Misham's Call

 Hello friends! So, I recently went through a class on the Book of Ephesians. For a creative assignment, I decided to try my hand at story writing and write a fantasy story with themes from Ephesians woven in. I hope you enjoy it!

Hope woke up with a start, fear gripped her heart as she tried to think in her sleepy state. Was it just another dream, or had the Vancar won and were coming to destroy them? This was the fear that all the people from Williana lived in during the long and bitter war. Every conversation and every event was burdened with the weight of fear and hate. Hope rubbed the sleep from her eyes and relaxed, everything was quiet, it was just another dream. As she tried to drift back to sleep, she whispered to the dark “will it ever end?”

Yelling, screaming, bells clanging. Hope ran out of her tent. She was only eighteen and already put on the battlefield. She quickly tried to tie back her long unruly purple hair as she hurried to get ready with the others. This is what it was like to be Willianian, fight until you die, or finish your commission and get to go home to have families so your kids can do the same. Both Hope’s parents were legends and she hoped to live up to the expectations surrounding that. The war had been going on for centuries and neither side was able to keep an upper hand for long. There had been seasons of truces, but who could trust Vancar to honour them? They just wanted to kill and destroy everything good and beautiful.

“Are you ready to go?” Hope’s friend Reita asked as Hope jumped onto her horse.

"Yup, are you?" Hope responded looking deeply into Reita's eyes. This was what they had been trained for since they were born, but now was the moment when they would either make their parents proud or be destroyed.

“What other choice do I have? We have to end this!” Reita was always so confident and sure of herself. They had dreamed of being the ones to bring their people to victory since they were little and now was the opportunity. But despite their bravery, Hope could see the same doubt and concern in her friend’s eyes that she felt in her own heart. Could there ever be an end to this war?

 

Drake worked to clean Hope’s wounds and bandage up her arm.

“Well, that was a pretty reckless move!” Drake said as he bandaged her for the 10^th time that month. She had been fighting for nearly a year her original overconfidence was failing.

“I have to do something!” Hope grumbled as she painfully stood up and tried to walk around. “Shouldn’t we be trying something different?! We aren’t getting anywhere!”

Drake sighed. The continual fight was primarily Catapults and trebuchets firing back and forth with small skirmishes here and there. “We’ve talked about this, if we could just go up and defeat them, we would! But there is no telling what’s behind their catapults even if we could somehow make it.”

“I know, I know! It’s just so frustrating!” Hope almost yelled.

"Go, rest up. They want you for a stealth assignment later. For that you'll need to use your limbs." Drake said with a hint of a smile before turning to his next patient.

Hope made her way slowly to her tent. She had gotten too restless in the main catapult fire and so was relegated to endless stealth missions that kept her busy but barely ever resulted in anything.

“What did you do to yourself this time?” Reita’s teasing voice asked as Hope stepped into the tent.

"I waged war against a bear, I'm sure it was from the Valcar's side," Hope responded sarcastically.

“When are you going to learn to relax and just fight like a normal person?” Reita gently prodded “The idea that we could single-handedly win this war was a foolish children's dream. Right now, we just need to keep the Valcar at bay. That is what King Abigor said when he visited the troops yesterday.”

“I know… I just can’t help but feel like there is something more! This can’t be what the rest of my life looks like!” Hope responded, but the fight was leaving her. She knew Reita was right, it was time to give up her foolish dreams and keep going.

"What did you think of the king's warning about a strange band of people moving through the forest?" Reita said changing the subject. "Do you think the rumors of them causing disappearances are true?"

“We are in the middle of a war Reita, of course weird things will happen. It doesn’t mean we have to panic about it. It is ridiculous as to how wild the rumors have gotten!”

“I know, I just find it interesting. What if there are some sort of ghost people out there.” Reita said in a dramatic voice while waving her hands about. Hope smiled. She was grateful to have a friend that understood her and made her otherwise dreary existence amusing.

“Come on, let's go get some food," Hope said with a chuckle.

