Chapter 1

An Unexpected Departure

“The magic and mystery beckon unto me

and sacrificing innocence I go forth,

a child unencumbered by wroth.”

- Turando the Bard

irin watched as the pale lilac mists of Alvahar settled on the land, blanketing the gardens as she looked out at the familiar silhouette of Dragnar Castle. Elfin eyes or no, she could only just make it out, a lonely sentinel on its distant hill. Sirannon, her revered teacher, had promised to tell her all that he knew about the Great Conflict this evening and she was eager to be away. The blade master had delayed her in the practice yard and she was late for her lessons today.

She turned away from the balcony as Irina placed several logs on the fire. They spluttered and threw up tiny sparks. Kirin watched the ash fly up into the air and was suddenly and violently thrust into one of her visions. She groaned inwardly. She felt her eyes looking inward as though at events unfolding in a looking glass. The ash from the dead embers fell away and a heavy fog descended around her. All was quiet except for the nearby murmuring of a small stream. It all seemed so familiar.