Keish- May 26, 2004

May 26, 2004
Dear Arri,
I knew two things as soon as I saw her.
I was going to hire her myself, and the fairies had definitely made a mistake.  I think they took the wrong twin.

They arrived a little after lunch.
Jace had spent the morning engaged in some secretive task that not even Imato seemed to know anything about.  Gretel and I had been with the seamstress having fittings for Gretel’s wedding.  Since the dresses have to be done in plenty of time to allow the beaders to do their work, neither of us is allowed to change a bit between now and the end of July.  (I suspect you’ll be receiving a similar lecture while you’re here.)  Imato was at the training yard sparring.
We were all present for lunch, however (Imato grumbling that Jace had exiled him from their study all morning) and found ourselves rather free for at least the earlier part of the afternoon.  Since we were all quite curious about the March twins, (Imato insists he wasn’t really all that curious), we retired to the library after eating to wait for them.
Gretel had finally chosen a maid and while it was entirely certain that Emily (the maid) would suit Gretel perfectly, it was equally certain that Gretel’s mother was going to hate her.
Jace says hate is perhaps too strong a word, but really the poor girl has several strikes against her.
First of all, she’s very young-- barely 16-- which Gretel’s mother will insist means she’s flighty.  Second, up until now she’s been an upstairs maid; she has no experience as a lady’s maid.  The fact that she has learned a great deal from observing and talking to several lady’s maids (her older sisters are both lady’s maids in very fashionable houses) will mean absolutely nothing.   Third, and the thing Lady Aoweir is sure to find highly disturbing, Emily frequently wears her own hair in the more “modern” styles that some high-born ladies find wholly intolerable and cheeky on a servant.
As far as Gretel’s concerned, if Emily can do such things with her own hair then she’s surely competent enough to do Gretel’s hair.  It’s not as though Gretel’s style runs to the extravagant.
Now, once Gretel’s safely married, her mother’s disapproval will cease to matter (for which I am fairly certain Imato thanks the merciful heavens daily) but the question, of course, is what to do in the two-month interim.
“Just have her live here,” I finally said in exasperation.
Gretel stopped despairing and considered.  “Are you sure?”
I waved a hand.  “There’s certainly plenty of room.  She can share with my maid if I ever actually employ one.  And besides, for one-- you’re always here anyway and two-- the most pressing engagement on your calendar between now and your wedding is mine, for which I fully expect you to be here getting ready with me.  In fact, I demand it.”  I smiled.  “Isn’t the bride supposed to make strange demands?”
Gretel and Jace laughed while Imato muttered something about everyone being lucky if that was the oddest thing I demanded.  I chose to ignore him.  He’s been grumpy lately.  I think he’s put out that Jace and I are getting married first while he has to wait until July.
Just as that was all settled, there was a knock at the door.  “Mr. March and his sister, Milady,” Marta announced sounding only slightly annoyed.  Having never really had formal visitors requiring announcing until recently, it hadn’t even occurred to me that we haven’t employed a butler in untold years.  Marta had been playing the role, but I could tell I was going to have to add “find a butler” to my list of things to do.  It doesn’t appeal to me in the least, but heaven knows that if Papa hasn’t seen the need thus far he’s not going to go out of his way to find one now.  What are the odds I could convince Uncle W. to make Papa do it?  Hmm.  I will have to consider.
I had never realized until now how much work would be required to convert our little tower household of two to a suitable “real” household.  We’ve just been a random appendage of the palace for so long.  Perhaps too long.
Jace says I’m rambling.  Where was I?
With Marta’s announcement, Ryland entered the room, followed by a lovely girl with very fine features.  Her hair and dress were perfectly elegant in an understated way.  No one could complain that she dressed above her station, but no one with eyes could help but see she was very skilled.  I offered her my terms of employment as soon as introductions were made.  (I should amend my former statement-- no woman with eyes could help but see she was skilled.  Imato clearly thought I was utterly mad and even Jace looked surprised.)
As to how I knew the fairies had made a mistake-- waves of raw, uncontrolled power emanated from her.  So much so that it shocks me that no one else has ever noticed it.  (Even Imato, with his limited magic, could tell something was going on after being with her a few minutes.)
I could feel it so strongly that I quietly shielded myself after several minutes because I was starting to feel ill.  We’ll have to find a solution to that.  I refuse to find another maid, but I can’t feel seasick any time I’m in the same room with her either.
She was clearly somewhat tired from the journey, so once she’d accepted the position and we’d settled the details, she and Ryland went to look for Marta to get Malia settled.  Gretel finished writing her offer of employment to Emily, including the available room here with Malia, and sent it with them.
“Ryland, I’d like to see you in my study an hour before dinner, please,” Jace said as they left the library and Ryland nodded in agreement.
“I suppose I must find somewhere else to be for that too.”  Imato sulked for a moment before jumping on me.  “What in heaven’s name possessed you to offer her a position as lady’s maid?”
“I thought we were going to find her a position with children,” Jace commented.
Gretel shook her head emphatically.  “No maid travels with her hair done that beautifully unless she’s hoping to be hired on as a lady’s maid.  And even if that wasn’t her intent, such talent would be utterly wasted in a nursery.”  She looked at me ruefully.  “I’m almost jealous.”
I grinned.  “All the more reason for Emily to room with her here then.”
Imato was rubbing his temples.  “There was something odd about her.”
“So you did notice it,” I replied.  “I was going to ask.”
“I take it that was why you shielded yourself,” Jace said mildly.  He’s really too perceptive for someone without any magic.  “Surely you wouldn’t have hired her if she were dangerous.”
I rolled my eyes.  “Of course not.  But Imato’s right, there’s certainly something odd.  And the fairies definitely made a mistake.”
This was met with surprise, of course.  Imato, however, surprised me in turn.  “That was raw power I felt from her, wasn’t it?”
“A lot of it.  Uncontrolled.  It’s not enough to affect anyone without magic unless they’re extraordinarily sensitive, but it made me feel a bit ill.”
Imato nodded.  “I was dizzy.”
“Until she left,” I said.  He nodded in confirmation.  “I can teach you an easy shielding spell until we can come up with something more permanent,” I offered.  “Let’s give her today to settle in, though.  I don’t want to scare her.  I’m pretty sure she has no idea.”
Imato started to protest, as he usually does when I offer a spell, but Gretel spoke up quickly, overriding him.  “Yes, thank you.  A shielding spell sounds like an excellent idea.”  I could tell she wasn’t just thinking of uncontrolled magic waves.
“Would you like to get started now?”
Imato looked as though he’d like to do anything but spend the afternoon working a spell with me, but Gretel had that look and he had a little time before he and Jace needed to be to the tailor, so he agreed.
So Jace went back to whatever mysterious task he’d set for himself and Gretel tucked herself out of the way with the sensational novel she’s hiding from her mother, (and no, I am not that bad of an influence-- didn’t even know about this one until she showed it to me) and Imato and I spent about an hour on the spell.  He mastered the casting fairly quickly, but it will take practice for him to produce a shield strong enough to be very useful.  By the end of an hour it was enough to prevent a repeat of his dizzy spell, but not much else.
(It’s really a good, simple spell.  You and Liop should learn it too.  If we haven’t found another solution before you arrive, you’ll have to learn it, really.)
I don’t know that Imato would really have worked on it at all if Gretel hadn’t stayed.  When you get here, you simply must talk him out of his sulkiness.
As soon as Imato left to go with Jace to the tailor, I started pulling out books.  I did research on everything I could think of that might explain Malia’s strange magic.  I worked through dinner and into the night and still all I have this morning is my shielding spell and the theory that she has no idea that she is exuding power.

Now, I’m off to a fitting (for my wedding dress this time) and then the florist (we decided on the daisies and found a florist who had several colors), tea with Vanessa (don’t ask, I’m still not sure how I got stuck with that on my calendar) and then Gretel and I have an appointment with the jeweler to see men’s wedding rings.  (Yes, I know, I’m cutting it ridiculously close on that one.)
With such a full schedule today, Malia’s magic is just not a priority.  Marta is helping her settle in and Emily is supposed to move her things into their room today also.
Her magic will have to wait until tomorrow.

