Lowenna

Chapter One ~ Alone

The great storm passed, allowing the Warm Awakening to finally grip the island. The sun forced its rays through the clouds, shining down on the battered coast of Orkenza. Angrily, the sea roared, throwing a wave of debris— along with a young woman—onto the pounded yellow sand. Its spray reached a shipwreck which lay close to a forest above the beach.

Another powerful wave slammed the woman, trying to drag her back into the cold, dark depths. But she stayed, as if fate had decided this was where she needed to be.

With time, the strength of the sea waned as low tide continued its retreat, no longer a warring, primal force, but a near tranquil body of water. The gently ebbing tide lapped at the young woman’s face as if trying to wake her. She lifted her head, the damp sand sticking to her cheek and clinging to her hair. Opening her stinging eyes, she saw a blur of yellow and brown. The shrill squawk of sea birds focused her mind.

With a groan, she pushed up with all her strength. The sea rushed forward flowing over her hands, sinking them into the wet sand. She coughed and retched, spitting the foul sand and saltwater cocktail from her mouth and throat. The only taste was salt on her cracked lips as she forced herself forward, crawling out of the ocean’s icy grasp. The rhythmic waves pounded in her mind and the whole world drifted and spun. Where am I?

Attempting to stand, the woman placed her weight on her left leg. Instantly the numbness from the water vanished as spears of pain erupted from her thigh. She crashed back to the sand with a whimper, clasping herself as the breeze chilled her wet skin. After a moment, she opened her eyes and gritted her teeth. You will not beat me, she growled under her breath.

The pain focused her vision. Moving her ripped skirt, she spotted a finger-length shard of darkened timber sticking out of her thigh. Without thinking, she grasped the embedded wood and yanked, screaming as it came free. She pressed her hand over the deep cut as blood trickled down her leg.

Stupid thing! she yelled at the shard, watching a drop of crimson fall from the tip. She hurled the shard into the sea. The sea responded with an angry roar and a tidal gust sent a salty spray into her face. With a snarl, she glared back at the ocean. Thanks, she muttered.

Forcing herself up, she noticed chunks of wood and other debris scattered over the golden sand. A shipwreck lay on a dune close to the top of the beach, where black boulders pierced the coastline—like teeth of a monstrous, long-dead creature. Beyond the ship a canopy of towering trees cast sharp shadows over the sand. It looked bleak and uninviting. Darkness swallowed every drop of light; hiding its secrets from her prying eyes.

How did I get . . . wherever here is? she asked, trying to remember. She brushed her long red hair out of her face as a cool blast of wind made her shudder. Her arms drifted around her bare midriff as she limped toward the shipwreck, leaving the hard, water-drenched sand. The soft warm grains stuck to her feet and were more difficult to walk on, but the welcoming warmth calmed her chilled tremble.

Her ear popped. Damn it, she cursed, rubbing the side of her head and placing her other hand on an upright beam sticking out of the sand.

What was left of her clothes clung to her wet skin. Rags clutched her arms, a tattered, ripped robe hung around her neck just covering her chest. Her skirt had been torn and burnt. The snapped waistband barely held up and would have slipped if not for the fact it was stuck to her skin. What happened to me?

A flapping sound made her glance up. Above her, attached to the top of the beam, fluttered a damaged white flag. It danced in the sea breeze, almost alive. She jumped up on her good leg, grabbing at the silky material, but it was caught on a nail. Gritting her teeth, she placed her foot on the post and yanked as hard as she could. Rip, she shouted. The flag did and she crashed to the sand with the material in her hand.

She spat the sand from her lips, ignoring the pain in her leg, and tore the flag in two. Looking at her bloody hand-print on the material, she sighed and shook her head. Her eyes drifted to her throbbing wounded thigh. Blood ran down beyond her calf, staining the yellow sand crimson.

With a sharp tug, she ripped a strip of cloth from her ruined clothing and tied it over the deep cut, biting her lip as she secured the knot. She wiped the blood from her hand on the useless skirt and dropped it on the sand.

