Prologue
She looks at the brunet in curiosity, 'Do I have to go' she enquires in a small whisper, the brunet smiles.
'Sweetie you must, Tortall needs you' replies the older woman.
'But I want to stay with cousin Dove , or…' she stops and looks at the brunette. 'Why can't you come with me, I am sure the riders would accept you' the brunet smiles again before bending her knees to look at the child.
'Elly, I am not allowed back into the country because a few years ago I did something terrible, something unthinkable, because a few years ago I tried to kill the Queen, that's why its going to be hard on you, why you will be tested because…' the brunet is cut off as the young woman hugs her.
'I love you Aunt Daine, you made a mistake but don't worry I will bring back a good name to Wildmages. I will get the royals to see we aren't so bad or my name isn't Ellyessa Sarrasie' the child proclaims. 'Besides I'm fourteen more than old enough to care for myself' at that she silently calls for the roan pony and rides off into the forest and Daine watches her surrogate child leave her just as everyone else has.
'Good luck'