May 27th
Perhaps my shielding spell is not as good as I had thought.  I feel as though I spent the whole day in a carriage without springs going over an endless series of bumps and hills.  I’m going to bed.

May 28th
Papa received a letter from Uncle W. in this morning’s post declaring that you are all leaving today.  At this news, I suddenly realized that at the rate I’m writing, I’ll simply be handing this letter to you when you arrive.
Which is fine, really.  In all the excitement of your arrival I would surely forget to tell you something and that simply would not do.
So in that vein, I shall write everything that happened yesterday.
First, we discovered Jace’s mystery project.  Ryland presented himself in the breakfast room just as we’d finished eating.  He nodded to Jace without speaking.
Jace returned the nod and Ryland left.
Naturally, this made the rest of us curious, but rather than explaining, Jace very formally turned to Imato.  “I believe we have an appointment in the study,” Jace said in a tone that allowed no argument.
Imato raised an eyebrow, but permitted Jace to shepherd him out of the room.
Gretel and I shrugged and, naturally, followed them.
Jace hired Imato a valet!
I could tell Imato wanted to be irritated, but was impressed with the manners and meticulous grooming of White (who I’m sure has a given name, but seems not to need one).
Once Gretel and I were fairly certain that Imato was not going to throttle Jace for taking such liberties, we left them to sort out the details and went upstairs to my room.
I know I didn’t give you a complete tour of my suite when you were here, so I’m not sure if you noticed the two doors leading off my bedroom. (Not the one to the sitting room, these are on the opposite wall.)  I wouldn’t blame you at all if you have no idea what I’m talking about-- I seldom notice them myself.
At any rate, these doors each lead to rather grand wardrobe/dressing rooms.  To date, I’ve used one for gowns I wear only once a year and articles that need repair and the other for getting dressed for formal events… maybe three times.  (You do know what I’m talking about-- we used it to get ready for Gretel’s ball.  I’d forgotten.)
Of course, if I’d been using them “properly” one would be a beautifully organized dressing room and wardrobe while the other would have been empty. At least until Jace’s things are moved up here.
Which means that they must now be put in order.  All of the other rooms in the suite can be arranged at our leisure, but “our” rooms must be readied in advance.  (Our rooms.  I suppose eventually it will stop sounding odd.)  This, of course, also includes returning the large armoire/wardrobe I’ve been using to whichever guest room it’s supposed to be in.  We’ll leave that to the valets, perhaps.
First, it must be emptied, which can’t be fully done until the dressing rooms are arranged.
So Gretel and I decided to each tackle one of them, with the help of our new maids.  I had warned Malia that the state of my clothing would likely cause her despair, but I don’t think she believed me.  Emily, I’m sure, is glad she is Gretel’s maid and not mine.
Of course, I also planned to use the time to find out more about Malia.
Both maids were waiting for us when we got upstairs.  I could feel Malia’s magic by the time we reached the floor, let alone my room.  I shielded  myself and we entered my sitting room.  (Which is really the private sitting room since it is attached to the bedroom as well as having the door to the hall.  There’s a formal sitting room too that I’ve never used.  One thing at a time, though.)
We explained to Malia and Emily what needed to be done and got to work.  Malia and I took the room I’ve been throwing stuff in since it was the bigger mess.
“Oh my,” she said as soon as I opened the door.  She was immediately embarrassed.  “I’m sorry, My Lady, I didn’t mean…”
I cut her off, grinning.  “I did warn you.  And please, call me Keish.  Or at least Lady Keish.”
She smiled a little.  “I’ll try.”
We waded in (you laugh, but that’s nearly literal) and began sorting.
Within two hours we’d made good progress.  There was still a lot to do, of course, after all it wasn’t enough to just clear up what was in there, it all had to be organized and such.  But we had gotten a lot done, so I sent Malia to get Emily and go ask Cook for snack trays.
Malia looked a little confused.  “Tea trays?”
“Snack trays,” I said firmly.  “Cook will know what you mean.”
Honestly the only thing Cook will find strange is that I sent a maid rather than Jace or just popping in myself.  Since Cook is a traditionalist, she’ll find this an improvement.  And when Malia sees the tray covered in crackers and cheeses and a pitcher of water, she’ll understand, too.
Gretel, naturally, came to find me once Malia and Emily had gone.  I must have looked a little pale (well, paler than usual) because she hurried to where I say and crouched in front of me.  “Are you okay?”
I groaned a little.  “My shielding spells started to weaken about half an hour ago.”
“Have you talked to her about it yet?”
I shook my head.  “We haven’t talked much.  There was a lot to do in here.”  Gretel’s look clearly said “there still is”, but I ignored that and went on. “I’ll bring it up before we start working again.  Right now I’m going to have to recast my spell and strengthen it.”
Gretel nodded.  She looked worried, but gave me a few minutes of solitude to try something stronger.
Malia and Emily returned with the tray and we all sat down to eat in the sitting room.  (Which reminded me that it is also intended to be a private breakfast room.  I think I may add a more suitable table.  Perhaps tomorrow when we start moving furniture.)
The maids may have found it odd that they were eating with us, but they’ll get used to it.
Gretel and Emily didn’t stay much longer.  Gretel had yet another fitting-- this time at the beader’s, (you and I are being spared that) and she wanted Emily along, naturally.  They’d return later in the afternoon to help some more.
Once they were gone, I began asking Malia more about herself.  She told me a little about the woman that ran the orphanage (Mrs. Tratton) and what it was like growing up there.  This naturally led to some discussion of her brother’s absence.  The twins are barely 18, but that still means he was gone for ten years!  The fairies took eight to concede that they’d made a mistake and it took Darius a couple of years to try and sort out the damage.  (I know all this from Darius.)
“How much do you know about your brother’s… absence?” I asked carefully.
She looked thoughtful.  When she spoke, I could tell she was choosing her words with great care.  “He disappeared right in front of me.  There was a flash of light and he was gone.  Like any child, I knew the stories, but I wasn’t sure anyone would believe that the fairies had taken him.  I believe it was connected to my illness, though-- the fairies taking him.  I became ill the very next day and was nearly confined to my bed.  For seven years I could get up only with assistance.”
“Seven years?” I asked, a little confused.
She explained that she had been a little better the eighth year, though still unable to be out of bed for long periods.  Then one day, not long before her 16th birthday, she awoke and got up as though nothing had happened.
“Did you know your family had magic?” I asked.  I’d been trying to pin down which of the major magical lines the March twins might belong to.
She shrugged.  “I don’t remember much about my parents, but I do have vague impressions of my father doing magic.  Nothing large, just little tricks to amuse small children.  My brother did tricks for me, too.”
“What about your own magic?”
She looked confused.  “But, Mistress, I have no magic.”
I had realized she probably didn’t know about the way magic seemed to pour off her, but it hadn’t occurred to me that she would have no knowledge of her own power whatsoever.  “None?” was all I managed in my own confusion.
She furrowed her brow.  “I helped Ryland with a spell or two, but I couldn’t do them on my own.  I’ve certainly not done any magic since they took him.”
As I wasn’t sure what to make of this information, and I was feeling seasick, I suggested we should perhaps return to work.
“Of course, Mistress.  I’ll just take the tray and pitcher back to Cook.”
I was able to steady myself a bit while she was gone, but after another hour of sorting and organizing in close quarters I was extremely grateful to take a break for lunch.
“Take your time,” I told Malia as she took her leave.  “I’m sure Ryland will be free also.  Take a couple of hours and explore a bit.”
She smiled.  “Thank you, Mistress.”  She started to turn away, then frowned.  “I’m sorry, you asked me to call you Lady Keish.  Mistress is what we called Mrs. Tratton.”
I waved off her concern.  “Mistress is fine.  It’s certainly less stuffy than My Lady.”
She smiled again and left in search of her brother.  I collapsed on my bed for a few minutes, hoping that my stomach would settle enough for lunch.
By the time we went back to work I was feeling somewhat better, though I had gotten nowhere on a theory about Malia’s magic.
As we had gotten to a point where we could empty my armoire without simply causing further chaos, I worked on that so as to minimize my contact with Malia’s magic.  It didn’t help much, since she was still so close at hand.
By dinner, we’d gotten an amazing amount done accomplished, but I was relieved to send Malia away for the remainder of the night.
I ate the soup course and then excused myself to my own, smaller library to find a stronger shielding spell.  Given how tired I was, it’s amazing I found one and found my way to bed.

