Arri and Keish

Showing posts with label July 2003. Show all posts

Keish- July 25, 2003

July 25, 2003

Dear Arri,

Well, I’m glad my letter helped. At least I’m good for something!

You silly goose! You forgot about your meeting with the prince?! Hmm, sounds like something I would do… I hope I’m not rubbing off on you through these letters. I don’t know that it would be good for you and I don’t think Imato would approve.

I can just imagine Imato’s surprise! Honestly, I’m rather sorry I missed it… Too bad we couldn’t get some sort of picture of that! I’ll bet he ran you through quite the interrogation when you got back. How funny! I wish my life were so amusing.

That kind of formality makes me uncomfortable as well. I hate it! I generally insist that people just call me Lakeisha or Keish. Here’s an idea: simply refuse to answer to your title! That way he’d have to just call you Arri! I’ve had to use this strategy before-- it’s fairly affective, I must admit.

Sounds like the two of you had an interesting day. Well, I guess it was really three of you, wasn’t it? Clara seems like a fun girl. Anyone willing to stand up to a prince like that and help play a prank on her master’s son is definitely my kind of girl! I say she’d be worth getting to know better.

So why did you have such a problem with playing a prank on Mendel? All that complaining about him isn’t a ploy to hide a crush, is it? Please tell me it’s not!

Speaking of such matters, how do you like the prince? Have you seen much more of him since you last wrote?

I’m glad the crystal bowl got there alright. Even with the spell, I was a bit worried. Liop got the roses to grow, did he? That kid’s amazing! You mentioned that Imato was getting suspicious, isn’t he often suspicious? I would think he would be living with you two! (Just kidding)

Gretel came running into my room the morning they were to leave. “Mother’s coming,” she practically wailed in despair.

I groaned, knowing that Lady Aoweir would never allow Gretel to stay. The original plan had been for Sir Aoweir to travel with Gretel and leave her there for a few days while he went off to Rousha on other business. Well, with Lady Aoweir coming along we knew those plans were as good as gone. I’m sorry she was such a spoil-sport! She always had to work at being seen as a lady when she was young because her father was only a fringe noble. Now that she has a daughter with all the privileges she wanted as a girl, it frustrates her to no end that Gretel isn’t interested in them! She highly disapproves of me, and just about everyone else, so don’t feel bad if she wasn’t warm and congenial; you’re in good company. I wouldn’t worry about her though, because Sir Aoweir’s word is law in that house and he likes Imato a great deal.

Since writing the above, Gretel has returned. She said she couldn’t persuade her mother to allow a stop at your cottage on the way back and, as Sir Aoweir came back yesterday, Gretel had to abide by her mother’s wishes. Gretel has just given me some wonderful news! Well, I think it’s wonderful, and she’s very glad, so I hope you will be too. Apparently, (now you’ll have to correct me if I’m wrong because Gretel had to leave so she’s not reading over my shoulder as I explain), in a young knight’s training he goes through three year-long phases, the second of which is done on an exchange basis. Our king sends knights to Rousha to train and your king sends knights here-- hence Imato’s time here in the past months. Well, my understanding is that Imato is down to his last year, so he should be returning to Rousha to finish training, right? Well, (now don’t you dare tell Imato this, and if you don’t think Liop can keep it a secret, don’t tell him either), Gretel says that Sir Aoweir is insisting that Imato return here for his final year and declares that he will train Imato personally! Isn’t that wonderful?! Gretel is overjoyed at the idea of Imato being close again and I hope your king will accept Sir Aoweir’s proposal.

I’m glad you liked the kitten. Kestrel is a wonderful name! I think it’s funny that Liop told you to keep her away from the newts. I don’t know much about them, but I can’t see a cat wanting much to do with them.

Oh, Gretel’s here again (I honestly think she has the strongest legs of anyone I know, running up and down to see me like this). We’re scheming to come visit together and stay a few days. She thinks her mother will allow her to accompany me out of propriety, since a young woman should not travel alone with servants. Of course, Brynn could come with me, but as that would eliminate the reason for Gretel to come, Brynn has promised to develop a severe cold when we want to go! Now, no getting all flustered about this, but Brynn has read the cards for a match between Gretel and Imato and says it is a beautiful future they would face together, so she is a willing conspirator to let them spend time together. We may be able to come for your birthday! Oh wait, your birthday is only a week away! Perhaps it will take a little longer than… no, Gretel says she insists on being there for your birthday since she was off on Liop’s by a day and didn’t get to give him a present while she was there. Apparently we shall make it there by August 1st if we have to fight our way out of the castle! She’s absolutely insistent, so we will set about persuading her mother of it tomorrow. Brynn says she will come down with something tomorrow to keep her from traveling for a couple of weeks.

