Keish- December 21, 2003

December 21, 2003
Dear Arri,
You saw ghosts in the cave? I felt a great deal of power, and possible presences, but I didn't see anything else. Did Imato or Uncle W. see them?
I'm sorry you didn't get to talk to your mother. I feel bad that the whole experience was so difficult for you, but it was for the best. When you're feeling stronger we can test your magic. If you don't want Brynn to test your magic with the crystal we could try the spell I used with Liop. It's not quite as accurate, but it works. I'd actually like to do something to test Imato's magic, too, but I don't know if he would want me to.
I did talk to Brynn last night. (It has been so nice sleeping in a real bed!) Without the extra power it was a little harder, but I was able to do it briefly. She doesn't really have family, but she does have friends she's spending Christmas with. Besides, she says it wouldn't be right for her to join us since she and Uncle W. don't get along. She said she will come two days after Christmas, though, to see how you are doing.
Uncle W.'s story about his youth was interesting. Not really what I expected, but it does explain a few things. We're going to have to get him to talk about magic at some point. He's not going to like it, but I think it has to happen eventually. Are you sure it's okay with him that I'm coming for Christmas? There's a part of me that's nervous about seeing him-- especially with what happened in the cave.
It must be hard for Lady Westridge to not know where her sons are. Interesting that she thought you knew. I wish I could help-- let Mendel know where Nysa is or something-- but the meadow I saw could have been just about anywhere.
Is Imato feeling any better? Maybe you should tell him about Nysa-- at least the general overview of what's going on or something. Has he said much about the cave? Asked about it? He was standing by Nysa, has he asked who she was? Eventually, at least, he'll have to be told everything. I'll bet seeing Gretel would make him feel better. I guess she missed his birthday. (That reminds me, I'll have to get him something… maybe Jace could help me pick a gift.) I'm sure she'll be spending Christmas with her parents, but maybe she can visit in a few weeks or something. Has Imato agreed to return to Adya to train with Sir Aoweir? I know you'd miss him, but he should. He could go back with us.
I'm so excited to see you and Father and everyone! Jace says to tell Liop he'll see him on the 23rd-- we should reach Odsreq that afternoon. Jace will see me to the cottage and probably stay for dinner if it's okay, then go to Rousha that night. I'm really going to miss him. It will be so strange not to have him close. To sit down to breakfast and not have him sitting across from me. As much as I'm looking forward to Christmas, it makes me sad. I'm planning on spending the day after Christmas with him in Rousha, though. I'll get to meet his mother and he's going to show me around the city.
It's nice not having to walk. I know you would want to know all about the horses, but I'm afraid I don’t know much about them. The horse I'm riding is a pure gray that's almost silver. Jace says he's mostly Oldenburg with a little bit of Dumaine. He's called Moonlight. Jace's horse is white. Jace says he's all Dumaine. He's called Tandy. Both horses are lovely.
Sometimes, though, I wish it would take longer to get to Odsreq. I'm so torn-- I want to get to you and see everyone, but I don't want to lose Jace, even for a couple of days. I certainly can't imagine not having him around for longer than that.
I guess I had better finish this and send Hermes off so that this gets to you before we do! Really I suppose I didn't have to write at all, I'll see you in a couple of days, but I'm feeling so… I don't know… torn, like I said, I guess. I've never felt this kind of turmoil. I'm starting to realize there are things I want to do with my life, and I want… it all, I guess. I want to be close to Jace, but I want to spend time with my father… but I don't want to live in Adya, but I don't think I want to live in Rousha.
I don't know. I really probably should just enjoy Christmas and then get through confronting Gessair before I worry too much about it. I want to do some research in Adya, find out how to do what I want to do. But do I want to do anything without Jace? Do I have a choice? Can I be close to Jace and live the life I want?
I don't expect answers, I just had to put all of this on paper and see if I could make any sense of it all. Thanks for "listening" again. Sometimes I don't see how you put up with me.
I hope you're feeling much better and I'll see you soon!
