Prelude

  The soft footsteps startle me out of my thoughts. Tendrils of light creep over the mountains. I know who is in my room of course. I can recognize the footsteps anywhere as I have heard them since I was a small child.

   " Lady?"

   "Yes." I don't bother to turn. I am not looking forward to my daily briefing. I worry that it will only confirm my fears.

   "It has begun."