-Prologue-
Nihlufar was from the far off land of Ashar. Her father was a Sultan, and so she had been given an excellent education, as had all of her brothers and sisters. They each had their own strengths and wisdoms, but of them all, Nihlufar was easily the most adventurous.
In her teenage years, she had traveled all across Ashar, learning eagerly as she went. She even went to some of the cities and towns in the neighboring lands, and she developed a deep fascination with other cultures.
When she was nineteen years old, she entreated her father for his leave to travel abroad. “I wish to venture across the lands, speaking with the wisest people in every city and settlement, learning their insights and lessons, so that I may return my wisest self, and use this knowledge for the betterment of Ashar.” She had said.
She was surprised that her father was not immediately supportive of her noble quest. He eventually agreed, but with some conditions. “You will carry a letter with you at all times, bearing my seal, and the seal of the Arch-Sultan as well, declaring you a protected noble citizen of Ashar. And you will take Ulmann with you.” Nihlufar protested this, for she wished to be independent as she explored distant lands. But her father was unrelenting. “You will take Ulmann with you. He is my finest warrior, and he shall obey your commands and go only to protect you. Not all lands are as fair and just as Ashar. Especially for a young woman.”
Nihlufar agreed, and a fortnight later she ventured off, with stoic old Ulmann as her companion and protector, traveling east and imagining all of the lands she had only ever read about. Kavarran. The Hills of Illain. The Evran Empire. Avondaläe. Maybe even the Sacred Realm…