Prologue
Amongst the seemingly infinite grains of sand that created the Yaran desert, stood an equally astronomical number of corpses. The dry winds carried their rotten scent, pervading all in their surroundings.
However, one body stood out from the rest. This one moved and breathed, choking on the putrid air.
White hair matted with blood and gore, the girl stared into nothingness, her mind numb.
Images of bloodshed and destruction coursed through her mind. The sounds of screams repeated without end.
Just as it seemed the girl would remain there forever, something seemed to click inside of her mind. With a gasp for breath, she bolted upright, her chest heaving. She ran her hands across her face and body, as if worried they were missing.
The girl struggled in silence as she attempted to regain control of her memories. Yes. She was Yura, a girl born from a great warrior. She been cleaning the clothes of her family when she heard screams ring out in the distance.
Thousands of soldiers had charged into the village, slaughtering men and women alike. Her tribe, people of war, had fought back but hadn’t stood a chance. Their training hadn’t meant anything. The enemy had a unit of robed men and women, powerful spellcasters who wore rings on each finger. They rained fire and lightning upon her tribe. The earth swallowed men whole. Warriors were eaten by their own shadows.
Recovering from her reverie, she looked around her, and recognized the corpse of her father. She stood, grabbed a flask from her hip and took a long drink of water. She couldn’t remain here any longer, she needed to get moving to somewhere safe. Who knew if those people would return?
She turned to her deceased father, grabbing a dagger he wore at his side before offering a small prayer for his soul. He was a good man and treated her well. She would miss him.
Yura reached downwards and picked up a loose piece of cloth from the floor. It had fallen earlier. She tied it around her face once more, using it to filter out the sandy air. With renewed determination, she started walking in the direction opposite the departing hoof prints.
A cold smile appeared on her face.
She did not know where she was going. She did not know what she expected to find. But she would do her best to live, until the day came where she found the people who destroyed her tribe.
After all, she had never seen such a beautiful slaughter before.
