Sanctuary

     In the distance, an invisible barrier rest on the horizon. An implacable deed marker. Beyond the barriers tenuous woven fabric lies a place of rest and sun and life hidden away from resolute darkness. A Shine. A sanctuary against evil and home to one of the few remaining Rouche clans still alive. Outside the Shine, all manners of terror exist. Outside belongs to the Skeetar and their nightmare creations. Warped things made with the power of magic and the madness of the eternal darkness that covets everything outside the Rouche village.

     Just on the edge of sight, a billowing cloud of dust approaches the lucid curtain with dizzying speed. A howl peals through the air and the ground shakes as if the earth were being torn asunder and moaning in anguish. The intensity increases as the formation drives closer to line.

     The approaching dust storm continues to magnify in volume to a deafening roar. Small rocks and debris are thrust upwards from the violent vibrations. At the forefront of the cloud float two circles of bluish light. Inside the haze, many large spots of red glow through the opaque mist. A jumble of forms seem to be moving the mist…moving inside the mist adding to its shape and momentum. The animals in the mist slip in and out of the fog. Huge canine beast without any hide to speak of. All bone and sinew driven by rage and hate. And its eyes. Evil pits of dark burning red coal seething with evil torment.  

*We’re not going to make it, Jonst. And its all my fault. I’m sorry.*

*We’re almost there. Don’t give up yet. Besides, your not getting out of this that easily.*

     The confidence from Jonst gives Donhed the boost he needs to keep going. A familiar sensation begins to wash over him as they get closer to the invisible barricade.

*Can you feel that?*, he asks.

*Yes!!*, Jonst replies. *We must be really close. Just hang in there. And remember. Once we’re inside, don’t mention the human girl*

*Uh. Okay.*

     Even as Talree, the pair can sense the nearness of the horrors behind them. With fatigue rapidly setting make their final strive for safety but the beast are slowly gaining. The wall is mere yards away but the hounds are too close. Recognizing their danger, Jonst moves behind Donhed and begins to push him faster.

*What are you doing?!* he asks worry filling his voice.

*Just keep going!! No matter what happens.*

     A blast of energy suddenly propels Donhed ahead of the ensuing cloud.

*Jonst? No. No…!!*

     Just before he pierces the barrier, Donhed senses his brother being inhaled by the maw of the hell hound.

*Donhed, you are destined for great things. I only regret that I will not be there to see them.*, Jonst says and then is gone.

     Upon entering the Shine, Donhed forces himself to stop and shift. He runs towards the barrier in an effort to save his brother beyond hope but is already too late. A barrage of dull thuds slam into the barrier and dissipate in bursts of firelight. Jonst is no more.

*Why not meee….?* Donhed cries falling to the ground in heart felt pain and exhaustion.

*Why not me?* he whimpers again before collapsing unconscious.

     A group of Rouche start to appear near the barrier in an effort to find the source of the commotion. A small circle starts to form around the collapsed figure but no one is will to get to close to the form for fear of its identity.

     Two counsel elders, dressed in the gowns of their position, push there way through the throng see the subject of interest.

               *Move aside citizens. Step aside.*

     The senior of the counselors approaches the figure and gingerly rolls the body in order to see the figures face. The signs of recognition and barely controlled fear spreads across the mans face.
*There’s nothing left to see here.*, he says to the crowd.

                *He’s just ill but will be okay.*

     As the crowd dissipates, the senior addresses his companion.

*Ask the Grand Syre to meet me in the infirmary. Tell him that the boy has returned. Alone.*

     With a nod, the second counselor rushes off towards the center of the village.

     Watching his friend hurry away on his errand, Elder Gamond removes his robe of office and gently lays it over the still inert form resting on the ground. He looks around and recognizes to people in the area and waves them over to him.

*Yes, Elder Gamond.*says the first.

*Yes, Elder Gamond?* responds the second.

*Bray, Tersal, I need the two of you to bring this Rouche up to the infirmary. He is unconscious and I cannot determine the extent of his injuries so be gentle. I will be behind you shortly. Understand?*

In unison they answer, * Yes, Elder Gamond.*

     As the two villagers carry away their charge, Elder Gamond looks around at the scene and beholds the worrisome and unexplainable details of the boys arrival.

*Too many questions. Not enough answers.* Gamond says to himself. *I just hope he’s alright.*