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


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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,


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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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Arri- December 11, 2003

December 11, 2003
Dear Keish,
I’m so glad to hear that you’re safe! I think the best part about exchanging letters is that whenever I get a letter with your handwriting, I know immediately that you’re at least well enough to write. And after reading your last letter, I think that says a lot.
It must have been terrifying to fight someone using magic, but you handled it so quickly! It almost sounded like you had been practicing. But how could you practice fighting with magic? It isn’t like sparring with swords. I’m so glad Jace is with you.
Do you think Narls are the cause of my magic problems? Brynn has returned to Rousha, because she wants to look at a particular book in the castle library and she says she doesn’t dare send for it. She’ll come back as soon as she can. The Brio magic must be in your book for it to have changed when Brynn used her spell on me, and all Brio magic must be connected somehow. Perhaps that’s why Marigold can remember a promise even if she can’t remember who she made it to, or why. I think she made the promise to my mother, and that means that they were in contact after I was born. I wonder how long my magic has been like this. Did Mother know? Is that why she asked Marigold to protect me? Was I born like this? If I was born like this, can it be reversed? I hope Brynn finds out something at the library.
The other morning when I went out to tend Glory before breakfast, I found Imato already in the barn. He was standing in front of the bales of hay, brows furrowed in concentration, punching one bare fist after another into the dry, prickly blades.
“Imato!” I cried in shock.
Imato jumped with surprise and turned towards me. His eyebrows lifted and he lowered his fists, visibly red even in the shadows.
“Your hands,” I said, “what are you doing?”
Imato looked down and his raw-scraped knuckles. He quickly hid them behind his back.
“I don’t know where my gloves are,” he muttered, “and what are you doing out so late?”
I motioned to morning light streaming in through the barn door. “It’s not so late anymore,” I said.
“Zooks!” said Imato, accidentally brushing the back of his hand against a stable wall. I felt awkward, like I had intruded on something private, but I couldn’t ignore those hands.
“You need a poultice for that hand— I can make one,” I said. “Will you come to the kitchen?”
Imato followed me to the kitchen. I found my dry herbs in the cupboard and dampened them to make a poultice. Then I spread it over Imato’s knuckles, whispering Mother’s peace poem as I worked so the poultice would be full of goodwill. I was surprised to feel a little magic behind the familiar words this time, although I knew it lacked the strength of Mother’s voice.
Imato sighed. “It’s been a long time since I heard that poem,” he said.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
Imato didn’t answer. I finished applying the poultice. Then I thought I should set some chamomile tea on the stove to heat and get the breakfast ingredients ready for when Nacks brought in the eggs and milk. But mostly I was thinking about Imato.
“Are you going back to Adya soon?” I asked finally, not looking at him.
Imato stood up from the table. He put one hand on my shoulder and made me face him.
“That’s just the point, Arri,” he said, “I’m not going back.” His face had that stoic look Father’s face has sometimes when he explains something difficult.
“But Imato…” I began in confusion. He overrode me.
“I’ve had everything backwards, Arri,” he continued firmly, “my first duty is to my family and I haven’t been doing it at all. No, just listen… it’s not me that needs to finish schooling, it’s you. All the swords and arrows in the world won’t bring Father’s memory back, but you might. Before he was interrupted by that last march, Father was interviewing tutors for you. You would have been trained in healing if things had continued. That was the most important thing.”
“But there wasn’t any money for that,” I protested, “it wasn’t your fault, and Father wanted you to become a knight. He was so proud…”
“There’s money now— I’ve been saving my salary. It’s not much, but it will get you started, and if I take a job in town— I can clerk or smithy— then I ought to be able to get you through the rest of it. I’ll go to the King for help if I have to, but you will become a healer.”
“What about Gretel?” I asked, “Aren’t you going back to Adya for her?”
Here Imato looked away. “She’ll understand,” he said slowly, “I’ve written her a letter…maybe in a few years if she hasn’t married someone else…”
“Imato!”
“Arri, this is your time. Your life has been on hold long enough. All this time I’ve had everything I needed and you’ve had nothing. Well, look where we are now. Father needs you, and I’m going to see that you can help him.”
I stared at him. Then I looked away. I hadn’t told him about Brynn testing my magic. You’re the only one I told. I felt tears sting my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” asked Imato gently.
“I can’t do magic,” I blurted out, “I’m all torn up inside…” I explained about the crystal ball and the orange and Brynn’s hands. Imato sat back down and put his head in his hands.
“Then what can we do?” he asked, sounding helpless.
“Keish says Father needs a healer. Brynn says she can’t teach me anything, because she doesn’t understand what’s wrong with my magic.”
“Then maybe you can heal,” said Imato suddenly, “Brynn said herself that she’s never encountered anything like this before. She could be wrong about your magic— I’m sure she’s wrong!”
“But Brynn is…”
“Not Mother,” Imato interrupted quickly. “Surely if you weren’t capable of healing, Father would have known, and he wouldn’t have looked for a tutor. Brynn isn’t a healer, and Uncle W. says she has a tendency to jump to her own conclusions and then refuse to admit when she’s wrong.”
“But Uncle W. does that too…” I protested.
“You captured a griffon and rescued both Uncle W. and Father from the Narls. You have power, Arri. I’m sure of it.” And he refused to discuss the matter any further.
I thought about what Imato and Brynn had said for the rest of the day. I thought about your dream about Father and how I was the one who could heal him. I thought about Father’s sword and Imato’s knighthood and Uncle Winthrop. I felt like my head was spinning with words all jumbled up in a cyclone and contradicting each other, spreading chaos as they moved. I can’t solve this alone.
The next morning Imato announced that he was leaving for Rousha. Uncle Winthrop came out of hiding just long enough to give him a letter for the king. Imato saddled Spriggs and prepared to leave, but I just couldn’t let him go like that.
“Wait a minute!” I shouted just as he reached the gate. Imato turned back.
I ran upstairs to Uncle W.’s bedroom and pulled Father’s helmet and sword from the chest. I thought about all the trouble Uncle W. and I went to in order to keep it hidden on the way back from Onoff. I carried them down and placed them just out of sight inside the house.
“Come over here,” I told Imato. Looking puzzled, he got back down off Spriggs and walked up onto the porch.
“Arri, I really should be off…”
“This will only take a minute. Take off your sword belt and hat, and don’t ask questions.”
Imato raised one eyebrow, but he did as I said, setting the short squire’s sword and his green felt hat to one side.
“Now kneel down,” I commanded. Imato knelt.
I reached behind the door and brought out Father’s sword.
“You may not be the King’s knight,” I told him, “but I’m going to make you my knight, and Father’s knight.” I raised the sword and touched the tip of it briefly to each of his shoulders.
“You may now arise,” I told him.
Imato stood and I presented him with Father’s sword, hilt first.
“Arri!” he gasped when he realized what I was giving him.
“No questions!” I reminded, “You are now a knight of the Brio household.” I held out the helmet and Imato lowered his head so that I could put it on. It fit perfectly.
“You may now go forth on you first quest,” There were tears in my eyes again, and I wondered if I was just being a silly girl, but I felt earnest and Imato had tears in his eyes too. He hugged me.
“Take care, little sister,” he said.
“Godspeed,” I responded.
Imato remounted his horse and rode swiftly out the gate without looking back.
Do you think I did right? I wanted Imato to feel better, but maybe I should have waited until Imato’s birthday in ten days, or Christmas. But I don’t know when Imato will be back. I hope the king isn’t angry with me for giving Imato the sword and helmet too soon. I hope Father doesn’t mind. I wish I could tell him about it, but if I could do that, then I wouldn’t have had to give them to Imato anyway.
Uncle Winthrop came out of his office today. He went to speak to Lord Westridge, and when he came back he told me that we may be moving to Rousha. Lord Westridge will look for another tenant for the cottage, and Uncle W. will accept the assistance of King Trunsle. Uncle W. looks so helpless these days, and he won’t talk about anything. He helps me take care of Father, though. I asked him what Marigold’s real name was. He said it was Nysa and then refused to say anything more. It seems almost funny that we haven’t known it for so long and all I had to do was ask Uncle W. and he told me as though it were no big secret at all. It’s so hard to know what I’m allowed to talk about.
In the meantime there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do except help Nacks in the stable and try to keep Liop from doing too much magic. I never know what color things in the cottage are going to be anymore, or what size. Fortunately, Kestrel is very disturbed by these inconsistencies and always comes and gets me when Liop starts casting spells.
I’m glad you’re not seeing any snow yet. We had some, but it melted. The real winter storms should be coming soon though, so I hope you find the cave soon. I wonder which one it will be.
May the forest hide you well.
Love,


