The canopy I grew up under allowed limited light to get through, how all this greenery survived I didn’t know and didn’t want to know. I was a dru...id, or was supposed to be. But I had no care for these trees, this forest. It was a place to be and live, and I didn’t see that I had many choices just then. But I didn’t have to love it or understand it. There was a rustling sound to my left. Someone was coming. I didn’t move. As hunters, we elves passed each other often in this forest. I felt it was. Perhaps that was why we were studying that particular hell beast. Whatever the reason, it was clear to me that we were studying it to prepare for the final battle.There were other signs that the Apocalypse drew near. One was when the fire-haired demonling was captured by the gods for study one night soon after my clawing tree was erected. They cast spells to control it so that it couldn't change into its true form with cloven hooves and horns of a ram.To plant the seeds of terror into the. .", I started."GET ON YOUR FEET MOTHERFUCKER!"I stood as I was told, even if I didn't think she would shoot."Now come here.", she said as she motioned to a spot in front of her."Get on your knees and give your soul to whoever you want.", she said, dripping contempt."Lori... Baby... You know I would never...", I started to plead again."SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!", she screamed.She wouldn't be swayed, and she had me cold. There was no opportunity for me to disarm her. I had taught her to well. So,. But once inside, a horrible sight met their eyes. The house was torn apart and two drunken men were holding up whiskey bottles, and packing sacks full of valuables. William set Olivia down and ordered the men out, but they pulled out guns and ran toward the couple. William stepped in front of Olivia protectively, but they shot him as Olivia watched, horrified as he fell to the ground. Olivia burst into tears and begged the men to get a doctor. Instead they laughed, as one of them slapped her,.