Prologue
"Ugh, I hate airports!" mumbled Jen as she stood in line to get on board. "They are always so crowed."
Jen was an average 17 year old and was on her way back home to Virginia after a trip in Mexico. She had medium brown hair that was naturally wavy and was cut a couple inches bellow the shoulder. She had huge, almond shaped green eyes and many bags which she carried with her, for she didn't trust the baggage crew.
After she loaded her things on to the plane, Jen found her seat. It was next to a mid-aged woman, who looked tired and careworn. Jen sat down. "Hello," the woman said with a friendly tone. "My name is Tamora Pierce."
"Hello," Jen returned, yet not as friendly. They sat in silence until the plane lifted off the ground and into the sky. Ms. Pierce had brought a notebook with her and was writing continuously. Curious Jen asked, "What are you writing about?"
"Oh, I am an author. I write children's stories about a magical land called Tortall and all the people in it. I have 3 quartets currently and I am working on my 4th."
"That sounds interesting," Jen remarked sarcastically.
"Oh, but it is! Here, let me give you this book." Ms. Pierce started groping around in her carry on bag.
"No, no I am fine." Jen said.
"Here." Ms. Pierce gave her, what looked like, and old book with a brown cover and broken binding.
"What is it?" Jen asked.
"Open it," was all Ms. Pierce said.
Jen looked at Ms. Pierce and back at the book. How harmless can it be? She asked herself. It is just a book. Why does this lady want me to read it in the first place? Oh, well.
"One will never find out unless one opens it." Ms. Pierce said as if reading her thoughts. Gently, Jen lifted the cover of the big book. All of a sudden light streamed out and enclosed her. It pulled her, as much as she fought, into the book.