All the Raven’s Disciples

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This is a short story for kids. Read it and enjoy yourselves

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ALL THE RAVENS DISCIPLESBy John GroverThe cries of the sisters last into the morning, even to this very day, whenever the night is cold and clear and a raven soars overhead.She poured the contents of her pouch into the tin bowl. A clatter echoed throughout the cave as the bowl filled to the brim with precious silver. Ceridwen bent to her knees and lowered her head, her ebony tresses falling into her eyes, and prayed, hoping this time she would be heard.O great queen, she whispered. Your humble servant beseeches you. Please hear me. I have nowhere to turn. Things are dire, and I fear the worst. Why have you not answered my cries? I beg you to grant my wish.A gathering of shadows stretched across the walls and froze. Tears welled in Ceridwens eyes. She turned to look but nothing else stirred. Please, my beloved Queen Morrigan, Angor must die###When Ceridwen returned, the ships from Carthage and Greece were already docked along the shores of her home. The trading was going very well between her people and those from across the great waters. The tin unearthed in the nearby mines fetched more silver than shed ever seen.She was glad to see the ships. She needed much more silver to try her boon again at the next new moon. Drem, the chieftain of the village, would take her head if he knew how much she was pillaging. A Druid priestess was not exempt from his wrath, even if she was a follower of the fearsome Morrigan that stalked the battlefield. Although these days it seemed that the Goddess had abandoned her.The smell of cooking fires filled the air and tingled her nostrils. Her heart was heavy with disappointment as she passed the first of the roundhouses with their thatched roofs of straw and walls of wattle and daub. Traders mingled with the villagers, goods were exchanged, tin and silver clashed, dogs barked, and the din rose around Ceridwen, scattering her thoughts.In the far reaches of the village she came to a stone wall with a wooden palisade encircling a group of roundhouses. She stopped, dismounted her horse, and entered the familys compound. Her parents lived in one house, she in another, and her dear sister, Seren, in the third, with her warrior husband, Angor.At the sound of Ceridwens approach, Seren emerged from the house like the sun from behind the clouds. A smile lit up her face.Sister, Seren beamed, threw her arms wide open and waited for Ceridwens warm embrace. Did you enjoy your pilgrimage?It was not as inspiring as I had hoped, Ceridwen answered. She brushed the chestnut curls away from Serens cheeks and discovered a bruise that dimmed her skin. Again?Please, I beg of you. Seren pulled away. Do not shame me.It is not I who shames you.Ceridwen peered over her sisters shoulder to see Angor exit the house. He tightened the last straps of his leather and iron armor. He shot a glare of disdain at her and moved in their direction. Stand aside, he growled. There are more important matters to tend to. The Brigantes will taste the blade of my sword.He shoved Ceridwen away from the walls entrance and into her sister. She steadied herself and turned to rebut him when he spat a piece of grizzle at her feet. Her stomach turned with disgust.Angor bellowed with laughter before joining the other warriors gathering nearby. Their feud with the Brigantes over the tin mines worsened with each day.His time draws near, Ceridwen hissed. Soon the Morrigan will answer my prayer.You meddle in dangerous affairs, Ceridwen, Seren warned. She is not our Goddess. She belongs to Iwerddon.Ceridwen recalled her journey to Ireland with the merchants and the mystical tribes she visited there. When I visited Iwerddon I learned much of her. She is Goddess to all women, a mother Goddess. The cult of this mother showed me this. She is my only hope, and she will hear me.Oh, Ceridwen. This is the way of things. You should leave it be. Seren turned sadly back to her home and went inside.Ceridwen looked up at the alabaster sky. Hear me.