In the frozen wastelands, far from the troubles of the land, and those who seek her downfall, lived an aloof woman of regal bearing and birth. She was one of the last in a long line of Guardians, and the time had come for her to venture forth in the land.
Something was amiss, even here, far away, she could sense it!
The Wind Sprites held an odour of decay and this forebode an evil on the land, an evil of such magnitude that she couldn't stay in her sanctuary among the icecaps any longer.
The folk of the land were in danger and even though the Great Book forbade interference, it was her duty to guide the chosen ones on their path. All this had been written long, long ago and as she turned the pages of the Great Book, clouds of dust rose in the air and threatened to start her sneezing. The dry brittle pages crackled as she turned them, reading what part she must play as the fates unfold.
Now that the signs were there, she must follow the predetermined path and this would be no simple task. The folk of the land did not know the Great Design and still had a choice not to follow their destiny, for each choice to be made, a different path opens, revealing an ever entwining tangle. Sometimes, it is simple to steer those who would hold the fates in their hands, but many are the pitfalls of such an epic time, as some of the choices are bound to lead those involved in the Quest on a dangerous path.
This is where she must use her influence, without revealing her identity.
All these thoughts raced through her mind as she looked out over the frozen wasteland that teemed with hidden life. All creatures wore their snowy mantle with pride, and blended into the pristine landscape, giving false impression of emptiness.
Her heart yearned to stay among those she knew so well, in a land that gave her a name, though she knew this was not an option.
With a resolute sigh, she turned and entered the dark interior of her chambers, the air much warmer in here, though somewhat heavy, and with a slight shiver, she started to feel the warmth, as it seeped in through her mantle.
"Great care must be taken not to overburden the horses" she thought to herself as she began to choose those items which would best serve her on her journey. First, with care, she wrapped the Great Book in its covering of soft doeskin. Of all the things she would need, this was the most important!
Steadily, she began to move throughout the chambers, neatly placing first one item and then another in the pile which was to serve her for the duration of her journey, however long this Quest may take! |
