Focus.

Gently lift your arm, you can do this.

Concentrate.

Not too quickly. Give the roots time to settle.

Deep into the ground, find the water... Got it.

Now the sun must touch the leaves, just right.

Breathe, focus...

There!

I snuck a look at the field in front of me. A wave of gold wheat shimmered in the sunlight. It was healthy and ready for harvest.

"Yes!" I yelled excitedly. I looked at the sun. "Three hours - it only took three hours! Take that logic!"

I was so thrilled, I started dancing. My feet scuffed the floor and my arms crossed as they pumped in the air. My long dark braid swung back and forth as I sang to myself, "Three hours... three hours... three hours... three hours..." I was so happy I didn't really pay attention to where I was dancing; as a result, I ran smack into a solid figure. I fell backwards onto the floor.

"Hey!" I protested. "Alaan, surely you know not to get in my way when I'm working on crops." My sixteen-year-old brother laughed as he said, "Well sorry, Earth Master, but if you'd gone any further you would have fallen into the water."

He pointed to the long, snaking body of Theros River. His dark eyes shone teasingly.

"Thanks," I said, then in a brighter tone, "Guess what? I grew that crop in three hours. Three hours!"

"Hey, new record!" Alaan said encouragingly. "You beat your old one by what, four hours?" "Four and a half," I corrected.

"Yeah, that was it."

We started walking to the large area filled with houses that we called home; Theros Village. "Hey," Alaan said a few minutes later, in such a tone that I knew he was going to tell me something he knew I wouldn't like.

"I got my answer back from the military headquarters."

"Oh, in Seaport?" I picked up quickly. "Seaport must be huge! I mean, it's the capital of Layrucia, after all, and it exports trevanium to -"

"Talia," Alaan interjected.

I stood there looking at him for a minute. I knew what was coming next; and I didn't want to hear it.

"Yeah?" I said finally. Alaan sighed.

"Talia, they've excepted me. I'm going to the training program within the next day or two, so I can serve in the army."

I inwardly groaned. For a year, my brother had been trying to get into the army. He insisted that war would come soon, and he needed to help. I didn't know why he wanted to be a soldier anyway. He was rich, he was important, he was the son of Chancellor Virgil Tekana ... I didn't see why he would want to leave his happy life in Theros to give the Head General one more soldier to be slain. I shuddered at the thought.

"Just thought you should be the first to know," Alaan continued, and started walking again. I ran after him.

"So, uh, who are you going to tell next? Mom, Dad - Sahara?" I smiled mischievously. He rolled his eyes and said,

"Fine, I'll tell Sahara."

"Oh, won't she be heartbroken," I purred, batting my eyes dramatically. "I can just see it now; you tell her the sad news, and she starts to cry, then -"

"Alright, that's enough," he said in an annoying big brother voice.

"Well, just don't die," I said sarcastically. "But if you did, she'd be the only one that misses you."

"Saw right through that one, Talia. Besides, I won't die. The general knows what he's doing."

I mulled on this statement; then ran ahead his long strides and stepped in his way, my hands on my hips.

"You're right," I said brightly. He paused and eyed me suspiciously.

"Really?"

"Well, yeah," I continued, walking backwards. "The Head General is now Zano Etheron, right? I heard that he has the least amount of war casualties, of well, ever. And he is, for the most part, successful -"

"Well, he has only been in his position for about a year. "

I ignored him and continued,

"So how about... I go with you?"

I gave him one of my sweetest smiles. He just looked at me.

"You - want to be a solider?"

"Yes!" I replied enthusiastically.

I rapidly bounced from one leg to another with anticipation. Say yes, say yes, say yes! My head screamed.

"No," he said, and walked on.

"Why not?" I asked dejectedly.

"First off, you're underage."

"Well, you have to be thirteen to undergo training, right?"

Alaan nodded.

"But last I checked, you're twelve."

I laughed.