Go to NEXT Letter

Keish- December 7, 2003

December 7, 2003
Dear Arri,
So very much has happened, I don't know where to begin. Jace says I'd best just begin with what happened after I sent my last letter and stick to the order things happened-- hopefully it will more or less make sense.
I wrote another letter and sent it by regular post on the 2nd (you'll probably have it by the time you get this one) so I'll start with later that day.
We spent the whole day in the village (Ceinlys). We used the money we had to replenish our supplies. We had enough to not have to tell any fortunes; I was nervous about it after what happened before.
Jace says I have to tell you what else I bought. He's laughing at me, which he's been doing a great deal since that night when I told him how upset I'd been about missing his birthday. He hadn't even noticed. It was hard finding something in Ceinlys, even if it is a bigger village, and I was being picky. It was his 20th birthday, after all. Eighteen and 20 are important and I got him such a great gift for his 18th birthday. (Now Jace is laughing about modesty not being one of my stronger qualities. I glared and he laughed harder; I don't really see how he finds it so funny still with everything else that has happened)
Anyway, I managed to find him a nice blue tunic that matches his eyes and a nice dagger to go with the hunting knife he's carrying. (Okay, so it's really a short sword enchanted to look like a hunting knife as long as he doesn't draw it.) I really will have to get him something better when we get back to Adya.
The next day we were traveling, but I felt so odd we had to rest for a while. Something was wrong, but I couldn't pinpoint what. For some reason I felt I should take out the book that Darius gave me. It had changed. Not that it was bigger or smaller-- the pages were still very blank-- but it felt different. I can't really describe it. It was as if the magic had shifted. Of course after reading your letter I realize it must have something to do with what happened to you with the crystal. I don't understand it completely.
Since I'm on the topic, (Jace is reminding me that I said I'd tell things in order, but this is a nice segue) what do you think of Brynn? I loved reading your description of her! It was excellent. I wonder what happened when she and Uncle W. met-- they sure don't like each other. When we talked about him Brynn always tried to stay very neutral.
Reading her account of my parents' courtship made me laugh and cry at the same time. I remember the Condies, though they've not lived in Adya in years. When they agreed to let Mother stay with them they had no idea what they were getting into! She was overwhelming-- at least that's the word Father would use. She was restless and rebellious and really more than sweet old Lady Condie could handle. Mother used to laugh about it, though you could tell she felt at least a little bad for what she put them through. Just before her 19th birthday she left them to live on the edge of the castle grounds in a little cottage with her new tutor. (I realize now it was Brynn.) The little cottage had been a sort of guesthouse for an eccentric lady who had died some years before. It's not there anymore.
Master Jaxinamy was old and starting to fail, so Brynn really took over teaching Mother. She was certainly qualified-- more than Old Master Jax in many ways.
I found it funny that Brynn describes that time as the beginning of my parents' courtship. Father used to tease Mother that he couldn't corral (his word) her into a real courtship until the new year, though they'd known each other several months. For a whole year, every time Father would start to talk more seriously about marrying Mother would find a way to put him off. Then as soon as he backed down she would spring the idea of eloping on him. She said she was never really serious-- just wanted to scare him a little. She wasn't ready to give up her freedom, even if she was falling in love with him.
After that year, though, Mother agreed to marry Father. It was his birthday and he always says it was the greatest present he ever received. Once Mother made up her mind, though, she wouldn't stand for a long engagement. She threw the court into a frenzy preparing a wedding in just over a month-- they married February 28th.
Once they were married, Mother was true to her decision to settle down. She became the perfect wife-- following convention (well, mostly… sort of) and filling her role in the court life around her.
I had forgotten about Father's beetle collection. It had gotten so large that my mother once said we'd need to have a room just for the beetles. That's another thing he stopped doing when Mother died.
I always liked hearing your father tell the story of rescuing your mother from the dragon. It's been a long time, though, and I'd forgotten much of it. It is interesting that she was so far south-- do you think it has anything to do with the caves?
Jace says I've strayed far enough and must get back to telling things in order. I stuck my tongue out at him, but he does have a point. Where was I?
Oh yes, so I was feeling odd and that must have had something to do with you and the crystal. Brynn did use the crystal with me, but not until after she told me about teaching my mother. When Liop came I did something similar with him. It was just after I'd learned about the Brio legacy and the three gifts. I wanted to know which gift was his.
I'm sorry it went so wrong-- I don't know what that would mean. I'm sure Brynn can figure it out. I may be able to give some information to help, but I'm not sure it's related and I'll have to get to it in a little bit because it won't make sense out of order.
The next morning dawned very cold and threatened rain, if not snow. Since we were in a very sheltered spot, it seemed best to wait out the day. Midmorning I passed out and for a moment I saw you lying on the ground. I came around with Jace bending over me, clearly worried.
"I'm fine," I said, "but I'm not sure about Arri." I tried to divine what had happened to you, but the only vision I could conjure was of you sitting with Liop and Imato-- clearly safe and well-- so I let it go. Now, obviously, I know it was when Brynn tried the spell again.
Before I forget-- please remind Liop that if he tries the editing charm on anything without Brynn's supervision I really will turn him into a fire newt the moment I see him again. He consistently mixes up the wording (for some reason it comes out half in Iconese) and his parchments inevitably catch fire. I thought you'd better be warned, especially if Brynn isn't staying long. He should know better than to do it, but you know how he can be.