Love always

Arri- December 16, 2003

December 16, 2003
Dear Keish,
About what happened three mornings ago, I still don’t think I understand. Liop and I were cleaning up from breakfast, and Uncle W. had just gone back to his study. (I think he was in there all night.) I climbed up on the stepstool to put the bowls on the top shelf, and then everything went black. I tried to move, but I couldn’t. It only lasted a second and then I was in a dark room filled with people, but it must really have been the cave. I could see you reading out of the Chronicle (but I didn’t know it was the Chronicle), and Liop was standing a little ways away, and everyone else was sort of crowded around us looking misty and ghost-like, too vague for me to tell them apart. And the air was full of chanting, with threads and ribbons of magic falling all around us, so that we couldn’t take a breath without drawing some of it in. I didn’t feel bound anymore, but I don’t know if I could really move or not— I didn’t think about moving after the darkness went away. I saw the flashes of light, and Imato, Uncle Winthrop, Nysa, our mothers, and Grandfather appearing. They were solid, we were solid, and the ghosts made room for us. Couldn’t you see the ghosts? Liop couldn’t see them either. When the window appeared, I had to look away. I felt like my insides were being torn to shreds, like I was being stabbed over and over again with every word coming out of the man’s mouth. The man’s chanting drowned out every other sound in the room. I put my hands over my ears, but I don’t think I was hearing it with my ears. I closed my eyes too, but nothing could pull me away from Sir Gessair’s chanting. There was more magic coming out of me than going in.
Then I felt Mother’s hand on my shoulder, and suddenly I could hear her voice, giving me the words of your chant. I knew the words, but I can’t remember them now. I started chanting with everyone else. I heard Liop and finally Uncle W. join us, and soon I couldn’t hear Sir Gessair’s voice anymore. I breathed deeply, breathing magic like air. The pain subsided. I didn’t see anything that happened in the window. Mother put her arms around me.
There was so much I could have told Mother. I’m nearly bursting inside with it, but I was back in the kitchen with Liop before I could say anything at all. I’m glad you got to say some things to your mother.
I woke up lying on my back with Uncle W. and Liop standing over me. I closed my eyes again, because I wanted to be back in the cave. Uncle W. picked me up and carried me to my bed, and I have been here ever since.
Imato is here. He left as soon as he could after he found himself back in the inn. The other inn guests noticed his disappearance and return, but he didn’t explain anything to them. He just settled his debt, saddled Spriggs, and left for Odsreq. He figured that was the best way to find out exactly what happened.
I’m starting to feel better. Kestrel is curled up next to me and purring. I ate some of Cook’s broth. I haven’t tried to do any magic— the idea frightens me and makes me feel very tired. I wonder what would happen if Brynn tried her spell on me now. I’m sure I have more magic than I did before I went to the cave. I asked Imato and Liop, but they don’t feel any different. I haven’t talked to Uncle W. yet, but I’m going to as soon as I feel strong enough to stand up.
It’s such a relief to know that Gessair has been stopped. I was going to write a letter to Brynn, but you’ve probably already told her about it. Maybe she can come for Christmas too, or maybe she is spending the holiday with her family. Does Brynn have any family? I never thought to ask her, but she must have someone…
December 18th
It’s been two more days. Liop is at school and Imato is off somewhere. This morning after they left, I got out of bed for the first time. I said I was going to talk to Uncle W. and I meant it. Halfway down the staircase I got dizzy and had to stop and sit down. I thought about what I would say to him. I thought about all the ways I could argue about why he should tell me things, but I didn’t really want to argue.
Eventually I stood up and finished going downstairs. I went to the library/office and knocked on the door. No one answered. I shook my head nervously and let myself in. Uncle W. was sitting at his desk his head down, reading some papers. He didn’t look up.
“I’m very busy,” he clipped.
I didn’t say anything, and he looked up.
“Arri!” he exclaimed, “you should be in bed! Do you need anything? A glass of water or something to eat?”
I hesitated. “A book,” I managed.
Uncle W. frowned. “You should have rang the bell and let me come to you.”
“I wanted to come look at the shelves,” I stammered. I walked over to the book cases and stared blankly at them. A couple minutes passed.