As she pulled the tattered robe over her head, her wrist brushed against a cord hanging from her neck. Attached to the cord was a pointed, finger-length, fuchsia-coloured crystal. Where did you come from? A warming sensation fluttered through her as she held the stone. She stared into its heart, tracing the minor imperfections and ruby veins. I . . . I don’t remember you, she whispered.

A sudden sense of loss hammered through her. She gulped as her hands trembled. What is my name? Smacking her palm against her forehead, she tried to remember—nothing came. Her home, family, and childhood, all erased as if they never existed. Why can’t I remember? Her eyes locked on the pink stone. There was something there, niggling in the back of her mind, as if sealed in a box she could not open.

You are important, aren’t you? The crystal flickered in the light as if replying to her.

"Keep it safe," a voice whispered.

Dropping the pendant, the castaway jumped, placing an arm across her breasts. Who’s there? she called out. I can’t see you. Who are you? Looking around the wooden post, she scanned the horizon along the beach, but saw no one.

Did I imagine that? Voices in my head?

Her thoughts returned to her situation and the fact she had not noticed her undergarments sliding down her legs. She muttered a curse, pulling them up and securing them. Whatever had destroyed her outer clothing had damaged them, too. She scratched her head. By the gods, what happened to me? Sighing, she wrapped the largest piece of the flag around her waist. Though thick and silky, it was pliable enough to tie a knot at the corner, so it hung just above her knee with the split at the side. The second piece, she secured around her torso, and tucked her crystal into it. That will have to do, for now, she said, feeling a little embarrassed and exposed.

The stinging pain drew her eyes back to her leg. Blood seeped through the bandage, staining her makeshift skirt.

She hobbled over to the shipwreck, realising only the front part of the bow lay on the sand. And what happened to you? she asked it, wondering if she had been a passenger on the ship’s ill-fated voyage. She sighed. What do I do now?

Taking a moment to breathe deeply, she walked around the wreckage, hoping for answers. Near the sharp splintered edge, sat a rough engraving of three intertwined triangles. Her hand drifted over the old wood, following the edge of the symbol. There was a single word scratched underneath it. Low-en-na? Lo-wenna? she whispered as she stared at the marks in the old wood.

A rush of pain that dwarfed her leg erupted in her mind. She gasped and clutched her forehead as an onslaught of echoes repeating, Lowenna, pummelled her. Her nails clawed along the wooden hull, and her teeth clamped together as the cries grew louder. The name meant something to her, she could feel it with every fibre of her being. A primal and powerful spirit lived within her. It roared like a fire beneath the surface, attempting to break free. Lowenna! she yelled at the top of her lungs.

The voices vanished and she shook her head. Lowenna? That must be my name. I am Lowenna. She smiled and nodded, accepting the name. When she glanced back to the shipwreck, the etching had vanished, leaving no sign it had ever been there. Placing her hand on the old timber, she ran her fingers over where the three triangles and name had been. "First voices in my head and now this. You are going mad, Lowenna. It’s the only explanation."

Lowenna wandered around the wreckage, looking for provisions or tools to help her, but her mind was more centred on locating anything to provoke memories or feelings.

Surrounded by debris, she spotted several personal effects laying at the base of the closest boulder. Old tattered books stuck out of the sand, their ripped pages fluttering in the breeze. A small marble statue of a woman with a serpent coiled around her arm lay broken against the black stone. Beside the statue, partly covered by sand, sat a wooden shield—with the symbol made from the three curved triangles painted on its face. Well, at least you exist, she whispered, but none of the items felt familiar.

Past the edge of the boulder, she spotted a man lying face down in the sand. Cautiously she made her way over and pressed her fingers onto his collar. The body was cold and lifeless. She backed away, not taking her eyes off the corpse. May the light wash over you, she respectfully announced, while touching her forehead. She paused, lowering her hand and frowning. May the light wash over you? What is that supposed to mean?

