Chapter 6: Castle Araluen
Ravens POV:
I sighed, and propped my elbows on a windowsill. It hadn't stopped raining since we reached Castle Araluen and I was confined to my rooms. I fingered the folds of my lavish dress. We hadn't met much trouble on the way to the castle, but one incident still puzzled me. The hunt with the Ranger Halt. It was sort of like an assessment. I was confident I had done my best but why was he so iterested in me? I realized I had to get outside, or I'd go mad. I donned my dark purple tunic and gathered it around my waist with a black belt, which harbored several scabbards. I placed a knife in each one, and slipped my flute into a concealed pocket. I clasped my black cloak around my shoulders and grabbed my bow and quiver and sword. I swung my legs over the sill, dropping to the ground with a barely audible thump. I ran across the open ground and into a forest. I walked for a little while, then sat with my back up against a tree. I pulled the flute out and fingered absently. I brought it to my lips and began to play, letting the gentle, yet eerie tune bring back a wave of memories.
I gently shook Arratay's shoulder, rousing him.
"It can't be that time already," he grumbled, rolling over.
"Arratay!" My five year old voice squeaked. "You promised!" Suddenly, Arratay exploded from his bed, and scooped me up.
"Did I now?" Arratay growled playfully, and I shrieked with laughter as he began tickling me.
"You told me you'd take me outside to see the ravens dance in the moonlight," I protested between giggles. Arratay had promised to take me to see the Ravens fly at night, and I wasn't about to let him off the hook. He set me back down and draped a blanket over my shoulders.
"It'll be cold out," he explained. We walked downstairs and out the door. Arratay laid a blanket down on the grass, and we both laid down on it. I laid my head on his arm.
"Since when have I become a pillow?" He asked in mock indignation.
"Since now, so stop protesting," I said, refusing to move my head. I watching the black birds weave in and out of the trees.
"Look at that one," I breathed, pointing to a raven with silver flecks in its feathers. "I would have liked my name better if it were Raven." My name had been Gale at the time.
"No. You will always be Gale to me, not Raven," Arratay whispered back to me.
I was rudely jerked from pleasant memories by my senses. I realized there was someone behind me, a little to the left.
"Hey Seth," I greeted as he walked into my view.
"That was a pretty song," he commented. "We have to go back to Castle Araluen." A slow smile spread across my face and Seth groaned.
"Oh no you don't," he started, but I was quicker.
"You'll have catch me first!" I said, springing to my feet and running deeper into the woods. His footsteps slowly recede and I realize Seth fell behind. The forest grew quiet. Too quiet.
"S-Seth?" I called. No answer. My blood ran cold. I backtracked, back to clearing, where I was met with a most unwelcome sight. A ring of soldiers surrounded Seth. I peered at Seth, and realized his eyes were red. Cold, vibrant, deadly red. The Mark of a Red Solider. Slowly, their leader turned and pointed to me. He smiled wickedly at me as Seth slowly walked toward me with very bad intentions.
"Seth! Please! Snap out of it!" I pleaded. "Seth?! It's me, Raven!" But there was no breaking him from his trance. His sword whirled overhead and I barely brought my sword up in time to block the crushing blow. Seth spun, gaining momentum, and swung, aiming for my right arm. I ducked under the swing and brought my sword down, striking toward his legs. He sidestepped and we locked swords. It was now a contest of strength, and he would win, I was sure. I had to do something, quick. I brought a knee up to his chest and shoved. He stumbled backward, then charged at me with blinding speed. Seth swung, and his sword connected with my side, and I collapsed to the ground. My vision blurred with tears, and I waited for the last strike, but it never came. My vision cleared, and I could see a figure standing over me. He had a Ranger cloak on, but he wielded a sword. My pain must be making me delusional; Rangers don't use swords.
"Are you hurt? We have to get out of here while Gilan can hold off Prince Seth," a kind voice said. Gilan? Oh that must be the sword wielding Ranger. I looked into a handsome young face of a knight. He had blonde hair and blue green eyes.
"I'm hurt," I croaked, motioning to the gash in my side. Then I added, "Who're you?"
"Horace," he replied, scooping me up bridal-style. I groaned in pain.
"I'm Raven. Raven . . . Gale." I told him before drifted into unconsciousness.
Authors note: New chapter! Any guesses as to who Arratay is? ;)
Willow Treaty: Background on the Red Soliders will come later, when Raven explains them to King Duncan. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this slightly more detailed fight with Seth, it was inspired by your idea.
Something like me: I plan on making chapters longer, but schools been hard, and I have a lot of extracurricular activities, so I don't have much time for writing. But I'll try to make them longer.
Mac Gustah: I guess we'll just have to find out!
Aubrey Cortez: a triangle is an interesting instrument. I don't play the flute, but I thought it would be easier then having Raven haul a piano into the forest! :P ;)
Anyway, next chapter should be out by Tuesday. I probably forgot something I wanted to say . . .