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The Raven Collection Novel Chapters
List of most recent chapters published for the The Raven Collection novel. A total of 373 chapters have been translated and the release date of the last chapter is Apr 02, 2024
Latest Release: Chapter 1 : James Barclay.The Raven Collection.'Barclay writes with power, pace and a wonderful
James Barclay.The Raven Collection.'Barclay writes with power, pace and a wonderful sense of humour. Better than that, he creates novels you want to read again and again' David Gemmell.'A greathearted book written on a grand scale. An enthr
- 101 'What if we're forced to break formation?' asked Erienne.'Well, I'll know through Ilkar whether it breaks spell concentration, meaning a restart, and Sha-Kaan knows to bring the formation back together as soon as he can. We have t
- 102 Stretched across its surface, the Kaan flew in desperate defensive patterns while flights patrolled further afield, looking to break up attacks before they threatened the rip.Without warning, Sha-Kaan veered away, angling steeply and climbing sharply, a g
- 103 The Wesmen had launched arrows, they had made dummy charges and they had taunted, denouncing the courage of the Easterners. But the four-College cavalry, with Blackthorne and Gresse at its head, had faced them down, knowing they could wheel and outdistanc
- 104 'Steady now,' he said. 'Steady now.'He patted the horse's neck and drew his dagger. Its edge was keen and with one quick slash, he cut the carriage reins. Another and the leather binding the yoke dropped away. He kicked the horse&
- 105 Tomas wiped the bar top and threw the cloth into the wash bucket. 'Well, the old man's going to take his son's advice. See you two around midday.''Good night, Tomas.'' 'Night, Father.''All right,' sai
- 106 'Good night, darling.' Erienne had turned to go and had heard Lyanna whisper something as she reached the door. She'd turned back but Lyanna wasn't speaking to her. Eyes closed, her daughter was drifting back towards what, G.o.ds willi
- 107 If I do it once again, Then the journey soon is done.If I don't move my left foot, Then the right one gets away.If I don't move my right foot, Then just here is where we'll stay.'Repeating the words over and over while they stepped and
- 108 Lyanna examined her new surroundings for the first time, the flicker of a smile on her anxious face.'This is a nice room,' she said.'It's yours if you want it.''Where's your room?''I'll make sure it's
- 109 Erienne wasn't sure that Lyanna had understood the last question but she nodded anyway.'Good. Good girl,' said Ephemere. 'Is there anything you want to ask us?''No.' Lyanna shook her head and yawned. 'Mummy?'&#
- 110 'And do what, exactly?' asked Ilkar. 'And that's a serious question. 'Denser regarded him as if he were an imbecile.'Ilkar, they are my family. I have to protect them.''I think we both understand that,' said Th
- 111 Chapter 6.Denser had no trouble gaining access to the Dordovan College library despite it being after dark, when the grounds were closed to all but College mages and staff. Indeed, on The Raven's arrival in the city the previous day, Vuldaroq had bee
- 112 Ephemere glanced up. 'Erienne, you look fl.u.s.tered. Has something happened?'Erienne frowned. The wailing sobs in her head were gone, the screams a distant echo.'I heard-' she began and took a pace forward. 'Lyanna, are you all r
- 113 'So what do you want of us?' Dystran regarded Denser over steepled fingers, affecting a pose of studied contemplation. Denser almost laughed. This Lord of the Mount was a ridiculous figure who had done nothing but engender political instability