A glint of light just past the body caught her eye. It came from a fist-sized violet gemstone in the centre of a metal cross. She tilted her head. And what are you?

As she went to pick it up, a wild screech echoed across the beach. Swallowing a lump of fear, she spun around, searching the golden coast. She knew that noise. Squinting against the bright sun, she spotted five figures far in the distance. They appeared to be exploring and scavenging the debris. Do they have tails?

Slipping behind the shipwreck, she watched them approach. They appeared to be reptilian. Their brown scales glinted in the sunlight as if covered in polished copper mail.

"Don’t let them find you," a voice whispered.

The largest figure smashed a crate with an enormous club as it plodded through the soft sand. A blood-curdling roar flew from its mouth as it glared at the others. The two smallest ones stayed behind their chief. Their capes fluttered in the sea breeze, and one gripped a shoulder pack, holding it close, guarding something precious. They glanced around while snarling and grunting at each other. Two others scouted ahead. They were quick, charging straight toward the shipwreck. Each wore simple loincloths and grasped long crooked swords. Lowenna slid further behind the ship’s frame as she kept watch.

The closest reptilian slowed by one of the giant boulders. Something piqued its interest. It screeched, calling the others.

Lowenna looked toward the forest’s broad leaves and shadows. I can make it.

Glancing back at the five figures, ensuring they were not looking in her direction, she took a deep breath and sprinted up the sand, ignoring the pain in her leg. Taking refuge behind a giant leafy bush, she peeked out through the vegetation and sighed in relief. They had not spotted her.

The two caped reptilians plucked a naked man from the surf. He hung limply by his arms, secured by their powerful grips, the salt water dripped off his clammy body. Do I know him? She searched her blank memory, hoping something would emerge.

The leader snarled and grasped the captive’s hair, yanking his head up, forcing him to stare into its eyes. A cry erupted from the man, but went silent when the reptilian snapped his neck.

The crack of his bones reached Lowenna’s ears. She slapped her palm over her mouth to avoid a scream as bile rose in her throat. She swallowed it back, unable to glance away as the two smaller creatures dropped the body back into the ebbing, rhythmic waves. They cackled in delight while their leader cruelly laughed.

The sword-wielding reptilians returned to their exploration. They charged along the beach and started searching the shipwreck. One stopped where Lowenna had been hiding, sniffing the air. It inspected the sand, glanced toward the canopy, then looked back to the ground, and growled.

My footprints. The blood from my leg! Her stomach tightened.

The reptilian creature howled, raising its weapon to point to where she hid.

Her hands trembled as the others marched toward her, chattering and snapping their jaws to each other. Move! she hissed as she turned and ran into the forest.

Chapter Two ~ Run, Lowenna

Lowenna tore through the warm forest. She weaved past leafy bushes, spiky brambles and tall tree trunks stretching high into the sky. The leaves above blocked most of the light and the sounds of birds and insects created a symphony of nature. Silvery mosses and spiky grasses carpeted the rough ground hiding roots and twigs. I must have lost them! she puffed as she slowed, looking back over her shoulder for signs of pursuit.

Placing her hands on her knees, she took several long breaths and cursed. Alone in a forest, no memories, and now I’ve left the shipwreck. If someone is looking for me, how will they find me?

Her palm swept over a dark green bush as she glanced around. Long hanging vines and colourful plants decorated the area, earthy notes and a hint of floral perfume floated in the air. Could be worse, she joked, forcing a smile as she inhaled the scents of the flowers. Her smile vanished as she slapped her arm. You bit me! Stupid forest.

Lowenna froze. Something brushed against her ankle. A centipede, the length of her hand, scuttled over her foot. She hopped back lifting her leg. The whole mossy carpet was moving. Demon curses! she hissed, backing away. Her eyes skimmed from spider to beetle, to an army of bright red ants. Alright, it’s worse!