I feel much better today-- and I’m fairly confident that the new spell I found will work better.  I was up early enough to write all of this before and during breakfast, but now it is time to get to work.
Ryland (and Jace, Imato and White, of course) will be helping us move furniture today.  I have hopes that perhaps seeing Malia and Ryland together will lead to a new theory.

Later
New shield works better, but still dizzy.  After watching the March twins interact all morning I may have a new theory.
The original shield spell is still holding for Imato.  Maybe his shield is stronger than I thought.

Later Still
I think I’ve figured out what’s going on, but I am exhausted!  Luckily we got enough done today to justify letting everyone rest tomorrow and still have time the day after to make sure guest rooms are ready.  Jace thinks Liop would prefer a cot in with Imato-- then after the wedding he can have Jace’s bedroom if he wants.

May 29th
I slept ridiculously late and then regretted getting up!  I am so sore today.

The more I think about my new theory, the more I think I’ve got it right.
We’ve all heard, of course, of twins who are born physically joined.  I think these twins are magically joined.  It’s as if she is the vessel holding the innate power but only he can use it.
It would explain why he couldn’t become fully fairy-- and why Malia was so ill.  Everything the fairies did to Ryland to try to determine what was wrong would have drawn on her, but with the separation being so extreme it wouldn’t have worked.  The resulting backlash on her would have made her very sick indeed.  It’s a wonder either of them survived it, really.
I need to talk to Nysa and Brynn.  Thank heavens you arrive tomorrow.  Brynn won’t arrive until the second, but Nysa will be able to help.  She may even remember Ryland.  We need to find a way to stop Malia for leaking magic everywhere.  In addition to making any magicians near her ill, it could be very dangerous to her.  I shudder to think what could have happened if the Narls had noticed her.
It’s possible that simply having Ryland use magic would diminish the effect, but I don’t think he’s tried in years.  Perhaps Jace will have a better idea how to approach Ryland about all this.  We’re certainly going to have to sit them down and talk to them about it-- the sooner the better.

Later
Jace said he thought we’d best just tell them directly, so after lunch we asked them to join us in my (sorely neglected) garden.
(Side note, Malia enjoys gardening and is willing to take it in hand over the next few weeks.  There are still many things that it’s not too late to plant and the perennial herbs just need some clearing up.  All I’ve managed is to install a bench.)
We explained the situation in a straightforward but gentle manner.  Malia was appalled that she was making anyone ill.  I spent several minutes assuring her that no one blamed her for it.
Ryland was very quiet.  Finally he said, “I guess it would explain things, wouldn’t it?”
Jace nodded.  “A couple of the guests coming for the wedding are like you-- they’ve left the ring.  They should be able to shed more light on all this.”
“In the meantime,” I added, “would you mind trying a spell?  It would give me a chance to see how the power moves from Malia to you.”
“You’re sure it won’t hurt her?”
I nodded.  “There’s enough power just leaking into the air around her that you probably won’t even need to draw directly from her for a small spell.”:
Ryland looked at Malia.  She nodded.  He took a deep breath and turned his attention to a flower at his feet.  As it started to glow softly, I focused my attention on the two of them.  I could practically see the power being drawn to him as he held the spell.
When he released it he looked up at me.  “Did you learn what you needed?”
“I think so.  The power is drawn straight to you for the spell, just as I thought.  I suspect if we tested you away from Malia you wouldn’t register as having any magic at all.”:
“What about the magic that is… leaking, Mistress?  I don’t want to be the cause of any distress,” Malia said sadly.
Jace looked thoughtful.  “Is there some small spell that Ryland could maintain that would help counter that?”
I thought a moment.  “Perhaps.  Will you find Imato for me?  And tell him not to shield himself.”  Jace left and I turned back to Ryland.  “The simplest thing I can think of in the shielding spell.  If you cast it in the morning it should draw some of that power throughout the day, but it doesn’t draw enough to cause problems even if used for days on end.”
Ryland was willing, so I taught him the spell, which he mastered almost immediately.  I had him release and recast a couple of times, then cast it once more as Imato approached.
“What’s this all about?” Imato asked.  He was a little out of breath, so I knew Jace had found him right at the end of his run.  That actually made it easier.  If he was already exerted, he should feel the effects of Malia’s magic right away.
“Testing a theory.  It seemed better to risk you being dizzy than me being violently ill.”
He huffed.  “You pulled me away from a workout to be a guinea pig.  I should have known.”  He paused.  “I don’t feel anything.  What did you do?”
He sounded genuinely curious, so I explained.
“Well, it seems to be working.  Can you release your shield a little at a time?  Maybe then you won’t become violently ill.”
I started to slowly weaken my shield.  Bit by bit I let it go without feeling any ill effects.  By the time I had dropped it completely I could still feel Malia’s power, but it wasn’t overwhelming.  Interestingly, there was now an aura of power coming from Ryland as well, but it was much less noticeable.
Since the experiment seemed successful, Ryland agreed to continue using the shield spell until we found a better solution.

May 30th
I received your letter earlier, and though we expect you soon, answering it will give me something to do.
I suppose I wouldn’t know what to say to Phyfe either.  Plenty of time to deal with that later.
Congratulations on your exam score!  We’re all suitably impressed, though not a bit surprised.  We’re going to celebrate when you arrive tonight!  I’ve already spoken to Cook.
Jace says Imato mentioned it at every opportunity when they were sparring today.  He’s a very very proud brother.
As to the question of how well-educated Malia is, all I can say is Mrs. Tratton sounds like a woman I would like a lot.  She ensures that every child in her charge has a basic education as well as more specific training as they get older to allow them to find employment.
I’m so impressed with the education Malia’s had that I believe I’ll send Mrs. Tratton a donation.  She certainly deserves high praise.  Perhaps I’ll even go up there…

You’re here!!

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Arri- May 26, 2004

May 26, 2004
Dear Keish,

Ryland March sounds like an interesting person. I wonder how the fairies made a mistake. It doesn’t seem like they make mistakes very often. I wonder what kind of a mistake it is. Having him and his sister nearby, I’m sure you’ll be able to figure it out. Maybe you could take Malia on as your maid. Then again, you said she likes working with kids, so maybe a teaching position will be better. You’ll just have to meet her and see how well educated she is. Orphan girls usually don’t get much education.
I can understand why Imato and you are having such hard times choosing whom to hire. It would be such a hard decision!
I have not talked to Phyfe at all. If he wanted to talk to me, I’m sure he would have come by. I wouldn’t have the slightest idea what to say anyway.
Tomorrow morning they will post the results of the exam on the door of the Language Arts Building where anyone who wants to may see them. Why can’t they just mail them to us? I can’t sleep…

May 27

This morning, after pacing the floor for a couple of hours, the cab I had arranged for arrived to take me to Rousha University. I arrived about fifteen minutes after the scores were posted. Several people, including Mendel were already there, reading the scores and discussing them with each other. Mendel waved to me, but didn’t interrupt as I found my name on the list: Arrietta Fae Etautca -- 85% Pass. I was so relieved that I actually started shaking. I figured Mendel had already looked at my score so why not look at his? Further down the list I found it: Mendel Westridge -- 91% Pass. I don’t think Mendel really goes fishing. He must really be studying in the mornings. But why hide it? Almost at the bottom was Gordo Yawmus -- 99%. I guess that proves why the Prince gave him a scholarship. I looked around to congratulate him, but he wasn’t around. The scores will be posted for three days, so I guess he doesn’t have to be in a hurry to get his score. He was confident he passed anyway.
“Congratulations, Arri!” shouted Mendel, “you did it!”
“You got a high score,” I observed, feeling embarrassed.
“Well, I have more free than you do,” said Mendel carelessly, “and our young friend Yawmus beat us both by quite a lot, and your score is higher than the average.” He was right about that. Most people scored in the 70s. I guess this isn’t the kind of test someone takes if they think they will fail, so almost everyone passed.
It’s such a relief to know that I passed! I was terrified to facing Master Imkell if I failed.
From Rousha campus I walked to Taty’s home. I picked up a bouquet of multicolored tulips from the florist on the way for her birthday present. We had a lovely lunch.