“On commerce?” asked Uncle W. dubiously noticing what shelves were before me.
I jumped slightly and moved to the agriculture section. “Flowers,” I mumbled vaguely. I pulled down the first book I saw and took it over to the green chair to sit down. I felt dizzy again. It was a big horticulture book with pictures that I flipped through absently. Uncle W. returned to his reading. After a few minutes I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.
“Arri.” I woke up to see Uncle W. standing over me, his eyes gentle. “Arri, did you really come down here, still sick from the cave, to study the differences between the sixteen recognized varieties of wheat grass?”
“Wheat grass?” I focused on the book and read the words: “Tarleton’s light wheat grass is found only in the valleys of southern Tameral near the equator.” I leaned my head back against the chair.
“What do you want to talk about?” Uncle W. asked.
“Why did you run away from home when you were a youth?” I asked.
“Arri, that’s not your business.”
“Yes, but people tried to kill me, and take my magic, and yours, and Father lost his memory, and you won’t let me learn about healing… and I don’t know why.”
“That has nothing to do with it.”
I dropped my head. Uncle Winthrop sighed. He pulled the big leather chair next to mine and sat in it.
“I wasn’t the only one who ran away,” he told me, “there was a group of us— Ladian Norson, Joe Carde, Youssel Hounding…”
“Lord Hounding?” I asked, looking up.
“No, Youssel— he was the second of old Lord Sean Hounding’s four sons. He was Lady Westridge’s brother. You might say he was our leader, if we had a leader. Ladian’s father, Mr. Telman Norson, was a member of the ‘Landbreakers’, a group of men who believed that the large estates should be broken up and given to their tenants. Youssel was very bitter about the fact that his older brother would inherit the entire family estate, so Mr. Norson’s ideas about land reform appealed to him. Mr. Norson was one of the Hounding’s tenant farmers and we boys all grew up together.
“When I was fifteen, Mr. Norson and Ladian followed the Landbreakers on a barn burning spree. In one night they torched eleven barns— nine were a complete loss. Of course when he was caught, Mr. Norson went to prison and the Houndings evicted the entire family. With no place to go, they ended up living on the streets in Rousha. The youngest child died of an illness a few months later.
“After that Ladian and Youssel were more firmly Landbreakers than ever, but most of the men were in prison. We all went to the meetings…held in secret, full of strong words and new ideas, things they didn’t teach us in school. We had a lot of fun, especially knowing how much trouble we would be in if our parents found out. Father had forbidden me from having any contact with Ladian, and we argued almost constantly when I was home.
“But there was more to it than just that, Arri,” Uncle W. continued adamantly, “Ladian and Youssel had real reasons for joining the Landbreakers. Ladian’s family had worked on the Hounding estate for generations, and yet they had no more status or resources than any simple farmer. Why shouldn’t they have music lessons for their daughters, fine horses for their sons, and a chance to improve their situation? Youssel saw himself drawing ever nearer to a meaningless future, in which he could never marry or work, but would live along with his younger brothers at the mercy of an arrogant older brother they hardly got along with. Why shouldn’t they have the same opportunities as he did?”
Uncle Winthrop paced the floor, looking angry. I thought of Mendel and wondered if he is ever bothered by his lot in life. He doesn’t seem to be.
“Then there was the land out in the north. The king announced that anyone who could successfully farm it, could own it. That announcement gave the Landbreakers new ideas. They began making plans to move north, to create their own settlement. Some of the more radical thinkers even hinted at a new kingdom. I listened for weeks as they made their plans. I wanted to go with them.
“I remember the day I told my parents. You can imagine how angry they were, how they tried to talk me out of it. I had my head full of anti-class talk and I told them everything I’d been thinking for years. When I left that night, I said I would never come back. I was almost seventeen.”
“Where did you go?” I asked.
“I followed the Landbreakers north. We established the town of Onoff. Of course the idea of farming in the Torca Mountains is ridiculous— we learned that the hard way. The very idea was concocted by the king to try and get rid of us. You don’t need to hear about what a bad time we had of it. I was one of the ones who gave up, but Youssel and Ladian are still there. They both married eventually, but they’re no better of then they would have been if they stayed in Rousha. Youssel changed his name to Franz Journey.”
