Introduction and Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

This story takes place in a land long forgotten, not because of its insignificance, but because the telling and retelling of the events has caused the truth to get lost in lore and myth. Unbeknownst until recently, there were scribes in those days tasked with logging detailed records and safeguarding them so that rulers of the future could learn from the mistakes of the past. Unfortunately for all involved, the scribes’ writings were ignored by pompous kings who believed that history was good for nothing more than to reminisce, and they were too busy pressing forward to take the time.

            Fortunately for us, these writings have recently been discovered, and so it is now my responsibility to recount what actually happened so long ago.

CHAPTER ONE

Although the more important events take place several years later, I feel it important to start this story during a time of tranquility. King Andrian ruled the land with a kind heart, trusting his advisor, Cassius, to let him know when he was being too lenient. The king’s daughter, Alina, was an adventurous 9 year old who would often choose excitement over reason.

            On one such day, she was out riding her steed on the Plains of Gilde. She knew her father did not want her out there, especially by herself, however she also knew that she was a much better rider than her father presumed. Still, as the wind blew in her face and the ground flew by, she could not help but worry that her father would find out where she was.

            It was then that she noticed some movement off to her left and turned to see a large creature running toward her at full speed. These were the main reason King Andrian did not want her out there, for they were ferocious animals, cat-like in their appearance, with a taste for human flesh. Many a debate had been held as to whether or not they should be extinguished, but the king had always decided against it, in spite of them having killed several unsuspecting wanderers.

            Now, as the creature sprinted toward her, Alina knew that another one must be close by for they never hunted alone. Sure enough, a second appeared off to her right, quickly closing in. She turned and started galloping at full speed to the south, her expression remaining surprisingly calm in the face of this danger, and she may have even smiled a little.

            Not terribly far up ahead were the Cliffs of Gilde, a deep canyon that tore a path through the plain. Many battles had been fought there as the huge chasm provided a natural barrier to anyone trying to approach the city from the north.

            Alina turned her steed to aim straight for them as the creatures steadily closed the gap. She glanced over her shoulder and calculated how long she had before they would catch her. Looking back to the cliffs, she furrowed her brow and pursed her lips.

            The first of the creatures was getting quite close and still Alina did not seem alarmed. As the edge of the precipice got closer, she gripped the saddle with her knees and took an extra tuft of mane in her small hands.

            The creatures were now directly behind her, partially blinded by dirt from the hooves as well as their anticipation of the kill. As the foremost creature prepared to leap, Alina’s steed unfolded its wings and soared gracefully over the rim of the gorge. The two creatures, realizing their mistake, scrambled to stop as they slid screaming over the edge.

            Alina looked down after them as the creatures rolled and bounced down the rocky slope. She smiled and then looked around at the view. To the east was the glistening waters of the ocean, a place she was longing to explore. Too many tales of the merfolk had kept her father from humoring her. She sighed a little as she guided her steed toward the castle, a monument of beauty and power.

            The castle walls bordered a large bay, allowing merchant ships to load and unload in quiet waters and also be protected by artillery, should anyone try to attack. Spreading out to the west was Gilderan, by far the largest city of men, and like any city of that time, mostly made up of merchants and farmers. The people were not wealthy, but also not starving, and the grand majority were content. They also loved and trusted King Andrian, knowing that they could address any issues they had and he would listen with an objective mind.

            For the most part, all was well in the world as Alina flew over the wall and landed in the stables, glancing around for any signs of her father.