The Girl Born of Smoke

By Jessica Billings

When Aurora is thrust into a world torn apart by war, she realizes she is the magically gifted child everyone is searching for. Haunted by the guilt of her sister's accidental death and terrified of being found out, she swears never to use her powers. But all that changes when her best friend is mistaken as the wizard and kidnapped.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica Billings
• Release date: Oct 25, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452325057

Jessica Billings

I currently live near Chicago, IL where I work for a math education company as an associate editor and curriculum standards specialist. I'm originally from Portland, OR and I am known to rave about the greatness of Oregon to complete strangers.I have a slight obsession with organization, I love sushi and maple bars, and I think bugs are awesome. Some of my favorite things to do are read and make schedules. I love to meet new people, so feel free to send me an e-mail!

Book preview

The Girl Born of Smoke

Jessica Billings

Published by Jessica Billings at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Jessica Billings

The Girl Born of Smoke

Jessica Billings

Chapter 1

Thin tendrils of smoke rose up from the blackened ruins, twisting and coiling in the still air. A girl stood before the wreckage, silently standing vigil until the last flickers of flame exhausted themselves and vanished. The smoke coalesced with the surrounding fog, creating a thick haze that dimmed the sun’s rays and stung the girl’s eyes.

With a deep breath of resolve, she tilted her head to listen to the sound of whispering, drifting forward on the thick morning air. Straightening her shoulders, she turned away from the blackened disaster to face the scattered groups of people, barely visible in the hazy fog. The whispers, melting together into a wordless drone, abruptly stopped when the people saw the girl turn their way.

They shuffled uneasily as she walked slowly past them, her bare feet plodding softly through the damp grass. She kept her eyes staring fixedly on the ground in front of her, refusing to meet their stares. Even so, she could feel their sharp gaze on her in the heavy silence. She left the people behind, let them be enveloped in the fog and fade away.

With her short dark hair falling in her eyes, the girl quickened her pace as she heard the clink of metal, muffled by the fog, yet seemingly loud in the otherwise silent world. Hearing footsteps fall into step behind her, she broke out into a trot, trying to calm her pounding heart. She fought the urge to run, knowing the predator always chases its prey when it bolts.

Dew collected on the tangled strands of her hair and dripped in her eyes, stinging them with soot. Overhead, a bird sung a short trill of warning. Nervously, she wiped her hand across her face, blinking at the discomfort. In that moment of distraction, her foot caught on an exposed root, sending her hurtling forward. Instinctively, she threw her hands out in front of her and caught herself on something soft and warm. The warmth of life. Letting out a sharp cry, she tumbled to the ground, tangled up in the other body. Fighting her way desperately to her feet, she sprang back with eyes wide and arms raised defensively.

In front of her, a woman sat scowling on the ground, rubbing her elbow. Beside her stood a man staring at the girl in confusion. Instantly, she realized the two weren’t from her town. Their brightly colored clothes stood out unnaturally against the bleak scene. Frantically looking behind her, she saw her follower had paused as well, but was watching carefully, a knife in his grasp.

I-I’m sorry, the girl mumbled, edging around the strangers.

You need to learn to watch where you’re going, the woman growled, climbing to her feet and brushing the dirt off her pants.

You okay? the man asked, concern etched in his thick eyebrows.

The woman shrugged. Fine. Don’t worry about it. She sidestepped around the girl without truly looking at her.

Wait. The man grabbed her arm, halting her step. His gray eyes narrowed as he took in the entire scene. Who’s that man? What’s going on? he addressed the girl.

The girl began to back away slowly, putting her head back down. I’ve gotta go. You should leave, though. Go back the way you came.

The man released his hold on the woman and put his hand under the girl’s chin, his calloused fingers lifting her face to meet his gaze. Her eyes were wide and wild with fear. She flinched at his touch. You’re in trouble, he said flatly. Tell me what’s going on.

She gave a small shake of her head. I can’t. Not now. It’s dangerous here. In one movement, she spun out of his reach and walked swiftly away from the town, toward the surrounding woods. Behind her, the man grabbed his companion’s arm and dragged her after the girl. Don’t run, she murmured back at them. Running people get chased.