“Oh!” I said.
“Yes,” said Uncle W.
I leaned back and tried to make my dizzy head think clearly.
“What about magic?” I asked finally, “Aunt Ellean said that you felt so sad about Aunt Nysa that you didn’t do magic again.”
“Really?” asked Uncle W., “When did she say that?”
“It’s in the story she told Keish, about how Aunt Nysa was kidnapped by the fairies, but my mother’s book doesn’t say that. It doesn’t even mention you. Is that why you quit doing magic?”
Uncle W. looked angry and muttered something under his breath. “I have told you many times what my reasons are for disliking magic,” he said finally, “I have seen it used for evil many times, and I have seen the arrogance of those who have it, flaunting it in the face of those who don’t. It is dangerous, as you well know.”
“Yes, but…”
“No more, child. Your head is so heavy you can hardly hold it upright. Let me help you back to bed.”
That was the end of our conversation. I’m back in bed now and writing this letter to you. I can’t wait until you arrive here.
December 19th
Another day has passed. This morning I felt strong enough to eat downstairs with the family, though Imato and Uncle W. fussed a great deal and thought perhaps I should wait. After breakfast I went into the parlor to sit, because I was tired of being in my room. It had snowed the night before and the sun was not yet high enough to melt it, so the whole front yard sparkled and the air beyond the immediate reach of the fireplace felt cold.
It was from this vantage point that I watched Lady Westridge approach the house. She had an errand boy in tow— struggling with his short, young legs to take two steps for each of the Lady’s long strides. Her slim figure was completely hidden in layers of heavy clothing, and the clothing itself was shrouded in a full gray cloak. I couldn’t wonder very much why she was coming; it made me dizzy.
The boy finally managed to get properly in front of her just before they reached the door. I heard the knock, but I didn’t move. Imato answered it.
“Lady Westridge,” announced the boy dutifully.
“My Lady,” Imato was completely polite.
“How do you do?” came the response, “I have come to call upon Lady Arri.”
Imato glanced over at me, but I was equally surprised.
“You’re very kind to call on my sister,” said Imato, “but she is not well and is unable to entertain.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m afraid the matter is urgent. I will be as brief as possible and attend your sister in her room if she prefers.” She had not seen me sitting on the sofa.
Imato looked questioningly in my direction.
“It’s all right, Lady Westridge,” I said, “I can see you.”
Imato made a short bow, helped her out of her cloak and outer clothing, and then escorted her into the parlor, which really only means a few steps, since the cottage parlor isn’t a separate room. Lady Westridge took my hand politely, inquired after my health, and thanked me for my time. Then she seated herself in the rocking chair opposite me. The errand boy took up a position near the front door. Imato sent him back to the kitchen for some cookies and took up the post instead.
It took several minutes for Lady Westridge to come to the point of her visit.
“I’d like to ask you to write a letter to my sons and tell them to come home,” she said, “They are far behind in their studies and winter is deepening. I would write a letter myself, but they won’t listen, and I don’t know where to send it anyway.”
I dropped my head. “I don’t know where they are either,” I said.
“Surely, you can contact them,” she said firmly, “after all, you sent them.”
I looked back up. Lady Westridge was frowning at me.
“Perhaps it would help if you told me what they’re doing for you,” she said finally.
She didn’t know. She thought I had sent them on some kind of errand, and that I could call them back anytime I wanted. She thought it was all my fault. I didn’t know what to say, what I was allowed to say without breaking Mendel’s trust.
Lady Westridge waited for my answer.
“I don’t know where they are,” I repeated, “We were headed home, but they turned away. It wasn’t my idea.”
“Then you’re not involved?” she raised one eyebrow doubtfully.
I shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know,” I said, “I guess I am, but Mendel does what he wants. He doesn’t listen to me.”
“Have you heard from him?” asked Lady Westridge.
“Yes, but it wasn’t very helpful. I mean, you can’t tell where he is from it exactly. It’s like a lot of nonsense.” I felt my face get hot.
