Chaper 1 Crimson Skies

"Look!! They have arrived!" Sarah breathed.

Sarah stood beside Torin in the middle of a grassy field just on the outskirts of Sovereign City. A pink hue hung lazily over the horizon and just above that a dark image slowly came into view. Torin ran calloused fingers over his head, tossing his matted hair in a careless fashion.

"I don't know. I am inclined to believe that they are but one rider and his mount," he said, scratching his head.

Sarah only shook her head and whispered. "Nay, my dear. Don't trust only in what you see. Think, Torin. Why would a lone rider risk himself and his mount in these lands? No, they are watching the one who approaches; "he is not alone."

“The silence was matched by the hushed landscape, as if life itself was suddenly snuffed out. Steadily both rider and mount drew closer. Strong, leathery wings pumped furiously, bringing with them a sense of urgency and fear, which quickly began to wash over the two in cold sweats. Years of hard training and discipline commanded Sarah to stiffened and composed herself. Torin glanced at her and shifted nervously, the silence was defining.

The rider raised a iron gloved hand in a standard of peace. A dark red flag, bearing his family standard was tattered and torn, almost beyond recognition. Both rider and mount looked as though they fared only slightly better. In a sudden rush they dipped and struggled to regain a steady flight pattern. No such luck. In one swift movement they landed hard, kicking up rock and dirt, pelting the two as they quickly backed away.

After the dust settled Sarah calmly turned to her shaken escort.

"Go to the magistrate and tell him to make preparations."

Torin turned to her wide eyed."Preparations? For what?"

She chuckled as she flashed him a wide smile before turning her attention back to the young rider. "Our guest must be hungry, and by the looks of him, I would say that he would not object to a warm bath and fresh linens."

Torin signed and knowing that resistance was futile, he quickly ran back to the city gates. Sarah's dark blue eyes never left the rider and his mount, and her charming smile never wavered.