Aleya witnessed the sun rise and set four times before reaching her destination. With each new sun her eyes grew heavier and her body ached for rest, yet she pushed forward. Behind she left her home in ruins, her clan scattered and her future uncertain. Would she ever see the elders again? What of her mother and brother? These questions and more weighed heavily on her mind. Inside she could still hear their screams as their home burned, they haunted her with every mile conquered.

Her stomach growled, her throat burned and her back ached as she approached the capitol. Two arrows stuck out from her shoulder, her cloak was torn and her clothes soaked with sweat, dirt and her own blood. She had long forgotten about the pain and now it was returning.

The horse she rode upon had become sluggish as the hours passed and she feared that he would not carry on for much longer. They were so close.

In the distance she could see a gate, two guards and banners dancing in the wind. Suddenly her horse collapsed, his legs could not handle the last stretch. His sudden collapse caught the attention of the guards ahead.

Aleya fell from his body and struck the ground. Pain shot through her wounded shoulder and she let out a cry. She felt nauseous, hot and heavy all at once. Then nothing. Darkness. She had fainted.