Prologue

Aerwyn approached the audience chamer in the Chateau d'Origuille. The guards searched her for weapons, and when they found nothing, they let her pass.

The large wooden doors opened with a loud creak.. The gold trim shimmered in the light.

As she approached the throne of King Destin, ruler of San d'Oria, she heard the doors close behind her. She heard metal clanking as armed guards moved in front of the door.

She reached the throne and knelt in front of the king. His sons, Prince Trion and Prince Pieuje, stood on either side of the thone.

"Aerwyn," the king stated. "Rise, my child." Aerwyn rose, but kept her eyes to the floor. "You understand why I summoned you. You are aware of the crimes you committed against this Kingdom."

Aerwyn continued staring at the floor, almost in tears, but quickly regained her composure. She straightened her posture and looked the king dead in his eyes.

King Destin's eyes were no longer warm, like they were years ago. The troubles of San d'Oria bore on his soul, and his eyes were cold and unwelcoming now. But she didn't care. "The only crime I see, your highness, is the crime your sons have committed by…"

"Commander Aerwyn! Don't you dare talk back to your king!" Trion shouted. Aerwyn stared at him, and his eyes were even colder and more unfriendly than his father's. But something was different about his eyes. While Destin's eyes seemed trouble, Trion's eyes were looking for blood.

"Prince Trion, with all due respect, what you and your brother ordered the armies to do is ludicrous! The fact that you are even trying to cut a deal with…"

At this point, King Destin slammed his fist on the arm of his throne. "Silence Commander Aerwyn! I think I've heard enough!" He took a deep breath and nodded to the guards. " Lady Aerwyn, you are hereby stripped of your title of Commander of the Royal Army. I sentence you to exile from the Kingdom of San d'Oria." Aerwyn's eyes widened. "May Altana have mercy on your soul for your treacherous deeds."

"What! NO!" Aerwyn shouted.

"SILENCE! Don't make me change my mind and have you executed in front of all of San d'Oria to set an example for other traitors! You are free to leave on your own will, but I'm warning you. If you refuse to leave, my guards will escort you in front of all the Kingdom!"

"FINE!" Aerwyn shouted back. She turned around and headed straight for the armed guards. They refused to move. "Let me pass."

King Destin nodded his head to them, and they let Aerwyn pass.