Crypt of the shadowking - Mark Anthony [99]
Caledan shook his head. There was something peculiar about this boy, but something compelling as well. He could only guess how terrible it must be to grow up under Raven-das's care.
The boy's eyes shone. "She'll break me when she's done with me, you know. That's what she does with everybody, once she's used them. She'll break you, too, as soon as you finish whatever it is she wants you to do. I've seen her do it to others."
Caledan shuddered. "It doesn't have to be that way, you know," he said. "You don't have to do what she wishes. She can't break you, not if you're strong."
For a brief moment a light glimmered in the boy's eyes like a flicker of hope. Then it vanished. "I used to dream of things like that," he said abjectly. "I don't dream anymore."
Before Caledan could say anything more, he heard the lock of the door turning. Quickly he stepped away from the boy. The chamber door opened, and Ravendas steppe" through. Caledan felt a hot wave of hatred rush through his body but forced himself to stand firm.
She was dressed in a gown of crimson and gold, hues accented by her red lips and shimmering hair. She was isitely beautiful, like a too-perfect rose which, upon closer inspection, reveals a rotting, loathsome center within its petals.
Ravendas stepped blithely into the room. "I see you received my summons, Captain Breldurn," she purred in a voice as thick and cloying as honey. "You may greet me," she said imperiously.
Though he was unsure what the proper greeting was, Caledan dared not hesitate. He strode to her and knelt as she presented her hand. He bent his head over her proffered hand and raised his visor just enough for a kiss. He hesitated a scant second. This is the hand that strangled Kera, he thought. He clenched his jaw, swallowing bile. He pressed his lips against the smooth skin of her hand. He stood then, letting the visor fall back into place.
She smiled, displaying her perfect white teeth. "You're a bashful one, Captain Breldurn," she crooned. "I find that charming in a man. But then, innocence can grow tiresome after a time. We shall cure you of this soon enough."
She glanced toward the chair where the boy sat, silently watching. "Leave us, Kellen," she said coldly. "Find Snake and practice your music for him."
"Yes, Mother," the boy said. He picked up his lute and walked to a side door, turning the knob with a small hand. He cast one backward glance at Caledan, then stepped through the portal. Caledan made a silent oath to himself then. If it was at all possible, he was going to rescue that child from Ravendas.
"Come with me, my shy soldier," Ravendas said with a sultry laugh. She took his hand and led him to a divan covered with snowy white furs. She sat down, the crimson silk of her dress spilling bloodlike over the white fur. She leaned forward to fill two crystal glasses with ruby-colored wine from a decanter resting on a black lacquered table.
For a heartbeat, time seemed to cease for Caledan. He realized this was the moment he had been wailing for the last seven years. This was the perfect chance to exact h' vengeance upon Ravendas. As she leaned forward her graceful neck was extended like a swan's, and the large vein that ran in her throat stood out clearly against her pa]e skin. The guards at the door had taken his sword, but the boots he wore were still his own. Inside the right boot was a small throwing knife. In less than the time required to take a single breath, he could produce the knife and slit Ravendas's throat.
He knew there would be little chance of escaping. Even if Ravendas died without a sound-something he could not count on-there was no way to slip by the guards outside the door. They would know something was awry, and his life would be forfeit.
But did that matter? All he had lived for these last seven years was revenge against Ravendas. Once he had revenge, his life would mean nothing to him. His hand inched its way down his leg, toward the hidden knife. You will be avenged, Kera, he vowed to himself for the final time. His fingers brushed