From the radiance of the overhead sun, the land glowed vividly in the warmth of shimmering daylight. Birds soared through the air as the westerly breeze tore through the clouds leaving a whirlwind in their wake. Amidst rolling hills and verdant fields, a hundred shades of blossoms and florets painted a vivid image of a scenic landscape.

A new world of wonder and possibilities lay in the distance as Alyn’s eyes slowly adjusted to this new reality. Twelve years of imprisonment within the Ashen Hollow had stunted his senses and the beauty of the real world was only a fairy tale in his childhood books. The journey had finally ended but at great cost as he looked to his left and right and realized that no-one was left.

“What do I do now…?” The child whispered in disbelief with his face clasped into his hands.

“I’ll show you…everything and I’ll teach you…what it means to be human.” The familiar voice called out from behind him, causing Alyn’s eyes to widen in both shock and happiness.

Artist: Clyde Valentine