Darkness Calls the Raven [An Excerpt]

I stood center of the grey courtyard, thick fog swirling between moss green vines, whisking across the stone encased thrones like mist formed beasts, snaking around colossal sandstone pillars. Entranced were my eyes. An unmistakable glimpse of the spirit world, and slowly a pattern of ghostly hue began to form all around me, closing in. Dark grey ramparts, encasing small fog-like clouds, running across their background, bold and fierce. Familiarity overtook me like a tidal wave, unanticipated fear swept within my lungs. I gasped.
Wolves. Black shields, festooned with painted white wolves, and no escape for a flightless raven. Shackles risen, I dared not move, but my eyes swarmed about in wild frenzy. Attempting inhalation, a cold hand of foretold death grasped my throat, choking me. Countless gloved hands reached across worn, armored bodies, gripping hilts of icy steel, bitter sharp.
"Raven..." came a voice from behind.
My heart jolted. I did not turn to face the enquirer. Crow? I mouthed the name in utter disbelief. Betrayal... Panic and rage gripped my mind. I longed to lash out. Kill the traitor. My breath exhaled a frozen hiss, vaporizing into misty air.
"Fly home, Raven."
A cold finger of death trickled across my neck. Tears welled within my weary eyes, blurring my vision, but none broke the surface. I tried to exhale my remaining breath, but thick blood flooded my mouth and lungs, sputtering between wet lips. I dropped to my knees, clothes drenching in crimson red, blood of my own, quickly loosing consciousness. I heard an officer liberate his breakfast, and as darkness called to me...
I smiled.