AidanDennis.com

Tear of the Moon

A tall, blond man paced across a study. His face was wrinkled with concentration as he strode back and forth in front of the fireplace. On a chair nearby sat a short, black-haired woman whose elegant fingers were embroidering a "P" into a handkerchief. The man barely noticed her; he was too deep in thought.

Outside the study window was a large birch tree. In less than an hour, it would be filled with the singing and chirping of blue birds, sparrows, and mockingbirds. An early spring dawn approached and the only sound to be heard was of the man’s footsteps as he paced back and forth, back and...

The man suddenly stopped. He lifted his head and exclaimed:

"I’ve got it!"

"Got what, my dear?" asked the woman, her green eyes not leaving her work.

"A plan to become king of course!" he said, "As the king is now dead, we need someone to protect against the oncoming pirates and to make sure the peasants are not mistreated."

"Well said, Arthur, but I know that you really only want the power."

"Yes, indeed, and you want only the riches, dear Claudia."

"Too true, too true. Which is why we must work together to achieve our goals. Now you said you have a plan," Claudia said.

"Indeed I do," Arthur replied.

"Well, how does it go?" she asked.

"I decide that I shall lead ships into battle against the pirates. The people of Teaka will know that I am a better leader than any 6 year-old princess. Therefore, they shall make me their king," he stated, his blue eyes glowing at the thought of ruling the island kingdom.

"Your plan has two errors," Claudia replied, finishing the "P" and beginning some flowers.

"And might I ask what they are?" asked Arthur, a hint of annoyance in his voice. He walked to the mantelpiece and picked up his pipe.

"Well, for one, if you lead the battle against the pirates you will surely die. Think of our son, Faral" she told him.

"So what am I supposed to do? Do you think that the people would want a coward for their king?" he asked, frustrated, "Would they elect a man who would not risk his life for his own country just because the war was his idea? I think not!" Having finished his thought, he began to fill his pipe with tobacco.

"Then listen to my plan, Arthur, and learn," Claudia replied, "You should organize the army..."

"Navy, it’s on the sea. Army is over land."

"Yes, anyway, as I was saying, you should organize the ar," Claudia began to say, then saw Arthur’s face, "Navy, you should organize the navy and because of this the people will know that you are not cowardly, everyone knows that the most important people are the ones most likely to be killed. Besides, if you risked your life, you would endanger the campaign. Appointing officials will help you as well. Those that may try a heroic act may be situated in the front, where the pirates will remove them from our path.

"That’s horrible, placing people where we know they will be killed!" Arthur said, spilling the tobacco from his pipe in his aversion.

"Well someone has to be, why put the poor peasants in the front? They are the ones that matter when the vote comes. Besides, many of those who would stand in our way care little for the people who work their land. The peasants are underpaid and their children are starving."

"We cannot force them to be in the first wave, some higher status than us!" Arthur said as he began to refill his pipe.

"Yes, but if they do not go in the front, then the people will think them cowards who will not die for their country. That, too, will keep them from our path," she said, starting on a red flower.

"You are right, now what is this second problem?" Arthur asked.

"You are assuming that the people will elect you king, but many will still want the monarchy line. You will only rule until the princess is seventeen, entitling you very little power," Claudia replied.

"And you would not get any part of the treasury," added Arthur, sitting down to light his pipe.

"Exactly."

"So what is your solution?" he struck a match and brought it to the end on his pipe.

"Kill the princess."

"What?!" Arthur yelled exasperated, inhaling too much smoke and beginning to choke and cough. He stood up in shock.

At that time, a royal messenger entered the room with a startling message.

"The queen is gone!" he told them, panting for breath.

"What?!" Arthur screamed again. He could not stand the trauma and sat back down. It took a while for Arthur to clear his mind before he asked the messenger to explain himself.

"Well, Sir Perry, as you know, the queen has been growing ill ever since her husband died and has only allowed close friends to visit her. Last night a woman came from Greensthorpe to see her Majesty. The guards tried to stop her, but the woman got into the Queen’s bedchamber. As the servants were on their way to get the woman to come out, they heard a scream and the woman came running out. She fainted with a note in her hand. The maids fanned the woman and Ryel Tyuel, captain of the guards, read the note. It was signed by the queen and stated that she had run away. The princess has not yet been informed," said the messenger.

"Thank you, you may leave," Cynthia told the man.

"Could this be true? Is the queen really gone?" Arthur asked once the messenger had departed.

"Fantastic news, isn’t it?" Claudia replied.

"Fantastic news?! What if she was kidnapped?!"

"She is still out of our way, is she not?"

"She’s a living person, isn’t she?! First you tell me to kill the princess and now you tell me that it is a good thing that our queen has possibly been captured and is being tortured?! Have you no heart, no feeling whatsoever?" Arthur yelled in reply.

"You listen to me," Claudia said, in a more dominant tone than she had ever used in front Arthur before, "If you want to be king, this is what has to happen. You organize the armada and I’ll take care of the princess."

"Take care of her?! You mean to kill her!"

"You want to be king," replied Claudia.

"Yes, but I will not be a part of a plot to kill anyone for the throne," said Arthur, "Do not tell me that you are willing to kill to be queen!"

"Of course I am," Claudia answered.

"Well, then I will have no part in it," Arthur voiced, rising to leave.

"You will, too." Claudia and lifted her hand. Arthur shot back into his seat. "I have not been biding my time for so long to accomplish what my father started, to be stopped by a measly, soft-hearted man who what’s a fair fight. There will be a descendent of Hadsji on the throne yet."

"You mean that you are the..." he began.

"The daughter of the wizard who tried to take over Teaka fifty years ago? Yes, I am."

"B...but you told m...me that your father was Sean McTermick and was deceased?" Arthur stammered in reply.

"Sean McTermick was his real name, and I never said that my father was dead. I said that he is gone from this world. That he is, banished by that sassy little girl fifty years ago. If I ever meet her, I’ll kill her!"

"And I won’t have any part in it, just like I will have no part in any scam for the throne that involves murder," Arthur replied, rising once again. Claudia’s hand shot out green flames and threw her husband back into the chair.

"Yes, you will, and you will have the appointments for the navy made by tomorrow morning."

"Yes, I will, and I will have the appointments for the navy made by tomorrow morning," Arthur replied in a trance-like state and green eyes shining.

***

"Well, it’s about time," replied Marquis John d`Fayot. His response to the message was quite different than Sir Perry’s.

"Sir?" asked the messenger, examining the room to avoid looking the Marquis straight in the eye. He stood by the single door to the study. The walls to his right and left were covered with bookshelves and the back wall was lined with windows. In front of the windows was a window seat covered in embroidering of brooks, valleys, prairies, and berries. It was a very pleasant style.

"Well, any young queen whose husband has just passed away would probably fear for her life and would run away. After all, how many people may try to assassinate her in order to reach the throne? Has the princess been told yet?"

"No, sir, but that is where I am to head once I have finished here," the messenger replied.

"What is your name?"

"Richard Choquette, sir."

"Richard, could you do something for me?" the Marquis asked as he fingered something around his neck.

"I believe so, sir," replied the messenger, not sure what the something would be. His anxiety increased when the Marquis removed the object from around his neck. "What is it?"

"Please tell her that this is from an uncle who will love her always. It is a locket with a picture of my late wife and the princess’ mother. They were twins, you know, so the princess is my niece. They were identical and hardly anyone could tell them apart. I could, my heart told me, the very heart that loved my late wife, dear sweet Isabel," replied the Marquis.

"I'm so sorry," Richard replied.

"It is sad indeed," the Marquis replied, "I loved my dear wife and love her still, though she has been gone since the fall. And now it is spring." The Marquis turned to gaze out of the window. Outside it was a pleasant spring afternoon and the sun shone sweetly upon brilliant green grass. "It was not quite winter without her, nor is it spring. I doubt that there will be a change in the summer, unless... Is there any chance that she may be allowed to stay with me? I am her uncle after all." He turned from the window.

"No," Richard sadly responded. "The advisors have agreed that the princess will be safest at the palace." Marquis John d`Fayot knew that the princess would certainly be safer at his manor than at the palace. There were conspirators at the palace, but he knew that the queen would save her, she was not dumb nor one of the women that can not fend for themselves. His late wife and Margreete had always been determined and able to do anything that they set their minds to.

"Oh well," the Marquis told the messenger as turned back to the window. "Isn’t it a wonderful day outside? My wife and I used to ride through the meadows on warm afternoons like this with the wind in our faces..."

"I really must be going now," Richard said quietly, thinking of his sons at home who were counting on him to be back in the morning. If Richard did not finish soon, he would have to start later the next morning than he had been planning to. He inched out the door.

"And we'd picnic by the streams and eat ripe berries. Strawberries were, as I recall, her favorite..."

***

Richard knocked on the door to the princess' nursery. A small window in the door was opened and a woman's voice sounded.

"Who is it?" she asked. It was obviously the princess' nursemaid who was with the child as the queen had left.

"Richard Choquette with several messages for Princess Cynthianna Eleanor," Richard answered. He felt terrible to have to be the one who had to tell the princess that her mother had left. After all, Cynthianna was just over a year younger than his youngest son, Philip, and she had already lost a father. Now, with the queen gone as well, Cynthianna would have to rule by herself at only six years of age.

Richard's thoughts were interrupted as the nursemaid opened the door after looking him over. Inside was what appeared to be a playroom with shelves and boxes of toys, many of which seemed to be rarely played with. There was a door on every wall; one that Richard had come through and three that most likely led to the princess' room, a privy, and the nursemaid's quarters. A young girl sat on the floor with a doll in her lap. Her golden curls were held back by a pink ribbon which matched the flowers on her dress. The doll was dressed the same way and Cynthianna was reading a story to it. Richard guessed that the princess was either making the story up or that she had memorized it because the book was up-side down.

"Your highness," the nursemaid said to the child, "There are several messages for you." The girl stood, straightened her dress and turned around.

"Yes," she said turning towards the messenger, "I am ready to receive them." Richard swallowed, not knowing how the princess would respond.

"Yes," Richard began, clearing his throat, "The first is that your mother, Her Majesty, has disappeared. She left a note that stated that she has run away." He paused, looking for her reaction. The only one he found was on the nursemaid who looked absolutely astonished.

"I see, and the second one?" the princess asked. Cynthianna believed that the others were overreacting; her mother had only left to visit a friend and would come back for her.

"Well, the second is from your uncle, the Marquis John d`Fayot," Richard said, removing the locket from his pocket. "He offers his condolences and sends you this. The pictures inside are of your mother and your late aunt. The Marquis also said that he loves you and wants you to always remember that." He handed the locket to Cynthianna, bowing.

"What is my uncle like?" Cynthianna asked. She had never met her uncle before.

"Well," Richard said, thinking, "He's about my height with golden-brown hair and brown eyes. He's quite handsome except for a scar across his right cheek when he fought against the pirates when he was younger."

"Thank you. You may leave." Richard bowed and left. The sun had set, so Richard went to an inn. In the morning, Richard would set off home to help his two sons with archery. He fell asleep smiling, not knowing the part he would have to play in Claudia's evil scheme.

***

Sir Arthur Perry sat behind stacks of papers piled on his desk. Behind him was a table covered with maps and sketches of battle plans. A window on his left showed nothing except a dim reflection of the room. A bookshelf to his right was covered in dusty titles.

It was near midnight and he still could not find the person to lead the special mission he had planned. It must be someone who was loyal to the crown, yet not a noble. Arthur searched through the pile on his left. The one on his right was the nobles who had been assigned to the first wave of attacks. Arthur began to read over the resume of one of the Royal Messengers and skimmed his qualifications. It appeared that this one was perfect. Years of loyalty and in a little over a year, the man would become a Royal Proclamationer.

Arthur wrote down the name, Richard Choquette, on the list and began assigning the officers on the ship. In the morning, these would be notified by a Royal Proclamationer, as well as those in the first line of attack. Arthur set to work on the people who would be in the second wave of attacks, hoping that Claudia would be proud of all the work he had done.

A young lad of about eight years entered the room to speak to is father. The black-haired boy was so happy because he had been selected to compete in the city-wide spelling contest. Wishing to tell his father, the short Faral approached Sir Perry. He saw his father’s green eyes intent on his work. Strange, thought Faral, I was sure Father’s eyes were blue. Oh, well.

"Father?" he asked. Faral knew that Sir Perry would be proud of his son and Arthur would offer congratulations.

"What?" Arthur rudely asked. Faral was surprised as his father had never turned on him in anger or thought that his work was more important than his son.

"I just wanted to tell you that I was selected to participate in the spelling contest," he offered when he had partially overcome his shock.

"Well isn’t that just wonderful for you. Now will you please just leave me alone?" Faral’s father asked.

"Yes, Father," Faral said. He did not know what had come over his father. He started to leave, but turned around.

"Father?" he asked again.

"What is it now?"

"Can’t I have a good-night kiss?"

"Can’t you see that I am too busy to be giving good-night kisses?" Arthur asked. Faral stepped back, hurt, and then turned with tears running down his cheeks. He went to sleep, still lamenting the loss of his father.

Down stairs, Arthur continued with his work, hoping that Claudia would be happy of all he had done. The stacks on his right kept grow and the ones on his left diminished. He sent out notices with the night-time messengers and prepared the letters that would be sent out the next day.

The sun had been down for hours, but Arthur's was not the only lamp lit. Claudia sat in her sitting room, planning and perfecting. She was sure that the princess did not have a chance. The guards would not be able to tell that Claudia was the conspirator. She had even made certain that her own husband would not be sure who the conspirator was. Yes, Claudia’s plan was almost foolproof.

Richard rode over the grassy hill and spotted his home At first, he thought that he better change out of his messenger uniform before going to his sons, but Richard decided to just keep it on. He rode quietly towards the back of the house and dismounted behind the bright red barn. Richard inched to the corner and peeped about, ready to surprise his sons. They were not there.

Where could they be? Richard thought, They were supposed to meet me here.

"Richard, darling, there is someone here to see you!" called a familiar voice. It was his beautiful, blue-eyed wife. Richard was so happy to be home after a long week of work despite his disappointment of not finding his sons. Perhaps the good little boys were helping their mother with the guest? This thought made Richard even happier and very proud. They were the best boys and looked very much like their blond mother.

D’artanion was the eldest at nine and worked very hard on his schoolwork. He was also a fine horseman. Philip was going to be eight in a month. He preferred sword fighting to a book any day, but he and D’artanion got along very well. Currently they shared a room, but Richard planned to get a larger house when he was promoted in two years.

"Richard, do hurry. I do believe the guest is very impatient to see you!" his wife, Ellen, urged. This made Richard almost break into a sprint. Who could it be who would visit me? he wondered, Ellen would not be so pressing if it were merely a friend.

As he turned to the front of the house, Richard noticed something that told him what was so important. The horse of a Royal Proclamationer was tied outside his front door. He straightened his clothes and hair: It was important to look neat when receiving a Royal Proclamation. Richard was a Royal Messenger at the time, but he had to serve a little less than two more years before he was promoted to Royal Proclamationer unless he performed a heroic act. Richard thought that there was small chance of that as he stepped into his house.

"Richard Choquette of the Royal Messengers, I presume?" said a stout blond of about twenty-seven as he unfurled a piece of parchment and rise from the sitting room sofa. "I have an important message for you. There is to be a campaign led by Sir Arthur Perry against the pirates. You are to report to Hemingway Harbor at noon one week from now. If you do not appear, your family will be thrown into jail and your property will be taken into custody.

"Of course, there is a reward if you come. For example, if you live through the first battle, you shall be promoted to Royal Proclamationer and receive five hundred gold mites for every battle afterward. If you die, your family will receive one thousand gold mites and an additional five hundred gold mites for every battle you lived through."

"One thousand gold mites! We could get a larger farm for that much!" Ellen exclaimed, "Who is offering this reward?"

"Why, Sir Perry! He will take care of anything that is not covered by the plunder retrieved from the pirate ships. Sir Perry does not intend to invoke the punishment unless many try to shirk in their duty to protect their country. We must rid ourselves of these invaders! Just last week they took away half of Robert Wilmette’s flock while they were pasturing near Greensthorpe. They have also terrorized other areas of the coast and it is up to us to have them stopped!"

With that, the Proclamationer bowed and handed Richard a letter. He departed to deliver his other messages. After he left, Mr. And Mrs. Choquette discussed what was to be done. It was quite obvious Sir Perry was trying to be a war hero, but why such a high reward?

"He probably thinks that he will become king and have plenty of money after giving out rewards, but he certainly could not have forgotten the princess. The highest he could be with her still in the castle is Marquis," Richard thought aloud. A note was slid under the door.

"I have an idea about was this letter is concerning," Ellen said, picking it up, "But what really matters at present is your draft notice." She began to read the letter.

"Well, I will have to go if I am to not be called a coward and if I wish to protect my family. Besides, the main attack is from Greensthorpe Harbor. I learned that from what some nobles were saying this morning as I delivered a message to the youngest advisor, Sir Michael… Roder? No, Wille? Anyway…"

"Rodway," interrupted Ellen, "This is from his wife, Claire. Their son, Charles, is a friend of Philip. Michael has been placed in the middle of the first wave of attacks and mostly likely will die. He has even more of a chance of dying than those on the edges of the first wave.

"And I thought that I had it bad. What is he going to do?" Richard asked.

"He’ll go. Claire tried begging Sir Perry to let Michael be in a different wave of attacks. At first he said no, but then decided to reconsider when he heard about Charles. As it turns out, Faral, that short, black-haired boy that came over for dinner two weeks ago was Perry’s son. He is also a friend of Charles, Philip, and D’artanion. Michael and Claire will learn what Sir Perry decided tonight." Ellen folded up the letter.

"Well, I hope he is not just put on a different ship and in the same wave of attacks, but you never know. He could even be placed in the very last wave of attacks, or maybe even on my ship, which has a very different goal, according to this plan from the note that the Proclamationer gave me." Ellen had not noticed Richard reading the letter.

"Yes, that would be wonderful. Look, you’ll be patrolling the Island of Bear," Ellen said, pointing to the eastern island, "That is the only place that the pirates can get fresh water if we surround them. And if they get on the island, we’ll never find them with all of those caves and such. In addition to that, some say that their lair is hid upon it. If the pirates did land and you followed them to find out where the treasure is, I ’m sure that you would get a fairly large share once the pirates leave. They never leave a guard on the treasure for he might try to run off with more than his share of the treasure.

"Sure, having some of the treasure missing would lead to some innocent pirate or pirates getting killed, but they have done other bad things and certain items missing will mean less pirates and fewer belongings being plundered." Ellen looked at the note attached to the map Richard had been looking at. Richard just stared at her, once again amazed at how long she could talk without taking a breath. Ellen suddenly realized that the boys may never see their father again, but she decided to hope for the best and help Richard pack.

"You’ll need several changes of clothes, a razor, and a toothbrush. I’ll pack some dried jerky and cheese because you don’t know how long you’ll be gone or how many supplies the ship will have or how long they will last…" Ellen kept talking, rambling off things that she would have to pack before Richard left in a week for Hemingway.

***

"So it’s Sir Perry. That’s strange, I thought that it would be Sir Hawk or Baron D`vor, but not Perry." the Marquis said to his short messenger. "But common folk? How does he expect to be chosen for a leader by the very people he forces to become sailors and possibly give up their lives?"

"He’s putting those that he thinks may reveal his purpose in the first waves, so people will think that they are only saying that to get out of serving their country," said the blond man. The messenger was fairly stout, but was worth his weight in silver to the Marquis and had served him well for several years. "I’m one of the ones being placed in the first wave and so is Rodway."

"Yes, I heard that, and I also heard that Michael’s position in the attack was being reconsidered by Perry," d`Fayot said more in a matter-of-fact tone than in a questioning one. "I also heard that he has been repositioned on Richard Choquette’s ship, the Flounder. Instead of facing death, he will be facing humiliation since he will be serving under someone lower in status than he."

The Marquis turned to stare thoughtfully out the window and the messenger stood stunned. He had known that Rodway’s position was being reconsidered and he knew that the Marquis had other spies besides him, but he had not known that they were so far ahead of him. But, thinking it over, he realized for the first time that maybe d`Fayot had learned a lot before becoming a Marquis.

"Well, I was just wondering if I could have my pay a day earlier than usual. It would be nice to know that my family was well taken care of financially before I set sail in case Sir Perry doesn’t keep his promise," the messenger said honestly.

"That’s a good idea. I would choose the same for my dearest wife Isabel, but she has been lost for a while now," John d`Fayot said sadly. "But that doesn’t matter because I haven’t been assigned to any part in the navy, but that is only because I received a scar from battle and retired from sailing. Once I retired from the navy, I could never be called back, but I still can volunteer to fight and that is exactly what I plan to do."

"What! Are you quite mad?! You would be putting yourself in the line of battle for no reason! That isn’t just stupid, it’s insane!"

"Am I insane?" asked d`Fayot with an insanely phony grin. "No, I just have no reason to stay, nothing worth living for. My wife is dead and I have no children. The queen can look over my niece, I’m just not needed."

"But you are very rich."

"Wealth can’t keep you company."

"Then marry again! Have children! Live life to the fullest!"

"No!" the Marquis said so loudly that it scared the messenger. "How can I live without my dearest Isabel? She was my only love, my life. I can never wed again, never love again, because I still love Isabel."

"Well you don’t have to be so touchy about it. You could have just told me that, you didn’t have to shout at me at the top of your lungs," the messenger said, quite taken aback.

"I’m sorry I yelled at you," replied the Marquis, "I just loved my wife so much more than I thought that I could ever love anyone."

***

And so the next day the Marquis John d`Fayot traveled to the city of Hemingway to enlist upon the Flounder. He guessed that no one would care if he volunteered for a position other than a captain. No one would wrongly suspect that he was planning something if he did not wish to lead. He saw a table set out on which was spread papers and dates. Two men stood in line before it, talking to the man sitting behind it. They left, immersed in conversation and the Marquis d`Fayot went up to the enrollment station.

"Name?" asked the man behind it.

"John d`Fayot."

"Age?"

"36."

"Place of birth?"

"Unknown." The man dropped his quill.

"So ye’r the orphan nobil who ‘elped defeat them nasty pirates last time. Sorry, but I’m agonna ’ave to ask the boss if ye’r awantin’ a position as a leadr’ ’cuz I’m thinking’ that ther fill’d." He turned to get another enrollment officer.

"Oh, no," replied John as he stopped the man with his hand, "I just want a job on the HMS Flounder."

"Why’d a fella like you want a job with a boss o’ lowr’ status than you?"

"Richard Choquette is a friend of mine and I want to make sure that he has all of the help that he needs."

"Why’d ye ‘spect me to believe a tale like thata one?"

"Because it’s true. Besides, if you don’t believe me, you still don’t have to ask your boss. I’m not applying for a high position. So, do I get the job?"

"Well, ye’r ov’r eighteen and ye’r purpose is fine, though not very believable, so yes."

"Good. And when do I report?"

"Noon in six days. ‘Ere’s a list of the things that ye’r ‘sposed da bring." He handed the list to the Marquis who glanced over it, thanked the man, and got on his horse to return home. He, like many of the others on the island kingdom of Teaka, began to prepare for battle.

***

The next few days were spent setting up a way to transport the supplies from the farmers and dairy cow owners. Harbor workers were busy separating and loading supplies that had already been delivered from the closer farms. The attack would be launched from three main harbors; Hemmingway, Greensthorpe, and Menling. Ships from Medu and Piarre would circle behind the pirates to cut off their escape.

Scouts reported the position of the pirates’ main relay point, the place where the pirates would meet and celebrate their looting. The battle would probably be shorter than first anticipated because the pirates were unaware of any plan of attack and obliviously anchored where it would be easiest to surround. No one was permitted to sail beyond the sight of the shore unless they wished to face imprisonment or possibly even death. Sir Perry tried to protect against any way that his plan might fail and he especially did not want anyone to alert the pirates.

Several pirates spies did try to send word, but Perry had a patrol ready to intercept them. The pirates were sent to jail and would be tried for treason with a penalty of death. Except for this, Perry’s precautions were not important, though, because all of the people of Teaka were loyal to the crown. No one would tell, even for bribes.

For such was the economy, if the war were to last too long and too many farmers had small crops, barely enough for themselves, many would starve. Therefore they had to work together to ensure the well-being of all. Every child received an education from the time they were five. It was not like other societies where only the rich received knowledge, even peasants learned to read and knew simple arithmetic. The difference in class only mattered when it came to leadership for the social structure was not a pyramid, but a configuration where all pieces relied on the others for some support. Status was based on wealth and job holdings, so one could work hard and move up, or be lazy and be demoted. If a person committed a crime, he or she would get a lower job and his or her children would fall as well, until they had worked themselves up again. Men and women were given equal rights, but some jobs were reserved mostly for men and others for women. Some women worked outside the home and were treated fairly except by those that were still biased.

It seemed that there was only one problem with the culture of Teaka and that was the value of honor. Honor was the reason that many would still have fought even without Perry’s threat. Perry’s belief in honor made him sure that Michael Rodway would be harmless if placed under someone of lower class. And it was partially d`Fayot’s knowledge of honor that made him enroll under Choquette so that he could once again feel the pride of serving one’s country. It was also this knowledge which allowed the Marquis to know that no one would care as long as there was no way that he could gain the advantage or the throne.

As the cities were working, Sir Perry was perfecting his plans and strategies for the battle. Claudia had told him what he needed to do, but not specifically how, or at least he thought. While he had been busy trying to figure out why such things needed to be done, Claudia had been telling him step-by-step what to do. His honor kept him from showing some of his plans to his wife, although it might prove bad for him and several others, but have a good result for the crew of another ship.

Claudia also had a plan, as well as a secret. It was to keep her husband from figuring out her secret that she did not point out errors in his plans. She did not have time anyway because she was busy on her own ‘fool proof’ plan for starving the princess.

The other nobles and advisors had plans, too. They practiced swordsmanship and archery in order to increase their chances of becoming a hero. Landowners sent out as much supplies as could be spared without taking any from the workers’ shares. The workers of the lands would not starve or have any lack of food so that they would not have any reason not to suggest their masters to be king. Many did not have wives as smart as Claudia and signed up in the first wave of attack. Others volunteered in other places, but only those who were not of noble blood were given main leadership positions, except Sir Perry of course.

Not everyone was going to be in the war. Both men and women were needed to run the farms and shops in order to keep the supplies up. School teachers had to remain to teach the little ones. Many family members had to take care of the children while one of their parents was off fighting. Well over half of the industrial workers had to stay and many who tried to sign up to fight were not able to because of the amount of skilled laborers needed to stay out of the fighting. Many who stayed worked harder than ever so that they could still contribute to the well-being of their country.

As the country was preparing for war, the elders thought back to the last time that Teaka had been at war. It was almost sixty years before and even Old Tom at eighty-two could barely remember the details. It had been against Hadsji, a great sorcerer of the west, but he was defeated by a sixteen year old sorceress. No one knew what had happened to him, only that he had been banished and imprisoned far away. Many of the old folk believed that he might have escaped and was helping the pirates, but that belief was quickly put down because no one wanted the hopes of the sailors to decrease.

