Nita meets the powerful Zuri for the first time and receives her assignment. Will it be fun, dangerous, prestigious, or boring? READ THE EPISODE »
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| Rough sketch of a Cecaelia woman |
Dressed in her fanciest, Nita swam gingerly toward the scared hall. Today would mark the first time she'd ever entered the grand hall, built from deep red coral and spiraling up from the ocean floor. It was an honor, a privilege, and possibly a nightmare... Nita wasn't sure who she would have to be when she exited, nor did she know what she would have to do. Their creed told them, whatever was necessary; that was her duty. Duty and honor, that was all she was supposed to know. Somehow, she'd also come to know fear.
The older Cecaelia often talked about their assignments--tales of near death experiences and hiding from the watchful eyes of the Payeh. Nita had never seen a Payeh, the creatures that lived on the land, and she had only heard of death, but both topics were the cause of weakness in her legs.
The guards led Nita through the elaborate entrance to a room with an ornate chair, akin to a throne, centered on the back wall. Seated before Nita was the legendary Zuri. She was tall--at least six foot five--and her golden color sparkled like the sun glinting off the water. Each of her eight legs was adorned with brilliant blue rings contrasting with the deep red-brown of her hair which floated around her in delicate braids. Nita couldn't find any evidence of Zuri's rummored age in the flawless image before her, but as the woman rose from the throne, the regality in which she moved became the evidence.
"Nita," Zuri spoke the younger's Cecaelia's name softly. "Come, don't be nervous."
Nita swam forward, but didn't speak; she couldn't find any words to speak.
"I think you will like your assignment, Nita." Zuri continued. "There is a young Payeh boy named Jabir living on the coast. He can't fly yet, and sometimes goes for a swim. I want you to protect him."
Nita's eyes went wide and her heart stopped. She had been given a charge. It was an honor, but it was dangerous too. What if the boy saw her while he was swimming? Even worse, what if she failed and something happened to the boy?
"Remember, the most important things are that you are never seen." Zuri reminded Nita.
Nita nodded, wondering why this little boy was so important. She knew better than to ask questions. She would leave with one of Zuri's guards, make her way to the coast, and watch her charge from afar. She was now a guardian. Sighing with relief, Nita turned to leave--how dangerous could watching a young, flightless Payeh be?
