The night was colder and darker than I was used to, my breath a white fog in front of me. I took another step, stopped right in front of the riverbank and kneeled, so I could take a better look.

I was breathing heavily. Walking all this way with no break took it‘s toll on my body. My eyes felt heavy but I kept on staring and then I saw it.

A glowing light appeared in the water.

It was small and dim at first but with every second it grew brighter until it was brilliantly golden and I felt like I could hope again.

"Hello." I said. The light broke the surface and a little creature looked at me with huge, fishy eyes in a tiny face. It was as small as my thumb, with small razor-sharp teeth in an equally tiny mouth.

"Hello." They answered. "How may we help you?"

I showed them my ring. "Help me find the one who gave me this.“

The tiny creature raised it‘s head to take a good look, touched and smelled it. Then they nodded, glowed even brighter than before and licked their lips. Those eyes looked hungry, as deep and dark as the water beneath them had there not been the ethereal glow.

"What will you give us in return?“

I stared right back. No turning back. I was going to do it. No matter how out of control my heartbeat was.

I was going to find them.

No matter the cost.