Lady Tessaraina D'viritazi stared out of the window of her opulent carraige, her small nose pressed up against the glass. The shiver that ran through her body caused her teeth to chatter within her mouth and on every exhale great plumes of fog escaped from her lungs, causing mist to spread over the see-through surface.

Why was she here? She had asked herself the question many times over the last few weeks. More after she had left her home and begun her long journey to this forgotten and desolate country. So far removed from the beauty of the great tropical jungles of Ragora and the splendour and luxury of it's capital of Nian, which she had called home for her first seven years. Venos was a backwards land of savages.

At least, that was what her father had always said. The four nations of Venos, Fero, Dunhold and the Yelesi republic were in a constant state of alert. There seemed to be news arriving in Nian every day of infighting and war about to break out between one or more of these supposed great countries. Tessaraina had been given extensive lessons on the subject during her travels, her tutor having joined her for the journey, handling the intense cold and dreary landscape worse than even his student.

He had been left behind at the border and Tessaraina was glad to see the back of him. For nearly the entire journey he had been needling the captain of her guard for the privilege of joining her within her carraige, but he was of a lower caste and had no title to his name, thus he was refused at every turn, causing him to whine and moan at every opportunity, even during Tessaraina's lessons. She had grown tired of that quickly, though had tolerated his attitude because of the lessons in etiquette she had received from her mother and sisters.

Why was she here? Her own thoughts betrayed her and even thinking about her stuffy teacher caused the question to rise up in her mind. Her father and mother had told her that a great purpose awaited her in the far flung land of Venos, a place her father despised and her mother thought of as beneath great Ragora. Yet they were willing to send her here. Her, Tessaraina, one of only two Smiths born to the great house of D'viritazi was being sent to live in a pigsty for some 'great purpose'.

The little Lady closed her eyes and clenched her fists, her anger great for her family. They had pulled her away from her friends, from her sisters. It was bad enough that her brother, Tristan, had been sent to the Empire of Ingemar, now she too must abandon her home and go on a journey to another land. Her father had told her that she wouldn't see her home again for many years, that she needed to stay strong and bring pride to their family name. But how could she do that if she didn't know what was going on? She was confused, scared and filled with a bitterness that belied her seven years.

Her brother hadn't been like this when he had left. As the only two of seven children to have the Gift of the Smith, Tessaraina and Tristan had been close as they grew up. He was only a year older than her and there was quite a gap between him and their elder sister, nearly five years. She remembered the day he left clearly in her mind as it happened only six months before. He had told her that his Knight had been chosen and he had been sent to Ingemar to prepare for the Bonding. The greatest joy of a member of House D'viritazi was to Bond with their chosen Knight. In that regard, Tessaraina was happy for her brother. Soon he would have a companion for life, one who would do anything for him. The young lady only hoped she would have just an auspicious match in future. Though, it was hard to beat the Imperial Princess of Ingemar.

Tessaraina had never been to the Empire, but she had studied it some with her many tutors. She imagined her brother now, standing in the Emerald Palace in Ionostrum, his Knight beside him as they stared out at the sunset together. Did he think of her often? She hoped so. She missed him almost every day, especially since leaving Ragora. She asked herself if this was what he felt like? Was he bitter about having to leave home? He had seemed excited and fit to burst when he had told her that he was leaving, but her brother had always been good at hiding his emotions. A trait that was essential if you lived with a family as prestigious as their own. Perhaps he had been hiding his sadness for her sake?

The carraige crossed a bump in the road and pulled the young Lady from her thoughts. She focused once more on the window and the cold landscape of Venos beyond. Winter had just begun and already hints of frost could be seen on the trees and plants outside. Tessaraina had never seen frost before and had been rather thrilled upon seeing it for the first time after they crossed the Yelesi border. But after near three weeks of constant travel it had become a reminder of just how far away from home she really was. She hated this. She hated it so much.

They would be arriving at some point today. At least, that was the hope of Alden, the captain of her guard. Alden had been a member of her protection detail since she had been born, according to the man himself. He had been a constant presence in her young life. Indeed, she had more memories of the man than her own parents. Wherever she went he had never been far from her and while the other Noble girls of Ragora hated their guards and wanted to escape them at all costs, Tessaraina enjoyed talking with Alden and the rest of her detail. She knew that she was safe when they were around and she had never been the most confident of children. She was quiet, soft-spoken and hated the limelight that her parents often thrust her into. The line of D'viritazi were famed for their Smiths. It was rare that a new generation would be without at least one. Many Nobles of Ragora had curried her parents favour to win over the chance to Bond. For a time, even the First Lord's daughter was being considered as a possible candidate. That had all changed when her father had arrived in her quarters looking harried and pale. He had ordered her maids to begin packing her things. A week later she had been on the road to Venos.

She had wondered if the reason was because her Knight had been chosen, but she had never even had the chance to meet them. She knew that the royal family in Venos only had one daughter and she was a Smith already. It wouldn't be one of the Nobles there. After all, there was quite a few more suitable matches in Ragora. Why travel so far when the daughter of the First Lord wanted her as a Smith?

Tessaraina stared at her reflection in the glass. Her long auburn hair had been tied into a pretty braid and her steel like eyes glittered in the failing light of sunset. Her skin was a dark caramel from all the time spent in the sun and she smiled experimentally, trying to put some form of mirth on her face and failing spectacularly.