- 114 'Somewhat? Look at you Ephy, Myra - all of you - taking the pipe in the afternoon, sitting like it takes all of your remaining energy to stay upright. And that illusion above our heads is a liability. Why do you even sustain it?' Erienne felt a
- 115 'Has the water clogged your ears, Ilkar? I said no.' Hirad slammed his tin cup down on the stone table and stalked to the door of his hut, leaning against its frame and looking out at the dreary night.The rain hadn't stopped and by the time
- 116 'Oh I have no doubt she'll be fine. It's me I'm worrying about.' She didn't lift her head, letting the white-flecked water fill her eyes.'You'll miss her terribly.''Yes, I will. Let's just find Denser
- 117 The man nodded. 'And losing you was not an option we were given,' he said, and as if he'd reminded his colleagues of a forgotten fact, the tension returned.Ilkar chuckled gently. 'Oh, come on. I know Vuldaroq and the Dordovan Quorum ar
- 118 'So where does that leave Lyanna?' asked Hirad. 'Strikes me your little outline has her surplus to Balaia's requirements.''Yes, Ilkar, perhaps you'd like to put your foot down in one camp or another,' invited The Un
- 119 Close to, Cleress could see Lyanna's eyes darting from leaf to leaf, her mouth moving, her smile alternately thinning and broadening as if the answers she thought she received to her questions pleased her. Her outstretched arms trembled with the effo
- 120 The Unknown nodded. 'If he believes it too, then I guess I'm prepared to. But that doesn't change why I'm here, and don't you forget it. Denser, we'll find her and help her control this. Or rather, you will, if you say so. Il
- 121 What he didn't need, with the stubble itching his chin, his eyes red and smarting and still wearing his riding garb, was the mage, Tendjorn, to disagree.'These people need our help,' said Darrick. 'While you were resting, I was walking
- 122 'No,' said Aviana firmly. 'I can do it. Just pray she keeps quiet through the day too.'Cleress knew what she meant. They couldn't cope with another outburst like this without rest. Ideally, Myriell shouldn't be woken until no
- 123 ' "Just?" In case it's escaped your attention, Denser, those two issues saved Balaia. One knowingly exiling themselves in the process, the other fought at great cost outside the Septern Manse. Unfortunately, it was some time ago, and p
- 124 'Three. The Guild could manage to put back to sea having rumbled the Dordovan presence. We need to think how to get out to sea and meet them - a.s.suming Denser still can't get in touch with Erienne.'Four. Earl Arlen. He isn't going to
- 125 The docks were under water, as were all of the low-lying areas in the estuary basin. Further up into the centre of Korina, conditions were better but the waters were still rising. The Unknown's house had been in the estuary basin. The contact had no
- 126 He took a pace forwards, ignoring his blade, knowing that open aggression could be fatal.'So what is it?' he demanded of them. 'Do something. We're not going anywhere.' His gesture included his horse, who suddenly p.i.s.sed on the
- 127 'Erienne, they are scouts because they ride horses with both short-sprint speed and long-ride stamina. They wear little armour and carry light weapons. But mostly, they're elves and they know we've seen them.''They're looking
- 128 'Very. They don't like my kind.'The man acknowledged the admission. 'Your business,' he said.'Thank you.'He nodded. 'I'll look for you.' He pointed to his eyes with splayed fingers. 'Go carefully.
