Prologue

The two figures hurried awkwardly across the dark plains in the directions of the sanctuary of the trees. It was difficult for them to move any faster than a quick jog due to the man’s injury and the woman’s huge midsection. The man glanced over his shoulder and saw that the horses were getting dangerously close. He stopped abruptly and wincing at the pain in his leg, turned to the woman.

“We will never make it to the forest,” he told her bluntly, “Not in our conditions.”

“What are we going to do?” the woman asked, despair and fear etched onto her lovely features.

“There is only one thing I can do,” the man informed.

“What?” the woman urged, hoping he wasn’t going to suggest what she thought he was.

“I have to send you away,” he replied.

“You can not,” she insisted, “not in your weakened state.”

“Do not worry about me,” the man instructed and began to chant quickly. A pinprick of light appeared in front of him and grew until it was large enough for a full sized person to enter. Arrows rained down around them as he took her face into his hands.

“You must go,” the man told her, but she shook her head fiercely, “If you don’t, it will be the death for all of us.” He rubbed his hand over her swollen belly, “Take good care of her.”

“Please,” the woman begged, “I don’t want to leave you.”

The sound of hoof beats was almost deafening in his ears as he kissed her deeply. “I love you,” he whispered and with a gentle push she disappeared into the portal.

The portal closed just as the horsemen overtook him. Without hesitation, he transformed into a small bird and flew to the forest, and safety.