"Raven's Quest" - Chapter 1

Please read the prologue: "Raven's Quest...prologue" 


Chapter One



Raven knew Kanatry watched as she gathered her things into her backpack. She had grown into a proud young woman. Raven could see the sorrow the old woman was feeling. I was plainly written on her face. Kanatry had told her what a comfort she had been all these years. Kanatry had taught her everything she knew about herbs and potions for healing. She had taught her what little she knew about elven ways and how to hide and hunt with stealth. Raven would miss her too, and realizing how much made her heart ache. Kanatry had never married or had any children of her own. When she had found Raven alive, under that bush, she knew was a miracle. The Lord and Lady above had blessed then both, with a most precious gift. She had recieved a mother, and Kanatry finally had the daughter she always prayed for. Eighteen years had passed since then. Time seemed to have past so fast to her now and she wanted desperately to stay. It would be a mistake if she did stay, and Raven realized she was ready to face the world. There were so many questions Kanatry couldn’t answer and it was time to find the answers.

Kanatry had told her before she was probably one of the most beautiful elves she had ever seen. Black hair the color of raven’s wings fell down her back in a cascade, which shimmered with every movement. Observant eyes the color of polished steel complimented her fair skin, and high cheekbones. Her frame was delicate and regal with high firm breasts, and a very slim waist. Raven thought, and hips that would entice a man nicely.

Kanatry had thought for a long time about what name to give her the day she found her. Raven realized the name Kanatry had chosen suited her very well. Her hair was her crowning glory and deserved recognition.

“Raven dear, do not forget what I told you about life in town. You must be most careful there,” Kanatry said with concern. Raven knew she didn’t wish to frighten, but to caution her about the dangers.

“You worry too much, I’ll be fine” Raven replied with a smile.

Raven was smart and very clever. Kanatry had caught the excitement and flash of mischief in her eyes. So, Kanatry reminded her of the time she caught Raven, at age nine, trying to make her first potion with out her help. It had been a total disaster. The burnt potion had boiled over, causing her to panic and snatch the pot from the stove. This of course, caused her to drop the pot and splatter the contents all over everything in the small cottage. She chuckled to herself quietly as she recalled it had taken her two days to clean up all the splatters, and almost two weeks to clear the burnt stench from the cottage.

Raven looked at Kanatry. The woman was old and her age was starting to show. She worried about her being alone in the cottage, but had asked a few neighbors to come check on Kanatry from time to time. Arthritis had set in the old woman’s hand and legs. This made chores hard for her sometimes. Kanatry never complained, but rather accepted her discomfort as just another aspect of growing older. Raven suddenly realized she didn’t even know how old Kanatry was. Odd she had never thought to ask either.

Raven stopped what she was doing for a few minutes, taking the time to sit and help Kanatry comb and fix her hair. It was a soft as Raven slid the comb gently through the silver-gray hair, securing it in a bun at the nape of her neck. She had always loved doing this when she was younger, and it had become a morning ritual. She would miss it very much.

Last night they had talked about the things she might see and do when she got to town. Raven wondered about the life she was starting. It was very exciting and she knew, in her heart, it was the right time to go. Kanatry had given her presents telling her that they had belonged to her birth parents. Raven ran her fingers lightly over the runes skillfully etched into the polished elven buckler. The hilt of the double-edged broadsword and the silver-tooled black leather sheath both had the same runes. She wondered what they meant. The gem pouch was made of a spider-weave, being spun into a very light but strong and durable pouch. Inside the pouch she found a striking barrette for her hair. It was made of a large beveled red stone that flickered like fire in the morning light as she secured her long hair in a plait down her back. Crimson had always been her color. The crimson leather armor she packed had been a precious find at the last merchants fair. She decided to wear a plain brown long skirt with a pale yellow linen blouse. She wanted to be comfortable while she traveled. She laid her crimson cloak out on the bed next to her backpack, so as not to forget it. Her boots were made of soft leather with small pockets sewn into them, for hiding small treasures.