She looked down at her right arm and hesitated before pulling up the sleeve of her dress. She touched it softly and muttered a few words in the language of Inscription. Red symbols immediately lit up upon her body, glowing with a crimson light as they danced across her dark skin.

The symbols had been difficult. The very next day after her father had told her she was leaving, she was taken before a Scribe. An old and tottering old man whose hands trembled so badly that Tessaraina feared she would be maimed during the process.

She had cried when the first symbols had been written. It was more painful than anything she had ever felt in her life, even more than when she fell out of the tree at their estate outside of Nian. She remembered her father grimacing and her mother weeping as the old man hurt her. She had tried harder to sit still after that. She didn't like to make mother cry so she smiled at her even as the pain grew steadily worse. It had taken hours to finish and the runes ended up covering the entirety of her body. Her father had told her they were meant to hide her power from prying eyes, but that she would need to relieve the pressure at least once a day to stop a bad thing from happening.

She had asked what bad thing but he hadn't answered. He had given her books, scrolls and ancient tomes that she was to study during her time away. He said they were the secrets of the D'viritazi. That only she could read the hidden messages within.

Tessaraina reached over beside her and grabbed the small leather bag that contained all of said books. She was to read them when she could but she hadn't even bothered to look at them yet. She was still upset over being sent away for no apparent reason.

The carraige came to an abrupt stop and the young girl had to stop herself from flying across the length of it's interior. Tessaraina hurriedly touched her arm again and muttered the dismissal words, causing the symbols to fade back down and into her skin. She was never to show the symbols to anyone, not if she could help it.

She went to the door of the carraige and opened it, only to find herself face to face with Alden, the captain of her guard. He was a strong looking man, with a long nose and narrow eyes. His hair was black, cut close to the scalp, and the grimace on his face could only mean that they had run into trouble on their journey to Myrin.

“Alden? Are you okay?” Tessaraina asked, concern for her guard blossoming on his face.

Alden's face softened and a smile appeared on his lips. “I am fine, my Lady. Some friends have arrived and I must speak with them. A moment please, and then we'll be on our way.”

Tessaraina nodded immediately, her trust in her guard absolute.

Alden stepped off the carraige and moved to the front of their small formation. A dozen men and women had joined her on the journey to Venos. Overall, their travel had been uneventful, despite hearing about violent mercenaries and bandits that plagued this part of the world. Tessaraina looked at a few members of her guard, ignoring the chill that hit her from the still open door. There was an air of seriousness about them now. Near all of them had their hands on their weapons and were looking at some unseen problem beyond the carraige. The young girl peeked out and around the open door, blinking twice as she saw two men waiting for Alden nearby.

One of the them looked to be some kind of beggar. His hair and straggly beard were grey, his eyes were a bright red and his clothes were stained. Tessaraina could smell the alcohol wafting off the man nearly from here, but he was undeniably some kind of warrior. A great spear was held loosely in his hand and he stared down each of the guard with a sneer touching his lips.

The other man must have been the biggest that Tessaraina had ever seen. He was near twice the size of Alden, who was the strongest of her guard, and a large axe was strapped to his broad back. The captain of her detail looked like a child next to such a giant.

A broad grin was on his face, something that looked faintly malevolent in the shadows cast from the trees. His hair and beard were black but streaked with grey, his eyes wide and inviting as he shook the hand of Alden.

The three men began to mutter amongst themselves and Tessaraina had to concentrate to hear anything at all. It wasn't until Alden started shouting that things became more clear.

“Absolutely not! We are to escort the Lady to her home in the city. That was our directive.” Alden snapped, his hand twitching towards the hilt of the sabre at his waist.

“No. Your directive was to deliver her to me. You're done after that, kid. Grab your things and return back to Ragora.” The large man answered, his voice loud and clear even from where Tessaraina was sitting.

“I will not allow the Lady D'viritazi to be taken by some... some...”

“Commoners?” The older man answered, snorting and raising some kind of wineskin to his lips, “Have no fear, Ragoran, we'll see the girl safely to her new home.”

Alden's fists clenched but Tessaraina could not see his face, “No, not commoners. Sell-swords, mercenaries. I won't have the Lady be involved with men of your standing.”

“You don't have a choice,” The large man replied, “I've already spoken with the old man. The girl will be given to me and that's the end of it. I'm not going to sit here and argue what is and isn't going to happen. You had your orders and those orders are fulfilled now. I won't have you ruin this operation because you want to protect your ward. That, my friend, is how you'll end up in a shallow grave.”

“Are you threatening me?” Alden asked quietly, his hand finally grasping the hilt of his sword, something that did not seem to concern either of the men. In fact, the older one just looked bored.

The large man laughed, his booming cackle sending a shiver down the young girl's spine. “Threatening you? Why would I? I don't have to do shit. Take the girl back to Ragora if you want or you could take her on to Myrin. It'll end the same way. The old man will have your head for ruining this for her. She needs to be inconspicuous, not declared as a Noble as soon as she arrives. Something that your little procession will surely do.”

Alden hesitated, turning back to clamp eyes on his ward who stared back at him with fear in her eyes.

“If anything happens to her-”

“Yes, I know, you'll kill me and mount my head on a spike. You Noble types are all the same,” The large man laughed again, “Go and get the girl. We're on a time limit here. She has a lot to do before morning comes.”