###Angor brandished his sword and grunted along with his brethren. They marched hours across Britain to reach their enemies. The Brigantes were one of the most powerful tribes in Britain, and they wanted the riches his people, the Dumnonii, were stockpiling for themselves. Much blood had been spilled, and still more was to come.Above them a raven circled. Angor looked up at with a gleam in his eye. The raven glided behind some trees and Angor broke rank to find it.In the camouflage of the trees Angor discovered no raven but instead a red-haired beauty clad in black furs. Her cream-colored flesh was flawless. Her lips were as red as a rose. Her eyes flickered with ethereal light. She beckoned to him, and a crooked smile twisted onto his face.We meet again, my lovely, Angor said, lowering his sword and feeling her velvety locks between his fingers. He salivated like a starving animal.Ive come to watch the battle, the woman said, her voice like the wind in the trees and the raindrops on the waters.That and to keep your promise to me, Angor grunted.Fear not, you will have victory today. After you love me.Angor took her into his arms and covered her soft neck in hungry kisses. They melted into each other and slipped onto the lush grass.###In the dead of night the men came home and celebrated. Bonfires glowed, songs filled the village, and Angor stumbled drunkenly back to his home.Ceridwen watched the last embers of her house fire die and listened to the awful noises next door. She heard Angor take her sister, and the short-lived struggle that followed. And the beating. And Serens muffled cries.Tears welled in Ceridwens eyes. Her heart shattered. Her sisters misery was her own and she wept silently for her.It was before dawns first light that Ceridwen drew herself from her blankets. The chill of the dusky morning slithered right into her bones. She threw the warmest furs over her slender body and headed outside.I can wait no more. The new moon comes too late. She must answer me now.She crept through the village like a shadow, stuffing her pouch with as much silver as she could carry, along with fresh vegetables and two new bowls. Ceridwen made her way back behind the walls of her compound and to the animal pen. The sleeping sheep woke at her approach and scurried into distant corners.Her horse stirred suddenly and she went to him, rubbing his mane. Hush, my friend. I have another mission for you. She started to untie him from the palisade when a hand clamped down on her wrist.Do not do this, Seren said. Her lip was cracked and a welt blushed her cheek. I know what you are seeking.I must, Ceridwen said. You are the light of my life, dear sister. You are the love that fills this world. She turned and caressed Serens hair then gently traced her cheeks. I will not let that animal hurt you any longer.Ceridwen, you take much silver to make your own private offerings. You are a priestess of the village, your offerings should be made here, like the others. Drem will notice this and put you to death. If he does not my husband will. He is the greatest warrior of the village. His every action is forgiven, even A mumble resounded as Angor stirred from inside the house. Seren looked back with fear in her eyes then turned to her older sister. Stop seeking her favor.For you, dear one, I would die a thousand deaths. She will grant my prayers this time. I can feel it. Now return to bed. Everything will be all right by the new dawn.Before Seren could utter another word, Ceridwen kissed and embraced her tightly. She slung her lithe frame onto her horse and galloped out of the village. She looked back to watch her sisters silhouette vanish from sight.###The few stars that dusted the sky winked as Ceridwen made her way onto the moors. The energy of the area was different today. She could feel a charge in the air. A thin mist rising off the bogs threatened to cloud her vision.Nothing would stop her quest.Despite Garnocs hesitation she rode him to the cave. Her mouth gaped as soon as she set eyes on it. Orbs of light flickered around the caves entrance, seeming to dance around it just likePixies, tis true, Ceridwen whispered. This land is enchanted. or cursed. I do not care which. They will not stand in my way.She hopped from Garnocs back, drew a dagger from her pouch and approached the orbs. They scattered as she neared. Her rage was tangible, her determination unmatched. Not even the land of the fae dared to challenge her now.Ceridwen lit the torches and set her two new bowls beside the one on top of the altar. She poured more silver into the first bowl until it overflowed onto the cold stone. In the next bowl she placed a variety of vegetables that she had smuggled from the villages fields.Over the last bowl she placed her left hand and took the dagger into her right. She felt the weight of the blade suddenly and noticed how difficult it was to lift. Was this hesitation or something more?She drew the blade across her palm and let the warm blood drip into the bowl. Hear me, O Queen Morrigan. Ive paid my tribute, and I command you to appear!An icy wind blew into the cave. It stirred Ceridwens tresses and slithered through her soul. A cawing sound echoed. Ceridwen turned and watched the sky outside the caves entrance blaze with crimson.A