Introduction

This is a tale – not a story mind you, but a tale, with all the legacy that goes with the word.

Long, long ago (it is said, before time began), there lived a great king unlike any other you may have heard of. King Jusiah was lord of his magnificent realm; none could surpass him in excellence and goodness. However, one subject of his could disagree; no other than his own rebellious son, Luasin. Luasin felt that he should be king, and gathered an army thousands strong. But the usurper was defeated, for he had greatly underestimated the power of his father. As much as the king loved his son, he had no choice but to exile him into a desert country, from then on called Sefula.

There was another land in the region, peopled by creatures no one, save the King, knew about. They were called Humans. King Jusiah, being of a more powerful species, had created a sort of reserve for these creatures in the forest. He tried to keep his son from venturing too close to the humans, but Luasin soon found them, blundering about in their little villages, with no freedoms save what King Jusiah decided to give them. Or at least, that is what he began to tell them.

The king’s son was clever. He knew these animals were not good for much, but they could possibly help him in another war for the throne. Luasin, more determined than ever, gathered his followers to discuss ways of integrating themselves into the human culture (for in their own forms, Luasin and all the others were far too powerful and intimidating – the humans had to be willing followers, or else Luasin feared a revolt like his own). Soon, it was settled that a simple invisibility spell would be sufficient for now, just to observe and perhaps suggest various ideas that would lead the creatures out of their own country and straight into Sefula!

King Jusiah heard of this plan. He knew his son only held great suffering for the Humans, and decided to provide them safe passage to his land of Frashire. The king allowed that, to any human who chose the king’s road, he or she would be granted acceptance into his palace court as princes and princesses in their own right.

As the humans found their way to Frashire, Jusiah put into motion the second half of his own plan – of those who were willing and able, he sent them back into their old country as spies. They were to be the king’s chosen warriors, to help with recruitment and to defeat the armies of Luasin, who even then were ravaging the country and torturing the people in it.

Two maidens were among the chosen: their names were Linashor and Nurahet. It is with these spies that we commence our journey.