Only when the pine needles crunched underfoot did the girl give a sigh of relief and slow, glancing back at the other two. Thank you, she said. I dunno who you are, but you should be okay now. A breeze swept through the trees, causing pine needles to rain down around them. She anxiously looked behind the others, but saw no one in the confining fog. I don’t think they’ll follow us in here. This isn’t their territory.

What the hell is going on? The woman jerked her arm away from the man, scowling accusingly at the girl. Why are we running around like criminals?

The girl averted her gaze and shrugged. It’s nothing. Just…just don’t go back there, ‘kay?

The man sighed. Let’s see if we can get a straight answer out of you. What’s your name?

She slowly met his eyes and hesitated for a second. Aurora.

He shrugged. Aurora then. I’m Kirian and this is Roxanne. He tipped his head in the woman’s direction. Look, I don’t really care why you’re in such a hurry to get out of there, but that guy following you had a knife and I’m really in no rush to deal with that.

Wait, he had a knife? Roxanne interrupted, her voice alarmed.

Kirian gave a deep sigh. Yes, he did. Of course you wouldn’t notice something like that. I swear you will be the death of me, Roxanne. She opened her mouth to say something more, but he held up his hand and turned to Aurora. You don’t have to explain yourself to me, kid, but do you have somewhere to go? Somewhere where guys with knives aren’t creeping around after you?

Despite his attempt to make her smile, her expression remained stoic. No, not really. I’ve never been anywhere except Delobo.

Delobo. That’s the town back there?

She nodded. Yeah. I guess I figured I’d just walk until I found somewhere to go.

Where’s your family? he asked wearily.

Jaw clenched, she finally met his gaze, raising herself to her full height and looking at him pointedly. Gone. They’re all gone now.

Roxanne raised an eyebrow. Well kid, it took us over a day to walk to Delobo from the last town we stayed in and we were using a map. And we were wearing shoes.

Face flushing red, Aurora dipped her head back down, staring at her bare feet. Don’t worry about me. I’ll figure it out on my own.

Giving Roxanne an exasperated look, Kirian laid a firm hand on Aurora’s shoulder. We’re not just going to let you wander off on your own, kid. At least let us show you to the next town if you’re sure about this.

And here. Roxanne swung her backpack off her shoulders and dug inside for a moment, pulling out a pair of sandals. Here’re some extra sandals. You can have them. She noticed a glance of amusement from Kirian and her voice hardened. We can’t have some kid slowing us down, right?

Oh, okay. Aurora took the sandals hesitantly. I don’t have any money to give you, though.

Kirian groaned. How exactly are you going to survive on your own in a new town without any money?

I’ll figure something out! she replied indignantly.

Let’s just get going. Roxanne pulled out a map, hauling her backpack on. I want to get out of here. This place is giving me the creeps. Silently, she led the way through the forest. The fog drifted among the trees, hiding the treetops from view. It clung to their clothes and skin, creating a sheen of dew. Other than their wet footsteps, the only sound came from birds fluttering high above them, letting out abrupt three-note trills occasionally.

Where’re you guys from, anyway? Aurora asked, trailing behind the other two.

Kain, Roxanne replied with a hint of pride in her voice. We’ve been travelling around now for about two months, but I guess we’ve got to go back eventually.

You’ve been dragging me around for two months is more like it, Kirian growled, petulantly picking at the sleeves of his shirt which had plastered themselves wetly against his skin. Well I think you succeeded in reaching the most remote areas of the world, at least. I bet this kid’s never even seen a stranger before.

Aurora shook her head, glancing nervously at Roxanne. No, there’s not really any reason for anyone to come to Delobo.

Roxanne narrowed her eyes. I don’t know why you came then, if you hated it so much. You could’ve just stayed in Kain. I wouldn’t have cared.

"I had to come to keep you out of trouble, Roxi. Keep you from blundering blindly into stupid situations, like the one back there."

I see, she said coldly. She glanced back at Aurora, who had lengthened the distance between them and trailed along some distance behind, looking nervously between the two. Keep up, will you! We’ve got to hurry home for poor Kirian.

