Ravenna of the Birds

Staying with the darker side of Ansu, here’s an uncanny scene where the new king of Gol, Casmadian, happens upon the bewitchingly beautiful Ravenna. And so his nightmare begins . . .

The pain vanished, and he felt good. Refreshed and full of energy. Casmadian laughed and jumped to his feet. He stood on a beach. A large cave loomed behind him, and a wide bay led to a rough causeway of pebbles leading up to a high stone outcrop, roughly square in shape.

“You stand at the edge of Barola Bay, where the spirit of Gol touches the ancient realm of Zansuat. Here the god will wander at times, as he searches for his lost love. And here too, the Barola often searches for its stolen eye.”

The Cragga’s booming tone came from behind him. Casmadian turned and saw Akosaffinaffen’s vast bulk blocking the cave’s mouth. He stood in scaly breeks, his huge chest, ridge upon ridge of stone muscle, his massive arms, corded and rippling, the small eyes gentle, as he gazed ponderously at Casmadian.

“You are fully recovered, king of men. That’s good. My work here is done, therefore I bid you farewell.” Akosaffinaffen strode past him, his steps echoing like thunder, and as Casmadian watched, he saw the Cragga approach the waves and wade within. Out he waded until his bulk slowly sank beneath the water. The weed strewn milky, oily hair bobbing like a small island, before vanishing, as bubbles lifted and broke the surface.

Transfixed, Casmadian stood gazing at the spot where the giant had left. He now recalled this bay, as he’d seen it with Meilgwn when they wandered the land. Why had the Cragga brought him here? He could have just told him about the spot. He shook his head and gazed at the wide, sweeping shore, studying the beachy strand that led across to the outcrop.

On a whim, Casmadian walked to that pebble strand and crossed the short causeway to the high, square rock at the far southern end. There he climbed the rock’s steep rise. Once on top, he stood watching the auks and gannets dive and lift, as the waves crashed and lapped around the rock base far below.

Still feeling dreamlike, Casmadian walked to the southern end of the rock that awarded fine views south and east across the wide ocean. There he stood, gazing and wondering what to do next. He had to return to his people, his friends, as he still saw them. And the ruby––had that been true? He’d enter the grove and find out. But why would the Cragga lie to him? Still, he lingered. Hesitating as if someone sought his attention on this rock.

Casmadian heard a soft sound, like distant laughter. Either the seabirds or the waves––he couldn’t be certain. He turned and gazed back. And mind made up, returned, climbing down to the strand, stopping when he saw a figure standing by the water. A woman. She turned and waved across to him. Casmadian approached and saw that the woman’s face was very pale, and her eyes and long hair, darker than soot. Her lips were full and red, and her smile, welcoming.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” the stranger said, her voice husky and warm. She wore a long shawl the colour of rust, the hem soaked by the waves and dripping on her bare be-ringed toes.

Though drawn to her beauty, Casmadian remained wary. “Who are you, lady? Why are you here alone? No humans dwell in Gol, save only those I rule.”

“I’m Ravenna,” she told him, her voice husky but warm. “I arrived, but recently. I would join you, my king. If you would have me as a companion. Why else did you come here? Surely a king needs a queen, is that not so?” Ravenna’s teasing smile widened. She stepped toward him and unpinned her shawl, revealing her naked, pale, long-limbed body. Casmadian took in the sight and was filled with sudden lust at the raw beauty of this strange creature. Not since Lady Lightning had he encountered such a stunning feminine form.

“You are an enchantress, are you not? Explain why you are here.”

“I came for you, of course. Isn’t that obvious? Don’t you want me, my king? Am I not worthy?” Her lips parted slightly, and her dark eyes showed hurt.

That light shining in Ravenna’s eyes promised everything, and more. And the longer Casmadian gazed at them, the more her words rang true. What did it matter how she’d arrived here? Or whence she came? Ravenna was beautiful and wanted him. Meilgwn had said that he’d need a queen as his first priority.

Casmadian felt his loins surge as he studied her pale, wet body lit by winter sun. So beautiful, he wanted to sample all he could. And why not? He was the king. Without realizing it, Casmadian found himself walking toward the smiling woman and embracing her in his arms. Ravenna laughed and kissed his mouth, sliding her cold fingers inside his belt, and unlacing his breeches. There she pulled him down, and rolled upon him, her teeth nibbling, and lips working fast, and her stunning eyes hungry, as Casmadian shuddered and released himself inside her.

It is done.

The signal reached her from far away. Saralan saw Toozlin’s image flash in her mind. Her sharpest raven, second only to Crayel, had found her prey in Gol. The new game had started. The queen allowed her goddess mind drift unseen through the dimensions, until she found the dusky-haired woman lying naked beside the sleeping man. You’ve done well, my darling, Tooz. I look forward to seeing the results of your work.

I placed a charm upon him, as you taught me. The king shall be wet clay in my hands.

Thank you, daughter. Your reward will be his tortured soul. Saralan closed her eyes, and Toozlin’s guise slipped away. She rose from the four-poster, vulture crowned ebony ribbed bed, the man still sleeping beside her. Raif Gy had arrived in Omala yesterday. She’d guested him, and allowed him to bed her, while her cats watched on and Ravenguard stood minding the doors.

He was a cold creature, this man. But would be a useful tool. Saralan wrapped her silk robe, covering her nakedness, and walked out to the balcony, surveying the palms as her golden-roofed city woke. In the distance, the sun blazed pinkish-orange and flooded the ocean, as it climbed the rouged morning skies.

If you enjoyed this haunting clip, there’s much more among the dark, tangled lanes of Dawn of Legends. This new sub-series prequel to Legends of Ansu is now available in one mega-volume. 🙂 To view it, click here

I’ll return next month with a battle scene surrounding the fall of Ta Shen, as we reflect on the sacrifices of those who serve. I’ll see you then! J.W. Webb.

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