Raven

Chapter 9

She turned the handle of the door and began to push. The door was much heavier than she anticipated and so she used all her strength to open it. She entered the room, it was a fairly medium sized room, not at all a room you'd expect on a ship. Normally rooms are small and only contain space for a bed and maybe a few other things. But this room was at least twice or three times the size. She looked around to find a bed in the far corner with covers and animal skins on top of the bed. Near the bed was an oak table covered in scrolls and a quill standing upright in a bottle of ink. To the left of her was more animal skins, many of which she had never see before pinned high up on the wall. There was also a divider two thirds of the way into the room, most likely something used to get changed behind. The divider was made of thin oak wood and was covered in intricate etchings from the bottom to the top. The room neither smelled of damp nor of sweat, but smelled like a clean room that had never been lived in. Everything was clean and untouched.

The fur on the bed as well as the animal skins looked immaculate. They were very expensive looking, at least a pouch of gold. She stood there in awe of all the antiques lined the walls. Icarus must be rich if he has all of these in his possession. Then the door behind her suddenly creaked open. She turned around quickly as she put her hands on her sword and sheath ready. A young man emerged from behind the door a few seconds later. He was wearing a similar set of clothes to the rest of the crew. Raven then assumed that this young man was just another member. He closed the door and stood there in confusion as he noticed Raven. A few seconds went by and neither said a word. Finally, the young man opened his mouth to speak and broke the silence that had fallen between them.

"Who...? Who are you?", he asked. He looked at her and then his eyes dropped down and began to stare at her hands which were resting on her sword hilt and sheath.

"You aren't here to kill me, are you? Ah, fine make it quick."

Raven looked at him again. She was puzzled.

"Raven, my name is Raven... Why are you in this room? For what reason?", she replied. She slowly began to take her hands off her sword and sheath.

"Well this is my room, why would I not be allowed in here? Tell me, who sent you? Who wants me dead now huh?".

"No one wants you dead, I don't even know who you are. You don't even seem like the person I'm looking for. Where is Icarus? I need to speak to him". She spoke with urgency in her voice. If someone is going to kill Icarus I better find him first. He needs to answer my questions.

"So, you do know me. I am Icarus. Of course, you're here to kill me. Why else would someone with weapons be lurking in my chambers?".

"You're Icarus? I was expecting someone much older....".

"I am old. Older than I look for sure. Who sent you! Tell me!".

"No one sent me. I came to find answers. The mayor of my town said you will know my answers." She said looking at him while still holding her sword hilt.

"Answers you say? Put down your weapons and I'll give all the answers you seek. Although they may give you more questions than clarity. Are you sure you wish to know?" he asked.

"Yes. I am damn sure." Raven was determined to find out the truth.

"Then ask away" Icarus replied.

Will Icarus be able to answer all my questions? What should I even ask first? I hope the Mayor was right about him and that this isn't a dead end.

She put her sword back into its sheath and let go of the rest her weapons. Icarus walked over to the table in his room and gestured to her to sit down. Raven walked towards him and sat down opposite Icarus at the table.