- 129 Darrick fought to keep his temper. 'My Lord, there is a s.h.i.+p in your harbour. An elven vessel recently arrived.'Arlen nodded. 'The Ocean Elm. Beautiful, isn't she?''You must give me permission to board her immediately.�
- 130 'I won't be able to see what's beneath me,' she said, sure that Ren wouldn't understand her fear, would think it stupid. 'Please don't make me do this.'The elf fell silent and Erienne could see her thinking hard. A
- 131 'Don't presume to threaten me, elf. You are beaten.' Selik didn't stop moving.'It's not a threat. Without us, you can't navigate your way and you know it. And if Erienne is harmed, we will die before taking you a league
- 132 'Glad you stopped by,' he said.Hirad nodded. 'All right. Drop your weapons. We need them.' He didn't let up pressure on the mage's neck.There was hesitation. The Unknown hissed in breath and stepped smartly across, hooking a
- 133 'You can surround them?''Yes, my mage.' Aeb betrayed no reaction though the tactic was clearly the most obvious to employ. It would make the battle swift. They outnumbered the enemy by almost three to two.'But can we justify the a
- 134 Ren'erei had ducked back behind a raised wooden jetty as riders had thundered past. She had watched, s.h.i.+vering violently, as a short exchange with Selik led to a deployment of the cavalry in what for all the world looked like a defensive formatio
- 135 Thraun knew where she was and he called the pack to him, though he knew they were scared enough to flee. They ran through the prey, howling and nipping as they went, sending the scared animals jumping and turning against the wishes of their masters. The p
- 136 'Ilkar! Now's a good time for something.'The mage didn't respond immediately, then.'s.h.i.+eld down. Crouch, Raven.'The Unknown complied and Ilkar's spell thudded over his head, a ForceCone which smashed into the remnant
- 137 'We have failed him.'Hirad nodded, a sweep of guilt was.h.i.+ng through him. 'We all have.'Yet again Hirad scanned the dockside, its cranes smashed, its warehouses gutted and its walkways and paths swathed in death. It was not a place
- 138 The ancient elf took one more draw on the pipe and set it down on its stand, where it would be refilled and lit for Myriell in a few moments. She opened her eyes, not having remembered exactly when she closed them and saw two Guild elves standing to her l
- 139 'Well, we can r.e.t.a.r.d the healing a little, I suppose, but the spells are already doing their work,' said Ilkar. 'Three days perhaps?' He glanced at Denser, who shrugged and nodded.'Then we'd better get her off that s.h.i
- 140 'And you think I took the wrong way.''Strangely, yes.' Ilkar sighed. 'Still, it's not like you've become different overnight, is it?'Hirad smiled, knowing the gentle chiding was over. 'No. Sorry, Ilks, it'
- 141 'But it wasn't always the way, was it Captain?' Selik pushed the point of his blade a little closer, the skipper aware that a sudden roll could end his life.'Maintaining exact direction is impossible in these conditions,' he said.
- 142 'Go away, Selik, and let me do my job or you'll be drinking sea water.''I will have you, elf,' said Selik as he turned and gestured his men away. 'Yours is a life borrowing heavily from the death.'The skipper said nothin
- 143 Erienne turned the corner, Hirad right behind. As he slid to turn, a crossbow bolt tore into the flesh of his calf, the impact throwing him from his feet and he fell, hammering into the rail which cracked under the impact. He heard a cheer behind him and
- 144 'Get the others here!' shouted Myriell.She moved into the room, sat on the edge of the bed and clutched the little girl to her, attuning her mind and eyes to the mana spectrum and seeing the horror laid out for her there.Surrounding Aviana was a
- 145 'No it isn't,' she whispered, and there were tears standing in her eyes. 'It's started again.''No, love,' he said, but he already knew it was true.The temperature was falling, the s.h.i.+p was s.h.i.+fting against i
- 146 Pa.s.sing the lead vessel, they gained height and banked, turning to attack.Break their formation. Take the masts if you can. Spells will come, pulsed Sha-Kaan.They dived, roaring into the rain-sodden air, each targeting a s.h.i.+p, seeing the fleet begin
- 147 'Still, there's little we can do about that now,' said Hirad. 'Tell me, Unknown, what do you think are the biggest problems after what we've been hearing from Ren and Erienne?'The Unknown blew out his cheeks. 'Well, they
