“Too right ‘e did!” said Mucum. “Some snooty vice commander from the armories came ridin’ in jes’ as the battle was over, demanding to know what all these kids were doing. He called it ‘interfering in matters of state.’ Broadbeam was ‘is name. The bloke was even bigger than me, and a proud budder if ever I met one. It was a laugh to see old Quercus nearly bite his head off. As the King pointed out, without us lot, Arborium would be no more. Even better, the soldier was forced to hand over his best sword so that Flo, Ark, and me could be knighted for services to the country.”

“Oh, that is too rich!” Corwenna laughed. “Must I bow down and call you Sir Mucum?”

Mucum was offended. “That’s me name now! Don’t you forget it!”

“I would not dream of it! Well, my lords and ladies, is it possible we could eat now? I have traveled farther than I’ve been in a hundred years. It does make one hungry, hmmm?”

“Yes,” said Ark, “I’m raven-ous!”

Everyone groaned and even Hedd, son of Hedd, looked down, most unamused.

And they all sat in the afternoon sun, the first chill of winter on their skin, digging into the gifts that Arborium had to offer, as the raven guarded them with bright, unblinking eyes. There was more laughter and tears and toasts raised to Joe, the bravest of Rootshooters, and those who had fallen to protect this land that dreamed of sky.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew Peters, who also publishes under the name Andrew Fusek Peters, has written extensively for readers of all ages, often in collaboration with his wife, Polly. Their work includes poetry collections, picture books, anthologies, plays, and graphic novels. Ravenwood, an epic fantasy set in a vast treescape, is Andrew’s most prominent novel to date, and the first in a planned series. In addition to the original English-language edition, Ravenwood will be translated for publication in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania, Turkey, Russia, China, and Brazil. As acclaimed publisher Barry Cunningham of the Chicken House describes it, “Andrew has created a world to match the best in classic fantasy. Ravenwood is breathtaking in its imaginative detail, gripping in scope, with real characters embarking on the biggest adventure of their lives with daredevil courage and always a sense of humor.”

Andrew’s school visits are renowned for their dramatic performances, infectious enthusiasm, and elaborate props. For Ravenwood, Andrew and his creative team crafted an incredible costume fashioned from real feathers, with a light-up velvet waistcoat! Check out YouTube for a sneak peek at Andrew’s Ravenwood tour, and follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook at RavenwoodNovel.

Following photos: Andrew Peters in his Ravenwood tour costume, photos © Rosalind Peters.

Copyright

Text copyright © 2011 by Andrew Peters
Cover art by Steve Rawlings
Cover design by Whitney Lyle