How far had I gotten? Oh yes, the 5th we were able to travel again. We stopped for lunch and Jace went to gather some wood. He seemed wary when he came back.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Maybe we shouldn't light a fire," he said slowly. His eyes were still scanning the area.
I went over and forced him to look at me. "What's wrong?"
He shook his head slowly. "I'm not sure. I just feel like maybe we aren't alone."
Now I was scanning the area. "Following or searching?" I asked, not doubting that someone was out there.
He shook his head again. "I don't know." He looked at me sharply. "You'd best not try divining to find out."
He knows me far too well.
"Let's eat quickly," I said, not responding to his statement.
We traveled cautiously for the rest of the day and spent a rather nervous night. We didn't dare light a fire, but I could use just a little magic to keep us warmer.
Yesterday morning Hermes found us just after we'd started out. I let Jace read your letter after I'd finished. (I hope you don't mind-- I figured I just tell him everything anyway.)
We had an interesting discussion about inheritance and the difference between Elcaro and Arella. Second sons seem to have more options in Arella. My father is a second son. He's still considered a lord and was able to pursue a position at court even though his brother inherited the family land. (My cousin's son holds it now-- both my uncle and cousin died fairly young.)
I didn't mean Mendel was a good match for you personality-wise. I've never really met him. He did show up in Adya briefly, but I didn't talk to him. And you're right, even if second sons don't have many options in Elcaro, I don't agree with Treany. If you love someone those aren't good reasons not to marry them, in my opinion. But you aren't in love with him, so it doesn't much matter.
Tulson's too busy? I would think his parents would be getting anxious for him to start considering settling down. His brothers are married, right? (Jace says yes, they are and, laughing, says that the queen would like nothing more than to have Tulson settle down sometime soon.)
As far as what I was implying about him and mental homes goes-- he can take that however he wishes, I say (smiling sweetly and being ever so innocent).
Anyway, yesterday-- this is where things got even more interesting. We were settling into camp for the night when Jace suddenly say bolt upright. I was instantly wary, shoving my hand to the bottom of my satchel where my dagger was.
"Stay here," Jace said, jumping up and plunging into the brush.
"Not likely," I muttered, leaping after him. A moment later the sound of metal on metal rang through the air as Jace drew his sword and met the blade of a rather mean-looking man. Two others were headed toward him until they caught sight of me.
"There she is," sneered the older one. His face was horribly pock-marked. He raised his hand menacingly.
I raised my dagger, still in it's sheath, and used my magic to shield me from whatever spell he sent hurtling for me. I knew what it was as soon as it hit the dagger-- a spell to paralyze.
I reformed the spell, using his own magic against him as well as my own. I don't know if he even realized what was coming, but he was down before he could cause anymore trouble. Jace had already disarmed the man he was fighting and the third man started to run. I sent the same spell after him and he fell.
I turned to Jace, breathing heavily. His arm was bleeding. I flicked the last remnants of the spell I'd used on the others at the man at Jace's feet to keep him still.
"Are you alright?" Jace asked, breathless also. When I nodded he added, "You should have stayed back there."
I went to him and made him sit so I could look at his arm. "Did you really think I would?"
"Well, no," he admitted, "but you should have." There was pride in his voice as he said it and I smiled.
"Looks like you only got a scratch. I'll bandage it."
He grabbed my arm as I started to rise. "Wait, it can wait. It's not bad, especially considering I had no armor." He grimaced. "What about them?"
"I guess we have to tie them up for now," I said slowly. "I'm not sure how long that spell will last."
"Go get the rope then," Jace said.
I shook my head. "You go. If it doesn't last long I can always cast it again."
He shook his head ruefully. "I'm supposed to be protecting you." He touched my cheek as he said it, then walked swiftly back to where our things were.
I surveyed what I'd done. It seemed unreal. They had to be Narls, but I was surprised there were only three. I mentioned it when Jace returned.
"They underestimated you," he said as he began tying up the man he'd fought.
"And you," I responded. Jace had disarmed the man without actually cutting him. "They must not have realized you trained with the king's own sons."
Jace shrugged, giving me some rope and moving towards the man that had run. I went toward the one who had used magic, trying to sense how strong his power was. His magic felt strange and I realized it must have been stolen from others.
He started to come around as I tied his wrists. The combined spell had been enough to knock him out. He narrowed his eyes at me and I shifted into a better defensive position. He muttered something and before I could react his head rolled to the other side.
I cried out and Jace came running. "What is it?"
"He's dead," I gasped. I stood, swaying slightly.
Jace caught me around the waist to keep me from falling. "What happened?"
I shook my head. "It's an awful spell. How could anyone…" I put my hand over my mouth, nearly retching.
Jace moved me away from the body. "It was the act of a desperate man." He grabbed my shoulders as I slid to a sitting position. "Keish, look at me-- you didn't do this. You couldn't have stopped him."
I nodded mutely. He made me stand again and led me to where we were camping. Then he went and dragged the other two men nearer. He had taken cloth and gagged them both. The spell had worn off, but Jace had tied them very securely.
We spent a very long night debating what to do. As my revulsion wore off I became more and more angry. The old man must have known something he didn't want us to find out. There was nothing we could do about him now, but we could get information out of the other two.