“Ouch!” Hope cried at another thorn sticking into her as she snuck through the forest. This most recent stealth mission was the worst one by far. They had sent her to spy on this mystery group that she was pretty sure was just a myth. Her charge was to either take them down or bring information back to the camp. She had been out there for three days and found nothing, as was per usual in her stealth missions. She still had a few days before going back so she might as well make the most of it and do her best. At least she wasn’t loading endless rocks into catapults and running for cover for days on end! As Hope continued in her slow crawl and grumbling, she heard the sound of a waterfall. "Finally!" She whispered. "Some freshwater!" Quickly she made her way to the sound, careful not to make too much noise, but eager to get the water. Just as she was about to break from her cover in the bushes and jump into the beautiful stream, she heard something that made her heart stop in her throat. Was that a voice she just heard? After a year of pointless missions, the idea that she could actually be successful and find someone was both exciting and terrifying! “Just breath, you don’t know what you heard, so just go forward, you’ve been trained for this.” Hope barely whispered to herself as she started inching forward to try to see through the heavy underbrush. As she made her way closer through the bush, she was able to hear the continuous sound of people talking. Feeling very unprepared and alarmed Hope peaked through the last layer of bush to see a calm clearing with a majestic waterfall pouring into a flowing river. Gathered on the bank was a group of people talking and laughing amongst themselves. Their dress was unlike any Hope had seen before. It did not match the attire of her own people or that of what she had been shown of the Valcarians. But what alarmed her the most was not only that she recognized people with deep blue hair that could only belong to Valcars, but also people with the purple hair of the Willianians. A million thoughts flooded her mind as she tried to grapple with the implications of what she was seeing. Were the Valcarians changing their hair to disguise themselves to do a sneak attack? Was this the dangerous group she had heard about? Was the whole war a trick? With countless questions and fears fighting for control of her mind, Hope looked for a way to get closer. Looking to the right she saw that her current grouping of bushes stretched far and made their way closer to the mysterious group. Hope inched right, making her every move in complete silence and care. It took what felt like days but finally, she was able to pick up what the strange group was saying.

“How is Valerie doing?” The sound of a male Valcarian accented voice reached Hope’s ready ears.

“She’s doing well, it’s a hard transition for her, but she loves our king and would do anything for him.” Another male Vlacarian replied.

“To live free from the endless wars of our old kingdoms and fight for a true and just king is indeed a great gift! But much must be sacrificed and given up, I am so proud of her!” A Wilianan woman answered the men.

“For the King!” A Wilianian Man yelled.

“For the King!” A loud chorus of people responded. Hope could not be exactly sure, but it sounded as though with that last declaration they were moving from their spot. Hope continued moving forward, but could only hear the sound of the rushing water and the chirping of birds. Finally, she reached the spot where the strange group had stood and peaked through the bushes. Nothing. The clearing was empty. Hope carefully stepped out of her hiding place and looked around. There were a few footprints on the bank of the river, but other than that not a trace was to be found. Puzzled and greatly concerned, Hope turned and started the long journey back to tell command central.

“You’re early.” Commander Amos commented as Hope burst into the command centers tent. “Did you injure yourself again?”

"No!" Hope gasped for air ignoring the blood trickling down her arms from her hurried race through the woods. "I saw them! I saw the phantom group we've heard rumors about!"

Amos froze from his work when he heard Hope’s report and slowly looked up with darkened eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Yes!” There were many people, both Valcarian and Wilianian wearing different uniforms, the kind I have never seen before!”

“Did you hear any of what they were saying? Did they see you?” Amos stood as he asked his questions with growing intensity.

“No… I mean no they didn't see me, but yes I heard a little bit of what they were saying."

“What did they say?”

Hope retold what she had all heard causing a deep furrow on the commander’s face. He paced back and forth. “This is very troubling! We have enough to worry about in our fight against the Valcar, we don’t need a new threat!

“What will we do?” Hope asked as fear gripped her heart.

“You’ve done well, go rest and recover, we make need to send you out again shortly.”

Hope nodded and left the tent not sure what to think or to feel.

"Hope," Amos called as she had started walking away. "Don't tell anyone about what you found. This is a very serious matter!"

Hope responded in the affirmative to what Amos had commanded of her and walked slowly to her tent. She fell into bed the moment she arrived and despite the myriad of questions pounding her brain, she fell asleep almost instantaneously.

Hope ran through the forest. Something was chasing her. Something sinister. “Help!!!” She cried as the snarls and growls sounded louder and louder behind her. Suddenly a man stood before her with neither blue nor purple hair, but a deep brown that almost glowed. Hope nearly fell into him as she tried to avoid a collision. She tripped and went headlong into the dirt screaming as she felt the breath of the monsters at her heels. But before the creatures had a chance to attack, a deep rich voice unlike any she had heard ordered them away. Hope looked up confused and saw a hand reaching down to help her up.

