Free Daughter of Hauk (The Raven Chronicles Book 1) by KateMarie Collins

her hand. Gently using it to pull the hair back from Arwenna’s face, she explained. “My father was amongst those who went looking for survivors after word of the raid reached us. They didn’t find anyone, but were able to give the dead a decent burial. They found evidence that at least 2 people had gotten away, but they lost the trails. He found this in what was left of one of the houses. Once the priests were able to determine you were alive somewhere, he had me keep it safe in case we ever met up.” She finished arranging her hair. “There. That’s right where it belongs.” Arwenna’s eyes teared up briefly as she gave Lexi a hug. “Welcome home, Cousin.”
                  “Ahem.” The sound of Y’Dürkie’s voice reached her ears. “Ve do need to get movink soon if ve vant to reach this town before nightfall.” They nodded in agreement. What was left of the camp was packed and they resumed their journey.
                  About an hour later, Y’Dürkie gave in to her curiosity. “What is special about the comb? Is it magic or somethink?”
                  Arwenna smiled, and there was even some joy in it this time. “It was given to me as a child the night before the raid on my village. It was a gift from the local priests of Hauk. As long as I kept it with me, they’d be able to find me supposedly. It was forgotten in the chaos during the raid.” She sighed, “Though I wonder who would’ve found me if I’d remembered it. I think we wouldn’t be in this position if I had.”
                  “Hey now, do not talk like that!” Y’Dürkie pointed a finger at Arwenna’s face. “You are not the sole reason for anythink bad that’s been goink on, and I refuse to let you think that vay. If it vas not you, they vould have found someone else to do their dirty vork and not know it.”
                  Lexi chimed in, “She’s right, you know. If you really believe you’re going to have to fight these people again, or Senyan, you can’t be thinking of what if’s all day long. You are who you are, that’s it. Hauk still loves you, that much is certain. And I don’t think he’d love you if you were some evil creature that just wanted to destroy everything good in the world.”
                  Arwenna let a small sigh escape. It’s nice to have friends who have faith in me , she thought, even when I’m not so sure about myself .
                  “Well, if this comb still can do what its original intent was, we may be able to find some good refuge in Salsburg. If there’s a temple to Hauk there, the priests should know I’m coming and be able to help us somewhat.” Arwenna would be willing to take the aid, but Lexi and Y’Dürkie still wanted to watch her every minute, asleep or awake.
                  A small movement alerted Arwenna to Lexi’s distracted walk. She kept staring off towards the mountains. Every now and then, she veered slightly off the road almost unconsciously. After the fourth time, Arwenna called a halt.
                  “Lexi, what is wrong with you? You keep trying to head to the hills like you’re heading the wrong way.” Arwenna’s face was a mixture of concern and wariness.
                  Lexi blinked and turned her eyes away from the mountains looming nearby. “It’s just that I miss my eagle so much. I’d really like to take some time in those mountains and see if I could find another creature to fly.” Grief over the death of her beloved eagle was clearly written all over her face.
                  Y’Dürkie and Arwenna exchanged a look, silent understanding passed between them before Arwenna turned back to her cousin. “Well, then. We need to do something about that! How long do you need? Y’Dürkie and I could do what we need to do in town and meet you up that way, if you like.”
                  Her eyes