Chapter 1 (Zuri) + Preview
The spectrum of Pandeamere is a wide one indeed. From the rich-soiled terracotta lands of the south to the lush green woods of the east-west, to the cold bright blue of the north. Pandeamere was never meant to fit within itself. And in Pandeamere laid the empire of the four kings, most commonly known, as Radian. Founded by four great adventurers who found god himself, and settled down in these lands.
And in the middle of it, lay the fifth circle, the place where most of the empire's most prized citizens reside. Including the emperor. Protected by five great mummified dragons, destined to awaken again in the empire's time of need, Until then, they reside to protect the Emperor and his empress. Yes, Pandere has deep roots, from its native people to its greatest kingdom, a place where all is fair and happy. But it is that red circle that stains everyone's hands.
Chapter 1
"Come on, move your pretty little legs!" A scornable man yelled from behind me, quickly awakening me from my trance. I moved whilst glancing at my surroundings, I was chained, dressed in rags, and walking barefooted in the forest. Like a leashed dog. To think that I, who had come from a tribe that possessed the gift of god, would be taking hits and cuts from men whose only impulse is to dominate.
I rushed to go and hug her, our three female servants, black-haired Themda, white-haired and injured Lvn, and blonde-haired Omiri, rushed to hug all of us. "Shh Suf, we all will be alright. They shall not take away our spirit as they have our people. We must live on for our lost brothers and sisters." I replied, she turned and looked at me, "But why, Zuri!? We hadn't committed enough sin to deserve this, why our people!?" She yelped, "Because of our blood. We possess the gift of god, and thus we must suffer. It is shown in our tears, so please, for our safety, do not cry dear sister."
"Yes. Great sister" Suf replied, wiping the slick tears off her face. "What shall we do great leader!?" Themda asked in a whisper, I looked her in the eyes, she could read the uncertainty. We traveled for about 2 more days and experienced unimaginable mistreatment. Whipping, beatings, harassment, and assault. But I knew that I must be strong, for I must protect the ones I have left. I mustn't cry to the enemy.
Whilst traveling on a midnight night, I stayed awake, as usual, because I wanted to make sure they had all fallen asleep and I wanted to look out for danger. I looked at the bright, white moon. I remembered my mother, her white hair and dark skin and gold eyes shun against the sun at the coming of age ceremony. The dance and laughter put nothing less than smiles on our faces. In the evening of that day, I entered the blue and gold decorated building of our great predictor for the ritual predicting my future fate, with Mum, Dad, and my five sisters present as per tradition. That is how our smiles turned.
The old woman took on the young appearance of a red-haired, light-skinned young woman, an unusual sight to young me. She reached her hand out to me and I took it. She threw back her head and started to shake ferociously. Her young appearance became old and wrinkled with her mouth bloodied. The only thing she said before hurrying us out of the house was,
"As the moon blooms open with glee, a flower shall be lost at thy feet. A life, they may only make once, that will result in the loss of thy left thumb" She said. "She shall tame the unforgivable, and taint her love with blood, for there shall only be true power with the loss of the sun."
