The Raven Tree

September Character Interview

Patricia Parrington ~ September 1, 2026

Hello my lovely readers and fellow booklovers! For those of you new here, I, your nature-loving host Patricia Parrington, have the pleasure of interviewing characters from books all over the world.

Today we are visiting the Raven Tree from the adult atmospheric historical suspense Burning the Raven Tree by Janyre Tromp. Janyre is an award-winning, bestselling author of atmospheric historical suspense about the stories people choose to believe—and the forgotten witnesses who remember the truth. Weaving history, myth, mystery, and a touch of the uncanny, her novels explore the shadows of the past without surrendering the light. She’s also an award-winning editor, mom, and wrangler of all things—including her family and crazy fur babies. Find her at JanyreTromp.com or on social media @JanyreTromp.

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Meet the Raven Tree

Good morning!

[Patricia approaches an old tree at the top of a hill, sunshine beaming down from a pale blue sky. She sits on the grass in front of the tree and waves.]

Welcome to Fable Features! I’m excited to get to know you. I’ve never interviewed a tree before. So tell me—what’s the story behind your name? Does it have a special meaning?

[The Raven Tree stirs, letting a single leaf twirl gently to the ground.]

Humans have given me many names. The Ancient called me Dub, Crann Bethadh, Ished, the Tree of Life, the World Tree. In the beginning, they believed my kind lifted the sky and made room for the world of humans while my roots held closed the door to the underworld. Now the people of Allenwood call me the Raven Tree. It is a rather unimaginative name given that the black-winged creatures live in my branches. But they have forgotten that the ravens, like me, are witnesses.

How fascinating!

[Patricia leans forward slightly.]

You mention you are a witness. Would you mind elaborating on that? What are you a witness of?

I have stood for a thousand years. I watched the ice retreat, the rain fall, the sun shine, and then the humans came, bringing their axes and destruction. Not just for the forest but for each other. I witnessed the fire that nearly destroyed the woman I protect and then the stories the others fashioned from its ashes. Humans believe the only witnesses stand in a courtroom. That if no one speaks, the truth will be forgotten. They forget that silence is neither weakness nor ignorance.

That’s a good reminder. We need both types of witnesses, don’t we? Those who speak and those who watch and remember.

What scent reminds you of childhood?

[The Raven Tree inhales and a shimmer of light cascades through her crown]

The scent of soon-coming rain, the drenching of the earth under an unbroken forest. Earth so rich it was beyond price. My mother’s and sister’s roots braided with mine, our branches touching. Before the axes came and humans carried my sisters south and I stood alone.

Oh I love the scent of rain. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. That must’ve been hard.

Indeed, but then the woman came, and I am content again.

I’m glad to hear that!

[Patricia falls quiet for a moment before she continues.]

What are you most proud of?

The lives I have held. The birds in my crown, yes. And the furry critters. But also the children I have shielded, the women who pressed their palms to my bark. I could not save them all from the fires, but I saved one. And I have given her a place to stand. Even as I am fading, I hold the gates to the underworld closed.

That’s very admirable that you still fight to save others. Is this girl you saved from the fires still around?

The woman still breathes, if that is what you mean. You humans are quick to mistake survival for salvation. Part of her burned inside the fire, and she has carried the judgment of others for many cycles around the sun. But another has come, and the city man seems to be seeking the truth. Perhaps he will be a good ally for me.

I hope so. Perhaps he can help you look after this poor woman.

[Patricia twirls a fallen leaf between her thumb and forefinger, then glances up at the Raven Tree.]

What makes you feel seen and appreciated?

One who does not come to take, but to sit quietly in my branches. One who listens to the world as I do. One who sees and cares enough to try alongside me.

I love that answer.

[Patricia cocks her head, thinking.]

When was the last time you cried? Do trees cry?

To weep saltwater is human. That isn’t to say that the keepers of the realms cannot grieve. Our sadness and pain run beneath our bark and disappear beneath the surface of the earth. But when the fires came the last time, my sap bled dark and thick. There was precious little I could do but stand to watch as witness to the evil of humankind.

That sounds awful. As beautiful as this world is, there is still much evil as well, hm?

Indeed.

[Patricia peers up at the Raven tree’s thick canopy.]

You mentioned critters earlier that you hold in your branches. What animal would you choose as a sidekick?

Choose?

[The Raven Tree chuckles.]

I do not choose my animal companions. The ravens are drawn to me as keepers of memory, reminders of good. And the great wolf-like creature comes because he recognizes those who need protecting. Together we watch the humans, bearing the consequences of their actions even as we move to protect those most innocent.

That’s fair. I suppose it is a bit different between humans and trees in that department—the animals must come to you. That is nice that there are animals that are drawn to you.

What are you most scared of?

Dying before I can pass on my memories, before someone finds the truth and releases it into the world.

[Patricia nods, listening.]

Honestly, I’d be scared of that too if I were in your shoes—er, roots. Speaking of fears, is there something you do that’s calming when you face scary situations?

I reach my roots deep into the soil and stretch my branches to the sun. I feel the breeze on my bark. And when the storms come, as they must do, I hold fast to the memories carved into my rings. The storms pass. And if I fail to remember, I listen to the ravens. They are excellent company . . . even if rather fond of complaining.

[Patricia chuckles.]

I can see that. I’m glad they make for excellent company. It’s hard to be alone, especially when you’re scared.

What’s something—a memory or word of advice—you will never forget?

My mother taught me that no one stands alone. Beneath the dry crusty earth, our roots all touch, we all nourish one another, remember for one another, or all die with one another. There is strength in coming together, choosing to stand with one another, and finding the truth as one.

Wonderful advice—no one stands alone! And I agree—there is definitely strength in standing with each other.

[Patricia stands and gently places a hand on the Raven Tree’s trunk.]

Thank you for letting me visit and chat with you. I hope someone is able to uncover the truth soon and that you are able to pass on your memories before you die.

[A breeze moves through the Raven Tree’s crown, though the surrounding trees remain still. Above them, a raven shakes out his feathers and settles once again.]

It is enough that you have listened. It is a beginning.

End of interview.

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Want to Read More?

The Raven Tree’s author, Janyre Tromp, can be found on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, and Threads. Join her newsletter here and pick up some free sample chapters here! Burning the Raven Tree can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.

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  Cover: Burning the Raven Tree

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  author: Janyre Tromp

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See Ya Next Time

Aaand that's all the time we have today. Thank you, readers, for coming. And thank you, Raven Tree, for letting us get to know you! See y'all next time.

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If you would like to submit a character to be interviewed for a future issue of Fable Features, please send an email to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Fable Features.

Please note that erotica and content with excessive vulgar language will not be accepted.

If you have questions you'd like Patricia Parrington to ask in a future interview, please submit them to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Interview Questions.