”

            His herbal medicine was the best in the village. He went through a difficult experimentation phrase before actually using it on others. When he finished tending to Blaez, he immediately starting to work on Rowen. Luckily he had no cuts like Blaez. He simply cleaned him up, smoothing the medicine on him as well. Ceas sighed, pulling away.

            “Now will you finally tell me what had happened Rowen?” Rowen tested the pain levels. The medicine was already kicking in lessening the pain. Ceas never ceases to amaze him.

            He leaned close to Ceas’ ear. “I freed a fox that belonged to the king.” Ceas gasped, quickly pulling away. Rowen covered Ceas’ mouth quickly before he could say anything. He shook his head silently glancing outside. He couldn’t afford any more trouble than he had already received.      

            “Please be quiet about this…” Rowen stressed. Ceas nodded and Rowen let go.

            “But why would do this? That was clearly an act of defiance against the king.”

            Rowen shrugged. He could give a damn less about the king and his rules. He wanted to release the beast. He couldn’t help but shiver when he remembered how it stared at him. Those weren’t eyes of a mindless beast.

            “My punishment was getting beaten in front of the village. That’s enough.”

            Ceas shook his head quickly, gripping Rowen’s shoulders. “No… That fox was extremely rare. The king will want to know who freed the beast…. You must leave!”

            As if on cue, there was a banging on the entrance. They stiffened, looking at the door. Ceas silently covered the wolf with a white sheet before he pushed Rowen into a vacant closet. His eyes conveyed silence as he quietly shut the door to open the entrance. He had the best calm poker face as he allowed a female soldier to enter. Her hair was like crimson flames. It was quite rare to see a female within the soldiers and the air around her demanded compliance and dignity. Ceas spotted a golden eagle encrusted on the right shoulder of the armor.

            Inwardly he silently swore. She was one of the elite commanders. This situation was direr than he had thought. Ceas wore a smile as she surveyed the room. “What do I owe the pleasure of your visit ma’am? Do you have a cut that needs cleaning or some medicine for home?”

            She ignored him, lifting up the sheet. She slowly pat the wolf, ignoring its pitiful growls.

            “Ceas… I heard you have taken care of a boy recently. Where is he?” She murmured. Her voice purposely lulling, wanting him to sip. He knew she was like a siren, entrancing her prey to give up everything. Ceas would never give it. He would put his patients over his life any day.

            “I have no idea what are you talking about.”

            She whipped around like the wind, facing him. Her jade eyes were compelling as she stared into his. “Do not try to play me as a fool Ceas… This wolf fits the description the villagers had told me. It didn’t take much to get it out of them. Just threaten a few children.” She leaned into closer, her sharp nails grazing his chin, seductively. Ceas resisted shivering under her touch. She was to using any means for getting information. This conquest would be no different.

            She summoned a soldier, wielding a torch. “Please hurry Ceas. I will burn your livelihood right here in front of your eyes,” she lulled in his ear. She grabbed the torch, holding the flame within mere inches of Blaez.

            “This will be the first victim… Would you like to be responsible for this poor animal’s death?” Sweat dewed on Ceas’ forehead. He knew this threat was not empty. Staring into her eyes, he could clearly see she had no feelings or remorse for what she is about to do. Ceas couldn’t lose all the work he has done building this place into the thriving job that it is now. The woman sighed, grabbing his right hand. The other solider gripped him from behind, holding him in place.

            “You will dry my patience Ceas…” she hissed. Ceas squirmed, trying to get out of the grip but to no avail. He watched as she brought his hand closer to the flame.

            “So I will make sure you can no longer heal patients with these hands ever again,” she chuckled.  The closet door burst open as Rowen stepped forward with menace. He had seen Ceas looking resigned as the commander was about to sear his hand. He was willing to sacrifice his skills for Rowen’s sake and he wasn’t going to allow that to happen.

            She chuckled, examining Rowen. “So this is the boy that freed our poor beastie… Luckily he saved you Ceas.” She blew out the torch like a candle, tossing it aside. She signaled the soldier to drop Ceas and pick up Rowen. He didn’t fight it, allowing them to drag him away.

            The commander wrapped an arm around his shoulders, chuckling in his ear. “Such a hero you are today. Maybe when you get older you can save me.” She gave a fake dramatic scream before letting go. Rowen shivered, wanting to wash any evidence of her touching him. It was creepy and disgusting. It was a long walk to the castle. All the while Rowen had to dodge Commander’s ‘advances’. Never again will I view females the same way again… He was mentally scarred after the walk. The castle was grander than he had originally thought. White banners hang over its glorious white walls as they passed the metal ruby red gates.

            He expected to go to the main throne room but they made slight detour. He himself never had been in this castle but just being able to travel within its walls was just amazing. They entered a room in the west corridor. It was nicely lit spacious with a long square table. There at the table, sat a man who was a complete stranger to him.