"Oh, I'm sure old Zano will excuse my age when he sees this."

I ran a few paces away and put my feet at an angle. With my right arm, I pulled my elbow toward me slowly. Then I sent my hand hurtling rapidly in front of me. Instantly the earth tore up in front of me. It piled itself to the right and the left, and it went ten feet deep and fifty feet long. I turned and said to Alaan, "See, a battle trench in what, forty seconds?"

"Forty - two," Alaan corrected.

"Still," I countered, "I bet Zano could put ten men on the job and it would take them hours to build a trench like this one."

"Right," Alaan said, "but you're still underage."

"Well, here's the best part, Alaan. No one knows how old I am for sure, not even me. So as long as I look thirteen -"

"Talia, ever since I found you in the woods ten years ago you have never ceased to surprise me."

We had been standing on the edge of Theros for a few minutes already. He looked at me and frowned. I took the hint and stopped talking. I changed the subject with,

"I want a trevanium shield for my birthday."

Alaan let out a hearty laugh and said, "Dream on, sis. You know they're too expensive. Look, I've gotta go. Why don't you go find your friends?"

"Oh, alright. I'll see you later."

I strolled down the main street. Everyone I saw was busy working. Some were bundling wheat, some were shucking corn, some were selling things. Some of the men were building more houses. Since farming was such a successful business in Layrucia, more and more people came to live in my village so that they could try their luck on the land; because if there was anywhere to start a farming career, Theros was the place to do it. Large, fertile fields surrounded us, always full of ripe goods for the taking, no matter what time of year. And, consequently, they all sold for the top kip in the markets. I personally spent most of my time in the fields. A few years ago, I had found that I could use my powers to grow plants. It had taken a while to master, but eventually I was able to grow some crops within a day or so. I always enjoyed being outside in the sun; I felt a natural connection with the earth.

"Talia?"

A voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned around.

"Oh, hi Anna."

My small friend looked at me, smiling.

"I was on my way over to the herbal grounds to gather so I can make some more medicines. Want to come?"

"Well, I'm stocked with herbs already -"

I stopped. I had noticed Anna's little sister Yona. Little Yona had short dark hair and dark eyes; she was a thin spindly little girl of six. But there was something that made her unique; Yona was mute. She had been mute from birth; never spoke a word of since the day she was born. She stared at me with her big eyes now; she pleaded with her look.

"But of course I'll come," I finished.

We walked to the north part of the river. The herbs always seemed to grow better right on the bank. The river was really fast that time of year; all the snow from the mountains was melting and filling the river bed quickly. I saw a head of long, touseled hair among the lemongrass. It was Sahara. I put my mouth by her ear.

"Sahara, I truly thought you'd be talking to my brother right now," I whispered creepily.

Sahara jumped up and whirled around, face red with surprise and embarrassment. I started laughing.

"Don't sneak up on me like that, Talia!" she cried, but she was laughing now, too.

"But that's what friends are for - to keep you on your toes," I said, bouncing up and down for emphasis.

"She got you, Sahara," Anna added. " I would pay a hundred kips to see that face again!"

We looked at each other for a moment.

"So Sahara, where is Alaan?" Anna questioned.

I looked at her, eyebrow arched.

"Oh, training, probably," she answered, and bent back to her work.

Sahara and Anna continued chattering about lemongrass and dew - hickory while I walked to a very special part of the herbal grounds - the place where Layrucian Root grew. Layrucian Root was an ultra-rare herb that could heal almost any injury or disease. It could be cooked or made into a cream, ground into powder or eaten raw. It was also worth a lot, because it only grew in certain areas; and Theros happened to have just such a patch right by our river. But because of its worth, only a few people knew of its existence. I started to pick a small amount, humming to myself and not really listening to my friends' conversation.

I thought of what life would be like when Alaan left. Dull and boring were the words that came to life. Alaan may have been my brother, but he was my best friend, too.Did he have any regret leaving me? I thought he did. At least, I hoped he did.

