Many years have passed since the Kingdom of Tortall's golden years. Rulers have changed, alliances have been forged, and lost, wars come and gone. But now, on the brink of the largest war the kingdom has ever seen, one girl can change the outcome. The threat of the triple alliance looms over her, the weight of a kingdom rests on her shoulders. But for one blessed by the Gods, and a descendant of great heroes, anything is possible.
The rained poured down on the city of Corus, paying no mind for the poor souls stuck on its streets. One such person, a young girl of about 16 years, was doing her best to find shelter. Running from doorway to doorway, she was rejected from each one, growing more and more disheartened. She had been told one of the many inns of the Lower City would welcome her, but she was yet to find it. With no directions or clues about the inn, she was forced to knock on the door of every single one she saw. However, her only alternative was to remain in the rain, so she soldiered on.
She rounded a corner, the light of yet another inn catching her eye. She hurried forward, sheltering in the doorframe for a moment, shaking water from her already drenched hair. She raised her pale fist, and knocked. The door swung open, letting a chink of light onto the otherwise dark lane.
"I swear on the King's grave, I will not put up with more of ye beggars knocking down my door!" The landlady smacked the boy holding the doorknob over the head. She turned to the girl in the doorway, her temper lowering.
"I'm sorry dear, but we simply can't fit you in. Best be on your way." She turned, pulling the door behind her. The girl, encouraged by a sudden streak of confidence, stepped forward, blocking the doorway.
"Wait! Please, I've been told to find an inn, and to-" She was cut short by the landlady, who turned back to her.
"Lass, I don't need to hear your tales, I have no time for 'em!" She said, finally facing the girl again.
"Please?" The girl pleaded, water dripping off her hair and coat and onto the floor. "He said to find the inn managed by a lady like yourself-" Again, she was cut off.
"He? Who, girl? Who sent you?" The landlady approached her, gripping her wrists tightly. The desperation in her eyes was clear.
"I don't know! He wouldn't give me a name, but he told me to show the landlady this, and I would be admitted." The girl pulled a crumpled package from her one of her oversized coat's pockets.
The land lady, after staring at the package for what felt like many minutes, finally took it.
"You'd best come in." She murmured, ushering the girl inside, shutting the door behind her.