#chapter 1-1

Sometime after the bear had left us all alone, Brenda, Trisha, and I made our way to the cafeteria. It was empty and I didn’t expect anyone to come in for a while. My internal clock told me it was getting late, anyway.

“Would the two of you like some snacks? I can go prepare something if you wish.”

“I can’t say I’m the most peckish at the moment.”

“I don’t really...feel hunger. And my charge is in no desperate need of refilling for now.”

A pretty young maiden with pointy ears stands upon the deck of a large ship as it pulls into the harbor of a bustling city. She sighs and touches an amulet on her neck. “It’s taken longer than I’d like, but I’ve finally reached Mastith…” She says to herself as she grabs hold of the single, small bag she brought with her on her trip before walking down the ships lowered gangplank.

The Harbor Master, a short and portly man, walks up to her. “Hello! And welcome to Mastith, capital city of Arlona and the crown jewel of the great Arlonian Empire!” He notices how lost she appears as she looks toward the main city just past the harbor. “Perhaps I can be of some assistance Miss?”, he asks her with a friendly smile.

She smiles back, looking a bit relieved. “Oh, um…yes. Thank you. Could you perhaps point me in the direction of the market? Or at least the nearest shop?” “Ah, but of course! Once you leave the harbor, turn left, followed by the first right shortly after. Then simply follow the path. The market district is just past the archway at the end.” She makes a mental note of his directions in case she decides to come back to the harbor. “Thank you sir!”, she says with a quick little bow before running off to find the market.

The girl soon reaches her destination without trouble. The market district is large and crowded, people of all races and cultures can be seen going about their daily business. She looks around for a more secluded spot in the market, spotting a small alleyway with some crates and barrels. The girl sits on one of the barrels and pulls out what looks to be a scroll from her bag. As she unfurls it, the scroll appears blank at first.