Alright, now my room is empty once more and I can tell you more about the dreams. I’m still not sure how much to tell Brynn, though I think you may be right, perhaps I should just tell her everything. I’m suspicious about the death of Pricille and her child. I had forgotten Pricille died around that same time. There has to be a connection, but what would it be? I’m starting to think that there was an omen in connection to them… I’m also starting to wonder if the boy really died. What if I’m drawn to the cave because he’s hidden there? Maybe I’m just losing my mind. I haven’t been sleeping well still, so I may just be jumping to wild conclusions.

Dreams about the future really aren’t as interesting as you might think. So far I’ve had a couple more, but they’ve honestly been rather boring, just about little mundane things. I did have one interesting one though, just the other night. I’m not sure I should tell you, however, because I think it might just make you worry. Well, I suppose I will, though. I dreamt of your wedding. I didn’t recognize the young man, but he was a well-dressed, handsome fellow. You looked so happy! It was a very brief dream, so there aren’t really any details other than that. There were, of course, a lot of people there, but I couldn’t see faces in the crowd. I think I was sitting with Gretel, though, and maybe Imato and I’m pretty sure that little scamp (Liop) was sitting next to me with a tamarin on his shoulder. Really that’s all there was too it. I was thrilled to see you so happy!

Well, I have other things to tell you, but it is terribly late and the candle is burning very low. No stars tonight, and hopefully Father will sleep well, I fear he may be getting ill.

I’m going to bed and hoping for a dreamless sleep, though I don’t think I’ll get it. The dream is so inescapable. I feel like it’s always there, just waiting for me to close my eyes. I wish it would take a night off! If only the clouds could block it out as they do Father’s stars.

Goodnight-- may your sleep be filled with peace.

Love Always,

Hopefully I’ll see you soon!!!

Definitely see you soon!

Go to NEXT Letter!

Arri- July 12, 2003

July 12, 2003

Dear Keish,

Thank you for you letter; it made me feel much better about Gretel coming to visit. I’ve had so much to do lately, that it feels overwhelming.

The morning after I wrote your last letter, Prince Tulson came to help me reconstruct the trap. To make sure no one knew what we were doing, he said he’d meet me in the garden at sunrise. I got up before sunrise, because I wanted to brush Glory and give her some exercise. Imato heard me opening the creaky stable door, and it woke him up, so he came out with me. Imato brushed Spriggs until his coat shone. I brushed Glory, but she stomped and tossed her head impatiently, wanting to be let out into the pasture. Imato told me funny stories about his knight training, and I entirely forgot that Prince Tulson was coming. I guess I should have paid better attention, because suddenly the door of the stable opened and there was Prince Tulson, dressed in similar blue and gray traveling clothes.

“Hello, Lady Arrietta,” he said, bowing. Then he saw Imato, and his eyebrows lifted, but he bowed again. “Good morning, Squire Imato.”

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Imato responded, bowing deeply and trying to hide his surprise. “What can we do for you?”

The prince didn’t say anything for a minute.

“Good morning, Your Highness.” I curtsied, but the Prince couldn’t see it because Glory was in the way. He looked thoughtfully at my face over her back.

“I wondered if Lady Arrietta would like to take a morning stroll with me,” he said finally, with a small smile.

Imato threw me a questioning look, and I nodded slightly. The Prince’s formality made me uncomfortable. I thought I should say something, but my mind was completely blank.

“Yes, of course, Your Highness,” said Imato, “and will you join us for breakfast afterwards?”

“It would be a pleasure, but I’m not sure I’ll have the time,” Prince Tulson responded slowly. I suppressed a sigh of relief. The prince looked at me expectantly and I suddenly realized I was staring at him. I jumped out from behind Glory and walked over to him. He took my arm very formally and escorted me out of the barn. We made a wide circle of the yard, entered the forest, and made our way toward the remains of my trap. Prince Tulson kept calling me Lady Arrietta, which sounded very strange, like the name of someone else. Finally I told him that in my village, people don’t start using titles until they turn eighteen.

“If you still lived in Rousha, people would have started calling you Lady when you turned sixteen,” Prince Tulson informed me.

“But we’re not in Rousha,” I protested, “I haven’t lived there for three years.”

“If I don’t use your title, it sounds like you’re a servant,” Prince Tulson responded. He talked of other differences between here and Rousha. I finally got him to agree to call me Lady Arri, which is a slight improvement.

Prince Tulson had brought several loops of new rope with him, so fixing the trap was not nearly as difficult as I anticipated. He asked lots of questions and made countless suggestions, most of which were worthless, but when I explained to him why his ideas wouldn’t work, he immediately agreed with me, and followed my instructions exactly. We worked quickly, finishing much sooner thank I could have by myself. I told the Prince about Uncle W.’s disappearance, and wanting a griffon to help me find him. He didn’t know anything about golden bridles or rosehip tea.

By the time we were finished, I wanted to eat breakfast, but Prince Tulson said there wasn’t any time for that. He told me to follow him. I followed him for more than half an hour as we moved through the forest around the outskirts of the village. Finally, I recognized where he was leading me as we made our way along the edge of a large backyard.

“This is Mendel’s house,” I said.

“I stole his fishing rod last night,” Prince Tulson responded.

