"DON'T SHOOT!" My anguished voice cried out.
I struggled against the iron grip of the cavalry soldier behind me. I could feel his wretched breath that reeked of alcohol on my neck. Some fifteen feet away from me… My lover stood, armed with a bow and arrow. His eyes were full of fear, but I could tell that he was determined, but reckless in the next action he was to take….
It was too late.
With a whoosh of air, the arrow was released. The soldier moved me so I was right in the line of fire, and I couldn't move. I was frozen in fear, and I watched as that arrow flew towards me. With my last breaths, I sent a prayer to my gods in the stars, knowing that within a few short seconds, I'd join my ancestors up there.
The last thing I felt was the beyond excruciating pain of the arrow striking me. Blood spurted out, and my body fell. I gazed up at the heavens, and my last breath left me.
Oddly, I didn't feel so scared… I could feel the moon and stars looking down upon me even though I could not see, oddly, I felt… Safe, I think is the right word.
Despite feeling safe, my body hurt all over, particularly in my chest. I wailed in pain, but soon, I could feel the gentle rays of the moon shine down over my body and the pain began to melt away until I felt nothing. I breathed in slowly, carefully.
I felt different somehow now, like I was in a new body. Everything was still black as night. My eyes then slid open and everything was different. It felt like I was seeing everything differently, but I could not describe it. I looked down at myself, my dark gray dress was now a pristine white, a white cloth that I'd only seen the settlers make. And it was embroidered with gold and teal, with red fringe.
I wobbled forward, only to trip over my own feet.
"Ahhhh…" I groaned in pain. Coughing a bit, I sat up and rolled over, staring at the sky. What happened?
Nothing to fear my dear. A voice whispered in the wind. I immediately became alert, for usually when you hear a voice in the wind, you're dying or dead. Was I dead?
Yes, you are. But I have given you new life.
"Who are you? What's happened to me? What's going on-"
Patience, I know you have questions; but I cannot answer them right now.
"What? Why?" But I received no answer. I shouted into the wind, hoping that voice, or whoever, would hear me, and answer my questions. I was so confused as to what was going on… I didn't know where to go, what to do. I looked around at my surroundings and saw the endless expanse of sand ahead. To my far left, I saw the canyon… A canyon that had a calling to me, and so, I listened to it.
I stopped at the edge, gazing down into the crevasses and I felt my heart leap. No, I wouldn't jump, I didn't think I could fly…
I wandered around the desert aimlessly for some time, it was different considering I couldn't starve anymore now that I was merely a spirit. But, why wasn't I with the stars? Why wasn't I in the spirit world? Is this was purgatory was? Is this what it was like? A spirit wandering aimlessly everywhere without a purpose? Forever? If so… It wasn't as terrible as I'd heard the ministers of the white settlers describe it as.
The hours turned into days, but before the week ended, I met the living embodiment of wind.
"Hello!" I looked up. A pale face with lavender eyes so light, they were nearly white, and stark blonde hair gazed at me from above. Her hair was cut to her shoulders, and she had massive white wings like an eagle. Her attire was a light blue top that exposed her shoulders and a loose, knee-length darker blue skirt with white and purple embroidery. She smiled at me warmly, holding out an arm to me, to shake my hand.
"Oh… H-hello." I responded quietly. She observed me, tilting her head.
"You're new, aren't you?"
"Excuse me?" She laughed.
"Ah, excuse me. Where are my manners? I'm Akilina, Guardian of Vind." I gave her a puzzled look.
"Guardian of what?"
"Vind!" She paused when she realized I couldn't understand her, "I'm the Guardian of huukyangw."
"You can speak Hopi?!" I asked her, suddenly excited. She chuckled softly.
"A few words, yes. Not many, though. Are you a Native?" I nod.
"Yes, I am Hopi. Where are you from? I don't recognize your accent." She finally landed and her wings vanished like they were never there.
"I am from Russia."
"Russia? That really big place?" She chuckled again.
"My dear, vhere are many big places in this world. But yes, it is vhe biggest country in the world. But most of it is empty space. Most people live in vhe capital, Moscow."
"I've heard of it…" I muttered.
"You seem confused. Can I help?" I shrugged.
"I am lost… I have been, reborn, and I do not know where to go or what to do. I think I'm looking for something or someone, but I don't know what it is or where it could be…" Akilina paused to think.
"Well, you are a new spirit. Hm, come with me. I think I know how to help."
"Where are we going?"
"To visit a couple friends." She outstretched her hand, and, knowing I could trust her, I took it.
"I cannot fly…" I mumbled. She only smiled and picked me up, carrying me on her back, and she took off into the sky, and so, my journey began.
Hey y'all! My first RotG fic! Been meaning to do this for ages but never had the right spark of inspiration! Leave a review to tell me what you think so far! ILY!