Alden didn't move for a moment, his hand still on his sword as though he was about to attack the two men and to the underworld with the consequences. Then he deflated and released his grip on his weapon. He turned away from the men and walked towards the carraige, his face brooding.

“Sir, I really don't think-” One of Tessaraina's guard tried to speak up.

“Quiet!” Alden hissed, “He carries the symbol of the D'viritazi, he is who we have been sent to meet. I don't like this any more than any of you, but we have a duty to the House to uphold. Our own feelings are moot.”

“But, sir-” another warrior, a woman this time, spoke up to replace the first reprimanded guard.

“Enough,” Alden said quietly, “Insubordination will not be tolerated. We will do as the man requests.”

Alden arrived at the carraige and did his best to force a smile onto his face, but the young Lady could see right through the facade. He was just as scared as she was.

“My Lady, these men have been hired by your father to look after you and ensure your safety.”

“What? You're not coming with me?” Tessaraina felt a pit form in her stomach and moisture began to build in her eyes, “Why not? I don't want to go with them!”

Alden reached up and took her hand gently, “Have no fear, my Lady. Your father trusts these men enough to give you to them. You know your father, he would never put you in danger.”

“But...But,” Tessaraina's tears began to fall fast now. She had thought that Alden and the others would be staying with her in Myrin. She had thought she wouldn't have to be completely alone. “But why? You can protect me, I know you can!”

Alden grimaced, “It is not that simple, my Lady. We can't follow you any further than this. The large man, Boldrin, will take our place and keep you safe.”

Tessaraina looked around at the rest of her guard, the silent plea in her eyes causing all of them to look away with faces of barely contained rage, the grips on the reins of their horses becoming rigid and stone-like.

“Come, my Lady,I will introduce you.” Alden said kindly, gently guiding the little girl down the few steps at the bottom of the carraige, her fragile state evident for all to see.

Why would her father give her to men she did not know? Alden had even said they were sell-swords. They were not Noble. What if they hurt her as soon as Alden left?

Tessaraina could do little to resist the firm grip of her trembling guard, even if she had wanted to. Tessaraina never was good at making her own decisions, all the people around her were more than happy to do it for her and she had never had the willpower to say no. This situation was the same. She was to be given to this man, this Boldrin, and that would be that. Despite her heart screaming inside her chest as she drew closer to the two men.

Alden came to a stop with her beside him, her hand still in his. Tessaraina nearly gagged at the fragrant odour of the older man, who smiled at her with crooked and yellow teeth. Perhaps he had been trying to be comforting but he was projecting the opposite. He looked like a homeless man on the streets of Nian, begging for coin to buy more liquor to fill his belly.

The other man did not smile. He frowned as if he was disappointed in what he saw and Tessaraina felt herself shrink smaller under his intimidating gaze.

“She's too well dressed,” the large man muttered to his friend, “Give her the clothes, Brin.”

Brin nodded to his companion and all but threw the bundle into Tessaraina's hands. She clutched the rancid smelling pile of cloth to her chest as though to protect her from the sell-swords.

“That belonged to little Padma. I'm sure you'll meet her, in time. First, though, go back into that carraige and get dressed.” The old drunkard said softly and pointed back the way she had come.

The young Lady merely nodded her head and rushed back to the relative safety of her escort, thankful to be away from the two men, even if it was just for a moment. She slammed the carraige door shut and examined the clothing they had given her.

They were boy clothes. They looked dirty and grass-stained, a motley collection of browns and blacks, the shoes not much better. Tessaraina looked down at her wondrous dress, one that her sister, Freida, had given her for her birthday. She nearly cried her eyes out right there and then.

After discarding her dress and pulling on the ill-fitting clothes and shoes, Tessaraina was about to leave the carraige before she realised she had left behind the leather satchel containing her father's gifts.

She grabbed it as though it was a lifeline, hefting it up and putting it on. The books were heavy but she could manage, for a short time at least.

As she opened the door to return to the three men, she heard the sound of hushed and frantic whispers.

“This isn't right. She's a child. She should be with her family. Not in this Spirit-forsaken country,” The first voice belonged to Alden, his tone bitter and still a little wary.

“You'll find no disagreement in me, but the old man insisted that the girl be his Smith. Does she know? What she's doing here?” This voice belonged to the bigger man, he must be the one called Boldrin.

“No,” Alden replied, “She knows nothing. Her father didn't want to frighten her, didn't want her to know what her life would be like when she got here. I think he was trying to be kind.”

Boldrin chortled in response, “His kindness isn't worth much. She'll suffer more now, she'll think she's been betrayed. Do you know who the boy is? What he is?”

“We have each been sworn to secrecy. We know he is an Heir, but that is it. Will he truly become her Knight?”

A Knight? Tessaraina's thoughts turned from fear to excitement. She was to get a Knight? Then why hide it from her in the first place!

The young girl slammed open the door and jumped down onto the hard, frost-bitten earth below, nearly sliding and falling over in her eagerness.

“A Knight?! I'm to get a Knight?” Tessaraina asked, a smile on her lips, “Why didn't you tell me that before! Who is it? Is he nice?”

Alden, Boldrin and Brin all turned to look at the girl, shock on their faces. Alden's eyes furrowed as he examined his ward.