As Raven gathered the rest of her belongings into her heavy backpack she took a moment to gaze around the small ivy-covered cottage that was home. She would miss this quiet place, the herb gardens, and the mornings she had been able to steal away and run through the forest before Kanatry caught her for morning chores. She had been caught more times that she cared to count, and absently rubbed her backside, remembering the punishment for forgetting chores. Kanatry had told her on more than one occasion she had too much curiosity and had tried to teach her to just take things as they came. She couldn’t, of course; she had to explore, she had to discover and she ran into situations without thinking most of the time. Somehow though, things always worked out.

Raven would miss the quiet suppers they shared each night and the times they had to trek through the forest to a neighboring home or village to help when someone was ill. She would miss everything she realized with a nervous sigh. Mostly, she would miss the kind and caring woman that had been her mother and friend all her life. She had never called her mother because Kanatry had wanted her to reserve that title for her birth mother, but that didn’t matter. Raven loved her and always would.

“Don’t forget those herbs I packed for you Raven, they’re sitting on the worktable outside” Kanatry called from the hearth where she was roasting meat for Raven to take with her.

She walked outside and gathered the small packages of herbs and looked back at the cottage. The early morning light was shinning through the trees making the place look almost magical. She took a deep breath and reveled in the smell of a crisp autumn morning. Raven was tempted to turn and run through the forest for a while. She loved to run. It was almost like flying at times because she was so light on her feet. No time for that if I want to get to town before sundown, she reminded herself. A glint of uncertainty flickered in her eye as she thought about what lay ahead. “What am I going to do when I get there?” she whispered, slowly walking back inside.

Raven knew everything there was to know about healing herbs and potions; Kanatry had seen to that. One of the farmers in the area had once been a warrior and had taught her a little bit of swordplay. He had also taught her some hand-to-hand moves. She had been taught the skill of skinning as well. She figured she might be able to find work at a furrier shop or healer’s tent when she got to the Landing. Whatever she ended up doing, she promised herself she would learn a life’s trade and become a skilled master.

Kanatry had told her the story of finding her parents in the clearing on the way to Seaford’s Landing many times. Her father had been an elven warrior, but she nothing about her mother. Over the years, Kanatry discovered that they had probably traveled from the one of the small tribes that dwelled across the Timberknoll mountain range after the last large invasion of the Banators. Many had died during those times and many of the smaller tribes, villages and clans had disappeared when residents decided it was time to move to a larger town for safety. She counted on the fact that so many had moved to settle in this part of the nation, someone had to know something. Raven planned to find an elder elven scribe to decipher the runes, for she was certain they were the key to finding the truth of her slain parents home.

“Do you have the packages of herbs I set aside for you?” Kanatry asked.

“Yeah, they’re in my pack” Raven replied a bit of irritation showing in her voice.

“Do not get your feathers ruffled Raven, anxious to go or not” the old woman scolded with a wag of her arthritic finger.

“I know, sorry, but don’t want to forget anything” Raven apologized.

“It will be fine dear, you can purchase what you need with the coin I gave you, and remember to register at the Inn as soon as you get there. Oh, and keep a watchful eye out for thieves. Don’t leave those pouches open, and try to find work as soon as you can. Don’t forget what I have taught you. Make friends and have fun, but not too much fun.” She added with a frown. ”Oh, and use your wits when dealing with men, don’t let anyone harass you, and…” Kanatry rambled on diligently.

Raven nodded her head and smiled as the old woman went on, unyielding in her rant of dangers and things to be cautious about. Finally, Raven had placed everything in her backpack and put it on her back. Attaching the pouch to her belt, she secured the sheath next to it and slung the buckler over her shoulder. She then fastened her cloak around her shoulders, covering the pack and readjusting the shield. Giving Kanatry a heart-felt hug and kiss farewell, she stepped out into the fresh early morning air. Taking a deep breath she smiled to herself then started down the hill to the hunting trail that leads to the main road. At the bottom of the hill she stopped and looked back up at the cottage. She could see Kanatry standing in the doorway and smiling gave her a final wave. She hated leaving, but she knew it was something she had to do. Without any hesitation she started down the trail.

