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Raven stared at the floor and stroked the smooth wood of his staff. He lifted his gaze to Myt. “It’s imperative that Peter join us on this journey, Navashay also. The talents of all three are needed if I am to succeed, and Lanterra survive.” He gazed at Krys, then Peter. “I will take both of them on as my apprentices.”

  “This is highly irregular, Master Wizard.” Myt bowed his head slightly to Raven. “But if that is the only way, I will relinquish my apprentice to you.”

  Krys turned to Peter, who grinned. Mentored by the greatest wizard to ever walk the land—both of us! It couldn’t be any better. He smiled back at Peter, excitement tingling over his skin.

  “Then it will be so.” Raven nodded to the Head Elder, and then addressed the whole group once more. “We must recover the stolen Stones of Wisdom and return them to the center of magic. Only their restoration will bring balance and peace back to this fragile land.”

  Richard Anderwood stood. “Legions of men have searched the land for the stones. Many of them never returned and none of the stones were ever found.”

  “There is magic in the stones known only to me. It will take the abilities of all of us—" Raven waved his hand around to encompass Krys, Peter and Navashay. “—plus three others who will arrive with the new day, to complete this task. But, it will be a complex and treacherous voyage.”

  “This journey is too dangerous for children.” Richard’s voice rose in volume. “I’m not sending my only son out on this mission of death.”

  “Nor am I.” Rufus Greenleaf rose to his feet beside Richard. “Certainly a powerful wizard such as yourself can recover these stones without endangering our children.”

  “I understand your concern.” Raven walked to Richard and Rufus. “As powerful as I may be, I do not have the combined talents of these young people.” Raven placed a hand on Richard’s shoulder and another on Rufus’. “I knew of this day more than two hundred years ago.” He looked from one father to the other.

  Krys jumped up. “That’s right. He knew my name!”

  “And Peter’s,” Navashay said.

  “And the old woman sent Navashay,” Peter added.

  Richard shook his head. “None of this convinces me of anything.”

  Raven extended his hand. “Krys, the journal, please.”

  Krys pulled the old book from his pouch, knowing it possessed the answers to so many questions. The book vibrated slightly. He quickly laid it in the wizard’s open palm.

  Everyone in the room leaned forward to see the legendary tome. Raven laid the book on the table, opened to its last page.

  From the space dividing the two empty sheets of parchment, a white vapor grew until it filled the top of the table. The cloud moved in swirls, slowly growing into a representation of the island nation of Lanterra. The villages that once dotted the land were smoldering rubble. The mountains to the north and west of the burned remains of Ravenwood Castle had tumbled. The plains and forests were scorched, fire still burning in many places. Mighty sailing ships were half sunk along the coastline, their hulls splintered, their sails tattered and burned. No herds of animals ran the lowlands. The only movement was that of dragons, soaring over the desolate land.

  Raven’s voice was softer when he spoke again. “This is your future if the stones are not found and returned to the castle. Dark magic will run rampant as the magic of light diminishes and eventually disappears.” He closed the book and the images disappeared. “But this future has not yet been written. It can be changed.” He fixed his gaze on Richard Anderwood. “The assistance of these young people in this quest was foretold during the time of King Reth. It is imperative they accompany me. I will not allow your sons or the others to be harmed.”

  Silence filled the room and everyone stared at Raven, Richard Anderwood and Rufus Greenleaf.

  With misty eyes, Richard whispered, “So be it.”

  Rufus nodded.

  Sarah Anderwood buried her face in her hands and wept.

  Krys’ gut churned, and he felt a rush of uncertainty envelope him.

  Raven took Sarah’s hand in his. “I understand you lost your cottage to some of Grimm’s followers.”

  She nodded, tears still streaming down her face.

  “If I may suggest,” he continued. “You and Richard shall move into the castle in our absence. It must be prepared for the new king’s arrival. And the many brave warriors who died in battle deserve decent burials. There is much to do before we return. I shall put you in charge of these tasks, if you are willing.”

  “It would be an honor to serve the kingdom,” Sarah whispered.

  “But, these duties will take some time,” Richard said.

  “As will our quest.” Raven clasped Richard’s shoulder again. “It could be years. How many? I do not know.”

  Sarah wept once more.

  Stunned silence filled the small room.

  “We must return to the castle before we begin our journey,” Raven turned to Krys, Peter and Navashay. “There is much to prepare.”

  ###

  The journey continues in:

  The Flight of the Raven

  Book Two of Legend of Ravenwood

  Available soon

  Books written by M. Norton can be obtained

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  http://unchosenmage.weebly.com/index.html

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  About the author

  M. Norton lives in a small town in East Texas. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications-Media and a Master's Degree in Education. Norton spent many years teaching Science in the public schools from fifth through eighth grade general Science, to ninth through twelfth grade Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Biology and Chemistry. Norton has always enjoyed reading Science Fiction and Fantasy and realized she would also enjoy writing in these genres. Her first attempt at writing was a Science Fiction piece that has been permanently shelved. Her fantasy series: Legend of Ravenwood grew from a single story into the multi-volume series it is today. She also has other mainstream fiction pieces written. Other than writing, Norton enjoys gardening, home canning, spoiling her grandchildren and her three dogs. Though she has traveled extensively, even living over seas, Texas is where she was born and it is where her heart will always be. Norton is married and has three wonderful children and five perfect grandchildren.

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