Hero (Intro)

The huge, magnificent gold gate wasn't what shocked me most. Nor was the large bustling city or the fantastically dressed people. It was the castle that did me in - a great, looming mansion with intense towers an turrets, more windows and doors than I could count, and a vast array of banners.

"Is that-" I started. “Castle Mirrah," a guard finished for me.

"Oh..." was all I could say. They led me through the city and into the massive doors of Castle Mirrah.

"Is this her?" A tall, impressively clean woman walked up immediately and asked.

"It is. We found her in Tukah Cave in the Gangeshlas," the guard on my right answered.

The woman smirked. "You always have had impeccable taste Jevon. She's absolutely stunning." She looked at me, and began mumbling to herself. "Auburn hair, blue eyes, beautiful skin, pale complexion.... doesn't even look like a true Antajhean. What is your name, child?"

I looked down shyly, and then looked back up for fear that she would scold me. "My name is Karana."

She smirked. "Karana... Yes. She will do quite nicely." She turned around and started walking away. "You are excused Jevon. Follow me to your quarters, Miss Karana."

Jevon let go of my arm, as did the other guard on the left. They turned away.

Here was my chance - the doors to Castle Mirrah hadn't closed yet, no one was watching me... I could easily run away. I watched as the woman got farther and farther away, closer to my new life. Here was my chance to get away. But instead, I ran to catch up to the adventure that awaited me.

As we walked she asked me questions. "How old are you, Miss Karana?"

"I have 18 years, as of last evening."

"Have you any education?"

"Yes, I had many private tutors."

She asked me something else, but I was distracted by her hair. It was long and silky, tied to the top of her head with a ribbon and left to dangle down her back.

"Miss Karana?" She turned to look at me. "This is your very first warning: always pay attention. Few things are repeated by the same person in this castle."

"Oh, yes! I am so sorry! I just... what do you call that style?" I asked as she began to walk again.

"What style?"

"Your hair."

"Oh." I wasn't sure of her reaction because I couldn't see her face. "It is called a ponytail."

"Huh." was all I said.

"Here we are," she said, stopping suddenly.

The door she unlocked was in a long corridor lined with paintings and tapestries and more doors. We walked into the room. I liked it. It was pleasant, decorated with pink, light blue, and brown. It wasn't too small nor too big. It had a nice bed against the left wall, a closet, three windows with curtains, and a beautifully carved desk with a mirror and dresser carved in the same design.

"You may decorate it however you like," she said.

"It's beautiful," I murmured.

She handed me a key. "Always keep it locked, whether you are inside or out." She started to walk out. "A maid will be here shortly to take you to the market."

"The market? Why?" I asked.

"You will need new dresses, of course. Among other things. We will turn you into a lady."

She began to close the door. "Wait!" I shouted.

She looked back at me for a moment. "Yes?"

"What's your name? I didn't get your name."

She smiled warmly. "I am Lorah, Head Caretaker of Castle Mirrah and close friend to the King."

I smiled back.

Then she closed the door and I heard the lock click.