“It is not polite to eavesdrop, my Lady.”

“Oh,” Tessaraina immediately lowered her eyes, “Sorry, Alden.”

Boldrin chuckled, “Look at that. Never before have I met a Noble Lady who didn't possess a spine!”

Alden snarled and turned on the man, his sabre jumping into his hands and it's edge suddenly appearing at the mercenary's throat. A lot happened in the next moment. Old Brin suddenly had his spear ready to impale the man and Tessaraina's guard all drew their weapons as they prepared to fight.

Boldrin made no move, nor did he even attempt to. He just kept grinning at the experienced soldier as though he was a child, “Would you like to do this, guard? I promise that it will only end with the deaths of you and your men. You have no Knights to fight for you.”

“You are no dragon for a Knight to slay. I deal with the dogs myself,” Alden replied quietly, his sabre pressing slightly into Boldrin's neck and drawing a scarlet tear that stained his tunic. “Apologise to the Lady.”

Boldrin turned his eyes over to the girl, who withered under it's intensity. “No, I don't think I will. You and that prissy bunch of Nobles have mollycoddled her to the point of near uselessness.”

“She is a child, watch your words!”

“She can't afford to be a child any longer,” Boldrin replied grimly, “Dark days are ahead. To borrow your words, the boy will need a dragon at his side, not an obedient dog.”

“I-I can do it,” Tessaraina said, stepping forwards, her vision spinning as she did so, “I can be a good Smith, I promise.”

Boldrin turned to her again, his face unmoved by her words, “Pretty words, but they mean little. This isn't a fairy tale, girl, where you meet your Knight and live happily ever after. The boy is an Heir. Do you know what that means?”

Tessaraina shook her head, confused. What was an Heir?

“The master has given her materials to read, to teach herself her family's history,” Alden said, his sword remaining at Boldrin's neck. “She will learn, in time.”

“Good,” Boldrin nodded before raising an eyebrow, “Are you gonna remove the sword now? Much as I like a good stand-off, night approaches and we haven't much time.”

For moment, Alden did nothing. Then he nodded slowly and removed the blade from Boldrin's throat. “I do not like your tone, sell-sword, but I understand your meaning.”

Alden returned his sword to his scabbard and turned to the young lady, taking a knee before her and bowing his head, “Forgive me, my Lady. I should not have acted so without your word.”

“N-No, it's fine, Alden,” She replied, smiling at the man, “I'm going to have a Knight! Just like Tristan! I wonder what he's like?”

“I wonder indeed,” Alden replied with a sad smile before turning to Boldrin, “Where should we take her belongings? They are strapped to the back of the carraige.”

“Burn them,” Boldrin grunted, “Make sure you leave no trace. Lady Tessaraina D'viritazi doesn't exist any more.”

“What?!” Tessaraina shouted, “You can't do that!”

“I can and will,” Boldrin replied, “Where we're going, you'd only stand out in a silk dress. We'll get you clothes as you need them.”

“Her skin is too dark to pass for Venosian,” Brin spoke up thoughtfully, “That'll change in time, but the hair will need to be cut as well. No commoner has a barnet so fine.”

Boldrin nodded before swiping one of his large paws through the air towards Tessaraina, “Come here, girl.”

The young Lady hesitated, turning to Alden who merely looked at her helplessly, “Do... Do I have to?”

“Aye, unless you want the whole world to know you're a Noble.” Boldrin said with a roll of his eyes.

“Why? Is being Noble bad in Venos?” Tessaraina asked, confused, as she approached the large man.

“For some it is,” Boldrin yanked a dagger from his belt, causing the girl to flinch, “Spirit damn it, I'm not going to harm you, just come here.”

Boldrin grabbed Tessaraina's hand and pulled her close, causing Alden to hiss in displeasure, before he grabbed a handful of her waist-long auburn locks. He dragged the knife through it and Tessaraina flinched as a huge clump fell onto the ground, the remaining length high and barely touching her shoulders.

“There, that's better,” Boldrin quipped, sliding his dagger back into his belt, “Say your goodbyes. We leave now.”

Tessaraina was still staring at the hair on the ground, her mouth open as she touched the frayed and uneven edges of her new style. Tears formed at the edges of her eyes. She had loved her hair. Her mother had always said that it was so soft and fine, she had spent hours combing it. For some reason everything up till now hadn't hit her so hard as this.

“My Lady?” Alden dropped to his knees again and took her hand in his, “Tessaraina? Are you okay?”

“Why did he do that, Alden?” Tessaraina sniffled, looking at Boldrin who had already walked off to stand next to his horse, “I liked it.”

“I know, child, I know,” Alden said as he pulled the girl into a hug, “Don't worry, it'll grow back.”

Tessaraina's head fell on Alden's shoulder as she cried, “Why is this happening? Why do I have to go with them? Does my Knight want this?”

Alden took her face in both hands and held her at arms length, “Your Knight is different than anyone else, Tessaraina. Only Tristan's Knight can claim to have the same power.”

“Tristan's Knight?” Tessaraina said, her tone stilted and eyes red from crying.

“Yes. Tristan's Knight is special and your Knight is special as well. You have to be extra strong for him. You have to help him however you can,” Alden's tears, held back until now, broke free from his eyes and poured down his face, “We won't see each other for a very long time. But I know you'll keep him safe. Your father thinks he's very special. He thinks that only you can do this job.”

