A lone figure stood at the edge of a large lake, skipping rocks across its surface. The lake, surrounded by woods was deserted but for Catherine of Mirens Wall. Catherine was 4"5 with gold hair. She had a stubborn chin and full lips. Her skin was ivory with a hint of gold. Most Tortallans described her as what Queen Thayet and Princess Shinkokami would look like if blended together. But the most amazing part of her features was her eyes. They were silver with a tint of color to them. This colored changed often. Some thought it showed her mood, some thought it was magic, no one was sure. Catherine thought about the 2 letters she had received that morning. One, was from the royal palace in Corus. This one stated the date the year started for people who wished to be a page. This letter confused her until she read the second letter. This one said,
Dear kitty,
I would like you to become a page. I have sent money enough for a new horse and tack. We are in Galla right now. We should be seeing you soon.
Love,
Mom and Dad.
She sighed she had wanted to become shang but her father did not let her. As she began to walk home she decided to obey, and become a page.
When she got to the fief all the servants seemed to be packing someone's things. Catherine sought out Lora, her personal maid, and asked her what was going on. "We received a letter from your father. You and I are to start riding for the royal palace tomorrow morning." "I only wish I had known" said Catherine, walking into her, now, nearly empty room.
The next morning they left. Lora on a mare she called Dusk and Catherine on a pony. ( her father gave her money to buy a new horse when she reaches the capital.) The fief's inhabitants were there to bid them farewell. Soon they were out of sight of the fief and heading to the palace.