Captive of Raven Castle Read online

  Table of Contents

  Captive of Raven Castle

  Captive of | RAVEN CASTLE | By | Jessica Greyson

  Dedication | This book is lovingly dedicated to the One who took my place and set me free. | My loving family, who makes my writing possible. | Lily, my heart twin, who always gives me courage.

  Special Thanks to

  Pronunciation Guide

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  

  

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  

  

  Chapter 11

  

  

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  

  

  Chapter 18

  

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  

  

  

  

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  

  

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  

  Chapter 28

  

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  

  

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  About the Author

  About the Artist

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  Jessica Greyson has created a cast of vibrant characters living in a place so deftly described even Raven Castle seems to have its own personality. Alexandra's struggle to understand the truth behind the web of lies that surrounds her will catch both your imagination and your heart, and hold them long after you finish reading.

  Torture and true love, laughter and tears, sword fights and sacrifice: all are woven beautifully together into the unforgettable story of The Captive of Raven Castle.

  -Elizabeth Ender, author of Ransomed

  Jessica Greyson's work is gripping and satisfying to read both as a reader and a writer. Captive of Raven Castle is one of those books that immerses you in another world without beating you about the head with description. A very satisfying read.

  -Anneliese Blakeney, author of Princess and the Sage

  A wonderful story that transports you to the days of medieval castles and kings. Captive of Raven Castle is full of delightful twists and turns and kept me guessing as I turned each page. You will want to read it over and over!

  -Melody M. writer

  Captive of Raven Castle is a thrilling adventure with plenty of exciting and unexpected twists. The characters are amazing—perfectly developed, it is impossible not to fall in love with them. Captive of Raven Castle is yet another superb story by Jessica Greyson. Definitely five out of five stars for this book!

  -Kayla, writer

  Loyalty, bravery, and self-sacrifice are strong themes in Captive of Raven Castle. Personable characters, growth and change, gripping danger, heart-stopping plot twists, a conflict of kingdoms, and deep relationships of trust pervade its pages. Adults and young people who enjoy a thrilling, involved tale will love this page-turner. Above all, the strong faith that the characters exemplify will challenge and inspire the reader. Captive of Raven Castle is indeed a keepsake to be read, reread, and long treasured.

  -Erika Mathews, author of Priomise’s Prayer

  Captive of

  RAVEN CASTLE

  By

  Jessica Greyson

  THIS BOOK IS A WORK of fiction. Names, character, places and events are product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Captive of Raven Castle

  First Edition

  Copyright © 2013 by Jessica Greyson

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever without written permission, exception in the case of brief quotations and reviews.

  Published by: Ready Writer Press

  COVER DESIGN BY LOUIE Roybal III

  www.louieroybal.com

  Map of Chambria by Pepper Darcy

  www.pepperjdarcy.deviantart.com

  ISBN-10: 0988461420

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9884614-2-0

  Dedication

  This book is lovingly dedicated to the One who took my place and set me free.

  My loving family, who makes my writing possible.

  Lily, my heart twin, who always gives me courage.

  Special Thanks to

  Davin K. for being such an inspiration.

  Mama, for all that you have done to help make this dream come true.

  Auntie L. for all of your love and support.

  Aunt C. for sharing your time and skills.

  Louie Roybal, for sharing your incredible talent with the world through book covers.

  My beta reading and blog friends. You are such encouragements! Thanks for being so wonderful

  Erika M. For reading it so much.

