From The Windcaller

Although Samueld had just reached his eighteenth birthday, many would have considered him a doyen because of his unusual abilities. However, hidden away at the ancient hacienda, he rarely used his abilities or his knowledge. Now, he was studying the old manuscripts that he had discovered in the trunk under the old quilts. He hoped that they would give him some insight into what he was supposed to do to rescue the "Others". He looked longingly out the open windows at the purple mountains to the north and thought about going there to investigate. His old guardians would never agree to such an adventure. He could try to contact Andriana and get her to go ahead and plot a course for him. He suddenly thought about her going along with him. She had a special talent also but hers allowed her to be hidden without being imprisoned.

The sun was beginning to make its slow descent to run its crimson fingers across the mountains and then dark would descend and he could call the wind and send a message to her. She was one of the only ones who could hear him. Samueld recalled some of their previous exploits and his explorations of the cliffs and decided if she were willing, he would ask if she would accompany him on this dangerous trek into the unknown. She was an outcast also because of her "Gift" and he knew that he could trust her. He studied the horizon again and thought that after the evening repass would be the best time to reach her. He could go to the stables to check on the horses and send the song from there. The horses understood but they were secretive and magical in their own way. He had discovered on his explorations to the cliff ledge that there were hidden paths and symbols that if one could decipher them gave directions to somewhere else. He had speculated that his parents had left these as guideposts for when he was prepared to come to them. From Jecarro he had learned that there were rumblings in the countryside and unrest among the people that might erupt at any moment. Perhaps this was a signal that it was time for him to find the "Others" and return them and beauty to this desolate land.

Suddenly Zephyr the little black cat that Andriana had given to him jumped into his lap, arousing him from his reverie. The cat looked at him with knowing eyes the color of emeralds. " Now do not get any ideas in your head. There is not room in my saddle bags for a stowaway," Samueld laughed his magical laugh as he stroked the cat’s head and picked Zephyr up to take with him to supper. Lunara had complained at first about the little ebony thing but when Zephyr had caught his weight in mice and other creatures, he endeared himself to her and he had a special place in the kitchen and always special treats as well. It was as if Zephyr had cast a magical spell over everyone in this old place. His green eyes watched everything that Samueld did and he was never far away from where Samueld was working or thinking. Since he had come to the hacienda, Zephyr rarely ventured out on his own except sometimes when Samueld was asleep and then where Zephyr went no one but Andriana knew.

Samueld descended the stone stairs with his friend on his shoulder and was met with tantalizing aromas as they entered the kitchen. How Lunara came up with the delicious concoctions that she did here in isolation, he had never managed to figure out. Tonight the meal consisted of a meat smothered in wine sauce and wild mushrooms and fresh vegetables from her little garden behind the stables. Hot fresh bread straight from the oven with freshly churned butter were also on the table. There was also a sweet delicacy made with sweet cream and fresh berries that he had brought from his last trip to the ledge. Of course, Zephyr jumped down and ran to his bowl, which was filled with the most choice of the trimmings and topped with cream. Samueld ate hardily and asked Lunara if he might have some of the meat and bread for his lunch tomorrow if there was any left. Lunara was always pleased when this boy ate well and asked for more. Although she was very intuitive, she rarely suspected him of any preplanned mischief.