The Keeper's Sacrifice

Chapter Four: Fate

I waited.. And waited.. And waited..

It seemed like years of doing nothing but sitting on a bed, when in reality, it had only been a week. During this time, my brothers had been my only visitors. Who would want to see the girl who would be Unclean by the next full moon? At that thought, I scoffed at myself, throwing my pillow against the wall.

I was under strict orders by several of my commanding officers not to leave my bed until one of the Healers deemed me healthy enough to go. I was of the opinion that they would not let me leave the bed until Council convened next, perhaps it was because they did not want me turning or suddenly have the urge to eat blond people.

"Stupid people.." I hissed under my breath, tearing up the corner of my blanket, feeling the fabric come apart between my fingers.

"Have you already lost all your discipline and patience, Little Raven?" called a voice from the doorway, "It has only been a week."

A wide grin spread across my features as Pangborn moved to my bed.

"Perhaps solitary confinement until my hearing is causing more damage than originally determined by my captors," I said, loud enough for anyone walking past to hear.

"Now, now, Ravenna," he said, sitting on the corner of my bed, patting my knee, "You are not healed enough to get up and about."

"Yes, I am. I think I would know the healing process of my own body well enough. I've been cut, bruised, broken and scarred during my training. I did not start out that amazing, Pangborn," I replied, testily.

"No. You didn't," he chuckled, "I remember the first time we had met and you had just started using real swords. You almost killed yourself with it." My eyes cut to the long thin scar that ran down my calf.

"Don't remind me," I grumbled, crossing my arms across my chest, "That was the last time Richard could beat me."

Pangborn laughed, deep and loud. He reached over to tousle my hair and I smiled lightly. Perhaps things would work out after all? Only if it were that simple.

"So, I wanted to let you know about Nightwing," he smiled kindly.

I'm sure my eyes widened significantly. I hadn't given any thought to the weapon since he had brought it up back in his smithy. The thought of a new sword lifted my spirits greatly.

"You have my attention," I replied, trying to keep the excitement from my voice.

He flashed me a quick smile, causing the wrinkles around his eyes to crinkle up. "Well, I can't say too much about it. Else I'd never stop. However, she's near finished," he replied with a self-satisfied nod.

I nodded lightly, unsure of how else to react. I could not wait until I held that sword in my own hand, but what if I never had the chance? The Council would convene soon and they would decide if it was worth the risk of keeping me around.

I sighed quietly and I felt the elder man's eyes on me.

"Everything works out in the end, Little Raven," he murmured, patting me gently on the back.

I heard footsteps in the hall outside my room. I tensed slightly. I was not expecting more visitors. Nor was it time for my bandages to be re-dressed. I swallowed--Hard--As my gaze lifted to see the matron of the Healers.

"The Council will see you tomorrow night," she said in her low, even voice.

I set my lips in a thin, determined line and nodded curtly.