It’s early evening and I’m exhausted from not sleeping much last night. Uncle Winthrop, Nysa, Liop, and I will leave early tomorrow morning for Odsreq. After spending one full day with the Westridges and Glory and Moonstone, we will leave for Adya and your wedding. This letter will beat me to Adya, but probably only by one day. Still, I thought you’d like to get the results of the test as soon as possible.

I’m looking forward to your wedding so much! It’s going to be beautiful! I’m so happy for you.! I will see you soon!

Love,
Arri

P.S. I suppose you are right. I really should talk to Phyfe… but I don’t know how or when.

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Keish- May 20, 2004

May 20, 2004

Dear Arri,
As I write this, you’re probably sitting down to begin your exam.  Good luck.  We’re all sending good thoughts your way.
Jace has chosen a valet, but Imato is being extraordinarily picky.  Even for him.
After listening to him discuss the pros and cons of each candidate last night (for the fourth time) Gretel finally just threw up her hands in frustration.
“Shall I just choose for you?” I asked.
Imato glared at me.
“Just thought I’d ask,” I said.  I shrugged and turning back to my own pile of options.
Jace came in just then and sat next to me.
“What are you smiling about?” Imato practically growled at him.  “And where have you been?”
“Asking Marta to inform my new valet when he may start.”
All of our jaws dropped.  He hadn’t said anything about making a decision.
Imato started shuffling through the papers in front of him.  “Who?  Who did you choose?”
Jace chuckled.  “Don’t worry, he’s not in there.  You still have fifteen to choose from.”
Imato’s head jerked up and I’m pretty sure I heard Gretel groan at the number fifteen.
I looked at Jace curiously.  “Does this have anything to do with the message you received this morning?”
He smiled.  “It does indeed.  It was a late letter of application from a young man who has just recently arrived in the city.  He was already looking for me when he heard I’d been interviewing valets, so he sent a letter of application along with the letter of reference he had brought with him.”
“Someone from Rousha?” Gretel asked.
Jace shook his head.  “No, he’s originally form Tourn, but hasn’t been home in many years.”
“When did you interview him?” Imato asked.  “You met with Master Byra before lunch and you spent the afternoon in the training yard with me.”
Jace shrugged.  “I didn’t.”
Imato and Gretel started talking at once-- each going on about why you can’t employ a valet sight unseen.
I was now even more curious.  “Who wrote the letter of reference?” I asked over whatever Imato and Gretel were saying.
“Darius.”
That stopped everything for a moment as we were all a bit stunned.
The implications were intriguing.
“He remembers who he is?” I asked.
“He didn’t at first.  Darius worked with him for some time.  When he was ready to leave, Darius gave him a letter of introduction and reference for us.  When he heard I was looking for a valet, he applied directly to me.”
Ever pragmatic, Imato asked, “That’s all well and good, and I’m sure Darius means well, but what qualifies this… fellow to be a valet?”
Jace laughed.  “Darius teaches whatever skills would be useful before sending people out into the world.”
“Well, what’s his name and when will we be meeting him?” I asked, thinking I’d get my chance to read Darius’ letter later.
“Ryland March.  He’ll be coming by tomorrow afternoon.  Marta is cleaning out one of the servants’ rooms below stairs.  It’s been used for storage since all of the servants have rooms in the palace servant quarters.  When you finally make up your mind, our valets can share the room until your wedding,” he told Imato.
I bit my lip, trying to remember the layout of the rooms around the kitchen.  Our kitchen, the main one, is below the ground floor where Jace and Imato’s room and study are along with the formal dining room.  “There are several servants’ rooms down there-- and I think they’re all empty.  I should talk to Marta about that.”
Gretel nodded.  “With you managing your own household the servants should be yours instead of just palace servants.”
I sighed.  Wasn’t that what I’d been trying to avoid?  Managing?  Though there are advantages to dealing with Marta directly.
With the mystery of Jace’s valet settled, if not fully revealed, the rest of us turned back to our piles of papers, but no one else made a decision last night.
Jace has been buried in his lesson plans all morning, so I still haven’t read Darius’ letter.
Gretel, while I’ve been writing, has narrowed it down to four (none of whom I was interested in) but still hasn’t gotten farther than that.  Imato still has fifteen, but refused to even look at any of it this morning.  At last something we agree on-- I don’t want to look at it today either.

Later
I hope you exam went well.  At least it’s over now, right?
I met Ryland, but only briefly.  Gretel and I were leaving to meet with the florist.  (Another thing that it would make more sense for Gretel to find in Rousha, but her mother would no more hear of that than the cake.)
When we returned, Ryland had already left.  Jace had shown him around and discussed his duties with him, but he won’t be officially starting until Monday.  He’s going to bring his things to his room tomorrow and then travel to Tourn briefly.  It’s only about half a day’s journey since Jace let him borrow a horse.  Ryland will return Sunday night.
Gretel has narrowed her selection to two.  It’s a good thing we did the interviews together, since I can’t keep them straight anymore.

May 21st
I received the most amusing letter from Taty this afternoon!  She said you wouldn’t read the clipping she enclosed from the Fly By, which is really too bad because it’s hilarious.  And not just because it’s hideously written.

May 22nd
I’m starting to think this whole maid thing is hopeless.
Gretel is meeting with both of the two she is considering.  Hopefully she will know which one she wants after talking to them both again.  She’s meeting them in a few days, though, so still no decision for now.
Imato is having a terrible time.  After breakfast Jace was trying to help him narrow it down.  Imato finally threw the papers at Jace and stomped out.
That’s about how I feel too.

May 23rd
I received your letter today.  I’m sorry your exam was so stressful.
Next time you see Mendel, please convey our highest commendation.  That’s absolutely brilliant.
Okay, so Imato didn’t seem so impressed, but I think that’s just for show.
Jace and I are very impressed and Gretel was amused.
And I really want that spell.
Master Yawmus sounds like a very nice (very) young man.  He must be an incredibly good student.
You’re absolutely right about Imato’s valet having to be precise.  If he ever manages to choose one, that is.
Not that I have any room to talk.  I haven’t managed to choose a maid.  I keep eliminating them, so I’m down to five, but none of them feel right.  I’m terrified that I will have to start over.