Many believed that if a sorcerer was on the other side, the Teakans would not win because no sorceress was known in the country. The great sorceress was thought to have settled in the Forest of Dreams and no one dared to search for her there as any creature every dreamed of dwelled in the forest. *The only known person to have ever returned alive was Queen Lorie II, the queen from the time of the last problem with the pirates, eighteen years before. She had ventured to find the sorceress as a dream had instructed her as the defeat of Hadsji had happened long before the birth of Queen Lorie II.*

Some thought that the sorceress might have been a creature that the queen had dreamed up, but one tale told of a love between the sorceress and Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Lorie I whose granddaughter was named for her. As a reward for defeating Hadsji, the sorceress asked to marry the prince. Queen Lorie I had promised to give her answer in the morning, but that night the king died. His last will was that the son who married first would rule. Until that day, the eldest would rule. It was because of this that the prince’s brother would not permit them to be wed and plotted to kill his brother in case he disobeyed and married the sorceress anyway. The sorceress knew of the plan and took the prince into the Forest of Dreams. Many said that the wailing often heard at the edge of the forest is the sorceress crying for her prince who had fallen in love with a dream of beauty and left her forever.

But that was a children’s story. Besides, almost all of those capable of work were contributing to the preparations and had no time to ponder such an idea. Many, it seemed, were also preparing for their death. Any of those who had been assigned to the first or second waves of attack prepared a will and set their affairs in order. The ones who had chosen to sign up for those waves, however, had not even thought about the chance of death. They knew not that if any deaths occurred that theirs would be the first.

"Poor fools," thought many, "Poor courageous fools."

***

While the preparations were being made, the pirates were just doing what they had always done. They still looted coastal towns and such; they did not even notice that the normal surplus was lessened quite a bit. They were not the least bit suspicious. Well, at least almost all of them were not. One of the eldest and smartest on the Marie had guessed it. Few believed him; of course, they did not even think that one of the reasons that he had lived to be a fifty-three year old pirate and had not yet retired was that he had a sense for such things.

"Now Robert, why are you getting the crew so uptight?" the captain of the ship asked four days before the attack, "You know as well as I that a country without a king cannot unite itself enough to fight. Without a ruler to bring them together, no one would try such a thing."

"Starting a war against a common enemy would make them all want to fight. Each noble would be trying to win over the country in order for him to rule," Robert responded.

"No, they wouldn’t because they still have a princess to rule now that the king is dead."

"The queen ran away and will probably rescue her daughter from those that might try to kill her."

"The queen would not be able to get to her; the guard would be set too strong. Now leave it alone. If I hear one more word of this nonsense from you, then I’ll make you walk the plank." With that, Captain Frival stomped out. Robert kept his mouth shut, but the sailors were still uneasy for two days. When no attack came, the pirates celebrated, proclaiming the fear that the Teakans felt towards the pirates of Lorder. Many did not believe it, but they would use any reason to drink heartily, stay up late, and then wake up at noon the next day with a horrible hangover. The celebrating went on for two days. It would be the last day when they were drunkest that just happened to be the day of the attack.

The attack was the last day of the third month. The year was later to be known as the last year of the reign of King Fredrick DiGenroe. It was a day of great sadness masked by rejoicing and celebration. Family members hid their distress at the parting of their loved ones by showing their pride at his (not hers, women were too important to be put at risk) bravery to fight for the country.

The pirates that plagued the coasts of Teaka were not average pirates who traveled in groups barely large enough to sail a ship. These were hardy sailors who belonged to the ‘country of the sea,’ Lorder. Lorder was a forefather of democracy, with a government made of the pirates, for the pirates, and by the pirates. A monarchy would fail, each leader would be killed and the murderer would become the successor. Such a cycle could not keep the pirates united, so each ship appointed a captain to be fair and just in dividing the spoils. Instead of having each captain be in a congress-like ruling power, they decided to group several ship together, from the captains of each ‘frie,’ a group of approximately fifteen ships which plundered the same coast, would come two representatives. These formed the ‘shic,’ the fourteen captains from seventy-five ships that sailed further than the known world.

Each frie had a relay point where their treasure was stored, but the main dock for all of the pirate ships was Samma, the main harbor of Lorder. This is where many of the wives and children stayed and two more representatives were chosen from the city. Most of the harbor was made up floating houses connected by planks so if need be the ‘capital’ of Lorder could be moved. Most of the plundering pirates came to rest in Samma for the winter before sailing off again.

At the moment, there were about a hundred men on each of the forty-five ships that plundered Teaka and the surrounding area. All together there were just fewer than 4,500 pirates that could fight and fight well. These were the pirates that Perry planned to attack and his forces were about 4,600 sailors, but two thirds were untrained in naval battles and a fourth had minimal experience. From the reports that Perry received, he believed that there were only 3,500 pirates and that many of them were women and children unable to fight. Even if the number was right, unable women and children was wrong. The ‘children’ were all over sixteen and had learned the importance as well as the fundamentals of swordplay and hand-to-hand combat from the age of five.

Perry had also believed that attack would be a surprise against much smaller forces. It might have been similarly easy despite his miscalculations because the pirates were drinking and celebrating, in no condition to fight. Despite their higher training and large numbers, the pirates did not have a chance.

"I love you," Ellen Choquette told her husband for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning as she packed away the very last things he needed.

"I love you, too," Richard replied as he kissed his wife firmly on her forehead. It was at that moment that Philip and D’artanion came rushing down the stairs half-dressed.

"You weren’t going to leave without saying goodbye to us, were you?" Philip asked, buttoning his shirt.

"He wouldn’t do that, would you dad?" D’artanion asked, pulling up his slacks.

"I would never leave without saying goodbye to my two favorite sons," Richard replied, making them smile and kissing the heads of his boys. He wished that he never had to leave them in the first place. Philip’s smile faded slightly.

"Hey, we’re your only sons, are you trying to trick us?" he asked.

"Yah," D’artanion added.

"I didn’t mean to trick you, I just love you both very much," Richard replied to their remarks.

"We love you too, dad," the boys replied, giving their father a hug. Now doesn’t this seem familiar? thought Richard.

The packing was finished and all were silent until Sir Michael Rodway came by. He and Richard would ride north to Greensthorpe together, just for the company.

"I love you!" Ellen, Philip, and D’artanion said simultaneously.

"I love you all, too," Richard replied.

"Good luck Richard and you, too, Michael," Ellen said, waving goodbye.

"Thank you, Ellen," replied Michael, waving back. Ellen and the boys waved until both Richard and Michael had ridden out of sight.

The journey to Greensthorpe was fairly quiet, only a few comments were made about the fair weather. The ride took up most of the morning and they arrived at eleven-thirty, having left at eight. They entered and almost immediately saw a sign posted above a stable that said ‘HMS Flounder crew sign-in here.’ The line was fairly long considering that the crew did not have to report until noon.

While in line, Richard’s attention drifted to the vessel which he was to be captain of. The name was dulled and the sides were water-stained. Richard doubted if it was even seaworthy. Men were busy loading the last of the supplies into the cargo bay of the ship and men from the crew were pouring into the ship one by one carrying burlap sacks with their belongings.

The sight reminded him of a story of a man told to load animals into his ship two-by two to be saved from a flood. They stayed on the ship for forty days. Richard hoped that he would not have to stay away from his sons for that long although he knew it was most likely that he would have to fight for at least six months. Six months from his family, Richard wondered if he could survive that long without his loved ones near him.

"Name?" the voice of the trilly, or naval attendance officer, interrupted his thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, Richard Choquette."

"Oh, so ye’re the cap’an of this fine ves’el. I’ll tell ya this, it ain’t never been damaged by any storm nor wave nor gale. And that it ever most seaworthy ves’el that I ‘ave ever seen. I swear it." Even with the trilly’s oath, Richard doubted that it would last more than an hour at sea. "Yer cabin is at the usual place, cap’an. Right under the ‘elm."

"Thank you." With that, Richard started to hurry off, forgetting Michael was with him until...

"First mate! Richard, I’m your first mate! I thought that with where Perry had put me before that I’d end up with no better than deck-scrubber and have to fight at the cannon, but Richard, first mate!" Michael shouted.

"Now don’ get to ‘cited, matey. First mate is a large ‘sponsibility. Gotta keep your head ‘bout ya," the trilly said.

"You know he’s right, Michael," Richard said, then turned to the trilly, "Excuse me, but could you please tell me who my second mate is?"

"Yah, Marquis d`Fayot ‘isself. Couldn’ understand why ‘e’d volunteered. Didn’ want a lead role, said ‘e, but a second mate was needed, so I did what ‘e told me. ‘Just put me where ya need me,’ he says. Sos I just put ‘im as second mate. Still can’ figure out why ‘e’d want to fight and not be a leader, alls the others, they’s said they wanted ‘igh spots and Perry said no."

"Excuse me," said Richard, confused, "What others?"

"The other royals, ‘course. They all wanted high spots, sos theys could get popular among us commons folk, I don’ doubt, but not the Marquis. ‘E said ‘Put me down anywhere, you need a deck mopper, I’ll be a deck mopper, you need a cannon cleaner, and I’ll be a cannon cleaner.’ Well, ‘cuz they were all full with royals who wanted high spots, I just put ‘im as second mate. Ye’re not disappointed, are ya? That you got a nobil who won’ pay ye no ‘eed? Well, I’ll tell ya this," the trilly said, flushed, "A man as modest as that’ll never desobey yer orders matter what. If ye’ve got that..."

"I know what a good man the Marquis is, I’ve met him myself," Richard interrupted, seeing that if he let the man talk anymore, the trilly was going to have a fit. Relief swept through both Richard and Michael as the trilly returned to his normal color.

"So, ye’ve got no doubts ‘bout John?" he asked.

"Nope, and never had," Richard said, then added," John? Why’d you call him John?"

"’Cuz ‘e asked me to. Well, not directly, but ‘e ‘ad me write down John d`Fayot, not Marquis d`Fayot, but John d`Fayot. All the other royals told me to write down Sir Lupin, Esquire, for example, but not John. ‘E’s a good man."

"Thank you, we’d best be off now," Richard said, stopping the long speech he was sure would come.

"Well say ‘ello to the Marquis, will ya for me?" the trilly asked. Richard nodded. "Thanks. Name?" Richard and Michael hurried towards the ship as the trilly checked in the next crew member.

"Can you believe it? Your second mate is the Marquis d`Fayot! I bet he’ll be the best advisor you’ll have! I still can’t believe that the Marquis is your second mate! The same Marquis who was the general who led the navy against the rebels years ago and restored the king to the throne eighteen years ago! The very same who won the heart of the Queen’s sister!"

"She won his heart," Richard replied firmly.

"Oh, well, same thing."

"No, it’s not," Richard said fairly loud.

"Boy, we’re touchy today."

"I delivered a message for the Marquis to Princess Cynthianna, his niece. He loved his wife more than anything. And as for him being the best advisor I’ll have, that might be, but everything that he does, he does with a broken heart." Michael let it stop there. He had never heard in any of his wife’s gossip that the Marquis had loved his wife that much. The idea had never come to Rodway’s mind even though he knew that the Marquis had never tried to find a new wife.

Richard, on the other hand, wondered why Michael took love so lightly. His thoughts turned to his love for his family and how much he would miss them as he and Michael parted to their separate cabins. Richard found his right under the helm as the trilly had told him.

The cabin was divided into two rooms. The first was a quaint sitting room with a taupe chair, a small beige couch, and a tiny table in the back, left-hand corner. Near this was a plain, pine door. A small, simple red and brown carpet adorned the unembellished pine floor. The back wall was lined with medium-sized windows. Towards the back in the right wall to the left of the couch was another door.

It was this door that Richard used to find his bedroom. This room was smaller than the first with a matching carpet. To his left was a twin bed with an unadorned oak plank headboard and no footboard. A matching oak desk with three drawers sat opposite the bed with a hard, austere chair. A plain, oak dresser was in the rear.

Richard began to sort his things into the bureau and the desk drawers, preparing himself for an undesirably long stay.

***

About an hour later, Richard went into the main meeting room as he had been directed to in a letter he had found on his bed. Richard found the room adjoining his through the other door in his sitting room.

The room wasn’t large, nor was it small. A long, oval table stretch down the middle of the room. The back wall was covered with windows and the other walls contained an array of empty shelves. In the room, Richard found Michael talking to two men sitting in seats on the side of the table furthest from the windows. Opposite them, the Marquis and the trilly were talking as well. The topic for both groups was evidently business from the looks on their faces.

All went silent as he entered the room; he chose to sit to the right of the Marquis at the head of the table. Little did he know, but he sat in the proper seat reserved for the captain. It made Michael proud to think how smart his friend was to sit in the proper place without ever being in the meeting room of a ship.

"This, as you know, is the Marquis d`Fayot." Richard and the Marquis shook hands. "And this is the drallin in charge of the miturf, Fert Parniky," Michael said gesturing to the brunet man on his right.

"What’s a miturf?" Richard whispered to brown-eyed Fert as they shook hands.

"The men at the cannons," was the reply.

"And here is Mittar Stratujym in charge of the armory," Michael said, indicating the blond man to Fert’s right.

"Nice to meet you," said Richard as he shook Mittar’s hand.

"Last, but not least, this is Ralf Natters, the…"

"Trilly," interrupted Richard. Michael gave him an irritated glance.

"He’s a naval attendance officer."

"Isn’t that the same thing that the same thing?"

"No, trilly is a slang term. Naval attendance officer is formal."

"Okay, let’s be formal, then," said Richard, "Now from the message I received about our mission in the battle, I know that we are to scout around the Island of Bear, the supposed hiding place of the section of pirates that mainly plunder the coasts of Teaka."

"What do you mean by ‘the section of pirates that plunder Teaka?’ The pirates the plunder Teaka are the only pirates!" Michael exclaimed. "There are no other pirates than the ones that plague our coasts!"

"There, Michael, you are the mistaken one. Have you never heard the great tales of Lorder? Of the deserted land home to the most dreadful pirates of the whole world? We live across the sea from them and yet you do not believe that they exist? Do you remember the ballad of the Yeersman who did not believe?

‘Twas naught but fifty years ago

"Surely you don’t believe that fairy tale, do you? It’s just a story to keep children from venturing across the sea," Mittar Stratujym said.

"It’s not a tall tale," Richard replied.

"And how would you know?" Fert asked skeptically. "Have you ever been to Lorder?"
"No," said Richard, "But my father studied the customs and traditions of the Pirates of Lorder."

"Maybe yer father was studyin’ the legend o’ the Pirates o’ Lorder?" Ralf suggested.

"No, they exist. One day when I was seven and sailing with my late father, a man swan to our boat and began to climb in. On his wrist was the tattooed crest of the Pirates of Lorder. Right behind him came three or four more pirates with the same crest. The dragged the man out of the boat and drowned him. They saw me cowering in the corner of the boat and the eldest gave me some advice. ‘If you ever become a pirate,’ he said, ‘Never take more than your share of the plunder.’

"I asked my father why they ad killed the man and he said ‘The Pirates of Lorder think ahead. If a man takes more than his share of the plunder, they kill him. The reason is in one of their stories. A man started by taking more than his share of the plunder, and then became greedier and greedier. He killed men so that he could rise in power. When he had finally been stopped and killed, the pirates set up a democratic government and made the rule to kill greedy pirates so that it would never happen again."

"Oh," said Michael Rodway, slightly less skeptical. And with that, the matter was concluded.

"Anyway, as I was saying," said Richard, breaking the silence, "We need to set up a patrol around the island. How many long boats do we have?"

"Seven," answered Mittar Stratujym.

"Well, then I suggest we spread them around the coast, but not so far that we would be unable to reach them if they were attacked," Richard proposed.

"That would only allow us to cover half the coast, captain," said Mittar.

"Are there anymore boats to be had?" asked Fert.

"No, they are all needed in the main battle; every last one," said Mittar.

"Any fishing boats?" asked Fert, a little shaky.

"No. Most are needed in the main battle and the rest are needed for fish and feeding the population."

"Then how are we supposed to keep the pirates from landing on Bear Island?!" Fert exclaimed.

"Calm down, Fert, we’ll find a way," said Mittar. Each sat thinking, wondering what to do. Every suggestion was turned down for they were unable to obtain the materials necessity. It seemed an impossible task lay before them.

***

"Who is it?" Robert Bly asked as he heard a knock on his door.

"Bob, it’s Donna Ray, Dan Ewhite, and Paul Theisa," said a voice.

"What do you want with an old pirate at eleven o’clock at night?"

"We have important matters to discuss."

"Okay then, hold on a sec," Robert pulled on his pants and opened the door. Before him were two men and a woman.

"Well, aren’t you going to invite us in?" asked the blond woman.

"Of course I will, Donna. Come in, come in. Now what are these important matters?" Donna and Donna and a short, muscled man nodded forward a tall, black-haired man, urging him to say their purpose.

"First off, I would like to know if you really believe that the people of Teaka are really going to attack," he asked, his pale face and green eyes completely composed.

"Yes, Paul, I believe and know they will attack. Our scouts do not report and I have seen scouts following us and counting our numbers."

"Have you told this to the frie?"

"No, but I told the captain and he told me not to tell the frie and warned me to stop suggesting it to everyone."

"Okay, then, none of us want to be under a captain who is going to sit and drink while people plot to kill his crew. Will you help us? We’re going to try to slip around the attack before it has commenced. We are planning to help the Teakans at Bear Island." Paul braced his lean frame for the curses he thought would come, but they didn’t.

"You mean help Richard." Paul nodded. "What a plan! We could live peacefully at Repee with the plunder we left there. No one lives there anymore because of the noises from the Forest of Dreams."

"But to get to Repee, we’d have to pass to the very heart of Teaka. We’d never make it unnoticed."

"Indeed, and so we shall help Richard and his crew in order to earn safe passage." The three nodded.

"I know where an unused ship is. How many are there?"

"About forty-five," said Donna, "That doesn’t include us. Are you coming?"

"Yes."

"When should we meet?"

"Two tomorrow morning aboard the Blue Angel."

"Okay, tonight, then." The three left.

***

Richard’s eyes shot open. It was just after five o’clock and someone was calling his name and knocking on his door. He dressed rapidly and rushed out to the deck. Outside the night crew were preparing for battle and the ones who had been sleeping were lined up, sloppily dressed and extremely groggy. A young man was talking to Sir Rodway, shaking nervously.

"What’s all this about?" Richard asked Michael.

"This man claims to have seen a ship while he was in the crow’s nest, but the attack is just beginning today. He probably fell asleep and dreamt it."

"I did not dream it. I saw it with my own eyes out from the coast," the man protested.

"What’s your name, young man?" Richard asked.

"Roche, sir, Edward Roche."

"Well, Edward, may I see the telescope?" A look of shock crossed Edward’s face.

"I accidentally left it in the crow’s nest, sir," Edward said, hoping that he would not get hit. He’d been on merchant ships before and gotten hit for his clumsiness.

"Then go get it, Edward, go get it." Edward climbed up the net leading to the crow’s nest, stumbling several times. The crew below laughed, but Edward didn’t notice: He had finally found a good captain.

"Hurry up, Edward, or we won’t be able to see if it’s friend or foe until it’s already here!" Richard shouted up light-heartedly. Edward grabbed the telescope and scurried back down to the deck. He handed it to Richard.

"It was in that direction," said Edward, pointing. Richard opened the telescope and peered where Edward was pointing. Finally he folded it up and said:

"There’s a ship alright, and it’s flying a white flag. Either it’s seen us already or it just passed some of the other ships in the fleet. We won’t be able to tell who the passengers are until they get a bit closer. That should be about five minutes at the speed they’re sailing at, and the wind’s on their side. Until then, we’ll just have to wait."

The seconds seemed like minutes and the minutes like hours. After awhile, Richard handed Edward the telescope. He unfolded it and scanned the approaching ship. The remaining time passed at a snail-like pace until:

"I can make out their clothing!" Edward exclaimed.

"What do they look like?" asked Richard.

"They look like…" Edward cleaned the end of the telescope, "I may be seeing things, but they look like…"

"Pirates!" Edward shouted.

"Are you sure?" asked Michael Rodway.

"Let me see," Richard said. Edward handed him the telescope. "Yes, it’s pirates alright. I’ll never forget the bright, long sashes and tunics." He turned to Fert Parniky. "Give arrows to the ten best archers. If the boarding party acts hostile, they are to fire, but not until then."

"Do you think it’s a trick?" Fert asked nervously.

"No, but you never know with pirates," said Richard. He turned to Mittar Stratujym. "Get the miturf ready, we may need them if negotiations turn sour." Once this was completed, they always waited uneasily, watching the long boat carrying the pirates draw closer. Soon it was so close that they could hear the sound of the oars as they hit the water.

Richard eyed one of the pirates, supposing that he would be they leader. He wore a white, open tunic and tan leather pants. His sash and the feather in his navy blue hat were both a vivid green. He appeared to be in his late forties or early fifties, his hair grayed till no longer black. The man seemed familiar, but Richard couldn’t guess why.

The boat neared the starboard side and four of the passengers boarded the HMS Flounder. The first was the man with the blue hat and feather and the second was a tall, blond woman with a commanding demeanor. A lean, black-haired man came third. It seemed he was the smartest of the group, his eyes full of knowledge. The last was stout and muscled. He seemed very cautious about the matter and stayed close to the other three.

Each member of the group had a sword at his or her side, the sheath tied to their sashes. Simultaneously, they unsheathed their swords. The archers drew make their bows, loaded and ready to fire, but then the pirates placed their swords at Richard’s feet. The advisors loosened their grips on their sheathed swords and glanced at Richard as the pirates knelt in front of him. Richard’s eyes were not glancing uneasily around as the others’ were, but remained on the eldest pirate. A look of recognition ran across his face.

"Stand up, Robert Bly," he told the pirate. Robert rose, appearing as confused as the others that Richard should recognize him and know his name.

"I’m the boy who saw you kill a fellow pirate off the coast near Greensthorpe while I was fishing. Don’t you remember?" Richard said. A smile spread from Robert’s eyes to the rest of his face.

"Aye, I remember. You were just a little lad, barely four feet tall. And now look at you, a grown man!" Robert acted as an uncle not seeing his nephew for several years. "How’s your father?"

"He died a few years ago, but he saw his grandchildren first."

"Oh, how many?"

"Two sons."

"How old are they?"

"Philip almost eight, D’artanion almost nine."

"I must be getting older, you were barely eight last time I saw you," Robert said, a few tears in his eyes. He looked around. "We should be getting to business." He eyed the others who were staring at him and Richard.

"Yes, we should."

"Well, as you know, I’m Robert Bly. And these are my comrades: Donna Ray." He gestured towards the blond woman, who rose. "And this is Dan Ewhite." The muscled man rose.

"And I’m Paul Theisa," the black-haired man said as he rose. "We come with a proposition. We have found that the captains of the pirates have ignorantly disregarded all the warnings of a Teaka-Lorder war, and therefore deny their right to govern us anymore. We shall not allow ourselves to be governed by anyone as obtuse as that. Therefore we have decided to join your side and in return ask only one thing, safe passage to, and possession of Repee."

None of the crew members knew what to do, say, or believe. Michael, on the other hand, knew exactly what he believed and what he wanted to say.

"I don’t believe you. Maybe you’ll put poison in our water or kill us all in our sleep, so why should we accept your ‘help’?" Michael said, uttered disgusted that a pirate would even suggest such a thing or think that he, Michael Rodway, would trust a pirate.

"I swear on my rights as a citizen of Lorder and on my honor as a pirate that we will only help you," Paul answered to Michael’s accusations.

"Pirates, helps us? Yes, help us die," Michael accused him again. "And by your honor as a pirate? What do pirates know about honor?" Richard decided he had to stop Michael before a fight broke out.

"Calm down, Rodway!" Richard said. Michael hushed. "Pirates do have honor. Just because it’s a different kind of honor doesn’t mean that it isn’t honor. Lorder pirates never kill women and children and always leave enough for the family to survive. If they break either of these rules, they receive a black mark on their left hand. On the second offense, they must work as deck-scrubber and receive a smaller portion of the plunder for a month. After the third offense…" Richard drew his right index finger across his neck. Michael flinched. Richard turned/to the pirates. " Show me your hands, " Richard commanded them.

The pirates held out their hands: They were clear of any marks, just like Richard had expected. No pirate who had committed either crime would dare put themselves at the mercy of a Teakan.

"How many men do you have, Robert Bly?" Richard asked.

"Forty-six men, fifty with us four. We also have one battleship and nine long boats," he answered.

"Perfect!" Richard exclaimed, "Just enough to form a ring around the Island and be within a close enough distance to help if needed."

"That’s fine with us, right?" Robert asked, turning to his companions. They nodded. "Well, then, we better go tell the crew and set up watches."

"Wait," Richard said, thinking and bending over to pick up the pirate’s swords.

"What captain?" Robert asked.

"What happens if you’re caught helping us?"

"We’re labeled as greedy and selfish and receive the consequences. We’d be killed."

"Oh."

"Any other questions?"

"No, that’s all for now. Here are your swords." The gleaming blades were claimed by their owners and resheathed.

"Goodday, sir," the pirates said as they left. All the people who had witnessed the event were uneasy about the pirates, yet were comforted by Richard’s confidence.

***

On the third day afterward, a patrolling messenger arrived and reported that the fighting had begun the same day that the pirates had arrived. It was also on this day that Richard called Robert Bly into his room for a chat.

"Good morning, Richard. You called?" Robert said as he entered and sat down on the couch as Richard was indicating with his hand. Richard sat himself down upon the stiff beige chair.

"Yes, I have several things to talk to you about, uncle."

"What about?"

"A variety of issues," Richard told him, concern and worry plainly shown on his face, "But first I need to ask you not to let any of the pirates let it be known to my crew that my mother was a pirate or that my father knew so much about pirates because he lived as one for ten years. As far as they know, he was a Yeersman who studied the history of the Pirates of Lorder and made his money selling the books he wrote in Yeer. Understand?"

"Yes, I understand," Robert confirmed. "Don’t want to lose your position?"

"Yes, and I don’t want my father’s honor questioned now that he is no longer here to defend it." Robert nodded, remembering his brother-in-law, Jean Choquette.

"What’s the next question?" Richard turned to Robert as if a train of thought had been broken.

"Oh, yes," said Richard, suddenly remembering. "Where are the families of your crew? Surely not all the males are bachelors. And some pirates would want to protect their families, right?"

"Indeed, you are right. Most of the men in my crew have a wife and children. The bachelors are the older men: All of the younger males are too reckless and mistake stupidity for bravery. If we had asked them, we would first have been called cowards, and then told on. That was a chance that we could not take."

"Yes, but where are the families of the married ones? You couldn’t have them with the other pirates otherwise they would never be able to meet you in Repee."

"Don’t worry, they’re at a safe port near Yeer; a hideout left unused for years."

"Good," Richard remarked. "So how have you been doing since the last time I saw you?"

"Oh, you know, the usual; fighting, plundering, drinking stale ale." Richard smiled, so did Robert. "But a few things have happened. Mary had a son and named him after her grandfather…" Together they talked about things that had happened since the last time they visited and swapped stories. They chatted about adventures and reminisced about old times spent together, uncle and nephew, mostly a few of Richard’s childhood incidents with the pirates.

They also talked about the death of Richard’s mother, Clare, and Richard’s journey to Teaka. The conversation continued through lunch and into dinner. Robert barely touched his bread and cheese, something was obviously bothering him. In the course of the meal, Robert asked a question that he had been pondering for awhile since their last meeting.