“I'll try my best,” Tessaraina said, trying to smile through her veil of tears.

Alden pulled her into yet another hug, swaying back and forth as he tried to soothe her, “I know you will, you're the strongest person I know.”

“Even more than Tristan?” Tessaraina asked quietly.

Alden laughed, “Even more than Tristan.”

“Hurry up, we're burning the light,” Boldrin snapped at the pair, already on his horse.

Tessaraina and Alden broke apart and the young girl dabbed at her eyes. Her mother would throw a fit if she saw that she was crying in public like this. “Thank you, Alden. I'll see you soon.”

“Thank you, Lady Tessaraina, it's been an honour,” The man replied, bowing towards his ward for the final time.

“Thank you everyone!” Tessaraina shouted at her guard at the top of her lungs, waving at them. Each of them smiled and more than a few cried as they waved back at her.

Tessaraina turned her back on her guard and took a deep breath. She was going to have a Knight. He was special, just like the Imperial Princess. Maybe he was a really important Noble and that's why she had to cut her hair? To stop her from causing a scene when she went inside the city? That made sense, she thought. After all, her family was very important. Maybe Boldrin wanted to avoid causing problems for the young man he served.

Tessaraina approached the large man with no small amount of trepidation. For all her words about being a good Smith, she was still just a child of seven years. She was mature for her age, at least when compared to the other young Lords and Ladies she had been surrounded by during her upbringing. This had been by the design of her mother, more than her father. She had always said that Tessaraina should make sure she was the smartest person in the room and her education up until that point had been tailored to reflect that outlook. But for a moment, as she watched her lustrous hair fall to the dirty earth below, she had given into the emotions in her heart. The fear, the anger, all of it was compounded within her tiny chest until it felt like she could barely breathe. Alden's words had helped to douse the fire within her, but the embers still flickered within. With each glance at the dirty, giant mercenary she felt her resolve falter and fade.

“Up you come,” Boldrin growled and reached over the side of the mare he rode, grabbing the girl's arm and lifting her with seemingly no effort at all, placing her in front of him on the saddle.

Tessaraina shivered as she leaned back against Boldrin's armoured chest, the cold steel of his breastplate digging into her spine. She hated this. She hated having to leave all she knew behind.

Tessaraina turned her head to look at the guard, all of whom were still frozen in place, the hands held up in farewell and smiles on their lips, sad but filled with hope that they would see her again.

The young Lady felt renewed strength fill her and she waved a hand at her friends, grinning for their sake, before Boldrin hissed at his horse and they were on the road, Brin following close beside them on a horse that looked to be as mangy as he was.

“We'll need to hurry now,” Boldrin said to his companion, “We didn't plan for so much time to be spent on pick-up.”

“Aye,” Brin grumbled, taking another swig from his well-worn wineskin, “True that, but the bastard won't get away. I know where he lives. Where do I meet ya?”

“There's an alley on the Old Road, near the market,” Boldrin replied, “Next to an old blacksmiths. The sign's still there, first one you see. Can't miss it.”

“Alright,” Brin said grimly, a dark and twisted smirk on his lips as his eyes flashed, “You sure the girl will be up for it?”

Boldrin shifted in his saddle and Tessaraina felt his stare on the back of her head. “She'll need to be. Won't have no layabouts. We have a job to do and hers will be harder than most.”

“You heading to the orphanage?” Brin asked quietly. For some reason Tessaraina could hear a quiet fury in his voice.

“She'll need to meet the kid at some point. Best to do it now. So she knows who she's fighting for.”

“Erin won't be happy about that, boss,” the old drunk protested, “You told her you'd stay away.”

“Aye, but things change. It's not like he'll know we're there. I'll deal with Erin,” Boldrin replied, his face darkening, “If she had just let us know where she was before, we could've prevented this.”

“You don't know that, Boldrin. The Commons are a fucking cesspool, and that's coming from me. It's a miracle he's still alive at all.”

Boldrin grumbled but didn't reply. Tessaraina hung on every word as they spoke back and forth, trying to glean some insight into who her Knight was. Did he live in an orphanage? What kind of Noble lived in an orphanage and had no family? She knew of the places like that from her time in the city of Nian. She had seen the listless eyes of the children as they begged for coin on the street or tried to steal some small morsel to survive. She had heard that when one was caught a hand was taken as payment. She shivered and fixed her gaze on the road. It wasn't long before she saw them.

The golden spires of Myrin.

A monument to the power of the Venosian royal family, no one truly knew where the spires had come from. It was said that it was one of the greatest secrets of the Kings and Queens of Venos. Tessaraina had learned that when Gilderbrand, the first king, looked to settle Venos, it was the spires that inspired him to build Myrin, They would be a symbol of his authority and strength, of his Spirit given right to rule.

Tessaraina felt her jaw drop as she looked at the three towering structures. The sun was still setting and the colours set the spires alive with a wondrous glow that seemed magical in nature. When she had first read about the spires the young Lady had thought the tales exaggerated, as these things often were. But she found, if anything, their beauty was undersold.

“Don't look too closely now. You'll go blind,” Old Brin cackled from his place beside her and the Lady's eyes widened as she quickly averted her gaze.

Boldrin chuckled, sounding almost kind for the first time since she had met him, “Have no fear, girl. Brin is playing a trick on you.”

