Prologue

Our narrator and listener are introduced

The fire crackled softly, its light emanated radially outward as Celiqura and Adrias sat near it. The stars above shone brightly, like fresh cut diamonds at the bottom of a black pond. There was no moon that night. As the sands shifted from the breeze, the only sound that could be heard was the howl of a coyote in the distance.
"Tell me, Lady Celi," began Adrias, stroking his beard, "of the wisdom and knowledge you attained on your travels. I simply must know, before time runs out."
The light from the fire flickered on Celiqura's pale face, her ruby-red eyes shined when it hit them. "I can tell you many things," she began, "but what is it that you wish to know?"
"What did you learn from the mages in Tiagor?" questioned Adrias.
"Much," replied Celiqura. She sighed. "Perhaps, too much. I will tell you all I can until daybreak, then we break camp, muster the men, and prepare for battle against the invaders."
Adrias smiled. "Then tell me, my Lady, what is it that you learned from the mages?"
Keliqura smiled back then began her story.