Making no reply, Aurora walked slightly faster, but kept a large gap between them. They walked in stony silence through the morning as the fog slowly dissipated, leaving a cold, cloudy sky above which threatened to begin raining at any moment. The silence grew harder and denser, only pronounced more deeply by the steady hum of insects in the trees.

So, I was thinking, Roxanne mused several hours later as they blundered through the underbrush alongside the steep bank of a river, looking for a spot to cross. Aurora winced at the dangerous undertone of her voice. I was thinking that if we sidetracked a bit and crossed over the mountains, we could probably walk home along the coast. I think it would be really-

No, Kirian said sharply, cutting her off. We are not backtracking. I've had enough of this trip. We're going home by the shortest, most direct route possible. I'm sick of walking, I'm sick of all the bugs, and I'm sick of this entire thing. When I agreed to go on a trip with you, I did not agree to go wandering through the wilderness for months at a time. You've drawn out this whole thing for way too long and it's time to go home. Aren't you happy? You saw the world. Congratulations.

Roxanne narrowed her eyes and stopped, turning to face him. Oh yeah, thanks a lot. No, you didn't agree to go 'wandering through the wilderness,' you agreed to come with me on the only vacation I've ever wanted to go on. I've been cooped up in Kain my entire life and I just wanted to see what else is out here. Yeah, so now I've seen a little bit. I guess that's good enough then, isn't it? Let's hurry on home before poor Kirian gets bitten by a bug.

The sound of the river thundered below and did nothing to ease the tension. Looking anxiously between the other two, Aurora took a step back and felt her foot slip down as she put her weight on it. She desperately tried to shift her weight back to her other leg, but it was too late and she twisted her body as she toppled backwards. With a shriek, she landed on her back and began slipping down the slick rock. Slamming her hands down, she tried to slow her fall, but the smooth rock grew mossier and she quickly picked up speed.

She hit the rough water feet first with a wet smack. As she scrambled to get her footing, she caught a glimpse of Kirian and Roxanne above her, shouting things she was unable hear. The water roared all around her and she felt it pull her away from the shore. Keeping her body pointed toward them, she kicked fiercely against the current, but noticed the shoreline moving by at a faster and faster rate. The river tore her around a corner and she lost sight of them at the same moment she crashed back-first into a rock sticking out of the water.

Her head buzzing with the impact, she weakly grasped at the rock, half stunned as the river began to slip her around it. It grabbed her hand back. Shaking her head, she looked up and saw a girl kneeling on the rock, her hand grasping Aurora's. With her other hand, she smoothed her long dark hair out of her face.

You shouldn't be out here, the girl said with concern

I fell in, Aurora cried. Please help me!

The girl shook her head, giggling. "No, I mean out here, away from home. You need to come back."

I can't. Aurora tried to pull herself up onto the rock as her legs trailed out behind her, tugged by the river. Help me!

The girl looked at Aurora sadly for a moment, then released her hand. Screaming, Aurora caught a mouthful of the frigid water and tumbled away down the river. As she tried to cough the water out, more entered her mouth and she floundered helplessly, trying to stay above the surface. Flailing in panic, she felt something scrape against her foot. The feeling continued before she finally realized it was the bottom of the river.

She scrambled to get her footing, tripping several times until she managed to stand with her shoulders and head out of the water. Choking, she stumbled toward the shore, slipping on the loose, slimy rocks below. The river had widened out, growing shallower and calmer for a short stretch.

Reaching the shallow-sloping shoreline, she collapsed on her side, still coughing until her throat and chest ached. She caught sight of something strange and glanced down. Her fingers were desperately clutching around a small, spindly stick. Blinking in confusion, she tossed the stick out into the river and watched it drift away, slowly picking up speed. With a groan, she dragged herself completely out of the water, her clothes stuck tightly against her body.