A screech filled the air. The bushes in the distance convulsed, and a tree trunk crashed, causing a flock of birds to take flight. Much worse!

With a backward glance, Lowenna took off running, ignoring the insects. She pushed through a prickly bush and long grasses whipped her legs as she ran but she didn’t stop until she entered a clearing. Where can I hide?

Swiftly searching, she spotted a towering tree covered in fiery-coloured foliage. Climbing up, she wriggled herself through the tight web of twigs and branches, hoping to blend into the leaves. She ducked as one of the sword-wielding reptilians burst into view. It roared and bared its teeth, surveying the clearing, checking for any movement.

Clutching her perch and holding her breath, Lowenna stared at the creature’s blade. The long, curved edge blade ended in a sharp hook. She flinched when the reptilian creature hacked through a bush, growling and sniffing the air. Its forked tongue slid out of its mouth and vibrated.

Can it smell me? she wondered, fearing the answer. The hideous creature hissed. Its icy eyes locking onto the orange leaves that hid her. She silently whimpered. It knows I’m here. The creature approached the tree. Its mouth forming a grim smile, revealing sharp, yellowy-brown teeth.

A howling screech filled the air, stopping the beast in its tracks. It angrily raked its clawed feet over the hard mud and moss before charging back into the dense brush toward the cry.

Lucky, Lowenna whispered, lowering herself from her perch. She raced away from the piercing screech, pushing deeper into the forest.

Keep going, don’t stop, she counseled as she pushed herself through the trees and brambles. A thump made her look back. As she refocused on where she was heading, she took a face full of spider web. Get it off! she hissed, hopping from one foot to the other as she scraped her fingers over her face, attempting to remove the sticky strands. I hate this place! She shook her head, hoping there were no spiders on her.

In front of her lay an open expanse. Several flowers and long grasses poked through the mossy ground. At the far end stood an almost vertical incline of mud and vines. It ran as far as she could see in both directions and stretched as high as the trees. She studied the fist-sized rocks sticking out of the slope of slick mud and weeds. Yeah, that looks easy to climb! A fall from the top would break my neck. She took a deep breath and rubbed her palms together. You can do this. Grasping a rock above her head, she pulled herself upwards.

Halfway up she smiled. I seem to be a good climber. With a stretch and a jump, she caught hold of a vine and twisted it around her hand. But as her weight hit the tendril, it slid away from the bank, leaving her off balance. Demon curses!

With a painful thud, she crashed back to the base of the incline. Yeah, a lurfing good climber!

After a moment, she sat up and stretched, rubbing her lower back. Just past her feet, stood a tall, red trumpet flower with two long yellow stamens. It appeared to be watching her as it swayed in the breeze. What are you looking at? Lowenna snapped at the pretty flower as she clambered to her feet. She wiped her muddy hands on her makeshift skirt and glanced back to the top of the incline. She instantly looked back to the flower. Did you move? She leaned forward, examining the plant.

A twig snapped. Lowenna straightened and stared at the thorny bushes and web-covered trees at the edge of the clearing. She lowered her head, taking a step toward a large leafy bush to hide behind, but one of the caped reptilian creatures burst into the expanse before she reached it. Its eyes locked on her. A menacing snarl formed on its face as its forked tongue flicked out, licking its upper lip.

It’s going to eat me! Lowenna’s gaze locked on the fiend. Her heart pounded in her chest as the creature’s sharp claws twitched. With a growl, it leapt toward her—its scything talons aimed at her throat.

She dove to the earth, rolling under the swing, then flipped back onto her feet. She faced her assailant with clenched fists, instinctively taking a defensive posture like it was the most natural thing to do. So, you are not defenceless after all, Lowenna. The fear lessened, as she shifted her weight, staring into the creature’s slit-eyes. Come on, then, you monster; let’s see what you got!

She dodged another swipe and jumped over a low grab. As she touched the ground, she roundhoused on the spot. Her foot skimmed past the reptilian’s face. The creature jumped back, raising its arm for protection. It took a moment, looking her up and down.

