Prologue: The Messenger

"I really don't think you should go!"

"You heard the Commander, the message is important!"

"Yes, but why do you have to go? Isn't there someone else? The Commander has many capable men!"

"Because I am the most capable that won't get into trouble down there, you know that!"

"If it just wouldn't be down in Fenoria. So close to those rough barbarians. Child, you read the letters from your uncle - it is not a safe place to be!"

"Stop acting silly. Of course it is not safe! I am not going there for a vacation!"

"I just wish you wouldn't go, Jan"

"I know."

Just a few hours earlier, Marijanna <lastnamepending> was preparing for a normal day of duty as city guard messenger in Bealuki. As usual, she entered the main barracks, greeting the guards on duty among which she was well-liked. This time however, the commander pulled her aside after the morning briefing.

He was in need of a trustworthy messenger, who would deliver a sealed box to a diplomat each to three towns along the Rosteyn River