[Prologue]

The sun had finally set over Monsea, leaving the land covered in darkness. Waves broke gently over the docks that tethered a giant wooden ship, whose sails shone eerily in the pale moonlight. The ship would be leaving bright and early the next morning on its very first expedition, to explore the unknown lands to the East.

Two Lienid guards protected the docked entrance to the giant ship. They looked so much a like it was possible they were brothers, or even twins. The brother on the right hummed quietly to himself and inspected his sword. The one on the left gazed out to the sea as if it were calling to him.

A small figure approached the guards without them noticing; a young person in boys clothing, but so delicate it could very well have been a girl. A dark hood was drawn over the figure's head hiding not only their hair but the color of their eyes.

"Let me onto the ship," the figure said in a soft high-pitched voice, proving that she was in fact female. Both guards snapped out of their separate reveries and pulled themselves to attention. The girl tossed a coin to the brother on the left. He was surprised and almost dropped the gold straight into the ocean. The other brother was ready for his coin and caught it easily when she tossed it to him. "Forget I was ever here," she said in the same calm yet precise tone.

Both guards nodded, each examining their bribe. The hooded figure slipped in between them and onto the ship. The guards pocketed their money in silence. The brother on the left turned back out to the sea. The brother on the right resumed his humming. It was as if the girl had never been there at all.