After breakfast this morning I removed the gag of the man Jace had fought. "Who are you?" I demanded.
He looked away.
I raised my hand, preparing a spell in my mind. "You may speak voluntarily or be forced," I said; my voice was so icy it surprised even me.
This was a man of the sword-- the threat of magic was enough to loosen his tongue. "My name is Omle," he said fearfully.
"You are a Narl." I didn't make it a question. "What do you want with us?"
"We were sent to find you, Lady Brio." Being addressed that way felt odd.
"And take me as you tried to take my cousin. Why?"
"The Master decided the pictures of the other Brios were enough, but he wanted you."
"Why were the pictures taken?" I asked, though I feared I already knew the answer.
"Pictures contain a part of the subject's soul," he responded superstitiously.
I felt the blood drain from my face. I've read about that kind of magic. It's very dangerous, for everyone. "Why?"
"The master has wanted the Brio magic for a long time, Lady. He has been trying to take it for nearly 25 years."
"Who is the Master?"
The man shrank in terror. "We do not speak of him," he whispered.
My temper rose and with a flick of my wrist I made the man sleep.
I removed the other man's gag. "Why does the Master want the Brio magic?"
The man looked terrified and I almost felt bad. "To conquer kingdoms," he whispered.
"And what does he know of the prophecy?"
The man shuddered at the tone of my voice. "They say a Brio child can call back the power and make it so that the Master cannot ever take it."
I knew he wasn't going to tell me who the Master is, but I asked one more question. "Who killed my mother?"
The man cringed again. "The Master," he practically whimpered.
I flicked my wrist again, causing him to sleep as well. I moved away from the men and sank to my knees, covering my face with my hands. My tears were hot on my face.
I don't know how much time passed that way. Jace put his arms around me and just let me cry.
Eventually I was out of tears. I wiped my face on my scarf and stood facing Jace.
"There is a spell of loyalty on both men. If I release them they will remember nothing of the Narls."
He nodded. "Should we wait until tomorrow?"
I glanced around. The sun was already getting low in the west. How had the whole day passed? I nodded and Jace began preparing dinner. I sat down and started writing this letter.
Jace and I have been talking as I write. I want to try divining to discover who the Master is, but Jace thinks it's a bad idea. I've used so much magic in the last two days, maybe he's right. And yet I don't feel drained at all.

December 8th
It's morning now. I decided I had to risk trying. Jace was clearly concerned, but he finally agreed as long as I was careful. I didn't really learn much. The Master must have spells protecting him from such things. I did learn one thing which could prove helpful-- he's a fairy, one that's left the ring.
I hope you'll talk to Brynn about all this if she's still with you. Perhaps it will help her think of something important. I also thought that the Narls trying to drain Brio magic for so long could help her with figuring out your magic. Especially if they're using the picture of you now. If they've been after Brio magic for 25 years it could have affected our grandparents and parents also.
I released the two men from the spell, but made sure they will not wake for several hours. That way we will not be close. I feel strongly we will reach the cave in just a few days. I still don't know what I'm supposed to do, though.
I'd better end this so I can send Hermes back to you. You will probably be anxious.
I know Uncle W. doesn't like her, but you can trust Brynn, Arri.
May you find the truth you seek.
Love always,