"If your crew asks me how I know you, how do I respond?" Robert asked.

"That my father and I were fishing during the Kingley incident and that’s when you warned me not to be greedy. That’s what I told them."

"I see," Robert said, sternly. It was not that unusual for Richard to want to hide his past; how his father had become a pirate when he had fallen in love with the captain’s daughter. No, and certainly all the Choquette property in Teaka that Jean had bought with plunder would be confiscated. In addition, all of the honor that Jean had earned during the last years of his life would be lost. Richard would not be able to find a job and his sons would be removed from their school. This would all happen because of Richard’s past.

It was that past, though, that had taught Richard his leadership skills. All of his life lessons he had learned at a young age and his skills; swordsmanship, archery, knife-throwing, they could all be attributed to his childhood with the pirates. Even with all of this, Richard could not afford even the slightest leak of information.

"So what will you do at Repee?" Richard’s question interrupted Robert’s train of thought.

"Oh, learn to farm, spend the plunder that I’ve earned so far, and live comfortably without adventure for the rest of my life. You will visit me often, won’t you?" Robert asked hoping that the son of one of his best friends would want to share his occasional company. It would almost be like having Jean with him again.

"I would love to. I’ll find some way to come unnoticed."

"Yes, in secret," Robert agreed sadly. He knew that Richard’s honor and that of his father would be at stake anytime he came to visit the pirates, but he wondered if it was also because Richard was ashamed of his past and his pirate acquaintances. It was because of this possibility that Robert asked:

"What will you tell your sons, what were their names?"

"Philip and D’artanion. I will teach them all that I know and if they learn to respect pirate culture, I will tell them the truth. I can’t imagine why they would be hateful or prejudice. I just hope they don’t learn about these battles and are told lies and odious things about pirates." Richard truly wished that the teachers would not instruct his sons with terribly and deceitful lies, but they may in order to instill in their students pride for Teaka’s army and navy. Of course, these normally were not very large. Very large… That reminded Richard of another question.

"How large is the pirate fleet?"

"Let’s see, there were almost 4,500 pirates, but now they’re down fifty men, good men too," Robert answered.

"I see. I received a message this morning that the battles have begun and that most of the pirates were drunk. About one hundred were killed in the first hour," Richard stated. Oh, this was quite a war, he thought, but if most were drunk, perhaps it would not take so long to end. "Were they really drunk?"

"Yes, celebrating the fact the Teakans were too afraid to fight the great and mighty pirates. No one knew except me and a few others that scout ships, disguised as fishing boats, were trying to count our numbers. Those that I told didn’t believe me."

"Good, if the pirates are in no condition to fight, the sooner we win this war and I get to see my sons again. It would also mean that you and your crew would be able to settle with their families at Repee sooner. Perhaps once my boys know and respect pirate culture, I can bring them down to see you, too. I miss them, I really do," Richard said, recalling how his sons would come running to greet him and hug him when he came home from work.

"You could, of course, tell them that we are pirates who have seen the errors of our ways, or, more or less, the error of other’s ways. Hehe," Robert chuckled at his own joke.

"Indeed, I could. That seems to be a good idea," Richard said, not noticing Robert’s joke. He would like his sons to know Robert as they grew up, just as he had. Richard was not, unlike Robert’s fear, ashamed in any way, shape, or form of his pirate friends and relations. In fact, Richard believed that Robert knew a lot of things that non-pirates never could. Richard knew that it was the lessons he had learned during his time with the pirates which were most important to him and had helped him the most to solve problems that had arisen in his life. "I would love to take my sons to Repee to visit you, but how will I give it to you in the first place?"

"Buy it and put it on the battle expenses bill. I’ve heard that the owner has tried to sell it for years, the whole estate, but since no one will buy it the price has greatly decreased. It should work, unless someone has moved into it since the last time I heard about it. It’s still deserted, right?"

"Yes, ever since the screaming and crying started getting worse. The entire area surrounding that part of the Forest of dreams has been abandoned. We wouldn’t have to pay for it, the people who own it would practically pay someone to move in. They believe that whoever owns the place will be cursed and what to get rid of their blight. What I meant was how am I supposed to get you there without people noticing? You do know that a mob would burn down your homes if they discovered that Repee was being settled by pirates."

"Yes, I do know. I was thinking that we could bribe your crew with plunder from the caves on Bear Island. We could pay them a fee to take us up river and not tell anyone. After all, won’t they trust us if we fight side by side in battle?" Robert suggested, lifting an eyebrow.

"What if we end up not fighting at all?" Richard asked, standing up to stretch out his legs while he talked.

"We will, trust me. I know the pirates. At a few will escape from the attack and come to pick up the treasure on Bear Island and try to hide in the caves."

"So there is treasure on Bear Island," Richard concluded.

"Of course. Why would I agree to your plan if I didn’t think that the other pirates’ would try to land on the island. If there was no treasure on there, why would they risk being surrounded and trapped hiding in the caves?"

"Oh, I hadn’t thought of that," Richard said, turning to the windows. "It’s getting late, so you should probably be getting back to your ship."

"I probably should be going. Goodbye, Richard."

"Goodnight, Robert." Richard turned to the door to hold it for Robert, but he had already gone. Richard sat down on the chair again and thought about what Robert had said. Would bribing the crew really keep them from saying that pirates had settled Repee? Would the fighting really come to their post? He would get his answers soon enough.

If fighting did come and his crew and the pirates had to fight side-by-side, they would have less of a chance of betraying the pirates. Little did he know, but the integration that he had already imposed in the watches had begun to work. Even the pirates who had been prejudice against the pirates had met a pirate in his group with similar interests. The same was true of the pirates who had always seen the Teakans as a harvest to reap what they needed.

Even if they could, most of the pirates would never plunder a Teakan home again. Each group now knew the human side of the other. A bond was beginning to grow between them as the days past. The Teakans trusted the pirates and the pirates trusted the Teakans. Friendships were made and some clothes were even swapped to see how it was to be, literally, in the other’s shoes. They told each other of their longings to see their families and the friends they had left behind or had been separated from for some reason or another.

These things Richard did not notice because he was busy monitoring their supplies and forming battle plans in case the other pirates did get past the attackers. He worked hard and long to perfect the plans and correct any errors. Richard gave his first orders on what to do if the other pirates were sighted and then updated them every time he made a change.

These plans were not the only plans that Richard was working on. He spent hours sketching and writing at his desk. Often some would report to him and find Richard bent over some new complicated problem. He would ask them random questions about the geography of Bear Island. Richard used a compass and the information that he had collected to conceive the perfect plan in case the pirates somehow got past his and Robert’s precautions and reached the island.

Everyone was anxious about what Richard was formulating while in his room working. Whenever someone entered Richard’s office, he or she tried to see what Richard was doing. Sometimes they were able to catch a glimpse of a sketch, but this was rare and no one could make anything of the few things that were seen. Everyone was relieved when Richard made an announcement to his and Robert’s crew.

It had been three days since he had talked to Robert when Richard finally believed that his plans were close enough to perfect to be presented to the crew. Preparations began that day. A series of traps were implanted all across the island. Many had been developed by Paul Theisa, who turned out to be a mastermind who had kept Richard’s plans secret. When tripped over, a net or rope picked up the person who had set it off. They were covered with a liquid from the commatosie plant which could render a person unconscious when inhaled. Those working around traps covered their mouths and noses so as not to breathe in the scent.

All of the pirates and sailors knew where the traps were, but occasionally there were problems. One day while Edward and an elder pirate by the name of Nick Yemen were on their way back to the ship from lying traps, Edward tripped on a surfaced root. He fell into one of the nets, and his mask came off. Nick reached for Edward, but missed and became unbalanced. Nick went up in the trap with Edward. Nick had kept a knife handy just in case this sort of thing was to happen. He cut as few ropes as possible and dropped gently back to the ground. Nick carried Edward’s unconscious body back to the ship and a group was sent to repair and reset the trap.

When Edward regained consciousness, Nick was there by his side to explain what had just transpired. Edward apologized repeatedly and Nick repeatedly said that apologies were not necessary since it had been an accident. The net that Edward had tripped was located on the east side of the island where it was highly wooded. The south and west areas also had thick forest and shrubbery, but the northern region was mostly caves and sand.

The northern expanse caused Richard many problems. He could not use traps similar to those in the other regions because the sand could not provide enough cover for the ropes and the slope of the caves was too steep. It was Edward Roche who solved this problem.

"Sir, about the caves," Edward inquired to Richard two days after his accident, "Has anyone found a solution yet?"

"No, lad, but we have people working on it. Why, have you thought of something?" Richard asked.

"I think I might have," Edward said, hoping that he might have found a way to be useful to Richard and the others.

"Then go ahead and tell me, Edward."

"Yessir." With that, Edward began to describe his contraption. It involved a series of wood beams that supported a layer of the large ratta leaves. The leaves would be covered with the sand that surrounded the caves. The trench that would surround the caves were planned to be about ten feet deep and six feet across. The beams would come next, followed by the next layers which would make it blend into the scenery.

The beam work and the thick ratta leaves would be able to support any rodents who might cross it and the crew could memorize safe pathways through the area. This would enable them to capture any pirates who did happen to pass safely across or to check on something in the caves if necessary. Richard believed that the idea would succeed, so he set the crew to work.

Every week Richard received a letter from both his wife and Sir Perry. Arthur’s letters usually contained information about the loss of sailors and the casualties of the pirates. Each letter for the past month and a half told of how close to victory the Teakans were getting, but Richard began to not care so much. He searched through the large pile of mail after each delivery until he found it, the letter from his beloved family.

Today it was on the top of the pile. A tear ran down Richard’s cheek as he read the letter in his cabin. It described Philip’s eighth birthday which Richard had missed because of the stupid war. A smile crept across his face as he read how his sons had done in school. Their grades are not perfect, of course, thought Richard, but they still make me proud of my boys.

Eleanor described how their finances were doing. They were all right, but she had begun to make quilts in case something happened. Richard was about to place the letter in his desk drawer with the others when something fell out. He picked it up and looked at it. The paper had a drawing of two boys holding bows and arrows. Philip and D’artanion had not forgotten Richard’s promise to help them with archery. Richard had that picture in his head when he went to sleep that night.

The rest of the traps were completed the next morning, which was sunny and bright. Richard checked the contraptions, all were in order. The sky had turned gray by the time Richard sat down to lunch and it was growing darker by the minute. Richard quickly finished and began to write a reply to his wife when a cry came down from the crow’s nest.

"Pirates! Pirates from the southeast!" was the sailor yelled. Richard opened the door to a crew preparing to fight. The sailors turned towards him for additional directions as he stepped calmly out.

"Send out a warning to the other ships, remember what we’ve practiced!" Richard shouted. "Man the cannons, be ready below! Where’s Robert Bly?"

"Watch the sails, men, it seems a storm’s abrewin’!" Robert shouted almost in reply. He stood right next to Richard as they watched the pirate ship come into firing range.

It seemed as if the pirates had not yet seen them through the pouring rains and roaring winds. The ship was heading in a path perpendicular to the Flounder’s, they were going to collide.

"Turn towards the island!" Richard ordered the man at the helm. As the Flounder began to change its course, a cannonball hit the water beside it. The pirate ship had spotted them. A rain of fire was sent towards the pirate ship as the Flounder fired back.

"Now!" Richard yelled. The fire was sent back and forth while the Flounder tried to keep the pirates at bay. The fighting went on until the Flounder began to sink.

The pirates sailed on, knowing that all would drown as the island was too far away to swim to. The pirates went deep into the island. Once all the pirates were gone, the sailors burst into laughter. The pirates had fallen for it and their plan had worked.

Richard had known that if he had just let the pirates get on the island, they would suspect something and watch their step. Richard also did not want to go into a large sea battle for he would lose too many men. Therefore, he had just made it appear that the Flounder was sinking by opening a small hole in the bottom of the ship. The ship was positioned directly over a coral reef and would not sink too far. He had also hid their new long boat that they had made from several trees from the island so that the pirates would not expect that they would be followed closely.

Richard took with him a large group of Ex-pirates and sailors. They landed on the island and began to slowly and noiselessly pull down the pirates who had already been caught. The pirates were worried more about their own safety that they did not pay much attention to the occasional capture of their comrades. When it finally sunk in that the island was booby-trapped, the pirates began to watch their steps, but did not save the unlucky ones. The small group that was left knew that they would be surrounded if they did not reach the cave in time.

The traps had been designed to catch those in the rear, so even when the others began to notice the disappearances, they were unable to help in anyway. Richard and his group stayed far back and cut down the captives. These were bound and gagged before they woke up. The group made sure to count how many were caught. Richard knew that there had not been more than fifty pirates because there had only been five long boats, Edward’s keen eyesight had made sure of that. They had captured almost thirty as the pirates neared the caves.

As the first fell into Edward’s trap, the others turned to fight. Richard barely had more men than the pirates because he had sent some men back with the captives. Swords were unsheathed and the real fighting began. The one who seemed to be the leader had short blond hair and a shaggy beard, but underneath was a face that Robert remembered immediately.

"See, I told you, George, that they’d attack, but you wouldn’t listen and now it’s too late," he said to the captain of the Marie.

"I knew you were a traitor, Bob," George coldly replied. As the pirates began to tire and grow very weak, they ran off. If they had not been fighting for the past two months, George knew that they would have won the battle. As it was, the pirates were too weak and jumped into a nearby long boat.

"I’ll get you Robert Bly!" George said as they paddled away. About one hundred yards from shore, the long boat began to sink and the pirates were knocked out from the potion left on the paddles and boat. That, too, had been a trap. The pirates had, in their rush, fallen for each and every trap.

"Richard, look!" someone yelled, distracting those who had been watching the longboat. Edward had been wounded in the fighting. Richard ripped off part of his own shirt to bandage Edward’s gash in his arm and the other is his leg. If any had been watching, they would have noticed a dripping wet and thoroughly exhausted pirate collapse hidden in some brush. The group carried Edward back to the ship. Michael saw him and cried:

"Send notice to his father of his injury. He won’t die, but it will be hard for him to work on any ships for a while. What?" He asked when he noticed the sailors and ex-pirates staring at him oddly.

"He has no parents, no family. They died in his village’s epidemic three springs ago," Nick Yemen said. "I’ll take him to Repee with me. Over the last few weeks, we’ve grown to be like father and son. I was going to tell him today, but the pirates came. Is he going to be okay?"

"Yes, I do believe he will. I’ll have to stitches together then he’ll have to wait until it heals to walk or do much activity so he won’t open them, but he’ll be okay. He’ll have the two scars for the rest of his life, though," Michael replied.

"Thank you, sir. I’m sure he won’t mind the battle scars much. He told me just yesterday that he wanted some way to impress the girls with his bravery after all this is over," Nick said, grinning.

During the next, another ship full of exhausted pirates arrived. The members of this crew fell for the reset traps as well as the first group had. Each were either captured or killed. Richard’s casualties remained low. Most of his crew was able to fight off the weakened pirates as the ex-pirates and sailors were fresh and well-rested. There were a few wounded, as can be expected. One of the worst was the ex-pirate Jim Williams who almost lost his arm. His Teakan friend, Clark Jeralds, gave up two nights of rest to keep pressure on the wound in order to save the hand and arm.

Edward’s gashes started to heal and Nick Yemen grew happier by the day. At the end of the week, Richard received word from Perry that all but three of the pirate ships had been destroyed and that Richard should look out for them. Three days later, one was sighted. The process was now very familiar to Richard’s crew and the mission was accomplished even faster than before. The captured pirates were sent with a group of Perry’s men and guarded all the way to prison. None of the messengers recognized the pirates. They were dressed as regular Teakans, wearing short breeches and long tunics. The colorful sashes were not discarded, but wrapped around the head, rather than the waist.

Their task completed, Richard told his men to get ready to go home. He knew the war was close to over and prepared to be relieved of his duties. It was with joy in his heart that Richard emptied his cabin’s desk of every letter his beloved family had written him from the beginning of the campaign.

The war had been very short if it could even be called a war. It had been more of a campaign as Perry had called it at first, and there had been many casualties. There were about 258 dead and another 372 wounded. Richard had been lucky. His crew had only faced weaken and staved pirates. Richard had 15 harmed and only two of those had been badly wounded. Each crew member was preparing to see his or her family and the loved ones that they had dearly missed. Bags were packed as the crew awaited the orders which would send them home. These came within a week.

Richard worked on a plan to get the ex-pirates safely to Repee. He finally decided to continue the deception he had used on Richard’s messengers. The pirate’s ship was renamed the HMS Angler and its crew hoisted a Teakan flag to fly under. The ex-pirates would sail up the Lesli River to Repee dressed as Teakan sailors coming home from war. The flag would keep them from being discovered, but once they reached the place where the Lesli River split from the Belle River, the pirates would soon be unable to sail further. It was at this place that the water became too shallow for their ship.

The long boats would take the pirates the rest of the way to Repee, paddling against the current. Richard arranged for the families of the pirates to take a ferry as close as it got to Repee. He would ship their belongings as well. Each pirate donated part of his or her share of the plunder hidden on Bear Island for the fare of the families and cargo. When each pirate had chipped in, Richard was sure that he had enough. Any of the leftover money would go to buying more Teakan clothing for the pirates.

The sailors and ex-pirates also received a share of the treasure found on the captured pirate ships. The treasure was so immense that a share could support a single man easily for the rest of his life. This would not happen as most of the crew was married with children and those that were not helped support their aging parent and/or siblings. The only one who did not have either was Edward and now he had Nick Yemen to act as his father. They would definitely live lavishly as they both had shares and were planning to start a small farm.

The crew members gladly packed their bags for they would keep in touch with all the friends they had made during the past two months. They were especially delighted to be seeing their families again. Richard was extremely happy to be with his darling wife and sons again. He would finally be able to help them with their archery practice, and this thought made tears run down his cheek.

***

Eleanor and her sons waited anxiously for Richard to come home. They had heard news that Sir Perry had declared the war over. The two boys, Philip and D’artanion, had the boys and arrows that they had received for their birthdays. D’artanion’s birthday had been the week after Richard had left. Outside by the barn the targets had been set up in the sun-lit meadow which was cropped short by the grazing cows. Six eyes watched the road eagerly as a figure approached carrying a burlap sack out of the morning fog.

"Why can’t I have my cake, Lady Claudia?" asked a small, blond girl in a tone like that of a diplomat. "It is my birthday and I’m famished. If you might be so kind as to pass me a small piece, please."

"I’m dreadfully sorry, princess, but you must fast before the coronation," Claudia replied sternly. "Really, Cynthianna, do you not remember what I told you this morning?"

"Yes, madam, I remember, but I thought that I might just be finished fasting now. I also do not believe that the rules and regulations for the Coronation ceremony state that a seven year-old girl may not have her birthday cake. Nor do I believe that it dictates that I am supposed to fast on a deserted beach." Cynthianna looked longingly at the cake in the carriage when Claudia glanced away. Early the day that morning as Cynthianna had been about to have a piece of her birthday cake, Claudia arrived and somehow convinced the nursemaid to let her take the princess.

"I do not like the look of this place," Cynthianna commented as she watched the carriage drive over a hill and out of sight. She detested the flat, sand and rocks covered beach which lay before her and the blue of the sea was so dull that it made her drowsy.

"Too bad, princess, because this will be your dying ground!’ Claudia shrieked. She laughed evilly as green flames streaked out of her fingers and were transformed into enormous eight-foot high fences which enclosed the beach. The wood of the fences criss-crossed diagonally. "I can’t touch you, but I can make you starve to death." Again the beach rang out with her evil cackle.

***

"Excuse me, Miss," came a voice from outside the door. The Princess’ nursemaid left her task of cleaning the princess’ room, opened the little window in the door and peeked out.

"Who’s there?" she inquired. The nursemaid saw a woman standing outside the door. Her curly blond hair was pulled back in a bun, barely controlled yet neat. Her blue eyes were calm and composed, as were the hands that held securely to a tan handbag. The woman wore a dull pink and white striped summer dress with lace at the collar and wrists. A tan pinafore was tied around her waist and laid smooth and unwrinkled.

"I have a message from the advisors. As your husband has returned from the war, they believe that you will have money to retired. My husband died just before spring and I need the money to take care of my two children. The advisors chose me as the princess’ new nursemaid. I have with me your bonus of 100 mites for the fabulous job you have done so far," replied the short blond woman who stood outside. The nursemaid still did not believe her. She had only been the nurse since the queen had become ill and did not know all the important figures yet.

"How do I know that you aren’t lyin’?" she asked suspiciously while looking the woman over.

"Here is a letter from the advisors to prove what I’m saying is true." The woman extracted and produced a sheet of paper and handed it through the window in the door to the nursemaid. It was exactly like the nursemaid had given to the nursemaid before her. She looked the woman over again. Oh, well, she thought, I guess I am getting a little tired of this job. Besides, I’ll finally have time to have children of my own.

"I be able to pack all my things by tomorrow," the nursemaid said, pulling back the latch and opening the door, "I guess you’ll want to know your duties. The princess needs to be awake by seven o’clock and…"

"I’ve received that information from the advisors. I know what things need to be done," the woman interrupted. "By the way, my name is Sarah Burns."

"I see, Sarah. My name is Alice Klitz," the nursemaid replied. "Here’s something the advisors do not know. Although she has all of these toys," Alice beckoned to the rows and rows of toys. "Princess Cynthianna prefers to read unless she thinks that you are not watching. It’s then that she likes to play with her dolls. The princess pretends that they are the little children that she sees playing outside her window. Poor girl, there is no one to play with her. The advisors won’t let her have a playmate. If only she had a sister." Alice looked over at Sarah and for a moment thought that she had seen a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "Any questions?"

"Um, yes, just one," Sarah said, gazing about. "Where is the princess?"

"Oh, well, uh. Lady Claudia Perry, you know, the advisor’s wife. Well, she came by around breakfast. Claudia said that it was time for Cynthianna to begin fasting for her coronation."

"They make children that young fast?" Sarah asked.

"Yes, I guess so," Alice replied, thinking. "Anyway, Claudia said that she would try to get the princess’ mind off it and would have her back tomorrow or the day after." Once again, an emotion flashed across Sarah’s face, but this time Alice did not notice.

"Well, I’ll be back tomorrow for my things. Goodbye! Take care of the little princess. Although she doesn’t always show it, she is only a child," Alice said, turning to leave.

"And should be able to act like one," Sarah muttered. Alice stopped abruptly at this.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Nothing, nothing at all," Sarah answered. "Goodbye." She smiled and waved until Alice shut the door behind herself. Then, the smile flipped into a frown. She walked to her left to open the window. Almost immediately, a bluebird flew in.

"Some one needs to look after her," Sarah said to no one in particular. "I hope Ryel is being alert, Claudia can not be trusted." Almost at once, the bluebird flew off.

***

"I know you haven’t eaten or drank since yesterday morning, but don’t you understand, that’s my plan. I don’t care if you are parched and ravenous, that going to happen if you are being starved to death. Bwahahahaha…"

There’s Claudia, going into another frenzied spurt of laughter, thought a groundhog by a nearby rock. He saw his friend Larry fly over the fence. That was the signal. This plan better work, for the girl’s sake, he thought as he scurried to the rock on which was sitting Cynthianna with her back to Claudia. The witch did not see him as he stood up on his rear paws.

"Hello, Princess." The princess turned to look at the speaker. "My name is Henry. My friend and I are going to help you. All you have to do is follow my instructions. See that blue bird by the fence on your right?" he asked. Cynthianna turned her head. "No, to your left." She turned her head the other way and nodded, very surprised that an animal was speaking to her.

"Yes, sir," she said, hoping that was the right way to address a hedgehog.

"Well, that’s my friend, Larry. Now I want you to follow him. If he flies up, climb the fence. Just stick your feet in the spaces in between the wood. Take your slip off first, the rustling might ruin the plan. Understand?" Cynthianna just nodded and carefully removed her ruffled slip.

"What about Claudia?" the girl asked.

"I’ll take care of her. You don’t need to worry," he told her. "Just go when I tell you to." He waited for the current spurt of laughter to subside. Claudia breathed deeply. "Ready…Go!" The princess raced up the fence in a zigzag pattern and Claudia’s cackle once again shook the beach. The bluebird flew upward in front of the girl as she struggled to scale the woodwork. Cynthianna had struggled halfway up the fence, when a green lightening bolt whizzed to burn hole through the wood directly in front of her. Claudia had realized the Princess was running away.

The main thought in Claudia’s mind was no longer having power and being queen, it was about how it would be like if someone discovered her magic. She would be blamed for any misfortunes that anyone had and, frankly, she could not stand that much complaining. Claudia lifted her arm again, this time sure that the bolt would hit its mark. She would succeed, hide the body, and no one could blame her for what a rogue Yeerish wizard had done. Claudia would win, Cynthianna could not tell, and she would be queen. Smiling at her definite success, Claudia lifted her right hand, prepared to release the magic.

***

Sarah, having straightened up the princess’ nursery, left to return to her home and her daughter’s Anna and Rachel. She hoped that Ryel Tyuel was prepared to help the princess if necessary and not be too late. She also hoped that her daughter would find the house alright. The bedroom was almost ready, the only things missing were the three dolls that Sarah had placed in her bag. The carriage stopped at a crossroads and she tipped the driver before setting out down to the left. The driver slipped the coins into a black purse he kept at his side and turned to the right.

Sarah walked down the road, which was filled with hills and dips. She felt the dolls bounce in her handbag as she walked swiftly along. The sun began to set behind her as she went over the last hill before her house. Sarah saw the neighbor boys run towards her. She might have assumed that her daughter had arrived, but they appeared too excited. They probably thought that she was someone else. The first to approach was D’artanion, the elder boy who loved horses and books. Not far behind came Philip, the more mischievous one. As D’artanion neared the top of the hill, he realized his mistake and slowed down.

"I’m sorry, I thought you were my father. I couldn’t make out your shape and he’s supposed to come home today," he apologized.

"It’s fine," Sarah insisted. "The mistake is understandable." She wondered if she should ask him if they had seen Anne, but decided not to, thinking that D’artanion would have already told her. Sarah said goodbye and walked to her house.

Philip and D’artanion walked back to their porch where their mother was waiting. Just as they reached it, the boys turned and raced back to a figure on top of the hill. They embraced him and Sarah knew that their father had returned. It was a very warm welcome Richard received from his sons. Sarah knew she and Anne would greet each other in much the same way.

***

Cynthianna raced upward and chanced a look at Claudia. From that very second, she regretted it. Claudia’s face was set in determination and Cynthianna was filled with the knowledge that Claudia would not miss this time. She braced her self against the fence against the certain impact as Claudia raised her hand. Henry knew it was time for him to act. He sprang into the air and landed on Claudia’s arm.

Henry bit down hard right before green light shot out. It caused a hole to Cynthianna’s right. The shock of the fire so close to her made Cynthianna freeze. It was not until the bluebird chirped at her that the princess could finally budge. Once on the other side of the fence, Cynthianna dropped and landed hard on the ground. Pain shot through her, but still she lifted herself up and ran.

Cynthianna ran faster than she ever thought possible on an empty stomach. She slowed only when she saw several houses, knowing that Cynthianna would not dare harm her now when someone could be watching. By then the terrain had become hilly and grassy. Cynthianna knew that she must find some of the palace guards and inform them of Claudia’s treachery. How dare she try to kill the princess!