May 24th
It’s been a long and interesting day.
I finally got a look at Darius’ letter this morning.  Jace showed it to me before calling Ryland in to talk to him.
According to Darius, Ryland was a very strange case.  The fairies made a mistake.
Darius wasn’t sure exactly what happened, but hopes that Jace and I can help him.  Darius did all he could, but he thinks that Ryland’s family has something to do with it-- whatever “it” is-- and we’re so close to Tourn we can hopefully do something.
Darius’ letter is a little vague, but I can see why Jace took Ryland on straight away.
Ryland came into the library just as I finished reading.
“Sir?” he asked hesitantly.
“Ryland, come in, sit down,” Jace said, waving to a chair across from us.  “You remember my fiancée, Lady Lakeisha Leilani.”  (I rolled my eyes a bit at that.)
The poor young man looked terribly nervous as he came toward us.  He bowed slightly to me.  “My lady.”
I smiled.  “Hello, Ryland.  Is your room to your liking?”
He seemed startled.  “Yes, My Lady, it’s very comfortable.  Thank you.”
“I’m so glad.  And did you have a pleasant journey to Tourn?”
He finally say down.  “It was… not unpleasant, My Lady.”
“You still have family there?”
His face brightened briefly.  “My sister is still there.”
“Do you have any other family?” Jace asked.
“No, Sir.  It is just my sister and I.  Our parents died when we were young and we lived in an orphanage in Tourn until…” he faltered, unsure.
“Until you were taken,” I finished gently.
He nodded slightly.
“Can you tell us what happened?” Jace asked.
Ryland squared his shoulders and took a deep breath.  “My sister and I are twins.  We have always shared a deep bond, even beyond the normal bond between twins.  We were seven when it happened.”  He look anguished as he paused.
“The fairies took you quite late,” I observed.
He nodded.  “We had only just noticed that we were different form the other children-- that we could do things that no one else could.  We were at the edge of the yard at sunset.  I was making a flower glow.  It made Malia smile…” he trailed off.  “I’m sorry.  I still don’t remember exactly what happened.”
“It’s okay,” I told him, “most don’t.  What do you remember?”
“The only thing I remember from being with the fairies is that something was wrong.  They had made some sort of mistake when they took me.  I never made the transition to full fairy.  Eventually, I was returned to the world and Darius found me.  He helped me remember my childhood and Malia.”
“But you still aren’t sure what was wrong.”  Jace didn’t make it a question.
Ryland shook his head.
“And how was your sister when you saw her?” I asked.
“She was well, thank you.  She wasn’t at all surprised I was alive, even though everyone had told her I must be dead after so long.  She was very ill for much of the time I was gone, but she is better.  She helps at the orphanage, but I’d like to bring her to Adya eventually.”
I could feel Jace’s surprise as I said, “Then by all means, let’s bring her.  I’m sure we can find her a place here.”
Ryland looked startled again.  (I seem to have that effect on people.)  “But… are you sure, My Lady?”
“Of course.  What are her skills?  If she would prefer to work with children there are several families I can think of to make inquiries with.”
“Um, I’m not sure.  We didn’t really talk about that, My Lady.”  He seemed embarrassed.
“Well, it’s early yet, why don’t you go to her and help her pack her things and we can discuss if further tomorrow.  Unless of course she would need to give more notice than that?”
Ryland’s jaw dropped.  “I can go get her today?”
“I would recommend spending the night there and returning tomorrow,” Jace put in, amused.
“Yes, of course,” I said.  “I’m sure there’s a small cart you can borrow.  Talk to Bryce at the stables and he’ll set you up with something.”
The reality of the situation was finally sinking in.  “Yes, My Lady, I will.  Thank you, My Lady!”
After Ryland left I turned to Jace.  “All of this ‘My Lady’-ing is going to grate on my nerves eventually.”
He laughed.  “One thing at a time, love.”
I rolled my eyes.  “At least Marta says ‘Milady’ with affection.”
He laughed again and kissed my forehead lightly.  “Don’t expect me for lunch.  I plan to work through it.”
With Jace off to his study, I went up to my suite.  In just a couple of weeks we’ll be moving Jace’s things up.  Not only is it kind of a weird thought, it also requires some rearranging.  Other than my bedroom, very little of my suite is being used as intended.  Some of it isn’t being used at all.
Jace wants to continue using the study on the ground floor, at least until Imato’s wedding, but there’s still a lot to do upstairs.
I spent the rest of the morning making lists for each room.  Then after lunch I had a dress fitting, which took most of the afternoon, making me late meeting Gretel at the florist’s.
Which in turn made us late for dinner.

And now I’m sitting here writing and trying to figure out what to do for Taty’s birthday next week, when really I should have been in bed an hour ago.  Not to mention I need to revise all those lists I made so I can discuss them with Jace, preferably before Ryland returns with his sister and we need to attend to that situation.
Actually, this has gotten so long that I should really close.
I can’t wait to hear about your exam scores.  I’m sure you were wonderful.

Love Always,

Keish

PS Have you talked to Phyfe at all?

Go to NEXT Letter

Arri- May 20, 2004

May 20, 2004
Dear Keish,

This is going to be a very long letter. Hours and days and weeks and months of tedious studying every subject ever invented have ended. I took the test today. But I’m going to begin with your letter, which I just finished reading and then tell you about yesterday before I tell you about today.

Interviewing maids sounds terrifying to me. I’m sure I could never make a decision. It’s a good thing you have Marta to help. That many interviews in such a short period of time sounds confusing. Are you both interviewing them together, or do they have to be interviewed twice? It seems like it would save time to interview them together, and maybe be less stressful for them. Uncle Winthrop has always hired our servants. Of course there haven’t been many. Nacks was the only full-time servant. Uncle W. is going to hire an assistant for the lab soon, but I guess that’s entirely different. I agree with you: I think I’d rather plan a wedding or even retake the college entrance exam. Clara has left me alone the past several weeks. I think the wedding plans must be going smoothly. She sent me a note the day before the test wishing me luck, but other than that I’ve heard little from her.
Imato’s valet will have to be very precise and punctual. I recommend that he own at least two watches and adjust them weekly. (Don’t let Imato see this. Really, I’m almost joking.)
Imato should not be there. He doesn’t even know what troop he will be assigned to after he gets his knighthood and only ten of the hundred troops are on active duty right now, and only four are on the border with Greste. One troop is in charge of the military school. So there’s no reason for him to go running off to Greste.
A wedding on the beach sounds beautiful! I love the ocean. It’s so peaceful. Sampling wedding cake sounds like fun to me.

