Prologue
Toran, (Soon to be eastern Armestris) 1786 CC (Continental Calendar)
"Lissie you have got to go!"
"But what about you big sister!" the girl protested clutching her doll to her chest. Rissa gave her younger sister an uneasy half grin,
"I can't, I'm the oldest royal child. I'm the one they really want."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to take my own life before they get a chance to even touch me!" "Big sister, no!"
"It's the only thing I still have control of, They have taken everything else"
"No…"
"I'm sorry little sister it's the only way." Tears streamed down both girls cheeks.
"But big sissy I don't want you to! You can't!"
"Come here, Hawkeye." (yes there is a connection) Rissa said referring to her little sister by the nickname she had given her years earlier. Picking up a pair of scissors she chopped off her little sister's long blond hair.
"Here" Rissa handed her the hair. "This would be damning evidence! Get rid of it first chance you have, and put these on!" She held out a pair of common boys clothes. "With your skill with a sling you could easily pass as a peasant boy!" Soon her sister stood in front of her looking every inch a mischevious young commoner, well almost. Rissa quickly rubbed dirt onto her little sisters face and hugged her.
"I'm so sorry Lissie now go! She steered Lissie toward the door. Lissie turned around dropping her doll to the floor
"but big sister!"
"go! Get out of here!" Lissie turned and soon disappeared from view. Rissa closed the door behind her and locked it then she grabbed the knife from the table clutching it blade pointed at her stomach with both trembling hands Rissa looked out the window "Lissie… I'm so sorry Lissie… goodbye little sister!" and with that she drove the blade into her chest.