As Cynthianna came near the house on the left, the pain, hunger, and weakness came back in one swift flood. She fainted and rolled down the hill she had just run over. On the way down, Cynthianna struck her head on a rock. She lay at the base of the hill unconscious on a bed of soft grass.

***

Sarah placed the dolls as a surprise on Anne’s bed. She went into the kitchen, pumped some water, and washed her hands. Rachel would come home from visiting one of her friends in the morning. Sarah began to hum to herself, wiping her hands on a towel, when she spotted someone behind her house. She opened the window, but still could not make out the figure. The only thing that she could distinguish was thick, blond curls.

Sarah rushed outside to take care of her daughter. Anne lay as the base of a hill, covered in blood with her clothes torn all over. Sarah lifted her up and realized that her head was bleeding. She set Anne carefully back down and ripped of a piece of the ragged dress to bandage the wound. Sarah brought her into the house and put her in a clean night gown after washing her wounds. She put Anne in her own bed and decided to stay up all night with her.

Anne woke up soon after and was greeted by a familiar face, her mother’s.

"Mom! You wouldn’t believe what happened…" she began.

"Hush. Here, eat this," Sarah said, holding out a bowl of vegetable soup. After eating the entire bowl, Anne went back to sleep.

"Open up!" shouted a voice from outside the Burns door. "Royal guards!" Sarah ran to her front door and opened it.

"Come in, come in," she told the blue-coated guards who she found on the other side of the door. "What’s the matter? What’s happened?"

"By the order of Ryel Tyuel, all houses in this vicinity must be searched and its occupants questioned," the leader told her.

"Yes, sir, go ahead, but why? What is it?" Sarah asked again.

"The Princess Cynthianna has been captured by gypsies from Yeer. Claudia had taken her to the North Beach to take her mind off the fasting. The princess had taken off her crown and left it in the carriage so that she could show Claudia her cartwheels. I guess the gypsies thought that she was fresh talent, knocked Claudia out, and kidnapped Princess Cynthianna. Because Claudia was unconscious, she did not see which direction the gypsies took. Have you seen a small blond girl with blue eyes or a band of gypsies?"

"No, I haven’t," Sarah said, obviously in shock. She led the guards to the back rooms. "Here’s the kitchen and the sunroom. The living room is here and across from it is my bedroom. Upstairs is my daughters’ room." The soldiers searched the tidy main room and the spotless kitchen. They were about to check the attic when they heard a small voice come from the main bedroom.

"Mommy?" called the voice of a little girl. "Where are you, mommy?" The guards watched Sarah go into the room and several whispers. She came out a while later and the noises of a slumbering child reached their ears.

"If you want to look around some more, go ahead, but one of my daughters, Anne, had an accident last night and is lying in my bedroom," Sarah told them. Seeing the officers’ reaction, she added, "Oh, you can still search the bedroom, just please don’t disturb her."

"How old is your daughter?" asked one of the guards.

"Seven," Sarah answered. "She was born around the same time as the princess. We found it quite…"

"Is Anne here yet? Where is she? You said that she’d come today." A child of around seven ran through the front door, banging the wall. The girl’s golden-brown hair coming loose from her tightly pinned braids enhanced her golden complexion as she set a bag on the floor in front of the open door excitedly.

"Yes, dear, she’s here, but she had and accident on the way," Sarah said. "She’s in my room, Rachel, but please be quiet."

"Don’t worry, mother I won’t wake her up." With this whispered reply, Rachel tiptoed to Sarah’s room and peaked in the door. A look of joy spread across the child’s face, then a thoughtful expression.

"When will Uncle Jack be here?" she asked.

"In time for dinner," Sarah answered with a smile. Rachel grinned back in contentment. She turned to the soldiers.

"Have you found the princess yet?" the little girl wondered.

"No, not yet little miss," one of the guards replied bending over to pat her head, "But we’re still looking."

"I hope you find her soon ‘cause my said that someday I might be able to meet her and I haven’t yet. Are you looking for her here?"

"Yes, the other soldiers and I are supposed to search every house."

"Well, you won’t find her here ‘cause I know what she looks like and I haven’t seen her. Our neighbor is a Royal Messenger and he met her once."

"How old are you, little miss?" asked the soldier, crouching down.

"Seven. Today’s my birthday and it’s also Anne’s. She stayed with my dad in the city until he died last spring. We had a friend take care of her there."

"I’m sorry about your father."

"It’s not that bad, I only saw him a few times when I was younger, so I don’t remember."

"Oh," the guard said, straightening his lank form. He turned to his companions who had finished searching while he spoke to the girl. "We’re finished here. Time to move onto the next house."

"Goodday," Rachel told him.

"Goodday, little miss. And thank you and your mother for your cooperation."

"You’re welcome," Sarah told him as she closed the door behind the soldiers.

"What’s cooperation?" Rachel asked, puzzled.

"It’s when you work together to get something done," her mother answered.

"Oh, I see," Rachel said. She turned and ran into Sarah’s room. She tiptoed up to the bed. "Are you awake, Anne?" she asked in a rather loud whisper.

"Yes," Anne whispered back, turning her head to see who was talking. This turned out to be rather difficult with the bandage on her head, but finally she succeeded and saw a face right in front of hers. The figure was kneeling and she closely resembled her mother. "Who are you?"

"My name is Rachel. You’re my sister," Rachel told her, trying to whisper.

"I always wanted a sister," Anne replied thoughtfully. "How old are you?"

"I turned seven today and so did you," Rachel exclaimed. "We’re twins."

"I always wanted a twin," Anne told her idly. "Where’s mom?"

"In the kitchen, making dinner. Uncle Jack’s coming over. He should be here soon," Rachel told her excitedly.

"Who’s Uncle Jack?" Anne asked.

"Our uncle, silly. He’s really funny and brings me presents. He has a scar on his cheek, but mommy says that we shouldn’t talk about it. He used to come with Aunt Ellie. She was really pretty and smiled all the time. She would come, too, but she died last fall and he’s really sad," Rachel rambled.

"Oh, I wish that I could have met her. She seems so nice. I bet Uncle Jack has a broken heart. I was with daddy when he died."

"I’m sorry," Rachel said. "What was he like?"

"I can’t remember much. When I try, my head hurts," Anne answered.

"I’m sorry," Rachel said again. A knock sounded at the door. "That must be Uncle Jack." She ran excitedly to the door of the room, then turned to her sister. Anne tried to sit up, but clenched her head.

"Are you okay?" Rachel asked, very concerned.

"Yes, just a little dizzy." Together the sisters walked to the main hall.

"Where’s my favorite niece?" asked the man who had just entered the house.

"Uncle Jack!" Rachel shouted as she raced to the man. He picked her up and swung the giggling girl around several times.

"Now, John," said Sarah as she closed the front door and walked over to Anne. "You have two favorite nieces now." She nudged her daughter forward with the palms of her hands. "Let introduce you to Anne. Anne, this is your Uncle Jack. Jack, this is Anne, your other niece."

Jack grinned and his grin made his cheeks wrinkle. They crinkled especially around his scar. He looked so silly that Anne had to giggle. Jack sat Rachel down and grinned again as he picked Anne up.

"What are you giggling at, young lady?" he teased with a larger smile as he swung Anne around like he to Rachel. She giggled some more.

Jack ate dinner with the Burns family. Anne began to feel like she fit in here, in this new place. She examined her uncle the entire time, fingering the locket around her neck. For some reason, she could not remember where it had come from or anything that had happened the last few weeks. It had somehow vanished from her memory since her head had been wounded. Anne puzzled over this for a couple of days, but her thoughts were interrupted.

It was early morning a few days after the incident and Anne sat on her bed, thinking and twisting the locket. Rachel was restless as usual, and watching Anne think was worse than watching grass grow, so when someone knocked on the door, she rushed downstairs. Rachel opened the door to admit two young boys. The eldest had light brown hair and deep, thoughtful blue eyes. The other’s hair was blond and his eyes lighter and restless.

"Hello," Rachel said, interested to meet some one new. These, she thought, were her neighbors, but she rarely saw them.

"Hello, I’m D’artanion," the eldest said politely. He nudged his brother who was holding a plate of something.

"These brownies are for you," his brother said, shoving the dessert into Rachel’s hands. "Can we go now?" he whispered impatiently to D’artanion, who pretended to ignore him.

"This is my brother Philip," he said instead. "May we come in?"

"Yes, of course," Rachel said. She may have only been seven, but she knew what was polite. Rachel heard footsteps on the stairs. Perhaps she had come down to investigate.

"Hello," Anne said, looking at the two boys.

"Anne, this is D’artanion and his brother, Philip," Rachel said, indicating them each in turn. "D’artanion, Philip, this is my sister, Anne."

"Nice to meet you," D’artanion told her. It was quiet for a while, Philip and Anne both sat, wanting something to happen, but for different reasons. D’artanion and Anne sat politely, trying to find conversation.

"Do you ride horses?" D’artanion asked suddenly.

"Yes," Anne answered. "I thoroughly enjoy it."

"Really?" D’artanion said excitedly. "We have several horses. Maybe you could come and ride sometime?"

"I would have to ask my mother," Anne replied. D’artanion and Anne began a conversation about Ecuadorians. Rachel did not find the topic that interesting, neither did Philip.

"Do you like to sword fight?" Rachel asked. She was somewhat tomboyish and wanted to learn.

"I love to," Philip said, forgetting that he did not want to be there. "I am especially good at left-handed forward thrusts. Do you want to learn?"

"Yes," Rachel said, thoroughly interested. "Can you teach me?"

"Of course," Philip said proudly.

It was decided that Anne and Rachel would have to visit the Choquettes the next day. At dinner, they asked their mother.

"Please," Anne pleaded. "They have horses and I haven’t ridden in months!"

"Please, mom," Rachel added. "Philip says that he’ll teach me sword fighting!"

"Swordsmanship," Sarah corrected. "I don’t know how safe that would be."

"We’re not going on ships, mother," Rachel said, "We’re fighting with wooded sword and padding!"

"Okay," Sarah gave in. "But only if Philip and D’artanion’s parents say that it’s fine."

"They did!" Anne burst out.

"They’re the ones who suggested it!" Rachel added.

"I doubt that teaching a girl to fight with a sword was their idea, but if they said it was okay with them and would supervise, then it is fine with me," Sarah said. She began to pick up the dishes and wash them. Anne and Rachel talked about how excited they were while they helped to dry.

The next day, Anne and Rachel were barely able to eat because of their anticipation. Their oatmeal remained almost untouched as they waited for the knock on the door.

Next door at the Choquettes’, Philip and D’artanion barely ate either because they were ready to spend the day with their new friends. They took a few bites of their toast, then rushed to the door.

"Where are you going?" their mother asked.

"To the neighbors. They’re coming over to play, remember?" D’artanion said.

"I remember, but why are you going over before they’ve even had a chance to finish their breakfast?" Eleanor asked.

"Because…ummm." D’artanion did not know.

"Well, maybe you should be more considerate of others," his mother told him.

"They’ve finished their breakfast!" Philip announced. "They’re waiting in their living room!" He moved away from the window and raced to the door. D’artanion followed.

Anne and Rachel answered the door almost before D’artanion and Philip knocked. Rachel had waited by the front window.

"Hello," D’artanion and Philip said as one.

"Good morning," Anne said, curtsying.

"Hello," Rachel said. "Ready to go?"

"Yes," Philip said. D’artanion and Anne walked slowly to the barn behind the Choquettes’ house. Philip led Rachel to an open field full of wildflowers. A creek ran down one side and three wooden swords and some padding had been stowed there the night before. Philip removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Rachel rolled up the short sleeves of her play dress, wrinkling what her mother had ironed that morning. The hem of the skirt was a little higher than her ankles, the reason Rachel had chosen this dress.

Philip began to explain the basics and Rachel caught on quickly. They went through a few thrusts and blocks that Richard had taught him. Rachel found it quite aggravating that Philip would use a tactic on her before he told her about it. She began inventing her own moves, but somehow Philip could block every one.

D’artanion saddled the horses with practiced ease. He helped Anne unto the horse. She had on a light blue riding dress and rode side saddle. D’artanion rode beside her and guided the horses towards the forest paths. He discovered that Anne had a passion for reading. She had read most of his favorite books and they conversed about their opinions on literature. After a time, they passed the field where Philip and Rachel were practicing sword tactics. Philip was evidently winning, forcing Rachel to give up ground.

"Do you surrender?" he asked as their swords locked.

"Never!" Rachel declared with a shove. Philip tumbled backwards into the creek. Anne and D’artanion broke out in laughter.

"Bravo! Bravo!" they cheered.

Anne and Rachel had to return home for dinner, but they would visit again the next day. Rachel fell asleep that night, picturing Philip as he fell into the creek over and over again.

Tears streamed down Anne’s face and an evil cackle filled her head. Fear gripped her and she could barely move. She knew that the end was near, but she was paralyzed. The next shot would hit her for sure.

A voice about her called her on, allowing her to break the spell that surrounded her, forcing her to be immobile. Anne climbed upwards. A shriek broke into her thoughts and Anne dropped. She ran, from what Anne was not sure, but she ran. She ran until she was sure that another step would be her last.

Anne did not look back, for fear of what she would see. Would it be a ferocious beast? A gigantic bird to pick her up and drop her thousands of feet?

Anne did not know, she could not. If she turned, it would reach and grab her. It was coming for her. Anne spotted shelter ahead of her and ran to that. Her feet slipped beneath her and she fell. Anne tumbled down and down…

Thump! Anne hit the bedroom floor in a cocoon of blankets. She clutched the silver locket which hung around her neck tightly. Sweat covered her face and back, the fear not leaving quickly as the memory which invoked it had. The only part of the dream she could remember was a flaming ball of green building and increasing, waiting to feed on her flesh.

Anne took a deep breath to calm herself. She looked around at the bedroom. She thought back to the other times in the past nine years that she dreamt the exact same dream. She opened the locket and saw her mother and her aunt smiling back at her, giving her courage. Anne took her sheets and blankets. It was too late now, the sun was rising and she would not be able to get back to sleep anyway. Anne dressed quickly and made her bed. She glanced over at her sister.

Rachel lay peacefully in her bed, unshaken by nightmares. It would be useless to wake Rachel to tell her the dream, she had heard it many times before. Besides, Rachel would be cranky for the rest of the day. Anne left her alone to sleep and snuck out of the room. A cock crowed and Anne flinched as Rachel tossed and turned as if she would wake up. Anne shook her head, something like that could not wake Rachel. Sometime it seemed as if a cannon would not burst into her sleep.

Fully dressed, Anne slipped down the stairs. She wore a rose pin-striped sun dress and her hair was pulled back into a bun. A few curls fell to frame her lovely face as she walked into the kitchen. She was not very hungry this morning and grabbed a small bun from the night before. Anne took the back door out so as not to wake her mother.

A strode slowly through the field behind her house heading for the Choquettes’ barn, the morning dew gather on her skirt. The bun slowly disappeared as Anne meandered through the glistening blades of grass. At last she reached the stables. Beauty, the horse that she usually rode, was already saddled, but there was no sign of D’artanion or his horse, Dragonfly. Anne mounted the horse and found a note attached to the pommel. It read:

Dearest Anne,

I have ridden ahead to prepare something. Please meet me at the babbling brook which you love so much.

Yours Sincerely,

D’artanion

Anne knew that there was some surprise waiting for her, and she loved surprises. Anne led her horse on at a slow trot. The sky above was clear and blue and the forest winds blew the leaves around in greeting. As Anne neared the spot mentioned by D’artanion, she heard the sound of pacing feet on rock. He was there, waiting for her. Anne dismounted and approached. She went around a bend in the trees, holding the reins of the horse.

"Anne," D’artanion said as he approached. He knelt down on one knee and held out a silver ring with an aquamarine. "Will you marry me?" he asked, hopefully. Anne smiled. She felt the wind blow her hair gently away from her face. Anne nodded.

"Yes, D’artanion," she told him. He looked up into her sparkling blue eyes and placed the ring on her finger. He stood and tied Beauty to a tree branch. Anne and D’artanion started down the path.

The two held hands and slowly strolled through the trees, enjoying the nature around them. Neither spoke, but they exchanged glances. Their eyes said more than words ever could. Anne sighed, leaning her head on D’artanion’s shoulder, no memory of the dream left to plague her thoughts.

Anne and D’artanion continued on, just as they had most mornings since they met. Each took comfort in the other’s presence, not much needed to be said as they were always in agreement. One might say that Anne and D’artanion were too perfect for each other, but in their opinion, there was no such thing as too perfect.

The morning was bright and cheerful as they walked through the trees, rays of sunlight striping the path. The breeze swept through, setting some of Anne’s blond locks free and blowing a few of D’artanion’s light brown hairs astray. He smiled and took a deep breath of the sweet spring air.

***

Rachel awoke to find that her sister was not with her in the room. She was not surprised, Anne had often risen before the sun to walk with D’artanion. Rachel did not like him much, he was too quite. Anne was quiet, too, so they seemed to belong together in their silence. Rachel, on the other hand, preferred to chatter and believed that silence is only a virtue when one is trying to sleep.

Rachel’s mother was busy in the kitchen, fixing eggs and toast over the fire place. Sarah was humming pleasantly while she turned their breakfast.

"Good morning," Sarah said joyfully. Rachel did not feel like being an early-riser today. She yawned and rubbed her eyes grouchily. Her light green sun dress was not buttoned properly and the hairbrush she had tried to force through her hair that morning was still there. Sarah giggled and meticulously removed the web of hair from the brush and detangled the golden brown locks. Rachel thanked her mother with a nod and half-open eyes.

Sarah removed the eggs and toast from the heat before beginning to rebutton the light green sundress. Rachel must have been awoken before she wanted to because otherwise she would be fully conscious by now. She set herself at the table. Sarah served the food and sat at one of the empty chairs. The food traveled slowly to Rachel’s mouth and was eaten without mishaps in spite of the lack of alertness Rachel showed.

After eating, Rachel returned to her room to wash her face in the basin beside her bed. Rachel splashed herself with more water from the dish and became more aware of her surroundings. She straightened the messy covers, yet it was not as neat as Anne’s bed across the room. Rachel rubbed her teeth clean with her tongue and index finger. She did not hurry downstairs, but leisurely strolled by the two pairs of windows on each wall.

The four windows opposite Anne’s bed revealed gently flowing hills covered with the colors of spring wildflowers and multiple shades of green. The light came from the area by the stairs and those on the opposite wall would reveal a gorgeous sunset that night. The windows opposite Rachel’s bed showed the Choquettes’ manor.

Rachel began to pass these as she had the others, but paused to examine the scene she saw from them. Anne and D’artanion were walking hand in hand back to the house. This was not that unusual except that Rachel detected a glint of sunshine from Anne’s left hand. She raced down the stairs and stopped before the door. She straightened herself and acted as if she had seen nothing. D’artanion knocked on the door and Rachel slowly went to the door to open it.

"Hello, D’artanion," she said smiling. "Thank you so much for returning my sister."

"’Tis not a pleasure," D’artanion replied. "Our walks are always too short."

"Perhaps you should wake earlier," Rachel answered. "Then you would be able to see the sun set as well as rise." D’artanion smiled. His soft, kind grin lightened his eyes. Rachel did not care much for it. His smile was too obvious and there was nothing mysterious behind those light blue eyes.

"Perhaps," D’artanion said thoughtfully. "Farewell, Anne." He and Anne exchanged glances. With another smile, D’artanion bowed and left. Rachel closed the door behind him.

"Congratulations," Rachel told her sister.

"On what?" Anne asked innocently.

"‘On what?’ What to you mean ‘on what?’" Rachel teased. "As if I hadn’t seen evidence on your finger." Anne smiled and fiddled with the ring.

"It is very beautiful, isn’t it," Anne replied. She admired it happily, playing with the way it bent the sunlight. Reflected rays danced across her thoughtful face.

"Yes, it is. When will you tell mother?"

"Tell mother what?" asked Sarah as she entered the room. A ray reached her eye. "Oh, darling." She rushed to Anne to gaze at the ring. Rachel tried to creep away before Sarah started it, but she was too late.

"Isn’t it wonderful, Rachel?" Sarah exclaimed. Rachel paused mid-step and turned towards her mother. "A daughter married, and to a family of status and respect, no less." Her daughter knew exactly what she had been referring to. Sarah had always supposed that Rachel would marry Philip since they had met. Rachel did not think so. Philip was too proud, but he was still a good friend.

"Yes, wonderful," Rachel replied, trying not to sound sarcastic. Anne blushed, embarrassed at so much attention. She had not noticed the hint that Sarah had given to Rachel, but instead lowered her gaze.

When Philip heard the news, he was not very surprised. D’artanion had told him of his plan weeks before. Several of D’artanion’s other friends had not heard, however, and had their own ideas.

"You should be saluted with a thousand guns," Charles Rodway declared. "For it takes real bravery to ask a true love for her hand in marriage!" Philip and Faral Perry laughed.

"I would ask my parents to come and grace the event, but they rarely listen to me anymore," Faral said sadly. "But I’m sure the event will be much more interesting without them there. Always talking of business and ruling and how to spend as much of the treasury as they can before the princess or queen returns."

"I would feel much happier if you came than if the princess herself decided to come," D’artanion replied, placing his hand over Faral shoulder. "How would like to be a groomsman?"

Preparations were begun the very next day after the Choquette’s had been informed of the engagement. Sir Perry and his wife, Claudia, were invited to the wedding as they were the Stewards of Teaka and would rule until either the queen returned or the princess was found. Amazingly, they had accepted.

White roses were selected for most of the decorations, and a beautiful chapel was selected for the ceremony. Glossy pink ribbons held together the bouquets and would be placed in the bride’s maids’ hair. Rachel, of course, was selected to be the Maid of Honor. She was also given the task of selecting the flowers for Anne’s bouquet. The afternoon before the wedding, Rachel traveled to the market of Hemmingway, a few miles southeast of her home.

The city bustled with activity, and gossip. Vendors lined both sides of the streets, the smooth flow of the booths breaking only to allow openings to ally ways. Signs above some carts boasted low prices and a vendor’s literacy, or lack there of. A cart full of flowers caught Rachel’s eyes. It contained chicory, candytuft, and foxglove. Although Rachel preferred wildflowers such as these, she knew that Anne liked roses and lilies. Rachel moved along the street, dodging through donkeys and her fellow buyers.

She finally caught sight of a vendor who was selling roses, lilies, and tulips. She moved to select enough to make a nice-sized bouquet. Several women were gossiping at a cart nearby.

"Sir Perry and Lady Claudia won’t be in control much longer," said one.

"How do you know?" asked another.

"Well," said the first, motioning the others to lean in closer. "I ‘eard that the princess is still alive. And…this year she’ll turn sixteen, in a week or less." Rachel’s interest peaked. The princess is still alive? She leaned in to listen.

"So?" asked the third.

""aven’t you ‘eard the legends? The Captain of the Guards can locate in what general area she’s in. All o’ them can do it. It’s because of the stone."

"The stone?" asked the second, speaking Rachel’s exact question.

"Yes, the magic stone that was brought over from Yeer. I’ve ‘eard say that all these years, Ryel Tyuel has been sensing the princess, right in this area."

"No," the two other women gasped.

"Yes, and that she ‘as been very ‘appy the ‘ole time she was there," the first woman said, happy to have enthralled such an audience. "And…my ‘usband, who is a guard at the palace as you well know, overheard Ryel tell Lady Claudia that the princess would be married tomorrow. And Claudia, she said that she’d make sure to be there. I think she’s up to something, but Ryel didn’t suspect ‘cuz ‘e’s been looking for the princess for almost nine years."

But Claudia’s going to Anne’s wedding! Rachel thought, How can she be in two places at the same time? Her attention traveled back to the three women, but they had walked down the street. Something suddenly made sense inside Rachel’s brain. Her mother telling her that she would meet the princess someday, all the time that Sarah Burns had been away from home, and her father dying in the early spring all matched with the life of the princess. Anne even came home the day the princess disappeared. But, could this be true? Was Anne really the lost princess Cynthianna? And if it was true, how did Claudia know?

These thoughts continued flowing through Rachel’s brain as she walked home, bouquet in hand. She passed by fields of wildflowers, but moss verbena, and scarlet sage remained unnoticed. Is Anne really the princess? And if she is, how will we prove it? The guards won’t let just anyone in to see Ryel Tyuel. The doors are guarded and the windows locked. Rachel stopped and stared ahead as if the answer was right in front of her.

Locked…the locket! The thought practically screamed itself in Rachel’s head. Anne could not remember who gave her the locket, yet it contained of picture of their mother and aunt. Perhaps there was something in the locket that could help. She began to run to the Choquette’s manor, careful not to drop any of the flowers for the bouquet.

At the manor, Richard was directing the preparation for that night’s banquet. All the wedding party to would be there, as well as Sir Perry and Lady Claudia. Pig, ham, and chicken would be served with delicacies such as mangos and pineapple. Rum and whiskey had been bought from the most recent Yeerish merchant in Menling and red wine from Piarre.

Musicians and minstrels were hired to entertain the guests and were arriving right as Rachel returned. She was ushered to change her clothes before the guests arrived and she could not find her mother. Rachel put on a light green dress made of silk. She hated silk, but she did not wish to hurt her sister’s feelings by refusing. A maid did her hair in a mass of curls pulled back with a light green ribbon. Rachel finally found her mother directing the servants with Mrs. Choquette.

"Mother," she began.

"Ellen, tell the cook to serve the fruit before the yams and Josephine, tell the man with the alcohol to make sure to serve the white wine to those with the ham and red to those who choose the pig, or is it the other way around?" Sarah turned to her daughter. "I’m a little busy right now, Rachel."

"But it’s important!" she protested.

"Can it wait until after the banquet?" Sarah asked in return. She sent a maid to make sure that Anne’s hair was done properly.

"I guess, but…"

"Then I’ll talk to you then," was Sarah’s reply and she turned to check on the doormen.

"Oh, well," said Rachel as she turned to the window. Some guests were already beginning to arrive. Strange enough, Uncle Jack had not been invited to attend, but would visit shortly the next morning to wish Anne luck. Uncle Jack had never even met D’artanion or any of the Choquettes. That’s because Uncle Jack is not Uncle Jack, said a voice in Rachel’s head, he’s your uncle, yes, but the princess’ uncle is the Marquis John d`Fayot who Richard Choquette has met.

It all made sense to Rachel. She pondered it all as she greeted the guests and the feast began. And what a feast it was. Jugglers performed amazing feats and clowns made the crowd burst into laughter. The food was delicious, but one of the most interesting attractions was a one-armed bard named Jim Williams who sang a ballad to Richard Choquette.

His clear voice rang over the crowd:

As the last few lines were finished, Sarah took Anne and Rachel aside and down a back hallway. As they left, they heard Richard exclaim with a laugh:

"I’ve never heard him sing it like that before, you’d suppose I’ve got booby traps planted all over the manor." Just then, a guest who had dared to open a door that had not been open during the feast flew into the air with his leg tied to a rope. The crowd burst into laughter.

"I guess I forgot about that one," Richard mumbled. Sarah, Anne, and Rachel continued on until the noises of the feast disappeared. They stopped outside where Uncle Jack was waiting.

"Mom?" Anne asked, confused. She had no idea of what was going on, but Rachel did.