            He was dressed like an aristocrat as he glanced up at looking at the two. He gave a dismissing hand to the commander and soldier. They quickly bowed, walking out, effectively leaving Rowen alone with this man. The tension in air was high as the fireplace crackling behind the man was the only sound. Rowen had a sense he was being watched by something else but he couldn’t see what it was. His sixth sense hardly lied in these situations. He stiffened when the man stood up walking to him. Rowen could feel power emanating from him as he stood in front of him. He could see eyes, beneath the jet black hair, an odd pair of eyes. His left eye was crystal blue while the right was a jade green. They were compelling…

            “So you’re the boy who freed the beast… I thought it was best for me see you instead of the king. The king has other things to worry about.” His arrogant tone set Rowen’s teeth on edge.  But who was this man? Was he part of the King’s Counsel? The inner workings of the kingdom were strictly a secret to all. Only the commanders and true friends of the king knew of these workings. Now he was one of them… If I live….

            He spied a ring on the man’s right hand. It was a mirror image of his. He held his surprise in, silently hiding his hand behind his back. Was this man his father? His father left him and mother for dead on the streets. He never had seen his father face. He was mere an infant when his father effectively abandoned them to fend for their own.

            The man looked at him expectantly. For him to talk? Rowen stood straightly. “My behavior was…. out of character and I deeply apologize for my rudeness.” He bowed slightly, despising every second of it. He did not deserve a bow if he truly was his father. He should be apologizing for how he left his family for the rich life. How he allowed his son to grow up in a sector where thievery and sickness were everywhere. Rowen had to keep his anger check so he didn’t lash out at the only man who could possibly stop his possible execution.

            The man gave a slight nod. “My name is Tiras Corvi. Your crime is rather moderate at this point. The beast, fortunately, did not kill anyone. It merely severely injured the guards that crossed its path. It was such a beautiful creature once but the king made it ragged so this is actually a good excuse to get rid of it.” He focused on Rowen thoughtfully. Rowen’s features looked like those of Corvi family member to him. Rowen’s jet black hair was slightly longer than his.

            But the eyes thrown him off. Rowen’s eyes were a hazel color. None of the Corvi had that color. There were always green, blue or both colors. Perhaps his mother’s genes are quite strong. If her genes were that strong, he had no hope that Rowen would be the one he was searching for. But he sensed something when that boy entered. Something was manifesting due to his presence. He could see it now. A small amount of darkness swirled beside him trying to gain a form. He doubted the boy could see it but he clearly can.

            Tiras touched the swirl and it flinched away. Rowen had the same reaction. Something glinted behind him catching Tiras’ eyes. He grabbed Rowen’s arm, holding it to the light. He see the reflecting off the light. His eyes’ widened as he grinned. This was the boy he was searching for!

            Rowen snatched his hand away, rubbing his wrist.

            “Boy… Where did you get that ring?” Rowen stiffened, averting his eyes. Tiras’ tone had changed completely. Void of emotions. Not a good sign.

            Tiras could clearly see Rowen wasn’t going to answer the question. The swirl of darkness seemed agitated reacting to Rowen’s mood. That was enough evidence for Tiras. He grabbed the darkness, gripping it hard. Rowen cried out, falling on his knees, clutching his chest as pain shot through him. What did he do to me…? His vision was blurry as he looked up seeing Tiras clutching something. At first he seemed to clutching air but soon he could slowly see him crushing darkness.

            Is that a part of me? He got his answer when Tiras gave it a tight squeeze, pain flaring throughout once more. Where did it come from though? He never had seen it in his life.

            Tiras laughed. “This is just simply perfect! To finally get you in my grasp is simply a godsend!” Tiras tossed the darkness to him as he caught it. It slowly took the form of a baby crow in his hands. He blinked, hardly believing what was happening. The crow croaked, huddling, making it as small as possible. Poor thing was frightened as hell. He was relieved to no longer feel that crushing pain from before. It was as if he was crushing my soul…

             Tiras examined the crow with bored eyes. “So this is your familiar…Tsk tsk. Poor thing. It had to form a link with you in order to manifest.”

            He snapped his fingers. Rowen heard a rustle of feathers as he was pinned by incredibly sharp talons. He didn’t dare move as one of the talons was positioned at his neck while the other held his chest to the floor. A large golden eagle stared him down. He was paralyzed with fear. Where did this even come from? Tiras stroked its feather with affection.

            “This is my familiar Oris. He doesn’t seem to like you so much.” The fledgling crow pecked at the talons in a pitiful attempt to protect Rowen. Oris snapped his beak causing the crow to flee back into the safety of his hands. Inwardly Rowen sighed. What he was going to do with a pathetic familiar? Why did he even have a familiar in the first place?

