Not a very good beginning, I'll admit but…I have some promising ideas for later chapters. I hope y'all like it.


I'm often asked how I happened to become a Raven. In truth, it wasn't a single event in my young life that lead up to the present. Perhaps it would help to start my story at the beginning.

I suppose the first event that formed my future was when my entire family was killed during a skirmish. I'm not sure exactly what happened. I had gone out to find food and when I returned, the roof of the building we had been living had collapsed. Everyone inside had been killed.

I was pretty young then, only eleven. I was left to wander the streets, looking for food and shelter along with many others like myself. There was the occasional charitable shelter, although I usually only went there in winter. I was a relatively healthy person and thought they were more for those in worse need.

I did fairly well. There was a small gang of orphans like me and we helped look after each other. They were the ones who taught me to fight. Joss, our informal leader, always taught that everything was fair in a fight that involved your life. I have to admit, I wasn't a great fighter, but I was scrappy.

One day, after four years on my own, I met the person who would help me change my life. Her name was Rachel and she was looking for her brother.

What struck me the most about her was she was well dressed. In a black uniform with a decidedly military flavor, it was obvious she wasn't a local. She was going around the cafeteria talking with everyone. It was only a matter of time until she got to me.

"Hey there, my name's Rachel and I'm looking for my brother, Isaac. He's about your age, has blonde hair and green eyes. He's good at fixing mechanical things."

I looked at her and wished I could help. The loss in here eyes was something like what I felt when I lost my family. The difference was the shadow of hope that still existed for her. "I'm sorry; I don't know anyone like that."

Sadness crumpled her features. "That's alright. Listen, if you do see him, or someone like him, would you let me know? You can contact me through Rayleonard. Ask for Rachel or Skylark."

"Sure." I said. "One thing. Where'd you get the uniform?"

"From the company," she answered. "All the Ravens who work for them have one."

"How would I go about getting one?"

"What's your name?" she asked.

"Aurelia."

"Well, Aurelia, are you sure you want to know? It's a big commitment and you have to be smart, and fast, and willing to work harder than you ever have before. Even if you survive the training, you may not be accepted."

I thought for a second and decided, "I'm sure and I'll take the risk."

I realized my life until that point had been leading to this moment. To become a Raven, it was as if it was my destiny.


To Be Continued….