I felt color rising into my face.

“I can’t play a prank on Mendel!” I protested.

“Why?”

“Because…” I couldn’t think of anything.

“Anyway, it doesn’t matter, because I’m the Prince, and I’m ordering you to,” he smiled at me. Prince Tulson has a nice smile.

“Why do you want to play a prank on Mendel?” I asked.

“Because he played two on me last week.”

“Mendel played a prank on you!” I couldn’t believe it.

“He rigged a bucket of water to dump on me when I pulled back the curtains in my bedroom. Then he loosened all the straps on my saddle, so when I tried to mount my horse I fell off,” Prince Tulson frowned. “He’s my cousin, you know,” he added.

Suddenly things started making sense.

“Are you staying with him?”

“Just until the end of August. Last summer, he and Sean visited me.”

Prince Tulson showed me where he stashed Mendel’s fishing pole. Then we sat down just behind the hedge that lined Mendel’s back property while I decided how to rig the trap. We discussed several ideas as they came to me, and finally decided to use the fishing pole itself to trigger the trap, so that when Mendel picked up the pole, he would be caught. Prince Tulson insisted that the ropes drag Mendel up into the air and leave him hanging-- something I had never tried before. It took most of the morning to figure out. I was getting very hungry, but I didn’t say anything, because I figured the prince must be hungry too and would stop soon. He didn’t.

A little after lunchtime, I found myself standing beneath a tall tree directing the Prince as he climbed slowly upward, attempting to loop a piece of rope around the top-most branches. Suddenly, his eyes widened and his face became red with anger.

“Hey!” he shouted. “What are you doing there?”

I looked around, but couldn’t see anyone.

“Come over here right now! I’m ordering you.”

Prince Tulson dropped his rope and climbed back down from the tree. I heard movement behind me and turned to see a young woman moving toward us. She was taller than me, almost as tall as the prince. She looked slightly nervous, pulling her long blond hair behind her head and brushing leaves from her servant’s dress.

“You were spying on us!” accused Prince Tulson angrily.

“I was trimming the hedges, Your Highness,” the girl shot back defensively.

“How dare you spy on us!”

She glanced at me uncertainly. I felt bad for her.

“I was trimming the hedges,” she repeated, “on Lord Westridge’s orders.”

Prince Tulson frowned deeply. “But you saw what we were doing,” he insisted.

“Yes,” she admitted slowly.

“Then I’m ordering you not to tell anyone.”

“Who would I tell, Your Highness?” she asked. “Mendel plays pranks on me as often as he does on you.”

Prince Tulson raised his eyebrows suddenly and laughed.

“You can help us then,” he decided. The girl smile suddenly.

“It would be an honor, Your Highness,” and she curtsied.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“Clara,” she said, “and you are Lord Winthrop’s niece Arri, am I right?”

“Lady Arri,” Prince Tulson corrected her with a touch of irritation.

“How do you know who I am?” I asked, ignoring Prince Tulson.

“Mendel speaks of you, Lady Arri,” she responded.

I didn’t have time to wonder about that, because Prince Tulson ordered us back to work on the trap. Clara was very helpful. I noticed that while Prince Tulson ordered her up trees and climbed trees himself, he left me to figure out the details and do the groundwork. Doesn’t he realize that I climbed lots of trees when I made the griffon trap? With evening approaching, Prince Tulson tested the trap by catching himself in it. Then Clara and I let him down and reset the ropes for Mendel.

“This is excellent,” said the prince, smiling at me.

“Lady Arri must be very hungry,” suggested Clara, looking at me. My stomach was growling. Prince Tulson looked startled.

“Yes, of course,” he said, “will you join me for dinner with the Westridges, Lady Arri?”

The idea of eating with Mendel was not pleasant. I was afraid he’d start singing the White Lion’s Victory Song at me, or ask more questions about Liop.

“What if Mendel sees me and suspects something?” I asked.

“Oh,” said Prince Tulson, “I didn’t think of that.” He looked awkward. Clara frowned at him.

“I will bring you some sandwiches from the kitchen, Your Highness,” she suggested finally. She turned on her heel and disappeared toward the house. Prince Tulson started praising me for my ideas for the trap until my face felt very red. Clara came back very soon with a basket filled with sandwiches, fruit, and pastries which she spread out for us on a blanket. Then she started to leave.

“Don’t you want to eat too?” I asked. Both she and Prince Tulson looked startled.

“I’ll eat later in the kitchen,” she said slowly, her eyes on Prince Tulson.

“There’s plenty,” I protested. Prince Tulson looked at me and smiled.

“You may eat with us, Clara,” he said. I noticed that he didn’t seem to feel a need to say “lady” to her like he did to me.

Clara gave us one of her large smiles. She sat down at the very edge of the blanket and we ate together. Soon she and Prince Tulson were exchanging stories about Mendel’s pranks with each other and we were all laughing wonderfully. It was a great evening.