The morning was perfect. Huge white billowing clouds, a gentle breeze and blue skies assured the rest of her walk that day would be a delight. As she strolled down the faint path she whistled to herself and to the birds. The sun was warm and the breeze carried the faint scent of wildflowers and ripe blackberries. The ground was soft beneath the cover of leaves, which crunched as she picked her way through the small patch of forest.

Raven felt a sense of relief as she started her journey. For months now she had been feeling restless. The desire to search for her parent’s tribe had grown more urgent as each day passed. She needed to know where she came from. She wondered what her parents had been like. All she knew about them she had learned from Kanatry. The story wasn’t enough anymore. Grown now, it was time for her to find the answers to the questions she had been asking herself for years. As Raven walked, she knew this was the right path to take in her life.

Trees lined the trail. Some were so tall they blocked out the sun occasionally, making the trail hard to follow. Raven had been down this hunting trail so many times she was certain she could find her way even if she were blindfolded. She has always loved the forest. There was something comforting about it.

Raven made very little sound as she walked. She had learned to listen for the animals, the wind, and the creaking of the trees. A patch of wild mushrooms caught her eye and she stopped, gathering them into a small sack. They would go nicely with the meal of mutton and onions Kanatry had packed for her meal tonight. She realized she should stop at the brook to refill her flask. She wanted to make sure she had enough water to get through the day. Raven could hear the gentle trickle of water and knew it wasn’t very far.

When she came to the brook, she stopped to gaze at her surroundings. She could see the animal tracks at the water’s edge, the small patch of wildflowers that grew from the crack in the large boulder, and the tree she always climbed to catch the breeze on hot summer days. Raven took a long drink of the water from her flask. Kneeling in the soft damp sand, she filled her flask with fresh water then attached it to her belt. Brushing the sand from her knees as she stood, she adjusted her pack to make it a bit more comfortable. Taking another look around, Raven started back down the trail. It wasn’t far to the main road.

She wasn’t far down the trail when she stopped and peered into the trees. She felt as though someone or something was watching her. She scanned the terrain for anything out of the ordinary, but nothing seemed out of place. Then just as suddenly as the feeling had started, it was gone. This wasn’t the first time she’d had that odd sensation. It had been happening more frequently and it made her worry a little. She laughed nervously as she started walking again. Silly elf there’s nothing there; it’s just the forest. A noise in a tree ahead caught her attention. She ducked just in time as an acorn came flying at her head, barely missing her temple. A glimpse of a pair of squirrels scampering up the trunk gave way a clue as to the culprits. Raven watched as the squirrels sped up and down the tree, from limb to limb, chattering at each other. Chuckling to herself at their comical antics and her overreaction, she kept walking.

Raven could see the bend in the trail, and knew the road was just ahead. Once she reached the road it was only a half days walk to Seaford’s Landing. If she made good time, she would be at the Inn by mid-day. Pausing at the edge of the trees, she took a cautious glance up and down the open road. Raven couldn’t detect signs of anyone in either direction as she stepped from the cover of the trees, heading north. To pass the time she started singing a song that Kanatry had taught to her when she was little:

“Quiet, still, fresh and new, colors bright, pink, orange and blue
Morning’s dawn is coming; darkness is fading as light takes over
Troubles of yesterday are behind, love hope and happiness ours to find,
Conflicts resolved, friendships affirmed, our lives changed, fate had turned,
Clear skies ahead, the beginning of a new day”


Her voice rang clear and sweet in the clear morning stillness as she strolled down the old road. The road was rutted from years of travelers pulling heavy wagons. As she walked, she remembered the times she had traveled this road with Kanatry. They would talk about what herbs they needed to pick up. Sometimes Kanatry would quiz her on a new potion and go over the list of items they were going to buy.
Raven had been walking for a couple of hours and hadn’t seen a soul. Light traffic on this road was rare but she had started her day quite early, just after sunrise. She came to the clearing at the fork in the road and stopped. This was where her parents had died. Kanatry had shown her the spots where they had been found dead. She took a moment to say a short prayer in honor of them, asking for their guidance in her quest.

