Karyu

She stumbled through the thick, dark undergrowth, frantically trying to find light of some kind to follow. All around her was a dense, heavy blackness, velvety and smooth - but promising dangers she did not know. What was her name? The guardian did not remember. Only vague memories of a flickering green light and a comforting forest canopy remained from the days before.

***

Red eyes and leering maws. Plague and death and the stench of carrion and disease. She did not understand how she had ended up here, her voice choked in her throat as she tried to articulate a question. It was foul and terrible here, the reek of despair all around. As she tried to move her large body, she realised that her limbs had been bound by heavy chains and the panic swelled within her. Her breaths came in short bursts as she fought to control herself. There had to be an explanation for this, surely?

Then there was darkness.

Eyes as dead as winter watched her impassively as she came to. The guardian opened her mouth, but was forestalled by a husky, cold voice. "Do not ask questions. You have not been permitted to speak. Outrage fought with naked fear as she turned upon the speaker. Her dark hide shivered with open disgust as she saw the wildclaw, pink and scaleless like a hideous baby rat. There was overt relish in those eyes now, and a delight hovering over the creature's grinning mouth as she raised a pristine, rose claw to stroke the guardian's huge head. The prisoner shuddered again at the odour of old blood and offal under the talon.

"You are so strong," the abomination breathed "You will make a fine addition to our little group..."

"No, Nivalis."

Another presence had entered the dank, musty dungeon. The guardian strove to see the newcomer. Her eyes widened as a huge imperial strode into view. His voice was deep and calm, perhaps even a little sad. Eons of knowledge reverberated from its low boom and his dark blue eyes held countless years of wisdom.

The pink creature had swung around to face him, but her body language did not indicate fear. There was, however, a tiny change in the atmosphere as if an unspoken command had ordered her to defer to him.

"What business is it of yours?" Her voice rose in a crescendo of anger, but the guardian sensed the bravado masking the wildclaw's unease.

She was never yours to take, he spoke slowly, never once looking at the captive. "The Matriarch will never allow it."

A spiteful smile broke out on the pink face. "Oh what would you know about her desires?" she spat at him. "Do you think you hold any sway here still? That you are still deep in her counsels?" her laugh was high-pitched and mocking.

The imperial gazed for a long while at his opponent, saying nothing. Presently he nodded, and spoke, pleasantly enough. "You are right to fear mercy, Nivalis. For it may come to collect your remains some day. Nevertheless, this decision is not yours. It is mine, and so will both the blessing and the curse be."

He walked past Nivalis to the guardian and unchained her. "Go, little one. Your fate lies elsewhere." His eyes met hers and she saw the distant smile in them.

"Shantak," The voice behind them was sickly sweet now. "What if she should die out there? Would it not be kinder to keep her here, safe from the plague and the danger?" the smile did not reach her corpse-eyes.

"Do you think I do things without reason, Nivalis? That I question your authority on the matter of slaves for a mere trifle? Her fate is written in the waters, and neither you nor I should, or could, stand at the edge of the rising tide." Both females shivered with premonition - or was it fear? - at these words.

***

And so, she found herself here, deep in this dark realm. Countless purple eyes opened and shut in the black foliage as she passed. Distant giggles followed her crashing footsteps. What awaited her here? Would she find a home to call hers in the comfort of the Shadow?