Go to NEXT Letter

Arri- December 3, 2003

December 3, 2003
Dear Keish,
Mendel is not a good match! If you read the whole letter that he wrote me, you would know that. As soon as my adventures are over, I hope that I can go back to avoiding him, or helping the prince set traps for him, or something else. Even Treany agrees with me. Although you wouldn’t like her reasons. The Westridges are a landed family, and since land has to stay all in one piece, only Sean can inherit anything. Mendel will get a gentleman’s allowance every year after he turns eighteen, but that isn’t enough money to marry. He could have gone into the army, but he didn’t—I don’t know why. Treany says he can’t pursue a career, because it would be a disgrace to his family, so he hasn’t any prospects at all, and isn’t a good match for anyone who is already nobility. Treany says Mendel will come to no good, because that’s what usually happens to gentlemen of leisure. I asked her what she thought he would do, but she said it isn’t good for ladies to talk about it. I asked her how she knew about it. She said they teach it in Feminine Politics. I asked Clara if she knew anything about it and she said it was a lot of nonsense—that Mendel had more sense than that. Mendel and good sense don’t normally belong in the same sentence, but since I still don’t know what they’re talking about, I can’t say much.
Prince Tulson is too busy to be anyone’s match. And he has a lot of choices, because he will become a duke one day and be given a manor to live on. Besides, he orders me around too much. I like him as a friend, of course, but that’s all.
We’ve had a visitor recently.
I first her saw from Liop’s bedroom window, which I was washing. She appeared walking along the road that runs by our house. I didn’t recognize her.
She was tall and thin with a spring in her step and a straight, well-proportioned figure. She walked with confidence like the high ladies in Rousha. She stopped at the gate, seemed to look the whole place over, and then admitted herself as though she belonged here. She wore a long, red lady’s dress with a lacy black shawl and wide-brimmed black hat that cast a shadow on her face. I don’t know much about fashion, but I think Treany would have been impressed. I stared so hard I dropped my cleaning rag and didn’t remember it until much later.
She was coming to our house! I didn’t run to the door like I normally do. I ran to my bedroom to take off my apron and splash water on my face. It was late morning and I had already changed house-dresses once (having splashed stable mud on the first one). At least the current dress was clean, and my second best. Then I sat down on the bed and waited, just as she was knocking at the door. I didn’t want to answer it. If I was lucky I wouldn’t have to do more than say “how do you do” and curtsey.
I listened to the sounds of Uncle Winthrop leaving his study and going to open the door…then the sound of the door opening. An odd length of silence. And then…
“What are you doing here?” demanded Uncle W.
“I’ve come to see Arri,” said the woman with cold civility.
“She’s busy.”
“You will not get rid of me until I’ve seen her.”
“She’s a child!” I couldn’t decide whom I wanted to win the argument. I was dying with both curiosity and intimidation at the same time. No one who dressed like that could be easy to talk to.
“This isn’t my fault, Winthrop, and you know it. At least I came to the front door like a decent person…” she seemed to be insinuating that she could have done something else. I shut my bedroom door as quietly as I could and tried to pretend I wasn’t there.
“What do you want with her?” Uncle Winthrop’s strong voice carried through the door, but the woman’s did not. I considered opening the door again.
“I don’t want to hear it! Arri can only come to harm.”
I put my ear to the door and heard a man’s footsteps on the staircase. The knock at my door startled me. I jumped, tripped, and made too much noise to stay hidden.
“Arri?” Uncle W.’s voice was frustrated.
I opened the door.
“Brynn Garrard is here to see you,” and he turned and walked away without another word.
I hurried down the stairs and stood before her, looking up. I couldn’t say anything; she didn’t look at all like I imagined her. Her face was full of fine wrinkles that added more grace to her character than age.
“It’s good to meet you again, Arri,” said Brynn with a smile. She took off her hat and set it on the armchair in the parlor, revealing a flourish of dark silvery hair with just a few streaks of color. “Of course, you won’t remember the last time we met—you were just learning to walk. I’ve thought many times that I’d like to look at you again, and so I have come.”
I didn’t say anything. Brynn cocked her head to one side and looked me up and down.
“Keish says that you’re a chatterbox, but right now you seem more like your quiet father. I can see his nose, and the way you stand is the way he stood in the line at their wedding reception. You’ve got your mother’s eyes, and your height… that must come from the Etautca side somewhere. You’re not as tall as your parents, but very pretty all the same.”
She looked very pleased.
“Did you know my mother well?” I asked, finding my voice.
“No… and yes,” said Brynn thoughtfully, “Shall we take a walk outside? I don’t think your uncle will mind if he can’t hear us. I’ve only met him once, briefly, and I don’t think this dress is as intimidating as I hoped.”
“Uncle W. doesn’t intimidate easily,” I said.
“That’s very wise of him. You’ll want a shawl to keep the chill off.”
We walked out into the garden, looking at the barren trees and dormant ground, which Nacks was clearing for winter.
“You knew Aunt Ellean well,” I said.
“Yes, that I did,” said Brynn. “You can ask as many questions as you like, but I may not answer.”
I considered this.
“How did you come to tutor Aunt Ellean?” I asked.
“She was eighteen and living with the Condies in Adya. Your grandparents sent her there so that she could study astrology under Master Jaxinamy. Of course a female tutor was desirable, and your grandparents were making inquiries. They didn’t hire me, mind, but I heard about the inquiries and followed my own thoughts on the matter. It seemed that even though Lord Bastion Brio’s magic was waning, his second daughter had the gift of divination.”
“Grandfather’s magic waned? Why?”
“I don’t know; there are many ways magic can wane. Lord Brio was not known for practicing his skill. Perhaps it was just neglect. Those were quiet times…”
“Like Flora’s family,” I murmured.
“Anyhow, I arrived at the court of Adya in time to see the beginnings of Ellean and Sir Adlen’s courtship.”
“Why did you go?” I asked.
Brynn just shook her head at me, “Who would pass up the chance to tutor a daughter of the Brio lineage? I was curious—to say the least.”
But why didn’t you talk to Lord and Lady Brio first? I thought to myself.
“What is Marigold’s real name?” I asked instead.
“Ask your uncle,” said Brynn tersely.
We walked in silence for several minutes. I tried to imagine Uncle Adlen as a young man going courting.
“What kind of flowers did he give her?” I murmured to myself; the idea was wonderful.
Brynn heard my whisper and laughed.
“Wildflowers and daisies and anything else he could get his hands on,” she told me, “although I think young Lady Ellean would have preferred swords. He was head over heals in love from the first day he saw her. If it hadn’t been for conventions he might have proposed on the spot, but they managed a proper, if rather eccentric, two years of courtship. I’ve never enjoyed watching anyone court so much in my life. If Adlen wanted to get married, Ellean was too busy learning to tell fortunes, looking for mischief, and generally having fun. Then the roles would suddenly reverse and Ellean would be pushing for elopement while Adlen worried about tradition and their age difference. He was almost seventeen years her senior. The other girls didn’t know what she saw in him—he was thin and lanky, beginning to bald—not at all like the dashing young suitors your aunt liked to spurn. He collected beetles and telescopes.”
“Then why did she marry him?” I asked.
“Well, Ellean loved astronomy. They could talk about it for hours. Adlen had a good heart. He wasn’t interested in taking advantage of Ellean’s magic or family connections, both of which things were motivating her other suitors. He loved her for herself, and he let her have her way in almost everything.”
“Was it a good match?” I asked.
“Not many people thought so; they thought he would spoil her and she would take advantage. But it was a good match, Arri. Ellean made herself a perfect wife for the not-quite-young, star-struck astronomer.”
I sighed.
“I would tell you about your own parents’ courtship too, but I’m afraid I don’t know much. I first met them at their wedding reception a couple of months after I started tutoring Ellean.”
“Father rescued Mother from a dragon,” I volunteered, “She was out gathering herbs by herself when she accidentally disturbed a great green dragon. Father was patrolling and he heard the dragon roaring, so he went to investigate. And he found Mother trying to bury her herbs before the dragon could get to them. Father always laughs when he tells that part—a young lady in fine gown kneeling in the moist dirt and digging in front of a fire-breathing dragon, more concerned about a handful of dead plants than her satin dress. Of course that isn’t the first time they met, but that’s usually where Father starts when he’s story telling.”
