I'm running. I was always very good at that. My Mam says that when I was younger, it was almost impossible for any of the other kids to catch me. And when I joined the guild, I was always selected for quests that required great speed and agility. But now I shock even myself with the speed I am capable of. I'm racing through the forest, my fair hair fanning out behind me. Everything is a blur as I speed past: large trees, a group of muffies, a young mage practising an earth spell. The only sounds I can hear are my ragged breathing and the twigs and leaves being crushed beneath my thundering feet. And then:
"You can't escape, kid! Not after what you've learned!" They're coming. I glance over my shoulder to see half a dozen guards, and they're gaining fast. They can't catch me. They just can't! I need to get back to my family and guild. I need to tell them my news. I consider my options. I could keep running, but I know I'll tire eventually. I've lost track of how long my legs have been moving, but they are beginning to ache. I could fight, but I doubt I'd do well against those odds. The guards are equipped with top of the range swords, bows and other weapons, and are probably trained to perform very high level spells. So I need to hide.
I spot a gigantic oak tree a few metres ahead of me, and plot my course towards it. Apparently, lots of Alyncia's wildlife comes from the human world, and oak tress are one such thing. I yearn to learn more about humans and their universe, but I know that is wrong. If they did destroy Valdor — or most of it — there is nothing they can do that will excuse their actions. But I still wonder...
I finally reach the imposing tree, and collapse against my saviour. It is gnarled and very old, and is thicker than a small house. I am panting heavily, and there is a painful stitch forming in my side, but I mustn't give up. Not now.
"Gravitas," I gasp, slamming my hand against the rough bark. With a loud crack, the centre of the tree begins to crumble beneath my weight. I turn once more to check on the guards. I feel a stab of fear. I can't see them anywhere. I crane my neck to the left and then to the right. Nothing. I grit my teeth, and turn my attention back to the tree.
A fissure has now formed, and I press every last inch of strength I have to the trunk. The opening expands until it is wide enough for me to squeeze through. Taking a deep breath, I lift my hand from the tree trunk, cancelling the spell. Then I take a cautious step towards the opening.
"That would have been a great idea. It's a shame that you won't put it to use." I honestly almost have a heart attack. I spin around to find one of the guards standing right behind me, his helmeted face inches from mine. I stumble backwards, but he reaches out a gloved hand and grabs me. The five other guards materialize around me, each with a weapon raised and pointed towards my chest. They must have been using illusion magic to disguise their presence. I feel a well of frustration and fear grow inside me. How could I have been so stupid? I could never evade such capable warriors. My emotions must show, for the lead guard laughs.
"Don't feel too bad, kid. You did well. Better than a lot of mages would have in this situation." He sighs, and gestures to a guard on his right. Suddenly my arms are glued to my sides, and I can't move my legs. I try to speak, but all that comes out is a tortured moan.
"We promise we won't harm you," the female guard says apologetically. "Who knows? Maybe one day we might even set you free, once we are certain you will keep our secret." I feel tears welling in my eyes, the only part of my body that still seems to move. How could it have all gone so wrong? Just a week ago, I was spending time with my guildmates and learning new spells. I was preparing to go home for a month to see my cousins. If only I hadn't signed up to that stupid exploration quest! I stare at the guards surrounding me, and feel a blaze of hatred towards them. We mourned these people for decades. These people who caused such a movement in our world. And now they are attacking an innocent girl.
"Long live Valdor!" they roar. And then all goes dark.