When I returned home, Imato pestered me with a hundred questions about what we did all day. I told him about the picnic with Clara and waling around the village, but I kept my word and didn’t tell about the trap. Finally, I told Imato I was tired and went to bed.

The next day as I was out walking, I came across Mendel.

“Hi, Arri,” he said, “that was a great trap you built!”

Startled, I stared at him, “Did you get caught?” I asked.

“Almost,” he grinned, “Tulson will have to try again.”

Then he walked away whistling while I tried to decide what to say next. Why is it that I always run into Mendel when I least expect it?

The crystal bowl arrived just fine, and it’s comforting to know that it has an unbreakable spell on it. The first night it came, Liop and I put his red and blue newts in it with the candles. It was gorgeous! Thank you for sending it to us. Liop commented that the only thing we didn’t have to make the arrangement complete was a gold newt. I smiled and didn’t say anything.

The day before Gretel’s visit, Cook, Liop and I spent the entire day cleaning to cottage while Imato (who was becoming suspicious since Liop used your spell to enchant the roses) repaired shingles on the roof with Nacks. Most of Imato’s plans for the cottage are related to repairs, because he wouldn’t change things too much without Uncle Winthrop’s approval.

Gretel arrived with her parents, Lady and Sir Aoweir. Imato was up on\the roof again with Nacks, and I was outside trying to think of a good excuse to get him down before they arrived. When he saw her climb out of the carriage, he was so surprised he fell off and landed in the rose bushes. He wasn’t hurt at all. He stood up and managed to stammer an invitation to come inside. We went into the drawing room and invited them to sit down. Sir Aoweir was very pleased to meet us and shook all of our hands including Liop’s. He told Liop he reminded him of Father.

Lady Aoweir seemed much more nervous, however. She sat down on the sofa, but thirty seconds later stood up again, declaring it was too far away from the window. Imato and Sir Aoweir offered to move it for her. When they lifter the sofa, I gasped, because the floor underneath it was covered in yellow dust. Imato stared at the floor in embarrassed bewilderment.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Probably what Aegolius is allergic to,” said Liop before I could stop him.

“Don’t worry,” shouted Cook from the kitchen, “ I’ll have it brushed up in a minute.” She bustled into the room with a dustpan and broom and swept the powder up in less than a minute, casting question looks at me while I tried to act innocent. I decided to change the subject. Lady Aoweir decided to sit in the rocking chair.

“Liop wrote a poem for you, Lady Gretel,” I said quickly.

“Just Gretel,” she corrected me, and I smiled.

Liop recited his poem and Sir Aoweir clapped very hard, while Lady Aoweir looked at him with a mixture of confusion and terror. Gretel told him it was wonderful, but an hour later, she drew me aside to ask what it meant. The problem with Liop’s poetry is that he cares more about making things rhyme than about using words from all the same language. I think Lady Aoweir thought he was babbling.

We had a very nice dinner, but Sir Aoweir said that they could only stay that evening, because he had been called away on business. Imato offered to let Lady Aoweir and Gretel stay with us, but Lady Aoweir said there were other people they needed to visit. Both Gretel and Imato looked terribly disappointed. Gretel even asked if just she could stay, but Lady Aoweir flatly refused. I really like Gretel. I wish they had stayed longer, but I don’t think Lady Aoweir liked us very much. She hardly said anything the whole evening. Sir Aoweir talked a lot, though. He told us stories about Father, until I wanted to go into a room by myself and cry-- not because they were bad stories, but because I miss Father so much.

Gretel gave Liop the golden newt and he was thrilled. He put it in the crystal bowl with the other newts and said everything was perfect. He told me to send you his thanks in twenty languages. I love the kitten-- thank you! I named her Kestrel because that’s what her colors remind me of a little. Liop told me I have to keep her away from his newts.

Without telling Imato why, I carefully asked him what he knew about your mother’s death. He didn’t know very much-- he said she died of a sudden fever. He said she must have gotten it from one of the servants, Pricille, who was also a good friend of hers. Pricille died of similar symptoms the day before, and her young son died the day afterwards. I don’t know if that’s useful to you, but it’s all I could find out. I didn’t dare ask about the cave.

You have dreams about the future? That’s amazing! I wonder if all the studying you’ve been doing about dream interpretation has made the skill stronger, which is why you’re having so many dreams. I wonder why you’re having dreams about bother the future and the past. Could the events maybe be connected? I don’t now very much about dreams. I don’t often remember mine.

I haven’t had any dreams about the hart that I can remember, nor have I seen him again, but he seemed very real that night in the garden when I made my wish. I keep looking for him. He made me feel so peaceful inside.

I’m glad your prince is finding other ladies to interest him. I bet it’s a relief to not have to worry about him so much.

I hope your search of the castle records goes well. I’ve been thinking, and maybe you really should tell Brynn what’s going on. I don’t know her personally, but she seems trustworthy, and she might be able to do more research without arousing other people’s suspicions than you can alone. Maybe she could help you.