Brynn chuckled.
“I’ve heard that one before, and I’ve always wondered what she was doing so far south.”
I looked up at Brynn in surprise. “I don’t know—I never thought about it.”
“She would have had to be very near the southern border of Elcaro to meet up with both a great green and a border patrol; that’s a good journey from Rousha, but it probably doesn’t matter.”
I didn’t know what to say to that.
“Tell me about your father’s illness,” said Brynn.
I told her everything that had happened to Father since Uncle Winthrop first found him. I ended with the words: “Can you heal him?”
Brynn sighed, “I’m not a healer, Arri. My skills are in divination and some of the more practical sides of magic.”
“Healing is practical,” I responded, “couldn’t you get a book and learn?”
“It would be better if you did that,” Brynn responded, “that’s why I’ve come. I want to get you started in your training. I can’t do more than that; I don’t know enough about your kind of gifts, but I can get you started and then point you in the right direction to learn more.”
“You’re going to tutor me?”
“Only for a few days, then I must return to Taty.”
“Is Taty still in Adya with Gretel and Liop?” I asked.
Brynn smiled. “Liop is with me. I have him at the Odsreq inn, guarded by the Mistress’s daughter who is on orders to tie him up if he tries to leave. I wanted to speak to you alone first, but I’ll bring your brother home this afternoon. He’s very anxious to see you— hoping to show off some of what he’s learned.”
Brynn did bring Liop home. He was a little sulky about not getting to come with her in the morning, but we were all so glad to see him that he couldn’t sulk long. Nozama clung to him like a baby to its mother for the rest of the evening. Cook came out and insisted Brynn stay for dinner, but what a cold meal that made. Brynn and Uncle W. didn’t say a single word to each other. Imato and I felt awkward and embarrassed, but really I wasn’t sure who was behaving worse— Brynn or Uncle W.
It’s so good to have Liop home! He showed me the new spells he learned. We put the newts and their crystal bowl in my bedroom and pulled the curtains so we could watch them flash lights around the room as we talked. It felt nice sitting with Liop and Imato and talking until Liop’s head drooped with sleep, and Imato carried him back to their room. I curled up on the pillows on my window seat and watched the moon rising over the trees. I fell asleep and dreamt of the hart, tall and proud in the forest.
This morning Brynn came after breakfast. She was dressed in dark blue wool this time with a white shawl. Uncle W. shut himself up in the office without a word. I had already walked Liop to school (he didn’t like that, but there have to be some consequences for running away). Imato was off with his own business, so Brynn and I went out into the garden. Kestrel came with and curled up on the bench to watch. Brynn had a satchel with her that she set on the bench next to Kestrel. She rummaged through it for a minute, finally retrieving a small sphere, perfectly clear and hollow. She handed it to me.
“A crystal ball?” I asked, wondering.
“Of a variety,” said Brynn vaguely, “it will help me measure the strength of your magic. Hold it out in your hand— whichever one you write with, elbow straight, fingers curled so it won‘t slip.”
The sphere felt cool in my hand as I held it out towards Brynn. She put her right hand on the top of the ball, closed her eyes and began to murmur a kind of chant. Almost immediately the sphere shattered, sending crystal shards in every direction. Brynn and I both let out cries of surprise, hers somewhat louder, and pulled our hands back into ourselves. My hand was perfectly fine, but I could see that Brynn’s was covered, even dripping, with blood. She pulled a handkerchief from the satchel and began wrapping the hand tightly.
“Well that’s never happened before,” she said calmly.
“Are you all right? What happened?” I asked.
“I’m a bit cut up, but I don’t think it’s serious,” she looked over at my unharmed hand thoughtfully.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what I did. What happened?” I repeated.
“It isn’t your fault, I’m sure. Something about the spell wasn’t compatible with your magic,” said Brynn slowly in a tone of uncertainty.
“Was the magic too strong?” It seemed unlikely, but it was the only thing I could think of.
“No,” said Brynn, “I didn’t even finish establishing the connection before it broke, so I don’t think strength had anything to do with it.” She watched a spot of blood slowly seeping through her handkerchief.
“Do you know how to make a poultice?” she asked.
“Yes, and I have all the ingredients, but I can’t get the healing spell to work.”
“Well, we can work on that together, although I’ve never managed that spell either,” Brynn responded.
We went into the kitchen. I mixed up the herbs and water to make the poultice and spread it over Brynn’s palm. She had me recite the healing spell as I worked, but I couldn’t get any magic into it. Brynn said that just the herbs would have to be enough. Then she spent the rest of the morning questioning me about all of the spells I’ve ever tried to perform and what happened when I tried them. She seemed more interested in the spells that failed than the few I succeeded at. I asked her if she tried to use the crystal ball with you, and she said that she had and that the strength she felt behind your magic was the strongest she had ever encountered.
“Did the crystal break for Keish?” I asked.
“No,” said Brynn, “that’s partly why I don’t think what happened to you had anything to do with strength. The connection didn‘t even complete, so the crystal never felt the full force of your magic. What little it did feel, I felt too, and it wasn‘t so strong as Lakeisha‘s.”
I didn’t know what to say. I just sat and stared at my hand, wondering why the crystal shards hadn’t cut it too. Brynn left before lunch but promised to return the next morning after she had thought through what happened that day. It made the day seem long, wondering what was wrong with me that my magic would break a crystal sphere.
December 4th
When Brynn came today she carried the same small satchel and another bag, made of netting and full of oranges. She was dressed in the dark blue wool with a wide white apron.
“Well,” she said matter-of-factly handing me an orange, “shall we begin?”
I looked blankly at the orange. Brynn shook her head at me.
“Hold it out like you did the crystal,” she instructed.
“The orange?” I asked. Brynn sighed.
“Yes, the orange.”
“What are you going to do?” I asked, feeling stupid.
“The same thing I did yesterday, but this should be much safer. No more questions, Arri, just hold it out.”
I held out the orange and closed my eyes so I wouldn’t get juice in my eyes when it splattered. Soon I felt the weight of Brynn’s hand on the top of the orange. Then everything went blank.
“Arri… Arri,” Brynn’s voice broke through my brain. I opened my eyes and found myself lying on the ground, flat on my back with Brynn kneeling over me. She looked worried. I lifted myself onto my elbows and looked around, feeling disoriented.
“Are you all right?” asked Brynn.
“Yes,” I said, looking around, “where‘s the orange?” I shook my head, sitting up.
Brynn laughed, a kind of short bell sound that sobered quickly. She handed me the orange. It was perfectly round and whole.
“I should have know better,” she said finally, “when you rejected the spell the first time I should have left it alone.” She held out her left hand for me to look at. It was the same color as the orange. I looked at my own hand, but it was perfectly normal.
“What happened?” I asked.
Brynn shook her head, all the merriment vanished. She looked grim.
“I don’t know, Arri,” she said finally, “there’s something wrong with your magic. It felt like shredded paper.”
It’s hard to know what to say next, Keish. I guess that’s why I have such a hard time with spells. Maybe I need a healer too.
Prince Tulson left, but not before I got your letter. He said (smiling) to ask you: “What exactly are you implying by saying I should know a lot about mental homes?” The fact is that he doesn’t know much. However, he will make inquiries about healers, and he says that he will inform the King about Father’s illness, and that you’re right, he will want to help.
It’s nice to finally know what your father knows about everything. Maybe he can help us now.
I’m so glad to hear that you are well and that your magic is growing, although it would be better if you could control it. It must have been amazing to tell so many fortunes and know that they were true. Perhaps as your magic grows you will be able to control it better and use it to solve all the mysteries we’ve been finding out about. I wish that Darius had told you more about the book. It seems like we have too many secrets already, but hopefully you’ll get to where you’re going soon and know that you’re there when you get there. I wish you had a griffon to guide you. At least then you’d get there, even if you did have to find your own way back.
I hope Darius finds Marigold if Mendel doesn’t. I’m worried about her.
I will write to Gretel and tell her not to worry about Liop. He’s happier than he’s ever been— no one’s ever let him try out so much magic as you and Gretel did.
I’m at the end of my six sheets of paper again. May good weather continue to be before you.
Love,