One of the roads headed northwest to Seaford’s Landing, the other road to the northeast, into the mountains towards Regents Pass and the glacier region. Peering up the mountain road she saw a portly older man walking toward her.

Slowly he approached the clearing where Raven rested. He was human, wearing plain brown robes tied at the waist with a long length of braided leather. On his feet he wore simple leather sandals. He had silver hair on his balding head and his face was clean-shaven. The only thing he was carrying was a walking staff. Smiling cheerfully he stopped in front of Raven.

“Good day, my child, Brother Olag at your service,” he said with a slight nod, a bit out of breath.

“Well met Brother Olag, I’m Raven,” She said with a small curtsy.

“Oh my, I am no Lord, no need for formalities with me. Please just call me Olag if you would prefer,” he said with a great belly laugh. “Headed for the Landing, umm…Raven, is it? Would you mind much if this old man traveled with you on such a glorious day?” A twinkle of merriment danced in his eyes.

“Aye, I’m headed there as well. It would be nice to have someone to walk with,” Raven said smiling at him. She noticed Olag had clear blue eyes, a ruddy complexion, a wide generous smile and a rather flushed face. She speculated his complexion was probably ruddy all the time, and suspected it was from being outside in the elements fulfilling his duties as a Cleric, but probably had more to do with being so round at the waist. “Are you from Seaford’s Landing, I mean do you live there?” she asked.

“Hmm, well that is a bit difficult to answer. Ye see I travel quite a bit, just going wherever I’m needed.” He waved his hands as he spoke, expressively emphasizing his words.” I was not born and raised in Seaford’s Landing if that is what yer asking. I grew up in a very small village across the grassland flats called Belindrin. The town is no more than a trading post, chapel, and pub. Blink yer eyes and ye would pass by without notice, but I’ve had many places I’ve called home. The temple at the Landing being the most recent.” He smoothed his robes sporting a great smile. “Ah well, home is where ye make it, are we ready to trudge on?” he asked cheerfully a twinkle in his eye, switching his walking staff to his other hand.

Raven offered him a drink from her flask, and then they were on the road again traveling at a comfortable pace. They talked about many things. She told him of her life with Kanatry and how she was searching for her parents’ tribe.

"I remember when I was about thirteen, Kanatry was dying some homespun in a large kettle of red cabbage leaves. I’d helped her many times and thought it would be easy to color one of my plain tunics, boy was I wrong!” Raven chuckled. “It came out all blotchy and I splashed her when I tried to get the soaked tunic out of the kettle. Her dress got so messed up we had to dye it too!” she exclaimed. “Oh Fardlings! was she mad!” She giggled madly at that point as Olag let out a loud laugh.

“Oh I can only imagine, Raven”

Raven asked him about the places he had seen and wondered if one day she might see some of them as well. She was amazed at all the places he had traveled. The more she learned the more she wanted to see every region in the nation. Seaford’s Landing was the only town she had ever been to, and it suddenly dawned on her that she could go anywhere. For now though she would learn what she could from the folks in the Landing. She found out he was going to the temple to take charge after the last brother had passed away. Apparently the temple had been without a head cleric for some time, but after talking with Olag she was certain he would be able to carry out the job with no problem.

“Do you know if it’s easy to find a job there? I don’t have much coin,” she said a bit apprehensively as she felt the few coins in her pocket. “I will need to find something as soon as possible.”

“Well, I‘ve heard folks there are willing to help out newcomers, I’m sure you won’t have trouble finding something,” he told her with confidence.

