Saban's Phantom

The Winds Breathe Change

Saban tied her bundle of supplies tightly on her back, over the thick shirt she wore partly for warmth, as she hurried down to the shore. There was a small cave able to be reached during low tide. It was big enough that she could set up an altar. This is something she'd been doing for months. During the day she sought any food that the frozen land would surrender. On the nights like these, she prayed. For her parents who suffered the same wasting disease that had already taken so many of their people; the disease that had claimed the life of Queen Autumn and started this nightmare. She prayed, with tears streaming down her face, that magic would return. Taking off her long woolen skirt, she was left with old shorts that ended at her knees. Ignoring the biting cold she inched down the jagged rock. She was almost down when she slipped, grazing the rock wall, and landed in a shallow pool of water. Her exposed skin stung but she stood anyway. Finally she crept into the cave and walked with confidence to the natural rise in the rear of the cave. As she untied her bag she heard scuttling behind her. Spinning around, she had a dagger halfway out of her sleeve before she stopped in wonderment. The only light came from patches of glowing algae but it was enough to see the giant phantom beetle on the wall. It was almost translucent, the ruby diamond-shaped shell on its back the only color. What was it doing here? These creatures hadn't been seen in almost ten years. Her knees became weak. Not out of fear for her life, despite its size the phantom beetle was peaceful, but from relief. Of course she'd heard the rumors but how could she believe them? At nineteen, her parents had fallen ill and for the past six years she'd learned not to hope for anything but another day. In a daze she took out blue roses and scattered them, silently calling out to all the goddess's forms, and the last of the aloe leaves she'd dried weeks ago. She took out the lone candle she owned, burned halfway down, and lit it. She sat with her feet folded underneath her, reaching to the magic she knew lay at her core. She begged it to flare to life and fulfill her once again. But there was nothing and she almost cried out. She sent a desperate plea into the ether. The silence that met her was deafening. To be apart from the world had not bothered her, for she'd only had a glimpse in a chance meeting with a stranded merchant, but this? Had Ordona kept them from their gods in a desperate bid? Saban found herself cursing the new queen. The girl was four years her junior, surely someone with more experience and less pride would not have allowed this happen.

"You must release your doubt. Bear no anger for a sister of your faith."

She started and turned to see the beetle coming towards her, gliding unsteadily through the water. It was a vessel. She bowed her head respectfully, her braids covered her face.

"We suffer while she is sheltered from it all. How am I to feel when she ignores our oldest tradition, our way of life."

The beetle cocked its head and she got the feeling of being reprimanded.

"These feelings hinder you. We have found a king and he will come soon. At the onset of spring you will see him."

She started to protest but it began clicking furiously.

"Travel to Marisean for the Festival of Lights. There you will see all we have set in motion. We will answer your pleas, in return for your faith and loyalty to the crown we have bestowed."

Her chest tightened, various emotions warred for control, but she nodded. For her parents she would pay this price. After being constantly at their side, traveling for even a few days alone was an uncomfortable idea. But they would be well with prosperous days ahead if these words held true. "I will travel to see this king you have chosen and swear my loyalty for as long as I breathe."

At first she doubted what she felt but the familiar tingle spread slowly through her. Until she felt the magic burning in her fingers, aching to get out. She looked up to see the beetle looking curiously at her. As if it wasn't aware how she'd gotten so close. Hesitantly she reached out her hand, holding it there until the beetle was confident enough to explore. She felt thin tendrils reach out to her spirit and gently probe. Once it was satisfied a tentative bond began to form. She laughed quietly to avoid crying.

Finally.