Riders In The Wind

Chapter 2: Saregami

The "humans" as I had come to call them took me to their hideout where no one would ever think to look for "rebels". I had been alone so long and cut off from the world I had no idea that the lad I lived in was in peril. However, I did learn that my experience with Haradock was a test to see if I was worthy of traveling through this land without harm, or so they would like me to believe. My opinion personally is that it was a test for something far larger than anything I could possibly think of. Haradock and the others led me to an inactive volcano that would never erupt again; the idea of having an entire cavitation here was a brilliant idea! I was led into a dark hallway and into a room, where the doors closed behind me; I was told to wait here for further evaluation. Maybe they want me to be a warrior for them? Haradock did say that I did act and look like a warrior. Consumed by my own thoughts I didn't notice the doors open and someone step into the dimly lit room where I was waiting.

"Hello I am Nara; I am here to further evaluate you to make sure you are worthy of living here." I turned to face the woman standing in front of the doors she had fine skin and hair darker than an old oak tree in the forest where I once lived. After sizing her up I nodded for her to continue with the task at hand, she walked around me a few times looking me over from head to toe as I once did to her. Then she asked me a couple of questions about how I got here and other things about my past that I didn't think were important. Finally, she stood in front of me placed her hand on my forehead, said some unfamiliar phrase that I didn't understand; shortly after I felt something in my head digging through my memories and sifting through every slightest detail. This lasted for a number of minutes, finally Nara took her hand away and said, "You are worthy of our trust, you may stay here... but you will need a name I could choose one for you if you wish or you may make one for yourself. The choice is yours."

The doors behind us opened and a trailing light filled the dim room. Aurora... the word rung through my mind over and over again like chimes in the wind, sounding clear and loud. I said aloud before Nara left, "Aurora; Aurora is my name." Nara stopped and replied, "A wonderful name indeed. Aurora you are free to stay here as long as you like and are permitted to pass though these lands without problem. If you wish to stay, follow me." I nodded and flowed her down the endless hallway to another room where she explained was where I could stay from here on out. "Thank you Nara." I lowered my head in thanks, Nara nodded and walked out of view.

Time passed and I met many people, some befriended me, some thought I was a nuisance, then there was Nara and Haradock who I became very good friends with. Nara taught me how to treat wounds and about wild plants that were safe to eat, Haradock taught me how to hunt and fight, I was soon a very skillful and respected member of the rebels hidden community. Day after day I received more lessons from Nara and Haradock, each one more difficult than the next. When my skills where almost perfected I was told that I would be on a scouting crew with Haradock and the others. Nothing really happened for a few months and until I saw someone who was alone. He carried no weapons, his clothes were tattered, and he was definitely starved; two of the others that were on guard found him as well, I signaled them to stop, hide in the trees, and let me take care of him.