Disclaimer: I am not Emily Rodda. I don't own DQ or Rowan of Rin.
AN: If you haven't read Rowan of Rin, that's okay. It takes place in Deltora…mostly.
Prologue
The Maris were known for their skills at sea. There were three tribes; the blue-robed Pandellis, the silver clad Umbray, and the Fisk in their green garments. A single Maris, the Keeper of the Crystal, was their leader. He or she held great power, and protected the seas through the Crystal from the evil Zebak from across the sea. The Zebak were the enemies of the Maris, and for generations they had tried to trick the Maris and the other inhabitants of the fertile land, wanting it for themselves and hoping to enslave the people. Those from the inland town of Rin had once been slaves to the Zebak, but had fought their way to freedom. They were a strong and proud people, living in harmony with the Maris and the free ranging Travelers.
One day, there was a great commotion amongst the fishers. Night had fallen, and the stars were shining brightly. But there was another light, farther away and closer to the horizon. The Maris wondered at what it could be, and reported the light to the Keeper of the Crystal. With the memories of the Crystal, he searched for the source. And he was amazed with what he found. The Keeper told the Maris what he knew, and messengers were sent to the Travelers and the people of Rin. But one boy already knew everything the Keeper had found.
Rowan of Rin had a special connection with the Keeper, for he had been the one to appoint the Maris once known as Doss to the honorable task of becoming guardian over the Crystal. Ever since the day of the Choosing, the two shared a physic connection. So Doss told Rowan before all else, for Rowan was a hero of the land.
The news was very great; the Bone Point Lighthouse of Deltora had been lit after sixteen years of darkness. None had traveled to the land for hundreds of years, for fear of what lived beyond the border. And the light had shone, but the light had been dimmed, as if passing through a perpetual haze. Now it burned bright and pure.
At the time of receiving the news, Rowan was fourteen, and had saved his people many a time. Once from starvation, once from a strange illness, twice from the Zebak, and most recently from the ice creepers. Ithad been two years since the light appeared before hehad torisk his life again, but it wasn't for his people. It wasn't for the Travelers or the Maris. It was for the Deltorans.