Raven & The Angel

Chapter 21 - Destinies

Raven left the house and walked towards The Dune. He and his fellow Savonians had been waiting in the square. Ma followed her but stayed back a little, trying her best not to interfere. She owed her that much. What an amazing and brave girl her granddaughter was. Just look at her, she thought, walking with her head held high and determined to face 5 strangers from another planet and decide her own destiny. Ma was both proud and terrified. Proud of what Raven had become and terrified of what she might decide to do.

"The Angel" The Dune bowed. "Thank you for agreeing to speak with me. This must be very difficult for you . I feel your turmoil inside. We had no idea that The Angelina planned to keep your true background from you, although we now realise her intentions were sincere. I am truly sorry that our coming here has been such a shock for you."
"Um... Thanks." Raven replied. "Mr... The Dune, I have so many questions I don't know where to start. But, I also know that my m-mother, my real mother, is dying and it is more important to do everything we can to save her. What I feel about all this and what you think might be best for your planet will have to wait."

The authority in Raven's voice both surprised and impressed the strangers, as well as Ma. Goodness, thought Ma, she really isn't a child anymore - how could I have missed that? Although, she still looks so young...

Turning to Ma, Raven continued "Ma... am I okay to still call you Ma for now? I just need to get everything straight in my head before I can think of calling you..."
"That's fine Raven. You have enough to think about for now." Ma interrupted.
"Right then. Ma, we're going to Savon and you're going to cure my mother. The Dune - you will take us to your planet, but you must swear to bring us back again, unless either of us decides otherwise. Understood?"
"Of course The Ang... Raven. You have my word." The Dune bowed again.
"Raven wait..." Ma objected "Its too dangerous for you to go to Savon. The minute you step foot on that planet you will become a target! I can't let you do this."
"The Angelina, by merely going home to Savon The Angel will deal a great blow to the rebels. They will not have bargained on the second heir returning. The factions will be in such turmoil, it will halt their operations completely. Besides, most battles ceased within weeks of The River being killed - it was a major victory for the rebels and they thought your mother would be too grief stricken to continue as Leader of the Realm. However, much to their surprise, it only made her more determined. Our people are not natural fighters. Having and making enemies still goes against all our inner feelings and beliefs - even the rebels feel confused. This is why the battles come and go and eventually why their leader planned to poison The Jade. But, what their leader has done, is weaken the rebels. Our spies have reported that even the strongest objectors amongst them were horrified when they learned that The Leader had been poisoned beyond any cure. Their numbers have more than halved and many have returned to the Realm begging forgiveness and swearing allegiance to The Leader, even though her time with us is now so sadly short. If we could just bring the second heir home, it would change everything."
"Ma we have to go! If anyone can save my mother - your daughter - you can! You heard The Dune, there's pretty much no fighting and the rebels are weak.  If you can at least try to save her and my turning up can cause even more disruption amongst the rebels, then at least we will have done something!"

As Raven turned to face Ma and plead with her, she noticed that Harper had quietly joined Ma and had been listening to all that was said. "Mum..."
"It's okay darling" she smiled "I understand. I've had you to myself for the last sixteen years and I always knew that one day you might have to leave - not quite like this though..." Harper turned to Ma. "For what it's worth Ma, I agree with Raven. I think she should go with you - your destinies are waiting for you. The Dune has agreed that they will bring you home again - if you want them to..."

Ma knew that she wouldn't be able to change Raven's mind and deep down inside she felt that going back to that far off planet with Raven was probably the right thing to do.  Whether she could save The Leader or not, at least Raven would be able to see her real mother one last time.
"Come here" she hugged Raven and pulled Harper into a group hug.  "I suppose we need to pack a few things for a long journey."

They returned to the house where they found Penfold standing by the window, chewing Harper's curtains.  Raven and her mother packed what Ma told them to whilst Ma made a last cup of earth tea.

"Ma, don't you need to go home and pack?" asked Raven.
"Already done it " Ma said glancing at the back packs that Penfold was still carrying.
"How did you know?"
"Well, I had a splitting headache when you came banging on my door and it just kept getting worse.  So I knew something huge was about to happen.  Come on Penfold, we're going home..."

THE END
Will Ma be able to cure The Leader?  What effect will Raven's appearance on Savon have on the rebellion?  Will either or both of them ever come back to earth?  If you want to find out what happens when Raven and Ma return to Savon, look out for book two  'The Angel of Savon'.  I'm about to start writing it now...
Thank you for taking the time to read my first ever book.