I have to end this letter now, because I’m out of paper. I hope your nights are dreamless , and that the comet was beautiful. I saw it too. I wish you could have come to visit, but I understand how important comets are to your father’s work. Take care of yourself.

Love,

Go to NEXT Letter

Keish- July 5, 2003

July 5, 2003

Dear Arri,

Your letter made me laugh! Gretel will love you both, don’t you worry. As far as cooking breakfast goes, Gretel happens to be amazing in the kitchen; she loves cooking breakfasts. Perhaps the two of you could cook together. I don’t know that Gretel would spontaneously find your griffon trap, though I don't see how it would bother her. She has nothing against basements without doors nor against alchemy, and, frankly, I think she’ll love the cottage. Honestly, I don’t see how you can worry about her thinking you are strange when she spends time with me!

I’m glad Liop is excited to meet her. I’m sending this letter express so that it will get to you before she does-- she wants to be there for Liop’s birthday and should make it there on the 9th. I wish I could come, but unfortunately there is a comet due to be visible the 8th through the 10th, so I am stuck here. Please explain to Liop, I wanted so much to be there. I will send my gift for him with Gretel as well as your kitten. I picked one out for you just this morning-- she is a beautiful tabby enchanted in shades blending from red to lavender, like a living sunset. I gave Gretel one almost identical to her and Gretel named her Zora, which means dawn. They are both beautiful cats. The third, which I'm keeping, looks like living flame and I've named him Blaze.

I was out and about the other day and I saw the most gorgeous crystal bowl. I’ve sent it with the messenger and I hope he delivers it to you alright. I tried to enchant it so that it wouldn’t break, but I was in a hurry and I’m not sure it came out right. I found a rare gold newt as well and I’m sending it with Gretel for Liop’s birthday present. I’m so glad you’re getting him a tamarin! Even I’ve heard him say how much he loves them.

I hope to be able to come soon. Perhaps I can come after the 10th. I could maybe still be there at the same time as Gretel. I highly doubt you’ll cause any horrible disasters without me there. I’d say it’s more likely we’ll cause them together!

I’m sorry you can’t find out more about your father. Maybe when he is more recovered, Aegolius will remember more. How exciting for Imato to be knighted with your father’s sword!

I’m curious, have you caught any more glimpses of the hart since you wrote? I’m starting to wonder if it’s real. Now I’m not saying you’re imagining things, but rather that perhaps the hart is a guardian spirit. I don’t know much about them though. In all honestly, I’m not sure if the stories are truth or myth, but it could be interesting to look into, don’t you think? If they are true, I wish I had one. I think it would be exciting.

You met Prince Tulson?! Oooh, how exciting! I remember when he came to Adya a few years ago. He was a bit of a scamp, if I remember correctly-- mischievous, you know? Jace was visiting at the same time and we got into a prank war, two against one. Jace and I got him pretty good. He only stayed a couple of weeks and was at a disadvantage, but we all had fun. Is he still that much fun? Is he handsome? Did you enjoy working with him to fix your trap? Could be fun to make friends with royalty, eh?

Why were you so frightened of him? He can’t have that terrible of a reputation, can he? He’s a bit young for it, only… my age? I think. Maybe closer to Jace's age… Anyway, you must tell me how things go. (Okay, yes, I’m teasing you, but can you blame me?)

I’m glad Imato came home nicer. If he had come here I'd have threatened to skin him alive if he yelled at you anymore, and he knows I would! He’s going to remodel the cottage? What’s he going to do to it? You’ll have to let me know…

Leaving his mare in your hands is very smart of him. You’re so good with animals. You always have been. I suspect that when you catch a griffon it won’t be nearly as difficult as you expect. It’ll be exciting to have a foal! I have very few useful skills when it comes to animals. I wouldn’t have any idea what to do with a mare that was going to have a foal. Perhaps you can teach me.

Gretel and I have started pushing the prince in the direction of one of the other girls at court or rather pushing her in his direction. Her name is Vanessa and, I’m sorry to say, she’s rather empty-headed. Honestly, they’d be wonderful together. I’m not skilled enough in divining to make matches based on foresight, but Brynn approved of my choice, so I suppose things can develop there. I can’t quite use my skills to push them further together, but as I learn more the prince does seem to be getting a bit skittish around me, which suits me wonderfully. I have high hopes that soon enough he will be out of my hair completely. The only disadvantage to putting he and Vanessa together is that they wouldn’t leave the court if they married. If I could push him toward a princess from another kingdom… ah, but how could I. After all, I’m only one girl, and even with Gretel's help I can only do so much. Oh well, at least if he marries he will leave me alone.

On a more serious note, the dream is getting more vexing. I will certainly be careful, but I simply have to find out what happened that day! I’m debating whether or not I should tell Brynn everything. After all, she could help me. She’s more skilled at interpretation and if it is a memory she could help me recover it. I worry, though. I mean, I know she’s trustworthy, but we don’t know who the enemy is, so how could we guard against him? I’m certain now that there is an enemy, but the details just aren’t coming like I want them to. I wish they would. I also wish the dream didn’t come every night. I feel like it would help if I had a break and was able to relax. As it is, I worry about it all the time and I’m not sleeping as well. I think there may be a connection between why my mother was killed and the cave, but I have no idea what sort of connection it could be. There must be something, though.