“I've never seen anything like them before,” Tessaraina replied meekly, looking once again on the distant towers, “Is it true no one knows who made them?”

“It is,” Boldrin replied, “Only the King and Queen know the truth, or so the stories say. I expect their little Princess will know the secret soon enough as well.

Elora. Princess Elora. Tessaraina had been forced to study all the important Nobles as a result of her brief tutelage between Ragora and the border with the Yelesi Republic. She thought it must be difficult being an only child. Tessaraina herself had many sisters, though only one brother in Tristan. She must be quite lonely being cooped up in a palace all by herself.

They crossed the distance to the city in about two hours, the sun almost completely disappearing behind land to the east. Home lay in that direction. Ragora felt so far away right now.

“Brin, hold back and follow in after us. We'll meet you soon.”

The old drunk nodded in agreement before pulling on the reins of his horse and falling behind, following them at a greater distance.

“Don't speak with the guards,” Boldrin warned, “It'll give you away.”

“How?” Tessaraina asked with a frown.

“You speak all Noble like. Need to teach you a new way to talk. Don't worry, that'll be easy enough, you're young enough to lose the accent quickly.”

Tessaraina had noticed she spoke with a slight lilt to her words compared to the massive Boldrin and sneaky Brin. Was that a Noble accent, or just a result of living in Ragora?

The girl asked Boldrin the question and he snorted a response, “Doesn't matter any more. You are a Venosian now. You live and talk like them. You aren't from Ragora.”

“Yes, I am,” Tessaraina pouted, “I don't want to be a filthy Venosian.”

The young lady parroted her father's words but she trembled in the next instant when she felt a hand press itself atop her head, “Your Knight is one of those filthy Venosians. At least, he's lived here long enough that it don't matter what he was before. You saying you're better than him, that it?”

Tessaraina shook her head insistently, suddenly terrified by the unhidden threat in Boldrin's words.

The large man sighed and hesitated before ruffling her hair, “Your father is a good man, Tessaraina. A real good man, who does real good things. But he is a man like any other. He has his prejudices, his own demons, but you don't have to take them on as your own. It'll be easier for you if you wipe the slate clean. Venosians are just like Ragorans. They live and they love as best they can. Your Knight is no different.”

“My Knight...” Tessaraina replied slowly, almost afraid to speak, “Does he live in an orphanage?”

Boldrin sighed again, this time it was filled with sadness instead of impatience, “Aye, he does, girl. He ain't no Noble. He's just a common lout. Like me, like Brin. Got anything to say about that?”

Tessaraina didn't know what to say. She was the youngest daughter of one of the oldest families on the continent. Her brother was to be the Smith of the Imperial Princess of said continent's largest nation. But she was sent here to be with a commoner? Why? Why had her father looked so scared when he told her to make ready for travel? Why had she been forced to put the symbols into her flesh? All for a boy who lived in an orphanage with no Noble blood?

“You're confused,” Boldrin said as they fast approached the gates, “You're not the only one. Just because he's common don't mean he's not special, Tessaraina. You'll see it yourself in the days to come, I'm sure.”

What did that mean? Tessaraina meant to ask another question but was interrupted as they arrived at the gates and the guards strode forwards to speak with Boldrin. Careful to make sure she didn't speak, Tessaraina looked at her hands, barely paying attention to what the men were saying. Her Knight was not a Noble. Alden had said he was special, like the Imperial Princess was special but the girl couldn't figure out how. The Imperial Princess has power, prestige, and the attention of the masses. She has also found a Smith in her own brother, who her father once said was the most talented Smith the family had ever produced. What could an orphan share with an existence such as her?

The guards let them through with no trouble and the two companions past through the great gates of the city's southern entrance. The first thing that hit Tessaraina was the smell. The place reeked like a combination of a brewery and an outhouse. The girl immediately pressed her hand to her mouth and nose, looking around at her surroundings through red and stinging eyes.

The first thing she noticed was how dark and ominous the buildings around her were. The majority of the houses and shops around her were a strange amalgamation of wood and stone. More than one looked like it was about really to collapse in on itself, something she was very much against, considering how close they were. The roads were cobbled but only partially. In more than one place just at the entrance, Tessaraina could see grass poking through the cracked stone. Often there were areas where there were no cobbles at all and only wet mud could be seen. At least, Tessaraina hoped it was mud. When she saw a woman throw something from a bucket into the streets ahead of them she almost gagged. Every eye was on them as they entered, each more unsavoury as the last. Some looked desperate, others threatening and still others wore smiles that reminded her of old Brin, filled with a need for violence.

“Welcome to the Commons of Myrin, Lady Tessaraina,” Boldrin whispered in the girl's ear, “Have no fear, they know a warrior when they see one. No one will give us trouble.”

“My Knight,” Tessaraina whispered back, just as quietly, “He lives here?”

“He does,” Boldrin nodded, “and now, so do you.”

The girl felt her heart hammer inside her chest. She couldn't live in a place like this, she thought, as she saw a man with one arm and one leg leaning on a crutch and sneering at her. She was a Lady of the great house of D'viritazi. How could she be expected to spend time in a place like this?

