You stand before the Ultros , a legendary galley from ages past. Before the mighty vessel stands Queen Vallus. “My husband, Acastus, cannot be trusted. He feigns friendship only because the great oracle Versi named you the prophesied ones, and I stood by her. With no choice, he offered feasts and flattery. But make no mistake: he envies you. Fame without effort is an insult to his pride.” She pauses, then gestures to the gangplank. “You will not journey alone. I have called upon my siblings to aid you.” A slim dark-haired woman walks lightly down the gangplank, a bundle of scrolls strapped across her back and ink stains on her fingers. A crooked smile plays on her lips as she calls out, “Heroes! I am Kyrah, poet extraordinaire. You’re welcome in advance.” Then comes a tall, blonde and powerfully built man, axe slung over his shoulder, grinning. “Step aside, sister. I am called Pythor. Let’s see what trouble we can start together.”