I don’t want to depress you with that, though, so I’ll jump to something lighter. Oh yes, I must tell you-- the most interesting thing happened to me! I woke the other day after having a silly dream about a servant. Her name is Marie and I dreamt that she discovered she was the daughter of a knight, not a stable hand as she had always been told. It was a silly dream, as I said, and I thought nothing of it. Later that day, I ran into Marie.

“Oh, Lakeisha, you must hear what has happened!” she cried upon seeing me.

Being of the curious nature I am, I replied, “What is it? Has something gone wrong or is something suddenly right?” I figure with the way she was crying out about it, those were the only options.

She broke into a huge smile. “Things are suddenly very right!” She pointed to her dress, which I had noticed was new but had paid little attention to (I must learn to pay better attention to details!). “Notice anything special?”

I looked at the dress more closely. It was, as I said, new and strangely, it didn’t look like a servant’s dress. “Well it’s new,” I replied, “and a different style.”

She laughed and my understatement. The dress was actually quite nice. “You heard that Sir Addison returned from a terribly long sojourn in Beri?”

“Of course,” I said. There had been a banquet for him the night before and you wouldn’t believe the trouble I had to go to in order to get out of going!

“Well,” she continued, giggling (she’s only 15, I believe) “he came back and the first thing he wanted to know was what had happened to a woman he fell in love with many years ago. Apparently she was a kitchen maid, and he wanted to marry her now that he had returned.”

Okay, now at this point I was starting to get a little creeped out by her story. After all, I had just dreamt that she’d found out she was the daughter of none other than Sir Addison!

“He couldn’t find her though. He found out she died a year ago.” Marie grinned. “He also learned, that she had had his child soon after he left. I’m the daughter of a knight!”

Yeah, I know what you must be thinking, this is rather frightening. It’s bad enough that I’m having these dreams about my mother. Now I’m apparently having dreams predicting the future as well! I’m not sure why, and seeing as that’s the only one I’ve had it’s impossible to say what the implications are, but Brynn says I obviously have a strong gift for divination. Apparently I can expect to continue seeing my dreams come true, so to speak. Brynn also says that my talent will increase now that it's been awakened. Visions will certainly come at some point in addition to the dreams. It’s not nearly as wonderful as it sounds. I’m not sure it’s a gift I want.

I hope Liop has a wonderful birthday, and that everything goes well with Gretel’s visit, which I’m positive everything will. She is anxious to see Imato again-- you’d think they’ve been separated for months!

Oh, I almost forgot! If Liop wants to enchant the roses, here’s where he went wrong with Aron: He used parsnip instead of parsley! A simple error that you wouldn’t think would make a difference, but for some reason it does. Since he wants to enchant flowers this time he needs to dilute the solution with the nectar of briel blossoms, which should be easy to find in the forest. Then he should spray the mixture over the flowers in a light mist while reciting the spell. Before you tell him all this, though, you should probably make him promise to only use the spell on things if you say it’s okay. After all, you wouldn’t want him growing everything, it would cause trouble!

I must retire. May your dreams be peaceful…

Love always,

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Arri- July 2, 2003

July 2, 2003

Dear Keish,

Gretel is coming here!?! What if she doesn’t like us? What if she doesn’t like the cottage? It’s a lot smaller than the houses most knights’ families live in. What if Cook makes me cook breakfast (like she normally does) and I accidentally ruin everything? What if Gretel finds my griffon trap or notices that the basement no longer has a door and that it’s filled with alchemy supplies? She’s going to think we’re very strange! What if Imato decides to marry her and I have to be a bride’s maid and make my own dress? Cook is laughing at me now, so I’ll stop here.

Liop is really excited to meet Gretel. He says he’s going to enchant the roses in the garden to make them twice as big as normal. Cook says that she’ll make us roast goose for dinner and strawberry pie for dessert. She says I won’t have to cook anything, because I’ll have to pretend I’m a lady and ladies don’t cook. I think I’d better repaint the picket fence out front. It would be lovely if it were pale yellow. Liop is writing Gretel a poem to welcome her, and Nacks says I can pick some of his favorite flowers to put in the vases. I wish I had a crystal bowl for the newts.

I hope that when Gretel comes that you can come with her. You can keep me from causing any disasters. I promise not to tell Imato that Gretel is coming, but Liop isn’t very good at keeping secrets, so I don’t know if it will work. I can show you the griffon trap and Aegolius’s copper reflections if you come. You’ll just love them! I know you will! I’m very excited about the kitten too. Thank you for thinking of me.