Yeah, that’s right, take a good look, Lowenna taunted, feeling a rush of confidence.

A snarl formed on the creature’s lips. It raked its clawed feet across the ground like an angry bull, ripping through the mosses. With a hissing growl, it launched at her again. She weaved, avoiding the blow, but the creature’s fingers slid into her fine, red hair and with a gleeful cackle, it tightened its grip—yanking her off her feet.

Lowenna cried out in pain. She turned in the air to face the reptilian, her knuckles striking the creature between its eyes. It shook its head, but grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. She pushed against its torso with her free hand, struggling to get free. It opened its gaping mouth revealing its sharp jagged teeth, eyeing her vulnerable throat. Her stomach heaved as the stink of rancid breath hit her. It smelled like rotting fish.

She screamed and kicked wildly, desperately trying to escape. Her foot caught the reptilian in the groin.

Still clutching her hair, the creature gasped. It released her wrist with a hiss, swiping across her face and arm. Its claws sliced through her skin, and ripped the fabric that concealed her chest. Lines of crimson appeared on her shoulder and upper arm, and blood ran down her cheek. The damaged material slipped off her chest and her crystal pendant swung into view.

The reptilian creature halted. Its attention fixed on the fuchsia stone. It let out a hissing laugh as it clutched the treasure. Instantly, the beast released her and the gemstone—wailing in pain. Lowenna gasped as magenta flames spread over the reptilian’s hand. It dove to the dirt, attempting to quell the fire.

As it howled and thrashed around, its tail swiped the strange flower, knocking off several of its petals. Lowenna blinked as the damaged red flower shook and pulled away from the reptilian as if in pain.

After a moment, the flames vanished. Lowenna ground her teeth together as anger bubbled beneath the surface. Scooping up a fist-size rock by her foot, she ran at the reptilian. With a scream, she slammed the rock against its head. Green blood oozed from the ugly gash on its face as the creature groaned, rolling onto its back. Lowenna hurled the stone at the creature’s skull, but it swung its good arm up and knocked the rock to the grass with a hiss.

She clenched her fists, retaking the defensive posture, as the reptilian slowly got to its feet and growled. Before either of them could move, the damaged red flower darted forward, impacting a long thin spike from its centre into the creature’s thigh. The reptilian shrieked, limping backwards, cradling its injured hand. It hissed at Lowenna as it vanished back into the trees.

Lowenna sighed in relief, slowly unclenching her fists. She watched the red bloom retreat and took a long calming breath. Even flowers are dangerous here. That thing will be back, and not alone. She salvaged the remains of the tattered material around her chest, armouring herself as best she could.

Ignoring the vines, she jumped onto the slope of slick mud and climbed. At the top, she hauled herself over the edge. She lay on her back, breathing deeply while looking through a gap in the canopy at the cloudy sky. A howling screech echoed from the forest below. Move! Without looking back, she got to her feet and ran.

Lowenna tore along an ancient track. Grasses and moss grew between the dark flat stones and the branches from overhanging trees forced her to duck and weave. No one’s been here in an age. She glanced at the stinging scratches and blood on her arm. Lucky, she whispered, thankful the creature’s claws had not caused severe damage.

The trail broadened into another clearing as she allowed her pace to slacken. A ring of black stones lay on the ground, partly concealed by moss. A broken pillar leaned off to one side. She tilted her head, considering the remains of the old stone post and noticed worn images imprinted around it. The symbol closest to the break looked like the three curved triangles she had seen on the ship. She placed her hand on the black stone, tracing the worn symbol. What do you represent? A tingle in the back of her mind fluttered as if someone was trying to tell her, but she could not make out the words.

A screech filled the air. Lowenna spun on the spot looking back the way she had traveled. Why did I stop?

Tall grass-like bushes stood at the edge of the circle. She ducked behind one with orange leaves as four of the five reptilians came into view.

