Excerpt from Raven Flight Novelette

 

Ronne’s fingers danced across the keyboard.

‘We need to find the person the Shadow mentioned. One of the ravens must know where she is. I recommend Gina Thomas for this task since she’s a genius at finding people and has the computer savvy to get it done fast.’

After emailing the report, she leaned back in her chair. “By the Lady! It’s been a long, busy, and tiring day.” A faint glow from her ring caught her eye while she turned off the computer. “Give me a break!” The glow intensified, and she hurried over to Shado’s perch. “Wake up! We’ve got trouble!”

He blinked and yawned. “All right, I’m awake. What’s wrong?”

The front door wavered and darkened as a shape took form; gliding into the apartment. Ronne moved to the center of the room, Shado on her shoulder. The glow from his feathers matched that of the ring. The light expanded outward until it touched the Shadow. Ronne spoke in a clear voice.

“By the order of Lady Raven, return to the darkness that spawned you!” She contracted the light around the Shadow, and the creature howled in rage. “By the power of Lady Raven you may no longer cross the Veil to the world of the living!” Sweat streamed down her face, body trembling with the strain. The raven on her shoulder pressed against her neck, the contact gave her additional strength. “By the strength of my spirit, I demand to know who brought you across the Veil!” She tightened the glow.

“Basarab! Evan Basarab calls and I obey!”

The howling answer weakened the light, and the Shadow edged forward. Gritting her teeth, Ronne strengthened it, once more holding the creature in place. The howl of anguish buckled her knees, but she held firm. With a shout of “Disperse!” the ring flared. The Shadow disappeared and Ronne collapsed, unconscious.