LIGHT

CHAPTER ONE

Zana closed her eyes as she stood on the edge of the canyon.  The wind pushed through her long brown hair and she felt the cool refreshing breeze kiss her face as the river rushed and surged beneath her.  She took a deep breath.  She could smell the dust of the ground and the clay-like soil.  She stood there painting a mental image of the canyon. In her picture, the ground was a vivid red and the sun cast spots of light dancing in sliver incandescence onto the silver ribbon below her.

Then the rain came.  She smelled the wet earth and the dampness of the air.  She tilted her head upwards and let the cold rain fall onto her face and stream down her neck.  She felt the droplets bead on her nose, lips, eyelids, and cheeks.  She stood there for a moment and let nature soothe her tired body and mind.

Then the sound of Caleb's voice snapped her back to the present.

"Zana!" her guardian called, "Get inside! There's a storm brewing."

Zana opened her eyes and looked at the canyon below her.  The sunset bathed the sky warm reds, pinks, and oranges and the clouds textured the sky as if it were a watercolor painting.  Reluctantly, she turned from the massive canyon and jogged back to the house that she shared with Caleb Stone, his wife Margo, and their son Redden.  Caleb held the door open for her as she entered the house.  She took off her muddy boots and placed them beside the door.

The house was simple and was the hollow of a mound that Caleb had constructed many years ago.  It had a warm, orange glow because of the color of the earth.  It was small and lit by natural light which brought warmth and comfort to the space.  She grew up in the little house and she loved living there.  Caleb and his family were generous and kind and she enjoyed being a part of their family.

"Come and eat," Margo said, "While its still hot."

Zana sat at the table and Margo set a bowl of stew before her.  Gratefully, Zana took a bite of the hot stew Margo had labored over.  Redden entered the house shivering and sat beside Zana who smiled at him.  He reciprocated warmly.

"Thank you, Mother," he said as Margo served him a bowl of stew.

"Any luck?" Margo asked him.

"Not much," Redden replied, "There's nothing out there anymore.  The other scavengers have taken most of whats of any value.  I mean I found some light bulbs but they're shot."

"Well," Caleb said and sat down at the table, "Go out tomorrow.  Maybe if you find anything you can try to barter with some scavengers in town."

"That is a fine idea," Redden said, "But the rovers broken.  It started smoking today.  I tried messing around with it a little and I think the starters gone out."

Caleb stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"I don't doubt it," he said, "That thing is as old as you are, Red.  We should probably try to work on that tomorrow.  Zana if you want you can help us out.  You can go with Red and help him try and find some parts.  You'll have to take the horses though."

"Yes of course," Zana assented, "I would love that."

"I'll get some food ready for you guys," Margo said and stood.

"No, Margo," Zana said, "I'll do it later.  You eat."

"Well its not a problem," the other insisted, "I'll just – "

"Margo," Zana said firmly.

"Alright, alright," she relented and returned to her seat.

"By the way, Zana," Caleb said, "Good work today.  Youre a fighter just like your parents."