The Young Shall Inherit: Aerolan Saga: Book 1

The air lay heavily upon her, pressing her breath from her. She only sensed the candles glowing; the dark curtains hanging limply along the black walls.

  There were only two others in the small parlor; only those she did not fear had come; her mother was ill at home.

  But, she could taste the air; this foreboding place. She only wanted to go away; she wanted this to not be true.

  There was death here, deep unforgiving death. She couldn’t draw a breath, she couldn’t see clearly. She felt as though she was barely clinging to life; she felt she was dying.

  Anisah was weeping bitterly. An older woman sat next to her – Mistress Elspeth. Anisah sagged and placed her face in the old woman's lap and cried. She couldn't stop.

  Her father was dead. And she couldn’t save him. He was dead and there was nothing she could do.

  She stopped crying suddenly, raised her head while tears ran down her face, and looked around the dismal room. The candles wavered slightly in a sudden gentle breathe.

  She stood. Around her the air hushed, soft, gentle, warm. The room held its breath. She reached out to touch the softness, but it pulled away from her.

  She looked at her father lying so still. Raising her hand to reach for him, she saw his eyes open. He held her with his eyes.

  “Don't be afraid, my daughter. You will discover much about yourself over the years. You will be much more than you are now. Take solace in that and do not weep for me.”

  “Care for your mother; she needs your support before you need to leave.” “Don't cry. And be not too sad I’m gone," the her father spoke to her softly.

  "I'll try, Father. I will try. But where am I going?"

  She felt heavy, weighted, not believing, not wanting him to go away again. Her thoughts raced in confusion. Then slowly her father's eyes closed, the glow faded.

  She came back to her surroundings; her head still lay on the woman's lap, but she wasn't crying anymore.

  Old Bas stood, backed into the shadows, watching her with soft eyes of sorrow. Mistress Elspeth, holding her, wept, wiping her eyes with the edge of her old apron, wanting to help

  But nothing, nor anyone, could help. Anisah felt lost in a vapid dream, grayness washing over her. She tried to stand, wavered a moment, and reached toward her father. She felt death swallowing her.

  She moaned.

  The ground begin to tremble; the room shuddered as the tremor passed beneath. Pictures hanging along the walls, articles on shelves, began to fall or fly about the room. Some glass shattered on the floor.

  The room began to glow.

  Mistress Elspeth slid from her chair in sudden fear and kneeled, covering her head with her shawl. Old Bas, surprised but not alarmed, only watched.

  A shallow light began to swirl at the center of the room, a material thing. Its whirlpool swallowed more articles, ripping them from every direction.

  Anisah stood abruptly, arms out by her side, eyes closed, her head back. Her bright hair flying about her; everything began to move with the vortex.

  Just as suddenly as it had begun, it all stopped; items released, fell crashing.

  The blackness overwhelmed her as she slumped to the floor.

  Old Bas stepped from the shadows, his face concerned. He ran to Anisah and held her close for a moment, looking down into her young face. He marveled at her strength; at her raw power.

  I've never seen such power before in one so young. I must keep this to myself. This is not a thing to be revealed -– to anyone.

  He looked down at Mistress Elspeth still on her knees, bowing and covering her head, whimpering softly.

  He glanced once at the coffin, smiled.

  You performed well as a surrogate, Hanf’r, the child is strong. Fare ye well.

  Old Bas lifted Anisah and carrying her, stood and walked out the exit to his wagon. He spoke softly to her, ”I just need to take you to your mother now; she’ll be worried about you." You both need to rest. I'll watch over you for a while before I leave.”

  He looked about, feeling somewhat exposed and wondered how he might keep that promise undiscovered.

  Mistress Elspeth ran past him, tottering along at what speed she could gain, not looking back.

  AGAIN