“Who are you? Why am I still alive?” Hope asked the stranger.

"That is a good question, Hope.” The stranger responded. “I have one for you as well. Are you tired are fighting for a king that only fights for himself?”

“What?” Hope responded.

“I have so much more for you Hope! Come find me!”

“But you are right here?”

It had been a week since she returned from her mission and had the strange dream. Now she was embarking again to find out more about these strange ghosts. Amos had charged her very seriously to stay back and by no means talk to them! They were to be considered extremely dangerous, even king Abigor had told Amos to be very cautious in regards to them.

Hope journeyed forwards. She had told no one of her strange dream, that still played vividly in her mind with each passing day. What did it mean? Who was that strange man? So many things perplexed her. But what she did know was that she had finally been entrusted to an important and secret mission. Finally, something was happening!

Unfortunately, as Hope celebrated the honour of being asked for such a quest while avoiding the lingering questions and doubts in her mind, she stumbled over a rock and fell. The sound of the snapping twigs and cries of alarm brought some unwanted attention from the wildlife inhabiting the forest. She heard the sound of a snarl and suddenly felt like she was right back in her dream, only this time it was real. Hope ran for her life, trying to unsheathe her sword so she could defend herself from the beast. The snarls and growls came closer, so she turned around with the sword in front of her to slay the beast. But when Hope came around, she saw not one but two wolves coming right at her. She ducked with the sword pointed up as the first one pounced. The sword hit its mark and the heavy wolf crumpled on top of her. The wight of the wolf landed primarily on her sword arm causing her to cry in pain. Hope tried desperately to recover and throw the beast off so she could prepare for the other wolve’s attack but to no avail. She heard the heaving breathing of the second wolf and its deep low growl, this was the end. The wolf barked and she felt searing pain in her leg and screamed. Suddenly she heard a yell and the wolf relinquished its grip with a yelp. Hope tried to wrap her head around what was happening, but the pain and loss of blood took her into unconsciousness.

When Hope woke up, she found herself in a strange place. She looked up and felt as though she must be in a tree. It was beautifully lit with gentle lights all around the inside of the giant tree trunk.

“Hello” she rasped, trying to make her brain work. She tried to move to get up but was hit with a huge wave of pain.

“Be careful! You are still very injured.” A gentle voice admonished from behind her. Fear gripped Hope’s heart as she recognized the accent to be Valcarian. Her mind raced with possibilities and options. She had to get out of there. With her left arm, she reached for something to grab and located a book. With all the energy and adrenaline she had left in her body she flung it towards the voice and leaped out of bed. Bad idea. Excruciating pain from her leg crippled her and brought her to the ground. Unconsciousness once again claimed her.

When Hope’s eyes opened once again, she was back on the bed she was previously but with multiple faces looking over her. With the fear still ready and waiting Hope jerked again to escape. But this time she felt herself being held down, she tried to fight it, but the pain was too much.

“It’s okay, it’s okay!” A gentle voice assured her as he held her arm down. “We don’t want to hurt you!”

Hope’s eyes focused and she saw the familiar purple hair of her people and relaxed as she recognized his accent.

“What’s going on?” She said weakly.

“We found you being attacked by wolves.” A male Valcarian answered.

“What?!” Hope jerked back.

“It’s okay.” Soothed the Wilianian who had spoken earlier. “ Johnson is a good and loyal friend of mine.”

“But... but… but he’s Valcarian!” Hope sputtered.

“Not anymore.” The Wilianian stated with a smile. “We are not Wilianian or Valcarian. We are the Mithil and live under the rule of Misham.”

“What?” Hope felt so confused! But then she noticed their different dress and remembered her mission. This was the dangerous group she had been sent to spy on but not talk to. She froze not knowing how to take things in or what to do.

“I can see that this is a lot. We should let you rest. I am Rielle, you already met Johnson and his wife, who spoke to you earlier, is Vilma. We are in their home.”

Hope felt dizzy. She tried to nod to be polite but had a hard time taking anything in. It was all wrong! What was she to do?!

Rielle smiled at her and said “I know this must be confusing for you. Your injuries are severe and you have lost a lot of blood. I need you to relax and stay here so your body can heal. Can you do that?”

