Molly jerked away as the raven was now perched on the back of a chair right next to her. Her heart pounded in her chest. ‘Sorry, but d..d.. did you just say something?’

   ‘Yes, I did,’ said the raven clearly. ‘Thank the stars above, something told me you would hear me, I could feel it,’ he said, hopping up and down on the chair with excitement. ‘I am, Prince Balthazar, the true Raven King and Lord of the eastern skies. My royal family was traveling to the Rim of Scarth, where I would be confirmed as the true heir to the throne, the King in the Hall of Ravens. But we were attacked by crows, sent by the evil crow Rark with his false claim to the throne. I do not remember much of the attack; it was so quick, so sudden, and I was so young. But I awoke in the hands of a raven angel. Were it not for your Grandmother finding me that day, I would not be here at all.’

   ‘R…ght,’ said Molly, blinking at the bird in disbelief. She gave herself a quick pinch, just to make sure she was awake and not dreaming.