As a child, Morlea's handmaid wove wondrous tales to amuse her. Among these stories was the legend of Talitha, a princess like Morlea herself, trapped in a tower whose walls wept at her unjust imprisonment. An evil wizard hid her away until a prince could save her, then struck the land and its people barren to prevent any attempt at rescue.<br><br>Morlea believes the story nothing more than a fantasy until, years later, she discovers a possible location for the fabled tower. Dissatisfied with palace life and looking for adventure, she decides to chase down Talitha on her own.<br><br>A princess needs to be rescued, of course. And if there aren't any able-bodied princes up to the task, why can't another princess be the savior for once?

Runes of the Quest

He was shorter than I,his stoutness reinforcing his lack of height.His hair was cropped short over muddy brown eyes and,from his colorful attire I could tell he belonged to the troupe of visiting performers.I didn’t recognize him though—he hadn’t been the one who sold us the horses—and wondered what business he could have with me.As I motioned with one arm for him to sit,I fingered my crossbow under the table,hidden in my lap.


He shook his head.“Why don’t you just come with me?”


I gave him a withering glare and returned to my food.Uncouth behavior always made me angry,especially so early in the morning.“Sir,you have the audacity to interrupt my breakfast and refuse me the honor of your presence as I finish my meal?From where did you learn your manners?”


Chapter 4