- 148 Denser's heart raced, his mind a fog of excitement and sorrow. Their speed was a joy, rus.h.i.+ng them towards Lyanna, the daughter he hadn't seen in too long but who would cost him the life of Erienne. He looked at her. She sat on his right, on
- 149 Ilkar looked into the dining room and could see what had driven them to come here. It was dry. Probably the only room in the house that was. There was a fireplace opposite which still put out residual heat and the windows had been battened shut, shutters
- 150 'So I understand,' said Ilkar. 'I'm sorry to rush you but I need to apprise you of our current situation and I also have to understand the condition of you and your sisters.'Ephemere raised a brittle smile. 'I suspect neither
- 151 'No, but-''Then shut up. Because we have to agree on positions, then we have to get a few hours rotating rest and then we have to fight all day. If we aren't cohesive, we'll be slaughtered very quickly and I have no intention of w
- 152 'Yes, I suppose so,' said Erienne.He nodded, his lower lip trembling. 'Just remember how much I love you,' he said, his voice barely above a whisper.'And I'll love you, wherever I am,' she replied.Lyanna squirmed. '
- 153 To his right, a spell exploded against the second wing's doors, shattering them, the Protectors who had been standing aside, now turned into the action, blades chopping down and the sounds of dying men echoing into the corridor.There was a thud in fr
- 154 Was it, h.e.l.l.Ilkar didn't know what possessed him. It was something he'd never even dreamt of attempting before but his subconscious instructed his body without bothering to check with the rational part of his mind. He drew his sword, his onl
- 155 He drew his blade, checked its edge and watched. Vuldaroq was talking to one of his mages, who turned and pointed down towards the beach. A birdcall sounded from the left, bow strings thrummed and two of the mages fell, arrows taking both in the eye.Darri
- 156 But The Unknown stepped in between them, facing his friend.'No, Hirad,' he said. 'The fight is over. It would be murder.'Hirad looked at him, his blood boiling for him to strike the Black Wing down, but The Unknown held his gaze and sp
- 157 'Not far now.'More stragglers came by them as they rode quickly down the street, the park behind them. Ahead, the low warehousing and packed tenements of the Salt Quarter, once heavy with cargo and seafarers, now blazing in countless places and
- 158 Sytkan waved a hand at the ruins of Arlen. 'Things change,' he said. 'The Dordovans wanted something we were not prepared to give.''Which was?''Their mages in the research party.''And this is the result?'
- 159 One of the mages held out his hands towards Hirad. Casting, surely. Caught unable to run and hopelessly outnumbered, Hirad did the only thing he could. He attacked. Yelling to clear his mind, he flew at the mage, fists bunched, braided hair streaming out
- 160 The confusion within her made her mind pound all the more.She turned her head to look at Denser. His beard was trimmed, his black hair neat and short, his cheekbones and jaw angled and so attractive. He was looking down at the bed, tears rolling down his
- 161 'Lystern?' he said as if fearing the answer.'Peace brokers with no peace to broker,' said The Unknown. 'They're out of it for now but . . .' He shrugged. They all understood. He turned his attention to Ilkar. The elf had
- 162 The wards hadn't worked as Rebraal had planned. Not enough men had been on the ap.r.o.n, and though the effects had been devastating and perhaps forty were dead, the elves still faced enormous odds.The first FlameWall died away and, heedless of furth
- 163 'No we don't. But we're there nonetheless.''And you will go whether I do or not?''Oh, love, it's not a choice I want to make. But we've our lives together for ever and I want us to have a country to live in tha
- 164 'We will, of course, respect your wishes,' said Cleress. 'But remember we are dying. And even though you may hate us, you need us. Because the One will awake and only we can shepherd you through the ordeal you must face.''If I cho
- 171 'I'll see what I can do, Captain.' Devun cracked his knuckles for effect.'You're a good man, Devun,' said Selik. 'I'm glad you're with me. The sacrifices are many on the path to righteousness. Get to it.'D