She lay in the damp dirt for a few moments, raggedly catching her breath and staring up at the overcast sky. It slowly began to rain and she closed her eyes, listening to the patter of raindrops on the ground, feeling the rain run down her face. Finally, she sat up and smoothed her soaking wet, tangled hair back. Taking a deep breath, she climbed to her feet and stumbled along the bank, back upriver.

The ground was sodden and the mud squelched beneath her feet with every step, her sandals rubbing the grit painfully into the back of her heels. When she passed the area where she had seen the other girl, she kept her gaze on the ground, refusing to let her eyes wander to the river.

The rain gradually became heavier until streams of water dribbled down her face and dripped off her chin and nose. She shivered, wrapping her arms around her thin body. Over the sound of the rain drumming on the trees and river, she thought she heard a voice and she stopped walking, listening intently. After a moment, she decided it had been nothing and continued walking, keeping the river nearby.

She blinked the rain out of her eyes and looked around. The bank had slowly risen up above the level of the river and she looked down on it, shuddering and closing her eyes as she felt the cold water tugging her away again.

You shouldn't be out here!

Aurora's eyes flew open and she spun around toward the voice. What?

I said how'd you get out of there? It was Kirian. He and Roxanne stood a few footsteps away, staring at her, shocked looks on both their faces. Are you alright?

Aurora blinked. I'm...fine.

Kirian and Roxanne exchanged glances. Kirian opened his mouth, then closed it again with a shake of his head, brown hair glistening with raindrops. Roxanne sighed heavily. Well, look. You managed to get yourself out, which is good. But we've got to get going. I'm tired, I'm wet, and it’ll be getting dark soon.

Managing a half-smile, Aurora smoothed out her damp shirt. Ok, well let’s get out of here then.

Fantastic, Kirian said dryly. Now are we going to start heading home?

Roxanne shot him a fierce glare. Kirian, she muttered through clenched teeth.

Giving a long sigh, he looked up at the sky, small raindrops splashing on his face. Let's just go. There's nothing more for us here. He glanced at Aurora. Just be more careful, alright? I hope you know you got lucky this time.

Aurora nodded quickly. Yes, I'm sorry.

Putting her arm around Aurora, Roxanne looked at Kirian, but spoke to Aurora. You have nothing to be sorry for, she said coldly, still locked eyes with Kirian. "I'm just happy you're alright."

Kirian shook his head with disgust and walked off without a word, followed shortly by Aurora and Roxanne. The drizzling rain continued until the day faded into the gloomy hour just before twilight and they finally reached a bridge across the river. Kirian still walked slightly ahead, paying no attention to the other two until they crossed the bridge.

Do you know where we are on the map? he asked Roxanne suddenly.

She shook her head.

Great, he said, his voice thick with sarcasm. Just great. He threw his things to the ground. So I guess we'll just camp here on the ground in our soaking wet clothes then?

Fine, Roxanne snapped. You do that. The kid and I will find a town to stay at while you sulk here in the dark.

He rolled his eyes. Oh yeah, that's a great idea. I don’t recognize any of this scenery. That last town we stayed at is nowhere around here. You’re going to end up wandering through the forest in the dark, just asking to fall down a ravine or into another river.

Aurora's eyes opened wide. Maybe-

Yeah sure. I bet we'll be out of this forest before it even gets dark. Roxanne interrupted. See you later. She stormed off without a backwards glance.

Aurora hesitated for a second, looking at Kirian, then shrugged and ran off after Roxanne. The two walked hurriedly through the forest with Aurora glancing back every few moments to see if Kirian was following. He wasn't. The ground was already covered with shadows and when Aurora looked up at the sky, she saw it was quickly growing dark as well. As the day faded into night, Roxanne increased her pace until Aurora had to jog to keep up with her. Roxanne! she protested.

What? Roxanne snapped, glancing back at her. Hurry up, will you? She slowed her pace just slightly.

The forest showed no signs of ending as they hurried onward. The slight path that had led them from the bridge had long since faded away. The underbrush wasn't terribly thick, but Aurora still managed to trip over a vine as she darted along after Roxanne. She fell hard on her already scraped up hands and winced. Roxanne paused as she heard the thud and turned. You alright? she asked, breathing heavily.

