Chapter 1 Summary

As the story begins, a copper-haired knight, his man at arms, and a black cat arrive at the Marenite city of Berat. After a brief exchange with the guards, the young, beardless knight and his companions are allowed into the city. Once inside the city, the man at arms inquires after directions to an inn called The Wandering Bard. Only once inside the city is it revealed that the cat can speak and that the knight is actually a woman.

Allana and Coram and Faithful arrive at The Wondering Bard. Windfeld, the innkeeper, has received a letter from Sir Myles, informing him that she would be arriving. After hearing the news of the realm, Alanna and Faithful head off to take a bath.

During her bath, Alanna has a vision. It is a vision that she has seen before. She sees a blue-violet...