“There’s no consideration in that boy,” Lady Westridge said finally, “what I don’t understand is Sean joining him. Sean has always been so reasonable. Isn’t there anything you can tell me that will help me?”
She looked so sad and frustrated that I wanted to say something to make her feel better.
“What they’re doing is good,” I said, “but it’s supposed to be secret.”
“You made them promise?” she frowned again.
“No, it’s not for me they’re doing it. It’s for someone else, and that’s who they promised. I just found out about it— kind of by accident— or maybe not by accident, but it wasn’t my idea; I wasn‘t trying to find out. It just happened is all, and they’re trying to help someone— not me, well sort of me, but not directly. I mean that’s not the main goal of it. I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say.” It would have been a lot easier to just tell her what happened.
“It’s getting colder every day,” said the lady. She looked out the window through the ice crystals on the west-facing panes. “Will you promise me to tell them to come home, if you get a chance?” Lady Westridge has large, bright blue eyes, and right then they looked like they wanted to cry.
“Yes,” I said.
“Thank you,” she murmured, “I’ll leave you now. I do hope you feel better soon.” She gathered her outer clothes and the errand boy as swiftly as she had discarded them. Imato, who had remained silent and nearby at the front door, saw her out.
After she had left he turned to me with a quizzical look. “This isn’t something you can tell me about, is it?” he asked.
I shook my head sadly. Imato sighed.
“Well at least I’m not the only one in the dark about things,” and he left the room. I think he was angry.
I’m finishing this letter now, and I’m going to send it. I’m feeling better everyday, and I’m so excited that you are coming for Christmas! I am sending a letter to Uncle Adlen to invite him to join us. Imato has contacted Jace’s father and made sure you have horses in Dovery. I’m so glad you’re coming. Liop, Imato, and Uncle Winthrop all send you “good journey”s, and we will watch for you to come.
May you travel swiftly. You’re probably so close by now. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.
Love,


Go to NEXT Letter

Keish- December 14, 2003

December 14, 2003
Dear Arri,
I'm sure you're very anxious to get this letter. I've started it four times now, but I just can't seem to put everything on paper the way I want to. That's why I didn't send Hermes back to you last night. Sometimes I think he must get very annoyed with me.
Jace and I reached the cave yesterday, but you probably know that. We've been discussing what happened and can't decide how everything affected you, so I'm just going to write out the whole experience.
On the 12th we found a trail that I instantly knew led up to the cave-- we could just barely see the opening. The sun was setting and the cave seemed to face east, so we decided to camp where we were and go up in the morning when the light would be better.
As we entered the cave the next morning, with the light streaming in at our backs, my satchel suddenly became heavy, as if something had been dropped into it. At first I thought I'd imagined it-- that it was just the weight of magic in the cave-- but as I adjusted the strap I realized it was the book. It had become fairly large.
I wanted to look around the cave before taking it out. There didn't seem to be much in it, just a sort of round natural platform in the middle. The walls were smooth and empty. Somehow I felt almost disappointed. I guess I expected to find things like you did in your dream.
When I went over to the platform, however, I was surprised to see a mirror on it. You remember the mirror in the stories? Somehow it ended up in the cave.
It was like the cave was some sort of center of power for our family. I don't know how I knew that, but that's how the cave felt. It felt like one of our ancestors had made this cave a place of magic.
Looking into the mirror, I saw myself reading from the book, just like the vision I had. Immediately, I knew what I had to do. I moved back from the platform a few steps and told Jace to stay behind me.
I took out the book. Everything about it had changed, but I knew I couldn't take the time to study it then. I enchanted it to float so I wouldn't have to hold it. Instinctively, my fingers found the right page and I began to read.
There was a flash of light from the mirror, brighter and whiter than the morning light on my face. You and Liop had clearly been putting away the dishes from breakfast-- I could see the kitchen of the cottage in the flash as you appeared. You seemed to actually be there in the cave with me, but I don't know how it appeared to you. Did it seem real or was it like a dream?
I continued reading as you and Liop looked around. Did you know not to move or could you not? I knew you were right where you needed to stay, and in my mind I tried to tell you that, but I had to keep reading.
