The Raven's Chronicles. Rage of the Wraith

Chapter 30. The Shriek in the Darkness

"Maybe it's for the best," Lara rooted in her bag, making sure she had packed everything she would need. Ravin drew black runes on his naked torso and listened to her in gloomy silence.

Jules and Evionel sat by the work table, watching their mentors preparing for the battle. The celebration of the Day of Light had already started - a few floors below them, in the darkness of the underground chapel, Father Dillion was leading service and blessing the fire that would be carried to the town.

"You think Kedmon is just proud and careless, but even if he tried to cancel the fest, he wouldn't be able to stop people from celebrating. And now there will be guards to protect them," the healer closed her bag with a click. She brushed back the fiery locks that fell on her face, ran her hands through her hair and combed it into a loose bun. "He told me he warned his warriors you found traces of a flying monster. They'll be ready to fight."

"Come back to the castle before dusk, will you?" Ravin finished the last rune, put his rod on the tabletop and pulled on his shirt.

"I can't," the healer patted her bag, "If somebody gets wounded, they will need me. And I'm not speaking only about the monster. There are going to be duels and fireworks. I have never been to a fair where people didn't get hurt."

"Just stay away. If anything happens...," Ravin gave her a serious look. "You have dressed hunters' wounds many times, Lara. You can imagine the risk."

"And this is exactly why you need me," the woman crossed her arms on her chest. Evionel watched her aunt, pale with worry, chewing at her lips. Jules reached over to pat her shoulder, but hesitated and withdrew his hand. The healer sent her niece a reassuring smile, then turned back to the hunter. "Are you sure the wraith will attack tonight?"

Jules knew the answer before his master responded. He had already asked the same question in the early morning.

"I'm willing to bet on it," Ravin nodded firmly.

It was believed that large gatherings lured dark spirits. Celebrating people emanated with an aura the creatures of darkness couldn't resist. Moreover, the Lord's presence would serve as a bait for the wraith - after killing so many of the forest villagers and with wings grown after feeding on the strigas, she would be strong enough to attack and fulfill her revenge.

"Ravin, let me at least help you to prepare the Circle," Jules clenched his fists on the edges of his seat. "I have it memorised. We could draw it in turns so that it won't exhaust you completely," the boy's eyes shone with determination, and the icy-blue one sparked with golden light. "If I were Rai -"

"Stop there," the hunter interrupted him sternly, "You have a genius for getting into trouble."

"But– "

"Jules, stop it," Ravin took his reila, crossed the room and grabbed his cloak, "I have to prepare a few things. We'll meet at the town, Lara," he nodded at the healer and gave his apprentice a sharp look, "Stay inside the castle. I'll see you in the morning."

"Wait–," the boy jumped up from the chair, but his master had already closed the door on his way out. Hunters never bid goodbyes.

Jules slumped onto the chair. He stared at the door as if he expected Ravin to come back.

"Jules," he turned his head to the healer at the sound of his name. The woman gave him a gentle smile, "He's just concerned about you. Evi isn't going to the town either."

"He should let me help with the Circle," the boy leaned his elbow against the table and rested his chin on his fist. His hand shook slightly. There he was - left behind again with nothing to do but hope Ravin would be back. "He's been teaching me for four years now. It's high time he trusted me!"