"Can I explain, Margreete?" Uncle Jack asked. Anne looked for who he walking asking, but then realized he was talking to Sarah.

"Yes, you may, John," Sarah replied. Anne found this confusing, but Rachel found that it confirmed her suspicions.

"Uncle Jack?" Rachel asked her uncle before he could speak. "Are you really the Marquis John d`Fayot?"

"Yes," he said, surprised that she could have discovered it.

"And Anne is Princess Cynthianna and mother is Queen Margreete," Rachel said. Anne stared at her, dumbfounded.

"Right," the Marquis affirmed.

"Then we need to watch out for Lady Claudia because she knows the secret," Rachel told the group.

"Wait," Anne said, trying to figure out what everything meant.

"Why do we need to avoid Claudia?" John asked, ignoring Anne.

"Because she wants to have the throne and can only do that by killing the princess." Everyone turned. Claudia was walking towards them on the lawn, followed closely by Arthur. "And I shall do that now."

Claudia raised her hand and knocked the Marquis, Rachel, and the queen to the sides. Rachel and the queen were knocked to the left of Anne, while John fell to her right. Walls of green fire flew up between Anne and her family. More flames connected the walls in a half circle behind her. Claudia lowered her hand and walked closer. As she neared, her arm rose again and green fire built up in around it. Memories of the last time she saw this fire flooded Anne’s mind. Sweat appeared on Claudia’s brow and the fire was released. Anne had nowhere to turn.

The Marquis felt helpless. He was going to lose another loved one and once again there was nothing he could do, or was there? John took a few steps back as he watched Claudia approach Anne. She braced to release the flames and the Marquis took off. He launched into the wall shoulder first, but it disappeared in a flash of gold sparks. John landed in front of the princess as the flames reached her. The flames hit him as if hitting a boundary of golden light. Anne bent over his body with horror.

"That was really stupid of your uncle," Claudia told her. "He gave up his life for nothing." The fire built up around her hand a second time. Her face suddenly changed from cynical happiness to surprise. She fell and her face hit the ground, a knife protruding from her back. A small bolt of flames escaped from a finger and hit Anne. She fell backward due to the impact.

Behind the spot where Claudia had been standing stood Arthur and Faral. Green smoke left Arthur’s eyes. He looked at his wife’s body, then at Faral.

"What happened to my wife?" he asked, the clear blue eyes showing his puzzlement. He turned to Faral. "And who are you?"

"I am your son, Faral," he answered.

"You can not be, my son was this high," Arthur held his hand at mid-chest. "And, he was only eight." Revelation flashed across his face, the years under Claudia’s spell flowing back into his memory. "Oh my goodness, I am so sorry." He looked into Faral’s eyes. "I haven’t been a good father, have I?"

"It’s not your fault," Faral said, pulling his father into a hug. "Claudia made you do it. You were the best father a boy could ask for and then you suddenly changed. It wasn’t until I came looking for you and overheard what Claudia said that I realized why. I knew then what I had to do."

"Is that your knife?" Arthur asked, pointing to the protruding weapon.

"Yes," Faral answered with pride. "It is the one you bought me for my seventh birthday. I kept it with me always to remember what it had been like."

"Where is she?" An old, stout man asked.

"Captain Tyuel!" Arthur said in shock. "What are you doing here?"

"I know the princess is here and is in trouble. Where is she?" he repeated.

"Over here," Rachel and Margreete said at once. Rachel had Anne’s head on her lap, and was brushing the hair from her sister’s face. Tears glistened on her cheeks. Margreete was listening to Anne’s breathing.

"She’s still breathing," she told the guard.

"I know," Ryel answered. He bent over the princess and put his hands around hers.

"Will she live?" Margreete asked.

"I’m not sure, Your Highness," he answered. "This was dark magic."

"I know," said a mystical voice. Everyone turned to look for the speaker. A ball of golden light appeared beside the Marquis’ body. The ball’s colors swirled and increased in size.

"Allow me to introduce myself," said a figure that appeared in the glistening orb. "I am Celeste and the guardian of this kingdom. Your friend here," she gestured to the Marquis, "Will wake in a few hours. I used him to take my shield to the princess. His body could barely hold the amount of power required for reflecting the flames and he passed out."

"And my daughter?" Margreete asked. She took a small step towards the figure.

"She will live, unconscious, for two years. If in those years, her sister does not retrieve the gem called the "Tear of the Moon" from deep within the forest of dreams, she will die," replied the apparition.

"Can you do nothing?" asked D’artanion. He had run out searching for his wife-to be and had seen much of the event. He was too late and the light faded. D’artanion helped Ryel to bring Anne and John inside. None of the guests noticed anything for the Choquette Manor included some hidden passageways. Anne was placed in a spare bedroom and Margreete stayed by her side. D’artanion remained there with her.

Rachel paced back and forth in the hall outside the room. A carpet stretched its length and Rachel was beginning to wear it out when D’artanion came to see her.

"Have you decided?" he asked.

"Whether or not to go?" D’artanion nodded. "Not yet." He remained silent for a time.

"I don’t see what would make this decision difficult," he said at last, rising his voice with every word. "It’s your sister’s life at stake, you do realize that." Rachel nodded, afraid. She had never seen D’artanion so angry before. "Can you go through the rest of your life with Anne dead and the knowledge that you could have done something to prevent it?"

"What can I do? How can I prevent it?" Rachel asked.

"Go after the gem!" D’artanion practically screamed. Seeing Rachel’s fear, he calmed down. "I sorry to have yelled at you, but I love Anne. When you fall in love, which I’m sure you will, you’ll understand how I feel, why I need her with me." He turned and reentered the spare bedroom.

Rachel heard an exclamation from the other bedroom. John had awakened. She rushed to his side.

"What’s the matter?" she asked.

"Elli, I saw Elli. She was standing, right where you and she said the most amazing thing," he said, staring blankly as if he could still picture her there. He finally turned to Rachel. "What happened?"

"Well," Rachel began. She explained everything to him.

"I see," John said thoughtfully.

"What should I do?" Rachel asked.

"What your heart tells you," John replied.

"But how do I know what it’s saying?"

"Listen," John told her. "Now if you don’t mind, a nap might be nice." He yawned and turned over. Rachel left the room. Her mother was waiting outside for her.

"I don’t know what D’artanion told you, but you’re not going. I’ve already lost one daughter and I’m not losing the other," she said firmly.

"But.." Rachel argued.

"No but’s, Rachel, you’re not going to get yourself killed and that’s final." Margreete turned on her toes and reentered Anne’s room. D’artanion was sent out and told to go to bed. Rachel, who was given a room next to D’artanion’s heard him continually pace back and forth. Her pacing fell in step with his. Finally, Rachel made up her mind. She walked out into the dimmed hall and knocked on D’artanion’s door.

"Come in," he said. He turned as he entered.

"Has Richard been told yet?" asked Rachel.

"Yes," answered D’artanion. "I went in to tell him, but he said that he had to stay with the guests. That’s not the real reason you came, is it?"

"No," Rachel replied, fiddling with her skirt. "I came because I made my decision."

"And?"

"And I need to know the quickest way to the Forest of Dreams," Rachel said, lifting her head. D’artanion’s lips curled into a slight smile.

"I can help you there. There is a black mare in the stables that you can borrow," D’artanion told her. "Follow the Lesli River towards its source. You will arrive at a plantation called Repee. It is a settlement of retired pirates…"

"Pirates!" Rachel gasped.

"These pirates helped my father nine years ago. And I believe that I can trust you enough to tell you that my grandmother was a pirate and my great-uncle is still. He resides also in Repee. When you get there, ask for Robert Bly and say that D’artanion Choquette sent you."

"Al…alright," Rachel said nervously. "Farewell, D’artanion. And do not tell my mother where I’ve gone, just that I have."

"I will. And don’t tell Philip about it, he doesn’t know. My father decided that since he did not respect pirate culture that he could not find out about Repee," answered D’artanion. "Good luck and farewell!"

Rachel left D’artanion’s room and headed home to pack. Looking around her room, she thought of all the conversations that she had had with Anne. She looked out the window and thought of how she had discovered Anne’s engagement. It seemed like years before, yet it had only been weeks.

A few dresses were placed in a pack as well as some day-old buns, cheese, and ham. Coins Rachel had earned by selling some embroidery were placed in a hidden pocket that she had stitched in. Rachel crept carefully to the stables and found the horse that D’artanion had mentioned. She was beautiful with a white star on her forehead and would blend in with the night. Rachel saddled her and led her out of the door to the stables. She could hear the noises of the feast echo through the trees.

Rachel spent the night riding south to find the Lesli River, stopping every few miles to rest her horse. By morning, she had found the river and traveled five miles down its length. She rested and ate the provisions she had packed. That afternoon she rest in a field by a sparkling stream. She awoke a few hours later and rode several miles before the sun set. She bought a breakfast of rolls from a vendor at a village marketplace. Her lunch was some fish from a fisherman she passed as well as a handful of wild raspberries. For dinner, Rachel ate some leftover fish and a sweet roll she could not help buying from a baker’s shop. That night, she was able to find cover under two willow trees that had grown together.

The sunlight woke her the next morning, but she could not find her horse. In a nearby field, Rachel spotted the black mare that came as soon as she saw her rider. Evidently, the knot she had tied in the rope the night before had come undone. She would have to make sure the knot was secure each following night.

Rachel continued onward, making good progress everyday. Buying more food in villages she passed and sleeping in tree groves, Rachel reached Belleis as the sun set on the fourth day. She took a ferry across the river and discovered that her coins might not last until she reached Repee.

Rachel tried to spend less on food to make sure that she had enough, but her stomach began to chastise her. After lunch on the third day after leaving Belleis, Rachel’s money was gone. She hoped that she would reach Repee that night or early the next morning. She did not want to beg for her food.

As night fell, the trees became so thick that everything that Rachel saw appeared to have a gray tinge to it. The horse began to tire so Rachel dismounted and lead her through the woods. A crescent moon hung low in the sky making the dusk seem darker that usual. Rachel began to look for a good place to camp and maybe some berries. Her stomach rumbled with hunger and her feet ached with fatigue.

Her legs became weak, but no clearing was in sight. Rachel trudged on, pondering how she would get her breakfast in the morning. She was very tired because she slept and rose with the sun and as it was early summer, the days were longer and the nights were shorter. Finally, Rachel found it, a clearing. In just a few steps, she would be out of the woods. Her right foot hit something and she drew it back quickly.

A rope flew up into the air inches from her face. Rachel was frozen with fright. Somewhere, bells rang and an alarm sounded. She walked cautiously forward, watching for any more booby traps. Rachel passed five without setting them off. After much care, she reached the clearing to see three figures approach. Great, she thought, these better be some of the pirates.

As the shadows drew near, Rachel was able to make out tunics and breeches. Around their waists were sashes of some sort and all three wore hats with feathers sticking out. On further inspection, Rachel realized that the one on the far right was a woman. The person in the middle continued on and the two on the sides moved to surround Rachel.

"My, my, what have we here?" asked a lively, old voice.

"I…uh…I’m here t-to t-talk t-to Robert Bly," Rachel stuttered.

"You are," said the man on her left with a laugh.

"Hush, Nick," the first man said to the second. He turned back to Rachel. "Who sends you?"

"D’artanion Choquette," Rachel answered. She looked at the three figures nervously.

"I see," said the first man. "Well, I’m Robert Bly and I’ll see if I can help you, Miss…"

"Burns, Rachel Burns," she told him. She was not sure if she could trust him with her true identity, but that she would decide later.

"Well, Miss Burns, if you come with us, I’m sure I’ll be able to listen to whatever it is you need to say," Robert told her, turning. She nodded and followed him, handing the reins to the woman. She and the man followed closely to either side of her and Rachel knew that she was being escorted. To where, she knew not.

The woman removed a blindfold from her pocket. Rachel did not protest, even though it fit tightly around her face. She walked blindly towards an unknown destination. Occasionally, Rachel felt tugs on her arms to guide her around unseen obstacles. She heard the crunching of dry prairie grass under her feet, then the sound of a bubbling stream. She slipped more than once on a pebble path. Rachel’s escort simply lifted her up and they went on.

Rachel’s feet began to ache terribly, but still they trudged on. The sound of her footsteps on compacted dirt alerted her of their arrival at a camp of some sort. She could see a faint light through the blindfold. Thoughts of what to say ran through Rachel’s mind.

"There’s a stair," the woman’s voice told her. Just then, the top of her foot hit a piece of wood. "I told you." Rachel stepped up and into a room. The blindfold was removed and the door closed behind. Rachel blinked and her eyes began to get used to the light. The figure in front of her was mostly a blur, but his outline gradually became clear.

The figure was a man, the leader of the group who had brought her to the camp. His appearance was much clearer than it had been in the dark. His face was wrinkled with age and sadness. There was something about his sloped nose that reminded Rachel of Philip. D’artanion had said something about Robert Bly being a relation of his. Perhaps the man was telling the truth.

"Well, Miss Burns, you said you wanted to speak with me." Robert looked at her, anxious to hear news of his great nephew.

"Yes, I…uh…," Rachel swallowed. "I’m a friend of D’artanion and Philip, and I don’t know how to put this. You see, D’artanion became engaged to my sister, Anne, and…" She glanced uneasily to the other two pirates in the room. Robert noticed her look.

"Donna, Dan, I think that the miss might want to talk to me alone," he told them. The two nodded and left. Robert turned back to Rachel. "So D’artanion is going to get married. Fancy that."

"He was, Mr. Bly, but there was a problem." Rachel saw his smile fade.

"What kind of problem?" Robert inquired. He became a bit nervous, hoping that D’artanion was not hurt.

"Well, the night before the wedding, we held a large feast to celebrate. I found out that day that my sister Anne, she’s…she’s…" Rachel still was not sure if she could trust him.

"She’s what?" Robert asked impatiently. Rachel decided that telling him could not make it worse.

"She’s the missing princess. And this power-hungry noble, Lady Claudia, who’s really a sorceress, found out, too. She came and almost killed my uncle, the Marquis, and then Faral stabbed her in the back, and her husband, Sir Arthur, came out of this trace, but Claudia was not quite dead and some magic hit Anne, and now I have to find this gem or she’ll die…" Rachel said frantically.

"Woo, slow down. So your sister’s the princess and your uncle’s the Marquis, right?" Anne nodded. "Okay, and what’s all this about a crazy magic lady?" Rachel took a deep breath and explained the whole story to Robert. He listened intently and interrupted a few times to ask her to explain things more in depth. By the time Rachel was finished, the sun was preparing to rise. Rachel yawned.

"You look tired," Robert commenting, pausing briefly from his thought. "You should go to bed.

"I have been up the whole night," Rachel agreed. She yawned again.

"I believe that Ellen Conry might have an extra room for you to use," Robert’s thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in."

A short, black-haired woman came in carrying a tray of cheese, buns and ham. She seemed a friendly sort, ready to gossip, when she saw Rachel.

"Oh, who do we have here?" She shifted the tray to her left hand and arm.

"Ellen," Robert said, pleasantly surprised. "I was just talking about you. This is Rachel Burns, a friend of D’artanion’s."

"I see," Ellen said, smiling at Rachel. She offered her hand. "I’m Ellen Conry. Wonderful to have your acquaintance."

"The same to you," said Rachel, smiling back. She was not sure what to make of this woman, but her hazel eyes were very friendly.

"I was thinking that she might be able to stay with you for the time that she’ll be with us," Robert told her, taking a morsel of cheese. Ellen continued smiling and nodded.

"That’s a wonderful idea, I have a gorgeous room that would be just perfect. It used to my daughter’s but she got married about a month ago and it’s just been sitting empty. It’s very quaint." Rachel nodded, wondering what had happened to her horse and saddle bags. "How far have you traveled?" Rachel looked up.

"From a village a few miles south of Greensthorpe," Rachel answered.

"My goodness, you must be hungry!" Ellen exclaimed. She offered Rachel the tray, moving it out of Robert’s reach as he reached for another piece of cheese.

"That is a very long distance," Robert commented, moving so that he could easily reach the try. "A fair distance indeed."

Having finished half of the very large tray, Rachel followed Ellen to her house. It was a short distance away. She was not sure if it was her tired eyes of the fact it was almost that made everything seem hazy. She saw wooden houses all around her, but her curiosity was repressed by her fatigued state. Ellen showed her to the bedroom, chattering all the way. Rachel’s weary brain comprehended very little of it and as soon as Ellen left the room, she collapsed onto the bed and immediately fell asleep.

Rachel awoke to find the day almost over. She looked around the room she had been placed in. The bed that she sat on had the door on its right and two windows on its left. There were oak nightstands on either side of the pine bed. The room was painted a light violet and the bedspread depicted a field of lilacs and lavender.

It was about three in the afternoon and her stomach rumbled to alert her that it was if need of nourishment. This was quickly brought to her by Ellen. She knocked on the door, then entered before Rachel could reply. She was carrying another tray.

"I thought that you would be up," she said. She began chattering about the weather and what a shock it had been to have the signal go off and have it be a real person. She set the tray on a night stand by the bed and straightened the red and blue-checkered dress that covered her plump frame.

"Usually it’s some poor animal," Ellen said, untying her white lace apron. "Like a fox or rabbit. Robert and Dan have been trying to fix the traps so that small animals can’t set them off, but somehow the silly creatures get themselves trapped." She began to hum a tune that Rachel did not recognize.

"How long have you been here?" Rachel asked. "I mean, how long has this settlement been here?"

"About nine years," Ellen said, thoughtfully. "We came over after the war against the stupid ones was over."

"The stupid ones?" Rachel interrupted.

"Yes, the stupid pirates who wouldn’t listen to Robert when he said the Teakans were going to attack. He figured it would be best to help Richard out and then settle down here in Repee." Ellen explained the whole affair, exaggerating the stupidity of the other pirates who had become drunk. Rachel listened intently, nibbling on cheese and ham. She spoke to Ellen about the pirates and she seemed eager to share her knowledge.

Rachel offered to help Ellen since she was so kind to let her stay. At first, Ellen refused, but when Rachel insisted, she was allowed to help with the laundry. Rachel spent the afternoon helping Ellen with the household chores and chatting about various things. She noticed that Ellen especially loved to talk about her daughter, Jane.

"So, your daughter was recently married?" asked Rachel while kneading some bread dough. Ellen nodded.

"Yes, she was very happy and her husband, Ted, is a very handsome man," Ellen replied.

"My sister’s fiancé was very handsome, too, D’artanion. It was the night before the wedding when it happened," Rachel told her, sadly.

"What happened?" asked Ellen curiously. Rachel just shook her head sadly. Ellen decided to change the topic. "So, there’s a feast tonight."

"Really?" asked Rachel, her face lightening up.

"Yes, to celebrate the anniversary of the move to Repee. They’ll be lots of food and some young pirates about your age," Ellen hinted. Rachel smiled, forgetting briefly about her sister. She wondered what she should wear. My bags! Rachel thought suddenly.

"Um, Ellen?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know what they did with my saddle bags?" Rachel asked. Ellen paused her kneading briefly in thought.

"I think that you horse is in the north stables, so I’d say that your bags should be there as well."

"Thanks," Rachel told her. "Could you tell me how to get there?"

"Oh, you don’t have to go and get them," Ellen replied, understanding what Rachel wanted to do. Rachel sighed inwardly. "I can get some one to bring them here. Perhaps little John might do it. Wait here." She left the room and Rachel looked out the window. Ellen approached a little boy and gave him a coin and instructions. He nodded, smiling, and ran off as fast as he could go.

He returned fifteen minutes later with the familiar packs. Ellen slipped the boy another coin and carried the bags for Rachel back to her bedroom. Rachel removed a wrinkled light green sundress from one of the packs. She examined it in dismay to find several spots on it from her journey.

"Oh, I can take care of that," Ellen told Rachel, seeing the distress on her face. "Journeys can be difficult, especially those through shrubs and bushes. I’ve seen worse than this."

"Really?" asked Rachel hopefully. "You can fix it?"

"Of course!" Ellen exclaimed. She took the dress and two others with her as she turned to the door. "I’ll have these fixed and you can take a bath. There’s a tub through that door." Ellen nodded to a door across the hall from Rachel’s room. "And there’s some hot water over the fireplace in the kitchen. Journeys are hard on the body and it feels nice to take a warm bath afterward." She left with the dress, humming the song again.

The bath felt wonderful. The heat seemed to burn away the wear of her travel and left Rachel feeling refreshed. She quickly dried herself off and redressed. Rachel was clean and relaxed, a perfect combination for going to a feast. The sky had begun to darken when Ellen returned with the dress in hand. It was stain-free and unwrinkled.

Ellen helped Rachel to slide into the sundress. They sat together in front of the kitchen fireplace so that Rachel could dry her hair. Ellen helped her to curl a few sections and gave Rachel a circlet woven with lavender. Rachel looked beautiful, but she felt horrible. She was about to go to a feast and Anne was lying in a bed unconscious with little hope of ever waking. Rachel did know, however, that she was powerless until Robert decided whether to help her or not.

Rachel gave an inner shrug. She had to go to the feast or the pirates might think that she did not want their company. Rachel did not want to insult them, but she was very nervous. She did not know a single person very well, not even Ellen. The idea of having no one to talk made Rachel cringe. She did not know if she could through with it.

Ellen could sense how Rachel was feeling and urged her to go if only to relax before her next journey. Rachel eventually gave in and as the night fell, she and Ellen headed towards a large bonfire. There were tables set out covered with various dishes and casseroles. There were several different soups in large cauldrons and bowls of fruits and vegetables. Cakes and rolls had a table to themselves, devoted purely to deserts. Rachel selected some food at Ellen’s direction and sat on one of the many chairs facing the bonfire.

"Well, hello Ellen!" exclaimed a voice. A tall, plump woman approached Ellen and ushered her off to some unknown destination. Rachel was left to examine the crowd.

Most of the males wore high-waist pants and tunics tied with multicolored sashes. Rachel sipped her beef and vegetable soup, admiring the various shades. Many of the men also wore broad hats with feathers to match their amazing sashes. One man in particular attracted Rachel’s eye.

Rachel examined the man across the fire from her. His brown-black hair was cropped close to his rounded oval head, leaving nothing in the way of his face. The man was still quite young and no facial hair was apparent on his high cheekbones. His deep brown eyes flashed as he glanced at her. Rachel bent her head down to see her beef soup, pretending she had not been staring. It felt warm on her lap and the mix of scents traveled up to her nose.

Rachel glanced up to look at the man again, but his seat was vacant. She raised her head and looked around, but there was no sight of him. Rachel looked down at her soup again and saw a shadow fall over it. She looked up to the firm, muscular physique of a man. Black pants were tied with a green sash and a white tunic was buttoned two thirds the way up. She looked upwards to see the face she had recently been contemplating.

"Hello," said a soft, deep voice. "Are you new here? I haven’t seen you before ." Rachel stood up and sat her soup on her seat.

"Yes, I just arrived last night," Rachel answered. She looked at the man curiously. His face was calm and there was a mysterious something hidden behind his eyes. The man had no compulsive behaviors, his hands fell not fidgeting at his side: he stood straight with his feet firmly planted.

"Oh, I’m sorry," the man said, seeing Rachel’s look. "I haven’t introduced myself, I’m Richard By."

"Hello, my name’s Rachel," she answered, she blushed as Richard bent to kiss her hand. His hand gripped hers gently, but firmly and his lips felt smooth as they brushed her skin. He gazed up, his eyebrows rising slightly, then straightened to his full height.

"Nice to meet you, Rachel." Rachel watched the way he pronounced her name and wished that he would say it again in his soft tone. He studied Rachel, her hair, her face, the curious and bright green eyes. "So you’re the one who caused the bit of commotion when I was trying to sleep."

"I’m sorry if I disturbed you," Rachel said, lowering her gaze. "You see, I didn’t know exactly what D’artanion was talking about when he was telling me how to get here, and I tripped over something, but caught myself before I fell and a trap flew into the air and the next thing I knew, three dark figures were approaching and I thought they were going to kill me and then I had to explain everything to them and…" Rachel glanced up at Richard to see his reaction. She had started to ramble because she was nervous, but he was listening intently. His deep brown eyes were looking at her in an amused sort of way and his lips had curled up into boyish grin.

At the sight of those sparkling brown eyes and the gorgeous grin, Rachel looked down again and felt a tinge of heat on her cheeks. She glanced back up at the handsome face and tried to gain control of herself. Richard’s face was comforting and Rachel relaxed. She could not help it and smiled back.

"Would you like to sit down?" Rachel asked. He nodded. Rachel removed the soup from her chair and set it on the ground. "So how long have you lived here?’

"Since I was ten," came the reply. "I live with my grandfather. My parents died in an epidemic."

"I’m so sorry," Rachel told him. "My father died when I was six."

"Really?" asked Richard.

"Yes, I never got to see him, though."

"Why?"

"Because he…" Rachel stopped herself. It would not be a good idea to tell some one she did not even know that she was a princess.

"What did he do?" asked Richard.

"He was always away on business. My father rarely came to see me and he lived in a different city from my mother and me. My sister lived with him, though."

"Oh, really." Richard looked at her, clearly interested.

"Yes, and we he died, Anne came to live with us," Anne told him.

"Anne’s your sister, right?" Richard asked. Rachel nodded. "What is it like to have a sibling?"

"Well," Rachel said thoughtfully. "You usually have someone to talk to and it’s nice to know that she’s been with you since you were little. We sometimes get along and sometimes we don’t."

"Don’t you ever run out of things to talk about?" Richard wondered. "I mean, you know almost everything about each other."

"We do have things that the other doesn’t do. For example, Anne’s engaged to this guy and…" Rachel paused she suddenly remembered why she was in Repee, what her task was. She had become so caught up with Richard that she had forgotten about it all. Tears began to build behind her eyes.

"Rachel, are you okay?" Richard asked. She nodded, wiping a drop from her left cheek.

"I’m just getting really tired," she lied. "Maybe I can see you tomorrow?"

"Sure," Richard agreed. "Who are you staying with?"

"Ellen Conry," Rachel replied, her eyes clearing. She rose

"I’ll come by sometime in the morning," Richard said, standing up. "I guess I’ll see you then."

"Bye, Richard," Rachel said, turning towards Ellen’s house.

"Bye, Rachel," Richard replied. Rachel wished that she could have talked to him all night. Richard listened so intently and was so different from Philip, the only other guy that she had ever really talked to, if one could call listening to his bragging having a conversation. There was something similar between Richard and Philip, but she could not figure out what.

Rachel began walking to Ellen’s house, thinking of Richard. She entered the white house through the blue back door. She headed right into her room, still picturing the sharp chin and deep brown eyes. She sat for awhile contemplating that face before beginning to undress and prepare for bed.

A knock sounded on Rachel’s door. She quickly slipped on her nightgown and invited the person in. It was Ellen.

"I saw who you were talking to." Ellen entered with a teasing grin. "Found quite a catch and on your first day, too." Rachel looked at her confused.

"Who, Richard?" she asked.

"No, the soup!" Ellen shouted. "Of course Richard! Are you telling me that you didn’t know that he’s Captain Bly’s grandson?"

"You mean, Richard’s Robert’s grandson?" Rachel asked, shocked.

"Yes," Ellen told her, nodding. "Well, I best be going to bed, I have a long day tomorrow. My husband, Fredrick, he’s coming home. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," Rachel answered. Ellen left and closed the door behind her. Richard was Robert’s grandson? She could not believe it. If Robert was Richard Choquette’s uncle, then what would that make Philip and Richard Bly?