I have lunch with Taty almost every other week. Brynn has joined us a few times. She always asks me about my progress with magic and shakes her head at my slow progress. I guess Uncle Winthrop’s efforts to slow me down are working. I haven’t practiced magic at all for the last two weeks, because I’ve been so focused on the entrance exam. When I arrived at Taty’s for lunch yesterday, Brynn was there.
“I’ll just stay a minute to wish you good fortune on the exam,” she said, looking not quite as though she meant it, “how has your studying been?”
“Brynn!” cried Taty, “we’re not even to think of the exam today—Master Imkel’s orders. Arri is here to relax her mind. Today we will talk of nothing but the upcoming weddings and, of course, horses.” She smiled brightly at me, “What news do you have of Moonstone and Glory?”
“Well, I won’t interfere,” Brynn smiled. She nodded her head at each of us and slipped out of the parlor.
Together Taty and I read the latest letter from Sean detailing Moonstone’s progress with a halter. It was only a couple of paragraphs, but we poured over it for nearly half an hour until the maid carried in our sandwiches and peppermint tea. Taty knows very little about training foals, so I told her what I had been reading in my foaling primer about foals’ first couple months of life.
“If I ever live away from the city,” she commented, “perhaps I will try training a foal.”
“Do you like Rousha?” I asked.
“Oh, very much,” said Taty, “I’m sure I could never live too far away from the symphony and the opera. Did I tell you that Master Gordan Calibri has invited me to the symphony? Miss Kelly Minn and Master Vince GreenLake are coming. I tried to scare up a companion for you, but I just wasn’t sure who would suit. I haven’t been out in society long enough.” She sighed.
“I love the symphony, but I’m not sure I want to go out with anyone right now anyway.”
“No, I suppose not,” Taty shrugged. Then she giggled  and took a deep breath to stop it.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing, just a stray thought. Miss Kelly Minn stopped by earlier,” Taty glanced out the window and sighed.
We talked about yours and Jace’s wedding plans for a while. Lunch was long over, but Taty is a good talker and I like listening to her. Still, the hot tea was making us drowsy and we lapsed into silence.
“Miss Taty?” asked a maid, poking her head into the room, “Miss Minn has returned.”
“She forgot her scarf!” exclaimed Taty.  She picked up a bright red scarf from the arm of a chair. “Show her right in Vicky.”
A minute later the maid returned with Miss Kelly Minn. I had been introduced to her once before, but we’d never really spoken. She rushed in with an embarrassed expression on her face.
“Do pardon me,” she said, “I wish I didn’t forget things so often.” Miss Minn is a tiny young lady with fine pale features. Despite the beautiful weather, she was dressed warmly. She accepted the scarf from Taty and twined it around in her hands, eyes straying to me.
“How are you Lady Arri?” she asked, “I’m sorry to hear of your troubles.”
“Troubles?” I started to wonder if she meant Father, but Taty almost immediately burst into giggles.
“Sorry Arri,” she said quickly, “You haven’t had a chance to read the Fly-by yet.”
“Oh,” I felt my face redden and a sense of dilemma. What was the gossip column saying now?
“I don’t read the Fly-by,” I said finally, folding my arms and looking away, feigning disinterest.
“Pardon me,” Miss Minn responded, her voice incredulous, “Still, I hope the best for you tomorrow. It must be dreadful for you to think about. Really, I hope for the best resolution. I hear nothing but good of you from Taty.” She sounded sincerely concerned.
“The Fly-by knows about the test?” I was so startled that I couldn’t feign indifference anymore. Taty began laughing so hard she could hardly breathe.
“It’s not—“ she bent over holding her sides, “—that at all. It’s—“ gasp, “—Lord Tecsin—“ gasp, “—Lord Westridge—“ another wave of laughter swept her.
Miss Minn looked horrified. I was baffled.
“Miss Pren…” she trailed off in confusion.
“What does the Fly-by say?” I asked finally.
Miss Minn looked uncertain. Her pretty face was blotched with white and red patches and her breath puffed out in a nervous gasp.
“After you snubbed Lord Tecsin at the ball in favor of Lord Westridge…” she faltered as Taty tried to reign in her laughter. My face was already as red as it could get. “Lord Tecsin challenged Lord Westridge to a duel…” she trailed off again, watching my face, “you don’t know, do you?”
“No I never heard of it,” I stammered. Taty’s laughter began to subside.
“It’s not true, of course,” gasped Taty, “it’s just the funniest thing I’ve heard all week. I would have warned you this morning, Arri, but I know you don’t like hearing about yourself in the Fly-by. I was going to mail the article to Keish later today. It’s really classic.”
“I don’t know,” began Miss Minn slowly, “the Fly-by has an almost magical way of finding things out. Perhaps you should talk to Lord Westridge.  It’s no longer considered appropriate for gentlemen to duel over ladies. And if you prefer Lord Westridge, you don’t want him to risk getting hurt.”
“Lord Westridge and I are friends,” I said quickly, “he isn’t courting me.”
“But we all saw you dancing two nights ago,” Miss Minn protested.
“All the ladies dance with multiple partners,” I reminded her, “we’re just friends.”
“Oh,” Miss Minn wound and unwound the scarf from her hands, “Then I’m sorry to be the cause of so much confusion this afternoon. I should take my leave. Please, accept my apologies.” She held out her gloved hand earnestly and I took it briefly.
“It’s the Fly-by that caused the confusion,” I told her.
Miss Minn left with the scarf still in her hands and a troubled expression on her face. I sat down and put my face in my hands. Taty sighed.
“Would you like to read it?” she asked with a giggle.
“No!” I responded.
“I know it’s an awful column, but maybe it’s better to know what rumors are floating about.” Taty suggested.
“No, thanks,” I said.
Taty kindly changed the subject.

