Oya: Warrior Of The Moon

1.

*

The quiet of the night was shattered only by the soft patter of my footsteps as I stumbled through the darkened streets. The buildings towered over me, casting deep shadows that seemed to reach out and wrap around my soul like a shroud. The air was still and heavy, and the only sound came from the occasional scuttle of a rat in the alleys. The darkness seemed to press in from all sides, and I felt as though I was being watched by unseen eyes. I knew I had to find a place to rest and gather my thoughts, to try and make sense of all that had happened to me in the forest.

Thankfully, a pub appeared at the end of the streets. I made my way towards it and stumbled inside, my clothes torn and covered in scars and blood. Everyone looked up at me instantly, and a hush settled over the entire room. I stared at each of them in turn, daring anyone to say something. The dagger in my belt was still covered in blood, and I wasn't afraid to use it.

No one said anything, however, and I made my way forward, grateful to leave the cold behind. The inside of the pub was filled with a warm and inviting aroma. The scent of roasting meat and baking bread wafting through the air, mixing with the earthy smell of ale and wine. The air was thick with the smoke from pipes and the flickering candles that lit the room. The musty scent of old leather and wood added to the overall atmosphere, creating a cozy and inviting space. The smell of sweat, ale, and tobacco smoke was a comforting and familiar one, reminding me briefly of the taverns I had visited in the past. The delicious aroma of food and drink made my stomach growl with hunger, and I realized just how long it had been since I had last eaten.

I made my way to the bar and ordered a mug of ale, some bread and some stew, my hands shaking as I took a long sip. I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, but I was too exhausted to care. I thought about the creature I had encountered in the forest, and how lucky I was to be alive.

The creature that was after me was an Obayifo, a monstrous beast, with fur as black as the night sky and eyes that glowed with an unnatural light. Its body was covered in scars, evidence of the many battles it had fought and won.

Its limbs were elongated and powerful, and its sharp claws were capable of tearing through the toughest of armor. It was a formidable hunter, able to track its prey with an almost unnatural sense of smell.

The creature had a roar that echoed through the forest, sending shivers down the spines of all who heard it. It was a creature of darkness, a being that had roamed the land for centuries, hunting down those who dared to enter its territory.

Despite its fearsome appearance, the creature was also cunning and intelligent. It had a mind of its own and would stop at nothing to capture its prey. It was a predator, a hunter, and a killing machine, and it had been after me for days.

I had managed to escape the creature just over an hour ago, but I knew that it was still out there, waiting for me to make a mistake. I was wary of every sound, every cough or sneeze, every scraping of the chair over the floor, for I knew that the creature was always watching, always waiting.

While I ate, I looked around the pub and saw that it was filled with rough and rugged types, travelers like myself, who were passing through on their way out of Damara. I didn't belong here, I was different, and it showed in the way people looked at me.

I then spotted a man sitting next to me, his purse bulging with gold coins. I couldn't resist the temptation, and before I knew it, I had snatched the coins from his purse and paid for my food and drink. I quickly walked over to the corner of the bar and sat down, feeling a sense of guilt wash over me, but also a sense of satisfaction.

I sat there alone, nursing my ale, and thought about my journey. I had come a long way, traveling through forests and across rivers, always on the run, always searching for a place to belong. I had been searching for a way to leave Damara for what felt like an eternity, and I was finally getting close.

Damara was a land of mystery and magic, a place where people with powers like mine were shunned and often killed. I was a wielder of elemental magic, and I had been on the run ever since I had discovered my powers.

I was born into a world where magic was feared, and those who possessed it were hunted and killed. I had always known that I was different, but it wasn't until I was older that I realized the extent of my powers.

I had to reach the ports of Udahi, as it was my only chance at a normal life, a life where I wouldn't have to constantly look over my shoulder. But the journey was dangerous, and I had encountered many obstacles along the way, including the creature in the forest. Across the sea, I could reach the kingdom of Azrah, where I would be free to live my life away from prejudice and fear. Across the sea, no one would try to kill me. No one would look at me differently or tell me that I didn't belong here.

Across the sea, I would be safe.

I finished my ale and stood up, ready to continue my journey. I knew that the road ahead was long and treacherous, but I was determined to reach the port before sunrise. Maybe I could steal a horse and make my journey easier.

Just as I was starting to feel a sense of relief, I noticed a woman staring at me from across the room. Her gaze was intense, and I couldn't shake the feeling that she knew more about me than she was letting on. She had a hood drawn over her head, and it shielded her face well. But I could tell that she was watching me, and she had probably been doing that ever since I walked in.

I quickly finished my ale and gathered my things, intending to leave before she could approach me. But as I made my way towards the door, I felt a hand grab my wrist. I turned to see the man I had stolen from, his face twisted with anger.

"You filthy rat!" he growled, smacking me across the face. "You think you can steal from me and get away with it?"

Before I knew what was happening, he had drawn a knife and was getting ready to stab me. I reacted on instinct, using my training to disarm him and send him tumbling to the ground. But in the struggle, my sleeves were torn off, revealing the tattoos that marked me as an elemental.

The other patrons of the pub recoiled in fear, and everywhere fell deathly silent. I could see the horrified expressions on their faces, and the craning of everyone's necks as they turned to look at me.

"She's an elemental," someone cried from the other end of the room.

"Filthy magic scum!" another one yelled, drawing his sword. Before I could defend myself, they all descended upon me, weapons drawn. I was clearly outnumbered and outmatched, but I was determined to fight for my life.

Suddenly, without thinking, my magic surged forward and exploded from my fingertips, a blinding white light filling the entire room and blasting everyone away. Tables fell over, men tumbled over one another, and the windows of the pub were shattered as the explosion shook the entire building.

I dropped to the ground instantly, my entire strength drained from the blast. Every inch of my body was tingling, remnants of the magic still remaining. I was defenceless, and I could see some of the men already getting to their feet and preparing to attack again. I couldn't move, because it usually took a while after I used my powers before I would be able to move again.

Just when I thought all hope was lost, the strange woman stepped forward, coming to my aid. She stood between me and the men, and drew a long black sword from her scabbard.

"None of you will touch her," she said. "Leave now, and I may spare your lives."

The men lunged forward, but she cut down the first man easily before plunging the knife into the second. Everyone screamed in horror and scattered as she fought them off one by one, moving so gracefully and dangerously. She fought like the sword was an extension of her own arm, and her feet were so light and nimble that she seemed to glide across the room. Even though I was lying on the ground, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her, and the way she wielded her blade so elegantly.

As the men scattered in terror, she turned to face me and saw that I was finally able to stand. She pushed me towards a back door, shouting for me to run. I didn't hesitate, bolting through the door and into the night.

I ran down the alleyway, my heart pounding in my chest, not stopping until I was several streets away. When I finally stopped to catch my breath, I turned to thank the woman who had helped me, but she was nowhere to be seen. My heart dropped, and I thought that someone had gotten to her already. But then I saw her approaching on horseback, her long black hair billowing in the wind. She stopped in front of me and extended her arm, and I gasped when I saw the tattoos on her arms.

Just like mine.

"Come with me, Oya," she said. "We need to get out of here."

"How do you know my name?" I asked astonishingly.

She smiled at me, her eyes glowing in the darkness. "There's a lot more I know about you than just your name. Now come."

*