Prologue cont.
The fire spread quickly down Ruffian's left arm and across his chest. The front of his tunic and chain mail was slick with blood. It pumped out steadily with every heart beat.
"Oh God, save me," he moaned, "I can't die tonight." He staggered to the edge of the treeline and fell to the ground. He rolled onto his back and tried to slow his breathing and pulse. The trees towered above him, surrounding him. They swayed gently in the breeze. The fluid motion calmed him. He could hear Ethan calling for him, but he could no longer respond. Already, he saw the tiny pin pricks of light dance before his eyes. The trees gently faded from view.
The drummers and pipers played on in the distance. Silver threads of a melody floated faintly on the air. The tune took him back home, to a time when all was safe and well. Children laughed and squealed as they chased each other around the creamery at Sedgemoor. There was no smoke, and the sunlight felt warm and welcoming upon his face. He closed his eyes and savored it all.
The shouts and cries of battle faded from his consciousness; replaced by the soft sweet crooning of a tune. Ruffian felt a gentle hand stroking his brow. A strange sort of peace came as darkness finally overtook him. He swore he heard a voice calling his name from far away. For where your treasure is, there your heart is also.
The journey had begun... |
