Keeper of the Realms: Crow's Revenge (Book 1) by Marcus Alexander Page A

Keeper and deserves to know the truth.’
    ‘The child is weary from her travels. Perhaps now is not the time,’ insisted Dridif.
    ‘She is a Keeper,’ said Nazareth, his beady eyes glaring out from beneath his thick eyebrows. ‘I second Lady Narcissa on this matter. Any Keeper deserves the truth.’
    ‘Yes, but we all know you second Lady Narcissa on most matters,’ said a softly spoken Stoman. His voice sounded like a whale song, melodic and warming. Charlie thoughthis muscular body was at odds with his gentle and wise face.
    ‘Nevertheless, the motion has been seconded,’ Nazareth pointed out. ‘Will a third finalize the matter?’
    ‘I will!’ said Jensen.
    ‘Be quiet, Jensen!’ snapped Dridif. ‘Yer not a member of the Circle and ya should know better!’
    ‘But I promised her she would know the truth!’
    ‘Now is not the time. Be quiet or be removed from the chamber.’
    ‘I will third the motion,’ said a deep, powerful voice whose owner was hidden beneath a cowled hood and sat in the shadows. ‘I understand you are trying to shield the girl, Dridif, and I applaud you for your nobility, but delaying the matter will only add to her discomfort. Please tell her.’
    ‘Very well,’ said Dridif, obviously displeased. ‘The Circle has decided, Charlie. I will tell ya wot happened ta yer parents.’



14
    The Truth
    Bane’s footsteps thundered across the room. Still furious, he stamped up on to the blood-red dais and seated himself on the Devouring Throne. His silent anger and irritation flickered around him like a pale, ghostly mist.
    ‘Shade, come here.’
    At his lord’s bidding, a Shade materialized from the shadows. Flowing across the floor, it crouched by Bane’s feet.
    ‘The young Keeper is obviously headed for Sylvaris. You and your brethren will go there. Seek her out. Bring her and the pendant back to me. I do not care what condition you bring her back in, remove her limbs if you wish, just ensure she can still talk! Do. Not. Fail. Me.’
    Hissing its agreement, the Shade slunk off.
    ‘Very well, then, Charlie Keeper: the truth,’ said Dridif. The chamber fell silent as everyone waited to hear what she would say. ‘Seven years ago yer parents, Mya and Elias Keeper, went ta the Winged Ones ta seek their advice and ta ask for their help against Bane, the Stoman Lord. TheWinged Ones in their wisdom hastened ta provide wot aid they could. Although time prevented them from mustering all their might and force against Bane, they were able ta give yer parents a key of great power ta be used in their absence. A key that now hangs round yer neck, Charlie Keeper.’
    ‘Wait a minute,’ interrupted Charlie. ‘You’re going too fast for me. Who are the Winged Ones?’
    ‘The Winged Ones,’ explained Dridif, ‘have governed and kept the peace within Bellania throughout the ages. They are, so ta speak, Bellania’s watchguards, neutral in all aspects other than keeping the balance between the three races.’
    ‘So why did they give my parents a key to their power? Why couldn’t they act themselves?’
    ‘Keeper!’ snorted Nazareth in indignation. ‘Your education is sorely lacking!’
    ‘Yeah, so everyone keeps telling me,’ muttered Charlie under her breath.
    ‘Nazareth, please! Allow me ta finish – dis is not a matter ta be treated lightly,’ scolded Dridif, her gentle face breaking into a scowl. ‘I’m sure anything Charlie’s parents chose not ta tell her was for her own good.’ She turned back to Charlie. ‘The Winged Ones have managed ta survive through the millennia, their formidable strength and intelligence leaving them unaffected by Time’s passing. But, as with everything, there is a price ta pay. Every twenty-one years the Winged Ones must withdraw from the face of Bellania ta renew and regenerate themselves. They must endure a seven-year hibernation, wherein they shed their old skin and hatch anew. Dis they call the Chrysalis Period. Dis is the key ta