Prologue: the strange bundle.
The ship landed silently among the trees, blending in with its surroundings. The heavy door opened, revealing an unnatural glow. A tall hooded figure stepped out, carrying a bundle wrapped in old worn cloth. His strong legs effortlessly launched him into the nearest tree, the leaves rustling beneath his weight. He jumped from tree to tree, a speedy shadow in the night. He finally stopped at a dark cave, entering without fear. He hesitated before gently placing down the bundle.
Before he left, he began to whisper in a strange language.
A faint green glow surrounded the bundle, then faded away leaving an invisible protective shield. The shadow grunted with satisfaction and began its long travel back to the ship, springing from tree to tree. He quickly entered the ship, the unnatural glow again penetrating the peaceful darkness of the forest. The ship hovered into the air, then sped into the dark sky leaving an orange trail glowing behind it, which slowly faded away into the night...and then it was gone.