Go to NEXT Letter

Keish's Letters Home- December 2, 2003

December 2, 2003
Dearest Father,

I'm so sorry about all of this. Are you angry with me?

I know Brynn has told you everything that's been going on lately, so I won't take the time to repeat it here. I've enchanted this paper, so hopefully it's safe to write this.

We're going into a large village today, to get supplies and post these letters (one for you and one for Gretel and one for Arri). I also have to find something for Jace's birthday-- I completely missed it yesterday. Can you believe that? He's off gathering wood since even magical fires don't cook without it. He hasn't said anything and I don't know if he's realized it or not. I feel awful. It's the first time we've actually been together on his birthday and I forget all about it. It's inexcusable, but I guess most of my behavior lately has been.

I'm sorry I ran off without telling you-- and while you were sick. I'm sorry I didn't take care of you at all. I didn't think whoever's doing this would go after you. They killed Mother and now through my carelessness I almost lost you too. I don't know what I would do.

Things should be safer without me there, but please be careful. It's hard to know who can be trusted. We don't really know who the enemy is.

I miss you, but when all this is over I don't know that I can ever bring myself to live in the castle again. I've met people I want to help, and I can do more living among them than I can at the castle. I'm sure you'll want to discuss all this when I get back, but I'm serious.
I don't have any idea when this will all be over. I hope to be back for your birthday.

Please stay safe. I love you.
Love always,

December 2, 2003
Dear Gretel,

I'm so sorry about everything. I know I've been horrible to you lately. Thank you so much for caring for Father (and Liop). I'm so relieved he's doing better (Father, not Liop). I was so worried.
When I get back you'll have to let me know how I can make all this up to you. I've been such a wretched friend.

We've come to a large village and I decided I will risk posting a couple of letters. I wrote to Father also. He's probably very anxious.

I know Brynn has been telling you what I've told her, so that doesn't leave me with a lot to say. I thought I should write and apologize, though. Can you ever forgive me?

We're getting close to the cave. I can feel it. I have no idea what to do when we get there. I guess we'll just have to see what happens.

I'm sorry you aren't getting to spend more time with Imato. Hopefully things will settle down soon. Do you think you'll get to see him for his birthday? I don't remember what day it is, but I'm pretty sure it's soon.

I'm sure you'll be frustrated not to be able to respond to this. If you wanted to I guess you could send something to Arri and have her send it on to me. I won't expect a response, though.
I have to end now… We need to get supplies today and I need to … never mind, I'll tell you another time.

Love always,

Go to NEXT (Arri) Letter

Keish- December 1, 2003

December 1-2, 2003
Dear Arri,

It's the middle of the night and I can't sleep.

It was Jace's birthday today. I missed Jace's birthday! We've known each other for 6 ½ years and I've always sent something for his birthday-- now the one year we're together I completely miss it.

He didn't say anything. Honestly, with all the traveling I'm not sure he realized the date. I'll get something tomorrow in the village that we're close to, but I feel awful.

I was 12 the first time Jace came with his father (Master Garen Pren). His father would come at least once a year. I guess viewing conditions are better in Adya for some things. I know Father traveled to Rousha sometimes when I was a child.

Jace was 13 and we wreaked havoc around the castle grounds. (Tearing around at top speed either on or off a horse was one of my favorite pastimes.) We also played tricks on the stable hands. I remember how much fun it was to have a "partner in crime." (I didn't know Gretel yet and didn't really have playmates.) A few months later, for his birthday, I sent him a box like the one I left for Tulson a few months ago-- rice explosion! Inside was a wooden horse. He mentioned the other day that it still sits on his desk. I don't know that his mother liked the rice, but he liked the horse.

He sent me a pretty scarf for my birthday. Wrapped up in it was a note saying his mother picked it out as "a gift appropriate for a young lady." His contribution was a capsule of ink that exploded when I pulled out the note-- splattering an interesting pattern on the scarf. I actually packed the scarf for this journey. It's warm and I'm wearing it now.

He wasn't able to come when his father visited that year, but we had a letter prank war. You wouldn’t believe how many things you can put in letters to explode all over the recipient. I don't think Father really approved, but it kept me from terrorizing the stable hands, so he didn't interfere. Jace's father seemed to find it funny. (Again, not really sure what his mother thought.)
I sent him a nice set of quills for his 15th birthday-- but they were all stuck together. He said it took him two weeks to get them apart. He sent me a bottle of ink that was completely sealed. I still haven't gotten it open.

He came with his father a couple of months later and we caused a scandal by having a mud fight in the courtyard… With Prince Tulson. (I told you there was a major prank war, right? Well, after having several days of more or less everything he touched exploding, Tulson had had it and started throwing mud.) Yeah, it didn’t go over too well. We weren't allowed to leave the tower for the rest of the time he was there. We were 14 and 15 and such behavior was deemed completely inappropriate. It was fun though. And Tulson did start it. Not that anyone believed that.

After a couple of days stuck in the tower we decided we should maybe act a little more mature. We called off the prank war (for the most part). We spent a lot of time reading to each other and making up stories and just talking.

At the end of the summer, he and Taty both came. We rode horses and had picnics. We were very well behaved… for the most part… okay, so there was something about a frog…

I sent him a book for his birthday that year and he sent me one too. It was a volume of poetry. Really interesting stuff about life and philosophy, not the sappy dreadful stuff the young men at court read to young women they fancy. I can't stand that awful sap.

That year Jace was 16 and expected to start taking his studies more seriously, so he couldn't come to visit. We wrote letters and I sent a couple of pranks to lighten things up. I sent him a book of silly poems I had written, all making fun of the love poems at court and court life in general. He said it was a great present.

He sent me a miniature dagger in a jeweled sheath. You’ve seen it-- I use it to open letters. He said he'd have sent a real dagger if he thought he could get away with it, but he thought someone would ask questions.

I didn't get to see him that year either. I was lonely and we wrote lots and lots of letters about our studies and court like and all the things we wished we could change. I remember telling him about all the things I wanted to do-- acting with a theater company, writing plays, archery, stuff like that. He told me about wanting to live in the country. I got him thinking about acting and he thought that would be fun , too. You should see him when we go into these villages to tell fortunes-- he's a natural, almost as dramatic as I am. He introduces me and lines up potential customers, gets people excited. It's been fun, really.

