As I continued to run, I braced myself for the impact. For fangs meeting flesh and bone. However, the hound rushed past me and increased its efforts, soon vanishing out of sight.

I was not its prey this time.

I quickly glanced right and saw between the trees a dirty yellow - a robe. Assembly was around. They must have released the hounds. What could be their reason? Assembly, by two exceptions, was compromised of human males, most of them older and kept their business to themselves. They passed laws and regulations and other announcements that all in Dror must conform. A name for a town I found ironic as most born here are like sparrows trapped in cages.

Now the Assembly were out in the forest with hounds chasing something. Or someone? Maybe some poor soul had escaped from Carcer, our prison. But no one ever escaped from Carcer. And even if someone had managed to flee, I doubted Assembly would be out trying to catch the prisoner. They had better things to do then to find runaway convicts.

I kept running, following the barking and the racing footsteps. Realizing that my path was taking me dangerously close to the Ruins.

The Ruins consisted of the remains of an ancient elven temple. Its energy still pulsating like a raw nerve always under pressure. It was surrounded by a barrier of vines and twisted trees, acting as a wall, circling the area like a noose. Even those without the gift of magic could sense the constant tremor of vibrant energy quivering in the air. The power a continual reminder of a past now long forgotten.

I neared the edge of this shattered place that we were all told to avoid as much as possible. My feet slowed down and then came to a full stop as I was close to where the Ruins began. My lungs are bursting, and my heart is pounding in my chest, not from merely running but being so close to a source of such spine-crushing energy. The force could be overwhelming for even the most powerful mage.

The barking had now ceased, as had the sound of footsteps hitting ground. As I looked around, I glimpsed hounds and Assembly members gazing into the depths of the Ruins. I could not see their faces, but I imagined them to be as surprised as mine. Even the vicious hounds never wanted to enter this place.

I let out a long breath. Then suddenly a small sound to the left.

A twig snapping.

I looked in the direction of the sound and realized in a stunning moment that someone was disappearing into the barricade around the perimeter of the Ruins. What was most shocking was that the only visible thing was a figure covered in a dirty yellow robe.

A member.

I gazed back towards the group consisting of members and hounds to see if any had noticed or caught sight of this. It appeared they had not. I turned again, but the figure was now gone. Had I merely imagined it? No living creature would enter that place. Not voluntarily at least.

When someone suddenly grabbed my arm, I nearly screamed. The hand kept me up as my legs almost gave out.

"Eliana? It is Eliana, isn't it?"

I turned around and looked up into the dull features of Odeo Reissig. He was a tall human, compact, fifty-five summers and a fast-rising member of Assembly.

"I'm Eliana" I uttered.

"What are you doing here?" he asked. His tone was not cross, merely questioning, but there was a suppressed hostility lurking in his eyes.

"I was in my tree before heading out to hunt. I heard a scream and saw the hounds. I saw humans in yellow robes, so I...ran." There was no reason not to share the truth.

Odeo nodded at this. "Did you see anything else?" he continued. "Other than the Assembly and the hounds?"

I looked at the spot where I had seen the yellow robe run into the Ruins. "I saw the Ruins." His fingers dug into my arm more tightly. "Is that all? Nothing else?"

I tried to remain calm. The image of the figure flashed through my mind. There had to be a reason why someone would enter that place willingly.

"Yes." 

His fingers released my arm, and he stepped back. I took him in fully. His yellow robe fitted well on his broad shoulders and thick arms.

"What were you chasing?" I asked while rubbing my arm. I could feel bruises forming already.

"It's Assembly business, Rabbit," he replied sharply. Malice is seeping through his voice. "Be on your way. It's not safe to be this close to the Ruins. Head back towards Dror. Now. It is for your own good."

He said no more, turned and walked off, leaving me breathless. Shaking. Without looking at the Ruins, I raced back towards the tree. If I had any hope of catching anything this morning, I would need my bow.

I scampered up the small boards and settle myself once more on the planks. My gaze lingered on the bow and arrows in the corner. It had been foolish of me to leave without them in the first place. Still, out of breath, I closed my eyes. My head filled with countless questions.