"Introduction - The creatures Of Montriste" by Dawn Jane Holliday

Introduction

In a land not so different from the one you and I live in, Unicorns, Lions and other creatures lived together in harmony. They had empathy for all living things. For uncountable years they existed in that land, untouched by anything, living their carefree lives.

However life was so perfect there that some of the creatures volunteered out of curiosity to live separate lives, even if it meant sacrificing the completeness they had felt before. On parting they vowed that one-day they would all meet again, but to do this the volunteers would have to unravel the mystery their new lives would entail.

Once in this new, strange and beautiful land they eventually forgot about the riddle and their mission, and even who they were. A lust for power led to fights breaking out between the creatures. All began to lose sight of their own importance.

Where gaps in serenity arose, chaos crept in. A rumor began to spread on a tide of fearful voices, of a terrible beast that thrived on the gloom they had created. Their lives, once unruffled, were now being controlled by a reign of darkness. Unicorns, Lions and other creatures began to disappear without a trace. It was whispered that they had been captured and enslaved by the dragons, who had begun to rule over a vast amount of the land. Where these beasts had sprung from was a mystery to all. Those who were lucky enough to escape sometimes became so plagued by sorrow that they sat on the shore all day and all night, gazing impassively at the lonely tide. Each time the tide drew out, it took with it another reminder of their true home. The ghostly figures haunted every coastline, with their transfixed eyes and manes that danced to the sound of the waves.

Here they would stay awaiting their mysterious destiny. For if they were to remain in such a vacant state for too long they would encounter the cold-hearted creatures that lurked there, all allies of

the Great Black Dragon - Agnoscia.

However hope was by no means completely lost. Though few places were touched by light in this turbulent land, some of  the creatures still glowed in the radiance of the sun, remembering who they were and how they should live. It was in these rare and in peaceful places they went on with their lives, away from the terror of the dragons.