War had been a part of life for Evelyn, though the most she had seen of it was the occasional patrol of knights. She and her parents kept a modest inn in the northeastern part of the country.

The building was big enough for two wooden tables, each with two benches, and a small kitchen. A drop ladder would lead to the family's living area and beds. Evelyn, an auburn-haired beauty of sixteen, would serve the tables while her mother cooked and her father kept the troublemakers from ruining any property. It was a peaceful life the girl took for granted.