Warmed by the midday sun, Mira paused in her herb gathering. Resting her basket beside her feet, she straightened and stretched her arms out as if loosening her back. The birdsong had ceased. In fact, there was very little movement in the small clearing and the surrounding forest, besides Issa who continued hunting for herbs.

‘Something is out there.’ Mira heard a very faint rustling as the wind shifted in a new direction, bringing with it a sour tang of sweat and sulfur.

“Issa,” Mira called to her assistant softly. Even so the girl stopped and immediately Mira her full attention. She saw her mentor make a pattern in the air with one hand while grabbing her knife with the the other.

“Yes Mistress?” Mira’s spell shot towards Issa, engulfing her in a golden light. At the same time a chorus of howls shook the trees.

“Run!”

…

Andrew was leaning against the wall as he chatted with the guards watching the west gate of the village when a lone figure hurtled out of the forest. The guards raised their spears and Andrew knew the ones on top of the wall would be readying their arrows.

Andrew blocked the afternoon sun with his hand, but still had to squint before he could identify the sprinter.

“That’s little Issa!” The guards eased back their spears at his exclamation although they remained at the ready for any sign of danger. Andrew pushed past them and rushed to Issa catching as she tripped over a loose stone.

…

With the aid of Mira’s spell, Issa had practically flown as she raced backed to the village. The trees whipped her as she passed, but she dared not stop until she found herself in Andrew’s arms.

He had carried her through the gate yelling for water and set her against the shaded interior wall. He held the cup against her lips, her hands would have spilt the water as her body shook off the effects of Mira’s spell. Only after she drank a second cup did she feel steady enough to speak.

“They took her.” Issa’s throat felt raw, the words barely reaching past her lips. Squeezing her hand Andrew leaned in to hear her better. She squeezed back and tried again. “They took Mistress Mira.”

“Who took Mira?”

“You must hurry.” Issa closed her eyes. Andrew shook her, forcing her to focus on him.

“Little Issa, who took Mira?” He asked again.

“…the demon bred hounds took her. They will take her their master.” She could not hold her eyes open any longer. Before darkness completely claimed her, she said, “The cursed priest of the demon Fierest.”

…