rumble of thunder echoed through the cave. Ceridwens legs trembled and she dropped to her knees. The torches flames burned cobalt. The cave quaked. Its walls cracked. Dirt fell from the ceiling, raining down on her head. She closed her eyes and screamed and the tremors stopped.Ceridwen opened her eyes to see a raven enter the cave. Moments later it was joined by another, then another. A flock formed suddenly and took flight. They screeched towards Ceridwen and roared past her.She screamed again as beaks tore at her furs, pulled out strands of her hair, and their calls grew deafening until the flock gathered in front of the altar. It fluttered into a shape rising in the torchlight and shadows.I have heard you, a hollow voice said.A woman with a coat of raven feathers now stood in the room, her flesh a stark pale, hair blazing red and eyes as fierce as the wild. Her face phased in and out of the torchlight, at times appearing sunken. The smell of decay filled the cave.My queen Ceridwen bowed her head, trembling.You dare to summon me from my homeland. From my people. Your cries have disturbed me.It is with good reason, my Morrigan. I have given you my reverence, my soul. I am one of your followers, and I need your help. My sister is in grave peril. I fear for her life. Her husband has committed crimes against her. Terrible ones. He must be stopped. Angor is his name and he must die. Please, do not let her suffer any longer. Do not turn away from her pain. I fear she will die.What would you exchange for this deed? the voice of sighing winds asked.Anything, Ceridwen answered. Her fingers shook as she gulped a breath of air. Whatever my Goddess desiresmy heart, my soul. As long as Seren is safe. She lifted her gaze and failed to see the Morrigan at the altar.She attempted to stand even as a cold hand caressed her face; the Morrigan was behind her now, whispering into her ear. This man will die by the sword.Tears of relief filled Ceridwens eyes. Thank you, my queen. Your kindness is bountiful.You are in debt to me, priestess, the whisper through the cave said. And one day I will return to collect it.I understand, I am your servant, I Ceridwen found herself alone in the cave again. Sunlight poured into the chamber. She stood, her burden lifted. Her heart warmed. Something covered her cheek. She brushed it away and looked down at her fingers. It was ashes.###At mid-morning, Ceridwen rode back to her village at top speed. The smile on her face faded when she discovered her people gathered for battle again, the men clad in iron and leather, swords and spears in hand, they crowded into the center of the village. Angor stood at the head of the warriors, rallying them with his battle cries.She saw some of the village priests and priestesses on the shore, praying to the waters, then turned her gaze back to Angor. They exchanged hateful glances and Ceridwen knew that the Morrigan would grant her wish. Angors fate was sealed.Seren dashed to the stallions side. The priests have been looking for you. They are praying to the water spirits while others ask guidance from the Wolf God. There is great strife. Our village has been challenged. An army marches over the hills.My prayer was answered.Ceridwen, are you not concerned?I am no longer, my sweet Seren. It is going to be all right.Drem, the village chieftain, made his way slowly to the sisters. He supported himself on a staff, his age robbing his mobility, his body feeble. The sisters parents trailed behind him. Seren, he began, his voice wheezing. You will be very proud.Ceridwen wondered what he meant. She saw her parents faces glow with smiles.I am not well and, having no sons of my own, I told Angor he would succeed me if he is victorious today. It will be a joyous occasion for you and your family. You must pray for your husband. The entire village already does.I will. It is an honor. Seren bowed her head but shifted her gaze to Ceridwen.We need everyones prayers, Drem turned to Ceridwen. Where have you been?On a pilgrimage regarding the war, she answered.You should be fleet of foot and join the others, her father said. Her mother nodded in agreement.Of course, I was just preparing myself.Good, Drem said with a half-smile. It is a joyous day.Ceridwen walked off, exchanging cryptic glances with Seren before heading to the sea. Foolish old man, she whispered. Angor will never rule. He has seen his last day.