The villagers off Qyrne rushed from their homes at the sound of the unnatural cry. Those who knew best ran through the rain to the banks of the River Ratterlin where the fast running water would keep then safe for the time being. The old and the young shivered in the rain as they watched the shadows roam freely in their homes and streets. There was nothing they could do those who tired became food for he dead and the dead grew stronger from it, searching for others to join their ranks.

….

….

A loud sharp and tapping sound sent Sabriel in to the real world out of her dead haunted dreams. She knew something was wrong and why the bird was tapping against the window in the night, but hoped she was wrong. She tried getting out of bed but found something was keeping her back.

"Where are you going?" Touchstone said waking up from sleep and letting go of Sabriel's dark blue nightgown.

"Something's wrong" she muttered getting up to the window. The window blew her black hair everywhere as a small brown bird hopped out on to the window seat allowing Sabriel to shut the window. His feathers were soaked from the dripping rain and were leaving little wet patches on the light blue embroiled window cushions. She slowly bent down and gently untied the yellow paper from the small brown birds leg.

Three words were written on the thick handmade paper. Three words that Sabriel didn't like the sound. Three words that sent Sabriel rushing down the main stairs before Touchstone could say anything. Pulling on his dressing gown, he quickly checked on Ellimere before going after her.

By the time Touchstone had Sabriel she had changed out of her dark blue nightgown in to a cream shirt and leather breeches and was pulling the deep blue surcoat with the blazon of silver keys over her head.

"Sabriel?" he asked running a hand through his curly hair. "What's happened?"

Sabriel brushed the creases out of the surcoat and quickly pulled her hair back in to a ponytail. "I don't know," she said walking over to him, "but there's trouble and I'm needed."

"Now?" he asked, "can't you go in the morning? You need your rest."

"I know I'm pregnant but I still have my duties." She said. "I can't leave them."

Touchstone nodded even though he didn't like it, he knew there was nothing that would distract Sabriel from her Abhorsen's duties.

"I'll go." Touchstone said hearing Ellimere scream. "Wait here," he said kissing her quickly on the forehead before disappearing back up the stairs to the Abhorsen's bedroom.

Picking up the screaming baby he started to make his way back down as he tried to stop her crying. By the time he had gotten back down to the Armoury she had nearly stopped crying. Sabriel was waiting for him all kitted out ready to go. Touchstone sighed when he saw this knowing she really had to go. Putting Ellimere into the outstretched arms of her mother Touchstone took a step back.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

Turning around she picked up the paper that was tied to the bird and handed it over to him. He took the thick yellow paper and studied the blue stamp that was on the first side. Qyrne? He thought thinking why they had a message from there. Qyrne was normally a quite town the running water keeping them safe. He knew it had to be bad.

Turning the paper he noticed there was only three words, which was weird as normally there was more, normally telling the Abhorsen what she was dealing with and what was going on.

He locked eyes with Sabriel, knowing it was going to be a serious trip. He knew he might not be able to go with him but the words troubled him. Never had a message been so direct before. He put he paper down and the words flicked in the candlelight,

'Abhorsen. Help Us.'

A/N: really hate revising and exams whats the point TT oh well at least i have a load of free time afterwards to sort my stuff out.

Thanks for the reviews everyone :-P