Anyway, I sent him an amazing carving of a dragon-- it was his 18th birthday and the intricate dragon was perfect. (December is the month of the Dragon, after all.) We hadn't seen each other in almost 2 ½ years, but he was pretty much my best friend. Outside of family members he was definitely my best friend.

He surprised me by showing up for my 17th birthday. He brought me the dagger that he had talked about the year before. It is a beautiful, elegant piece. I've kept it put away, even my father would object to a young woman owning such a weapon. I have it with me-- put away and enchanted to look like a simpler knife. It's comforting, but it's almost more comforting because it's from Jace. I know he would protect me if anything were to happen. I probably wouldn't end up needing the dagger.

Jace was able to take a break from his studies for a few months and visited several times that year. We spent hours riding in the forest north of Adya. Jace went with Gretel and I into the city. We all dressed as peasants for the market days.

Once we took a picnic to the sea. It was a wonderful day. We waded in the surf and collected sea shells. I love walking barefoot through the waves. It was one of those perfect days-- the kind you want to never end. We ended up watching the sun sink into the sea and got back to the castle really late. We tried to sneak back in, but of course our fathers were up and noticed. We were taken into separate rooms and lectured by our respective fathers.

I think it's about the only time Father's ever really lectured me-- usually we debate. That night he went on and on about the dangers of making such a journey through the woods and such at night. "Why if you had run into robbers or bandits…" he started.

"Jace would have protected me," I interjected. "He's a very good swordsman."

"But he's only one man," Father started again.

"Then I should learn archery," I suggested. "That way I could help."

He looked at me like I'd lost my mind. (I was probably being a bit silly, I was getting quite tired.)
"That is not appropriate," he huffed. "And another thing-- how could you go off like that without a chaperone?"

Now I looked at him as though he'd lost his mind. "Why would we have a chaperone?" This caught me totally off guard-- I was honestly baffled.

"It is not appropriate for a young man and a young lady to go off for the whole day-- let alone half the night-- without a chaperone!"

I had never seen him so worked up about something like this. "But it was Jace," I responded. In my mind it explained everything. Jace and I were friends-- we had been off riding alone before, why would we take a chaperone now?

I think Father realized I was completely confused. He almost seemed disappointed, but I wasn't sure why. He sent me to bed.

The next day Jace said he got a similar lecture-- very heavy on the subject of not having a chaperone. When I expressed my confusion to him he seemed almost disappointed too and didn't
pursue it.

"I have to leave first thing tomorrow," he said. "My father's decided I've taken enough of a break."

I immediately forgot about everything else-- even trying to figure out what I had said that had disappointed him. "Tomorrow? Can't you stay just a few more days?"

He shook his head sadly. "I had to argue just to stay today. I never argue with my father-- you're a bad influence," he said, lightly hitting my arm.

I knew he was trying to cheer me up, but we were both pretty sober all morning.

In the afternoon, we decided to make the most of his last evening and snuck out into Adya. We watched a theater company perform in the square and later we acted out our favorite parts in the tower library. I think we stayed up most of the night.

He left early the next morning in spite of the late night. It was the very end of summer and the morning was beautiful. I couldn't enjoy it, though. I spent the rest of the day shut up in my room. Jace's father was still with us-- he felt bad and came to talk to me. He said he was sorry for sending Jace away but that Jace really did need to get back to his studies and his mathematics tutor was available again. He said it would be hard for Jace to break away for a while, but that as soon as he could he would certainly be allowed to come back to visit.

A few months later, I managed to find a mask from the play we'd seen and sent it to him for his birthday. He sent me a book of plays that included the one we'd seen. I still don't know how he managed to get it-- they're very rare.

Jace didn't get to visit again until the end of this last summer. I wrote to you about it, remember? We spent a lot of time just talking and riding. I think Taty might have gotten bored with us.

And now here we are. Off on our own, except this time it's not a picnic on the beach. I wonder what our fathers think now. It's not like we could have brought a chaperone, though. Taty sent to their parents so that they wouldn’t worry. Jace says that being from Rousha they're used to hearing stories of Brio adventures and so his parents won't be too concerned. I hope they aren't. Jace has sent a couple of letters to Taty and one to his parents-- with enchantments to keep them from being suspicious-- so they know he's safe.

I guess I should stop rambling and sleep. I can't figure out what to do for Jace's birthday. My options will certainly be limited, even if it is a large village. I'll try to find something and then do something to make up for it when we get back to Adya.

Speaking of birthdays, isn't Imato's soon? Father's is next month-- I hope I can be there for it; I'm getting tired of this adventure. After all this, I'm not sure I ever want to live in the castle again, but I do miss my father. (And my nice soft bed…. And other conveniences…. I guess if I don't want to live there again I'll have to get used to going without some things)

I'd best sleep-- we probably won't really travel tomorrow since we need to replenish our supplies, but I still need rest. Besides, I've been using magic for light and heat this whole time-- I should probably stop. I had things so under control for the first part of our journey but now I can't seem to not use magic-- again. We just have to hope that the Narls don't notice. I don't know if they can detect it or not.

Do you ever look back over a letter and realize things you've not noticed before? I noticed a couple of things looking back over this. One thing I find interesting is that I'd never told you most of this before. I've mentioned Jace to you, but never said a lot. Even when I wrote to you in September I think all I said was that Jace and Taty had visited and I couldn't remember if you'd known Taty in Rousha. I think maybe I also ranted about not wanting our parents to arrange a marriage between us. I don't want a marriage arranged for me at all-- I want to be allowed to fall in love and make my own match. I think somehow that kind of arrangement takes away from the relationship, even if you like each other a lot.

I also realized that with all my grand ideas and all the things I talk about wanting to do, the trip to Odsreq for your birthday is probably the furthest from home I'd ever traveled until now. I never even visited Jace in Rousha. Somehow that makes me sad. When all this is over, I really should go to Rousha and let Jace show me around and everything. (Could be a good opportunity for some more pranks on Tulson too.)

Now I really need to sleep. I'm going to need to be on top of things to find something for Jace tomorrow.

Thanks for "listening"
Love always,
　

Oh, I forgot! Brynn said the other night that the castle gossip says that the prince is getting married! You remember the one that wanted me to sit for portraits? With Gretel's help I had finally gotten one of the other girls in his path (Vanessa) and apparently they're betrothed!

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