Prologue: To Save a Life
"Denee, they're coming! Take Richard and run!" cried Finn
Denee Amnell took off towards the cave where she and her mate, Finn, had taken up residence with their newborn son, Richard. She held Richard close to her chest, wrapped up in a blanket. She collected a meagre bag of supplies, including clothes, food and the book on the powers of a confessor that she had written for Richard.
"Your mate is dead, Confessor. There's no need to make this difficult. Give us the child." commanded a voice from outside
Denee put down Richard and looked out of the cave. There was a platoon of D'Haran soldiers approaching the cave. The speaker was the captain who lead the group. One of the other soldiers was carrying the corpse of her beloved. Denee saw red. There was only one thing she could do. She picked up a nearby club.
"NEVER!" she screamed
She swung the club upwards with all her strength. It struck with a loud crack, and amazingly did exactly what she had hoped for. The cracks spread, and the rocks caved in, blocking the entrance. She allowed herself a brief smile, before she set to work figuring out a way out. Surveying the room, she noticed that the cave-in had opened up another section of the cave. She could hear running water, so she picked up Richard and the bag and followed the sound. In the depths of the cave, she found a stream, and a glowing light. There was a soft breeze coming into the room. Her eyes widened when she realized that the breeze was coming FROM the light.
'It must be some kind of magic portal.' thought Denee
But the portal was so small; only a couple hand-lengths in diameter. She looked at Richard, then back at the portal. A tear fell down her face. She emptied her bag onto the ground and pieced together a makeshift boat. She finished and put Richard in the boat. She added the book in with him, and kissed his forehead before sending him down the stream.
"I love you, Richard. My sweet, sweet baby." she said before he reached the portal
The floating bundle disappeared into the light, and the light disappeared as well. Richard was gone, and Denee heard a crash as the soldiers broke through the entrance. Two soldiers grabbed Denee and held her up.
"Where is the boy?" demanded the captain
"You're too late." said Denee
The captain snarled and buried his sword in her gut. The soldiers dropped her, and they left.
'Wherever you are, Richard, I hope you are safe and happy.' was Denee Amnell's last thought before the light left her eyes.
End Prologue