The light flashed again and I saw a group of men eating. Imato appeared across from you. It's interesting how we were positioned from youngest to oldest-- Liop across from me and you and Imato on a line perpendicular to us.
In another flash of light I saw a meadow and a woman appeared, looking frightened, between Imato and I. Her relationship to our mothers was unmistakable.
Another flash showed Uncle Winthrop's study and he appeared on the other side of Imato. He seemed to understand what was going on and didn't looked very pleased.
The next flash was the largest and the brightest-- and brought the most astonishing result. It was blinding, but when it faded our mothers had both appeared (mine between you and I and yours between you and Liop) and so had Grandfather Bastion-- standing behind Liop.
I didn't really have time to feel shocked because I was still reading and another light appeared. This time it was steady instead of just a flash. It was like a window-- opening on a room in the castle in Adya! A man stood at a table, chanting. His back was to me, but I could see what was on the table-- a miniature of Imato, a small painting of Uncle W., a reflection (that must be what it was) of you and a beautiful horse and another of Liop, and finally, a miniature of a baby that I recognized; it was a painting of you that had been my mother's.
I was still reading, but it seemed like I knew the words of the spell without looking down. It was like a chant coming from within me-- within all of us.
The man turned suddenly and I gasped inwardly (I don't think I could have stopped chanting at that point even if I wanted to). I don't know if you recognized him, probably not, but I thought I heard Imato gasp. It was Sir Gessair-- one of King Menion's closest councilors! A man that I've dined with, debated with, even danced with… and the man who killed my mother. The Master.
He looked around and began a different chant, but Grandfather had begun chanting with me, and our mothers, and Nysa. Imato closed his eyes for a moment, as though searching himself for the words, then joined in. Next I heard your voice join and then Liop's clear voice blended with the rest.
Gessair was starting to look concerned, his eyes darting quickly back and forth. His chant changed pitch as he sought to fight our magic.
Finally, reluctantly at first, Uncle Winthrop's voice rang out. Gessair looked scared now as the spell we were weaving gained strength. He jerked back and forth as if trying to strike out or maybe escape.
As our voices rose, the miniature of Imato caught fire and was consumed almost instantly. Next the painting of Uncle W. disappeared in a flash. As the chant rolled through the cave, the reflection of Liop was suddenly gone, too.
Gessair was in a complete panic. He began a new chant, louder and stronger. We raised our voices in response and the chant rumbled like thunder in the cave. Gessair turned back to his table, desperately trying to grab the pictures of you. As his hand touched the reflection a blinding flash lit the cave and the reflection and miniature were gone.
The Master howled in pain and began sinking to the floor. Waves of magic flooded the cave. Our voices sank slowly until the chant was just a whisper. The image of Gessair, now huddled on the floor, vanished and the light sank to a glow.
The chant died on my lips and the cave was quiet. Grandfather put his hands on Liop's shoulders as Imato crossed the cave to stand by you. You were hugging your mother.
Uncle Winthrop was looking very uncomfortable. Grandfather pushed Liop toward you and went to Uncle W. He put his hands on Uncle's shoulders and smiled. Then, with a small flash of light, Uncle W. was gone.
My mother touched my cheek and I turned to her, tears overflowing.
"You should not have had to bear so much of this burden, my child," she whispered as she hugged me. She felt real, but I knew that nothing had changed-- she was not still in our world.
"I wasn't alone," I replied, looking back at Jace.
She smiled. "I know."
She stepped away from me and closed the book, placing it in my arms tenderly. She looked toward the mirror and then at you.
"Jesse's children have grown up." She turned back to me, tears in her eyes. "And so have you, my Keisha Nerys." She touched the book. "Now it is time to restore things to their proper place."
I nodded. "I will, Mother." Her few words had told me exactly what I must do.
I saw your mother step back after hugging each of you again. Then there were three flashes and you, Imato, and Liop were gone. Your mother moved to Nysa, who'd been watching everything wistfully.
"Thank you," your mother said hugging her, "thank you, Nysa."
