"Landerlings"

The air ships made their way across the sky like huge buzzards circling their prey. The Anemoi were early this year. I gripped my dagger tight, my fingers numb and my heart racing. Terrance steadied his bow, though it would do no good against the mighty fleet. No. Once the Anemoi exited their ships to claim their prisoners--that would be our chance to defend ourselves.

Terrance lowered the bow for a moment to cradle my cheek. His eyes spoke love and concern. “Gaia, I want you to run. I will hold them off. Go to the far side of the island and hide in the caves. Go deep. They fear the cold earth.”

“I won’t leave you.” My eyes searched his. There was stubbornness in his brow but I continued to plead. “Come with me. Let’s sneak now while they are preoccupied with anchoring. Neither of us stand a chance alone.”

“Others may have already made their way to the caves. You will be safe.”

“I will die anyway of a broken heart if I lose you.”

He drew me close and kissed me, but the distant thudding of anchors burying into the earth stole his attention. “Go, Gaia.”

He pushed me and I ran, one hand firm on the hilt of my only defense, the other on the pouch on my belt. I could not lose my piece of the earth stone. The elders entrusted us girls with keeping the stone safe. We were less likely to be taken as slaves. We did not think Anemoi would come so soon.

Before entering the forest, I turned back. Terrance was poised, ready to strike. The Anemoi had begun descending their ladders. I debated returning to him, but forced myself to turn away.

Under the dense trees, I could no longer see the air ships but began to hear distant screams. I pushed myself harder. The Anemoi were quick. I needed to reach the caves.

The sound of rustling brush nearby dropped me to my knees. I peered up and saw the tell-tale brown dress of a fellow Landerling. Terrance’s sister, Arke. She was pursued by several blue-cloaked Anemoi. No. Not pursued. Followed.

“This way. You can smoke them out.” Arke’s words pierced my heart. How could she betray us? What could I do? They moved out of earshot and I stood. Should I try to stop them? Should I go back for help?

More rustling brush, but this time behind me. I lifted my dagger and spun around.

“Gaia. What are you doing? What’s the matter?”

“Oh, Terrance.” I thrust myself into his arms. “It’s Arke. She’s leading the Anemoi to the caves.”

“We must stop them.” He ran and I followed.

We reached the rocky ledge and looked down to see the group nearing the path to the caves. Terrance drew an arrow and loosed it before I could react. To my surprise, it was not an Anemoi that fell but Arke. She lay unmoving. The Anemoi turned to spy their attacker but we ran.

Terrance headed toward the sea. What was he planning? The Anemoi tailed closely. Terrance didn’t slow as we approached the pier.

“What are you doing?” I slowed but he grabbed my hand.

“Trust me!” He jumped, pulling me into the water.

Returning to the surface, I sputtered, trying to regain my senses. The commotion of battle sounded all around me. The Mazu, people of the sea, were fighting back the Anemoi. In every direction the Mazu were emerging, armed to fight. We would have to hide no longer. Our saviors would conquer.

Written in response to a picture prompt for my writing group. See the original inspiration here: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/42L5W