It has been a long journey. I have traveled long, through desert and now stone. My water supply has run low, and I'm hoping to find nourishment somewhere in this mountain range. At some points it was a steep climb, at others it was an easy transition- but always dry and dusty. Just my luck to ascend on the lee side.

My ascent is steady, and the further forward I move, the closer I am to freedom. My past, dark and shameful as it may be, haunts my steps. My only hope is to escape it- so I walk, and do not stop. Somewhere here there is a secret place, a haven, where I could live out my days in quiet solitude. I've lived a long and arduous life, and I deserve safety. I deserve freedom.

As I slowly reach the top, I come across a passage in between two peaks. My hopes begin to rise as the passage becomes more apparent. From a distance, the pass is all but hidden. However, at my nearby vantage point, it is quite clear. I entered the pass, noting the slow transition from a dry, arid rocky path to a moist and muddy path. As I continue deeper into the pass, I can smell moisture. A cool wind flows through the pass, a stark contrast to the dry heat outside. The pass takes several turns, a testament to its hidden appearance. It is easy descent, and the ground continues to get softer. Despite the tall mountain walls, there is some plant life growing on this path. Finally, the pass opens up into a large verdant valley, a huge bowl surrounded by mountains and teeming with green life. This hidden valley stretches for at least 100 acres, roughly 5 times longer east to west than north to south. I take in a deep breath of cool but moist air, and the smells of green life fills my lungs.

On the north side and west there are green fields that may have been plowed but have long since grown fallow. On the south side of the valley is a dark forest that stretches to the east end of the valley. Surrounding the valley are the steep mountains, shadowy soldiers that protect this beautiful land. On the edge of the forest, near the fields, stands an ivy-covered building of some sort. At one glance it looks a part of the forest, but at the next, 3 tower peaks can be made out of a castle. Before me is a field that slopes down to a narrow river. The river itself winds its way west to a glistening lake. The mid-afternoon sun sparkles on its breeze-rippled surface. I decide to make my camp there at the water's edge. My hopes soar as I consider a life here. I could enjoy this.

I awoke in the morning, satisfied with last night's meal of venison and some fresh berries. I also found some tubers that would make a delicious breakfast. I stretch for a bit, then head down to the water to wash up. This place is wonderful! The cool water washes my aches and pains away. I feel the desert and rock melt off my skin. I feel much more invigorated. I feel young again. I gather my clothes and cover my dignity. Perhaps I'll shave my beard too.

I head back to the camp, when I hear something. Was that a twig snapping? I hunch down and peer at my camp through the trees. There is a woman there! She looks out of place here, with such a fine piece of clothing. She is wearing a long, white dress, one that reaches down to the ground so that it slightly brushes her footsteps. The neckline of the dress goes all the way up with blue lace at every seam. It was finely made and not something I expected to ever see again. She had a regal manner, almost demure, and I couldn't keep my eyes from this sight. As I watch her inspect my camp, I come to realize that she looks much younger than I had originally thought. I look closer again and realized it wasn't so much young as it was ageless, and I found myself having trouble guessing that age. With her smooth, pale skin and high cheeks framed by long, dark reddish-brown hair that was tied back, she reminded me of someone I once knew long ago. She finished looking through my pack, and inspecting my fire and stood up. She paused, looked straight ahead, and turned right to me.

Without expression she stated, "I see you. Come forward." This was not a request, but it wasn't a demand either. Rather, it came out as if it was the natural order of things. Even more strangely, I did as she asked! I was compelled. Something forced me to do as she obeyed. I stood up, and came into the clearing where my camp was set up. She stood watching me for a moment, looking me up and down. I couldn't move, I couldn't even talk. I had questions to ask, but my mouth wouldn't even move to speak them. She walked around me and I could feel her eyes watching. When she finished circling, she paused yet again, and looked at me.

Her face was cold ice. "You have entered my land, and have eaten my food. You cleansed yourself in my Lake. You are here without my permission." Such crimes are usually meted out in death. However, since you are the only person I have seen in many years, servitude will suffice. The Lake will have restored much of your youth, and your strength. You will need both for the tasks I have for you. Gather your things and follow me." Again, not a demand, but a natural state of being. And again, I was compelled to do it. I couldn't fight it, I could only obey. While I donned my pack and put out my fire, I wondered just wrong I was, thinking I would find peace here.

To be continued....!