Galraith: Prologue

It was a dark night. Only a sliver of a moon shown down through the tree branches onto the forest floor. It was nearly impossible to see the shadow that was slipping from tree to tree, working its way slowly towards the little shack. A faint flickering light shown out through the dirty windows. The shadow got closer every second, cautiously weaving in and out of the undergrowth, like a ghost, not making the slightest sound. Finally approaching the door of the shack it straightened to its full height and knocked two times, then paused, looking around it to make sure nothing could be watching, then knocked two more times. The door swung open immediately on silent hinges and the shadow disappeared inside and the door was shut behind it.

"Finally you have come!" A man whispered from the corner of the room.
"Yes, I ran into some trouble at the border." Said a melodic voice.
"You were careful not to lead anyone here?" The man asked with a nervous glance at the door.
"Yes everything is secure Professor."
"Good! Now have a seat, we were just about to begin!" The Stranger nodded and took a seat at the table, throwing back her hood to show long golden hair and keen blue eyes. She looked carefully over the whole company and finally her eyes rested on a tall man with a grim face and strong chin. She nodded to him and he began to speak.
"Thank you all for coming here today. I would have had food and refreshments prepared but it seems we are more pressed for time than we expected, so let us get right to it." Then he leaned forward across the table spreading out a large map that he pulled out from under his cloak.
"We already have Gibon and Weider position here and here." He said, pointing to two different areas on the map.
"As we do not know where our friend shall show up I think it would be best to cover all our options. I and a few others have chosen the four most likely places. With Gibon covering Dreshir, and Weider at TreeShade Crossing that leaves us with Widlanth and the Old Forest. I have brought you here tonight, because two of you must go each to one of these places. All of you here at this Council are among the most respected and important of your race, and I am calling on you now to aid me in this decision, for it is not lightly made." The man fell silent and watched the others closely. After a moment a middle-aged man with short, thick limbs and long black hair spoke.
"Not thet I dun't trust yer judgement m' Lord, but hew do ye knew to send paeple to thews places? Surely thes friend ye spek of could appear anywher."
"A wise question Windle," The tall Lord answered, "Professor, would you care to explain?" The Professor nodded.
"In the last age when Galraith was ruled by the Great Spirit there were four men who carried out his will. To these men he gave the knowledge of the lost magic--"
"We all know this! Have we not been told the story over and over as children? I thought we had to move quickly!" Interrupted a young man who sat impatiently tapping the toe of his boot against the table.
"Silence! Let the Professor speak." Said the tall man. The young man looked defiantly about him then angrily mumbled,
"Yes m' Lord." And the Professor continued.
"To these men he gave the lost magic, which no one had mastered for many ages, and he sent them to the four corners of Galraith to set up their domain. It is to two of these places that we have already sent brave Gibon and Weider, and we are to send two more to the other places. Though these great men's small kingdoms have long gone, most of the magic left in this world dwells in those places, so it is there our King and his counselors have chosen."
Windle nodded satisfied with the explanation. Everyone was silent for a moment, then in a low voice the King said,
"If we should wish for the next two chosen to leave under cover of dark, our decision must be made soon, and the ones going must know how to get there." Everyone glanced silently about, trying to figure out who they thought was best to send. After many minutes Windle stood.
"I shud like to elp ye m' Lord, I knew the wey to Widlanth, if ye wud give me the honor, I will take on thes journay."
"You must not take this on lightly Windle." Said the King. "It will be a long road, and even when you reach your destination you will have to wait there until you find who you are looking for or until someone sends for you. It is dangerous. And the trip back here will be even more dangerous than the trip there. A few days can mean a lot when there is so much at risk"
"I knew m' Lord, but I am willin to do it all the sem." Windle replied determinedly.
"Very well, you shall leave before dawn. Now, who shall go the the Old Forest." At the mention of the name the room fell silent once more and this time everyones eyes were downcast. The Old Forest was one of the most dangerous places in Galraith. It was where all the beasts of old lurked, even in the days of the Great Spirit few dared to go there. Finally a quiet voice spoke.
"I will go to the Old Forest. Long have my kin done nothing to aid in this war and it is time one of us stepped up to help." The King looked surprised into a set of keen blue eyes that looked steadfastly back at him.
"Are you sure of this my Lady?"
She nodded. His gaze faltered and he looked away to the Professor who also nodded to him.
"Then you will go to the Old Forest." The King stood and rolled his map up and placed it back into his cloak.
"My wife Mina has provisions for you both in the kitchen." Said the Professor to the two who were already beginning to prepare for their journeys.
Less than an hour later everyone was bidding farewell to the brave ones who were to leave on their quests, possibly never to return, but still unwavering as they faced the door. Carrying their provision bags on their backs they stood with the door open facing out into the darkness as the King said a few more words.
"You will find good strong horses waiting for you in Waverton, just speak to the owner of the Travelers Rest. Good luck to you both. May the Great Spirit grant that you get to your destinations safely." They both nodded and stepped out the door.
Before she could melt into the shadows again the King touched the lady gently on the shoulder.
"Are you sure you must do this? It is dangerous." He whispered.
"I know what must be done." She said.
"Then be careful." She nodded and without another word she slipped away into the darkness