Joanna puts on a tunic inside the hut as everyone was outside around the bonfire. She peeked her head outside the hut and saw the chief wearing a War bonnet with many colorful feathers, it was good that the person who is chief is greatly respected by many. They used to use it for war back then but it was mainly used for ceremonies like the one they were having now.
Joanna stepped out of the hut walking to the people who harmonized themselves with each other. There were a couple of people who danced with masks on a stick of fire in their hands. Sitting next to a woman who sang like an angel making Joanna hum to the rhythm until everything stopped quickly not giving her enough time to react. Seeing the chief in front of her she lowered her head not knowing what he planned on saying or doing to her she waited but nothing happened. Looking up at him she noticed the corners of his mouth up seeing how happy he was to see her.
The Chief placed a war bonnet on her head. "My granddaughter, you finally come home to us." The people cheered as Joanna gave him a confused look on her face. Just as she was about to say something her grandfather gave her a note which was from her father. She could feel her eyes water thinking of the memories she had with her family.
"Why don't you read it Joanna your father told me to give this to you if he ever died. I would read it carefully if I were you."
Joanna nodded as she opened up the paper. As she started to read it she wept silently to herself feeling her back being rubbed by her grandfather as she read the letter.
"Dear Joanna, If you reading this then it's been confirmed that I'm already dead. I always knew that Debbie was a witch, she had controlled and manipulated me. I'm so sorry for hurting you and making you feel alone. Therefore I need you to stay with your grandfather Chief Neolin. When your mother died I was in a terrible state, Debbie helped me but also hurt me physically and mentally. I went to Edessa to talk to the lord of the land to help you along the way, war is coming between the vampires and tribes. I need you to go to the party that will be held there and convince Lord Alonso to stop the war before it even begins. Joanna, I know you are a brave girl your mother taught you well. There is a possibility that you might lose control of your power. Neolin will give you a necklace to seal your power away for the time being. Until you are able to control that power I'm going to need you to stay calm and not get angry quickly. If you do happen to go back to the mainland go to the house and grab your things without being seen by the witches. There's money and everything you need to know about Edeissa. It's not a safe place to be at night, I know you won't get in trouble...I hope. Take care, My sweet Joanna. Love dad"
Joanna could feel her lips tremble as she read the letter. She wished her father had told her this sooner so they could start figuring out a plan rather than having him take all the stress and worry to his grave. Chief Neolin handed her a spear as she looked up at him she could feel his lips on her temples.
"Joanna use this spear to protect yourself, it will eventually come to mind on how you use it. I'm sure you understand right?" Joanna looked down at the spear seeing the engraved craving of symbols which she didn't understand that meaning behind them.
"Thank you Ch- I mean grandfather sorry for making you worry throughout the years. Mother's death was unexpected or so I thought."
Chief Neolin stands up making his way towards the bonfire "Your mother died of an illness, she is one with the spirits now watching over. That spear was made by the connections that I have with Lord Alonso. When you meet him I recommend that you be on your best behavior. He isn't the type of person that is friendly towards people, especially our people. I him go back to our young days so he repaid me with his kindness of forging me a spear and shield. Joanna, I shall give You the spear that has put me through so much and also saved me through the toughest times. Just think of it as a trial, your trial will be to reply a message to his lordship on the day of the Ball. The message is Lilith Kingdom's demands are getting stronger. He should know who you are just by the symbol on your that proves your lineage to the Salani tribe. Make me proud my dear granddaughter. You should leave if you still want your belongings. I hope your travels outside the mainlands are extraordinary."
Joanna stood up as she hugs her grandfather from behind "Thank you, don't worry I'll make sure our people will get the freedom that we all wanted for so long. "
Joanna lets go of him as she leaves the area making her way towards the mainlands which was a few miles away from where she was walking. Suddenly she felt something on her head, lifting her arm to see what it was. Until it suddenly chipped causing her to gently grab it from her head and place it in her palms.
She looked in the moonlight to see it was a small robin chirping away. joanna could hear small voices coming from her head it sounded childlike.
"Hello Lady!? Can you hear me?" The little robin's voice finally connected with hers. Joanna nodded slightly at the robin as it flapped its feathers in excitement. The Robin was a blue and brown bird which was considered a singing bird for good luck.
"Oh great! Your chief told me to take care of you on your journey. I don't have a name all that calls me is a bird." The robin felt her rub its head with her finger tip which made the robin feel fuzzy on the inside.
As Joanna was making her way towards the mainland grounds she spoke to the robin saying "I'll give you a name, I think your name should be Cleo...I don't want to assume gender but may I ask."
Cleo bopped its head understanding her question "I'm a girl lady Joanna! Since were making our way towards the mainlands. What are we doing first?"
"Well, first we are going to retrieve what's mine before the witches wake up and notice I'm in the house. We have to stay very quiet Cleo. One wrong move and it could be our deaths. I'll need to change my clothes this war bonnet is getting heavy along with this spear that's Tucked under my arm."
"That spear is more powerful than you think Joanna! That's not just a weapon you can just swing around there's magic in that thing as well. The chief used it very often it was rather scary! " Cleo shudders at the thought.
"Thank you for that information, I won't let anything bad happen to you Cleo just stay put. Oh an when we get there give me signals if they wake up. "
Cleo chriped saying "yes ma'am" Joanna smiled placing Cleo back on her head as she takes her first steps towards the mainland. This is were the real adventure begins.