Chapter 21
Chapter 21
The situation was an awkward one.
On one hand Bloodraven was a certified monster. On the other? He was a blood relation that meant no harm to him. Although Draco’s personal preference to avoid him was not something the man seemed to accept.
Of course he could continue to ignore his insistent ‘uncle’ and pretend to be deaf, blind and stupid by continuing his journey to Essos all the while ‘not noticing’ the ever-increasing flock of crows that seemed to be trying and failing to remain inconspicuous. Honestly, having a personal murder of feathery stalkers was alike wearing a sign over his head ‘something fishy this way comes’.
His ‘uncle’ certainly knew how to get his point across.
Brynden Rivers might not have enough power to force the issue, but what he did have was more than enough to get his point across, making an unforgettable nuisance of himself in the process.
Honestly, at this point Draco was pretty much resigned to actually listening to what the man had to say. Otherwise, he had a feeling that a feathery escort would become an obvious constant in his life. And the associated rumors were the last thing he needed if his desire to stay under the radar for as long as possible was to be fulfilled.
After another failed attempt made by the Raven to dive-bomb the fox, the other animal came to a halt. The Raven, not prepared for such a change in course, practically face-planted into the spot where the fox should have been in the next moment. But it wasn’t. It had stopped just short of that position.
The Raven seemed shocked to be seen in such an undignified state. Its expressions were definitely not you see on the face of an animal. Ever.
And that was a great tell that the bird was far from normal.
But the bird wasn’t in its ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ state for long. It gathered itself up faster than should have been possible.
And now two very different animals, one with fur of the brightest snow and the other with feathers of the darkest night took their time to inspect each other. It seemed as if the two animals could remain in such a position for eternity. Two contrasts that should have never met. But they did. And something changed.
In that moment the little fox moved.
And had anyone had a camera to capture the Raven’s appearance, they would have never believed the entire extent of disbelief and shock identifiable on the face of a seemingly ordinary bird. But it was no wonder. Because had that mysterious bystander with a camera actually been there they would have been in no space to judge. Because what kind of an expression a man wears when they see an ordinary animal turn human before their very eyes? Especially one as unnaturally beautiful as that?
They would have likely believe they were in the presence of an otherworldly creature or the divine.
But Bloodraven had long-since stopped believing in gods.
Oh, he believed in their existence. He would have been a hypocrite not to. But actually believing in them? The only power and creature Brynden Rivers believed in was himself. Because awaiting for divine intervention to make things better? Why? When he was capable of enough miracles to spoil himself to his heart’s content. When a ‘divine’ miracle would require some form of payment. Payment postponed to a later date. Payment, he would most likely never freely give.
So Bloodraven never called upon miracles. ‘Be careful what you wish for’ was a principle he always stood by. Because nothing in this life is ever free. And if the price of momentary satisfaction is unstated? That leaves the ‘benefactor’ to ask for satisfaction at a later date. And what if the final price is his soul? Or worse?
No thanks.
Bloodraven can live without miracles.
When they are not those of his own making, that is.