"Ow..." I wince as I roll onto my back.

Was that some sort of fevered nightmare?

Well, it certainly felt real. No matter.

I struggle to my feet, my head spinning as I try to recall all that has occurred in such a such a short space of time. I could have been trapped with Chaos for hours, days or even mere minutes. A generous helping of mud is plastered to the hem of my cloak, and my valiant attempts to flick it off prove futile. And I'm soaking wet. Even better. It seems as though I've run a marathon, when all I've done is fight off Chaos.

Just another under-appreciated, silent sentinel of this plane. But someone has to do it. Why not me?

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Whilst I'm ruminating about the deplorable state of events that has brought me to this point, I don't realise where I am until I trip over a log.

And then I look down.

It's a boar. An arrow is embedded in its skull. Who did this?

And the fletching isn't one I recognise. All I can suddenly hear is my rapid heartbeat pulsating in my ears.

Someone else has been this way. And recently.

And if so, where are they now?

I've barely taken thirty paces down the rugged path, when I suddenly emerge into a sheltered glen. A thin veil of mist cloaks the entiee scene, giving it an almost ethereal air.

That's when I spot the boy.

He doesn't look up from what he's doing, but as I move closer, he looks up.

"Who are you?" He asks, the slightest hint of hesitation in his tone.

"Ariana. And you are?"

He says something, but I don't hear him.

I have found a potential new friend. A new ally in my fight against the Council.

I am not a rebel. But maybe I am.

"You're not a rebel, are you?"

And those are the words which bring my defeat.