I suppose hearing about the Fly-by was a good way of distracting my attention away from the entrance exam. I felt angry for a couple of hours after that.  When I got home I tried to quiet my mind by reading from the foaling primer. Then I burned dinner and had a horrible time getting to sleep. Nysa said the test wasn’t important enough for so much worry.
The entrance exam was administered in the Language Arts building of Rousha University. It’s one of the oldest buildings on campus and looks like it could crumble to the ground at any moment. In fact some of the corners have crumbled at the roof line. Wooden planks block up the holes. I felt a tingling sensation as I passed through the front door, like the sensation I get passing into the caves. I think there’s a spell on the building, but I’m not sure what it could be.
The testing room was large—I didn’t have time to count the desks but there must have been over a hundred. I was early so I picked a desk in the far corner near the back. The few young men that arrived before my stopped what they were doing to stare. I kept my head down and tried to ignore them. I’m not sure it was a good idea to arrive so early, but I couldn’t stand the waiting any longer. I left three and a half hours early so I could walk from the apartment. If I do go to medical school in the fall, I will have to arrange transportation. I walk rather fast and it still took three hours to get to campus.
I tried not to look at the clock too much, but there was nothing else in the room to look at except the students filtering in. Many pointed and whispered when they noticed me. The seats around mine stayed empty as people chose other parts of the room to sit in. I kept glancing around for Mendel, but I didn’t see him. Eventually, when most of the seats were taken and it was impossible not to sit near me anymore, the seat just ahead of me was taken by a skinny red-headed young man, who looked no more than thirteen or fourteen years old.
“Pardon me, miss,” he said, bowing politely, “but may I introduce myself? I’m Master Gordo Yawmus of Camlen.”
I stood awkwardly. My face had been solidly red for nearly half an hour at that point.
“Lady Arrietta Etautca,” I replied.
“Really?” his eyes widened,  “the daughter of Sir Etautca? It’s an honor.” He bowed again. I wondered how old he really was—he looked so young.
“You knew my father?” I asked.
“Oh—no, just that my dad served under Sir Etautca and now my older brother just became a squire. We have a lot of respect for your father and pray for his quick recovery.”
“Thank you,” I said. He must really be as young as he looks, if his older brother was just made a squire.
At that moment a professor walked to the front of the room and called for everyone’s attention. There was a shuffle at the door and Mendel darted into the room.
“Hi, Lady Arri,” he called and took the last seat next to me. We all sat down to listen to the professor’s instructions.
I won’t describe the test for you. It was the most miserable test I have ever taken. Every half hour someone at the front of the room hit a gong so loudly that all my concentration was scattered for a few minutes. The gong was supposed to help us pace ourselves through the hour and a half, but all it did for me was cause panic. Then we had a half hour break followed by another miserable hour and a half of questions.
I felt like crying when I finally answered the last question and set my pencil down. A few minutes later I jumped at the sound of the last gong and the test was over. I put my head in my hands and waited for everyone else to leave before me. There was a lot of shuffling as everyone raced for the door. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Mendel. He stepped back quickly when I looked up. His face was a bit pink.
“Would you like to get some ice cream with me?” he asked quickly.
“Yes, that sounds nice,” I said, reddening for no reason I could think of. I glanced in front of me and saw that the red-headed kid was watching us. Mendel noticed too.
 “Would you like to come too?” asked Mendel, “we ought to celebrate or something.” Master Yawmus looked startled. I saw that I needed to make an introduction. I stood up stiffly.
“Master Yawmus, this is Master Mendel Westridge of Odsreq. Master Westridge, this is Master Gordo Yawmus of Camlen.” They shook hands dutifully.
“Well?” asked Mendel, “Ice cream?”
“I’m much obliged, sir,” said Master Yawmus, “I… I don’t really know anyone yet.”
“Well, any friend of Lady Arri…” Mendel shook his hand again in a friendly way. “Let’s go!” and Mendel led us out of room like soldiers returning from battle.
I hadn’t realized how big Rousha University is. The oldest buildings, like the Language Arts are crumbling away with the seasons, but as the university expands, new buildings are added. The campus sits on the opposite side of Old Rousha from where I live, and they tore down the old city wall so that they could build the medical school on the New Rousha side of things.  The medical school contains most of the newest buildings, but even those are at least fifty years old. They look very much like the newest parts of the city with red walls and little ornamentation: tall, straight, and very modern. Mendel led us to one these buildings and into the café where they keep a year round supply of frozen foods in the deep basement. Ice cream is still easy to find in May—by August it will be rare and expensive along with everything else that has to be kept packed in ice.
We ordered strawberry sundaes with fudge and whipped cream. I haven’t had ice cream in over a year; it was lovely. We spent most of the time talking to Master Yawmus. We learned that he comes from a poor soldier’s family and that his father was killed in battle ten years ago, so he doesn’t remember him much. He’s the youngest of six chidren: four girls and two boys. Two of his sisters are married and his mother spent every coin she had getting his brother into the military academy. There would not have been any way to pay for his higher education, but he graduated so young (he really is only fourteen), that he attracted the attention of the crown prince, who offered him a scholarship if he passed the entrance exam.
“How do you think you did?” asked Mendel at that point in the conversation.
Master Yawmus grinned, “It wasn’t as hard as I thought it might be—I thought there’d be more math and science. It was—“ he stopped short and reddened almost to the color of his hair. Mendel and I looked at each other and I realized suddenly that we were both thinking the same thing: he’s crazy if he says that test was easy. “Well, anyway,” Master Yawmus began again more awkwardly, “I think I passed.”
“What are you going to study?” asked Mendel.
“I don’t know yet. I’m going to take general classes for a year and then decide. The Prince wants me to study medicine, but he said I could think it over and he would give me the scholarship regardless of my major.” He then asked about our majors and it was embarrassing to admit that I never finished school. All of Master Yawmus’s sisters had to drop out of school when his father died. The oldest was fourteen, but their mother taught then at home so all of them learned the basics.
“It’s too bad,” said Master Yawmus, “the oldest, Ingrid, would have done well in college. She’s married now and has two kids.” I thought to myself that your public girls’ schools would be a very good idea in Odsreq too.
Eating ice cream and talking to Master Yawmus was a great distraction away from the test. I’m sure I failed—it was so hard to think in that room and I felt like I was guessing so much of the time. We won’t see the results for an entire week. I think I’ll go crazy not knowing.
When we finished the ice cream, Mendel stood up. “One more item of business today,” he said grimly.
“What’s that?” I asked, curious.
“The entire city of Rousha is expecting a duel at sunset today and Sean refuses to oblige them, so I’ll have to do it. You and Master Yawmus can help.”
“What?” asked Master Yawmus, looking startled.
“I overheard Mother lecturing Sean the other night on the dangers of dueling,” Mendel grinned at me, “apparently he and young Lord Tecsin are supposed to have a duel at sunset over Lady Arri. It was in the Fly-by.”
“I don’t read the Fly-by,” I said.
“Me neither,” said Mendel, “I read one once and it was terribly written, but still… Will you help, Master Yawmus?”
The boy looked nervous, “I don’t want to get in trouble,” he explained, “I’ve never been to Rousha before and Mother trusts me.”
“I don’t play pranks anymore,” I said.
“It’s not worse than anything you did with Prince Tulson,” Mendel argued, “we won’t get in trouble. I promise it will be hilarious. I have everything ready.”
It turned out that Mendel was almost late for the entrance exam because he was building wooden models of Lord Tecsin and Sean. He had hidden them in an alley off the main street of downtown Rousha. We waited until a few minutes before closing time to drag them out onto the street. Master Yawmus was pretty quiet, but it seemed like he cared enough about winning Mendel’s friendship that he was willing to help with this. Mendel kept assuring him what a good joke it was and nothing would get hurt.
The next step involved some minor magic. Mendel had a small potion already prepared that he sprinkled on the dummies. Then we set them up about forty feet apart and drew circles around them.
“It would be funnier if Sean and Lord Tecsin were helping,” explained Mendel, “but this will still be impressive.”
He dragged us back behind a bench and said a spell.
“Lord Westridge!” he shouted and I jumped because his voice sounded so much like Phyfe’s, “you have attempted to steal the good name of the fair Lady Arrietta! Prepare to pay for your crimes!”
Mendel whispered the spell again.
“Lord Tecsin!” and his voice sounded remarkably like Sean, “you have claimed what was never yours to begin with—the hand of the fair Lady Arrietta! You will not have her!”
I looked around and saw a crowd gathering.
“Stand back, everyone!” Mendel shouted in his own voice, and as the dummies were already beginning to smoke, the crowd willingly made a wide circle. Mendel waited until they were all well out of the way.
“Ready!” he called out, “Aim!” he paused for dramatic emphasis, “Fire!”
Both wooden dummies immediately exploded in flames. Several people screamed and jumped backwards, but the explosions were well-contained within the magic circles we had drawn. Most of the audience laughed when they realized no one was hurt.
Mendel whooped loudly, “I love magic! I could never have pulled off a stunt like that without it.”
I looked at Master Yawmus. He was pale and shaking like a leaf. “I don’t think I’ll write home about this,” he whispered.
After the flames died, Mendel cleaned the street as thoroughly as he could, although there were still black marks on the paving stones where the dummies stood. They will wear away gradually. It was a dramatic ending to the day, that’s for certain.

It’s late and I’ve been writing a long time, so I’m going to end here. Today was so exhausting! I thought about writing in the morning but I really wanted to write while everything was still fresh in my head.

I wish Gretel, Imato, Jace, and you all good luck with the hiring. May you get enough sleep!

Love,
Arri

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Keish- May 11, 2004

May 11, 2004
Dear Arri,
After losing so sorely to Elcaro just a few years ago, you would think Greste would leave well enough alone.
Imato has been pacing like a caged animal all evening.
“I should be there,” he said, possibly for the hundredth time.
“No, you shouldn’t.  Your assignment, your responsibility, your DUTY is here,” Gretel said, also possibly for the hundredth time.
Well, no.  Technically Jace said it a few of the times.
“Look at it this way,” I finally said, “if you were there the wedding might have to be postponed.  So it’s better you’re here.”
I’m not sure he appreciated my input.  But then he usually doesn’t.
Gretel’s worried.  She hasn’t said she is, but I can tell.  Who can blame her?
We need more information.  No one knows enough yet about what’s going on.

May 12th
I finally spoke with Marta.  She’s the palace housekeeper assigned to manage the tower.
When I told her my problem with the maids and our plans to continue living here, she frowned.  “Brazen girls.  What do they think that will get them?  As if any lady would want maids who behave so improperly.”
I had to hold back a laugh.  Marta’s only been our housekeeper since the new tower was finished, so she doesn’t know me as well as some of the others.  (We’ve had a palace housekeeper assigned to us since Mother’s death so that Father wouldn’t have to deal with supervising servants.)
Marta continued before I could say anything.  “They are right about one thing, though, with your coming of age and your marriage it will be expected of you to oversee the servants as lady of the house.”
I nearly said something entirely unladylike.  So that’s what Imato had been getting at when he started in on me last week.  It honestly hadn’t occurred to me that anyone would expect me to take over what Marta had been doing so competently.
I think I must have looked panicked.
Marta took pity on me.  “Of course, Milady, I am happy to remain in my current post for as long as you need to get settled and choose your own housekeeper.”
“I’d really prefer you just continue managing the household affairs, Marta.”
She smiled.  “And I would be very pleased to continue our current arrangement.  You just send any further maids to me, Milady.  I’ll set them straight.  Unless, of course, they’re ladies’ maids.  I wouldn’t presume to find you your own maid.”
Blast.  I’ve been putting that off for years.
“Thank you, Marta,” was all I managed to say and she excused herself after checking to ensure that I wanted to keep our current cook also and to let me know that she would begin reporting to me instead of the Head Palace Housekeeper.
Lucky me.
So the good news is I can send all household maids to Marta-- and really word should get out quickly to talk to her directly.  The bad news is I probably can’t keep putting off employing my own maid.
Blast.
Gretel is excited.
“Don’t you see?” she insisted earlier.  “This is perfect.”
I didn’t see.  Nothing about having to employ a ladies’ maid seemed perfect.
She explained.  “If you’re interviewing ladies’ maids I can help you and find one for myself without Mother’s ‘help’.”
She had a point.
Gretel’s never had her own maid.  Not really.  They’ve always been her mother’s maids and now her mother wants to be the one to fully staff Gretel’s new household.  Gretel doesn’t mind letting her interview parlor maids and upstairs maids and tweenies, especially since most of the girls are too scared to go to her mother, but finding her own maid is a different matter and it would really be better if she chose a maid before the wedding.
Of course, I should too, I suppose.  If I have to pick a maid I may as well get it over with and have help for the wedding.
I’m not really looking forward to this.

