Something#1

I ran, the rocks cut my feet, blood already flowing down my legs. I could hear the panting of my pursuers only over my own heart beat, by breathing labored and short. I know not how long I ran like this, blindly into places I neither remember nor ever knew. Exhaustion was overcome only by the fear of what could be behind me, be it dragon or man. My tunnel vision cleared only in time for me to see the edge of the cliff. I stood there, everything hurting so bad I was numb, staring down at the burning valley. Ash intruded on my vision, my lips are parched. I fall to my knees and curl. My mouth open, I rest my forehead on the cold hard ground before me. As I pull my arms to my side, I am wondering how I ever got to a place where the most important thing is to remember to breath.