“I… I don’t know…” Hope whispered.

“Okay, well try your best. We may have to use restraints, so you don’t harm yourself, but you are safe I promise!”

Hope tried to protest but she had used up too much energy and could feel herself fading, and once again was powerless to stop it.

For what felt like an eternity Hope went in and out of consciousness. Not knowing how much was dream and how much was reality, she would hear voices and singing from time to time and was aware of many people coming and going around her. She had no energy to speak or even open her eyes. She was only in the present experiencing everything in a fog with no thought or care to the happenings around her.

Finally, the cloud lifted and she became aware of herself and her surroundings again. Hope heard the faint voices of people talking, but couldn’t distinguish what they were saying. She tried to move her arm but felt immediate resistance and pain. She took a deep breath and slowly worked up the energy to open her eyes. She saw that she was still inside a tree, but this time there was sunlight streaming in. She slowly turned her head and saw the Valcarian couple she had met when she had first awoken.

“Your awake!” Vilma exclaimed and came over to her. “We were so worried for you! Here, let me grab you some water.”

Hope tried to resist fearing some trick or trap, but Vilma expertly dropped the water into her mouth. Hope coughed but still swallowed despite herself.

“There you go! That will help make you feel better!” Then turning to her husband she said, “you should call for the others, they will be happy to know she is awake.”

“I don’t understand…” Hope coughed, “why are you helping me? I am Wilianian.”

Vilma smiled softly. “There was a time when that would have bothered me greatly and I would have killed you myself. But I am no longer tied to the rules of the Valcarians. I am a Mithil and we live under a different way. The way of the King!”

“Which king?” Hope asked confused.

“The King! The great and true King who means to bring life to all people whether Valcarian or Wilianian. He is Misham - the Saving King.”

“Is he Valcaian or Wilianian?” Hope responded, trying to wrap her head around her enemy’s words.

Vilma laughed. "He is neither and both." Seeing Hope's confused face Vilma continued. "He is the true king of all people. He does not hold to one or the other, but He is Lord of both."

“Where is He?”

“On His throne and here.” Vilma smiled opening up her hand to reveal a ring that glowed and sparkled.”

“I just… This doesn’t make sense.”

“I know what you mean!” Laughed Vilma and then she gently said as she looked lovingly at her ring, “Misham changed everything. He said he would bring peace, but I never expected he would do so like this. Living in a new kingdom and learning to not only live with but actually care for my enemies? Only Misham could accomplish such a thing!” Vilma looked deeply into Hope’s eyes and Hope could see so much genuine love and concern, Vilma was being completely honest. But how could this be? Valcarians were a terrible people that had attacked them and tried to enslave all the Wilianians! They were the ones who started this war, they did not deserve peace! But who was this King Misham? How was he in a ring?

“Greetings Vilma, how is our patient doing?” Rielle asked as he entered the Valcarian dwelling.

"She is alert and asking questions, so I would say fairly well," Vilma responded, walking to greet Rielle and Johnson.

“Well, this is very good news! We pleaded for your life with Misham for days asking that you may be spared. And look, He has heard our cries, for here you are!” Rielle said as he walked up to where Hope lay. “How are you feeling friend?”

Hope felt so confused and disoriented to the words that they used. Pleaded with Misham? What was a king able to do about her health? "I am alright." She managed not sure exactly how to express her huge range of emotions.

"I know this must be very confusing and stressful for you," Rielle said calmly as he undid the straps around her arms that had prevented her from causing further injury to herself. “What is your name?”

“Hope.”

“Well Hope, welcome to the home of the Mithil!” Rielle helped Hope to a sitting position. Hope felt instantly dizzy but was still able to take in the beautiful home she was in. She was indeed inside a tree, but while very humble in furnishings, it was clean and tidy. Looking up she saw a window in which she could see through to children playing outside and people of different sides visiting and laughing.

