The world seemed to be such an awkward place with my first memory. I remember waking to the sound of two voices that seemed to be discussing something right above my closed eyes. I lay there immobile, unable to open my heavy eyes. They were talking about the training that I had recently undergone. One with a low coarse voice said how he was unsure whether the training would be enough. Then a kind tenor replied something that I will never forget. He said, "Britta will not fail us. She will come into her own when the need is the greatest. When she does, enemies of the crown will tremble with fear." With that, a hand was placed upon my forehead and I once again fell asleep.

Maybe my next memories happened the next day, or the next year, I am as yet entirely unsure. What I do remember seems to be more of a rough sketch than a true full painting. I have memories of living in some sort of keep built mostly of stone. The keep seemed full of kindly soldiers that trained me in all sorts of sport. I was never allowed in the main court of the keep, but I was allowed to sit at the lord's table a few times every week. I was never told anything of my past, or if I had any family, but I did not really mind. It seemed to me as if the soldeiers of the keep were my brothers and the priest my father.

Then one day he gave me my own sword, which was surely not from the keep's armory, it was far to fine. He gave me a light purse full of silver and a pony for me to ride on. He told me how he believed all should one day set out on their own to learn of life what life had to give. A parting blessing was given to me and no other words. The keep gate stood open and the direction my pony took was mine to choose.

Be it through the deep forests, sheer mountains, or sprawling city; today my path still lies open for my choosing.