Yeah. Aurora carefully climbed to her feet. I'm fine. The forest was dark around them and filled with the strange scrabbling noises of night animals waking. She felt a bug crawl across her foot and quickly brushed it off, shivering.

We've...got to keep going, Roxanne said, sounding slightly unsure.

Biting her lip, Aurora nodded. Alright.

They walked more slowly, feeling their way between the trees and over the tangle of roots on the ground, stumbling occasionally. Is this really a good idea? Aurora asked, but was met only with silence. Are you glaring at me?

Yes, Roxanne replied tersely.

Aurora grinned despite herself, then froze as she heard a crash. Roxanne, was that you?

Oh damnit.

Slowly moving toward the sound of Roxanne's voice, Aurora suddenly bumped into something soft. Is that you, Roxanne?

Yeah.

Well, are you alright? Aurora squinted into the darkness, trying unsuccessfully to see what the problem was.

I'm, uh, kind of stuck.

Aurora blinked. Stuck how?

Sighing, Roxanne shifted slightly. Under a root, I expect. Listen, I need you to go get Kirian for me.

In the dark? Aurora exclaimed. But I won’t be able to find my way back! She knelt down and prodded Roxanne. Can't I help you get out?

Roxanne swatted her hand away. No. Just go get Kirian. The moon will be rising soon and the clouds have pretty much cleared. You'll be able to see where you're going well enough. Just go back the way we came.

I don't know which way we came! Aurora wailed. I was following you. She heard Roxanne shift again and saw a dark shape rise up in front of her. Roxanne?

You’re useless! Roxanne exclaimed, her voice coming from higher above the ground.

Did you get yourself loose? Aurora asked in confusion. There was a silence and she could imagine Roxanne rolling her eyes. What’s going on? I can't see a thing.

Roxanne sighed. Fine, I'll show you the way back. Just tell Kirian I'm trapped and need his help.

What? But if you-

Can you please just do what I ask without questioning everything? Roxanne asked in exasperation.

Alright. Sorry. She followed Roxanne back the way they had come, following the sound of her footsteps and occasionally calling out when she ran into an obstacle or got turned around. Glancing up at one point, she noticed the moon had begun to rise above the treetops, dimly lighting the forest with silver shadows. The clouds slowly shifted overhead, illuminated against the dark sky.

They continued to shove their way through the damp, dripping forest until Aurora noticed the sound of rushing water. Roxanne slowed her pace until she finally came to a halt and threw up a hand. Cautiously, Aurora approached her and looked around. She saw the bridge a short distance straight ahead of them, but Kirian was nowhere in sight.

Roxanne shoved her forward. Well, go on, she hissed. Find Kirian and tell him I'm hurt.

But why! Aurora protested. I still don't understand. You're not hurt, are you?

That's not the point, Roxanne groaned. "Look, do you have a better idea? Or do you just want to leave Kirian behind? If we get separated now, we might not find each other again until we get back to Kain. That's if we both manage to get back to Kain. So what else do you suggest? This will work, trust me. She gestured toward the bridge. Just go find Kirian and get him to follow you. I'll be a short distance behind and after you've gone far enough, you'll find me, she explained, sounding frustrated. It's not a big deal. Just do this one simple thing, alright? I'll do the rest. You do want Kirian back with us, don't you?"

Aurora bit her lip. Well yes, but-

Smiling pleadingly at her, Roxanne put her hands on Aurora's shoulders. That’s a good girl. Do it for me, will you?

I guess, Aurora mumbled and turned away. She headed into the clearing, starting to shiver now that they had slowed their pace and the cold night air was seeping through her damp clothes. Crossing the bridge, she saw the moonlight flash below her, its reflection flickering off the swift-moving water. Kirian? she whispered, seeing no one. The river easily covered up her voice. Kirian? she asked again, slightly louder. Looking back to where she had left Roxanne, she could see no one in the shadows. She was alone.

Aurora kept searching the area, crossing back and forth across the bridge and starting to feel desperate, although she assumed that Roxanne must still be in the area. Finally, she took a deep breath and held it for a moment, hesitating. Kirian? she yelled finally, wincing at the sound of her own voice.