I put the Layrcian Root in my belt and decided I should go see if my mother needed help with anything. I turned to say farewell to my friends.

"Wait - where's Yona?!" Anna cried out suddenly.

My blood went cold as I rushed to my friends.

"Where'd you see her last?" I asked quickly.

Anna was in tears as she cried,"I don't know! She could be anywhere and she can't let us know where she is if we call for her!"

Sahara was at the water's edge.

"Talia," she called tensely, "come quick!"

I grabbed Anna's hand and dragged her to with Sahara. She said nothing, only pointed across the water. I looked. Yona was in the middle of the river, struggling to keep her head above the water.

"She's a goner, and it's all my fault!" Anna wailed, almost in hysterics.

"Get a grip, Anna," I said firmly, then said to Sahara, "Keep Anna calm. I'm going in."

I ran in. After about two seconds of being in neck high, I realized that this had been a mistake. When I first walked in, I only thought of the small white capped churns of the tide on top - I had not anticipated the unbelievable force of the under tow on bottom. I knew I would need a different plan, but what? I was already too far out to swim back to shore. Whatever I did, I would need to be able to do it where I was. I could see Yona about a hundred feet from me; it would take too long to swim there. I gritted my jaw and tried to stay above the surface as I tried to think of what to do... Then I got an idea that was so crazy and random, that I half - knew it was impossible. Or was it? I had to try. I searched for a foothold in the water. By some miracle, I found a rock with a carved edge to put my feet under. I was now bobbing straight up, with my head above water. Perfect. I focused on the water bank across from me. I closed my eyes. I had my hand out in front of me, lifting it slowly.

I could hear Anna screaming my name, the water churning and yanking my legs, trying to dislodge them and take me away. But as I concentrated, I could still feel the earth on the other bank, lifting ever so carefully into the air under my guidance. I willed it over to the place where Yona was.

"Get on!" I yelled to her, hoping that she would hear me.

After a minute or two I willed the earth to go to where Anna and Sahara were standing. I dropped my concentration and made my way back to the bank. I flopped onto the floor, dripping wet, heaving. I felt quite sick.

"You saved her!" Anna cried emotionally. "I can't believe it, you saved her!"

"Go home, Anna," Sahara advised." You're close to hysterics."

Anna nodded and seized her sister's hand. Yona was soaked to the skin, looking white but of course saying nothing. I listened to their footsteps on the soft earth as Anna reprimanded,

"Yona, you know not to go by the river alone, what were you thinking...!"

Sahara came and sat next to me as we watched the sun go down over the horizon. I sat up and re-braided my hair.

"That was crazy, Talia," my friend said.

I shrugged.

"Did you think it would work?" she persisted.

"Uh, I don't know," I said, distracted by my own thoughts.

"So why did you do it?"

"I don't know."

I ran my fingers through the cool grass. I liked how fresh it felt. We were silent for a while. I chewed on my lip. Why had I done it? How did I know it would work? I didn't know... or did I? I tried to read into my own mind, but I couldn't figure out what I was thinking. I shook my head, as if to get rid of the question.

As if she knew what I was thinking, Sahara asked, "So... what's it like, being able to manipulate the earth?"

I took a deep breath.

"Well, I don't quite know how to explain it. It's fun, and cool. But I think I have these powers for a reason."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Something other than growing plants and saving people from rivers."


Sahara laughed.

"Yeah, maybe you could be a soldier like your brother. And maybe you can meet General Zano."

She winked. I rolled my eyes and stood up.

"I bet Zano isn't as amazing as girls make him seem," I replied. "Look, I have to go home. It's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I pushed the door of my house open slowly and crept inside. I could hear my family speaking by the fireplace. I didn't feel like talking. I really just wanted to sleep. I sneaked across the room like a black cat.

