Dream the Woods

I'm running through the cool dark woods, barefoot and half-naked. Something ominous and threatening not far behind me and I fear it will catch me. I must hide, must escape, though I already know I cannot.

I come to the edge of a rocky precipice and peer down into the abyss that follows. My heart pounds violently as I attempt to slow my breathing. I already know what I have to do and pray inwardly to the gods that there may be water at the bottom of the cliff.

I listen to the tops of the tall lanky trees; they moan and creak and knock together as the wind whips through them. Weakened branches snap off and fall to the earth below threatening to impale anything obscuring their path. I become aware of the roughness of the rocks beneath my bare feet and the strange static current in my bones as evil approaches. I know I don't have much time.

I turn back in the direction of the approaching darkness hoping to catch a glimpse of what has been coming for me. Curiosity I suppose, though there is nothing to see. Only the storm brewing in the dark woods and that awful dense current of electricity that surges, warning every cell in my body that I'm in danger. I take a deep breath and let it out as I turn back to face the edge of the cliff.

“May the Gods protect me!” I shout into the dark winds of the night.

I cross my hands protectively over my chest and jump.