Cold water splashed against his ankle, as he raced down the rough stone stairs. The dim glows of the torches lining the walls were the only light in the long spiralling path, and tears rolled down his cheeks as he clutched his chest in pain. His staggered breath left a trail of white smoke lagging behind.

Suddenly the boy let out a cry, and tumbled down the stairs case landing at its base with a loud thud. An arrow impaled his leg from behind; he looked up, his head still spinning from the fall-

And found himself in a cold stone dungeon.

A line of iron bars were set across the middle of the room, creating a crude prison cell. There was no one else inside.

A loud thump came from behind him, and he whisked his head around to face the entrance. In front of him lay three soldiers with their swords drawn.

Of the three, one stood apart from the others, emanating the aura of one in charge, and spoke in a foreign tongue. He examined the boy, and smirked, his eyes narrow with anticipation. Shivering, the boy stared back with an indignant expression. The soldier pointed his sword, holding the edge on the child’s throat.

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The boy did not waver.

He closed his eyes, bracing himself for the pain, hoping for a quick release from the dread quickly growing in his mind.

And waited.

The pain never arrived. He pried open his eyes, and drew a deep breath.

The men were gone. Perplexed, he scanned is surroundings.

Behind the previously empty bars, was a small figure, wrapped in a white rags. Curious, the boy stared at the figure, and cautiously began to approach. Dragging his injured leg behind him, he pulled himself closer until blood began to flow from the tips of his fingers. He rested his head against the bars, and continued to watch.

The rags began to unravel, revealing two large wings lined with white feathers.

The figure stood, and glided towards the small boy, its footsteps silent.

It stopped in front of him, a soft mysterious aura enveloping it from head to toe.

The boy looked into the eyes of the fascinating creature, and saw his own reflection gleam upon its own.

The creature smiled, its exquisite appearance blinding the eyes of the ignorant child.

“Do you want to live?”