Tribal Winds

Chapter 1

-*Any and all constructive criticism is greatly appreciated*-

Hurry Feay. . .

Warm sun rays dapple my skin as I bolt up the mountain. Pushing past foliage, leaping over mossy boulders, grinning as a soothing burn works through my limbs. The setting sun races me, taunting me to sprint faster- faster. To reach the top before its colors leave the sky.

Come on, Feay-

My sandaled feet pound over damp soil, each step pushing to be faster. Crisp winds flare as I vault over a flowering log and quickly bounce my feet up a steep incline. As I climb, I work in long jogs and fast sprints, creating a speed workout. In my mind, I can hear Master Hooj with his deep voice lecturing each misstep.

"It's a speed workout, Feay- choose the path of most resistance. The path of least resistance will get you there faster, but in a fight or chase, a quick path isn't sure to be there." I can almost feel the pierce of his eyes framed by his thick black brows.

I hope to watch the black Kaun birds flying in the golden sun of dusk, but my goal is to get in a good workout. That means the path of most resistance. I glance up the next hill, where I know a deep-set crater lies to the right.

Daylight's fading, and worry sickens my gut. I may miss seeing the birds with the detour.

"Path of most resistance-" A hiss escapes my lips.

Split-second decision.

Reaching the hilltop, I round right and shuffle down the crater's sloping side, looking to the pocketed wall opposite me, sizing up the crater's steep cliff in the light of the drowsy sun.

A blast of harsh wind funnels down, and I gasp as it beats against my light body. Frowning with concentration, I push on, wiggling my hands and feet into niches. Then flick my gaze to the top of the wall.

Dark dirt falls, and vines fight to block my view. A small smile splits my lips, energy tingling down my limbs. I spring upward, zig-zagging- crawling like one of the speckled lizards. My long limbs allow my easy reach, and when a handhold isn't close enough, I leap for one.

Speed Feay-

At the top of the crater, I heave myself up with a shout of victory. Blood punches through me, abuzz with triumph. I turn back to see my progress, pride filling me at the height of the wall and the twisting vines and mossy rocks I overcame.

I allow another second of victory, breathing in, soaking it up, then nod and flip around.

Only to be pushed back by a blast of charging wind.

My smugness quickly turns to alarm as the soft passing breezes whisper their messages. The tiny sensitive hairs that cover my body prick up and spread tingles across my scalp.

Dark blues-

Shuddering breaths stumble through me as the vision envelopes me.

Careless winds- blasting through trees-

coming-

My way.

I wait for my soul wind to flare inside me. For it to shout to the wind, "I'm here! Don't blow me away!"

When it still hasn't sparked after a second blast of wind presses me back, worry fills me-

My body's instincts take over, and I jerk into a crouch. Fingers spread, calves tense. My stomach knots as I dart my eyes toward the crater's edge.