The clock reads barely past five a.m. and yet the sun is already rising into a cloudless sky. I had that dream again.

On autopilot I glide downstairs, trailing my fingers along the mahogany banister, which is silky smooth from over a hundred years of use. My feet carry me into the mecca of the kitchen. I pop a capsule into the machine and lean against the marble counter as the room fills with a delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Bitter, nutty flavours dance across my tongue and I start to properly wake. While I don't drink much alcohol, coffee is my weakness. Once fortified with the first cup of the day, my attention turns to the manila envelope that I found in my grandmother's study not long after her passing.

With a shaking hand, the contents slide out onto the counter: a silver locket studded with diamonds, a letter inked on thick parchment paper and a yellowing newspaper cutting. Through a film of tears, the words of the article entitled the 'midsummer mystery babe' swim into focus. I double check my destination - the place where I was found.

Taking a steadying breath, I push my emotions down and replace everything in the envelope, before carefully placing it in the rucksack. Then I pack the bag with everything that one might conceivably need. Although hefting it over my shoulder, I concede that I might have been a tad excessive.

Deciding to get this over with, I step outside and unlock my sky-blue Mini, chucking the bag on the passenger's seat. I glance up at my house and a shiver goes down my spine for it almost feels like I'm saying goodbye.

After putting the coordinates into the SatNav, I drive off. I rarely go on motorways, so to ease my nerves, I crank up the volume on the radio and sing along as the miles are eaten up.

An hour or so later, I end up in what seems like the middle of nowhere and park beside a massive Land Rover. I heave a relieved breath. Well so far, so good! No accidents. Maybe everything will be fine this birthday.

After checking the site map, I head off towards the place where I was found. Trees arc overhead to form a green tunnel before the path breaks into the sunlight. To the right, the ground slopes away in undulating heathland, whilst on the left is woodland.

Nerves gnaw at my stomach as I get closer to my destination; a wooden bench set under the dappled shade of a magnificent giant oak tree. A lump forms in my throat as my finger traces the words on the plaque:

For Elissa, the greatest gift.

"Mum! Dad! I miss you so much."

Blinking back the tears that threaten to fall, I sit on the bench. They never told me that I was abandoned at this very spot, nor that they adopted me. I suppose they never got the chance. We were so happy until the fire took everything on my twelfth birthday. Another headline, another miracle, for I should have died. Guilt twists inside.

This place is peaceful, a pastoral scene of heathland sloping gently down into a valley and a patchwork of green fields in the distance. There is the soft sound of ponies rustling through the heather, searching out tender shoots to graze on. The subtle aroma of gorse wafts on the breeze. The scent reminds me of coconut ice cream.

Well, I am here at the start, or as close as I can be, what do I do now?

I slouch against the bench and start to feel drowsy until a strange sensation, like a feather tickling down my spine, has me sitting bolt upright.

'Elissa.'

I whip my head around at the sound of my name being called from the woods behind me. Unsettled, but equally curious, I scramble up the steep bank and find a clearing in the trees. A beam of sunlight shines upon a pure white horse. It looks more like a thoroughbred racehorse than one of the ponies roaming around the place.

What are you doing here?

The horse turns and my breath catches. It has a twisting, gleaming horn in the centre of its forehead. It cannot possibly be real and yet it is standing right there. Cautiously I approach the creature.

It regards me with dark eyes that seem to reflect the universe. The unicorn is singularly the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My ten year old self would be ecstatic.

I hold out a hand and it snuffles into my palm, sending tingles up my arm. Completely enthralled, I stroke its silken mane. The unicorn starts to slowly walk, delicately picking up its feet like a dressage horse. With my hand resting against its flank, I walk beside it, not caring where we are going, only privileged to accompany it.

The unicorn stops and turns, resting its horn upon my head. It speaks with a masculine yet lyrical voice, directly in my mind.

Welcome home my child. You have a destiny which must be fulfilled. I impart unto you a quest. Travel to where it all started, for there you will uncover the Light of Elysium.

It brushes its lips against my forehead in an equine kiss and a pulse of energy washes through me, all the way from my head through to the tips of my toes. When it withdraws, I immediately feel bereft from the loss of its touch.

Stunned, I watch as it moves away and continue to stare long after it has melted amongst the trees. Finally, I blink as if coming out of a trance. That can't possibly have happened and yet I'm sure it just did. As I pull out my iPhone to check the time, I curse myself for not thinking to take a photo.

Looking around I notice that the trees are ancient with green and purple lichens dripping from their branches. It is eerily silent, with no distant sounds of barking dogs or traffic. Neither is there any sign of a path. I try to stop myself from freaking, rationalising that this place isn't that big and briskly walk to where I think my car is parked.

.....

I check my iPhone for what feels like the hundredth time, but there is still no signal. Meeting a unicorn was the most magical and surreal experience of my life, but the sense of wonder has lost its shine. After walking all day, my feet are aching and I just want to go home. However, this forest seems to have no end.

Frustrated, I kick at a log, which does my poor foot no good. Dejected, I flop onto said log and wipe away an angry tear on my sleeve. None of this makes any sense. Where on earth am I?

Holding my water bottle aloft, I toast myself in a sarcastic tone, "Happy birthday Elle."

The silence of the place starts to eat at me. Addressing my surroundings, I ask, "I know that I wanted a peaceful birthday this year, but is this some sort of joke?"

There is no answer, only the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze; it is almost like they are whispering to each other. I have no choice but to sleep here tonight. I wonder what kind of creatures might inhabit these woods; what things might come out at night!

My eyes dart about the place and I can feel myself starting to get worked up. So, I have a stern word with myself and decide to do something productive and instead focus my energy on collecting branches. Angled against the trunk of a massive oak they create a make-shift den. At least I won't be completely exposed.

I crawl inside and rummaging in the bag, pull out the cloak that I was found wrapped in twenty years ago. It seems oddly fitting. I wrap it around myself and try to get comfortable on the hard ground.

Just as sleep is pulling me under, my senses go onto high alert. I strain my ears listening for any strange sounds, convinced that I am no longer alone. Cautiously, I peek out of the den. A mist is curling along the ground and the trees have taken on an ethereal quality, which doesn't clear when I rub my tired eyes.

An old man is sitting on my log; his white hair shimmers in the moonlight. He looks right at me and smiles benignly as he beckons me over. Perhaps a little foolhardily, I crawl out to join him, enticed by the thought of human company and that he might know of a way out of these woods.

Close up, I notice his unusual golden-yellow eyes and halt, flooded with apprehension, my mind flickering to half-remembered dreams.

"Elissa, I mean you no ill will. I am here to guide you," he says reassuringly.

However, I feel uneasy and challenge, "How do you know my name?"

Ignoring my question, he intones in a commanding voice, "Travel either North or East and you will find your way. Now Elissa, take heed. Your quest is a vital one. Do not divulge the nature of it to anyone unless they earn your complete trust."

Gee, reassuring. Avoiding the desire to roll my eyes, I ask, "Where am I?"

"Elysium."

Right, lovely but not very helpful. Before I can ask any more questions, my eyelids become leaden and sleep claims me without asking for permission.

..........