Monica ran down the lane, memory guiding her through the night as she clutched the boy to her chest. He was too big for her to carry for long, but she needed to get away and conceal her presence while she still had time.

Jonathan sobbed quietly in her arms as she ran, not understanding what was going on. His father had told him to be good for Monica and to remember that he loved him. He had then placed a hand on his forehead, causing Jonathan to black out, the words 'Be hidden 'til you come of age' echoing in his head. Now, awakened by the sensation of being carried by Monica, he somehow knew he would never see his father again.

Monica was panting hard by the time she reached the end of the path, sweat dripping down her face. She put him on the ground and grabbed his hand. "Quiet Jony, we have to be quiet," she whispered. They stood silent in the darkness; Jony shivered slightly, staring out into the night, and did as he was bid.

Focusing on her inner strength, she muttered a spell she hoped would conceal her from elfin senses. The effect of the sudden energy drain made her stagger to one knee, which at least indicated the spell was doing something. "Okay Jony, now we have to run." Desperately, she pulled him behind her as they ran toward the forest. Just as they crossed under the canopy of trees at the forest's edge, their path was illuminated from behind by a gout of flame streaking into the sky, followed by a bestial roar.

"Father!" Jony cried out, twisting frantically from her grip before Monica regained her hold and clamped her hand over his mouth. She hoisted him up to carry him once again, moving unsteadily as exhaustion began gaining a foothold over adrenalin-fuelled exertion. The path twisted as they advanced deeper and deeper into the gloom. Behind them the roars continued for a while, mixed with the sound of fighting, before being cut off. Tears streaked Monica's face and mingled with her sweat, as she ran with her charge into the night.