Raven hoped he was right. She didn’t look forward to going hungry until she could find a way to make a living. She thought about what lay ahead of her. She had to admit to herself, she was a bit scared. “Brother Olag what can you tell me about the Landing? I mean I’ve been there many times but only visited the herb shops or the bazaar. I never got the chance to explore the town or learn what other shops were there. Kanatry didn’t like to go anywhere she didn’t need to go,” She kicked at a pebble in the road, watching as it bounced a few times then settled in the tall grass as he pondered her request.

“Hmm, well now let’s see…there are many merchants that have specialty shops, they have the most wonderful bakery “ he gave her a sly grin as he patted his belly. “ Oh, they make the best muffins there, and I know the temple has a small shop where you can purchase holy items. There are the healing tents, a town hall, a bank, and a place that sells weapons and armor for reasonable prices, as well as many other small shops. Then there is also the docks and storehouses, they are always busy and usually in need of more help. Don’t fret yerself over it little one, things have ways of working out,” he said flashing a broad grin.

Nodding she looked over at him and realized for now her fears were quelled. Things will work out just fine Raven, so quit doubting, she quietly scolded herself for being so silly. Her hand fell to the hilt of the broadsword and she wrapped her long fingers around it, the grip comfortable in her hand. A small smile played across her lips as she thought about her father using this sword. She vowed to herself she would find what the runes meant and she would find her tribe no matter how long it took.

“Where did you get such fine weaponry my dear?” Olag asked her as he peered closely at the shield slung over her shoulder. “The markings are quite unusual. My father was a weapon smith, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Very fine, indeed.”

“The shield, broadsword and sheath once belonged to my father; it’s all I have of him. The barrette and pouch I wear are all I have of my mother. They were killed on this very road when I was an infant. Kanatry, the healer, found me and raised me as her daughter. I was very lucky and I love her very much; she has been a wonderful mother.”

“I don’t recognize the runes on this but it was done by a very skilled weapons master. Hmm…” he rubbed his chin, furrowing his brow as he thought. “Ye know I might know someone. I have this friend who knows just about everything about everything. He is a wizard, named Bertram, and is always researching one thing or another. I’m sure he may be able to help ye with these. Maybe he can at least read them and tell ye what they say. He’s supposed to arrive in Seaford’s sometime before the next moon. I’ll talk to him about your situation as soon as I see him” He smiled at her giving her a little nod. He seemed completely happy for remembering his old friend.

“Oh, that would be wonderful! Any information would be most helpful, since I know practically nothing about it” she exclaimed, giving him a peck on the cheek and grinning from ear to ear. “Thank you so much, you have no idea how much I would appreciate his help.” She couldn’t help but giggle.

She couldn’t wait to get to Seaford’s Landing now. In her excitement she hadn’t realized how much she had quickened her pace. As she glanced over to Olag, she realized he was puffing rather hard and stepping quickly to keep up with her. Blushing furiously, “ Oh, Olag, I’m sorry, I got to thinking about your friend and got excited,” she told him as she slowed her pace and offered him a drink of water.

“Oh thank you, and don’t worry about me, I would of said something if you got too far ahead. I’m quite used to traveling,” he assured her with a wave of his hand and a smile, accepting the drink she offered.

They stopped for a while so he could catch his breath, and Raven took the time to really look around at the landscape. It was changing from the forests into plains and rolling hills. She thought it might be fairly good farming land since the soil looked dark and rich. There were large boulders scattered around the hillsides but not many small rocks. She could hear birds in the forest and the buzzing of insects. Occasionally there was a rustle in the shrubs and a lizard or small animal would go scampering across the road to disappear in the tall grass that was lining the other side of the road now.

She suddenly had a feeling of being watched. It unnerved her a bit and she glanced around nervously. She wrapped her hand around the hilt of her broadsword as she watched the tall grass and the trees. Then as suddenly as the feeling had come it was gone. Only then did she realize she had been holding her breath and that Olag was glancing around as well.

“What is it my dear?” A look of concern crossed his face. “You look just like a scared doe on hunting day. I didn’t hear anything, something out there?”

