Following the River

Prologue

Prologue

A flurry of feathers floated in the crisp summer breeze. The air was heavy and thick with the scents of a river that wound its way through the heart of the forest.

A black animal dipped its tongue into the gentle current, the cold drops trickling onto its paws. Its head suddenly tilted up, reading the stars with a ruby gaze. An owl hooted overhead, the night’s lullaby comforting the almost silent forest.

The shuffle of tiny feet caught the cat’s attention, the mouthwatering scent of mouse filling the air. A raven watched the sleek animal make its catch, and then squawked a greeting.

The cat feebly mewed, guilt flashing in her eyes. Her wings folded neatly against her flanks, her tail wrapping neatly around her forepaws.

“Have you forgotten?” The raven called, defiantly gazing around the forest with vibrant blue eyes. The cat shifted nervously from paw to paw, her mouth slightly open, tasting the prey-scented air.

“No, Aira, have you gotten any more signs?” Gazing at the watery shafts of moonlight upon the glossy river, the cat's reflection wavered. The raven took a long pause, searching the forest for any scrap of hope.

The cat continued to glue her gaze onto the blue tinted river, expecting her reflection to imitate her every move, but this time another figure appeared, her blazing violet eyes full of bravery.

The strange cat’s fur was a vivid cream color, her claws razor sharp, her pose ready for battle.

Tripping backwards, stiff with shock, the cat fled over to the tree that Aira was perched on. The bird swooshed down to rake her small, yet sharp talons across the black-winged cat’s back, black drifts of fur escaping into the breeze.

She hissed with annoyance and stated, “I had a sign!” The raven headed down to the babbling river, inspecting each and every reflection.  Twinkling stars vividly shone on the surface, the moon a crescent smiling at them.

Finally, Aira nodded, and as she spoke her eyes remained on the rippling surface, “She’s not an ordinary cat, you see. She is right now only a human.” The cat grew a puzzled expression, bowing her head with defeat.

“But, Zora, this is the sign we were waiting for.” Aira chirped into the wind and Zora’s velvet ears twitched with frustration.

“If she’s only a human what’s the point of bringing her here? Humans don’t belong here.” Zora growled bitterly as she clawed at a nearby stick.

Suddenly as the breeze picked up and as the wind rustled the branches, another figure flashed across the slightly moving surface. Aira whispered a few unidentifiable words and she was no longer a raven.

Zora watched Aira step weightlessly into the thin water, her amber hair flowing down her back, her heart-locker glinting in the moonlight. Zora changed back into her original form as well, wandering close to Aira. The pool was filled with images of what would happen next, the girl unlocking the door, an earthquake…

Zora stiffed when she noticed herself socializing with the strange girl. Suddenly everything began to piece together one by one.

A voice swept through the breeze and Zora strained to listen. The voices were unclear, but after the second time it repeated, Zora knew right away. Even though the words were useless now, they would guide this girl who was destined to save their world. The words had been:

If you ever get lost, follow the river.

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