When consciousness finally returned, the first thing I felt was pain.
It ran through my shoulders and wrists like fire, forcing a groan from my lips before I even opened my eyes. Every muscle in my body protested as I tried to move.
I couldn't.
My arms were stretched wide.
My legs were held apart.
Something rough bit into my wrists and ankles.
I forced my eyes open.
Towering trees surrounded me, their ancient trunks disappearing into a canopy so thick that only thin ribbons of sunlight reached the forest floor. My heartbeat quickened as I realized I had been bound between two massive trees. Thick vines, stronger than rope, wrapped around my wrists and ankles, holding me in place so tightly that every struggle only drove them deeper into my skin.
My armour was gone.
So were my weap