The two carrying swords flew past her, their long strides, eating up the distance. The leader followed, roaring, swinging a club above its head as it pounded along the track. The caped reptilian with the shoulder pack stayed close on its heels.

Lowenna grinned as they passed, glad the one she had fought earlier was not with them. While still in view, the caped reptilian slowed and sniffed the air.

The grin vanished and Lowenna cursed under her breath. The reptilian glanced back, its tongue vibrating. Its slit-eyes focused on the orange-leafed bushes. Removing a glass vial from its shoulder pack, it spun to face them and hurled it. The vial shattered, and the bush erupted into flames. Lowenna dove from her hiding place. She glanced at the reptilian with the shoulder pack, clenching her fist but the missing fifth reptilian suddenly slammed into her back with a gleeful cackle, sending her flying to the dirt and driving the air from her lungs.

She wheezed, trying to regain her breath as both fiends grabbed her upper arms and dragged her to her feet. She attempted to wriggle free, but their scaly hands pinched her tender flesh as they pulled on her wrists. Warm blood seeped from the cut on her cheek as she watched the other three approaching reptilians. The largest creature let out a thunderous hissing laugh, reminding her how the man near the shipwreck had died. Not like that!

Lowenna desperately pulled back against the creature’s grip.

"You will not fall here!" a woman’s voice whispered.

Lowenna’s vision flashed pink.

The panic faded and her heartbeat slowed. Her head snapped to the left; she glared at the injured reptilian. A burnt and useless hand hung by its side and a swelling boil had formed on its leg where the plant had struck. She kicked the carbuncle and the creature hissed in pain, loosening its grasp and she slipped free.

A dagger tucked into the uninjured reptilian’s belt caught her eye. She seized it and drew the small blade straight up. The sharp edge sliced easily through the side of the reptilian’s neck. It released her and clutched at the deep wound as blood spurted through its fingers. Before the reptilian with the burnt hand could strike back, Lowenna spun to face it. With a smile, she thrust the dagger into its chest, staring right into its eyes. As they glazed over, she pulled the blade free and both reptilians fell to the ground.

Lowenna took a deep breath and closed her eyes; fresh air filled her lungs. A breeze swept through the trees, and the sunlight that pierced the canopy warmed her fair skin. Far in the distance, she heard the chirping of birds and the roar of a river. Even the rustling of the leaves and the insects burrowing into the dirt sounded sharp. Inhaling through her nose she detected earthy scents and pollen.

A long, low growl overtook the other sounds. Without opening her eyes, she turned to face the reptilian warriors. The air flowing around the creature’s bodies, the leathery smell of their scaly skin and the fish on their rancid breath told her exactly where they stood. She lifted the bloody dagger, pointing it at the leader. Only then did she open her eyes.

The pair of sword-wielding warriors roared. They glanced at their chief then jumped, launching themselves high above Lowenna. She stood still, watchful and at the last moment, sidestepped. She felt the closest sword passing in front of her face and smiled as both blades struck the black stone. Spinning behind the first creature, she jabbed her dagger between two of its ribs, making it shriek. She ducked as the creature spun around. Its tail passed over her head, catching his companion in the face. Lowenna roundhoused the uninjured reptilian’s hand, knocking the sword from its grasp. It swiped at her with its claws. She ducked under the attack, darting forward and thrust the slender dagger into its neck. Then she somersaulted backwards, landing by the dropped sword, hearing the creature fall. As she scooped up its weapon, it let out a final rasping wheeze and went silent.

Lowenna bared her teeth at the next creature, the one she had stabbed in the back. The sword felt heavy but well-balanced, held in her two hands. You wanted to kill me, so take your best shot!

It snarled at her and raised its blade into the air. Lowenna rushed forward, thrusting the sword into its stomach. She smiled as the creature’s tail went limp. A string of drool dripped from its hanging forked tongue as it dropped its sword. She adjusted her grip and tore the blade free, splattering