The Wandering Spirit

Prologue
When the world of Calithmer1 was created, there were many species of human. Of them, there were three of which were to receive the natural gift of flight: The grapiens2, the harlarks3 and the yavarrah4. These three were judged and given their resulted territories of the land. Each was given specific traits to be able to survive in their lands. The yavarrah, the least worthy, were given bat-like traits with wings for arms and claws in the middle joint. They were given reign over the caves of the earth. The harlarks, the ones with fair results, were given wings on their backs and brawny builds and ruled the mountain tops. The grapiens, the most worthy, rule the skies. They were given the ability to grow feathers from their arms, forming wings. The grapiens do not need to breathe due to high altitudes but have lungs for that option. The grapiens live in a kingdom atop a cloud called Emorthae. The royals are able to navigate this cloud in its eternal movement. They have extremely long lives and a fantastic memory. The Celvor5 dynasty currently reigns over these people. The yavarrah ruled the caves for centuries, but found that it wasn't enough to be confined. They became jealous of the grapiens' high abilities and living conditions. They started to war with Emorthae. For years did they fight Emorthae with no success, for the yavarrah can go without breath and withhold under the sun for so long. They would cast sorcery upon themselves to stop the need for breath. The limit has expanded time after time, but they have never succeeded in overthrowing Emorthae.

Chapter One: Departure
Elina Celvor stepped out into the streets of Emorthae where an anxious and excited crowd bustled in the bright, fresh morning. She took a moment's pause to take everything in. The wind tugged at her red cloak as if urging her to move on. The sun cascaded down and embraced her in its smiling warmth. She returned the smile and continued her superior stride until she reached her two younger siblings. She bent over and looked at each of them with her soft gold eyes. “Vandriel, don't let Mordrei destroy the kingdom while I'm gone.” she teased giving a taunting glance at her brother. Mordrei's face turned a bright pink and he gave her a surprisingly good annoyed look for a six-year-old. “I do not want to come back to visit a wasteland.” she continued. Elina hugged both of them. “Goodbye.” she whispered, her smile turning gentle. She tousled Mordrei's thick, black-and-white hair and gave a crooked smile, resuming her gait until she reached her hippogriff. She gracefully climbed the saddle and turned smiling one more twisted smile at her siblings, her long chestnut hair flipped as she did. Elina lifted her arm in a lively wave and the children reflected the motion. “Off to Kethmere!” The grapien princess bellowed with excitement as she and her steed kicked off. Bright colors filled the air as the other grapiens took wing. “Mordrei.” Sargon called. Both of the children turned to see their older, dark-haired brother. “Do not take Elina's comments to heart. You will be an agreeable ruler. I trust you to take my place in my absence.” the prince smiled gently. Mordrei's face once again changed into a bright red color. He wished they would stop reminding him of what lay ahead. “Goodbye.” Sargon said, pulling a soft smile—a rare occasion. Vandriel watched his face in amazement, wondering if it would get stuck that way. He marched on to where another group of grapiens waited to be led to the future colony of Houtmor. The prince mounted his griffin and pulled a nod and a formal wave, taking flight. The children raised their arms high once again, watching the group fill the sky. A slender hand caught Vandriel's and swung her around into another embrace. Golden-red locks of hair surrounded her and she caught the beautiful aroma of her mother's honeysuckle perfume. “Goodbye, Vandriel.” The Queen whispered and kissed Vandriel's gold head. Queen Morrigan7 did the same to Mordrei. “I hoepe you two will behave proprly while I am away.” Their mother looked from one to the other, as if memorizing their faces again. Her face carried a faint smile and her eyes were filled with the deepest love. Vandriel had only just fallen into the precious moment before it vanished, like a shy rabbit dashing away from a child's hands. One more warm smile displayed on the queen's face before she took flight, followed by her group of people who would follow her to Fraithmer. King Harovor now wrapped his arms around the children and they watched in silence as the distant grapiens faded in separate directions.

