The Purple Room of Blackwing Castle was simpler then the Red Room, however it carried an undeniable gravitas that belied its modest design.
Every element of this room was a tribute to the emblem of House Ravenshield. The purple wallpaper was graced with meticulously arranged black crosses, a harmonious blend of elegance and power. The floor was a polished obsidian wood that shimmered with hints of silver and gold, the flacks glinting in the sunlight that streamed in from the three large windows that nearly removed the wall to the outside world. It was a dark room, with dark design, permanently bathed in the light from the outside world.
Opposite the entrance door, a majestic fireplace held court, its mantle dominated by a shattered spear. The once-great weapon was displayed in seven fragments. The largest pieces held the semblance of the spear, while they left the broken shaft scattered around the break like fallen soldiers. This display ensured the viewer understood the weapon's importance, even if it was just a glancing look.
A curved blade, as dark as a moonless night, was fastened to the steel handle by an old, faded purple ribbon. This ribbon was intricately wrapped around a large avian skull, creating an illusion as if the bird was shedding tears of purple liqueur.
Calling Ravina into the room the count Ravenshield gestured for her to take a seat on the couch opposite his own grad chair. The space between them broken only by a small coffee table.
Ravina attempted to lighten the mood with a mental joke about the room's overly moody design. Ravens never had it so good after all, however she was unable to even feel better, for Ravenshield fixed his stare upon her, his piercing gaze slowly eating away at her. It wasn't until the maids filled the expensive china with warm drinks and adorn the table with tasteful food that the first words of this room were spoken.
"Leave," he commanded, his voice echoing in the room, causing the servants to all but flee.
Even though Ravina knew this meeting was inevitable, no amount of foresight could steel her against
palpable intensity of the count's presence. He wasn't an archetype, an invention of lore; rather, he was a genuine noble.
It was this raw, unfiltered demonstration of authority that violently yanked her from her fantasy-induced reverie. Every crease on his face, every wave of his hand, and every word that fell from his lips dismantled her comfortable illusion. Perhaps a meeting with God could offer the young girl more comfort.
Once the servants had made their hasty retreat and the Count had savored the flavor of his tea, he broke the silence again, his voice a quiet rumble that filled the room.
“Do you comprehend the reason you have been brought to this place?” His tone was even, placid as a still lake, yet shadowed with the gravity of an impending storm.
Despite the tremble of her heart, Ravina found her own words calmly spoken. Though if she had to put her words in words it would be akin to a sheep, blinded by its own wool. “I do. Or at least I figured out enough of it to know there is more of a resemblance to us than just our unique eye color.” Despite her calm words she was visibly shaking, realizing this, she picked up her cup, hiding her trembling hands around the warm cup.
The count reclined in his chair, his hands gracefully placed upon the armrests wrapped in opulent leather. "Ah, it appears that your intellect surpasses your dim looks. Indeed,Varis, in his misguided attempt to soothe my troubled heart, believed that your looks were enough. Alas, you are not the first child that my vassals have presented to me in their pursuit of my favor. Those who sought to gain my favor with this deceitful act have lost more than my trust. Never did I envision that Varis would dare to undertake such audacity himself, however.” his words echoed with a practiced indifference, yet there was a twinkle of sorrow lost within his silence.
An odd mix of feeling swarmed inside her heart at his words, however the last of his words caught her ear unwell. How could he speak ill of Varis like that! A steady beat took over her heart as she found herself rising to the knights defense. “Varis simply did what he thought was right.” placing the tea cup down she stared the giant before her in the eye. “I doubt he would care much for a reward in his efforts, in fact should you tell him that I am not your daughter I am sure he would agree.”
Regret washed over Ravina like a chilling downpour. Why had she so readily jumped to his aid? It's not like he couldn’t help himself? To make matters worse, the lord's face wore a smile tainted with malice. “Shall we go so far as to test that theory?” he provocatively asked. However, despite his suggestive words, he remained seated in his chair, observing Ravina closely,
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She blinked in surprise as she realized this and found her answer falling smoothly off her lips. “You would have disposed of me without a meeting.” she said before she could stop herself, however now that the words were loose she realized the truth to them, and continued. “In fact I suspect I am here for more than just a knight's suspicion.”