- 172 Yron blew out his cheeks and swatted at a fly that buzzed around his head. How long before the enemy got here? Should he call up the reserve from the s.h.i.+ps to cover his retreat? How long could he give Erys and Stenys to research? Should he cut his los
- 173 'That is not possible,' said Aeb. 'I am the only Protector here. I will attend to myself alone.''Understood. The other thing, Erienne and Denser, is please look after your mana stamina reserves. No matter how hard we try, someone
- 174 Hirad nodded. 'Must be.''Can we? Please?' Ilkar's raised voice caused Kayloor to s.h.i.+ft in his slumber, but he didn't wake and it served as a timely reminder.'Another long day tomorrow,' said The Unknown.'Ye
- 165 Selik swept the hood back, glad for the play of air across his head. He sat down opposite Erskan, who didn't flinch as he took in Selik's smeared left cheek, dead white eye and slack left jaw. He was a middle-aged man grown very old in just two
- 166 'How long?' Rebraal knew what Mercuun said was true, and knew the rituals must be observed. He felt a chill enter his body and a vision played across his mind of the desecration that could be visited on Aryndeneth in a few short days.'Eight
- 167 'To someone who would deny magic to an entire population because of a single rogue, no. It is you who are blind, Selik, you and the monkeys who follow you so slavishly.''Some fight still left, at least,' said Selik to the chuckles of h
- 168 'Mummy!''It's all right, Atyo,' said Avesh, head down and running again, breath heaving painfully into his lungs. 'We'll find her. We'll see her soon.'Right in front of him, a man tripped and fell. Reacting fas
- 169 And so Rebraal had found him broken but alive.'Meru, talk to me.''Hurts, Rebraal. It hurts.''Of course it hurts. You've come down eighty feet.'Rebraal looked at him, not quite believing what he saw. Mercuun was moving an
- 170 There was a concerted move stalled only by Thraun, who was determined to finish every last crumb of bread.'What's he planning to do, hibernate?' said Ilkar. 'Don't bring too much. We're in one boat. It's got oars, a sail and forward decking for sto
- 175 Outside, a low growl was followed by a scream, cut off abruptly.'The ClawBound will help,' said Auum.'And if we can't find it?' asked Duele.'Then we will take one of the strangers alive. And he will be but the first to pay for what they have done he
- 176 'Always this welcoming, are they?' asked Hirad.'Now's the time to be quiet,' said Ilkar sharply. 'Remember, most of these elves have never seen a non-elf. I suggest you stop and let me see what's going on.'The Raven did so, each of them a.s.sessin
- 177 Kild'aar shook her head. 'How can there be anything more than the honour of defending your faith?''It wasn't what I wanted. Why can't you understand that? Why can't Rebraal?'Ilkar felt like telling her his life story, or at least the last decade o
- 178 'Then I'll try,' he said.'Good lad,' said Yron. 'You'll be fine. Now let's get out into the stream. Snap the lock over your scabbard. Don't want you losing your sword.'With that, he pushed the log away and plunged after it, Ben scrambling after
- 179 The elf wasn't letting up. Whatever Kild'aar said, it wasn't mollifying him. Ren was following the argument. Again and again she looked about to jump in but something she heard stayed her. The noise in the room was intensifying, Kild'aar shouting now.
- 180 'Yes, Ilkar, nine. Including two mages. Because there are not enough of us. Barely enough to keep the net working. You've forgotten so much. Where did I go wrong?'Ilkar heard regret and disappointment in Rebraal's voice. And the net hadn't worked. Ne
- 181 He didn't answer, just dragged her face to his, kissed her deeply on the lips and let the mana coc.o.o.n them and their pa.s.sion sweep them away.Chapter 24.The Raven, led by Rebraal and flanked by the mysterious painted elf and his companion panther, se
- 182 Ben jerked back, his leg twitching. 'Dammit!''What was it?' Yron, tense all over again, looked immediately behind them.'Nothing, I . . . Ow!' Ben slapped the water with a hand. 'Something bit me.'Yron went cold all over. They were twenty-five yard
- 183 Yron smiled as best he could. If the infection didn't get him, the blood loss or the shock just might. He turned from Ben to the fire, noting how the blood was already soaking through the boy's bandages, and put out the blaze, trying to minimise the smo