Hope said little over the weeks of healing that slowly granted her the ability to walk around without too much pain in her leg. Thankfully the wolf had not been given enough time to completely destroy her leg but had still done enough to cause a long and painful journey to restoration. For the most part, Hope tried to be polite to her hosts even though they were her enemies. She was ever aware of the report she would need to give back and so kept her eyes and ears peeled to learn more of this strange collection of people. When she was finally strong enough to go out and walk through the forest she saw many families and individuals of all kinds living in trees similar to her host’s. They seemed so peaceful and joy-filled. But why? Hope had never experienced such a thing. Each Mithil wore a variety of bright colours unlike the dark uniforms worn by their former allegiances, and each one carried a ring that was somehow where their king was and wasn’t? Any explanations of this belief and phenomenon were difficult to make any sense of. But the strangest thing of all was how kind and caring they were to each other. Each person, whether previously Valcarian or Wilianian, helped the other out and invited the other over and laughed together. This was just wrong! Didn’t they know of the evils that the Valcarian’s had wrought?! But no one seemed concerned. She had witnessed some tensions and arguments, but most of those situations were defused and worked through and never exploded into anything violent.

“Well, what do you think?” Rielle said as he came up to Hope’s usual sitting place overlooking most of the homes belonging to the Mithil. Rielle had tried to look out for her and make her feel safe, but he seemed to be one of the leaders and was kept pretty busy.

“What do I think about what?” Hope responded slowly.

“You have been here for over two months, if you count the time where you were unconscious. What do you think of this place?”

"It would be beautiful if not marred by the evil that infests it," Hope said matter of factly.

Rielle was quiet for a moment before saying, “it’s hard to let go of the hatred, isn't it? You were rescued and brought to health by one that was Valcarian, yet you still resent them.”

“They are Valcarian." Hope said as if that was more than reason enough for her feelings.

“I understand. I felt the same as you. I fought long and hard in the war against the Valcarians. But I gained nothing from the endless fighting. When I had finished my commission and was to be sent back to live out a normal life, I ran. If I couldn't destroy the Valcarians what could I do? I ran into the forest and that is where I met Misham.” Rielle looked long into the distance replaying that profound moment. Finally, he said with deep emotion, “I knew when I looked into his eyes that there was no one I would rather follow. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for him, even joining with the enemy.”

Hope remained silent trying to process Rielle’s words. Her entire reality felt to be leaning on the edge of a cliff. But no. This was not right! This must be why she was told not to talk to them. They used their strange magic to try to trick her. She knew what was right! She was going to fight until every Valcarian was destroyed! But as the fervor and determination grabbed her heart the images of Vilma and Johnson who selflessly cared for her flashed in her mind. She looked down trying to get them out of her head but saw joyful Valcarian children playing with Wilianians and laughing without a care in the world. “You would destroy them?” A voice that was not her own whispered in her mind. Hope grabbed her head to block out the confusion and noise.

“Are you alright?” Rielle asked.

“I’m fine. But I think it’s time I headed home.” Hope responded abruptly.

Rielle nodded slowly, "if that is what you want. But know that you would be more than welcome to join us."

“Which way do I go?” Hope responded choosing to look into the forest rather than at Rielle.

“I will guide you back," Rielle stated and then stood up. “It was nice to have you with us Hope. We will miss you.”

The journey back was a slow one, as Hope was still not fully healed and so needed a lot of breaks. Rielle was not bothered in the least by this. Never before had Hope seen someone with so much joy about everything! Rielle gave Hope space for the most part, but Hope could see so much light in his eyes as he took in the beauty of their surroundings.

“Isn’t it wonderful.” Rielle sighed.

“What is?” Hope grumbled.

“Just everything. Misham did such a beautiful job of creating this, I love it so much!”

Hope rolled her eyes. Everything was about Misham. Somehow some king was able to do so much without actually having to be there. It was ridiculous!

“What is this Misham like?” Hope asked trying to be nice but with no real interest.

Rielle could see Hope’s annoyance but answered anyway. “He is like a bright light with dark hair that shines of majesty. When you look into his eyes all you want to do is follow him. And when he speaks it’s like the whole world shakes! He is like no other…”

Suddenly flashes of a long-forgotten dream popped into Hope’s brain as Rielle spoke. The image of a strange man that rescued her from monsters and invited her to come and find him. Hope tried desperately to shrug off the memory telling herself it was just a dream. But the images of that vivid dream still played in her heart and mind.

When they finally reached the edge of the forest Rielle smiled and gave her a handshake. He invited her to come back for a visit before leaving to start the trek home to the strange land. Hope stumbled to the healing tent feeling relieved at finally making it home, but apprehensive as to what that would all mean. What would she tell the Commander?