"Smart or lucky?" Ravenshield's smile waned, replaced by a pensive expression. He nodded slowly, seemingly agreeing with Ravina's observation. "There is an element of truth in your words, my astute young lady. To be frank, I have already come to terms with the loss of my own family—both mother and child. However those that surround me find my lack of animal curiosity to be bemonment and false hope that she still lives.”
His gaze drifted past Ravina, there was a distance in his eye as he looked past the girl. “The truth of it is so simple, no man of higher learning could understand.” he took a deep breath before he admitted this truth aloud, “I have closed off my heart, for it has no space left to accommodate another.”
A heavy silence filled the room. Eventually, Ravina ventured to speak, her voice cautious, "So, I am both a substitute and a distraction?"
With a hum, Ravenshield smiled. “I should say, both smart and lucky. Retain that sharpness; it will serve you well within my realm, for I will not” he took the tea once more tasting the memory in the flavor. Staring at the stained water he continued. “Though you shall bear the Ravenshield name, we shall be privy to the truth of it. The families will rejoice, believing that I have reclaimed my long-lost daughter and that there is an heir to the prestigious Ravenshield lineage. However, while you shall bear the name, the true authority shall not be yours to wield.”
His straightforward declaration caused her to flinch. Authority was something she hadn't coveted, and for a humble country girl, the prospect of a noble title was overwhelming. However, a name itself could only grant so much sway. Without the authority to back it, she'd soon find herself alone. That's likely his plan, she thought, his lineage had governed this region for generations; he wouldn't cede control to an outsider just to placate his vassals. He must already have an heir in mind. Men of his stature rarely left such things to chance.
Yet it was him putting it into words that made her realize something. She couldn't let this go. Though she didn't know why she knew she needed to at least try. Even if it was just a small dip, the authority of the house would help her plan for the future better. “Perhaps I could convince you otherwise.” she offered. “After all, you said it yourself, I am both smart and lucky.” she traced the line on her stomach where a scare would be. It was only by the grace of this world's magic that her skin remained unmarried, but the memory still reminds, having cut itself deeper than the blade.
Amused by her audacity, the count stoked her courage, “do tell, Why do you believe yourself deserving of the great power and responsibility that comes with wielding the might of Ravenshield? Choose your words with utmost care, for I have little patience for foolishness.”' His stern gaze bore into her, compelling her to straighten her posture before she dared to speak again.
She forced herself to stare into his eyes, ensuring they didn't move as her mind reeled over how she could convince him. “Well, why don't we start with your decision to open the tournament to commoners?” She couldn't imagine he knew about Aurelia. So, there had to be another reason for this decision. Why would he do that...? She used the guise of sipping her tea to buy herself some time.
“Curious…” her ears flinched as he muttered the simple word. “Tell me then, why would I open this tournament to the mercenaries?”
Her own eyes widened at his words, mercenaries. Not the public, not adventurers, but mercenaries. There was only one reason a man with several knight orders at his disposal would do so.
“War,” the word tumbled from her lips before she could stop it.
The count’s narrowing eyes only confirmed the weight of the word. The tournament served only as an excuse to claim more men to the military. Conscription as a reward for a good fight. Money and food for service. A good deal, after all when was the last the shadow of war fell on the Nevarus Kingdom? Not only that but the event drew in a large group of capable people to the city.
“What do you know,” demanded the count.
“Nothing.” Ravina admitted.
“Yet you are so certain that war will come? What exactly made you so sure?”
“Your response, to be honest it was a guess.” her words tilted his head, but she continued, “now that I think about it. It makes sense. Open the tournament up to the commoners and men will flood to prove themselves, those of marret would be offered stable jobs and offers from other mercenary bands looking to increase their talent. I could only imagine it would be soon, given the swell of people entering the city. Most of them have some degree of marchal talent. After all this tournament was mainly used by the knights, and as such it was a display of skill not a show to be enjoyed by the masses, no that's the festival they enjoy around the arena.”
Ravena was surprised by how well she understood the man’s intentions. It scared her a little, but as she looked at his eyes she saw the truth of her words.