Loving the Dead

Chapter 5

I felt power all around me. I was here to kill.

I think Zahara noticed a disturbance in the air.

"Annora, I need you to calm down. I know we're here for a reason, but you need to put that behind you. This is what we need to work on. Control. Control Annora."

I doubled over, energy wracking my body, needing to be released. Something didn't feel right.

I took a huge breath, gasping for air. I then rolled onto my back, panting.

"Good Annora, that's first step in controlling your power. For now I need you to forgot the reason we're here. Now get up, we have work to do." Zahara said.

"Zahara, I'm really tired, can we stop for today? I know we only just started but that drained me." I said, still panting.

"No Annora. You can rest once you're done. Another thing we need to work on is endurance. Do you think in the middle of a battle, you can just go and take a nap because you're tired and come back? Come on, just for a little while." Zahara said in a harsh tone, but I see where she was coming from.

"I only want what is best for you. We only have 2 months." She said softening her tone. I know she meant the best for me.

"So for today, we are going to learn to channel your energy, and when it's best to keep it small or just let it loose. Let's begin. Try again to connect with the spirits."

I took a deep breath, digging deep within myself and the spirit world. I concentrated and stood up to meet face to face with Zahara.

"Ok Zahara, ready." I said in a firm voice.

"Ok love, you see that stone over there? I want you hit it right in the middle. I know you might not get it on the first try, but give it your best try. Concentrate on that one spot."

I gathered all my energy into my palm, feeling it flow through my arm. It felt so different then just letting all my energy loose. I concentrated on the stone, and shot.

I flew backwards, and I landed on my back getting the wind knocked out of me.

"What did I do wrong?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.

"You had too much power in your palm. You need to be quick about it and shoot fast. If you channel too much power, " she said gesturing at me, "that's what will happen."

Why couldn't I get this? Frustration rolled off me in waves, and I just wanted to lay down and do nothing. But I knew I needed to figure this out, so I did.

I channeled a small amount of energy and shot at the rock. I felt the raw energy leaving my body and the energy ball hit the rock, splitting it in two.

Relief and happiness washed over me. I really had done it!

"Good job Annora! See how you just need to be quick about it? Having a small amount of energy doesn't mean you have less power. " she said, and I knew she was proud of me.

"Thank you so much Zahara, for always helping me out." I said, a smile plastered on my face. "I think I'm done for the day. Calypso said that someone was going to be here soon to fetch for me for a tour of the place. And and I really need a bath." I said chuckling at my own sweat that covered me like a blanket. Nothing could ruin my good mood for the day.

(Dedicated to aragornlotr77)