Elyusian felt like she had walked for hours in the tunnel, and wondered when she would get to the end. Suddenly, in the distance, she saw a large door handle glinting softly in the dim light on a large wooden door. With a renewed sense of enthusiasm, she rushed to it, grabbing the handle and twisting it to push the massive door. As it creaked open, she was surprised to find that it was still night. Minimal moonlight lit the path, Elyusian was glad that the amulet shone brightly around her neck, illuminating the way forward.

The stars twinkled and glistened above her as she climbed out into a pasture of long grass, it tickled her arms and made them itch slightly. Looking back towards her village she saw flames still rising in the distance and her heart broke. The village was burning to the ground, the place she had once called home was destroyed. A part of her heart died with it and she clutched her chest at the thought of never seeing her home again.

Elyusian looked up at the sky and closed her eyes, whispering a silent prayer to the Elf god Rukui for her father and the Princess. She hoped that they had made it out alive and were on their way to meet her.

A cold wind blew causing the grass to wave like a sea in front of her. Elyusian tightened her shawl around her as she shivered.

Leaving the sight of the burning village behind, she moved quickly through the pasture to what she knew was the north. She looked up to find the north star, it twinkled and pointed the way to where she needed to go.

She clasped the amulet to her chest, another shiver ran up her spine as she ran through the long grass, lifting her feet as she went, she tried not to get tangled within the long strands.

As she ran she thought about what Ashalan had entrusted her to do, the amulet was very precious, she sensed it’s power as it flapped against her bare skin. Sir Monterey was the leader of the Knights Guard, also known as the Knights Of Haaden, were something of legend. Each one was picked by the King, or so legend went. She wasn't even sure if they actually existed, the identity of the knights themselves were secret and no one she knew had ever seen Sir Monterey himself. She had been told stories of their bravery and adventures over many a campfire and now she had to find them. They were picked for their bravery and courage but most of all they were true of heart and loyal.

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The amulet started to flicker wildly and she looked up to see something silhouetted against the moonlight. A dragon! It looked like it was searching for something, Elyusian had a sinking feeling it would be searching for her and the amulet.

She quickly dove to the ground, hiding in the bases of the grasses. Looking for a means of escape from the open pasture, Elyusian could vaguely make out what looked like a dark outline of trees in the distance.

Keeping low to the ground, she began to crawl along the earth, slowly and carefully. Elyusian stopped and put the amulet down inside her tunic, which had come out while she was running, so that it wouldn't drag and get caught in the grass and scrape along the ground. Feeling the warmth of it against her skin, she pressed on hoping that the dragon hadn't seen her.

She heard a whooshing sound overhead and she quickly flattened herself to the ground, hugging the earth beneath her. Her breathing and heart rate accelerated as she could hear flapping above her. Tentatively looking up, Elyusian could see the dragon hovering and looking from side to side, it’s eyes dark and it’s mouth open emoting a growling sound from deep within.

Elyusian remained very still, holding her breath. She felt the wind gusts from it's gigantic wings tickle the fine hairs on her arms. It was so close, she heard it roar and the gusts got stronger as it lifted itself into the air. Watching as it rose and disappeared into the clear starry sky, she rolled onto her back and breathed again, gasping and inhaling long breaths.

When she was certain that the dragon had completely gone, she leapt to her feet and ran as fast as she could to the forest. Her muscles burning with the effort, she dove into the bushes and the shelter of the large trees. The gentle moonlight helped guide her way, once she was in the forest all light disappeared into complete darkness.

Haunting moans and growls came from within the depths of the forest, making the hairs on her arms stand on end and goosebumps appear on her skin. She would need to wait until morning before she could venture on safely. Grabbing her knife from her belt, she held it in her hand and lay down at the base of a large tree.

She curled up into a ball covered herself with twigs and leaves and fell into a light sleep.