Second cousins, they would be second cousins! This revelation repeated itself within Rachel’s mind. No wonder Richard resembled Philip! Rachel turned out the lamp that had been set on one of the nightstands. She slid her feet under the bed sheets and pulled the bedspread up to her chin. She stared at the ceiling, wondering at this new discovery. Rachel still could not believe it to be true, yet there was plenty of evidence. Philip even looked like Richard, yet they were so different.

Rachel’s contemplation lasted well into the night. She tried to understand how two completely different people could be related. They were complete opposites when it came to personalities. Richard was composed and Philip was rambunctious. If Philip had any manners, he rarely used them. Richard, on the other hand, had been very polite and had listened intently to every word Rachel said. There was no way these two could be related, even distantly, yet they were. Rachel did not know until she was awoken by the sun shining right on her face that she had even fallen asleep.

Rachel blinked her eyes rapidly, trying to adjust to the light. She turned over, not ready to face the day. Then, she suddenly remembered. She was going to see Richard! At the thought, Rachel scrambled out of bed. She hit the floor with a thump, but quickly stood up and brushed herself off. She selected a light yellow and white checkered dress from the two Ellen had washed. She tied two sections of her hair back loosely in a yellow ribbon and let the rest cascade down her shoulders. She glanced in a mirror to check her appearance.

Rachel walked as calmly as she could to the kitchen where she found Ellen dressed in a stunning royal blue sundress with lace around the collar and cuffs. Her hair was up neatly in a bun and her face was still pink from a brisk scrub. When Rachel entered, Ellen turned and beamed.

"Looks like we’re both getting ready to see someone, eh?" she teased. "Richard’s coming to see you, isn’t he." Rachel blushed and nodded. "He’s very handsome."

"I know." The words burst themselves out of Rachel’s mouth before she could stop them. She lowered head and blushed again.

"It’s fine, lass," Ellen said, removing a steaming pot of porridge from the fire. The scents mixed into a wonderful aroma of cinnamon and other spices. Rachel inhaled deeply.

"It smells delicious, Ellen," Rachel commented.

"It’s the way you heat it," Ellen explained. "If you simmer it slowly, just barely over the heat, the spices won’t burn." Rachel removed two bowls from the cupboard and two spoons. These Ellen filled using a ladle from a hook by the fireplace. Rachel placed the bowls on the table while Ellen retrieved a pitcher of cream.

Rachel sat across the table from Ellen and slowly poured the cream into only half of her porridge. Upon setting the pitcher back in the center of the table, she took half a spoonful of the hot section and a half of a spoonful of the cream side. Ellen watched her for a moment, puzzling over Rachel’s unusual eating habit. She just shook her head and, using her spoon, shaped her porridge into a large hill and poured some cream onto the very top, swirling the pitcher as the sweetener came out.

The two ate in silence for a while, occasionally forgetting about their spoons and staring blankly at nothing. Rachel was brought out of her reverie by a knock on the door. Her head shot up and her spoon dropped. She stood up and passed her tongue over her teeth a few times. Rachel bit her top and bottom lips lightly and pinched her cheeks. Ellen still sat there; evidently she had not heard the knock.

Rachel walked slowly to the front door and took a deep breath. She reached for the door handle and readied herself for who was outside. The door opened slowly with a creak and revealed the dark complexion and deep brown eyes that Rachel had pictured the entire night. She could see his face clearer now, the light was much better, but he still appeared the same. She could not help the smile that crept up her face.

"Good morning," Richard said with a bow, removing a black leather hat with a red feather. He brought his right booted foot back in the bow and Rachel blushed.

"Good morning," Rachel replied. Richard somehow was able to bring out a smile no matter how she was feeling. "Would you like to come in?"

"I was thinking that we might go for a walk," Richard explained.

"That sounds wonderful," Rachel told him, sensing a little unease. "Where to?"

"There’s a grove to the west of the main settlement and it has a beautiful view," he replied. Rachel nodded and closed the door behind her as she followed Richard. They fell in step quietly beside each other. It was silent except for a few comments on the weather.

The wispy clouds were scattered across the sky and the sun warmed the midsummer air. Light breezes blew the blades of grass gently in waves of green. Tree branches and their leaves provided shade and a pleasant path. Rachel took a deep breath of the sweet air. It smelt of drying dew and sun-warmed leaves.

They finally arrived at the spot. Richard absent mindedly took Rachel’s hand and led her to the top of a rise. A single tree graced the top and from there one could see miles in every direction. The sunlight reflected off the treetops to form waves of various shades of jade, lime, and emerald. What was left of the morning dew sparkled, attracting the attention of an onlooker.

"It’s beautiful," Rachel said in awe.

"I told you," was all Richard replied. He watched with interest as Rachel stood on the sides of the hill, gleefully looking at the view from every angle. She turned back to see that grin of amusement that Richard had worn the night before. She looked away at the great expanse, then turned back. Richard was looking elsewhere now. His face faced southward and his eyebrows furrowed slightly in thought.

Rachel examined him. His figure was well built and his arms appeared strong enough to tear down a tree. The top three buttons of his tunic were undone and his black pants fit closely around his body. The hat was tipped forward, covering half of his eyes with shadow. Richard grin had disappeared, replaced by a straight face with his lips curled down slightly. She wondered what he was thinking.

Richard turned to see Rachel peering inquisitively at him. She turned away, embarrassed and blushing. She kept her back to Richard and examined the expanse in front of her. Rachel’s face remained flushed and she hoped that she had not gawked at Richard. The top of the hill was silent and neither Richard nor Rachel knew what to say. Finally, Rachel turned back to Richard.

"I think that Ellen might need me. Her husband is coming home today from Medu and there still is a lot to do," Rachel told him. Richard, who had also been looking out towards the expanse, turned back.

"Oh, I see," he replied. A brief flash of disappointment passed across his face before he lowered his gaze to the ground and began to stand up. Rachel saw it.

"It is very beautiful," Rachel commented. "Maybe we can come back again later?" Richard looked up and smiled.

"Yes, it’s very beautiful," Richard told her. "And perfect for a picnic." Rachel looked at the single tree and the view. She nodded in agreement. "And tomorrow should be a perfect day for one."

"Yes, and there just happens to be the perfect picnic basket at Ellen’s," Rachel added, her emerald eyes gleaming. Richard walked up to her and took a large bow.

"I would be delighted if you joined me for a picnic tomorrow," Richard said, jokingly.

"It would be my honor, I’m sure," Rachel said in reply with a laugh. Richard offered his arm, which Rachel took gleefully, and they strode down the side of the slope, laughing together. There was a bounce in both of their steps as they descended. Rachel looked up into Richard’s eyes and smiled. He grinned back.

Rachel was very distressed as Ellen’s house came into view. She slowed her pace slightly so that Richard would not notice, but she could still get a few more moments holding onto his arm. He looked down at her, took a breath as if to say something, then faced forward again.

Richard walked Rachel up to Ellen’s door. His grin faded slightly, and Rachel was distressed to have to part with him. She took a deep and turned to him. She slid her hand from his arm to his hand and looked Richard in the eye.

"I had a fabulous time," she said sincerely. Richard gave her hand a light squeeze.

"I did, too," he replied firmly. "So, I will see you tomorrow?" Rachel nodded and a smile escaped her lips.

"Of course," she told him. "I wouldn’t miss it for anything."

"Wonderful. I’ll come by in the afternoon." Rachel nodded, sad to have to say goodbye.

"I’ll be here," she assured him. Richard took a half step back and flattened his arms to his sides.

"I guess I’ll see you then," he said.

"Yes," Rachel replied. She looked down. "I think Ellen’s waiting for me, so I’ll see you tomorrow."

"I’ll see you tomorrow," Richard replied, reluctantly. "Bye, Rachel." He began walking backwards towards the street.

"Bye, Richard," Rachel said. She watched Richard turn around and walk down the block. She sighed and went inside.

"Hello, there," came a voice as Rachel closed the door. She turned at the sound and found a tall, thin man dressed in Teakan trousers and an untucked tunic. His pointed chin and narrow jaw seemed familiar, but Rachel could not place where she had seen him. Perhaps it had been in a marketplace?

"Rachel, I’d like you to meet my husband, Fredrick," Ellen said, her face showing her pleasure.

"Nice to meet you," Rachel said, curtsying.

"Oh, so you’re the one who’s got to save the princess," Fredrick said. "I was talking to some of the others today and they said we had an important visitor." He took a bow. "If you require any assistance, just ask." He straightened himself, his blue eyes sparkling.

"Who told you about the princess?" Rachel asking, shocked that Robert Bly would tell something that important.

"No one told me," Fredrick replied, taken aback by Rachel’s tone of voice. "I was at the wedding feast and I know that you’re Anne’s sister." That explained why Rachel recognized him.

"I’m sorry, but I had just hoped that word would not get around that I was the princess’ sister," Rachel explained. "Please don’t tell anybody!"

"I don’t see how that would help," Ellen said. "Many of us were there. I wasn’t because I was helping Jane settle into her house." Rachel looked down, upset that she could not keep secret. Oh well, she said, Claudia’s dead, who would try to stop me?

"I guess I would have had to tell a lot of people anyway," Rachel admitted. All was quiet for a time.

"I think that the vegetable soup I made for lunch is ready," Ellen said, trying to distract Rachel’s thought. She looked up and smiled weakly. Fredrick clapped his hands together.

"Mmmm, I’m hungry!" he announced. It was settled. Ellen, Fredrick, and Rachel headed to the kitchen.

The meal proceeded in silence. A few comments were made about the weather and the possibility of rain the next day. Rachel did not participate in the conversation and instead dwelled on her plan of action. She had no idea of what she would do to find the gem and she was helpless until Robert called her to his office.

Rachel’s feet moved by them selves after the meal and took her to her bedroom. She undressed without a thought and crawled under the covers. Her hands came together naturally behind her head and she stared at the ceiling as if the solution was written there somewhere. She did not find it, however, and her thoughts drifted.

Richard. His face came up immediately to the front of her mind. The dark brown hair and dark complexion came up almost uncalled. Rachel pictured him for a moment, wondering what part he would play in her adventure. He was so…. So what? Rachel asked herself. She honestly did not know. He barely said anything and yet there was something there, deep inside him, that she could not name.

This puzzlement remained unsolved as her eyes slowly closed. Her head bustled with ideas, yet none of them came close to a worthy conclusion. Rachel pictured Richard’s face as he had stared blankly over the landscape. His mouth was pulled straight as if it wanted to smile, but it did not have a valid reason. She resolved to give Richard a reason to smile and hoped that she would come up an idea before it was time for the picnic.

When Rachel was awoken by raindrops on the roof, she knew that her plans were thwarted. She looked gloomily out of the window, thoroughly disappointed. The large globs of cold wetness cascaded slowly down the glass, not knowing what they had ruined. Rachel did not blame them, the drops just picked the wrong day to help the farmers.

"Rachel?" inquired a voice from outside the door. "Are you awake? I have breakfast ready."

"Yes, Ellen," Rachel replied. "I’ll be there in a minute." She got up and selected a dark navy blue dress. The simple gloominess of the whole garment reflected Rachel’s feelings as she headed down the hallway.

Breakfast was fried eggs and bacon. Rachel barely touched her food and instead stirred it around with her fork. Fredrick looked at her puzzled, wondering why she was not feeding her stomach. He shrugged to himself and inserted his fork into a whole egg. He stuffed it all in his mouth and continued on with his meal.

The rain continued through breakfast and doing the dishes. It did not seem to be impeding on Fredrick and Ellen’s good mood. They rambled on, teasing each other about little nothings. Rachel could only stand to watch them for a moment before retreating to her room.

She sat on her bed and stared out the window. She was looking at the rain, but she saw nothing except Richard’s face. She wondered what he was doing, thinking perhaps that he could be thinking of her. Rachel looked over at the violet chair that sat in the front right corner of the room. On it she had placed a pink sundress. Normally, Rachel detested pink clothes, especially those with frills, but this one was loose and fit nicely around her waist.

Rachel had planned to wear the dress to the picnic, but now she could not because they would be no picnic. It was nearing midday and the sky showed no sign of clearing. The rain had not slowed in the slightest and the road between the houses had become a small stream. A few people plodded down the path, mud flying over their pants and shirt edges. Rachel was beginning to enjoy herself, watching the silly figures trying not to become soaked. One of the figures approached the Conry house.

The man knocked on the door and by the sound of the footsteps, Fredrick answered it. An inaudible conversation followed and Rachel heard her name called by Ellen. Rachel slowly opened her door and went down the hall to the parlor.

"Yes?" Rachel entered and immediately noticed the man. He seemed familiar, almost like… No, it could not be. Or could it? "Is your name Jim Williams?" she asked.

"Why, yes ma’m," the man replied. "Have we met before?"

"You sang a ballad for Richard," Rachel said. "It was beautiful, but I seem to remember that you were missing an arm." A smile spread across the soaked man’s face.

"Oh, that," he laughed. "That was only to add drama to it." He lifted an arm covered with a rain-soaked coat. "I really have one. Almost didn’t. We were fighting the pirates and I got a horrid wound. My good friend, Clark Jeralds, he kept pressure on it the whole night and it finally stopped bleeding. If he hadn’t, I probably would have got it amputated." He raised his eyebrows with a grin when he saw Rachel’s interest in his tale.

"Yes, and so you are greatly in debt to Mr. Jeralds," Ellen concluded. "But you said that the captain wanted to see her?" Rachel looked from Ellen to Jim, anxious. Would she really see Robert?

"Oh, yes, that’s why I’m here," Jim answered. He turned back to Rachel. "Are ye ready?"

"Almost," Rachel replied anxiously. She ran to her room and grasped her traveling cloak. Returning quickly, she said goodbye to Ellen and Fredrick with barely a thought. Her brain was more focused on what was in front of her.

The muddy road sucked and squished under her feet, but did not impede on Rachel’s thoughts. She gazed downward, seeing nothing before her but knowing what was there, waiting for her. The cloak masked her worried face and the rain made her movements hazy. She followed Jim depressingly like a cow following a farmer to the slaughter house.

"Here we are," Jim told her, a false hint of cheerfulness in his voice. Rachel looked up and saw the wooden cabin. The lights would have been a welcome comfort, but they were accompanied by a future she could not control.

The door slowly creaked open and Rachel flinched at the sound. She took a deep breath and the moist air filled her lungs. Her hand shook compulsively so she hid it in the folds of her cloak.

Robert sat behind his desk with a serious look on his face. He had evidently made his decision. Rachel fought against her fear and became determined to search for the gem even if she received no help from the pirates.

"Have a seat," Robert motioned to the empty chair sitting in front of the wooden desk. This Rachel took and she struggled with worry for a moment. Gaining composure, she met Robert’s gaze. He looked into her eyes briefly, then turned towards the window that looked out upon the dreary street. "’tis horrid, this weather," he remarked, "Spoils all plans of picnics."

A shock ran through Rachel’s spine and she hoped that this was not really the reason he had called her in. She needed to save her sister and speaking about ruined picnics was not going to do anything but subtract from the time remaining.

"Weather is like this around early summer, as it is now. Although tomorrow will be sunny, it is likely to be the last day of its kind this season." Robert turned sternly to face her. "I have decided to help you, but we can not set off until this weather has past. There is a sorceress who lives within these woods. She can surely help us to save your sister." Rachel almost sighed in relief to find that Robert knew what was important.

"Thank you so much, but I need to start off as soon as possible because I only have…" Rachel began.

"Two years," Robert finished. "And we have to wait until fall to set off because there is no way we can get a small group through the forest in this weather. Already trails are hard to find and danger lurks around every turn. Few have ventured more than ten feet into the bounds and all return after seeing some horrid beast. We cannot risk the deaths early entry would cause. We have to wait for fall."

"Anne needs me to…" Rachel started.

"Anne needs you to get the stone as soon as possible," Robert interrupted. "But with the losses we would have if we start now, we would be slowed longer than if we started later. Besides, the harvest will have begun and we would have fresh supplies which would speed our progress. Rachel, you have to understand that we will reach our destiny faster if we wait until fall."

"Yes, sir," Rachel responded, dismayed, yet giving in. "I understand. I just hate staying here doing nothing when my sister is stranded in a bed dying." She met Robert’s gaze once more and distinct lines of tears ran down her face. He approached her and placed his arm on her shoulder.

"I understand, Rachel, perhaps a bit more than you may realize," Robert told her, unpleasant memories coming to mind. "I promise that as soon as the weather begins to subside, we will begin preparing and we’ll leave right after the rains end."

"Thank you," Rachel told him, but her tears came down freely. "Thank you so much for all your help."

"It’s my pleasure," Robert replied. "Truly it is."

Here Rachel and Robert stayed for a moment, both recalling their worries and pains and wishing them all away. The only noise was the rain pouring down and the thunk as it hit the clay-like mud. The day passed quickly, but the sky gave no evidence. Amazingly, no one came to see Robert, probably because they wished to avoid the weather. Rachel and Robert were allowed to ponder in peace.

***

The next morning, the dim morning sun shone directly on Rachel’s face. She could not remember leaving Robert’s cabin, or even falling asleep, but she was sure it was because she had been too deep in thought. She had quite a large amount to ponder, how to save her sister and if she would get there in time. But no solution or answer presented itself. She had ended right where she began with no new insight.

A dreary light fought its way through the morning mist, catching Rachel’s attention. She turned her head towards the window and saw that the clouds were parting. Perhaps there could be a picnic after all! Excitement filled Rachel’s being and she did not think of the postponing of her quest. All the worry and sadness of the previous night left her, but Rachel did not notice. The weak sunshine had set off a chain reaction that would continue throughout the day.

Rachel hesitated to remove her feet from the cozy bed to the freezing floor. She did not want to budge and would have much preferred to stay in bed the whole day. But she could not because she might go on a picnic with Richard. The pink sundress still waited in anticipation and it was a marvelous coincidence that it had long sleeves. Rachel examined it and decided that it was a very good day for that dress, if it did not rain. Of course, it might, but Rachel sincerely hoped it would not.

Rachel slowly slipped off the covers and her skin was exposed to a harsh cold. She immediately threw the bedspread back on. Time passed slowly as she remained in bed, wondering what to do. She suddenly decided on an idea. Keeping the blanket over herself, she left the bed and headed for the chair. Her feet barely touched the floor as Rachel seized the dress and retreated to the bed.

A petticoat and pantaloons were set out on one of he night stands and Rachel slipped these on under the blanket. They were cool to her skin as they had set out all night and Rachel shivered while waiting for them to warm up. The welcoming scent of freshly baked pancakes reached her nose from the kitchen, but Rachel felt too cold to leave the bed quite yet. The mix of melted butter and maple syrup tantalized Rachel’s senses until she could resist no longer. She hastened to the kitchen and went straight towards the fire to warm up.

Fredrick and Ellen sat at the table in warm clothing with fresh pancakes in front of them. Fredrick was preparing to shovel his into his mouth and Ellen was beginning to cut up hers. They turned when they heard the patter of bare feet come down the hall. There were two pancakes left close enough to the fire to remain warm without burning.

"Well, good morning Rachel," said a shocked Ellen as the figure darted directly to the fire place to warm her feet. "I would have wakened you, but it is so cold this morning that I thought that you would want to remain in bed for awhile."

"That was what I was contemplating until a wonderful scent reached my nose.." she began.

"And she could not resist!" interrupted Fredrick. "Who could, my dear? Your pancakes are so soft and buttery and taste wonderful with your mix of maple syrup and spices." Ellen looked at Fredrick and smiled. He gazed right back into her eyes and grinned.

Rachel knew that these unsaid words would continue to pass between them as they sat at the table. Their glances and smiles told more than any word ever written. Rachel shrugged and helped herself to the pancakes. Sitting down on the last seat, Rachel placed a pancake on either side of her plate. She placed butter on both and then poured syrup on only one. She placed the other pancake on top of this one and then poured more syrup over the whole thing.

Fredrick and Ellen turned in unison towards Rachel as she performed this unusual rite on her food. They thought the same thing: Rachel had curious eating habits. After a time, Fredrick remembered the pancakes that were quickly cooling on his plate and proceeded to gobble them up without chewing much at all.

Ellen also turned back to her food and cut up her pancakes into small bite-size pieces. She retrieved a small bowl of butter than she had left by the fire to melt and poured a small puddle of syrup onto her plate. She then took each piece of the pancake and dipped it first into the butter, then the syrup. The eating tasks of each took quite a large amount of concentration and energy that nothing else was said through the meal.

The pancakes slowly disappeared from the plates. The three finished at different times, set their dishes in the sink, and then wondered off to contemplate. Rachel returned shortly after to help Ellen with the washing to find that half were already done. She dried those that had already passed through the suds and told Ellen about the picnic.

"Now isn’t that wonderful!" she exclaimed. "And what a wonderful day for a picnic!" She saw Rachel glance out the window. "Oh, don’t worry, it will clear up by then. This should be the last day before the rains start and it’s always sunny! Now let’s see," Ellen looked through the cabinets and cupboards and began to ramble off recipes that, in her opinion, would be perfect for a picnic.

The first item on Ellen’s list that Rachel noticed was cheese. She decided to help and headed for the cellar. She was down the first two steps when she heard Ellen exclaim:

"My dear! You certainly cannot work in that lovely dress without an apron!" Rachel turned to her in shock and looked down at the pink dress she was wearing. It was one of the nicest ones she had. "There’s an extra apron in one of the night stands in your room. Well, go get it, go get it!"

Rachel retrieved a light blue apron from the nightstand on the left and put it on. The lace tickled her chin and she smiled as she reentered the kitchen. Ellen saw Rachel and nodded in approval. She once again began rambling off ingredients and supplies.

Rachel, who did not like to feel like she was not helping, retrieved many of the ingredients for her. Most of them were simple things like ham, cheese, and bread, but there were also nutmeg, cinnamon, and maze for spice cake. Occasionally, Rachel stirred as Ellen checked on something or found an item that was missing. Finally, Ellen sent Rachel to retrieve the picnic basket from the closet near her room.

The basket was easily found and Rachel inspected it carefully. Wicker baskets such as this one had their own special scent, and the one Rachel held had an especially sweet odor. Hints of maze and cinnamon mingled with the scent of the wicker. From the grass stains on the bottom, Rachel could tell that it had been used often, but the near perfect sides of the basket gave testimony of the care it had received.

Carrying the basket back to the kitchen, Rachel noticed that the light coming in from the windows was no longer weak, struggling sunlight. The luminous sun had broken from the clouds and a light breeze meandered through the tree branches. She gazed out one of the windows and saw a familiar face coming down the street. She ran to the kitchen in panic. Ellen, who was removing the cake from its place by the fire, turned as Rachel raced in.

"What’s the matter, dear?" she inquired, setting the cake on the table. "What’s happened?"

"Richard’s coming down the road right now!" Rachel exclaimed. "And we have not packed up the things yet!"

"Calm down, calm down," Ellen told her, removing her apron. "I will take care of everything, you just finish packing." She headed to the front room and waited to open the door.

Rachel looked around the kitchen and realized that her task would not be too difficult, but arranging the food items would be time-consuming. She opened the wicker basket and began. Shortly after the first items had been placed in the basket, Rachel heard a knock on the door. She proceeded to continue her task at a faster pace. As the courses of the meal slowly entered the basket, Rachel heard Ellen begin talking about the weather. She would not let Richard say anything and was talking loudly and at great length.

Rachel understood what Ellen was doing and quickened. The items finally packed away, she headed for the front room. She saw Richard waiting for a pause in the conversation to speak, but none came. Ellen was beginning a spiel about the reflection of sunlight on dew when she noticed Rachel had entered. She quickly ended her sentence and rushed Rachel and Richard out the door.

The two walked side by side towards the hill and few words were exchanged except in greeting. The sun shone down brightly on the quite pair and Rachel held the basket in front of her with both hands. Her head was bent down in embarrassment and she glance occasionally at Richard. He had his hands in his pockets and he did not seem to be able to find something to say either. He noticed the basket and stopped mid-stride.

"May I carry the basket for you?" he asked, turning towards Rachel and extending his hand. Rachel stopped as well and turned towards him.

"That would be wonderful," she told him. Her arms had become tired and would be glad of a rest. She handed him the basket and they started down the road again. The silence crept back slowly and the walk became rather awkward. Richard felt this awkwardness and decided that he would end it. When the slope of the road increased, he placed the picnic basket on his head and pretended to balance it.

"Look Rachel!" he exclaimed. "No hands!" Just then, the basket slipped and he caught it right before it opened. Rachel burst out laughing and almost lost her balance. Richard laughed at the shock on Rachel’s face when she came close to falling backwards. Both interrupted the silence once again with glee and finished going up the hill at a more joyful pace.

Reaching the top, Richard returned the basket to Rachel and she set it under the tree. Upon opening it, she removed the white and green-checked blanket and spread it out. She arranged the food neatly on one edge and kneeled down to eat. She pointed out the spot across from her for Richard to sit and he plopped himself down and attacked the ham and cheese viciously. Rachel giggled as he took a bite first of the ham, then cheese, then the ham again. He looked up at her guiltily, but set the slice of ham and the slice of cheese down.

The smirk on his face smoothed over to an over-exaggerated serious look. He picked up the cheese with his thumb and index finger and took a dainty bite. His pinky finger was sticking out and Richard’s imitation of many nobles was hilarious. A glint shone in Richard’s eye and both he and Rachel burst out laughing again.

The awkwardness had been completely dispelled and the two began telling hilarious, exaggerated stories about their childhood. The food disappeared slowly, but the stories became greater and more varied. Rachel noticed that many of her tales involved Philip. Evidently, so did Richard.

"Who is this Philip?" Richard asked. "He seems like a great guy."

"He’s a good friend of mine," Rachel replied. "We grew up next door and we had quite a bit of fun together. His older brother, D’artanion, is the man my sister is engaged to."

"I did not know that D’artanion had a little brother," Richard exclaimed. "He and his father usually come alone!" Rachel looked at him curiously, and then suddenly remembered what D’artanion had said before she left.

"Philip doesn’t know about Repee," she told her friend. "He didn’t learn to respect pirate culture and D’artanion did."

"I see," Richard said, thinking for a moment. He shook his head and changed the topic. "So when are you heading to look for the gem?" Rachel shrugged.

"Not until the rainy season is over," she replied. "And when it’s almost time, Robert said that we would start to get the supplies together."

"Well," said Richard, getting down on one knee. He cleared his voice and continued in an important-sounding voice. "May I be the first, Your Highness," he started. He leaned towards Rachel. "That is your title, isn’t it?"

"I guess so," said Rachel. "I hadn’t really thought of it that way. I just figured that my sister was the princess." Richard straightened again.

"Then, Your Highness, may I have the honor of being the first to pledge my loyalty?" he asked. His air and mimicking tone when he said it told Rachel that it was part in jest.

"Indeed, you may," she replied in an equally important-sounding tone. A smile forced itself across Rachel’s face and she was about to burst out laughing.

"Why thank you, Your Highness!" Richard exclaimed and he took Rachel’s hand to kiss it. As soon as his lips came near, Rachel pushed Richard backwards. He exaggerated the momentum and rolled down the hill. She shook her head and laughed.