  Chapter Index

  Chapter 1............................................... Page 1

  Chapter 2............................................... Page 9

  Chapter 3............................................... Page 15

  Chapter 4............................................... Page 21

  Chapter 5............................................... Page 29

  Chapter 6............................................... Page 35

  Chapter 7............................................... Page 37

  Chapter 8............................................... Page 43

  Chapter 9............................................... Page 47

  Chapter 10............................................. Page 51

  Chapter 11............................................. Page 59

  Chapter 12............................................. Page 67

  Chapter 13............................................. Page 77

  Chapter 14............................................. Page 83

  Chapter 15............................................. Page 89

  Chapter 16............................................. Page 103

  Chapter 17............................................. Page 111

  Chapter 18............................................. Page 117

  Chapter 19............................................. Page 127

  Chapter 20............................................. Page 133

  Chapter 21............................................. Page 143

  Chapter 22............................................. Page 149

  Chapter 23............................................. Page 155

  Chapter 24............................................. Page 157

  Chapter 25............................................. Page 165

  Chapter 26............................................. Page 169

  Chapter 27............................................. Pag
e 175

  Chapter 28............................................. Page 181

  Chapter 29............................................. Page 193

  Chapter 30............................................. Page 203

  Chapter 31..............................................Page 207

  Chapter 32..............................................Page 215

  Chapter 33..............................................Page 221

  Chapter 34..............................................Page 227

  Chapter 35..............................................Page 237

  Chapter 36..............................................Page 241

  Chapter 37................................................Page 247

  Chapter 38................................................Page 251

  Chapter 39................................................Page 257

  Chapter 40............................................. Page 261

  Chapter 41............................................. Page 265

  Pronunciation Guide

  Chambria Cham-brēē-ă

  Cassandra Cu-sănd-ra

  Taleon Tālĭan or Tāl-yĭn

  Aric Āre-ĭc

  Chapter 1

  “Alexandra! Alexandra, are you ready yet?” echoed a thundering voice from below.

  The dark-haired girl looked self-consciously into the mirror. A worried expression crossed her face and shone in her blue eyes. “Judith, are you sure I will be all right?”

  The middle-aged nurse laid her hands gently on her charge’s rich black wavy hair, smoothing it as she placed a delicate crown on Alexandra’s head. “You will be fine. Your father just wants to show you off to the people and the ambassador. See how pretty you are, my darling?” she said, bestowing a kiss on the pale, wan cheek. “They need hope. The drought has been too long, and the people need something to forget their sorrows. Besides the ambassador has a gift from the prince to present to you, and he wants to ensure that you and the prince will be happy together. Seeing you will be the perfect cure for all of them. You will give them hope. They will adore you. I promise.”

  “But Judith, I....”

  “Your father wants you. You know how he gets when you make him wait.”

  Alexandra looked once more in the mirror at her purple dress, white pearl necklace with an amethyst pendant, and pearls in her dark locks.

  “I am just scared to go, Judith...the ambassador is so strange and the people so restless. I am afraid of what might happen; we are so near Raven Castle. What if they should storm the city?”

  “Your father has too strong a force with him to be in danger of those men coming.”

  The voice hollered again, louder this time.

  “Oh, wish me luck.” And Alexandra hurried away as fast as she dared, stopping at the head of the stair to look at her father waiting impatiently below.

  He was standing in a richly decorated hallway of the castle, waiting for her—tapping his foot, always a bad sign. A man of noble stature, his silver chainmail glistened with readiness beneath his short-sleeved tunic with the royal coat of arms boldly woven thereon. A jewel encrusted crown sat on his head, his black hair was already graying at the temples.

  Alexandra took a deep breath and began her lady-like descent down the staircase.

  He turned to bellow once more, then caught sight of his daughter. A smile burst out on his countenance upon catching sight of her.

  Alexandra wondered how, even when he smiled, he didn’t seem handsome. His features were so stern, and the set jaw showed even behind his well-trimmed beard.

  “Hello, Father,” she said, stepping down beside him and glancing timidly upward.

  “Turn around for me, won’t you?”

  She turned slowly.

  “You look quite lovely, my dear; however, do you think you will be warm enough? We can’t be too careful of your delicate health.”

  “I am quite warm as it is right now. Are you sure it won’t rain?”

  “We will have a servant carry your furs just in case there is a cold breeze, we can’t have you catching ill.”

  “Do we have to go to see the ambassador? Why can’t he come here like he usually does?”

  “The full-length likeness of your future husband has just arrived at the Shalsburg Embassy, and there is to be a tournament this afternoon. We shall kill two birds with one stone. We will see the ambassador, decide if we like the portrait enough to show it to the people. If so, it will be brought to the tournament to show the people their future king, your noble husband-to-be who will take all the cares of this country off your slight shoulders that are barely able to carry a crown.”

  “Yes, Father,” she murmured submissively, with a hidden shiver. There was not much for her future. She wondered if she would ever live past bearing her first child. Hopefully, it would be a male heir to inherit the throne that she as the queen would leave him.

  Alexandra looked down at her reflection in the white marble polished to a perfect shine.