Liop’s birthday is July 10, so if you could, mention that to Gretel. Liop would be thrilled if you and her were there for his birthday party. I already know what he’s getting. I braved the long walk to Mendel’s house for it – Mendel’s older brother Sean raises golden tamarins. I spied on the house yesterday morning for two hours until I saw Mendel leave. Then I marched up to the door and made arrangements with Sean to buy one. Liop is going to be thrilled. He’s wanted for one for years.

I don’t know what to tell you about your dream. Mother used to give us chamomile tea when we had bad dreams. She said it opens the mind to understanding them better, and that understanding dreams makes them less frightening. I don’t think she was talking about dream interpretation like what you’re learning from Brynn, but I do know the tea is soothing. I promise I won’t tell anyone about the dream, or your suspicions. I think even Liop should be kept away from this knowledge. I can’t imagine how terrible it must be to suspect your mother was murdered! I wonder what it all means. I wish I could send Imato back to your castle to guard you, but I know that isn’t what you need right now. Please be careful. Even if the murderer has no desire to kill you now, he may as you come closer to the truth. I don’t know what I’d do if I were in your place. It’s very scary, isn’t it? But I don’t understand what could be so terrible about the King’s obsession with omens. It doesn’t make sense.

As for my own father, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot I can find out. Aegolius woke up a few days ago, so I took him the picture as soon as I dared disturb him. He’s very sick – I think he really was allergic to something down there. With Liop translating, I showed him the picture. He was very surprised to learn that Sir Quin was my father. He doesn’t remember exactly when he took the picture – only that he ran into Father and the other two men in the spring about three years ago, which is right around the time that Father died. Since Imato wasn’t around to catch us, I opened the trunk in Uncle W.’s bedroom and took out Father’s helmet and sword to show Aegolius, hoping it would jog his memory. Of course, Imato knows about the helmet, because that’s what the soldiers brought back when they came to inform us of his death. But Imato doesn’t know that Father’s sword was recovered too. King Trunsle asked Uncle W. to keep it a secret. You see, the greatest honor that a knight can receive is to have his son knighted with his father’s sword. When Imato is knighted, King Trunsle will use Father’s sword to do the ceremony. It will be a great honor for Imato, and the King doesn’t want him to be expecting it. It is the King’s way of honoring Father’s memory. Imato will get to keep the sword.

Even with the sword and helmet to look at, Aegolius couldn’t remember very much about Father – they only spent one evening together, and most of it was spent discussing reflectography. Our conversation exhausted him, and he felt bad about not having more to say, so Liop and I slipped out quietly to let him sleep.

Two nights ago it was warm enough for me to sleep with the windows open and the breeze flowed right through the window and across my bed. I woke up long before dawn and decided to sit in the window seat to watch the sunrise. It wasn’t long before the whole sky developed a soft blue glow, almost like being underwater, but without any of the distortion. Just for an instance at the edge of the forest, I thought I saw the hart. I grabbed my robe and ran downstairs into the garden to see if I could get another glimpse of him, but he was gone, so I curled up on one of the garden benches to watch the remainder of the sunrise. It was very peaceful. I started to doze off again.

Just as the sun started up over the horizon, I heard a terrible scream – half angry, half afraid. I leaped up in a panic and looked around. The voice shouted again – this time mostly angry, and I realized the sound was coming from the direction of my griffon trap. I whirled around in a small circle, unable to decide whether to be excited or frightened. It occurred to me that without a golden bridle, a griffon might be a dangerous creature, so I took the ax from the garden shed and proceeded across the yard very cautiously. All the while, I tried to think of where I was going to keep the griffon until I could get a bridle for it, and how I was going to get the bridle. I needn’t have bothered.

I placed the griffon trap in a very dense part of the forest out beyond the cottage, but not far from the garden, where I figured no one would find it. It’s made with the knots Father used to teach me to make when I was a child. Father loved knots, and he was always learning new ones and teaching them to me.

Every evening before bed I sneak out of the cottage to replace the old rosehip tea with a fresh batch. The pennyroyal makes the scent strong enough that even my poor nose can detect it when I get within a few yards of the brush I hid it in. Next to the tea, I rigged a sturdy net and set it to trigger when something larger than a rabbit disturbs it. (At first, the trap was too easy to trigger and I was always rescuing squirrels and rabbits from it, but I solved that problem.) Remembering that griffons can be dangerous, I approached the trap slowly, craning my neck to get a glimpse of its occupant. Soon I could see a patch of deep blue fabric. That’s odd, I thought.

"Who’s there?" someone shouted.

I jumped a little.

"Just me," I said.

"Well, are you going to help me out?" came the voice in a tone of great annoyance.

"What’s your name?" I asked. I still couldn’t see the trap. It was tangled up in the bushes, and I was afraid to get too close.

"Prince Tulson," came the response, "now, get me out!"

Prince Tulson! I felt all the color drain from my face and I nearly turned around and ran away, visions of iron maidens, shackles, dungeons, and other torture devices flashing through my imagination. But I couldn’t just leave him for someone else to find. I jumped backward, with my eyes on the tops of the trees. Then I took a deep breath and rushed forward through the bushes, stopping just short of the trap.

