Orao

Prologue

   "Mommy! Mommy! Tell me a story," a young girl let her cries fill the night air. The moon was at its citav, a time that used to be full of wonderous song and elegant dancing. It blanketed the sky in light, revealing truths long forgotten. "Mommy! Pretty please?" the child's eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

      "Come sit on my lap darling," an older woman whispered in the night, "and remember, quiet your lovely voice". The pale girl ran onto her mother's warm lap. Nodding, the child looked at her, eyes begging. With a gentle smile, the older woman ran her long fingers through the thin, blond hair of her offspring. Finally, she spoke in a gentle voice, "Tonight I will share a story long forgotten by our people, a story of hope". Looking into the child's begging eyes, she continued,     

   "In times past there was once a land. A land that promised freedom to those who entered its borders. Orao. As times got worse, the Zao declared war on the people of Orao". Her voice took a sad tone with it, "During the year of mir, they slaughtered two-thirds of the town. Now, the ancestors are hunted down and sent to their demise". The woman noticed the fear develop in the child's hazel eyes, "You must not worry, for there is hope still. It is said that the andeli hid this peaceful land among the rocks of Taban. Here only the true of heart can enter".

     She smiled as the girl's eyes widened, "Now, my beautiful andeli, we shall search for Orao together. But beware of the Zao, they still hunt for the blood of the Ruzan. Our blood". She looked up as the moon reached its peak, the light flooding onto them. Outlining, in blue, the vessels that carried their pure blood.

      Raising her head, the child asked in a hushed voice, "Why do the Zao chase us?". The mother lowered her head. It was time to reveal to the youngling the entire story. No more could she hear bits and pieces.

     Taking a deep breath, the women continued, "The andeli did not let our sacrifice go in vain. Those who survived were turned into gods themselves. A group could destroy armies of the Zao in mere seconds". Looking at the young girl she spoke, "Look into my eyes what color do you see?". 

    The child stared intently, "They are like the green grass, mommy!". How beautiful they were when the light from the citav hit them. They sparkled and danced. Like the girls own. Looking deep into her eyes the mother spoke, "The green of the land can be manipulated by me child". Looking up at the sky, the mother brought her hands forward. The child stared eagerly at them. "Look not at me young one, but at the ground in front," moving her gaze, the child saw the grass increase in its height. From there, rocks floated around them.

      The girl tried to contain her glee, the mother scanned her eyes in hope. "You, my child, have eyes of color. The eyes that change, like a chameleon," the woman seemed a loss for words, "like none I have ever seen. You must discover what the andeli blesses you with!". Worry clouded the mother's loving gaze, "Now we must rest, for we wake early to travel in the morning light". With a small nod, the child curled up into her mother's arms. Quickly, their breaths aligned into one, and the light of citav faded.

     The child let out a small groan, her tiny ears perking once she heard her mother's voice. "My darling, I am so sorry, but we must part ways!" she could hear the fear in her voice, "run, run my child!". Turning she saw her mother, tears covering her beautiful pale face. Sobs escaped her mouth, "Run! You must find Orao without me".

      Terrified, the young child ran. Hearing her mother cries for her to escape, the monstrous shrieks of pain and then nothing. The adolescent crashed through branches, and with a screech fell to the ground. Quickly, she gathered herself. Shoving branches out of her way as she ran. A voice rang throughout the night, "Get the child!".

      She went as fast as her legs could carry her. The sound of beating hooves surrounded her. They buried her with their sound. From the air, something latched its freezing grip onto her hand. A scream rang throughout the air. The child pulled and pulled, but the monster pulled her up and threw her to the ground.

      The force startled her, she laid there gasping for breath. The creature approached her and took out its weapon. It glinted against the light of the citav, as silver as the moon, and as sharp as the tongue. It climbed in height and flashed before her. Darkness welcomed her into its embrace, with the horrid smell of metal she drifted away.