Search for the Crystal Shard by DLF Waugh, opens as the Guardian Rafe, the protector of the ancient forest, sees a surge of terror below in a nearby village. He investigates and sees a young maiden, Triquetra, bound to a stake over a pyre as villagers prepare to execute her as a witch. Before intervening, he attempts a brief mind-link with her, and their psychic connection surprises him, as she reveals she is the daughter of Nema and needs him to find her mother. Rafe then proceeds to rescue her by summoning Wind, Water, and Fire to extinguish the flames and scatter the villagers. This draws the ire of Count Dramewar, a petty manipulator who assumes that Rafe would approve of the execution. Instead, he is met with fury as Rafe makes it clear that he recognizes both an injustice and the magnitude of the young maiden he just rescued. This single act of mercy becomes the turning point that leads to an ancient destiny.