Raven & The Angel

Chapter 11 - Raven & The Angel

Raven was in a daze.  She was desperately trying to make sense of what Ma and Dune were saying, when Penfold had trotted over and unceremoniously butted her into full view. 

"The Angel" Dune bowed, "I should have guessed yesterday.  I thought it was because you were a child that you were able to strike me, but you must be older than you look" he said gently.
"The Angel - me?  Don't be ridiculous.  Haven't you been listening to what she's been saying? And don't call me a child, I'm nearly 18!  There's your Angel..." spat Raven pointing at Ma. "Ma - or should I call you ANGELina - why didn't you tell me? You knew I was terrified of what might happen if we couldn't find what they wanted and yet all along you knew it was you..."
"Raven, it is not me that they want..." Ma began, sorrow and pain returning to her face.
"Course not" scoffed Raven. "You just happen to be called Angel and just happen to know five very tall and lanky weirdos who like wearing masks and capes, and just happen to know all about their 'realmly' problems.  Pull the other one Angel. Why should I believe anything you say when you have been lying to me all along?"

"The Angel, I mean Raven, The Angelina speaks the truth.  It is not her that we need.  It's you." explained Dune.
"Me? What the hell have I got to do with all this?"
"Raven, you are our only hope. The only blood heir left to lead our realm" said Dune.
"Whoa, just stop right there" Raven interrupted. "I don't know where your dreaming this lot up from.  I was born right in this village.  I live with my mum in that house over there.  I've never even left this place.  The furthest I've ever been is to Ma's place in the woods!  So, I'm sorry Mr Dune, or whatever your name is, but you've got the wrong person." 

With that Raven turned her back on Dune and Ma, glared at Penfold and marched towards home. 
"Raven, I have to talk to you" called Ma.
"Nope, you don't, thanks all the same.  I'm going home.  Wait 'til mum hears about all this.  Boy is she going to be mad at you Ma...Angelina...whoever..." called back Raven.

"I must explain to The Angel" said Dune starting to follow Raven.
"Oh no you don't" hissed Ma. "You have done more than enough damage as it is.  Do you think for one second that the girl will believe anything that some stranger that turns up in the village tells her?  Especially what you have to tell her.  No, I will talk to her. It is my place, not yours."

Ma headed to Raven's home with Penfold at her side and knocked lightly on the door.
"Bugger off!" shouted Raven from inside.  Ma couldn't help but smile to herself.
"I guess I deserve that." Ma called gently through the door. "Please Raven, let me in."
"It's open."

Ma pushed the door and stepped into the small, neat house. Raven and her mother Harper were sitting at the kitchen table, her mother with her arms comfortingly around Raven.  Harper smiled at Ma and nodded fondly.  Ma returned the warm smile before pulling another chair up to the table.

"I don't want to talk to you." mumbled Raven, looking away.
"I'm sorry Raven.  This is all my fault.  I should have told you everything years ago, but there always seemed to be a good reason not to and as time went by, well, it seemed so pointless.  But, today has changed everything and now I do have to explain.  Harper, do you agree?" Ma turned to Raven's mother.
"Yes Ma, it's time" Harper replied. "Raven, all that you are about to learn from Ma changes nothing between us.  I love you more than anything in the world, I always have and I always will.  And whatever happens I will always be here for you. I will always be your mother."
"Mum, you're scaring me. What's going on?" pleaded Raven.
"Darling, this is best coming from Ma.  This is going to change all that you have known about your life and even yourself. Hopefully you will understand." Harper nodded again at Ma and Ma began - from the very beginning...