Mwako

Prologue

Mwako

A young girl looked over her shoulder, panting heavily. It has been hours since the last saw those soldiers chasing after her from the last kingdom. How long will this last? Her whole life? She made her way through the tree’s, seeing an opening to a dirt path. Although this brought her some relief, she couldn’t shake off her nerves.

Oh God, I don’t know if I can run anymore. The girl promptly tripped over a tree root and slid into the damp earth and grass. Will I always be hated… because of this? She lifted her hand, as small flames quiver in her palm. The flames flickered back and forth as her hand started to shake, tears emerged from her eyes. The feeling of disgust started to swell up inside of her. It seemed the more she saw it from others, the more she started feeling it herself.

As the young girl looked up, she noticed another standing a little ways off, watching her. The figure walked over to her, and she started to tremble. What are they going to do to me? As the figure got closer, she noticed it was another girl… Or rather, a young woman. The young girl could see pale, crystal blue eyes looking down at her. The medium-length wavy blonde hair of the figure fell down in front, as the young woman leaned over her.

“What is your name?” The young woman asked her. The young girl remained silent for a long time, shaking and trembling. The blonde woman, she smiled gently. “Quite an impressive power you have… Although many fear what they wouldn’t know or understand.” The young girl was confused as the woman kept talking to her. She has seen the flames… but isn’t afraid? The woman held her hand out, to help the young girl stand. “There’s no need to be afraid of me… Although, we will want to keep your power a secret between just the two of us.”

Although the young girl felt petrified a few moments before, she took the woman’s hand, and stood up. The young girl’s face was now covered in dirt and soil, covering up her freckles. Her hair was a dark brown, giving off a red hue in the sunlight. The most noticeable feature of the young girl… was her eyes. Amber. This interested the young woman, as far as the young girl could tell. “M-My name… It’s Ember.” She stuttered with her words, as her nerves were still trying to calm. “What’s yours?” She asked, feeling like she also deserved an answer, since she didn’t know where she was or who this woman was. But the woman’s hand was gentle and warm… The aura around her seemed like she was protective. Maybe similar to how an older sister would be to her younger sibling.

“Penelope.” The woman stated bluntly. She hoisted up Ember easily, and helped her dust off some of the dirt and earth she got on her when she tripped. “Well, you’re not from around here.” She said sarcastically, “So, why were you running?”

Ember looked up to Penelope… her eyes shining a bit. She was beautiful… Penelope. The question made Ember squirm slightly, “W-Well… you see…” Ember looked to her hands again, clenching them into fists and looked away, remembering the people chasing her. They wanted her to be gone… for good. “I was being chased, w-when they saw the flames coming from my hands.”

“They?” Penelope asked quietly, but shook her head instead. “So, Ember. The flames that come from your hands, has this always happened?” Penelope bent her knees, so she was level with Ember.

With Penelope closer to her face, making eye contact, Ember was able to calm down a bit. The look in Penelope’s eyes, really gave off a vibe that she was concerned for Ember. “I’m not sure… It really started happening recently. It came from nowhere… Like one day it was like any normal day for me, at the orphanage. But while playing with others, I gave out a push with my hands, and fire came from them. It was an accident, but it scared everyone. Including me…” Ember jumped slightly, as she felt a comforting hand petting her frizzy hair.

“I’m sorry, you must’ve been very scared. Especially when being chased from your home.” Penelope’s hand rubbed the top of Ember’s head. “The power you have, it hasn’t been seen in a few years. It is usually taught in history school, where these powers came from.” Penelope let out a sigh and watched Ember carefully, “Ember, we need to keep your powers a secret from the people in the kingdom.”

“B-But.. Why?” Ember’s eyes started to swell again, feeling somewhat helpless of her newfound powers.

“Shhh,” Penelope wiped her tears away. “I promise to explain everything to you. For now, how would you like to join me? I can provide you with a place to stay, and a job for the time being. This way, you can blend in with the crowd.”

“Why are you helping me? You don’t even know me,” Ember looked over to Penelope, all in surprise how well she was being treated by a stranger.

“Well,” Penelope stood back up, looking at Ember over her shoulder, with her hair flowing from the wind, “There’s a reason for that too, that I will have to explain later.” Penelope gave a soft smile, holding out her hand to Ember. “I need to head back to where I work, otherwise I will be in trouble. But I also need to introduce you to the others there, to help you get a job too.”

Ember stared at Penelope’s hand nervously. This was a very sudden offer. Ember thought for a little while, I don’t have anywhere to go… she thought to herself. After a huge gulp, Ember tenderly took Penelope’s hand. From there, she followed Penelope, and gawked at the huge castle ahead of them. It’s stature was so tall, and elegant. This was her first time being outside of her hometown. The center of the kingdom was so huge and sparkly. After a few minutes, Ember noticed that they were walking to the backside of the castle, to some gates. She looked up to Penelope, wondering if she actually worked in the castle.

Ember watched as Penelope nodded towards one of the guards who promptly opened the gate. Through some windows she could see some eyes looking at them. Ember began to quiver once again, wondering if things really would be okay. Penelope held her hand warmly as they walked together through the back doors, revealing the people whose eyes were watching them before.

Many women, all dressed the same as Penelope. Ember tried to keep her breathing under control as they swarmed her. They were asking Penelope about her. Ember has never been greeted with so many caring hands in her life. Although she was still scared of her powers coming out, something in her broke. Tears wouldn’t stop coming from her face as she profusely apologized for her outburst. It was the first time she was told that it was okay for her to cry. The rest of the next hour was a blur to Ember, as the maids helped bathe her and dress her in some clothes that fit.

Ember was now clean, dressed, and was being served something to eat. She was cried out for the day, and all the running and crying has left her tired. More tired than anything. Not even her fear could overcome it. Ember ate everything given to her, not even realizing how hungry she was through the adrenaline she had gone through. Being here, felt too good to be true. Before she knew it, she dozed off in a chair. A couple times she woke up, seeing Penelope’s face above her as Penelope carried her to a bed. Ember slept soundly that night.