Letter
When it finally reached her, the age-worn, crumpled envelope bore a veritable patchwork of crossed-through addresses.
She felt amazement; each redirection traced her route across various American states, to France, and finally England.
She'd travelled far and wide, running from her past.
The elegant scrawl shimmered ethereal so she knew the sender without question.
The content of the letter hardly mattered, for the envelope spoke volumes - he'd tracked her over cities and across oceans with a clear message - you cannot escape your fate.
Her latest address vanished and a new line appeared; simply - Sarah Williams, The Labyrinth.
'In 9 hours 23 minutes the Goblin King must die. Come NOW! Pay HUGE ransom… OR ELSE! Sincerely, Revolting Goblins.'
The scrawl was barely legible.
Revolting in more ways than one, Sarah thought grimly as she grabbed a crossbow from the wall rack, and slung it over her shoulder; destined once more to become goblin hunter.
There was no overwhelming urge to save the King's life, but the notion that his fate was ultimately in her hands held a certain appeal.
Kitted out with enough weapons to conquer a goblin army, Sarah muttered the words aloud.
"I wish…"
"She's SO annoying. YOU don't understand; you don't have a sister!" Alex fumed.
"I did once." Toby fingered the tattered edges of an ancient envelope, his most valued possession in the world.
Alex ceased bemoaning his sibling, watching with disbelief as Toby elaborated.
"My sister saved my life. She tried to rescue me from great danger, but the magic was too strong, so she traded her life for mine."
"No way!" Alex snatched for the envelope but Toby was faster.
He took the letter out, his eyes drawn always to Sarah's parting words - Live well, Toby, and remember me…