They continued onwards and deeper into the Commons. The eyes that had followed them still did so, but they kept their distance. It seems that Boldrin was speaking the truth and Tessaraina could understand why the unsavoury elements of the Commons were hesitant to try and attack such a man. His size alone would be enough to dissuade even the most desperate of men.

They continued on for some time until they reached a large one story building that was squeezed between a pair of dark and windowless houses. Tessaraina assumed that the place must hold some kind of importance, but the dilapidated building, one of the few built entirely from wood, was a sagging and rotten mess. The roof looked like it was dipping in places and more than a few windows had been shattered. She would have thought it to be uninhabited if it weren't for the glow of a lantern coming from within.

“This is it,” Boldrin said, easily dismounting before grabbing Tessaraina and putting her down beside him, “Stay close to me now. Don't speak unless I give the word. Understood?”

The young Lady nodded hesitantly and followed after the large man as he ascended the steps as quietly as possible before rapping on the large and slimy door.

They didn't have to wait long. Almost as soon as Boldrin knocked the door swung open, the light from within banishing the dark from the street beyond, causing Tessaraina to let loose a sigh of relief, the coming of the light somehow removing her fear of being watched.

A woman stood beyond the door, clutching a small girl to her chest. She was clearly a sister of the great Spirit, dressed in the drab browns of their order. She had a pencil stuffed behind her dirty blonde hair and her intense gaze froze upon seeing the two strangers at her door. The little girl in her arms, a head of brilliant blonde curls cascading down her shoulders, continued to reach for the pencil that was her goal. The presence of strangers no deterrent for her childish machinations.

“Boldrin,” The Sister spat out from between gritted teeth, her grip on her young ward trembling, “I told you not to come around here.”

The mercenary raised his hands to show he meant no harm, “I'm sorry, Erin, but we need to see him.”

“No. You do not,” The woman called Erin replied frostily, her eyes slipping from the man's face and fixing on the girl at his side. She softened slightly before freezing up again, her gaze shooting back up to Tessaraina's companion. “She is who I think she is?”

Tessaraina frowned but said nothing as Boldrin instructed, instead relying on the large man to talk in her stead.

Boldrin nodded solemnly, “Aye, she is that.”

“In the message I said no Smiths! I won't have his life ruined by this, I won't!” Erin hissed, securing her grip on the little girl, “I asked for protection, for help. That was all.”

“That's why we're here, Erin,” Boldrin replied gently, trying to calm the Sister, “We have no plans for them to Bond anytime soon. The old man wanted one of his own here though, just in case.”

Erin laughed, the sound causing the girl to turn and laugh as well, “You and I both know that is false, Boldrin. He wants the girl here to secure the future of his family. His son is already with the other one, I heard.”

“Can you blame him, Erin?” Boldrin replied, “Never before has there been two Heirs in one generation. He's just trying to help.”

“Help himself! Not my... Not my Orin,” Tears shined in Erin's eyes as she choked down sobs, her mood causing the little girl to frown at the Sister and place a small hand against her face. The Sister's reaction was immediate and she grinned brightly at the little girl, her tears evaporating along with her sadness, “Yes, I know. No more tears, I promise.”

The little blonde haired treasure couldn't possibly understand Erin but she smiled regardless and giggled in delight, the sound causing Tessaraina and Boldrin to smile as well.

“So, you are to be my son's Smith,” Erin asked, her eyes running the length of the young Lady, causing her wither beneath their glare, “I hope you realise just how much of a job you have ahead of you.”

“I-I think so, my Lady,” Tessaraina replied, her hands clasped in front of her. In truth, she had little idea what was going on. She was still reeling from discovering her Knight was no Noble, but common-born.

“She'll learn her place, in time,” Boldrin replied cryptically, “May we see him? It'll be only for a second and then we'll leave. Are the other children up?”

The Sister shook her head, “No, their bedtime has come and gone. A couple of them have sneaked out, up to Spirit knows what, but the rest should be resting. Orin's condition has been hard on all of us.”

“Any change from when we last spoke,” Boldrin asked gently.

“No,” Erin said, her teeth clenched, “I asked Mrs Hollies from the market to pop by and she worked a salve for him out of what you gave me. She said he'll be off his feet for at least another month. His wounds were too grave and he hid them too long.”

“Then this is the perfect time,” Boldrin replied, “Best let the girl meet him now.”

“Perhaps you're right,” Erin sighed in resignation and waved her hand forward, “Come then, first door on the left. Keep your voices down. I don't expect him to wake, but I'd rather him not know you exist. It'll make your job harder, Boldrin.”

Boldrin nodded and touched Tessaraina's back with a large paw and pushed her forwards. The young girl followed behind the Sister, examining the stained and faded walls as she past them by. How could anyone live in a place like this?

“In there,” Erin said as she pointed to a door that was slightly open, “I'll be with you in a moment, I need to put this devil to bed.”

The little girl giggled again and lay her head against the Sister's shoulder as she walked at speed down the corridor and disappeared around a corner. Boldrin immediately entered the room, followed swiftly by the lagging Tessaraina.

The room was without decoration, with the exception of a small stool that sat in one corner. A bucket sat atop the stool to catch errant drops of moisture that fell from the ceiling, the sound filling the room with a dull tap. The walls and ceiling looked to be just as worn down as the rest of the building and there was only one window which looked out into a courtyard that was just mud and tall grass.

