Alara of Queenscove, a quiet, dark haired girl with bright green eyes, wandered the halls of the palace. Her orange gift glowed brightly around her. Magic pulsed through her every vein. She was a very gifted child, with brains as well as beauty. Her face showed barely and emotion except for a few lone tears that dribbled down her cheeks as she walked.
The hardest decision of her life, one that would change her destiny forever, loomed in her mind. She thought long and hard yet she still did not know what to do. She could study at the university as a mage in many areas or become a lady knight. The last choice (one she greatly resented) was to go to a convent and learn how to become a lady. Whenever someone mentioned the third option she shuddered.
What excitement would I get from being a housewife? Embroidery and managing a household, those things just do not interest me! She thought.
She would have to choose soon and her parents would want her to make the right decision.
But what is the right decision? She asked herself.
Being only 11 years old, gave these decisions a harsh twist. If she chose one, only to decide she detested it, her life may be ruined!
And what of her brother? Nealan of Queenscove was already a knight and a healer. He was second in command of the fort Haven, just under Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, his best friend. He was married with a child on the way. She didn't want to be second best, especially to him. Even though he was a couple years older (8 years to be exact), they were very close. He always found time to be with her, helping with many different things like her chores and schoolwork.
He always told her that if she became a page and than a squire he might be able to convince the very famous Lady Knight Keladry to be her knight-master. Alara loved the idea. Keladry was famous for her defeat of Blayce, the mage who created the disgusting Killing Devices from the spirits of dead children. The war between Scanra and Tortall ended only a few months later, when the Scanrans became afraid without their Killing Devices. The Scanran king, King Maggur, known as King Maggot, withdrew his forces after a threatening visit from one of Tortall's most courageous knights.
Maybe being a knight wouldn't be too bad. All the adventures and quests I would have. She thought.
Being a mage would be a very fun thing to do too though. All those spells and incantations were very intriguing.
I'd finally be able to do something that Neal can't.
As she thought about her choices someone had walked up behind her.