A Raven's Darkness (Book 1)

Chapter 22: Dreams

Robin's Point Of View:

Today was the third day. Yesterday, Hanner, my assistant, gave me requests to have more people in my clan. Sixty families wanted in, but I had to examine each person. I told Hanner to hold on until I get my business with Raven done. The Outlander looked through the window. "I believe we have company." The guards opened the castle doors and before me was Raven, Racon, and a little boy behind them. I smiled. "Raven!" Raven grinned and ran toward me. We hugged and then she looked up at me at an arm's length distance. "Father! It's been forever since I have last seen you!" I chuckled. "It seems so. Who are your companions?" She gasped. "Oh!" She ran over and pointed to the little boy. "This is Wane. He is a very cute ten year old boy." Wane scrunched his face. "Cute?" Raven giggled and then moved to Racon. Her eyes seemed to sparkle. "This is Racon, as you already know." I chuckled and looked at the Outlander. He walked towards us, to stand beside me. He stared at Raven, and only Raven, and extended his hand. Raven looked terrified but shook his hand. Racon then moved to be beside Raven. "What do you want?" I turned to Racon. "Racon!" The Outlander replied, "It is alright, Robin. I am in need of Raven's services." Racon turned even madder. "As if I'd let that happen."

Raven's Point Of View:

Racon's concern for me was cute but I knew I had to hear the Outlander out, especially since my father brought him here. I tapped Racon's arm. "Racon let me handle this." He tsked and looked at me as his expression softened. "Very well." I looked at the Outlander. "May I ask your name?" The Outlander stared me down. "I am Commander Aaron, second only to King Ivan." This Outlander looked blind to me, as he had white eyes. I pushed my black curly hair back behind my ears in nervousness, as I was clearly in the presence of a high ranked official. "I will say it again, Raven. I require your assistance in making our clans peaceful once more." Racon stared at the wall to keep from snapping. I sighed and placed my hand on my hip in thought. Wane replied, "If I may, sir, what is it that you need Raven to accomplish?" Racon smiled a bit. He was a smart boy. Aaron placed his sword across his arms and kneeled before me. I was shocked. "Raven, accept this sword as an invitation of becoming an Outlander." Everyone jumped and gasped. I glanced at my father and he nodded at me in approval. I removed my hand from my hip and started to take the sword, however, Racon pulled me back. "Are you seriously thinking about this?" I nodded. "I will be part of both clans." He sighed. "They hate people like us." I laughed. "Time can change people." Racon backed down. I picked the sword up and nodded at Aaron. He stood.

Raven's Point Of View:

As Aaron stood, I pulled the blade from its white holster and lifted it in front of me. Its green ribbons flowed with the wind. The sword was solid black. The ribbon coloration was a sign of being an Outlander. "Today, I announce my loyalty to two clans. I will gladly serve both of these clans to the best of my ability." "Thank you, Raven." Aaron replied. I put the sword back in its holster and tied it around my hip. I looked at Robin for a response. He smiled. "I'm proud of you daughter, for taking responsibility. Come, let us take this elsewhere." I followed them into my father's room. He sat at his desk and Aaron leaned on the wall with his arms crossed. Robin placed his hands under his chin, in deep thought. "Now, what do you wish of me, Aaron?" I spoke boldly. Aaron doesn't move. "It is not the right time to converse, perhaps another time. I will give you a signal when I need you to come to our town." He pulled out his book communicator and we add one another to our map. He nodded at me. "Deal with your important business with the Raven clan first." He turned to Robin. "Another time, Robin." Robin looked up. "I shall be seeing you soon." Aaron left and I was startled. Why would he leave just like that? What does he mean about it not being the right time? Robin glanced at my reaction. "He means that you must have both your protectors with you in order to do his will." I sighed. Seriously? "Darth is searching for Rater as we speak." Robin nodded. "Very well." Racon and Wane were weirdly quiet behind me. It reminded me of the promise I made to Racon. "If I may, father, I would like your permission to leave the territory." Robin looked at me and said, "What is it that you wish to do?"