The Call of Crows

Chapter 6: Ancient Secrets

Taya pushed aside the flaps of a tent as she entered the abode of Braslav, the apprentice druid of her village under Yaroslav. Ruhak and Peng followed her

The boy was a year or two younger than Taya and sat in a circle of herbs and symbolic items while incense burned upon a small wooden table. Naught but a small bedroll and wooden chest furnished the rest of the dimly lit space.

"The crows call for you, Taya," the boy said, his tone cold as he spoke in Taya's native language. "I cannot know if they seek to herald your arrival or give you warning."

"Glad to see you alive, Braslav," Taya muttered. "I need your help for a minute."

The druid stood in his circle, his head coming up only to Taya's nose. His face was covered in white and black paste and wore an overflowing emerald green robe. He surveyed her as well as Ruhak and Peng when they entered. "My...the crows call for you all. Misfortune befouls your steps."

"The crows squawk at whoever they want. Misfortune is bound to befall everyone on this planet," Taya said. "I never bothered to ask before I left, but I'm told you have visions."

Braslav nodded.

"Do you know the prophecy of the Armageddon Event?"

Braslav sighed, "I have joined the Dawn Circle, Taya. I haven't the time for Dusk Circle games."

Taya cursed. This was going to be a whole hell of a lot more frustrating. "Don't tell me you buy into the Dawn Circle's disregard."

"Don't tell me you buy into the Dusk Circle's fantasies, Taya," Braslav muttered. "If that's what you and your friends have come to talk with me about, you can leave."

"The Nikan, Braslav," Taya insisted. "The Nikan are the first sign. They're the 'Men betrayed, marching under the banner of the slave disguised as the emperor'.They're here to cull our numbers and prepare the Newcomers so we can't fight the Event. You can't not see it."

Braslav sighed, "There are things more important matters at play than prophecies about Bás Síoraí."

Taya gave him the look. The look she gave to let people know when she knew they thought she was right. Or just to make them believe she'd seen through something.

"I haven't seen anything about Bás Síoraí!" Braslav insisted, becoming defensive.

Taya willed her mark to start glowing.

"That's it, huh? The mark? That's why you left? You have a Plague, you know," Braslav said. "Get out of my tent!"

"Not a Plague," Taya said, a low growl in the base of her voice. "Just a Scar. And I know you know full well that there's a reason I'm showing you this."

Taya wasn't in the mood to play games. She grabbed a small iron pot from Braslav's things and crushed it between her palms.

"What are you going to do, kill me?"

Taya huffed with annoyance. Coldness rippled through her veins as black and violet smoke poured from the Scar and manifested in a swirl of the substance.

A woman's visage appeared over Taya, draped in black robes with pale grey skin and burning violet eyes.

"Gods and fucking demons!" Ruhak hissed, backing away from her. Peng simply stood speechless, stunned by what he saw.

"Wh-what, you think you can threaten me with that?" Braslav asked.

"I do. As fond of you as I was in childhood, Braslav, Bás Síoraí is not something I'm willing to ignore like you and your Dawn Circle friends," Taya snarled. "You tell me what Fate thinks is going to go down and I'll be out of your hair, understand?"