Vandriel sat on the flat east tower roof in deep thought, staring at the dark blue sky. She was there almost every morning, watching the sunrise and pondering the things that needed to be pondered. Her eyebrows were pointed down like they always were when she thought hard. But now, she was only doing it to note the feeling in case she did it out of habit again. She had been trying to break the habit for a few months ever since Mordrei told her that her face looked funny that way. The morning breeze whispered meaningless secrets in her ears as she let her face return to normal. The kingdom lay before her at rest. It hadn't changed since her mother left ten years ago. Vandriel smiled softly and rested her chin on her knees. She loved every detail of Emorthae and wouldn't leave it for the world. It was her home and the only thing she knew. She tucked a rogue strand of hair behind her ear. A black flutter caught the corner of her eye, interrupting her pleasant thoughts. Despite her objections, she turned to look. A figure flapped out of one of the minor towers. Vandriel recognized the dark head. The thin white streaks were too familiar to miss. “Mordrei?” she whispered. The tall figure landed on the roof, his back still turned to his younger sister. She couldn't help but wonder why he was out so early. Her arms quickly grew gold feathers and she landed behind him on the tower. “Where are you going?” She asked, eying his pack. Her voice seemed to shatter the morning silence. Mordrei jumped and turned to face her. Vandriel couldn't help but give away a suppressed laugh at his surprise. “Away,” he answered after recovery, his eyes making a specific point not to meet hers. Vandriel's smile faded quickly. She knew Mordrei enough to know he wasn't joking. “For how long are you leaving Emorthae?” She questioned, her tranquility shattered. When there was no answer she continued, “Mordrei, you cannot leave. You are the heir to the throne. You are the only one capable. Please, stay here with us.” Her voice grew frantic. Mordrei eyed the blossoming sky behind her. “You can do it, Vandriel. You can rule the kingdom.” “Mordrei, you must do it.” She weakened. “It is Father's will.” His look snapped to her face. “Goodbye, Vandriel.” he spoke flatly. “No, you cannot leave!” she broke in anger as Mordrei whistled a high note. She grabbed hold of his arm as a silvery dragon swiftly responded. He sighed and looked her in the eyes. “Is it me? Am I the reason you are leaving?” Vandriel sobbed. “No, it would never be you, Vandriel.” he spoke gently. “This is something I have to deal with on my own.” “But I want to help you. Whatever it is, I want to help you.” Vandriel sniffed. “You can't.” he replied helplessly. “What will I tell the others if you go?” “Tell them what you will.” “But Mordrei. . .” she whispered, looking deep into his eyes. He broke away from her and hastily hung his pack on the back of the dragon. If anything could make him stay, it was those piercing eyes. “No! I won't forgive you.” she cried resentfully, knowing she would regret it later. Mordrei hesitated, his back toward her. “Not if you leave.” she went on. His shoulders slumped and he spun around. “Vandriel. . .” he faltered. He stepped forward and gave her a hug. She welcomed it and cried as her world crashed down around her. The prince abruptly broke away and jumped on the dragon. With one rush of air, he was off, escaping toward the young sun. “Mordrei, wait!” she called after him as his dragon swiftly flew away. “Mordrei!” she called again. He kept his eyes ahead, not turning back to look at his desperate sister. Vandriel slumped and watched her closest sibling slip away. They were all gone now, living elsewhere. Only she and her father remained. “Goodbye,” she whispered. The silver sliver faded away on the golden horizon. She didn't know what to do anymore. She stared after him, even when she could no longer see the far off glitter. She glided down into the courtyard and rested on the smooth, silver branches of her brozila tree, where the soft blue blossoms gave a sweet, creamy aroma. They only grow in Emorthae. Vandriel had the only blue tree. She curled up using her knees as a resting place for her head and thought about what had just happened. She had never really known her love for her brother until it tore her apart when he was gone. And what of the kingdom? She would be the next ruler? She had never dreamed of taking the throne. The notion frightened her. She shuddered at the idea of running the kingdom down. These anxious thoughts buzzed in her mind as she dozed into sleep.