"No, thank you!" she called to Richard. "I will be pleased to have you in my party!" Richard rolled to a halt and got up dizzy and laughing. His legs were unsure under his body and he staggered. This made Rachel laugh even harder. Richard pretended to hit a tree in jest and Rachel rolled in hysteria.

"Ah, Your Highness, the pleasure will be all mine!" he exclaimed and came racing towards Rachel.

"Ah!" Rachel cried, still laughing. She rose quickly and got on the other side of the gigantic oak from Richard. She peaked over the right side and stuck out her tongue at Richard. He grinned and came towards her. She ran in the other direction. Richard gave chase and they raced around the top of the hill until they collapsed.

Neither could get up for a time and Rachel laid her head on Richard’s stomach. They looked out at the view, calming their hearts and catching their breaths. After a short time, Rachel turned and looked at Richard. She giggled and got up. Reaching the picnic remainders, she began placing the items back in the basket. Richard got up as well and they worked together to clean up the meal mess. They laughed as they worked and occasionally exchanged glances.

Once the work was finished, Rachel picked up the now much lighter basket in her right hand. Richard took her left hand and the pair practically skipped down the hill. The road passed quickly under their feet and glances and giggles passed between them. They reached the main settlement and a man approached Richard.

"’Ello!" he exclaimed. "I see you had a picnic without me." The man was a blond about Richard’s height with blue eyes. He grinned.

"John!" Richard exclaimed. "I thought you were in town for the week."

"I was, and I returned today," John answered. "Very dreary weather they’re having there."

"And our weather is so much better?" Richard asked. John grinned back. Richard remembered Rachel on his hand. "Rachel, I would like to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Jonathan Ray. John, meet Rachel Burns." A light lit up inside John’s eyes.

"The princess?!" he exclaimed. He got down on one knee. "May I have the honor, Your Highness, of being the first to pledge my loyalty to join you on your quest?" Rachel blushed and giggled.

"I’m sorry, John, but I’ve already gotten it," Richard told him.

"But he can be the second!" Rachel replied. "And I would be much pleased to have him with us as well!" She burst into another fit of giggles and the two men joined her.

"Rachel!" a familiar voice called from down the street.

"Coming, Ellen!" Rachel shouted back. She turned to John. "It was wonderful meeting you, John, but I’m afraid that I must leave you. And Richard," Richard grinned at her. "I had a marvelous time and am much disappointed that it must conclude."

"’twas my pleasure!" replied Richard. "And will I see you tomorrow?"

"Of course," answered Rachel. "But everyone is expecting rain, where will we go?" Richard grinned again.

"It’s a secret," he replied and that was all he would say. Rachel gave up protesting for she had to go back to Ellen’s, and said farewell to John once again. Taking the picnic basket, she skipped down the street and looked back briefly once. John had nudged Richard in the rib. She giggled again and entered the house.

The next morning, Rachel waited by the door in a warm navy blue dress. She had packed boots in case it got chilly and these helped to keep her feet from freezing. They were sheep skin with a fluffy wool lining. Once again, her cloak was wrapped tightly around her to block the cold and insulate. Outside the rain poured down and the streets were turned to puddles of mud.

A figure plodded down the road and Rachel instantly recognized the silhouette. Her anxiety heightened and she may have only imagined an increase in the figure’s pace. Before she could race back to the door, the man’s hand had reached it and knocked twice, then once. Rachel pulled open the door to reveal a soaked, yet grinning, Richard.

"Ready?" he asked. Rachel’s feet shook in nervousness, but Richard’s smile was so comforting, she nodded. Richard extended a hand which Rachel took. She closed the door behind them.

Richard led Rachel to a section of the forest that had been separated from the large Forest of Dreams. Rachel hesitated, but Richard assured her that creatures did not dwell there, or had any crossed the field that grew between the woods and the deadly forest. The trees had been split by a clear-cut path running into an unbreakable darkness.

Richard continued on down the twists and turns as the forest closed in on either side. Rachel stayed close to him, partially because there was little room on the path. The overhanging leaves kept most of the rain drops from landing on the pair and the cloudy sky was blocked by branches. Few sounds were heard except for the squishing and sucking noise of their boots on the path.

After a short time, the trees gave way to a large clearing. Standing right in the middle and tilted slightly, was a large ship. It was bigger than any Rachel had ever seen and she wondered how it could have been brought so far upriver. And once it had been carried, many people would have had to cooperate in order to lift it onto dry land. As tall as the ship was, however, the surrounding trees blocked view of it from miles around. A door had been cut in one side of the bottom and Richard led her that way.

They raced the small distance between them and the boat, trying not to get too wet. Upon entry, a sight greeted Rachel such as she had never laid eyes on before. Swords on hooks glimmered in lamplight and feathered hats and plagues were everywhere. The whole ship had been converted into a museum. A scroll was on display in the middle of the room and on it was written the original crew of the Blue Angel as well as the Teakan crew of the Flounder. The list was long and detailed, giving the wounds and scrapes each man or woman had obtained. Richard Choquette’s name was easily spotted as Captain of the whole affair.

The plans of the traps were framed on the walls and the number of prisoners each caught was written beside them. Rachel was amazed at the work the pirates had put into the whole thing and turned towards Richard to smile, but a cry caught her ear. Her smile faded into a look of worry and the cry sounded again.

Richard placed one hand on his sword handle and motioned for Rachel to wait there. He and a few others who had ventured into the ship crept slowly out to see what the screaming was about. Richard strained his hearing to pick up the words and repeated them back to the others.

"It’s the alarm!" he cried. "We’ve been discovered! Remember the plan and keep your head." He turned to the group who were ready with swords. "Move out!" He swung his arm and all of them left towards different directions for each had his or her own duty to perform. "Stay here," Richard cautioned Rachel. "If you want, there are stairs towards the back that lead up several floors all the way to the top. You can watch from there." And off he ran, leaving Rachel alarmed and alone.

She did not falter, however, and headed for the back. The stairs were quickly found and taken two at a time until Rachel reached the top breathlessly. There were the sails and the mask, still well intact, but she ran to the edge to look out. The sight that greeted her was horrible and unwelcome.

On the plain down below, right between where she was standing and the Forest of Dreams, a battle was raging between the pirates and some unknown foe. Rachel watched in horror as swords clashed and war cries sounded. There were few differences between the two groups for both wore the pirate garb. The sashes and feathers swirled and span and only a true pirate would know that the Repee pirates wore blue and green sashes and feathers, but their enemies wore red and black.

Rachel helplessly watched the fight and scanned the mass for any sign of Richard. Her efforts were in vain, however, because she was too far up to make out the faces in the crowd. Rachel could barely make out that the people were wearing hat and it would much harder to find a specific hat. Even if she could see the hats clearly, however, she would be unable to find Richard for he was not in the main battle.

***

Richard kept low, watching the battle progress in front of him. About fifteen others crouched down with him behind the cover of the forest brush. They were waiting for the signal from Richard, but he stayed still and examined the fight. It appeared that the Repee pirates were retreating, but they knew better. It was all part of Robert’s plan and everyone were convinced that it would succeed. The older pirates recognized the enemies for they had been once been their fellow crew members.

The Repee pirates were falling back. The confusion seemed accidental, but it truly was organized. The movement of pirates from side to side and the scramble away from the foe had been planned as a way for them to regroup into a force to beat the pirates back. Already the tactics had drawn the foe to be closed in on two sides by woods. If they continued on just a few more yards, Richard’s group ad several others would close off the only remaining path of retreat. They waited for about five minutes and the Richard removed his hat and signaled the group forward to flank the enemy.

Four groups raced silently from either side of the plain. The enemy was surrounded, but few of them knew it until it was too late. Robert saw Richard’s signal and waved his hat in the air to have his forces push back. Now organized into rows with swords drawn, the pirates rushed against the enemy. This sudden surge alarmed the foe and they tried to back up a bit, but there they were halted as well. They had thought they were winning and causing the Repee pirates to retreat, but it was a trap.

The attack on Repee was led by Captain Frival, the former captain of the Marie. He had gathered the other pirates who had escaped the Teakan attack. Robert Bly and his crew were seen as traitors who needed to be punished, and that was their only goal. With this new confusion, Frival’s group’s only wish was to escape with their lives. Frival, on the other hand, wanted to find his hated enemy, Robert Bly, and he shortly found him.

"Well, Robert, what a pleasant surprise!" he exclaimed as he confronted the old pirate.

"Frival," Robert said, turning in recognition of the voice. He held his sword steady, knowing that his opponent would charge in anger. Vengeance could drive a mad crazy and Robert used his weary, old muscles to parry the crazed blows.

Rachel saw a glimpse of Robert’s white hair and instantly realized he was in trouble. She could tell by his opponent’s wide swings and offenses that the old man would soon become weary and slow in his defenses. Her patience gave out and Rachel flew down the stairs and reached for the closest sword on the wall. She paused briefly to read the lettering and saw that engraving was to Richard Choquette. Rachel knew what he’d say of he saw her now.

"I know you think you can fight just because you practice with Philip, but that was just play. This is real life." The voice echoed in her head even though the words were never said. She knew she could do it, and she believed that her ability could help. She did not rush from the trees right away, but rather searched for Robert and planned her strategy. She spotted him after a careful search. Frival had knocked away his sword.

"Do you surrender, old man?" he asked triumphantly.

"Never!" Robert declared and Rachel knew that it was time for her to make her move. She twirled, sword extending and cutting the bad pirates she passed on purpose. She swirled to a stop behind Frival and stabbed him in the back just as he was about to thrust at Robert. Robert had been staring him defiantly in the eyes burning with hate. A look of alarm crossed his face as Frival’s eyes changed to surprise and the hefty captain began to fall.

Robert stepped to the side and Frival fell flat on his face, a sword wound in his back. Captain Bly saw Rachel standing there with the bloodied sword in her hand and gawked. He had no clue that Rachel had trained at all. But there she stood, surprised at her own ability and courage. The shock passed quickly as one of Frival’s group approached in awe. He posed his sword to strike and it was Robert’s time to act. Within seconds, the man was dead and more blood had been added to Rachel’s dress and cloak.

"Richard!" Robert called. His grandson appeared quickly to his side. "Take Rachel out of the battle. She’s a good sword-fighter, but has never been in a real battle before." He turned to fight another foe and Richard looked at Rachel in awe. She smiled weakly and shrugged. Richard’s eyes shifted to the bloodied sword in her hand and he took her other hand. Trading thrusts and parries with foes, Richard led Rachel back to the safety of the woods.

"No offense, Rachel," he said as he motioned her to crouch down in the brush. "But it’s really hard to fight in a dress." Rachel nodded, the shock of killing a man finally hitting her. She remained there even after Richard left, ready to fight if need be. Thoughts swirled through her head, but known spoke and only invoked feelings Rachel had never felt before.

One feeling Rachel recognized not a moment too soon. She turned into a nearby bush and heaved. She continued to throw up until Rachel was sure that the next one would be her entire stomach. Rachel shook as she wiped off her mouth on a handkerchief. That battle raged on the other side of some trees, but no one except Richard knew she was in there.

Not too far away, Nick Yemen faced an opponent with two swords. He had already suffered a cut on his right arm, and now it was even harder to parry double blows. He fought hard, but with all his strength he still staggered. Edward wiped off his sword on his former opponent and rushed to his father’s side. Together, the two managed to knock away the foe’s sword and he retreated without his hat and red feather.

The Repee pirates largely outnumbered their enemy and were finally able to kill many and force the rest to retreat. They had lost quite a few as well and as the fighting subsided, bodies were scattered around the field. They suddenly glowed with a golden light and disappeared. Rachel, who recognized the light, left her shelter and raced out to a ball of swirling sparkles.

"Rachel," a soft voice called. "You know your task and I must tell you that of those who go on the journey, only one will return. This person will be the one who first started the journey. Any one who accompanies the person will perish before the task is accomplished."

"But," Rachel protested.

"It will be as I have foreseen and you must believe that." With these last words, the ball of gold disappeared and Rachel was left in the middle of the pirates with all staring at her. She ignored them and contemplated on what had been said.

"Rachel?" Richard asked. "What happened?" No answer. "We’ve seen the light before, but no one’s talked to it before. You did talk to it, didn’t you?" Rachel nodded and turned to face Richard. "You better lay down, you look awfully pale."

He led Rachel back to the settlement. They passed a cemetery with fresh graves and Rachel turned to Richard wondering how long she had talked to the light. It would take a long time to bury and mark the twenty or thirty who had perished, and Rachel did not think that it could have been done even within a week. Richard saw her gaze and wonderment.

"The Forest doesn’t like the dead near its borders and whenever anyone dies near it, there disappear in a flash of gold light and a new grave is made. Somehow, they are always buried where the relatives wanted them." This was all he said before ushering Rachel into Ellen’s house and she went straight to her bedroom. Plopping down on the bed, she instantly fell asleep. Richard quietly closed the door as he left.

This is how Ellen found her an hour later, fast asleep with dried blood all down the front of her dress. Shaking her head, she undressed the sleeping girl and slid her under the covers. She tip-toed out of the room and began to prepare supper. The scents of the food awaken Rachel and she dressed and headed to the kitchen. She was determined to not mention what happened at the field, but Ellen and Fredrick did not ask anyway. They already knew.

Rachel spent most of the next dreary day sleeping and Richard stopped briefly for a visit. Over the next few weeks, Richard explained the history of the pirates to Rachel. They went through the first level in the ship first. It was filled with some of the oldest pirate treasures. They worked their way down through the history of the Pirates of Lorder all the way to when Robert and his group joined the side of the Teakans and the journey to Repee.

The day Richard had told Rachel all about the pirates up until the present, he told her that he had a surprise for the next day because it was supposed to be sunny. She was excited and promised to be ready when he came after lunch. Setting everything out for the next day, she suddenly remembered that when the sun came back the rainy season would be over.

"You’re not really wearing that, are you?" Ellen asked. She had been so quite that Rachel had not noticed her presence at all.

"What?" Rachel wondered.

"That dress," Ellen said, pointing to the navy blue dress with long sleeves that was draped over the chair. "Are you planning on wearing that tomorrow?

"Yes, why?"

"Because the first sunny day of the rainy season is very hot, my dear," Ellen answered.

"But, it’s been so cold," Rachel protested.

"I know, but that’s how it is here. The cold is from the cloud cover, without it, everyday would be very hot."

"So what will I wear?" Rachel asked.

"I don’t know," Ellen replied. "But I must go, Fredrick wants me. Good night." With that, she left the room. Rachel turned to her other dresses, wondering which one would be appropriate. She was still incredulous that the rainy season was almost over.

It had gone by quickly, only a little of three weeks, and the party would probably leave in four or five days. Robert might have been preparing and not have told her. Remembering what the sorceress had said, she knew that she would need to explain to Robert how she could not take anyone with her. She took a deep breath and sighed, very distraught about her circumstances. Richard would be very mad that he could not come with her and Rachel wanted him to come along so very much.

Lying down on her bed, Rachel tried not to think about the next day, but she could not help thinking about what she would tell Richard. Perhaps she would not have to leave Richard at all; she could end her quest here and never find that silly gem. But what about Anne? asked a little voice in her head, but Rachel ignored the question. She did not want to think about it. Thoughts of Richard covered the little voice and Rachel pushed the question back into the recesses of her mind. Her dreary eyes closed and Rachel fell asleep.

The morning sun shone through the window directly onto Rachel’s face. She blinked off her sleepiness and put on the dress she set out for the day. It was the green sundress that she had worn when she first met Richard. She tried not to think of what she had to tell Richard, but tears fell down her face all the same. Wiping the drops from her eyes, Rachel followed the scent of fried eggs to the kitchen.

Toast accompanied this fine entry which normally Rachel ate with glee. Today, however, she went through her normal ritual and dipped the toast in the center of the sunny-side-up eggs popping the yoke. Once the majority of the juices had been soaked up and eaten, Rachel cut up the remainder of the egg and ate it with her fork. Once again, Fredrick and Ellen found this to be some freakish cultural thing, but they were not as surprised as before.

Rather than gawk, Fredrick took heaping forkfuls of toast and eggs, not paying any attention to the proportions. Ellen, on the other hand, took a small bite of toast, followed by a tiny amount of egg and repeated this order until her plate was cleared. Standing up, she removed her dishes from the table and headed for the sink. Shortly after, Rachel joined her.

***

"I can’t believe this! She’s been gone for over a month and I’ve heard no news whatsoever!" Sarah Burns exclaimed. "What if Rachel died! What if something got her? What if she went in the Forest of Dreams and died? What if…"

"Calm down, Margreete, I’m sure Rachel is fine," the Marquis interrupted, trying to comfort her. She had been going on like that for weeks.

"Sure, you’re sure. Have you seen her lately? Have you gotten any word? Did D’artanion tell you where he sent her? If so, I want you to tell me now so I can get her and bring her back!" she shrieked.

"It’s okay, Your Majesty, she’s in good hands," D’artanion added confidently. Sarah turned on him.

"This is all your fault!" she declared. "You sent her off on the foolish mission and if you hadn’t invited Claudia to the wedding in the first place, none of this would have happened!" D’artanion looked down dismayed.

"It’s going to be fine, Margreete, D’artanion and I will take care of everything," the Marquis stated.

"You better!" the Queen screamed. She turned and left the room.

"That’s about all I can take," the Marquis told D’artanion. "I’m going after Rachel to make sure she’s alright. That way, I can get away from her for a while." He motioned towards the door.

"Are you sure you want to?" asked D’artanion.

"Yes, positive. If I come back, it will be with good news and brief. Margreete is a mother and she cares very much about her daughters, almost to the point of obsession." D’artanion nodded. "I’ll be off tomorrow morning. Right now, I’m off to lunch. Goodbye, D’artanion."

"Goodbye, John."

A knock sounded on the door. Rachel took a deep breath and opened the door.

There was Richard, handsome as could be in black pants and a blouse. A dark black hat with a green feather covered his hair and in his hand was a bundle of violets. He removed the hat and offered the flowers to Rachel. She accepted them, smiling, and wondered how in the world she was going to tell Richard that she had to go without him.

Richard offered Rachel his arm, which she gratefully took. He led the way down the street and towards a wooded area. This one was only slightly different than the one surrounding the museum. The distance between the trees was greater and there was more shrubbery. The leaves still blocked the sky above them and the path once again meandered through the moss-covered trunks. Rachel would have found it beautiful if her mind was not otherwise occupied.

How would she tell Richard and when? Rachel pondered this question over and over, but still she could not find an answer. Before long, the sound of running water impeded on her thoughts. She looked up, but there were no brooks in sight. Shooting a questioning glance at Richard, she examined her surroundings. Deep green brush blocked her view and Rachel could barely see nine feet in any direction.

Richard grinned at her, and, taking her hand, led Rachel down a narrow path. The sound grew louder and soon light came flowing from the path ahead. Richard’s pace increased and Rachel was sure that the water was just beyond the final trees. She was right and the trees parted to reveal a cascading waterfall and a flowing pond. Ripples spread out from where the water came into the tiny lake and continued their paths uninterrupted to the banks.

Rachel and Richard stood on the edge of a cliff over looking the water-filled indent. To their right was the waterfall and this is where Richard led. He inched into a cave behind the waterfall. It was all like a fairy tale and the cave was the lair of a mystical unicorn. The sunlight passed through the falling water in a rainbow of colors and nearly blocked out the scenery of outside the cave. The rainbows tantalized the eye, but if Rachel reached for one, it disappeared and reappeared in a twinkle elsewhere.

Something else glittered in the caves, but Rachel’s eyes were not yet adjusted to the light. When the flashing no longer made Rachel blind, she found her self surrounded in sparkling stones. They were not gems, but stone had been worn smooth and reflected the light. Some jewels were hidden between the polished rocks, but the glistening stones and Rachel’s thoughts detracted from their beauty. Rachel span in circles, captured by the tantalizing light and trying to see it all at once.

Richard smiled, seeing her delight. He stood aside as Rachel twirled and watched in amusement. The spinning figure stopped, catching his eye. Richard stood right at the edge of the cliff and some of the water spattered on his shirt. Rachel walked over to him, smiling weakly. Would now be the right time to tell him?

Before Rachel could say anything, Richard placed his hand under the running water. Rachel’s mind was momentarily distracted and she gave him a questioning glance. He touched her hand and gently placed it under the water. Warm water splashed down around her wrist and fingers. Surprised at the temperature, Rachel almost pulled her hand back. She had not expected such warmth during this season.

"It flows out of a fissure," Richard explained as if he had read her mind. "Underground it is very warm and the water stays heated, even in the rainy season." Rachel nodded in amazement. She looked upwards to see where it met the top of the cave not far from her head.

Richard just barely did not have to stoop and he made sure that his head did not hit any of the projections. At the entrance, however, the ceiling was lower than anywhere else. There was another opening, however, that was higher yet less noticeable. Richard took Rachel’s hand and led her in this direction. The water made the floor very slippery and she almost slipped several times. Richard was there to help Rachel keep her balance.

The opening led to a steep cliff side, but stairs had been carved into the side, probably by the pirates or Repee’s previous inhabitants. The journey upward was a difficult trek for Rachel. She was not used to slopes or cliffs, because the terrain in north-eastern Teaka was almost completely flat plains and prairies. Rachel was able to make it, however, with Richard’s aid, and they soon reached the summit.

A rounded patch of grass was situated at the top. A large picnic basket was set there and Rachel smiled and thanked Richard graciously. He simply shrugged and spread out the blanket. Rachel helped him to empty the basket of its contents. There were sandwiches and cookies as well as some pears and carrots. Rachel found this an unusual meal for a picnic, but she said nothing. Richard pointed to a tree on the edge of the clearing. The remains of some sort of structure gave testimony in its branches.

"When we were about eleven or twelve, John and I tried to make a tree house in that tree. His dad gave us a picture and some wood and we set to work." Richard took a bite of a pear and chewed for a short time. "We followed it carefully and made it look just like the picture. The only problem was John had held it upside down the whole time." Rachel giggled. "You can imagine what it looked like. Nothing would have gone wrong if his dad was such a terrible drawer of trees. We thought the branches were the trunk!"

Rachel rolled with laughter as Richard explained how he and John had managed to use the tree house despite the unusual construction.

***

John started off at the same time he had meant to, early in the morning. Margreete was still crying in her room and had yet to come out to distribute blame. The saddle bags were easily packed, for he knew what to bring, and the horse prepared for a long trek. He selected a light brown mare and mounted.

Just as his feet slid into the stirrups, Margreete came running out of the castle shouting with Sir Perry pursuing her closely. He begged the queen to return inside before she caught cold, but she would not listen. Margreete came after the Marquis, shouting and ranting. He pretended not to notice her and urged the horse on.

"You get back here, John!" a voice called behind him. "Where do you think you’re going?"

The marquis continued on, appearing oblivious to the statement and he soon disappeared from sight.

***

Rachel and Richard returned to the settlement at nightfall, still laughing and trading stories. A fire had been started in the square to fight the cold night air and many were gathered around it. A large cauldron was placed over it and some of the women made hot chocolate. Richard and Rachel approached a table lined with cups and mugs. Ellen had a blanket for Rachel and wrapped it around her shoulders. The temperature had dropped amazing since the sun had disappeared.

A kind-faced woman served some hot chocolate to the two and Richard found a spot close to the heat. Rachel sat on the ground near Richard and examined his outline. She traced the shape of his nose and chin, but could not think of anything to say. It was not necessary, however, because Richard soon spoke.

"Tomorrow it will rain again," he commented. Rachel nodded and sipped from her cup. "It will be the last rainy day for quite some time." She turned to him and Richard turned to her. "The rainy season will be over the day after tomorrow, when will you require my service?"

"I won’t," Rachel said, trying to be calm.

"What?" he asked. "You’re not giving it up, are you?"

"No, it’s just that I have to go by myself," Rachel said. "The sorceress told me that only one would finish this journey and it would be the same as started it. I can’t let anyone come with me, Richard, I’m sorry."

"I’ll follow you anyway, Rachel, I don’t care what the sorceress says," he declared.

"Richard, you won’t come back! I can’t let you do that, not when I come prevent it!" she argued.

"I have to come with you, Rachel, what happens if I’m not there to protect you? I can’t let you go off alone. I love you," Richard told her. Rachel looked down, she loved him too.

"When you fall in love, which I’m sure you will, you’ll understand how I feel, why I need her." D’artanion’s words echoed through her head.

"I have to go," Rachel said, turning so that Richard would not see the tears coming down her cheeks.

"What?"

"I have to go. I’m leaving tomorrow before dawn." Rachel bit her lip to keep from sobbing.

"Did you not hear what I just said?" Richard asked.

"Good bye." Rachel rose and walked away from the campfire, heading to her room.

"Rachel?" Richard called after her, but she did not turn around. If she saw that face she would not be able to do it. She could not leave her mission, she could not do that to D’artanion, especially now that she knew how he felt. Rachel opened the door and raced to the bed and broke down sobbing. The wind from her window blew the door shut behind her.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Rachel?" asked Richard’s voice. He paused, waiting for an answer. "Rachel, I saw you go in there. What’s the matter? Was it something I said?"

Rachel did not answer, she simply sobbed harder into her pillow.

"Is it someone else?" Richard asked. Still no answer. "Rachel, why won’t you talk to me?" He paused again. "Fine, if that’s the way you want it, don’t answer me." Richard turned in anger and left.

Rachel cried harder.

Tears streamed down Rachel’s face, but she would not turn around. In front of her was the tangled mass of the Forest of Dreams. Strange coos and echoes greeted her and welcomed her in. Robert had discovered what Rachel had said and knew that he could not argue with the prophecy. Instead, Robert had given Rachel her share of the supplies that he had built up.

Richard was watching her part, his face masked in sadness, but his eyes glowed with anger from the previous night. Rachel could not face him, could not even look him in the eye. She felt horrible about the evening before and wished that it did not have to end this way. The sword she had used was tied at her side and Rachel kept her back to Richard, pretending not to care about leaving him behind.

It did not work. Rachel knew how she felt and the rain clouds seemed to reflect her attitude towards it all. The water ran down the tree leaves like the tears ran down her cheeks. No one spoke a word and the air tensed in anticipation for some sentence or phrase. None came. Rachel could not take the awkward silence anymore and urged her horse into a trot.

The mare’s hooves squished into the flooded grass and shrubs. The only sound was of the tedious pace of the horse and Rachel knew that Richard was still watching. She could not turn back, not look to see the face of the one she loved. An impulsive urge to turn back and forsake the journey formed in her stomach, but it was countered by a sudden pull forward. Rachel’s emotions contrasted and contradicted, and her mind was a mass of confusion.

Nothing was sure, not even the path before her. Rachel wished that she could forget the task, forget any life before Richard, but she could not. Thoughts and memories from before the incident flooded her brain, refusing to relent. Attempts to push them away failed, and Rachel retreated, trying to avoid them. Time seemed to pass so slowly and Rachel was sure that she had barely entered the forest.

Rachel could resist it no longer, she turned her tear-stained face towards Richard, but he was not there. The browns and greens had closed behind her, blocking retreat and escape from the task at hand. No sign of light penetrated the leaves and Rachel realized that a great amount of time had passed. She was deep into the woods and there was no way out.

Noises followed her out of eye sight and Rachel felt some one, or something, following her. There were grunts and yelps, but they sounded distant and eerie. She scanned the trees and brush, but there was nothing. No creature was around her, but the very plants and shrubs seemed to note her presence and they did not seem to appreciate it.