“No, I don’t think so. Just a feeling I guess. It felt like I was being watched, but it’s gone now. Maybe I’m just being silly. It was probably just an animal or something.” Glancing around again she released her broadsword and started walking. “Weird thing is it’s been happening this past month. We should get going Brother. It shouldn’t be that far now to Seaford’s.” A forced smile was on her lips, she didn’t want to worry him unnecessarily. She looked hard into the trees and noticed the slightest of movements. Squinting her eyes in an attempt to be sure of what she saw, she looked again, but there was nothing. Raven decided not to tell Olag and make a fuss of it. It was probably just a shadow or a branch of a tree, maybe even a squirrel like last time. “Are we ready to go Brother Olag?” she asked, loosening her grip on her sword.

“Ready when you are, my dear” he replied.

Olag told her he was more than happy to be moving again. ”One thing I’ve learned in my sixty-two years is to trust the instincts of an elf. They are usually aware of danger long before anyone else; they have a certain knack for alerting others to danger when no one else has noticed.” He adjusted his robes as they walked and then he stopped for a moment, leaning on his staff as he shook a pebble loose from his sandal.

The day was getting warmer as the day progressed. A light breeze blew across Raven’s face, keeping her from getting too hot. Little by little the forest changed to rolling hills with tall grasses, meadows and grazing animals. They had come across a few people coming from the Landing and shared pleasantries with them before they were on their way again. The air was scented with the smell of saltwater now. Raven could also smell field flowers and the grazing beasts out on the plains. Rounding a sharp curve in the road, they came across a very high stonewall running along side them. They followed the wall down the road and soon came upon a set guards standing beside a very large gate.

“Looks like this is the place” Olag said watching the people pass through the gate. “Don’t remember how long it’s been since I was here last, but it’s been a while.”

“This is the first time I’ve been here without Kanatry” Raven replied. “ I keep expecting her to be nagging me about keeping close and not to get lost. She used to worry so when we came here; I don’t think she liked the fast pace here. She likes the quite of her cottage.”

People of different races streamed in and out of the gate. Raven saw giantmen, dwarves, elves and humans from different regions, little child sized people she’d never seen before, as well as what must be a mix of human and elven. Everyone was dressed differently; some wearing robes, some wearing pelts or skins, leathers, armor, the varities seemed to be endless. The guards nodded as they approached the gate waving them through.

“That is one big gate,” Raven muttered, as she gazed up at the gate when they passed through it. It was about twenty feet tall, made of very thick, hard dark wood reinforced with wide metal bands; she couldn’t imagine how they could close it. Its surface was marred and scorched in places from past battles, but it looked sound. Olag led her down one of the northern streets and past the healer’s tents. She couldn’t remember ever going down this street before, but they all looked the same right now. She was sure in time she would learn her way around. Olag pointed out the greenstone building as they stopped in front of the Dragon’s Tear Inn.

“Here you are Raven, I’ll be headed for the Temple now. I should check in and see where things stand over there. It’s down on South Minking road,” he said pointing out the direction she should go to get there. “Go past the pastry shop and turn south. It’s the big white building on the right. Come and see me if you need anything and thank you for the walk and conversation,” Olag said smiling, and giving her a warm hug. “You will do just fine, don’t fret too much. Go see Smoot at the front desk and he’ll get you set up in a room. Do me a favor and tell him hello for me, he may give ya a discount because you’re a friend of mine. Good luck to you, dear. Perhaps we can have evening meal together later.”

Giving him a big hug Raven wrapped her arms around him and placed a small peck on his cheek. “Be well, Olag, I shall meet with you again soon. Thank you for all your help. I know just where to find you if I need you, “ she said, flashing him a great smile.

She watched as he turned and headed down the street. Taking a deep breath she opened the doors and walked through them. I can’t believe I’m finally here, she thought to herself as she went in search of Smoot and her room.





"Raven's Quest - Chapter 2 - Quintlar"