A sound reached Tessaraina's ears, one of difficult rasping breath leaving tired and worn lungs. The girl turned to look at a simple cot that had been set up on the floor at the other side of the room, as far away from the leak as possible. The little girl froze as she looked upon the body of the boy who lay atop it.

He was on his stomach, his eyes closed and restless, his little hands twitching in his troubled sleep. He was naked, as far as she could see, though his lower body was covered by a thin blanket that was stained with blood. It was his back that caused the young Lady to gasp though. It was covered in bandages that were stained yellow and black. The thick fragrance of herbs filled the air and Tessaraina noticed that next to the boy lay a mortar and pestle, along with several bottles filled with a thick liquid that the girl could not name.

“Tessaraina of Nian, meet Orin of Myrin. Your Knight.” Boldrin said, his voice strained, the sadness in his posture the only indication that he felt anything at all.

“Who... Who did this to him,” Tessaraina asked, her hands tightening at her sides as she watched his back rise and fall with difficulty. “What happened?”

“He was trying to help me,” A voice came from behind and the Sister entered the room with folded arms and sorrow in her eyes, the delightful little girl absent from her arms. "And this was the result. He and one other. She did not survive her treatment.”

“Why?! Why did you let him!” Tessaraina turned and shouted at the lady. It was all too much, she was to get a Knight and yet he lay near death. Commoner or no, no person should have to go through this much pain.

Erin's face hardened and her jaw clenched as she fixed fiery eyes on the girl, “I let him do nothing. It was a hard winter and I lost children to the frost. Orin wanted to help, wanted to earn coin. He put his trust in the wrong man and this is the result.”

“Calm yourself, Tessaraina,” Boldrin said, placing a hand on her head. For some reason she thought she saw approval for her rage in his eyes, “Have no fear. We will deal with the man who did this to your Knight. To your Orin.”

Tessaraina turned back to the broken form of the boy who would be her Knight. Why had this been allowed? Was this what her father was so afraid of? Tessaraina walked up to the boy hesitantly and examined him more closely. His hair was a dark brown and his face was plain. She could not see his eyes but they rolled in his skull and she watched the movement as tears threatened to fall once again. She had always wanted her own Knight, wanted a partner like her brother had the Imperial Princess. A true friend, who would never falter or leave her. She hadn't really cared who it was, the idea had been enough for her. The idea of a perfect companion that would always have time for her and never let her down. Not like so many others. The thrill that had ran through her when she had heard Alden and Boldrin talking had been tempered by finding out her Knight's circumstances, but upon seeing him she had felt something. It was a connection. She had yet to make any real progress in controlling her soul but it seemed to hum in his presence, aching at the horror of his wounds. Alden had said that her father knew she would be able to keep him safe. Yet she had failed before she had even begun. Alden's words ran through her mind. This boy was important. He was special.

“Three weeks. It took me three weeks to realise there was a problem. I sent the missive soon after he collapsed,” Erin spoke, her words quiet and only interrupted by the droplets of water falling into the bucket. “It got worse recently but he's on the road to recovery, thanks to you.”

“No need for thanks, Erin. Just doing my job.” Boldrin replied, his eyes still fixed on Tessaraina, “We'll be out of your way soon. I'll be nearby if you need me. If not me then one of my men will be stationed in the city. We'll keep an eye on the boy. Tessaraina will always be nearby.”

Erin's attention flickered over to the girl before back to the large mercenary, “Maybe she should stay here with me? You're not the best guardian, Boldrin, and that way Orin will grow with her.”

The large man shook his head immediately, “No. She needs training to prepare her for her place at the boy's side. He'll need her to be strong for him. It'll be hard, but she can do it.”

“Perhaps you should let her decide,” Erin snapped, “It is her life.”

“No longer,” Boldrin replied just as harshly, “Just as the boy's life is no longer his own. They are fated now. Whether it happens now or in many years, they will be Bonded. She needs to be ready.”

“Must it be inevitable? Must he fight for the Hall?” Erin spat out, her fury great, “He gave them too much as a babe, now you come here and tell him he must give more.”

“I tell him nothing,” Boldrin growled, “I am here to protect him. I do not know what the future holds. If you hadn't wanted this then you shouldn't have contacted the D'viritazi.”

Erin deflated and leaned against the wall, her head touching the damp wood, her face pale and filled with a heartache that caused Tessaraina to near burst with sympathy. “I had no choice. You know that.”

The mercenary's gaze softened and he nodded, “I know. I am not here to steal your son away, Erin. I am here to watch, nothing more. I spoke poorly before. He is different. We don't know where his path will lead.”

Tessaraina leaned forwards and moved a lock of hair from the boy's eyes, causing him to twitch and then relax at her touch. Her soul sang at the contact. This was her Knight. He was not a Noble, but he was hers.

“To me,” Tessaraina's voice was a whisper but it still pulled the gazes of the two others in this room. “His path leads to me,”

She knew it. As sure as her heart beat within her chest. She could feel the connection just waiting to be made. She knew at that moment that she could do it right then and there. If it weren't for her training she may have even attempted Etherin. It felt so natural, so right. Was this what Tristan felt upon meeting his Knight? Did he feel the swelling in his soul, the sense of comfort that came from a mere touch?

The girl looked up at the mercenary and the sister, her grey eyes like steel as they reflected the dim light of the candle that sat nearby.

“The man who did this. What is his name?”