Prologue

  Take a seat child. You have arrived at last. Oh yes, I was most definitly expecting you. I've been here waiting many many centuries, waiting for the One. How do I know that you're the One? Well, it's hard to explain. It's a most peculiar feeling inside you, kind of like butterflies in your stomache.

  Now hush and let me tell you why I've been waiting here.

  Years ago, there was once a valley and a forest. Both were under a deep enchantment. Humans and animals could communicate to each other and life bonds were formed. So strong were these bonds that the human and the animal merged. In other words, their souls were entwind. Man and beast were finally united. But then one day, destruction came down on the valley and the forest.

  A phrophecy was made by the old seer saying that a fox and a girl would save the world. From what, no one knows and the seer would not say. The villagers were not happy. They didn't like the thought of having one of their own leave their world and go on a quest.

  Now, you must know that this little world of theirs was spearated from the world you know today.

  As I was saying, the villagers forbade the girl to go, thus bringing destruction. It was their own fault though. If they had let her go with the fox, none of this would have happened and I would not be here today rattling off this story. This happened many times through history. Every once in a while, the same phrophecy is made and sometimes, the fox and girl go but other times, they are fobidden. This year, the phrophecy indicates that you and a fox must leave this world.

  You don't believe me? I thought so. Who in their right mind would believe an old lady like me? Step closer, dear. I want you to look into the pool. Relax! It won't come to you if you're all nervous! Yes, that's right. Just let your mind wander.

Chapter 1

  On a particular morning, a russet coloured fox was up and about doing her business. She would not fail the seer. No matter how hard it would be to persuade the girl's parents to let her go, she would not fail. She would not make the same mistake that her ancestors did and let the world fall apart.

  The girl was not hard to find. She could be seen playing by the stream in the early hours of the day or simply wandering around and picking bunches of wildflowers. Today however, she was climbing the tallest tree in the forest. The fox paused, not willing to meet the girl until she was on the ground. The fox had a soft heart; she didn't want to take the risk of scaring the child.