I'm glad you enjoyed it! As the story progresses you'll learn more about who and what she is and why her memory is gone but for the time being I'd like to keep it a mystery. In due time my friend, in due time ;). It really makes me happy to hear that you like my story so far though, thanks so much for reading =)
You have a very picturesque way of writing :) I also enjoyed the prince and the wise woman's interaction. I found the image you conjured of the wise woman to be very beautiful and mysterious: her clouded eyes, her red cloak and warped cane, and long finger. I think you also did very well in portraying the Starling's confusion about her identity, particularly with her perceiving her voice as not coming from her body. Am I correct in understanding that something about the fiery transfiguration process removes her memory? And this is has happened to her before? By the way, nice linking of the three scenes with the "in due time" conceit.