A Raven's Tale

21. COMMUNICATION

I didn't dare think anything, or anyone would be able to read my thoughts, but this rather environmentally friendly giant seemed to be able to do that very thing.

"What's your name?" the ogre asked me.

Communication was key, and I realised this could be beneficial to help me slot missing pieces of my life together, or at the very least, unveil the elusive things in my avian mind. "I do not have a name, at least, not to my knowledge," I replied telepathically.

"Hmm," Lunk muttered. "Then, I just call you...Raven."

"Fine by me, Lunk, and you're not the first to do so." I ruffled my feathers and cawed to show my approval.

Lunk delved into his satchel and after a few moments, pulled out what looked like a piece of cured meat. He offered it to me. "I not like. Not eat meat, but I keep odd bits for critters, like you."

I stabbed at it with my beak. It was more tender than it looked, and in all honesty, it was rather tasty. It was spicy, and my tongue felt tingly after I took a piece, but not uncomfortably so.

The ogre then realised the boys had fled up the ramp. His face scrunched up and for a moment - I thought he was going to cry, but then he exhaled loudly and guffawed. I looked at him questioningly, cocking my head from side to side.

He pointed a chubby finger downhill. "Boys think Lunk stupid. Lunk not so."

I turned to where he indicated and saw a human male heading up the hill. He was broad, robust, lugging a cart, full of crates and hides with assumed ease.

The Dwarves shouted cheery hellos as he rumbled past and approached the foot of the iron edifice where Lunk and I sheltered.

"Jarieth's father," Lunk informed me. "I knew he was not up the ramp. I play Jarieth at his own game."

I chattered my beak in a gesture of mirth. It seemed this gentle giant was not as easily fooled as one first thought.

At that very instant, the boys descended and caught sight of Jarieth's father. They looked at the ogre. Jarieth placed a friendly hand on Lunk's shoulder and laughed. "You got me, Lunk."

"I know," the ogre replied, joining in the laughter.

The boy's father approached, a wan smile on his lips. He stopped short of where we sat and glanced at the boys, but his eyes lingered on the young Night Elf hunter.

Theldran saw this as an opportunity to inform the man that he had discovered a new "pet". The man then looked me over, dismissive; he looked as if he had news of his own. I wasn't wrong.

"I have heard more about the Dark Portal," the man said looking at Theldran in particular. "Sad news I'm afraid, boy..."

A veil of silence fell over the settlement; even the gryphon and wyvern remained quiet.

The young Night Elf faltered. "My father?" he whispered, eyes wide with alarm.

"No! No, Lhadral is safe, thank goodness," the trader paused while the boy sighed relief to hear his father was alive. "But I'm sorry to tell you, Rishuul didn't make it."

Theldran slumped.

"Lhadral. Why is that name familiar to me?" I channelled to Lunk.

"You know him?" the ogre asked.

The others must have heard the ogre for they all turned and stared.

Lunk jabbed a thumb in my direction. "Raven knows the boy's father."

"Lunk, I'm not entirely sure that I do," I replied. "It's just the name sounds familiar."

"It will come to you," the ogre said, offering reassurance with a nod.

Meanwhile, three pairs of eyes watched us in disbelief. They no doubt thought Lunk a bit odd, speaking to a bird as if it were another humanoid.

Jarieth's father cleared his throat and turned his attention back to Theldran. "Sorry, lad. I know Rishuul was a favourite of yours, too."

Theldran sighed heavily. "Yes, she was a good panther, a great hunter and very loyal. My father will miss her greatly."

"Aye, I believe he was very distressed over her loss. Your mother, however, will be arriving soon. I would imagine she intends to take you home under the circumstances."

The young Night Elf nodded. "Well, thank you for allowing me to accompany Jarieth."

The man smiled sympathetically. "You two rascals have been inseparable for years, Theldran, besides these trips are educational for you if nothing else. I hope, however, you two have not been causing trouble?" At that, he focused on his son.

Jarieth shrugged and looked at Lunk askance. Then his eyes came to rest on me. He grinned. "Theldran was trying telling you he has a new pet," he announced, pointing to me. I still protested to being considered such a thing and readily cawed my objection.

His father raised an eyebrow. "Oh? A raven?"

"Oh, but he is unique," Theldran injected moving closer to me. I hopped back to avoid the Elf's arm. He inched forward, and I dodged again. The boy was clearly deflated when I did not respond as he wished. He heaved a sigh and faced Jarieth's father once more.

"What's so special about him then?" the man said with a sigh.

"He shoots bolts of magic," Theldran replied.

"Magic! A raven?" Jarieth's father asked, his voice peppered with incredulity. "Did you fall and bang your head or something, boy?"

 "I can assure you, Sir, he cast frost-bolts from his beak. He killed the Incendosaur when we were..." his voice trailed off.

From the furtive glance between the boys, I gathered that was a bit of information they had wanted to keep from Jarieth's father. And judging by the look on the trader's face, I sensed why they had tried to keep it quiet.

"You went down to the flats?" the man said, his voice suddenly dark, angry.

The boys were in trouble - again.