###Angor watched the raven circle the sky as he led his warriors over the final climb of the hill. Youd best keep your promise, Morrigan, he called to the black bird and lifted his sword. He looked up to see the Brigantes charging from the summit.A hail of arrows fell upon Angor and his men. Warriors fell around him, but Angor remained unharmed. He roared a battle cry and charged head-on into his enemies.The carnage raged as swords clashed, axes cleaved, bodies littered the ground, and the lush fields ran red with blood.Angor cut his way through the Brigantes, hacking off limbs, splitting skulls. His rage boiled into frenzy. He tasted iron in his mouth. Spittle escaped his lips. His thirst for battle could not be quenched.He threw Brigantes over his shoulder, crushed the wounded under his feet, and ordered his dogs to attack, but in the midst of the battle, Angor spotted the impossible. As the bodies fell, his red-haired beauty weaved in and out of the fight like a fairy. She danced, half-naked, around the dead and leered over the fallen. The Morrigan reveled in the slaughter, the cries of agony her music, her eyes inflamed by the heat of combat.Angor was both captivated and thrilled by the sight. He laughed, a great belly laugh, and fought on, beating the Brigantes back with his men alongside him.After winning the battle and driving their enemies back, the Dumnonian warriors made their way back home. While crossing the River Exe, an old hag crouched on the wet rocks, washing armor in the river. Angor paused as he drew close and addressed her.Old woman, what brings you to the river?The hag turned to glare at Angor with her single eye. A smug smile split her face and she cackled. I wash the armor of Angor of the Dumnonii. For he has been slain by the sword.Angor laughed back. You have been mislead, old crone. The battle is over and I am the victor. You waste your time.Only mocking laughter answered him back. Angor and his men continued on their way without looking back.###The commotion in the village brought Ceridwen out of her housethe warriors had returned. Her heart dropped into her stomach. Angor made his way home with pride in his eyes. He shoved past Ceridwen to fetch Seren and begin his celebration.Ceridwen dropped to her knees and screamed. I have been betrayed! No! You promised. She glared up at the night sky, screeched again and yanked locks of her hair out. I swore my soul to you! Where is my justice?Calls of passion arose from next door. Before madness threatened to take her, Ceridwen pulled herself up and ran to her house. Her chest heaved as the sobs snatched her breath away. She clutched her blankets and animal skins as the beatings began again.Ceridwen tried to block it out, tried to push the evil down deep inside of her. She clasped her hands over her ears, but it was not enough. This time however, it was not Seren that screamedbut Angor.His cry of horror and anguish halted Ceridwen and she sat up. Silence flooded the night. She made her way outside and stared at Serens abode.Something chilled Ceridwen as she approached the roundhouse. She stepped inside to find Angor lying in the middle of the floor, impaled on his own sword.Seren stood over the body, unmoving, her fists clenched. Her knuckles glistened with crimson. Her eyes were vacant.Sister, Ceridwen whispered. No reply. She eased over to Seren and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.Seren gasped and threw her head back. A raven exploded from her mouth and landed in the houses doorway. It transformed into the woman with a coat of feathers and hair the color of dawnthe Morrigan had kept her promise.I will return for my debt, she hissed. In eight months. With that she vanished from the doorway.Seren fell into Ceridwens arms. Her eyes fluttered and her voice at last returned. I am with child, she said. Angor was striking too close SerenI will be put to death for this, Ceridwen. My child and I both. Drem will not let this go unpunished. IHush, Ceridwen held her sister tight and brushed her hair. We will not let that happen. I will go to Drem. I will tell him a Brigantine assassin was waiting for Angor and ran off into the hills. Fear not, you will be spared.Ceridwen kissed her sister and headed out into the village to tell Drem and her parents the terrible news.###After eight months to the day, Serens roundhouse filled with the cries of a newborn. Under a clear sky that twinkled with a blanket of stars, a boy child came into the world.Seren held her new son and cooed over him even as a raven flew into the home. Ceridwen leapt to her feet, away from her sisters bedside. No I beg of you. Her eyes welled, and her hands trembled. Tis not fair.The Morrigan rose in front of the bed, the moonlight shining through her. The queen said nothing as she went to the bed and pulled the boy from his mothers struggling arms.Ceridwen stood rooted to her spot and watched helplessly as her sisters only child was taken into the night.The debt is paid, the Morrigan said as she vanished from the house.