Part one: Into the light

This is the first part of a story (possibly a book?) I have been writing for almost a year now

Enjoy!

"Hurry up Vandir! We haven't time to waste! The gate will close soon! And the Queen must know of the prophecy!" said Fanira. "I know, I know. Just a few more minutes," he replied. As soon as it had begun to get dark Vandir had started clearing the campsite. They had spent the entire day hidden in a thicket a few yards from the shoreline. Surrounding the Lake was golden forest and surrounding that were towering snow-capped mountains.

The brother and sister had spent the entire day hidden in the weeping willows near the glittering lake.  They did not want anyone to know of their mission.  They had seen many creatures that day, and they even spotted some humans, which was rare.  Mostly the pair had seen their own kind gathering supplies for the coming winter. The day had been clear, but dark clouds crouched behind the golden mountains promising foul weather.

As night was falling Fanira grabbed her worn wooden bow and quiver and slung them over her shoulder, along with her pack. Vandir checked his sword belt then donned his pack as well.   A sense of urgency quickened their pace.   Cool evening air rushed around them for night had completely fallen by now.  Fanira breathed in the breeze recognizing the familiar scent of the Willow Woods.  As they left the Wood behind the yellowing grass began to thin out and their feet crunched on sandy pebbles. They waded directly into the chilly water, but the water did not wet their leggings.  Instead if felt as if their shins and feet were caught in the icy breath of winter. 

Vandir bent down sliding his hand in the water and picked up an apple-sized stone. The pair continued wading, however they did not ventured deeper into the lake. By this time their legs were quite cold.  As they walked a faint square of light appeared through the water, flicking unpredictable patterns around pebbly lakebed. They immediately headed for the square, and as they drew nearer the light increased. When they reached the spot Vandir lifted the stone above his head and dropped it. The stone plummeted into the cold water and splashed up a fountain of water. The brother and sister flinched, although they remained dry.  The stone thumped onto the middle of the square and created a muffled knocking sound.  Immediately a square of the ground vanished letting a ray of light shoot up blinding them.  Once their eyes had adjusted they saw a wooden staircase. In single file the stepped on to the steps and all coldness was obliterated.   For now the danger had passed, all the need do next was head to the Palace and warn the queen.  Or they would all be in more danger then ever.