Okay, so... this is the prologue to my new novel. I sorta wrote it when I was half-asleep, which was fun. So yeah, rip it to shreds and I'm hoping I'll actually edit it xD It's also pretty short...
The fire danced, casting menacing shadows across the cobblestone street-ways. The river behind the flames was quiet, empty; for no ships dared sail past on this night. Tonight was the night that every Fatua in the kingdom met, sang out for all of Lasverna to hear.
This was the first night of the season, the night they came out of hiding; the one night they refused to let King Defluo and his dark knights threaten them with their violence and weapons. No, tonight was a celebration that was heard as a war-cry. Tonight, not even a full army of Lasian knights dared to draw near.
With every shout from the people's lips, every victory-cry, the flames lashed up until they were licking the sky. They separated the Fatua from the rest of Lasverna, consuming any knight or creature who dared try harm one of the Emperor of Old's followers. Tonight was a night on which power was displayed, and not even the great Dragon, Atrum Extraho, could touch them.
Tonight they were free.
Sariena Zeil Cansp stood on the edge of the flames, opposite the celebrations. Her heart was pounding violently and a cold sweat had formed on her forehead. Two steps, and she would be consumed not by the fire, but by a power so intoxicating you can barely breathe once overcome. A power that every Fatua lived for; the power that brought them to their knees and made them cry out. A cry of victory and of strength that could be heard from the palace; a cry that left your body quivering and your throat raspy and your heart begging for more.
She pulled her forest-green cloak tighter around her body, peering at the flames from behind her hood. The fire crackled, sprawling shadows across the girl's face. They were inviting, a flame that protected rather than destroyed.
Sariena closed her eyes and stepped into them, and though they didn't ravage and burn, the heat was intense. She lingered there for a moment, letting the flames lick her fingers, just listening to the crackle and the celebrations beyond. One more moment encased in the fire and Sariena stepped through the other side, bracing herself for the power that never came.
Something was wrong. The fire was still crackling in her ears; the heat still encasing her body. That was one that was wrong, Sariena should have been through by now. Then there was the second thing- the battle-cries, the music, the celebration, gone. Sariena could hear none of it.
She fought to open her eyes, but if felt as though a dead weight had been placed upon them. Sariena's heart pounded violently and she shivered despite the intense heat.
Wrong. All of it... so wrong.
Hush child. A voice whispered, and the fire vanished. Still, Sariena did not open her eyes. I need you here. Let your fears vanish and know that I will guide you.
Finally, her eyes opened and her heart skipped a beat. This wasn't home... Sariena's body tensed and she pulled her cloak tighter to her body. Not home...
