Prologue

Twenty Years ago.

The shadow moved across the misty ground making no noise as it trampled the dewy grass. The chilled air of the night swept over the shadow as if it were invisible. Over the horizon the grey stone came into view and soon the waves crashing upon the rocks would be the only sound. The sheer drop of the cliffs seemed to stretch on for mile merely as far as the winding caverns that twisted beneath the earth. The shadow itself slowed its pace afraid it might wake the creatures that dwelt nearby, slowly and even more carefully than it had moved before the shadow continued on.

The smooth face of the rock, which plummeted into the crashing waves beneath, did not seem to phase the shadow. Slowly and methodically it made its way down the ledge and scaled its way to the entrance. The soft landing of two leather feet on the smooth rock signified the first prospect of this journey was complete. The shadow paused for a moment allowing its eyes to adjust to the inhuman darkness before it continued with even more caution than before. The cave walls were as smooth as the exterior, yeas of erosion, tides and flooding had carved these caverns; a nocturnal habitat for its residents. Closely following the ice stonewalls the shadow became its namesake, blending into the darkness itself. The map of these countless maze-like chambers were engraved into the shadows mind it would find what it came for, for the shadow knew the consequences if it did not.

There was a sound.

Perhaps a manifestation of the shadow's mind yet it took no chances, all movement stopped. For the first time the shadow allowed its self to feel fear and with shaky hands it continued. The dizziness of the natural corridors was mind boggling, but after such a tumultuous journey the shadow had reached its destination, its redemption within arms reach.

This portion of the caverns was no different in appearance than the rest, but it was its contents that were what was of importants.

Two more steps. Then it would be over.

One more step. Life would finally go back to normal.

The object was at long last caught.

The shadow turned to make its exit, its heart pounding like a hammer to a nail. Just as methodically and quietly the shadow infiltrated this dreaded place it fled, glad to be rid of it. The stealth climb up the cliff face was more difficult this time with the added weight and bulk of the object, but finally it was complete. The shadow darted back across the long grass to the tree line seeing the sun begin to peek over the horizon. Literally diving into the bushes carefully cradling its parcel from damage, the shadow lay on its back in the bushes looking up through the foliage as the beasts returned. Their bat-like wings carrying them back to their dwelling.

The shadow counted carefully as they returned its voice so quiet it could not hear its own words over the crashing water.

".Five."

The shadow's heart began to beat harder and faster as it continued counting.

".Ten."

The shadow's fingers pressed against the smoothness of the confiscated object.

".Eleven."

For a moment the morning light disappeared as the magnificent beast circled the sky, its brilliant skin gleaming in the early morning light.

".Twelve."

The shadow finished its count as the final dragon disappeared beneath the drop of the cliffs edge. Without pause the shadow rose and began to weave its way between the trees. It would only be moments before the beasts realized their treasure had been taken. The shadow made its way swiftly home with the Dragon's egg clutched in its arms.