Prologue Gazing out the window of her bedroom, surveying her father's kingdom; she knew there was nothing quite like this and never would be. A vast and powerful realm that stretched for leagues in all directions, dragons under his power; no wonder so many kingdoms allied with the king.
Stepping out her room, she walked along the corridor as many servants made way for her. For all the power and riches in this land, nothing would make the sorrow pass any easier. The crown prince had fallen in battle returning from the south. A veil of silence has been laid over the palace. She made her way to the throne room and spotted her mother and father sat next to each other, not moving, not even speaking. There were no tears spilt by any of them; too emotionless from the shock. She had no doubt that as soon as his body arrived here her parents would show their feelings. She knew they wanted the rumours to be false, as did the whole kingdom. Yet everyone knew it was true. She turned around as she heard the main doors open. "My Lord and Lady, I am Luthron a messenger from Lord Malver. I have grave news of your eldest son." The messenger held out an envelope. 'Yet again rumour had travelled faster than a horse' she thought to herself. She knew it would be best to leave as she looked at her father's face. She felt sorry for the messenger as he wasn't to blame, yet he would feel the wrath of her father. She quickly walked out and headed for the stables; feeling the need to find somewhere quiet. A cold, grey, cloud-covered sky was all that welcomed her as she walked out the palace. As she walked, she noticed that it was deserted. No animals could be heard, and even the trees looked as though they were dying. The common sight of dragons flying on the horizon and heading to the royal caverns didn't even greet her. She knew this great kingdom would recover. It always did. When her grandfather died in battle, the kingdom grieved for weeks but the coronation of her father showed the kingdom that everything has a time and that everything happens for a reason. Nearing the stables she could see her horse awaiting her. When she'd rescued him she'd found him in the forest laid against his dead mother who'd be attacked. She'd looked after him; helping him grow into the most majestic black stallion anyone had ever seen. He trotted up to her and nuzzled her face. He knew something was wrong, he always did. She barely ever put a saddle and reins on him. He was so careful and gentle she knew she was safe with him. "Hello Storm, my old friend." She greeted him. She heard him softly neigh at her. She quickly mounted up and head off as fast as Storm could take them. The scenery quickly changed from village to woodland to open plains. As they neared the boarders they slowed down. A winding river was all that marked the edge of the kingdom. She got off Storm and sat under a secluded tree near the river as time passed. She watched Storm graze near her. The wind rustled the leaves as the cool breeze kissed her cheek. Her eyes survey the landscape around her. Snow peaked mountains lay to the South passed the river. She'd always dreamed of travelling south to other kingdoms, but with the passing of her brother she doubted it would be any time soon. Her smile faltered as she thought about him. Now there was no prince to take the throne leaving it to her to find someone to rule at her side. She brushed this thought from her mind as she looked into the horizon. The clouds had gone and now the sun was setting. The warm rays of the sun now filling her heart, body and mind with happiness. Her mind thinking back through the day that had just passed she thought about how everything has its time. "Everything has its time..." she said to herself. She looked into the distance and saw a black mass marching towards her. Although she could not make them out, there were a great number of them. Their spears held high as they sat upon their steeds. The sound of hooves from behind startled her, she spun around to see the messenger pass her and cross the river. He'd obviously not spotted the oncoming army as he travelled in their path. Watching in horror she saw an arrow hit the messenger straight in the heart. He fell off his horse motionless. She ran to Storm as an arrow narrowly missed her and hit the tree behind her. She got up and galloped back to the kingdom to warn everyone, the echoes of her last sentence still running over in her mind. Everything has its time...