  She had always been a weak thing. Her father had been extremely careful of her frail health. Alexandra was never allowed to embroider, play music, or draw more than half an hour at a time lest it weaken her. Reading was forbidden lest her eyes become damaged by strain over the mysterious black and white pages. She was read to often by her ladies-in-waiting and her devoted nursemaid Judith, who had been dedicated to her since she was five years of age.

  In a minute King Archibald had helped Alexandra into the carriage after she glanced fearfully at the spirited horses that pawed readily at the ground. The king sat beside her. Guards on horses surrounded them as they rode out of the castle gates and through the streets.

  Alexandra peeped timidly at the people who stopped to gawk at them.

  “Smile, Alexandra,” whispered her father through clenched teeth that were bearing a grin.

  “They don’t look happy,” she said, turning to her father and king.

  “I know. If we smile, it will bring them hope of a better future.”

  Alexandra tried to smile as she looked at the people, but they only stared at her blankly.

  “I wish I hadn’t come,” she said, nearing tears.

  “Nonsense, Alexandra,” he murmured, his voice bordering on stern.

  There was a resounding thump as something landed against the carriage. Alexandra jumped.

  A second thump made her scream involuntarily.

  “Pick up the pace!” her father shouted, and the horses burst into a gallop.

  Alexandra clung to her father as the carriage jostled and jolted and tossed her about—too afraid to cry. Objects were hurled at the carriage, making loud, frightening noises. Some splattered, some thudded, a few bounced boldly in the window, and one barely missed hitting her in the head.

  Soon they were in the safety of the Embassy’s closed courtyard. She was scooped up in her father’s arms and carried safely indoors.

  Pale and shivering but tearless, he laid Alexandra down on a lounge. In a few moments, the ambassador appeared.

  “I am so glad you are here safely,” said the ambassador in his funny accent.

  “As am I,” replied her father.

  Unexpectedly the ambassador came over and kissed Alexandra’s hand. “It is an especial pleasure to see you, my dear. You are looking quite lovely despite that dreadful scene. How does one manage to look so beautiful while being frightened? I must say you have handled it rather well. But come; I have something most delightful to show you. You have been waiting for it for such a long time,” he said, pulling her unwillingly to her feet.

  She shuffled beside him as he took her arm under his own.

  In a few minutes, she stood before a veiled frame taller than herself.

  “Please take a seat, your highness,” he said, offering her a chair.

  “I have for you a masterpiece of fine artwork. Prepare to be most pleasantly surprised with the most handsome Prince of Shalsburg
.” He motioned two attendants to reveal the image. The silk fabric fluttered and shimmered to the ground, revealing a young man with dark hair and eyes, most royally dressed in red. Holding a dead bird by its feet, blood streaming off its body, a large hawk resting on his other arm.

  Alexandra’s jaw dropped unexpectedly from sheer horror of the man who stood in front of her.

  “Ah, I knew her highness would be most pleased.”

  “Is he fond of dead birds?” she managed to utter at last.

  “He is a most avid sportsman in any sport that you can name. An excellent hunter, he can bring down anything, from birds to wild boar and wolves. That hawk there is his favorite. Its name is Kashir; lovely bird it is. You should see it fly through the air. Ah, yes—his highness is most well suited for a beautiful princess such as yourself.”

  Alexandra looked up at her father, seeking his thoughts on the matter. He was smiling. There was no hope. Her destiny was sealed: she would wed the second prince of Shalsburg.

  “Ah, but I have forgotten his gift to you.” The ambassador pulled out a box inlaid with mother-of-pearl and placed it before her.

  Alexandra’s hands were still trembling from the carriage ride, and the portrait was just too much. What new horror lay in wait for her here? Had he sent her a necklace made of bear teeth?

  With a trembling hand, she pushed back the lid of the box. A shimmering necklace lay before her. A solid mass of diamonds dazzled her eyes.

  There was the sound of shattering glass. Her father ran to the window, hand on his sword. The dull roar that had gathered had become nigh deafening.

  “We need to get out of here now. The people don’t understand I am doing what is good for them.”

  “What shall we do?” asked the ambassador, dumbfounded.

  “They aren’t after you. They are after us. I need you to conduct my daughter safely into the countryside while I take care of this mob. Take your carriage out the back entrance, and I shall distract them with mine. Once she is married, there won’t be any more difficulties like this. I promise. Now, go.”