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It was a clear morning on the island of Jorvik. Or, well, not even morning yet - dawn had just arrived by the coast. Everything was calm and silent, still asleep, not aware of the new day's arrival. The sun had just peeked out its head from the horizon, glancing curiously at the world beneath.
Even though it was calm, two riders couldn't rest during the night. They were on their way through the hours of darkness to reach their destination. A woman riding a huge black stallion was on lead - General Sabine, the toughest of the Dark Riders. She was followed by her student Saga who as usual, rode her palomino horse. The woman glanced at them every now and then, noticing every time how their colors gleam through the night. However, she and her horse bended in the darkness perfectly.
They climbed the dangerous paths of the mountains just right before dawn. It was still dark and a mistook step could have lead to catastrophe. The path up to the peak of the mountain was narrow and hid a lot of curves. Saga was actually grateful for the darkness - if she could have seen the depth beneath them she wouldn't have been able to continue her journey. She wasn't calm though - the only thing she could do was to try to trust Sabine, as well as her horse Nimbus. The girl knew the palomino had the safest walking but still, the constant noises of falling stones got on her nerves.
Soon, just when the sun crawled further in the sky, they arrived to a bridge. However, said bridge was ruined right in the middle. It was impossible to cross it. Saga raised an eyebrow and looked at Sabine.
"I can't go any further with you" the woman said. "As I carry dark magic I'm banned from stepping into the Secret Stone Circle. As you know, it's guarded with pure light. You have to go alone" she added looking at Saga.
"But how am I supposed to get there? The bride collapsed" she said.
"Jump" answered Sabine with a shrug.
"What?! I guess you're aware of the deep gap right below us?!" the girl panicked.
"Yeah, that just makes it more funny" Sabine grinned. "Let Nimbus do it. He knows this way better. Also I have a feeling this isn't this cheeky fella's first time at the Circle" she squinted at the horse. Nimbus looked back at her, a sparkle of mischief lit up in his iris. Sabine just rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, go and jump over the gap. It's not such a big deal."
"But it's too deep I can't I-"
Saga's whimper was cut off by Sabine's determined voice. The woman looked at the horse.
"Take her."
The General commanded.
And Nimbus understood.
He took a flying start making her rider scream on top of her lungs.
One stride.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Jump.
They flew across the air so easily as if the horse had wings. Saga held onto his mane like her life would depend on it. She looked down in fear - but couldn't actually see the depth. A thick layer of fog hid everything what was beneath.
A moment later they landed on the other side.
"See? It wasn't deadly" Sabine chuckled.
"It could have been!" Saga pouted.
"Anyway, go. You have a lot of things to learn there."
Saga nodded and stared to walk Nimbus at the little path that lead away from the bridge.
As they crossed a few bushes the Stone Circle showed up in front of them in its full glory. There were stone pillars around a round shaped clearance - they stood there like guards over the painting on the flooring. A few dead looking trees and bushes broke only the greyness.
Behind them the morning sky was burning with bright red and orange colors when they entered the place. As they got closer, the monoliths lit up by light - the ancient runes carved into them started to shine with vibrant purple and pink light, just like the painting below.
"Wow" Saga gasped. "This... Is gonna be interesting I guess". Nimbus nickered with agreement and nodded his head.
Meanwhile by the bridge Sabine flinched. It was like a faint electricity hit her.
"So the runes already reacted to the magic she carries. Faster than I'd have ever thought. Let's see how far she can get there" she murmured and turned her horse Khaan around. "Let's go now. Guess I promised a deadly fast gallop in the woods?" she grinned down at the stallion. Khaan neighed with excitement, jumped into canter and they rode away into the flaming morning sky.