Introduction
A flash of white burst from the trees. Wings flashing a silvery white in the light of the midnight moon, a small dove with a white band wrapped around its ankle flew with the hounds of hell on its heels. Spotting a great oak a league ahead, its energy was renewed and it increased its speed every so slightly. Finally reaching the safety of the tree's great branches, the dove settled down to finally rest. The small of its breast rose up and down as the dove swiveled its head, making sure that danger was out of reach. Just as it was about to slip into unconsciousness, it was startled awake when below, a dark figure burst from a nearby cropping of birch trees.
Sprinting, the figure moved quickly. It was obliviously human, clothed in dark black robes with a hood that fell over their face. They also seemed to be carrying something wrapped in similar clothing. Looking back, they tripped over a hidden rock. Their hood fell back as they reached out to keep from falling on whatever they were holding. The gleam of the moon revealed them to be a human woman. Though she was obviously middle aged, streaks of silver shone in her dark hair. Suddenly, the trees that she just ran from burst into flame which she responded to with an involuntary yelp. Struggling, the woman tried to get up again. But, when she got to a nearly standing position, she fell to the ground again with a groan. Her ankle would not support her weight. Accepting her defeat, the woman succumbed to silent sobs. The parcel she held against her bosom suddenly moved. The woman pulled back the folds the cloth to reveal the face of an infant with a crop of ebony hair and ever-so-slightly pointed ears. It, seeing the fire, started crying. Motherly instinct overrode the woman's panic, and she tried to quiet it. She didn't care what happened to her; she only wanted to save the child.
As if Zamorak only wanted to prolong her pain even more, a goblin ran out of the flaming mass of trees. As it neared, it became apparent that is was a cave goblin. It was probably nearly completely blinded from the flames. Nearing the woman, the goblin noticed her. The woman yelled out, "No, NO! Leave my baby be! Don't harm her!"
Ignoring her, the goblin moved closer. The woman still yelling, it whispered into her ear, "Human woman, I mean no harm to your child. I am a priestess of the gods of our clans. I was told by our great and all powerful deity that I was to save a human child that will save our world. I will save her. The people of her father will be her guardians. Trust me with her, I swear it in blood." With that, the goblin cut her hand with the bone dagger in her belt, letting crimson drops fall into the dirt. The woman then calmed down, watching the process with wide eyes.
She replied, "Creature of the dark, you have sworn in blood that you will protect my child. Let it be so, and be off into the night. Run until you cannot run any longer, and deliver her with faith. May the wings of the messengers of the gods be on your shoulders. And when you reach those who guard the entrance to the land of the faire ones, speak these words of trust." With that, she whispered into the goblin's ear the words that would save her child. She then thrust the dark bundle into the goblin's arms.
The goblin immediately ran as fast as she could with her short legs, shielding her eyes from the fire's merciless glare. As she reached a league from where she met the woman, agonizing screams let up from the inferno behind her. The goblin did not break her stride, but glistening tears ran down her face for the life of the one that though she had little time with, sacrificed her own life for that of her child's.
Reviews very much appreciated. If or when I get feedback, I'll start writing more. So, the more you write the more I write. No feedback, no more Dark. Cameos considered, and suggestions about the plot not all discouraged. Many thanks for anything you can offer!