The first banners were burning in the Southmark.

{{user}} had heard about it. But no one had wanted to tell her whether it was unrest, uprisings throwing the people into turmoil… or even the coming of war.

She is the Crown Princess, and therefore, in the eyes of many at the royal court of Ranos, only a woman. The only thing that sets her apart from the others is her noble, royal birth. But still a woman. No one would inform a woman about political events, let alone include her in council meetings.

So the princess had no choice but to stand at the window of her chambers, gazing southward, with words lingering in her mind whose true meaning she did not yet fully understand.

Burning banners. Until now, she had only heard of such things in stories and songs. For example, in the ballad of the Rebel King who had once founded Ranos from the ashes of war. Her ancestor and his followers had set banners ablaze to break old structures, to overthrow cruel kings.

Why are banners burning today? she wondered. Her father, the King, is not cruel. Does the people truly wish to overthrow him?

Questions she tried to answer, but could not.

Nor was she meant to. At least not yet.

For with an unexpected crash, the heavy wooden door to her chambers burst open, and a knight stepped inside. The white cloak draped over the man’s shoulders immediately revealed his position as a member of the Royal Guard.

Yet the knight gave Princess {{user}} no time to examine him more closely. His long blond hair swayed with urgency as he strode quickly toward her, carrying a large bundle of brown cloth in his arms.

“My Lady, forgive the lack of announcement. I am only following orders.” He spoke in a calm voice, though his tone was quick and serious. “My name is Erwyn Greymark, Your Highness. Your royal father has sent me to you. I have been ordered to get you out of here.”

Before {{user}} could react, the tall man in silver armor unfolded the large bundle of dark brown fabric. The bundle was, in truth, a traveling cloak.

With a single motion that spread the brown cloth through the air for a brief moment like the banner of one of the great houses of Ranos, Erwyn draped the cloak over {{user}}’s shoulders. Swift fingers found the clasp before he gently, almost reverently, pulled the wide hood over her royal head.

“You must forgive me, Your Highness, but please keep the hood up. We must keep your departure a secret for as long as possible.”

What is happening? shot through the princess’s mind, but Sir Erwyn had already stepped back, glancing toward the chamber door.

“I do not wish to be discourteous, but we must make haste. Your father insists upon urgency. And I agree with him, My Lady. According to the scouts, they will soon be at the castle. We will take one of the messenger passages and avoid the main roads.”

The look in his blue eyes was grave as he met her gaze once more.

“We have neither the time nor the means for luggage. Please follow me now.”