            Tiras chuckled. “I can see you have questions from your eyes. You boy come from a family full of Casters. Welcome to the family.”

            Casters?  “My father was a Caster then?”

            Tiras nodded. “Our family goes ages back with relations with the king. I see my brother has lain with a peasant it seems. Her blood must be quite strong for your abilities to manifest so late in life,” he murmured with scorn.

            Rowen stiffened with anger.  He felt the talon pressed against his neck causing him pause. That eagle had a careful eye on him.

            “Unfortunately, my brother has passed leaving me with the duty of our family. But he held secrets. Secrets he did not pass to me…” Tiras’ eyes sparked with greed. Surely his son knew of his sibling’s secrets.

            “My father left me nothing. He abandoned us when I was a baby. I want nothing to do with him,” he growled.

            Tiras sighed in disappointment. “I have no use for you then.” With a wave of hand, Oris vanished in thin air. He summoned the guards and they immediately rushed in, restraining him.

            “Please see to it that he receives whips in the morning. Make them as painful as you possibly can.”

            The fledgling clambered in his shirt, hiding from the guards. He gritted his teeth when one of the guards blindfolded him. He felt chills coming on. He was always wary of the dark. As if sensing his stress, the fledging huddled closer. The guards guided him every step of the way, making sure he did not wonder aimlessly.

            They dragged him to the dungeon, ripping off his blindfold. It was dark and damp. A few candles were the only source of light as they dimly lit up the room. He near gagged at the scent of death, wanting to cover his nose from this stench.

            One of the guards coughed, letting him go. He traveled down the corridor, stopping at the last cell. The guard covered his nose as he dragged a corpse out of it.

            “He must have died recently. Couldn’t last a little while longer old man could you?” The guard grumbled hauling it over his shoulder. Rowen averted his eyes from the decaying body. Such a saddening way to die. The other guard shoved Rowen in a cell, locking the door behind him.    

            “Enjoy your time here,” he snickered, walking away. Rowen sat down, nearly jumping at the coldness of the ground. It was practically freezing. He shivered, sitting on the bed. It wasn’t the comfortable like his but it was better than sitting on the freezing floor. He pulled out the fledging, examining it.

            It seemed real enough in his hand; the soft feathers were warm against his hands.

            “So you’re my familiar…” He wasn’t impressed in the slightest. He wouldn’t stand a chance against Tiras with this scrawny fledgling. It bristled, giving his hand a sharp peck. He winced, shaking it. Could it read his thoughts? 
             It busily ignored him, hopping on the ground. Rowen still had more questions than answers at this time. What exactly is a Caster? He never heard of the term. Was it another word for warlock if so why? He only knew that Tiras is his uncle and that his father was dead for reasons unbeknownst to him. He placed his face in his hands. Now he was locked up awaiting a punishment he dreaded. He has seen public whippings before. They chain a person to a wooden pole whipping them without pause. Most were too weak to stand from it, bleeding heavily, the pain overwhelming.     
            If the wounds weren’t clean quickly the people would end up dying from infection. Most of them couldn’t afford the medicine to do so. There would burnings within the days, mourning the dead. He prayed to the gods that he wouldn’t be one of those people.
            R-R-Ro…wen.. Row…en. ROWEN!
            

He jostled awake, eyes roaming. Who said his name? The fledgling was hopping on his chest rather frantic. He had dozed off without knowing. He sat up, rubbing his aching back. The bed was definitely not comfortable. He noted the candle wax was nearly gone compared to the taller wax he had seen when he was first entered. He was sleep for hours.

            The fledgling immediately scampered on his shoulder, huddling against his neck. It was shivering. He patted it, attempting to comfort it. It was frightened again but why? He froze as he gurgling cry ring out in the darkness. Even the prisoners stopped moaning. Rowen placed his hands on the bars, shaking it violently. He wanted out now.

            He watched as a figure stepped out into the dim light. It was quite tall. Though Rowen was at least five feet eight inches, the figure had to be at least six feet tall. It wore a white fox mask that enveloped its face and the black robes it was dressed in were slightly ragged. He noted it was barefooted which was quite odd. He heard small drips and he focused it. Blood was dripping off the figure’s hand which had Rowen immediately stepping back.

            It was clear that the figure had taken care of some stray guard but why was it here? It seemed intent on Rowen as it stepped to his cell. The fledging got hostile suddenly, croaking at it, feathers bristling. Rowen sighed inwardly. His familiar was as intimidating as a fluff ball. He muffled it, watching the figure carefully. He didn’t need to agitate the figure. He realized from the structure that the figure had to be a man. It was way too tall to be a woman and it was built like a human man.

