54. Just Get Across the River
54
JUST GET ACROSS THE RIVER
*Raven*
The night drags on, heavy with anticipation as we wait for the soldiers to arrive. Mother and Father don’t let go of each other for much more than a moment. When they aren’t holding each other, they’re simply gazing at each other. Mother looks at Father like he’s the most precious thing in the world, which is probably true after all these years apart. Father looks like a starving man who’s been offered a buffet. For their sake, I wish I could just tell them to go back home and let us take care of the threat. They will never leave, though. As travel-weary as Father must be, he stays up all night, watching and waiting with us.
The first light of dawn creeps over the horizon, bathing the riverbank in a soft glow. The night felt like an eternity, but the sun brings little relief. Father told us a bit of Kieran’s plan, and we know the army will be coming soon. We just don’t know when. And I don’t know where Kieran is in all of it. Is he safe? Is he even alive? If his father has gotten even a whiff of his plan, he’ll be running for his life, just as Father was.
The morning dew settles, and everyone is back in position, watching the horizon for any sign of a disturbance. The pale sun begins to rise, but a dense fog settles over the river, so thick that we can barely see over the water. I command it away, giving us a clear line of vision. My heart beats at a steady, eager pace until I hear the voice I’ve so dearly missed.
‘Raven? Can you hear me?’
Kieran. I cover my mouth to keep from shouting with joy, not wanting to alert anyone of the recent development. Selfishly, I just want a single moment to enjoy the sound of my husband’s voice. Though it’s only been a few days since I saw him last, his words are a balm for my soul. Relief and joy surge through me in powerful waves.
I think of Mother wading into the river, so overcome with emotion at seeing Father that she couldn’t stay still for a moment. Yet, I must stay in position, ready for whatever comes. As overjoyed as I am to hear his voice, I know that if he’s this close, the entire army of Dun’s Crossing is likely close behind. There won’t be time for a sweet reunion until the army is taken care of.
‘I’m here,” I tell him, my heart pounding so loud that it’s the only sound I can hear. “I’ve missed you so much!’
‘I’ve missed you, too,’ he assures me. ‘I’ve been dying to be back in your arms since the moment I left. But there’s something you need to know.’
I brace myself against the cold ground, unsure if I’m ready for whatever it is he has to tell me. Based on his tone, it isn’t going to be good news. I focus on slowing my breathing as I anticipate what he’s going to tell me.
‘I’m sure by now your father has filled you in on my plan. Unfortunately, there was trouble last night. We’d gotten far enough from the kingdom that I thought I could safely tell the troops the truth about us and the real reason we’re going to Escuro.’
My heart stutters in my chest from fear. I’ve never met a soldier from Dun’s Crossing I felt I could trust. The men I’ve met have been cruel and crass, but most importantly, they’ve been loyal to the king. It’s not that I don’t trust Kieran’s judgment, but I can’t imagine that going well.
‘Father was among the group,’ he continues, and I feel as if I might collapse. My stomach turns so violently I’m glad I’m already in position on the ground. Kieran was King Gavin’s hope for the future, but he’s ruthless enough to kill him on sight for that kind of perceived betrayal.
‘I had no idea he was with us,’ he continues. ‘But it all went to shit, and the army split. Many are with me, but I have no idea how many are with him. It all happened so fast, I just told them to run. We’re on our way to you, but Father’s group is close behind. I’m so sorry I’ve brought this shitstorm to your doorstep.’
Even with the anxiety coursing through me thinking about Kieran’s confrontation with his father, I can’t help but smile that he is so concerned about my safety. It’s been unbearable being without him, but I know what I’m capable of, and I’m not afraid of King Gavin anymore. I’m much stronger than he will ever be. He’s the one who needs to be afraid of me.
‘It’s okay, Kieran,’ I comfort him. ‘We’re ready for them. While you’ve been gone, we’ve been working on a plan. I just need you to get yourself and your followers across the river. Once you do, I’ll take care of the rest.’
My heart swells with pride at the thought. There’s something so satisfying about knowing that I’m going to be the one to bring the kingdom down. King Gavin won’t see it coming from a mile away.
‘What are you going to do?’ Kieran asks, interrupting my vengeful thoughts. There’s a hint of curiosity and fear in his tone. I can’t wait to show him just how powerful I’ve become.
‘Just get across the river, and you’ll see for yourself,’ I tell him. ‘This is all going to be over soon.’
‘Are you sure?’ he asks, not from doubt, but concern for my well-being.
‘I am,’ I reply firmly. The only thing I’ve ever been more sure about in my life is my love for him. What I once thought of as a horrible mistake, a cruel prank by the Goddess, has been the single best gift I’ve ever received. A very close second is my ability to control the elements. And I can use the second gift to save the first.
‘I love you,’ he says, his thoughts sounding terribly forlorn. ‘Whatever you’re going to do, please be safe.’
‘You’re the one running for your life,’ I reply wryly. ‘You are my heart. I need you to return to me in one piece. I love you more than you could imagine.’
I break the connection, knowing he needs to concentrate on his journey. If he’s truly going to return to me safely, he’ll need all of his mental and physical strength to carry him through the rest of the journey. Still, it hurts my heart to let him go. I ache for him the moment I can no longer hear his voice, but soon he’ll be back in my arms.
I look over to Mother and Father again, who are still staring at each other like they still can’t quite believe they’re back in each other’s presence. It pains me to break up their moment, but I have to tell them what Kieran’s shared with me.
I make my way through the tall weeds, making as much noise as I can to alert them of my presence, just in case they’re whispering sweet nothings to each other. As full as it makes my heart to see them together, I absolutely don’t want to witness any physical displays of affection.
Mother sees me first, and her happy demeanor quickly morphs into worry. She drops Father’s hand and rushes to me, searching my face.
“What is it, darling?” she asks with such motherly concern. “What’s happened?”
Father comes to stand behind her, and I tell them everything Kieran’s shared with me. King Gavin knows everything, and he’s on his way to destroy us for good.
“Nothing’s changed,” I assure them, but my words do nothing to soothe my mother’s worry lines. “The plan is still on, exactly as it was before.”
I lock eyes with my father, who has a hint of a smile in his eyes. We have an instant moment of connection, and I can hear his thoughts though he’s not mind-linking with me. He trusts Kieran completely. He already loves him like a son. This is all so evident in his gaze. More than that, though, he trusts me and has every faith in my ability.
“Well then,” he says, saluting me. Mother turns to face him and swats the salute away, but he just winks at me. “We are ready and waiting for your command, little Raven.”
The three of us embrace tightly, 21 years of love conveyed in that single moment. Mother holds us both tightly, the worry still evident in her posture and expression. The last time the soldiers from Dun’s Crossing darkened her doorstep, they took everything from her. Today, I’m going to ensure she gets it all back.
We let go of each other, and my parents finally, reluctantly, let go of one another so they can get into their battle positions. I leave them to hide in my own spot, watching the shore for any sign of my love returning to me.