May 13th
Oh, one detail about the wedding that I think I haven’t told you yet-- partly because we hadn’t decided for sure until a couple of days ago-- and maybe Taty will have told you by the time you get this, but we’re not getting married in Adya.
A few years ago Jace and I took a picnic to the beach-- we were gone all day.  I think  I told you about it.
Anyway, we decided to get married just before sunset at that same spot of beach.  It’s just a couple hours away by horse or carriage and traveling back to Adya by star and moonlight will be wonderful.
Sunset and then a full moon-- astrologically you can’t fine a time more auspicious for new beginnings.
We’ll have a formal (well, somewhat formal… sort of) lunch (read feast) before leaving for the beach and each carriage will have baskets of food for the ride back to Adya.
Everything will be very small.  Just family.

Last night, after the celebratory dinner our cook prepared when Marta told her we wanted her to stay, Gretel and I sat down to determine how we would go about finding maids.  Surprisingly, none of those who had approached my thus far had been ladies’ maids.
Jace and Imato laughingly said it probably wasn’t that surprising given my reputation.
You should have seen the looks on their faces when Gretel pointed out that they both needed to find and hire valets just as much as we needed ladies’ maids.
A rather lively debate ensued, with Imato insisting things like “I’ve been able to dress without assistance for years now” and Jace protesting that he’s “just a simple palace teacher, after all, who surely doesn’t need a valet”.  Personally, I rather felt like siding with Jace, but I knew Gretel had a point and that she would win regardless of anything I said, so I may as well side with her if only to end the argument more quickly.
As luck would have it, Marie popped in for a visit just then.  She settled the matter decisively.
“Well, of course you each need a valet.  I mean, I suppose you could share one until the weddings, but that seems silly with Jace and Keish getting married in just a few weeks.  I can recommend some good ones.  Maids as well, of course.”
Jace and Imato tried to contradict her.
“But I’m just a palace teacher,” Jace insisted again.
“I’m not even a knight yet,” Imato grumbled.
Marie shook her head.  “Gretel’s father has a valet.  And you’re a Brio!  Really, that alone is enough for societal conventions to require that you have a valet.  And you,” she turned to Jace, “are marrying a Brio, a daughter of a King’s Advisor.  Always imitate your father-in-law in such matters.”
I had to fight to suppress a giggle.  Father has a terrible time keeping valets-- they have a hard time with the hours he keeps.
With Jace and Imato finally quieted, if not fully convinced, Marie gave us a list of good valets or other servants who would make good valets.  Several of the valets on the list had been Prince Euan’s at some point.  He has a hard time keeping valets also, but for different reasons.
After half-heartedly agreeing to interview some candidates later this week, Imato and Jace headed out for the lit training yard to spar.  I think they just didn’t want to listen to what makes the ideal ladies’ maid.  I know I didn’t.
Actually it wasn’t too bad.  Marie helped us figure out what was most important to each of us-- we have different ideas of what would be ideal, which is good because it should mean we won’t end up fighting over one “perfect” maid.  Before leaving, she gave us a few names and promised to put the word out that we were looking (both for maids and valets).

May 15th
Yesterday was exhausting.  And it’s probably only going to get worse.
I was so tired I overslept and almost missed my first appointment with the dressmaker.
Even though Marie had just said she’d put the word out the night before, by lunch yesterday Gretel and I had messages ( ranging from painfully formal letters to barely legibly notes) from no less than 26 maids.  There were also letters of application from fifteen possible valets.  All of those whom Marie had suggested had written, both the valets and the maids.
“Now what?” I asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed at the piles of paper on the table.
“We interview them,” Gretel answered.
“All of them?” Jace and Imato asked at nearly the same time.
“All of them,” Gretel confirmed, sounding somewhat grim.
Marta entered the library just then.  I don’t know how it escaped my notice in the past, but the woman is really indispensable.
“If it’s not too bold, Milady, I could arrange the interviews for whenever is convenient,” she said, quickly appraising the situation.
I let out a sigh of relief.  “That, Marta, would be absolutely wonderful.  Thank you.”
She nodded primly.  “When will be best for you, Sirs?” she asked.  “I would recommend a full day for it,” she added, eyeing the pile.
Imato rolled his eyes and Jace ran a hand through his hair.
“It had best be tomorrow, then,” I answered for them.  “Otherwise it’ll be another week before you both have a day free.”
“Very good,” Marta responded.  “And for you and Lady Gretel?”
“We’ll need more than just a day,” Gretel said.
“I’ve had six more such letters delivered to me, Lady Gretel, so you’ll likely need two days.”
“Thirty-two?” I gasped.
Marta nodded again.
I looked at Gretel in dismay.  “How are we going to interview so many?”
Gretel thought a moment.  “Well we both have to meet with the dressmakers tomorrow morning.  And next week you have meetings some mornings.  I suppose we’ll have to break it up.”
I sighed again (though not in relief this time). “Yes, I suppose so.  Marta can you make some for tomorrow afternoon and more Monday afternoon?  Then the rest Tuesday.”
“Very good, Milady.”  With that, Marta left.
Imato and Jace looked dejected at the thought of spending an entire day interviewing potential valets.
“It’s a sign that the servants must really like you both,” Gretel said.  “It’s unheard of to have that many applicants.”
Somehow they weren’t encouraged by that thought.
We had to spend the rest of the day working on what we would ask in the interviews.
Well, that and tasting cake samples that various bakers kept bringing us.  I think it would make more sense for Gretel and Imato to hire a baker in Rousha to make the wedding cake, but Gretel’s mother won’t hear of it, even though hiring a baker here will mean paying extra for travel expenses to get the baker and his assistants to Rousha.
Between the stress of devising interview questions and all of the sugar we consumed, it was a long strange afternoon and no one felt very well by dinner time.
When Papa joined us we had tasted five different cakes and the sixth sample was arriving.  By that point they all tasted the same to me, but Papa found it all quite funny.  He gave Jace and Imato tips on finding a valet and helped Gretel pick out a cake since the rest of us didn’t want to even look at cake anymore.
I couldn’t even look at the sweet muffins at breakfast this morning.  Not that I had time for much breakfast.
My meeting with the dressmaker was simple enough-- I picked out white satin and a pale rose for the sash-- and now I’m lingering over lunch and dreading this afternoon.  Tomorrow Jace and I are taking Papa to the beach to see where we want the wedding.
If I survive this afternoon.  We have ten maids coming-- starting in just a minute.  I guess I’d better join Gretel.  We’re using my sitting room.  Imato and Jace are using the library-- they haven’t even come out for lunch yet.

May 16th
Today was beautiful.  Just what we needed after yesterday.
Ten down, twenty-two to go.

May 18th
Gretel and I have fourteen more interviews today, but I wanted to respond to your letter first, since I received it yesterday.  It’s seems so strange to use regular post after so many months.
Imato received a report from the watch about the mugging, but it was just a preliminary report so it didn’t have any new information in it.
I’m sorry the dance was so awkward.  You probably should talk to Phyfe at some point, but you’ve got enough to worry about for the next couple of days.  Thank goodness for Sean!  I’m glad he was there.
Interesting that Mendel scheduled his test for the same day.
Jace says Master Parker Dyle is definitely one to avoid, but he’d better not be bothering Taty.  He’s still growling about it.

Later
Thirty-two interviews.  Thirty-two possible maids.  Thirty-two pages of notes to go through.
And I have to decide which one is the maid I want.
This is worse than wedding plans.  (No one else has made a decision either.)

I really should just send this letter off.  If I send it with an express messenger you’ll get it the day of your exam.

Good luck!!

Love Always,

Keish

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