As soon as she'd said it, your mother and Nysa disappeared. Nysa's expression seemed to change to one of sudden understanding, though. I wonder if seeing your mother and hearing her name spoken changed Nysa somehow. Perhaps some of her memory was restored.
Mother hugged me again as Grandfather came toward us. He stood in front of me and looked deep into my eyes.
"The prophecy is fulfilled," he said, his deep voice making me shiver slightly. "Child, be free."
He passed a hand over my eyes and I stumbled. Jace caught me and both Mother and Grandfather disappeared.
The glow faded and the cave grew dark.
"Are you alright?" Jace asked in concern.
I sighed slowly-- like when you first wake up. I nodded and felt around in my satchel for a candle. I lit it with a snap of my fingers and smiled. "I feel so free."
Jace furrowed his brow in confusion.
I laughed, feeling better than I have in months. "The convergence was in me. The child that was to have these abilities was never born, so the powers converged in me. Don't you see? When my grandfather said to be free he released me from that extra power."
Jace sat next to me. "So," he began thoughtfully, "that's why you couldn't control it."
I nodded. "But now I just have my own power and it doesn't control me."
We decided to camp in the opening of the cave since it was starting to snow.
Jace went out to gather some wood but returned after only a moment with Hermes. It seems he had tracked me to the cave but was confused once he got there. Jace found him right outside flying back and forth.
I read your letter with Jace brought some wood. Poor Imato. What about Gretel and training with Sir Aoweir? I think what you did was wonderful. It was the perfect thing to make him feel better. I don't think Sir Aoweir will let Imato just give up on his training, though.
I hope Brynn is back with you. It seems the Narls didn’t underestimate your importance after all-- they had two pictures of you. Maybe now Brynn will be able to help you. Destroying the pictures seemed to undo whatever Gessair had been doing and magic was definitely released. I wonder if it will affect Imato's magic also.
Speaking of Gessair, I have to return to Adya and confront him. King Menion deserves to know what's been going on and Gessair should be tried for his crimes. I think his magic was largely broken, but I'll admit that confronting him frightens me a little.
It's midday and the snow has stopped. We should be able to travel tomorrow. Would you please send to Jace's father and ask him to arrange horses for us in Dovery? We should reach there in about five days. (Jace says a day or two is plenty of time for his father to make arrangements since the king keeps horses there for messengers and keeps very fast passenger pigeons to use to make those kinds of arrangements.) Then we figure we can reach Odsreq in another three or four days on horseback. That means we should arrive there Christmas Eve! Is that okay? Would Uncle W. mind? I don't think we can make it to Adya for Christmas. Maybe you could write to my father and we could all spend Christmas together at the cottage.
Jace will be able to spend Christmas with his family as well. He insists, though, on coming back with me to Adya to confront Gessair.
I've had time to study the book more carefully. I knew it was the Brio Chronicle. I'm bringing it to you. That's what my mother meant about restoring things. The Chronicle rightfully belongs to the Brio with the gift of healing. It's filled with spells and recipes and notes. Some of the pages are in your mother's lovely handwriting.
Oddly, I can no longer find the spell I read in the cave. I don't know if it has disappeared since it's purpose was fulfilled or if it's the kind of thing you can only find when you have to. I suppose it's for the best. It's a powerful spell and not something that should be used lightly.
I'm also taking the mirror. It's meant to be used by the Brio with the gift of divination. The lioness kept it safe for my mother and now it comes to me. Until the Narls were broken it was too dangerous for us to have these things, but now they should be returned to their proper place and use.
I wonder if there's an object to go with Liop's gift. I guess if there is it's still with Uncle Winthrop.
I should end so I can send Hermes back to you.
Everything feels so different and wonderful, Arri. I no longer feel lost and trapped inside myself. I may not have as much power, but I would rather have less and have it be my own. I've been playing this morning, though, and I can still do pretty much everything I'm used to doing magically. It's just more controlled now.
I hope things are different for you too. I'm sure what happened didn't solve everything-- you're father isn't a Brio, so it probably didn't affect him-- but I hope it solved something for you.
May your burdens be lifted (or at least lighter)
Love always,


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