"Talia, dear," my mother called, " come see your family before you sneak off to bed."

I smiled and said,"I don't think I can sneak with you around, Mom."

I gave her a hug. She pulled away and touched my shirt.

"You're wet," she pointed out. "What were you doing?"

"Oh, I was taking a swim," I said. She gave me a look.

"Don't swim anymore, Talia. The floodwaters are coming in."

"Yes, ma ' am, I won't do it again."

Alaan was talking to our father, his eyes bright and eager.

"Great news, Talia," he said to me," I'm leaving for Seaport tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" I repeated hesitantly.

"If he leaves tomorrow, he'll be there in a few days if he's quick," Mom said.

"And he will have time to get a good postition," my father added. " The North shouldn't be attacking any time soon, so he can work up to it."

"That's great, Alaan," I said sadly, thinking that it wasn't great at all. "I'm happy for you."

I sighed.

"Alright, Talia," Mom said. "You should call it a night. It's a big day tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am," I answered respectfully. I trudged up the stairs to my room, wishing that the morning would never arrive.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Talia, Talia wake up!"

My eyes snapped open. It was still dark, and the moon was high in the sky; but it seemed like all of Theros was awake and in ordered chaos. Alaan was above me, frowning. He was fully armed.

"What happened?" I murmured, rubbing my eyes.

"Reports of monsters coming this way. We have to leave."

"Can't we just fight them off?"

"Not this time."

I grabbed my staff from the side of my bed. I hastily re-braided my hair as we hurried out of the house. On the main road, our parents were helping our neighbors get organized to leave.

"Oh, good, you're both here," my father Virgil said. "Your mother and I need to stay behind for a while; some people aren't quite ready. But you two need to start moving. Alaan, you and Talia are going to lead the early - ready people to Seaport."

"Really?" Alaan asked, a bit taken aback. Dad winked.

"I have full confidence in you, son," he praised. "After all, you are the son of the Chancellor; you know how it's done." Alaan stood up tall, a look of importance gleaming in his eye. Even in the face of disaster, he was proud of the responsibility entrusted to him.

"Yes sir," he replied.

Boys, I thought, and we took off.

It took about an hour to get ready; then we began to walk by the light of the moon. Torches were not allowed, because it increased the risk of being spotted by the enemy.

"We'll go down to Chumno Village and be there by tomorrow night," Alaan explained to me.

"We'll rest there and get to Seaport in about four to six days, no problem."

But there was a huge flaw in Alaan's plan; after about two hours it started to rain. It was a light rain at first, but in a half hour it was storming. Lightning flashed and thunder shook the sky, almost making it seem like the earth was shaking too. The water came down hard and mercilessly, like some unknown being was just pouring it out of a never ending jar onto our heads. We began to hear complaints about losing children as we slugged through the sticky mud. Alaan told me to take up the back of the group and make sure that no one was left behind.

We were walking along a forest. The rain fell and the thunder was so loud it was deafening. I swung my staff from side to side nonchalantly, trying to focus on the people I was watching. I picked my way through wet grass; then I heard something.

Talia...

It struck me like a lightning bolt from the storm. At first I thought I had imagined it, but then I heard again.

Talia...

I stopped walking and listened. It was coming from the forest. I tried to concentrate, but it kept calling me, louder and louder.

Talia...

I forgot everything; the storm, my brother, the people I was supposed to be watching over. I slowly crept toward the trees. Steadily it called me; even if I had tried I don't think I would have been able to pull myself away.

Taliaaa...

I walked on toward it, feeling lost and confused, but determined, not paying attention to where my feet were going. I had to know what was calling me. I moved closer and closer and closer still... until I felt that I was standing on the edge of a deep ravine. I tried to get a better footing, but too late. I slipped on the mud and fell, sent careening down the hill, then slammed into a tree. The rained drummed on my face, I could hear the call as I slowly slipped out of consciousness.

Taliaaaa....