- 184 Chandyr had been organising his men from the moment Rusau and the messenger had disappeared over the crest. He'd split his cavalry into two wings, leaving his foot soldiers to take the central ground. Mages were dispersed along the line, providing offens
- 185 Vuldaroq inclined his head. 'From you that is compliment indeed.''I want to make it abundantly clear, however, that I am not proposing a formal alliance,' said Heryst. 'But we have a joint obligation to sh.o.r.e up the defences of Julatsa. I also bel
- 186 'Thank you,' she said.'You don't have to keep it burning inside you.' The Unknown moved her back so he could look into her eyes. 'Let us take some of the weight.'She nodded, but in her grat.i.tude was the lonely realisation that they couldn't take
- 187 The Raven surrounded Ilkar. He was shaking now and he put his face in his hands.'Oh G.o.ds, it's bad,' he said.'What is?' asked Hirad.'Give me a moment,' said Ilkar.'What have they gone to do?' asked Hirad, flicking his head at the departed Al-Ar
- 188 'There's only one thing you have to understand, Ren. If you fight with The Raven, you do it our way. Our way works. You do not break the line ever because that causes people to die. Am I getting through?'Ilkar watched Ren react. Saw her stubborn folded
- 189 'Not yet, anyway,' said Ilkar.Hirad shrugged and rubbed at his unshaven chin, then at his legs. 'Glad we're out of the forest for a bit,' he said. 'What about you, Darrick?'The Lysternan general looked around with pursed lips. 'I was loving it,'
- 190 The shouts from the estuary entrance became louder and more urgent. The thrum of bowstrings was plain. Arrows arced across the sky, falling behind the runners, slicing into the swamp waters. After them came FlameOrbs, four pairs, their orange glows like d
- 191 Denser angled his body horizontal to the ground and tightened his grip on Erienne, who hung below him, his arms clasped under her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, her legs locked around his. He heard her mutter and drag at the air with her fingers as she finished the prepa
- 192 'Ilkar?''Jevin,' Ilkar gasped. 'Better . . . better get a boat over the side. Don't think Denser can float for too long.'The order was given. 'Where have you come from?''Shorth Estuary. Flew all night.' He struggled to a sitting position. 'Exp
- 193 Hirad frowned. 'I don't-''It's to do with the One,' explained The Unknown. 'I think she's going to have to let the Al-Drechar help her now, and so does our quiet but very perceptive shapechanger.'Thraun growled in his throat at the term, his eyes
- 194 Dystran raised a hand. 'I'm sorry, my manners.'He led the old and dying master back to the dining room, where they sat at the end of the cavernous chamber away from the inquisitive ears of the rest of the Seven. Servants were clearing plates and gla.s.
- 195 'You all right?' he asked.'I don't know,' she admitted. 'I've slept most of the voyage but my mind is full, like I've been studying non-stop. There's so much to take in. I can't really explain it.''Just as long as they aren't hurting you,' s
- 196 Chapter 37.Erienne couldn't sleep. The state room she shared with Denser was airy and large, the bed beautifully comfortable. Denser lay quietly beside her but she was unsettled from having spent so much of her time over the last few days exhausted from
- 197 The instinctive bunching around their fallen comrade loosened as Auum approached the two women and a man. He waved them aside, speaking the word again. Whether they understood him or not was unclear but he certainly scared them enough even though he was s
- 198 'Thraun, are you all right?'Thraun looked up. The Unknown Warrior was dropping back to ride beside him. He didn't answer.'You had a bit of a wobble in the saddle just then. I wondered if you were feeling all right?'Thraun shook his head. 'No.''Can
- 199 The cavalry charged, riding down the elves ahead, swords thumping into the Al-Arynaar, who had no experience of fighting mounted swordsmen. At the end of the charge, the cavalry turned and split to sweep back along the flanks. The Protectors unsnapped wea
- 200 'We are one,' murmured the rank of Protectors, and Hirad felt the completeness of their union.He looked left towards the sounds of shouting and horses. Four men, cloaks flying, were riding their way.'Time to go,' he said. 'We need to find the others.