I walked along the cool concrete barefooted, admiring the rising sun. The grass was green, the flowers were blooming, and all was right...on this side of the world. I pivoted and glanced at the other side of the world. Lystrom, where thieves and murderers lie in wait. Waiting for the bridge to fall, so that they may conquer what they believe is rightfully theirs. I shuddered at the thought.

A distant voice called out, "Raven? Raven, where are you?"

I rushed back to my position on the bridge. Ranger Lupi strode toward me.

"Raven, you can't just run off like that," Ranger Lupi scolded.

"Sorry," I answered regretfully. But at that moment, I had seen movement on the bridge. My shoulders tensed, and I raised my bow. Ranger Lupi turned as well, bow at the ready.

One minute passed. Then another. Then, pounce! The creature had jumped on one of the Rangers and his body fell, limp, to the ground. The creature turned to us, and I shot madly. One after another after another. The creature bent low and tried to jump to the other side of the bridge, but Ranger Lupi unsheathed his daggers and charged the beast head on.

I watched the scene unfold as Ranger Lupi stabbed and blocked, mainly going on the defensive. I couldn't shoot for fear of hitting Ranger Lupi, so I stood there, bow nocked, ready if Ranger Lupi should fall.

And fall he did. Seconds later, he fell off of the bridge, straight into Lystrom. His screams still fresh in my mind, I became enraged at this--this...what was it? It had a four huge paws, feathery wings, a long furry tail, but his head had a beak and was reptilian in style. He was a beautiful blood-red, with white spots dotting his whole body. He was armored from his head to his bushy tail, so it was nearly impossible to damage the beast. But every armor has its weakness.

The beast jumped, and I immediately crouched low, looking up at the stomach. No weakness there. He fell to the ground, and turned, panting. I smiled at him, daring him to come closer. He did, and a small sliver of skin was exposed as he taunted me. I aimed, took a deep breath, and let it fly. The damage it did to him was incredible.

He ran off, yipping. I smiled, but then turned back to where Ranger Lupi had fallen.

"Goodbye, Father. Give my best to Mother for me, will you?" I said solemnly. A random tear dropped from my blurry eyes. Out here when one of members die, no ceremony is held. No funeral is held. We have "better things to do", apparently. I sighed, putting away my thoughts.

I walked with my head held low past many Rangers whispering questions and gossip.

"Landon," I whispered quietly. Landon, the second in command and my best friend, always is there for me when times are tough. He listens, unlike other people.

Landon's voice trickled down my ear. "Yes, milady?" he teased.

I turned around and pushed him. His dark black hair bounced on his shoulders as I helped him back up. His green eyes sought mine and I gave him my most pleading whimper. He sighed, then turned around to the other Rangers.

"If you will excuse me," he said, nodding. The rest of the Rangers cleared a path as we walked to his tent.

We reached the tent, and he pushed open the flap. I flopped down on his bed and sighed.

"What is it?" Landon asked me, sitting tenderly on the bed.

"Well, there was this animal that attacked the bridge, and only Ranger Lupi and I were guarding. The animal had armor everywhere, but there was a crack in his armor. I spotted it, but I was too late. Ranger Lupi, he--" my voice faltered.

"Fell off the bridge into Lystrom?" Landon finished, shaking his head sadly. I nodded, and tears blurred my vision.

"Rav, many Rangers go that way. Just continue with your job, and maybe later we will throw a ceremony. Just the two of us," Landon replied. I sighed, and wiped the tears from my eyes. I got up and almost left the tent, until a hand tugged me back to the bed.

Soft, warm arms embraced me, and I sniffed loudly.

"Sshh, you'll be OK," Landon assured.

I nodded, and pulled away from his embrace. I left the tent solemnly. I returned back to my post, and held my bow loosely in my hand. A sound.

I tensed and nocked an arrow, ready for action. A paw swiped the air, and I shot it. Whimpering noises could be heard from down below. I smiled, satisfied.

But, then, a paw reached out and snatched my clothes before I could react. I was dragged down, past the gleaming bridge, down into the land of Lystrom.

Down into the Land of No Return.
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A/N
Hey, guys, just wanted to say: thanks for picking this book up and giving it a try.