The Final Strife

Knock.

She hit it twice.

Her knuckle withdrew to make the final contact with the door, to give her the freedom she so desperately craved.

Don’t do it, you pile of eru dung. Sylah’s voice was in Anoor’s mind. She knew that, but she hesitated before hitting the door.

Get into Nuba formation three.

“I can’t…the ceiling…it’s too low.”

Do it while kneeling.

It was a make-believe conversation, but make-believe was what was needed to conquer a creature born of darkness.

Now be calm, my little kori bird. Be calm.

Anoor smiled at the nickname that also sent shivers down her spine. So like a kori bird on the morning breeze, she opened her mouth and sang.

O-o the tidewind came from sky afar

The penance for the blood power.

Anyme sings, Anyme brings

The winds wept for the sky they knew

The Farsai Desert mourned anew

Churning rivers, swirling seas

No mercy from the bruising breeze.

O-o the tidewind came from sky afar

The penance for the blood power.

Anyme sings, Anyme brings

Smoke and fire, they do bow

For the tidewind is here and now

Here and now ’til atonement’s paid

The debt for power is the trade.

O-o the tidewind came from sky afar

The penance for the blood power.

Anyme sings, Anyme brings

Its cleansing wind that leaves us bare

Succumb to nightfall and be judged fair

The tidewind takes, the tidewind gives