Prince Tulson, the King’s third son, was lying on his back with his feet straight up in the air and long pieces of my griffon trap tangled all around him. He had a knife with which he had already cut some of the rope (not to mention his clothing) to pieces. All I had was the ax. When the Prince saw it, he raised his knife defensively like he thought I was going to attack him. I set the ax down, and he relaxed.

"Are you going to help me?" he demanded.

I nodded mutely, retrieved the ax and began cutting through the ropes by running them across the ax blade as if it were a saw. I didn’t dare swing the ax for fear of hitting the Prince with it. It took several minutes (it was an excellent trap) to free him. Finally, he stood up, shaking free of the last pieces of rope. He was dressed very plainly (for a prince) in gray and dark blue. He had a traveler’s sack (now with a large hole in it) and sturdy black boots. His hair was black, but his eyes were green. He looks a lot like his father, only younger. I should have bowed or curtsied, but I was in too much shock.

"What’s your name?" he demanded.

I thought that I probably shouldn’t tell him, so I couldn’t bring shame on my family, so I didn’t say anything. It didn’t matter anyway, since I was sure he would kill me.

"Are you mute?" he asked, a little more softly, "Was it a ghost I heard speaking before?"

Like an idiot, I just shook my head.

"You have a name, right?"

Probably better just own up to it.

"Yes, and I’m very sorry."

He laughed, and it was a nicer laugh than I expected.

"Pleased to meet you, Very Sorry," he said. He bowed.

I tried to bow back, tripped on a piece of rope, regained my balance, and returned to staring at him.

"Do you know what this is?" he asked, holding up a piece of rope.

"It’s a griffon trap."

He looked surprised.

"It was my fault," I added quickly, "no one knows about it except me. I put it here, because I didn’t think anyone would find it – except a griffon of course. I’m really very sorry. I can pay for anything that got damaged – you can take my jewelry." I wanted to make sure he would only punish me and not Imato.

Then, suddenly, something very unexpected happened. Prince Tulson’s face became very red, and he shifted uncomfortably.

"I got caught in a griffon trap!?!" he exclaimed in horror, "That ruffian… please don’t tell anyone about this! The tea looked harmless, and I was very thirsty. I didn’t even think! I thought maybe it was part of the garden, and someone left it from the afternoon." He stopped, looking at me with a very worried and embarrassed expression. I didn’t know what to say. It suddenly occurred to me how strange it was to have a prince prowling around at the back of my garden at sunrise.

"Very Sorry," said the Prince with slow smile, "could I call you something different?"

I think I blushed.

"Arri," I stammered.

"Lady Arri?"

I’ve never been called that in my life.

"Just Arri," I said, but then I remembered my manners, "Arietta Fae Etautca of Rousha, Your Highness."

He stared.

"The daughter of Sir Quin Etautca?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Drat! You won’t tell anyone will you? No one in the court – or the royal family?"

"No, Your Highness," then I realized I had some kind of advantage, "if you won’t tell anyone I made a griffon trap?" I waited nervously for a response.

Prince Tulson smiled.

"I can do better than that, Lady," he said, "I can help you rebuild it." He bowed again. When he stood back up, his smile was even larger. I felt my face redden.

"Do you think you could help me design another one of these?" he asked.

"Another one?"

"I want to get even with someone."

He didn’t elaborate, and I thought maybe I shouldn’t ask. I hope it’s not me.

I invited the prince to eat breakfast, but fortunately, he politely refused. He made me promise to meet with him in three days behind our cottage at sunrise. We’ll fix my griffon trap, and then the prince will tell me whom he wants to get even with.

Don’t worry about Imato. I think he already felt bad about getting angry with me, and he’s been very nice to Aegolius since he came back. King Trunsle gave Imato permission to stay home for the next two months! That means that not only will Imato be home for Liop’s birthday, but mine also. I’m so excited! Imato hasn’t spent a summer home with us for almost four years. He’s excited too. The first day he returned, he took Nacks around the entire yard. Between the two of them, I think the entire outside of the cottage will get remodeled. Imato loves building and fixing things.

Imato showed me his new mare. She’s gorgeous! Her coat is sleek dark chocolate with a white blaze down her nose. Her name is Evening Glade, but Imato calls her Glory, because he’s very fond of her. Imato says we shouldn’t ride her, since she’s due to have a foal next spring. He’s going to leave her here for me to look after, and take his gelding Sprigs back to training with him. Spriggs is a good, sturdy gray horse. Father gave him to Imato when he turned twelve. I can’t wait for the foal to be born.

I think that making an alliance with one of the other court girls is a great idea for your prince problem. I’m glad the king is already aware of your problem. Hopefully, by the time Brynn’s done with you, the prince will be entirely frightened away. Maybe you could offer to read his palm and then make all sorts of horrible predictions about your future together?

Well, it’s getting late, and I need to get up early tomorrow to meet Prince Tulson. I hope he doesn’t turn out like your prince.

May the positions of Jupiter be favorable to your future.

Love,

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