The Wanderer's Dream- chapter 1

Wolfheart stretched her eagle-like foretalons. She loved this cave in the Wildlands beyond the Everfree; it was her den, her safe place. On the walls hung trophies from her various battles, including her prize possession; the Wolf-Stone. This rock was pale as the moon, and if she looked into it, she could see what was to come.

But recently she had grown tired of her cave's safety. She felt wanderlust in her blood awakening, and was curious about the lands to the east.There, she had seen many equine creatures that were as brightly colored as birds. And she wanted to know more. Packing her few possessions in a saddlebag, she headed to the eastern town of colorful horses.

The journey would take a week; although the trail itself was short, it was treacherous. Although she could trust the wolves, there were other, larger predators out here. And she had no wish to be eaten! Besides, she liked to stop and enjoy the scenery.

The first day past without incident, so she curled up in a hollow tree to sleep, the Wolf-Stone by her head. Unlike most of her nights, tonight her dreams were all nightmares. She found herself on a ledge, looking into a valley of fire. The flames below her leapt up in the form of claws, trying to bring her to the heart of the inferno. In the center of the valley was a scorched-earth clearing, with 2 hurroks and 2 wolves in the ash. And above it all was a silhouette of a dragon-like form. Wolfheart knew what this meant, and she flew high over the flames, intent on rescuing the Four below her.  The evil dragon-creature raised his clawed right forepaw with a snarling taunt: "I know you plan to save them, Little Fool. But how can you, when you cannot even save yourself?!"

Making a gesture, the clawed demonic creature caused her wings to catch on fire and opened a bottomless pit below her. Just as she was about to fall and be turned to ash, she awakened.

A voice spoke in her head. "You are related to the Four," it murmured, "And you know what you must do. Seek the relatives of the Six who rebelled so long ago in the town of the bird-bright horses, for the Prophecy will soon awaken."

At this message the young hurrok started galloping. If the Teller's words were true, she thought, there is not much time until the Curse is reborn!

Moving swiftly through the darkness, she found herself standing on a ridge at sunrise, seeing the colorful ponies below her. Spreading great black feathered wings, she flew on toward the sunrise.