            The man place a hand on the bars, shaking it slightly as if testing the durability. Rowen backed away to the wall as the man ripped the door off like it was nothing. Oh gods…  Clearly he wasn’t human. He paused then stepped aside, allowing Rowen to exit. Rowen was still stunned. This man just ripped off a steel door like it was nothing, expecting Rowen to simply walk out. The fledging gave him a sharp peck, jostling him out of his amazement. Slowly, he walked out feeling slightly awkward. He swore the man sniffed him slightly when he walked by.

            The man grabbed a candle, motioning Rowen to follow as he walked down a corridor. Rowen shivered when he saw the stray guard, slump against a wall. His throat was slashed. He choked on his blood before finally dying there. Rowen gave another wary glance at his man’s bloody hand. He didn’t see any claws but to tear a man’s throat like that. The hairs on his neck stood up. This man could turn on him any time and make him like that guard.

            The man ignored Rowen’s reaction simply walking. Rowen was relatively relieved that the man was guiding him. When they reached the main hall, he blew out the candle tossing it aside. Guards were patrolling everywhere. The man took Rowen’s hand, ignoring Rowen’s shiver, guiding them behind a pillar’s shadow. A guard passed by, blind to their presence.

            When the coast was clear, he lead them outside to the courtyard. Rowen froze, not wanting to move. Night was dangerous. Why could these guards not understand? In times of darkness, the predators prowled yet there was not one single one of them and the guards showed no hint of fear while patrolling. Could they not enter this castle? If so why did king not do the same for the villagers and people like himself? It would have prevented so many deaths…

            The man tugged his arm, impatient. Rowen was hesitant. Outside these walls he and the man would face possible death the moment they set foot outside. Within the walls, Rowen was threatened by whippings and a possible infection. Death by illness. The man didn’t wait for him to make a decision. He simply lifted Rowen in his arms, carrying to the gates as if he was an infant. Rowen flushed but said nothing. He wasn’t stupid enough to tip off the guards being so close to escaping. It dawned on him that the moment he set foot outside of his cell that was second he became a fugitive in the eyes of the kingdom. It wasn’t a pleasant thought.

            Rowen stared at the walls. There was no way for this man to clear fifty foot wall without any perches to latch onto. The man crouched low, preparing to jump. No way… Rowen could feel a change in the air. He looked down to see wind flowing around the man’s feet. He knew wind magic. Rowen didn’t have time to gather his thoughts before they launched in the air. He buried his face in the man’s robes, clutching for dear life. He was too frightened to be embarrassed. When he took a peek, he paled nearly faintly. They were several feet in air, clear over the wall, pummeling.

            Oh gods! Please don’t let us die! He heard a chuckle as the rushing wind around them slowed. They slowly levitated to the forest below. Rowen didn’t dare let go, worried his feet would go out. That was terrifying experience for him. He never knew that he was afraid of heights. Now he was. Suddenly the man dropped to the ground, dragging Rowen with him. Rowen narrowly avoided having muck cover his face. He grumbled, looking at the arrows embedded in the tree where they were standing front of.

            The archers at already spotted them. The man wasted no time dragging him to densely wooded areas to avoid arrow fire and stealth. The king would be foolish to send any men at night in the forest. It would be suicide. They also knew Rowen and his partner had no chance for surviving the night.

            Rowen panted as they finally halted at a river. He found it strange that all along the journey nothing different tried to attack them. He watched the man wash his hands in the river. He still had no idea why this man risked his life to aid him to escape.

            “Thank you for your help,” he grumbled. He still was wary. There was a lot of he didn’t know. The man simply nodded, pointing upstream. Not willing to talk eh? Rowen jumped at a twig snapping. He immediately looked to see a squirrel, searching for food. Rowen sighed. That was rather embarrassing… The fledgling shook with laughter and Rowen flicked its beak in swift retaliation.

            The man started upstream with Rowen following after. Rowen decided it was a lot better to stay with this man. Whatever he was, it was a natural repellent to the predators that stalk the night. He could see the red eyes in the forest, watching, waiting for him to separate further from the man but he was no fool. Every now and then, he would hear a growl and the eyes would suddenly vanish.

            Rowen was grateful when they finally arrived at a cave at the river’s waterfall. As he walked inside, he noted the man place something in front of the cave entrance before leaving his line of sight. Inside, Rowen began to panic. His natural repellent was leaving for reasons he did not know. He searched for a sharp object, preparing himself for a battle if he had to fight. A rock fell and Rowen quickly turned, launching himself, a large stone in hand.

            A hand flashed out, grabbing his arm. The man stared him down, firewood in the other arm. Rowen immediately dropped the stone. “I’m sorry.”

            The man shrugged, setting down the wood. “Next time I guess you get a better stone.”

            Rowen blinked. So he can speak. “Can you at least tell me your name?”

            “Ciro Nardi.”