The Dread Heart (Part 3)

A Mythic Fairy Tale

Many times they halted and concealed themselves as a light passed over or a soldier drew near. None did move nor breath until her father signalled that all was safe. So they went for a long while in the dark, and crawled on their bellies through mud and filth and razor wire. At times they heard the barking of watchdogs in the distance and swallowed their own screams as their hands found the bones of others that tried before them and failed. Through it all her father led them on with a gaze both steady and clear.

Then at last, weary and breathless with fear, they came to a great wall forged of concrete and steel before an endless wood of towering trees that blocked out the stars.

And when the girl saw it, she knew of a truth that they stood at the border of the Dark Sector. This dreadful place had appeared in the first days of the New Order. None knew from where or whence it came: only that an army had been sent within and returned. From that time it was sealed and guarded and forbidden. None spoke of it save to issue warnings of a danger that none could name.

Here her father stopped and turned to speak. “My friends, you have born me company thus far and braved many dangers. But you must know that your true journey only now begins. Beyond this wall you will behold Great Terrors and fearful sights. But I bid you turn not back and stay to the paths I show you. Remember the bondage you leave behind—for through this way lies freedom.”

TO BE CONTINUED…