ROOK AND RAVEN: The Celtic Kingdom Trilogy Book One Read Free

air.  For the first time in his life salt smelled like anticipation and dochas , hope.
    The moments passed tensely as they closed in on the last vestiges of The Mist.  What had once been so thick it had hidden their kingdom from all but those the Priestesses chose to let pass, it had been nothing for a thousand years but a smoky bank of thin mist. It was mere wisps that marked the edge of Celtica’s waters.  If they made it past this thin barrier without the Gooar stopping them they had a good chance of reaching England.  Other than the crew working silently and determinedly to coax as much speed as possible from the ship, everyone else seemed turned to stone as they kept sharp eyes out for any other movement across the waters. 
    While the long boats of the Vikings were swift they were no match for the many sails and advanced design of the English built sloop skimming across the water.  So much had not changed for the Vikings who lived in the kingdom for centuries.  Conal remembered his own father’s refusal to join the 19 th Century.  He had clung to the old ways until the disastrously poor plan to try and unify the kingdom.  King Niall’s strategy had only led to war and failure. It was now to his advantage that the Gooar Odin was nearly maniacal in its adherence to tradition.  His alliance with the English could bring him many military advantages.  They would need them to combat the powerful magic and cunning minds that led the Black Axes.
    Through the thin mist he suddenly saw a woman materialize upon the forward bow; a tall, dark haired, woman clad in a simple green cloak and gown.  She shimmered with a pale illumination and raised one slim hand in a clear sign of blessing.  Every member of the crew was immediately on their knees but he stood and faced her. As their eyes met and held she faded before his eyes. He almost rubbed his eyes the visitation happened so quickly, but he knew he had not imagine her presence.  Something grew warm in his pocket and reaching a hand in he found what looked like a piece of flat amber with the markings of a compass engraved upon its surface. As he held it he heard a woman’s voice whisper “A guide to find friends that are true, blessings of
    Rhiannon upon you Conal child of Niall.” 
    “Ah,” he heard Ciara nearly sigh as she leaned over to see what he held,
    “I wondered how she planned for Rook and Bishop to contact you. The Lady of Rhiannon is a canny one.  Hard as we have fought I know without her and the priestesses we wouldn’t be here tonight with another chance at victory.”
    Conal felt a bit foolish to ask but had to as he studied what he held, “It looks like a compass but is it? It hasn’t a needle. She said it was to find friends that are true.”
    “Is that what she said? If she isn’t speaking directly to someone, in her spirit form, no one else can hear her except as a faint breeze.  These compasses are rare and only the priestesses can imprint them.  The magic allows you to find or be found by those whose help you need. It will turn upon your palm and guide you. If it grows warm in someone’s presence you know you can trust them.  The Gooar has spies everywhere but only the higher ranked can sense magic being used.  Well, unless it’s very powerful magic.  We are fortunate to have such clever ladies on our side,” and she smiled again in that way that reminded him of a cat, and so strongly of her fierce and wily father.
    He pocketed the amber safely with a stern reminder to himself not to lose it. “This Bishop and Rook are our agents in England?”
    “Our best sent ahead to prepare for you.  Neither is kingdom born, they are Englishmen, but you can trust both absolutely I swear. Bishop you have already met.”
    “I haven’t met anyone working for the cause in all the years I have lived in the village,” of that he was certain.  He had been completely cut off. 
    Ciara laughed softly and shook her head. “You might know him