** He was sprinting through a dense forest, but he didn't know why. The only thought in his head was that he must go faster. He had to. His whole life depended on it. Every nerve, muscle, and thought was completely focused on going faster.

Finally, a light shone down from a clearing in the canopy of dark green leaves. Standing there, facing him was a maiden, dressed in a light green robe. Her raven black hair was a stark contrast to her porcelain skin. She wore no jewels yet sparkled and glittered nonetheless. She had a grace about her even though she was standing still. Her hands were placed protectively over her stomach, which was round with child. An expression of absolute calm claimed her face. He dared to take a step forward. At that instant, the maiden looked up, and her expression changed from one of happiness to absolute horror even as she reached for him. She began to waiver and slowly fall towards the damp forest dirt. He ran to catch her.

He never made it.

She had vanished. **

He woke with a start and found himself staring at the familiar tapestry across from his bed.

"Only a dream," he told himself. "Just another damn dream."

At the moment one of the guards who stood outside his door looked in and asked, "Are you alright, sir?"

He knew at that moment that there was no one around. Prote never addressed him so informally when others were around to hear him.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just another….never mind that now. What is the hour?"

"The sun will be rising in another half of an hour I'd say."

"Good. Send my page down to the stables. I'd like to go into the forest today. Alone," he commanded as he walked across the vast room to an armoire and began pulling on his deep brown pants and boots.

"Alone? Do you think that wise? Perhaps just one guard at least." Prote alone knew of the haunting dream. And he feared for what it might mean.

"I have traveled many miles alone in my time, Prote. I think I can handle a morning outing in the forest." He smiled a wry smile as he pulled a shirt over his head. He could hear the page boy entering the hall and eased his mind with the thought that he would soon be in the wild, where he could free his mind.

"Of course. Forgive me," was Prote's answer. To the page he said, "Tell the Master of Horses that King Elessar wishes to ride alone this morning, and to ready his horse."

Elessar, knowing it would take some time to ready his horse, walked over to the window to watch the sun begin to rise over the White City.