A/N: This is a new prologue, as the story is undergoing revisions (see the note in the last chapter), so it might not match up exactly with the rest of the story until it too is revised.

The sun shone down on the dusty training ground, glinting on the sharp edges of arrowheads and bearing down on the line of young men. They squinted as sweat dripped into their eyes, trying to stay focused on the target. Muscled arms were taut with tension, shoulders straining to keep their bows immobile and strung tight.

Their teacher paced behind them, checking their stance, their poise, their silent strength as they controlled the powerful weapons. After assessing them with the critical eye of an expert, he stepped back and waited.

Waited…

Muscles cramped and breathing picked up, yet no one moved so much as a finger.

Still he waited, and when he had sensed the breaking point, the teacher called out, "Fire!".

Six arrows whistled briefly through the air before thudding faultlessly into six straw bags, right in the middle of the red circle painted onto each one.

A rush of breath, and things came alive again: the young men stretched and congratulated each other, younger boys stepped up to take their place, bragging and betting, and the youngest children, three rascals who looked no older than five, scurried about collecting arrows. Each boy was dressed alike: brown linen leggings and a loose white tunic, set op by a black belt and worn boots.

One boy, who didn't appear to be any different from the rest, detached himself from the crowd and addressed the teacher, bowing deeply. "Master, there is someone here to see you."

The Master nodded and followed the boy, Joachim, out of the archery ground and into the cool stone manor. His face was serene as he walked and he made no effort to adjust his appearance. The calm air was slightly odd for such a young man: he had only twenty-six summers to his name. The Master's dark hair was clasped neatly together and his uniform was clean and crisp; his tanned face was neatly shaven. His boots rang out on the bare stone floor, echoing up to the high roof and large windows.

The walls were covered with carved pictures: dragons, knights, proud warriors, magic, landscapes, …each one symbolized a great deed or place of the past, and they were an ongoing project. Each Master of the school usually had one or two designs added. The dormitories were decorated with replicas of these magnificent tableaus, and the occasional crude picture or phrase, put there by bored students (sometimes) artistic talent.

"I'll be in my office," the Master said, stopping outside of a plain wooden door with a quiver and bow depicted on the front. Joachim nodded and scampered off to get the visitor. The Master entered his office and sank down behind the desk. He glanced around, taking in the simple fireplace, sparse decorations and plain rug. It wasn't much, but it was home.

There was a polite tap at his door, and his visitor entered. He rose, taking a moment to assess her. She was a gnome, stout and wrinkled, her eyes clouded with the Sight. She carried a basked under her arm, cradling it against her chest.

"Good afternoon, Lady," the Master said, "my name is Menlan. What do you need that requires my services?"

The gnome smiled a toothy smile and reached into her basket. Gently, lovingly, she pulled out a sleeping baby. Menlan quirked an eyebrow.

"I have Seen," said the gnome, "that this baby will grow up to be your greatest student. She is gifted and talented, and she has been blessed by fortune and by the gods. She will be loyal and good, she will make all of her Masters proud, and when the time comes, you will choose her to defend the Prince and make things right in our beloved country. Can you trust me and accept this responsibility?"

Menlan, for once in his life, sputtered. "Well, yes, but…a girl?"

The gnome smiled. "Gender does not determine strength of body or mind, as you well know. Break tradition. You will not regret it."

And she was gone, leaving Menlan to stare down at his new charge, wondering…

A/N: I hope you like the new way this is going, I decided that the story was less than believable so I've changed a few things…that will become more apparent after a while.