“Hope?!? Is that you?” Drake called in disbelief when she fell into the tent. Her body was so tired and everything in her ached.

“Yes. It’s me.” She breathed.

"Hope where have you been? What happened?! There have been search parties for you!" Drake continued as he helped her up and started to examine her wounds. There had been search parties? They never searched for anyone who went missing before… They just assumed they were done for. Why had they searched for her?

“Where is our wounded spy got to?” King Abigor said as he entered the healing tent.

“Your majesty!” Hope exclaimed in shock as she tried to kneel ignoring the pain and Drake’s admonishments.

“Don’t worry child. It’s alright, just sit back and relax. I am just worried for you and want to make sure you are all right. What happened to you out there?” Abigor’s friendly tone was suddenly undermined by the narrowing of his eyes when he asked the question.

“I got attacked by a wolf…” Hope started but suddenly felt unsure of whether to tell king Abigor of her rescuers or not. She was not supposed to talk to them, but she had. Why was there so much interest in her and this people group who were off living their peaceful life in the forest when there was a war going on? “Are you tired are fighting for a king that only fights for himself?” The words from the stranger in her dream came back to her once again. What was going on?

“Hope? Are you still with us? I asked you what happened to you out there. Know that I will reward you for any information about this strange group you may have!” Abigor said interrupting her thoughts

“Why?” Hope asked without thinking. Derek looked at her in shock and sputtered trying to give some explanation for her response being affected by trauma and pain.  Abigor stared intensely at her, looking like he might smite her at any moment. But then just as suddenly as the question was asked Abigor laughed.

“So much boldness for one so young! I am very impressed. But to answer your question I have reason to believe that this group is of great danger to this war and wishes to destroy our way of living.” Abigor again ended in anger after starting in such a friendly tone. “What happened to you Hope? Did you find anything out?”

"I… I… Was attacked by a wolf and was able to slay it but only after it had severely wounded me. After that, it is all a daze. Someone helped me but I am not sure who and then finally I was able to get home after much wandering. I think the unknown group were the ones that helped me, but I was not able to find anything out in my condition.” Hope was not sure why she lied, but something in her couldn’t betray the people who had cared for her. King Abigor looked deeply into her eyes trying to discern the truth, he then nodded and turned to walk away. “Heal up, we will need you as soon as you are well.”

“What was that?” Derek whispered when the king had left. “No one asks the king why!”

“I… I don’t know…” Hope muttered trying to understand it herself. Something had changed.

Hope had been back only for a few weeks but had become more and more restless as time got on. Her friends noticed this and became increasingly worried about her wellbeing. They would ask her what was wrong but she had no answer for them. The image of the strange man from her dreams calling to her and the memory of the peaceful people streamed endlessly in her mind. Could she be wrong? Could there be a better king out there that would bring peace even between peoples?

Reita suddenly burst into Hope’s tent. “Hope! The king wants to see you!”  Hope quickly jumped up and ran out to see a large group of people with king Abigor smiling at her.

“What is going on?” Hope asked.

"It is time," Abigor stated. "You are being promoted! You get to lead a charge into the forest to locate the evil band of men and decimate them! You will take fifty fighters with you to accomplish this."

"Hope! This is what you've always wanted!" Reita said ecstatically behind her. But in an instant Hope realized that this was no longer her dream. The images of Mithil flooded her mind and the thought of killing them was too terrible to accept. “I have so much more for you Hope! Come find me!” The words from her dream echoed in her mind once again and this time she knew. “I will find you Misham no matter what it takes," Hope responded in her mind. Nothing was going to stop her from this quest.

"Thank you, sir," Hope responded to Abigor. "May I quickly grab my armor. I feel silly being awarded such an honour without it." Abigor nodded and hope walked back to her tent forming a plan of escape. As soon as she entered safety, she hurriedly wrote Reita a note and hid it in her chest of clothes. She then took off all the army clothes she had worn since before she got here and put on the only outfit that her mother had given her which did not carry any markings from the Wilianians. She was going to join the Mithil even if it took a lifetime to find them again. Hope was so grateful for the covering of bushes behind her tent and stealthily made her way out of the camp. Just as she reached the entrance to the forest, she heard cries of alarm from behind her. Without looking back Hope bolted into the unknown. Not caring for the lingering ache in her leg she ran as she had never run before. I'm coming Misham!