Spirit's Path, Book 1: Inferno

1: Whispers

Czalavis lied down on the ground, fetching the usual drinking water for his family. This chore didn't surprise him, as this is what he did every morning. He would travel to the lake at the center of the village for water, but not before admiring himself in the water's reflection. The red and white mask he wore everyday was still intact, with not a single speck of dirt on the rim. Czal would then soak his purple robe in the water to clean. The water would cleanse the filth from the robe, making Czal able to wear it for another few days.

Today, however, seemed slightly different then usual. Czal couldn't put his finger on it, but something was off. He definitely remembered completing the required chores for his family. Perhaps something slipped his mind?
No, he thought, That can't be. I have the water in my hands.
Nevertheless, Czal kept on walking to his father's hut, where he and the other chiefs stayed.

Just then, a voice echoed in the wind. Czal was unable to make out the words, but they sounded like "three may". Czal kept walking.

The voice whispered again, this time a bit clearer. "Free me" is what the whispers said, and Czal understood nothing in the context of the voice. So he kept walking.

For the third time, the voice spoke, with an angrier tone. Czal then asked the voice in the wind a question.
"Uh, excuse me, but who is speaking?" he inquired.
The whisper responded. "I... cannot say..."
"But I must know what you meant by 'free me.' Otherwise, I cannot help you."
"I just told you... Free me from my prison... Let Pyrania see me again..."
"I'm sorry, but I won't free you, for I have other things to attend to... My father, the chief, needs me."

With that, Czalavis headed for the hut where he lived. The voice was gone from the wind, and he was finally at peace. All was well for his family.

Then the whispers took over.