Cocking her head, she listened for an answer, but heard nothing over the sound of the river and bugs chirping nearby. Sighing, she looked up at the stars and blundering into something soft at the base of a tree. Tripping, she yelped and tumbled over the lump, which grunted and rolled, pinning her to the ground with its weight.

Who is it? she heard a voice grumble near to her ear.

She struggled to get free, thrashing wildly. Let me up!

Aurora, is that you?

Yes! she protested. Let me up!

He grunted again and rolled off her, slowly climbing to his feet. What the hell are you doing here?

Pausing for a second, Aurora stood up as well, brushing herself off. She looked away from Kirian. I, uh, need your help. Roxanne tripped and fell in the forest and sprained her ankle, I think. She sent me back to get you.

Kirian was silent for a moment as he looked up at the moon. It's been quite awhile since you two went off by yourselves. I imagine you two must have traveled quite awhile before Roxanne tripped. So how is it that you managed to find your way back in the dark? No offense, but you’re just a kid. One who’s never gone beyond her own town.

Well, I'm here, aren't I? Aurora frowned, still looking away.

You are. I could be wrong. Maybe you have an excellent sense of direction. Maybe you have enough trust in yourself to know that you can find your way back to Roxanne. Maybe you even have no fear of walking through a strange forest in the night by yourself. But one thing I know for sure is that Roxanne would not put up with being rescued if she was really hurt. Especially not for something as minor as a sprained ankle. He gently turned her head to face him. Aurora, tell me what's really going on.

She opened her mouth, then closed it again, glancing around the surrounding area. I-I'm sorry, Kirian. Roxanne just wants you to come back, she told him in a low voice. She thought this was the only way. Please just play along. She'll be mad at me if she finds out I told you.

Taking a deep breath, Kirian shook his head. You don't have to be sorry Aurora. I'm sorry you had to get wrapped up in this. Just give me a second to get my things together and I'll follow you. It's probably for the best, anyway.

Thank you. Aurora sighed in relief. I really didn't want to lie to you, Kirian.

I know. It’s alright though. You’re not a very good liar. It makes me trust you more, to know I can tell when you’re lying. He folded up his blanket, stuffing it into his backpack and pulled on his boots. Let's just get going.

The two walked back into the forest, the moon now almost directly overhead. Aurora led the way through the trees and around the areas of heavy underbrush, glancing around once in awhile to try and see if Roxanne was following as planned. She didn't see her, but after several moments of meandering through the forest, she heard something rustling in front of her. She slowed her pace. Roxanne?

Aurora? Did you bring Kirian?

Yeah, I'm here, Kirian answered. Are you alright?

I'm alright, Roxanne replied. I'm actually much better now, but figured I had better stay put so you two could find me. Aurora hung back as Kirian walked forward to where Roxanne sat on the ground and reached out his hand, helping her up. I'm sorry, Kirian, Roxanne said softly. I'm glad you came.

Kirian bent down and kissed her on the cheek. Of course I came. Come on, let's just sleep here for the night. She nodded slightly and Kirian settled down on the ground, pulling his blanket out and lying down almost immediately. Roxanne glanced over at Aurora and motioned to her as she walked a short distance away.

Walking quickly to catch up,

Reviews for The Girl Born of Smoke

[joybee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is easy to see why this book was free. Even though the story was fun and an exciting read, it was hard to follow and seemed disjointed in parts. The overall plot was good and I enjoyed it but some aspects needed to be put together better or even taken out. Aurora runs into a couple in the dark forest as she flees from a fire and a man with a knife. After learning that she has no family the couple takes her home with them. She lives with the couple for a while and she makes friends with a local boy Djer whom she tells her secret that she has 'a curse' of magic. Eventually she and Djer, and the couple get swept up in the war between the citizens army and the wizards army who are waiting for the return of the all powerful wizard. Along the way she tells everyone she is not Aurora her name is Tarana and Aurora was her twin sister who is now dead, and she and Djer try to escape the war. By the end of the story every thing gets wrapped up and things fall into place.