Orao

Chapter 1

    The human pulled the hood tight over their head. The chilly wind seeped through the black cape, causing them to shiver. They could hear their boots click against the stony path. Feel the eyes following them as they pushed through the growing crowd. The clock gave way to the fourth chime of the day, the vatra. It had arrived, "too late, too late," the human's voice was soft, almost non-existent. Nonetheless, it was filled with overwhelming pain.

     Picking up the pace, they felt the tears fall down their cheeks. Tasted the saltiness on their tongue, they kept in the sounds of anguish that wished to be released. The outcries of those around them threatened to bury them, "Burn it! Burn the monster!".

     Did they realize what they were asking? Life was to be taken all because of what had happened centuries ago! They fought the urge to stay, to let out an outcry against their demands. Those from the past are now dead, yet why do they still manage to control our way of life? Our gift has become a curse, the andeli had done this to them!

     They pulled the hood tighter over their head, praying that no one would see their tears. They could feel the anger boiling inside of them. "One day," they whispered, "One day our revenge will come!". They quickened their pace as they reached near the end of the crowd. Whose cries covered the sounds of their sobs. They wondered when this would end, the bloodshed would solve nothing. They had finally reached the end of the masses, breaking through with a gasping breath. The human sped up, making their way through the winding paths in the town. Looking up, they saw the gates. It was so close! Suddenly they felt themself falling and saw the ground coming closer to them. Almost on command, their hands bolted out to protect themself from the rocks and dirt below. Letting out a small gasp as their hands hit the ground. The pain hit their arms and traveled up to their shoulders. It was sudden and stole the wind from them.

     They gasped for breath, their head feeling light. They let themself turn over and fall to the ground. The dirt seemed to rise and gently descend until it came to rest on them and the ground. Their breathing was labored and raggedy. They had to get up, but they were so tired. Slowly, they forced herself to rise to their soar feet.

     Dragging their legs, they slowly made their way to the gate. Which had remained open for the vatra, allowing those who would be late to watch. They raced out of them in fear that they may close. Slowing down they collapsed at a maple away from the line of sight of the entrance.

     Turning their gaze towards the sky, they let themself scan the area from where they had fled. Smoke had begun to fill the sky. The people had gotten their bloodshed. If one listened closely, they could hear the screams of the one who had been chosen. They may not have been able to save them, but they would save the others.

     With a deep breath, they closed her eyes. The sight of orange flames licking the light blue sky. "Orao," they whispered, "I will find it and save my people".