A Raven's Darkness (Book 1)

Chapter 13: Nora's Identity

Rater's Point Of View:

I didn't have any other supplies except my sword. The question was how would I cut a tree with a sword? That would be improbable. I pulled up my robe sleeve and examined my protector mark. It was resonating a dark red. I placed my other hand on my sword. My power flowed into the white sword. I then threw it at the tree. It stuck in and did nothing. It was time for a spell. "Gespalten." 15 My sword split into tiny pieces and began to chop the tree slowly down. This spell was a challenge at mastering, as it took me four years. I left it there and went to drink water from a nearby stream. I didn't notice Nora coming until she yelled behind me. I had water in my cupped hands and she startled me, causing the water to spill all over me. She giggled and pointed at me. "You scare too easily Rater. I expected more from Racon's older brother." I squinted at her through the bright sun. "You sound just like Raven. Are you sure you are well?" She gave me a sideways look. "Better than ever." She picked up a rock and threw it across the stream. It jumped four times until it finally sank. "Nice spell you got there." She said as she pointed to the sword chopping the tree. "It'll take a lot more to learn Ancient Magic though." I sighed. "That is just wonderful." She chuckled at me as I rolled my eyes at her.

Rater's Point Of View:

"Well, we better get started then." I said. Nora whistles as her black horse comes charging toward me. My red eyes grew wide and I ran in the other direction. "Nora, make him stop!" I yelled on top of my lungs as I ran in a large circle. The horse was catching up to me quickly. She grinned widely. "Come now, Rater. You aren't even trying!" My breathing quickened as I tripped and took the horse head on. I grabbed his hooves and struggled with him. I managed to lug him off of me in time to chant a spell. "Zwingen!" 16 A large force field pushed the horse back. Sweat trickled down my cheek. "This isn't funny Nora!" She tapped her forefinger on the side of her cheek. "Well, I'd say from this angle, it is quite hilarious!" I grunted as the horse broke the force field with his hoof. I was too weak with my spells. I focused on trying to use my anger transformation power. "No, try without your power. You need a strong hold on spells if you want to master them." I looked back at her and sighed. "You're a pain-" I was cut off as the horse rammed me in my chest. Air escaped me. Nora gasped with her hand on her mouth. "Oh, that outta hurt! Take it more seriously!" I was slammed into the ground and I struggled to push him off of me. "Enough!" I find the strength to finally get him off.

Racon's Point Of View:

Raven and I gazed into each other's eyes. However, Wane was back from collecting firewood. We separated in an instant. Raven was blushing and I was sort of scratching the side of my head. Well, this isn't awkward. "Hey friends! I have found wood for the fire!" I leaned down to Wane and messed his hair up. "Thanks Wane." He grinned up at me. "You bet friend!" I stood and placed the wood down and looked at Raven. She was blushing madly still. "Raven, can you make a fire?" She smiled shyly. "Yes. Let me try." I stepped back next to Wane as Raven kneeled down and started to rub two sticks together. Her black curly hair was casually hanging from her shoulder and I found myself astounded by how lucky I am to have her. Of course, her beauty wasn't why I fell for her. I noticed I was staring and looked away embarrassed. Wane nudged me in my side and whispered to me. "Friend, do not worry. I know that you two are lovers." My face turned beet red and I found myself stuttering. "Wh- what- what? N- n- no." Wane giggled. "I may be only ten years old, but I know the way you look at her." This time he failed to whisper and Raven stood. She looked up at us as soon as the fire started to burn. A grin was emerging from her and I couldn't help but smile at her. Did she hear our conversation?

Racon's Point Of View:

Raven's purple eyes bore right into my brown ones. "You stare at me?" She asked while turning red. I awkwardly scratched my head. "I-uh...yea." She giggled. "It is so rare to see you so embarrassed!" I cleared my throat. "Well, uh, I am of royalty after all." She grinned mischievously at me. "Oh really now? Well, I hope to see you more vulnerable than me again sometime." She turned and strutted down the stream, looking for water no doubt. Wane giggled "Smooth." I lightly hit him in his side. "Hey, I can't help it." Wane poked me in the face. "I bet not." I sighed and calmed my feelings down. I must not be vulnerable in front of Raven. I must be her rock. "So, Wane, can I ask you some questions?" Wane's face lit up. "Of course! Ask away friend!" I cleared my throat and sat down with him on some logs. "Did someone travel with you to get here?" He frowned. "Well, yes. We got separated when we came upon some green dudes." The green dudes Wane talked about must be the Outlander clan, as their clan stripe color was green. They were neutral, so maybe that was a good thing that they ran into them rather than another clan. I rubbed my chin in thought. "Can you describe the way your companion looks? We may have seen them." He lit up once more. "Of course, friend! He has two tattoos on his neck, blue hair, and our orange clan cape." I pondered this. He didn't seem familiar to me. "What is his name?" He looked up at me. "His name is Melkin."