***

A pale, withered hand passed over the crystal ball. The crooked, yellow fingernails tapped at the cloudy surface. Being in a separate world did seem to make everything appear hazy. With a simple swipe of the hand, the vision of a young girl disappeared.

With a swish of his cape, the figure left the room and the ball. His stride was long, but not hasty and his face wrinkled in thought, not worry. The man entered a shelf-lined room and he selected one of the only non-dusty volumes. The withered hand flipped through the pages, searching for a passage of great importance to the reader. It was quickly found and reread with the exclamation of "aha!"

The matching hand retrieved a sheet of parchment and a quill, quickly scribbling what his reflective twin pointed to. Each word and phrase was scratched hastily down and pondered on. A few notes were made, and, finally, the volume was shut and placed back on the shelf from whence it came. The long, sturdy stride took the figure back to the crystal and the long, sickly fingernails called forth the vision.

The haze parted to reveal a caped figure riding through a dark wooded area. Her damp, brown hair laid heavily on her shoulders and her cheeks were wet from tears. Confusion masked a determination set deep in her mind. The girl seemed to suspect something and her head lifted. Bright green eyes peered around, searching. She knew some one was watching.

The man had seen enough and stepped away from the crystal. It was her, the one he had been waiting for. He was sure of it. She matched the description almost perfectly:

But there was more that the man had yet to comprehend. The words were a puzzle that would be revealed in time, but he had reason to worry. He reread the phrases:

The long fingers released the paper and it floated gently down to a table. The hefty figure reclined in a chair, pondering the words. Ideas for their meaning span in his head, but each was examined and rejected. She was the one, he was almost sure. But, what could it mean?

***

A woman rocked back and forth in a rocking chair, trying to fall asleep. She lightly closed her eyes and swayed forwards and backwards gently. Her breathing slowed to a light pace and her muscles relaxed. The woman began to fall into a light snooze and her eyelids fluttered.

Her eyes shot open and the rocking seized. She waited for a moment just to be sure. Yes, someone was in her forest. And that someone was being watched. The woman gently closed her eyes and concentrated. There was a figure on a mare with packs and provisions. She was here.

The woman stood slowly up and felt the force of power invading the forest. It came from far above and beyond, from another world. It was Hadsji, she knew his power. But why Rachel? Why would the princess’ sister be any concern for the wizard? She was only going to save her sister, as it had been foretold, and then go back to her life. There was no purpose for spying on the poor lass, except...

No, it could not be. Or could it? The woman headed to a back room that was lined with shelves of notebooks. The woman selected a fairly thin stack of pages bound on the left side. She flipped through the paper to the thirty-fifth page. Her eyes skimmed left to right and her delicate fingers turned the page. Spying what she had been looking for, the woman moved to better light.

Caped in blue, worries two, the rider shall arrive. Her heart is broken, her mind confused, a task that she can not see. Is her that’s right, her to be, the one to proceed forth and replaced thee.

These were the notes from one of the woman’s visions and she knew that they were true. Most the meaning was easy to comprehend, for she had much practice at the task. She was note sure if the girl in the forest was the right person, but Hadsji seemed to be. She fit the description, but that meant nothing. Characteristics could be translated to make almost everyone fit the phrases. There was only one way to tell, she would have to meet Rachel.

***

Rachel was not completely oblivious about the onlookers, for she felt for some strange reason that she was not only being watched, but her abilities were being measured. She kept aware and tried assuring herself that she was prepared for anything. In the back of her mind, Rachel knew otherwise. She had a sword at her side and a dagger on a belt, but what use were they against childhood nightmares?

Honks and beeps and other abnormal noises surrounded the path. They were conks and lollops and floups and nicks. They were also snares and growls that came from animals that Rachel was sure she did not want to meet. As the day wore on, the rain subsided and the sky brightened. The dark green brush gave way to a remarkable sight.

The plants were purple and shades of pink. Green tulips had red stems and blue roses had yellow thorns. The trees had orange trunks and violet branches. The grass was speckled like someone had colored it by flicking multiple colors at it with an extra large paint brush. Flying pink bunnies hopped down from their nests in the trees and ivory squirrels walked on their hind legs. Birds flew over head and coed sweet songs of love and age. An owl chattered in a tree incessantly, but made no sense.

The colorful sight almost threw Rachel into a state of shock. Everything seemed so unreal, almost like walking into someone else’s dream. There were a lot of one creature that appeared to be a cross between a duck and a hedgehog with the tail of a pig. There were also creatures that were completely indescribable for Rachel because she had seen no creature that even slightly resembled them.

The color scheme made Rachel seem very out of place. The usual browns and grays had been replaced with pinks and blues. Indigo mice rode on the back of turquoise horses. Rachel’s mare seemed to notice nothing unusual and nibbled on the speckled grass. A brook ran through the trees on her right. Rainbow fish jumped and splashed in the red-violet waters and some even flew right out. An orange cat rubbed up against Rachel’s leg and she knelt down to pet it. He seemed just like an ordinary feline, until he mooed.

Rachel pulled back her hand in shock. She looked around at the other creatures. Many of them appeared normal, but had peculiarities that set them off from the average of their species. A green dog hopped up and down ribbiting and a brown cow called like a rooster. A hen waddled out from a bush, dropping multicolored eggs everywhere she went. The shells cracked open revealing raspberries. The animals roamed around, pretending not to notice the intruder.

A purple duck waddled up to Rachel, who instinctively took a step back.

"Welscomes!" the duck exclaimed, adding an occasional, unnecessary "S". "I does believes that I is not having been seeing yous befores. Am I’s being correct?"

Rachel nodded, not knowing what to say to a violet duck.

"Wells then, me guesses that yous should be getting a lovely tours," the duck announced. "Follows me, please."

The duck waddled across the clearing, naming the creatures they passed. "That’s Fred," he said, pointing to the hen with the multicolored eggs. "She’s a Rasphen. And the Frogpup, his name is Brunit. Those pink, furry things are Bunflies. And the Chow," he motioned to the orange cat, "He’s Fretsy."

The list went on and on, the duck naming the various species and the nearest examples. Some of the kinds of creatures had different names because more than one child had dreamt of them. Rachel stared around with an open jaw, amazed at the creativity that must have created these animals. Each had some root in the real and ordinary, but imagination has twisted it and shaped it into something amazing. .

"So, what are you?" Rachel found herself asking.

"A purple ducks," he responding.

"Oh," she replied.

"Yes, the childs wasn’ts very creatives, but shes was very pretties," he said, seeing the downcast look that Rachel wore. "Lets us moves on."

They continued across the clearing and into the trees beyond. Normal trees and plants alternated with their unusual counterparts. The duck motioned for Rachel to turn around.

"This is its, the main places for dreamers to goes. Everythings that is dreamed that’s good, goes heres," he said, motioning to the surrounding area.

"Everything good?" Rachel asked. "So the bad dreams and the nightmares go someplace else?" The duck nodded.

"They goes someplace towards the norths. Some tries to comes here, but mosts fail. The Grenich gets them," he answered.

"The Grenich?"

"The nightmare eater. He has a large appetites for the bad things. He hunts and he eats, but no worries cuz he rarely comes heres." Rachel nodded.

"Quackers!" a Bunfly exclaimed. "It’s almost time for the gathering."

"Kay-os!" the duck yelled in reply. "Bes right there!" He turned to Rachel. "You is being free to stays the night, but I musts be going cuz the dreams will be comings soon."

Rachel nodded, still trying to comprehend everything. Quackers waddled away and Rachel was left alone to think. Her reins were still clenched in her left fist and her horse was daintily nibbling the grass. The light blue of the sky had faded into an almost black navy and stars began twinkling at the clearing.

Rachel unrolled her blanket and lied down. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine that she was home, lying on the soft grass outside her house. Her breathing slowed into a light snooze and Rachel dreamed for the first time in quite a few years. Pictures of Richard and the picnic swam before her eyes and the memories flowed back. Next came a vision of Richard by the same oak tree, but he was all alone.

Richard’s fist slammed into the tree. Rachel shuddered. He proceeded to beat the hard bark in distress and rage, but Richard did no damage to the great oak. The sides of his hands turned red and he burst out crying. Folding his arms against the tree, he buried his head and shook with sadness and anger. A ring with a bright red ruby slid out of the drawstring bag attached to his belt and fell into the dirt.

Rachel awoke with the sun shining on her eyes. She was sitting with her back to something with her wrapped around her knees, pulling them close to her chest. Her eyes looked upward and opened. Brown branches with green leaves intertwined above Rachel’s head and she realized that she was sitting under the gigantic oak. Around her was mostly the same clearing she fell asleep in, but the oak and the surrounding grass was the same as the real tree, the one that Richard had fallen asleep under.

A flash of light startled Rachel from her reverie and she noticed a slit open in the middle of the clearing. The creatures she had seen the previous day were gathered around it, waiting for something. Various creatures poured out from the slit, some even more amazing than the ones waiting, others more ordinary. She watched in shock as the slit zipped itself up and disappeared.

***

Tongue met fur as a feline sat in the middle of a room, licking himself. Under him was a burgundy carpet, handmade and starting to fray. A fire burnt in deep gray coals behind him and a creaking sound came from nearby. He glanced occasionally at the woman who was deep in thought.

The woman rocked back and forth in her chair, feeling the power altered in the forest. This time, however, it was not coming from outside the woods, but from something, or someone, inside it. She felt the strand and what she discovered at the end of it was only a partial surprise.

The black cat sat on the floor in front of her, cleaning himself. His head shot up and his green eyes had an attentive look. Without a word, he turned towards the door and left the cabin.

***

The animals started to turn away from the spot the slit had been, but were approached by a black feline coming from the forest. There seemed to be some sort of discussion and the animals gathered in front of Rachel. She glanced at them, wondering what made them turn their attention to her.

She still sat curled up under the tree and had been thinking of Richard, wondering where the dream had come from. She was sure that she had never seen the ruby ring before, nor had Richard ever struck the oak. The animals were silent and Rachel’s thoughts were brought to the present.

The animals exchanged glances as if waiting for someone to speak. Finally, Quackers stepped forward and spoke.

"She wants to see you."

"She?"

"Yes, She." The animals turned in unison towards the edge of a cabin that showed through the trees. Wisps of smoke poured out the chimney and it seemed like a regular home. The walls were made of oak and thus had its color. Through the brush, Rachel could see a door partly ajar.

"Come," said the black feline, but his mouth had not opened. He headed towards the cabin and Rachel felt like she had no choice, but to follow. The other animals stayed behind, but still watched with anticipation.

The trek across the clearing to the cabin seemed to last hours. Thoughts raced through Rachel’s head, but she tried to remain calm. Obviously, "she" was the mistress of the forest and the one who Rachel had seen before. Even though Rachel had come into the forest to seek the sorceress’ help, she was gripped by nervousness and anxiety. Second thoughts swam through her head and she wondered if she should turn back.

Just as Rachel was about to give in to this final idea, they reached the cabin. The black cat stood at the door and waited for Rachel to enter. She hesitated for a while, considering how good of an idea it was. She final decided that it was too late to turn back now and took a deep breath. She stepped inside and looked around. Once she was completely in, the cat’s tail shut the door and the feline wandered away.

It was darker in the cabin then it was outside, so Rachel had to wait for her eyes to adjust before she could see anything. Once she had grown used to the dim light, Rachel was able to make out a woman sitting in a rocking chair across the room. The woman gestured for her to come closer and motioned to an empty chair. Rachel obeyed and took the seat.

Silence joined the pair and no one spoke for awhile. Rachel looked down and fiddled with the edge of her cape. She did not know what to say even though ideas flowed threw her head. The silence grew awkward and Rachel tried to think of some way to break it. Luckily, the woman spoke first.

"Hello, Rachel," said the woman, her chair still rocking slightly. "Do you remember me?"

"Yes," replied Rachel shakily. "You spoke to me when Anne got hurt and after the battle at Repee." The woman nodded and continued her rocking pace.

"And now you’ve come to ask for my help." Rachel nodded slowly. "And you think that I’ll be able to help." She said nothing. "Well?"

"I do hope you can help," Rachel finally said, taking a deep breath. "Because I don’t know how or where to find the crystal and I’ve never gone on a quest before and I have no idea how to go about it or anything like that and…"

"Hush," the woman interrupted. "Do you know who I am?"

Rachel did not respond.

"My name is Celeste and I am the Tear of the Moon." Rachel did not speak, for she was too shocked and confused. Finally, after some thought, she dared to ask her question.

"But, isn’t the Tear of the Moon a gem?" Celeste nodded slowly.

"Yes, and it’s also a person. The guardian of the gem has the name as well." Rachel was incredulous.

"So, I’m looking for the gem, not the person, right?"

"Correct," Celeste replied. "For you already found the person."

"Do you know where the gem is?" asked Rachel.

"Of course," said Celeste, smiling. "I’m its guardian. It would be disastrous if I did not know where it was." Rachel suddenly realized that Celeste’s mouth was not moving when she spoke, and a faint gold glow surrounded her. She was puzzled and her face showed it.

***

Curious, Celeste thought, quite curious. This girl sitting in front of her was a bit of a puzzlement. She did not seem like much: Rachel appeared fairly normal. There was something that attracted Celeste’s attention, though. She could not help, but notice that Rachel’s green eyes were the same shade as her own.

After this realization, Celeste decided to test Rachel. She wanted to know if this young lass possessed a certain magical ability. The sorceress sent her words to Rachel via magic and did not even move her mouth. Of course, anyone could understand the magic communication if the sender allowed him or her to, but Celeste did not use her magic to help Rachel understand.

Rachel responded as normal and Celeste’s curiosity grew. There were only two reasons to explain this: either one of Rachel’s parents had magic, or she was meant to be Celeste’s successor. Celeste was sure that the first was not true, which only left the second. Rachel was going to be the next Tear of the Moon.

***

A slow smile crept up Celeste’s lips and Rachel shrank back into the chair a little. She pulled her legs up towards her body, then realized that she was glowing, too. A faint green glow covered Rachel’s skin and she stared at it in amazement.

You can see it, can’t you, Celeste’s voice spoke into Rachel’s mind.

"Yes, it’s a kind of glow that," Rachel started.

No, Celeste interrupted. Respond using your mind.

"How do I do that?" Rachel asked.

Just try, the voice answered. Close your mouth and think the words.

"Okay," Rachel said. She squinted in concentration and pictured the words going to Celeste’s head.

No, no, Celeste’s voice said. I don’t want to read them, I want to hear them.

Rachel took a deep breath and tried again. She just said the words in her head.

Am I doing it right?

Yes, my dear, I do believe that you’ve got it, congratulated the voice.

So, can you help me? Rachel asked.

Yes, but only if you help me, Celeste answered.

How can I help you? Rachel wondered.

Follow me, Celeste replied. She stood up and headed for the back room lined with shelves. Removing a notebook from a shelf, Celeste looked at Rachel. Her eyes looked directly into Rachel’s and ceased the rampaging questions that flooded the girl’s brain. Celeste held the notebook out on both hands and the pages turned themselves. They stopped at a page where a single green outline was drawn. The shape was of a hand and Celeste directed Rachel to place her hand over that spot.

Rachel took a deep breath and slowly drew her hand out and set it over the outline. The paper gained a deep green tint and the outline turned golden. Light radiated from the surface and Celeste nodded as if it was what she had been expecting. Rachel drew her hand back and the page turned its previous color, but the outline remained gold.

Can you help me? Rachel asked again.

I have no choice, but to help, Celeste responded. Just then, a cry rang out from a nearby room and the sorceress ran towards it. Rachel followed hesitantly, not knowing if she should or not. Just outside the room, she stopped and waited. The crying grew quiet until it had disappeared completely and Celeste came out of the room with a sleeping babe on her shoulder.

Rachel, I’d like you to meet Orion, my son, Celeste said, turning so that Rachel could see the child. Black hair covered the tiny head and a small finger was hidden inside a mouth surrounded by two chubby cheeks. He was one of the cutest little children that Rachel had ever seen. His father is Prince Edward, my husband. He’s off in the forest today, making sure that everything is fine.

Rachel nodded, she had heard of the legend.

How old is he? she asked about the boy.

Seven months, Celeste replied. But he’s not going to go into the family business.

Why? Rachel asked.

Because males cannot be the Tear of the Moon. It’s a rule that has been around for generations. Instead, I have to pass the title to someone else when I retire.

Do you know who you are going to chose? Rachel wondered.

I don’t get to chose, for it has already been chosen. And you are the one, Rachel.

"What?!" Rachel exclaimed aloud. She was shocked. How could this be? She had nothing special, and she was not a sorceress. Why would it be her?

Celeste sensed what Rachel was thinking and tried to explain.

"The history of the royal line and the history of the Tear of the Moon are linked. When the gem was brought over from Yeer, the royal lines of Teaka and Yeer were linked through marriage and thus the gem was made to protect a different country. The gem sensed that my child would be a boy and it found a substitute in the royal family," Celeste responded. "And you’re the one it chose."

"But, why me?"

"I do not know. You will know sometime, you will know," Celeste assured her. "But until then, we have to start your training."

"Training?" asked Rachel.

"Yes, training," Celeste replied, rolling up her sleeves. "Now, first of all, I want you to make the shelves become undusted."

"How?"

"Just wish them to be undusted," the sorceress responded. She set herself as if ready to act if something bad happens.

"Okay, I wish the shelves were undusted," Rachel said aloud.

"No, no, no," Celeste said. "In your head. Think of how wonderful it would be if there was no dust on the shelves."

"Um, I’ll try," Rachel said and closed her eyes tightly. She waited a few moments before peeking to see if anything had happened. The room appeared the same.

"Try again," Celeste said. The baby boy was asleep in a cradle that had not been in the room before.

"But what about Anne?" Rachel burst out. "That’s what I came here for. I need to help her."

"Yes, we shall discuss that, but not until you un-dust the shelves," Celeste replied. "Now go."

"But…" Rachel began.

"No," the sorceress interrupted. "Nothing until this is done."

Rachel gave in and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes lightly this time and kept thinking of Anne. If she did not do this, then she would never save her sister. She wished the shelves were undusted so that she could save Anne.

"Open your eyes, Rachel," the smooth voice called. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that most of the dust was gone. "You did it."

"How’d I do that?" asked Rachel.

"The gem chose you to listen to, you just had to talk to it."

"Talk to a stone?" Rachel said, pondering the idea. It seemed very ridiculous.

"More to the magic inside it," Celeste replied. "It likes granting wishes, but only to some. It chose you and so now it will grant your wishes."

"What if I just say that I wish for something, but don’t really mean it? Will something happen then?" asked Rachel, examining the sleeping babe and the cradle.

"No," said Celeste. "It can tell what you really what and it does just that. When you wanted to see Richard last night, it let you."

"What?" asked Rachel. She was shocked and turned to face the sorceress. "How did you know about that?"

"I know all things that happen in this forest," Celeste replied. "Especially the things that have to do with magic."

"So, how do I save Rachel?" Rachel asked, growing very impatient.

"You get the gem from the fairies," Celeste replied. "Of course, that does involve going through nightmare territory, but I’m sure you can get through it alive." Rachel gulped. "No worries, though, because we are going to practice a bit more so that you can begin to get the hang of the magic."

"How is undusting selves going to help me survive against nightmares?" Rachel asked.

"There’s more to it than that," Celeste replied. "And I would go with you to protect you, but fate has determined that you have to get through this journey alone."

"Why? Why must I be alone?"

"You will see in time," the sorceress said. "You will see." She clapped her hands together. "Now for more practice."

***

"I must see Robert now." John d`Fayot had ridden night and day, exchanging horses on the way. He had reached Repee in only two days and was now standing breathless in front of Donna Ray.

"John?" she asked. He nodded. "Long time, no see!" she exclaimed.

"Donna, I have no time to chat. Has Rachel been here?"

"Yes, but she just went into the forest yesterday morning," Donna said, seeing the hurry in her friend’s voice.

"What?!" John exclaimed. "Did anyone go with her?"

"No," Donna said sadly, shaking her head.

"Why not?!"

"Because a prophecy decreed that anyone who went with her would die," Donna replied. "Many of us were alarmed when we heard, but I think that the mistress of the forest is going to protect her."

"We better hope so," John replied. "Because the queen is about to go insane."

"What do you know about Rachel?" asked a brunet boy, stepping up to the Marquis having heard the name.

"Richard!" Donna exclaimed.

"Richard Bly?" asked John. He nodded. "I know your grandfather, but I haven’t seen you since you were about this high." He placed his hand at his waist. "And what makes you so interested in my niece?"

"Rachel and I became good friends," was all the lad would say.

"Well, I’m sorry to say that I know even less than you do," the Marquis told him. "I came here by order of the queen, Rachel’s mother, to stop her before she went into the forest, but it seems that she has already left."

"Yes, yesterday morning."

"So I heard. Oh, well. I have a bit to say to Robert, so I better be off. Pleasant seeing you again, Richard, and you as well, Donna," John said, placing his hat on his head and he headed for Robert’s cabin.

The notebook flew into the air and levitated for about a minute before it gently glided back to the shelf. Rachel wiped the sweat of her brow, happy that she had finally got the spell right. She had tried quite a few times, wishing that the notebook would do what she wanted it to. Now, Rachel had finally completed her task and was finished.

Well done, Celeste congratulated, Now you can begin your journey.

Thank you for everything, Rachel replied, wondering what in the world she could be thankful for. She wanted to be courteous, however, and tried to be polite. There was no need to offend the sorceress because that may have adverse consequences.

You’re very welcome, my dear, but I do not believe that you know the true worth of this gift, what you can do with the gem, Celeste’s voice said.

Yes, I know, Rachel said. But I really must be going now. She turned and headed for the door.

No, I don’t believe you do. And where are you going? You do not know the way.

"I’m sure I can find it," Rachel replied, knowing that it was not the truth, yet wanting to get out of the cabin as soon as possible.

Sure you can, the voice said sarcastically. Here’s a map.

A piece of paper appeared in Rachel’s hand and she noticed that everything was written in another language.

It’s the words of the gem, Celeste replied as if knowing what Rachel was thinking. Just ask the gem to translate it as you go and all will be well. Remember, today you are not finishing your journey, you’re starting it. Goodbye, young Rachel.

"Goodbye," Rachel replied without turning. She hurried out the door to retrieve the items she had left under the oak.

Letting the door close behind her, Rachel did not look back at the cabin, nor did she even think of turning back. She crossed the clearing and picked up her things. The horse was waiting, tied up and ready to go. Rachel shook her head.

"You did not choose to go with me," she told the horse. "And I will not let you come. If you join me on this journey, you will die. I can’t let that happen." She untied the horse and shoed her towards Repee. Once the mare had disappeared from sight, Rachel turned to the darker area that surrounded the clearing. That was where she was heading and that is where she went.

***

"We were all very distressed when she left, John, especially my grandson, but Rachel forbid any of us to follow."

"It’s not your fault, Robert, I’ll find a way to help her," the Marquis replied.

"I’m sure you will, I’m sure you will. Goodnight, John."

"Goodnight, Robert," John replied and he headed for the cabin where he would be staying. Removing his boots, the Marquis remembered the soft laugh of his niece and how she would giggle quite often when she was little. Memories crowded his mind as John tried to fall asleep.

Sleep did not come, however, and John found himself trying to form a plan to help Rachel. Ideas came freely, but were as easily discarded. None would work: none help more than hurt. The solution taunted his mind, staying barely out of reach. He reached and he longed, but it came no closer to him, or he to it.

Before long, John found himself chasing after a vision, a vision of Rachel coming home. She was not hurt and she had the gem. Anne was saved and all was fine again. Hope filled John’s mind and he knew that if he could help Rachel, all this would come true and nothing would be wrong. He continued this idea until a voice intruded upon his thoughts.

You’re not going to help her that way, John.

"What do you want?" the Marquis asked seemingly no one. He had heard the voice before, but he did not see the person this time. Before long, a sparkling golden ball transformed into the figure.

I told you what you need to do.

"How do I know if you’re telling the truth?" John inquired.

Why would I lie about a thing like this? the voice replied.

"How am I supposed to know?" John responded.

All you’ve wanted is for your wife and son to be alive again, I tell you that your son never died and you suspect I’m lying. Elli told you herself.

"You’re a sorceress, you could make it seem like her."

No, it was her. Your son it not dead and you can find him. He’s living in a cabin by the shore, just ask the ‘doctors’ who delivered him. They’ll tell you the truth if pressed hard enough.

"How do I know that this is true?"

How do you know it’s not? Did the midwife ever show you the body?

"No, she told me that she had already taken care of it."

"How do you know all this?"

I’m in charge of the royal family. Your wife died to give life to your son and she did not die in vain. She knows it and wants you to know it, too.

"But how do I find him?" John asked too late. The figure had disappeared in a flash of light, probably to say something amazing to another unsuspecting character. He stayed there unmoving, capturing how utterly unbelievable the whole idea was. It was so preposterous, but John wanted it to be true with all his heart.

***

The sky dimmed above the trees and Rachel knew that night had fallen. A weak light flowed from the forest itself and, using this light, Rachel found a wayward pine to rest under. She unrolled her mat and placed it within the confines of the branches so that she was hidden from view. She had left her horse behind, so there was no chance of being revealed by that.

The clearing had been left far behind her and Rachel believed the land of nightmares to not be that far off. According to the pictures on the map, she would probably reach it after two days and then it would take a whole day to cross. Her mind filled with worry as she wondered how she could fend off such monsters, but she eventually shook it off and fell into a weak sleep.

***

The long nails once again passed over the glass ball and the figure of the girl was there as well. She had left his vision for a time when she visited the sorceress and now she was heading for his territory. It was not really his, but often he concocted nightmares to dream so that they would appear in the forest.

Now, his mind was working on a creation that would destroy the silly little girl who would become his newest enemy. The wrinkled hands seized a ball of dark gray clay and began to mold, thinking of everything it would need. Once most of it was in his mind, he began to recite a spell spontaneously.

Claws, long and yellow, to rip and tear.

A light flashed and the wizard was instantly asleep, dreaming of his creation and its task. His humped form lay strewn over the table and glass ball, breathing rhythmically. A crude smile remained on his lips and his plan put itself together.

***

Rachel was awakened by a crunching noise. She scanned the surrounding area, but saw nothing. In order to get a better view, Rachel decided to take her pack and climb the tree. Just as she was about six feet in the sir, something ran into the tree and proceeded to tear Rachel’s bedroll into shreds.

Shocked, Rachel inched slowly up the tree, careful to not make any noise. She brought her feet from branch to branch making sure to check it for support before continuing upward. Rachel knew that whatever the thing was, it was too involved in its task to look up unless she did something that attracted its attention. She reached for the next branch and heard a snap below her.

The thing had realized that Rachel had not been in the bedrolls and he was looking around the area. He walked around the tree several times as if he knew she was around there somewhere. Rachel watched from her perch, extremely afraid. She noticed that the eyes of the creature were blank. Maybe he could very little? Or nothing at all?

Rachel breathed a heavy sigh of relief. She had nothing to worry about if she only sat still. The creature stopped pacing around the tree and sat as if in thought. It seemed as if the thing had a strong mind, but no information for it too digest. Instead, it had to rely completely on though. He noticed the tree and looked upward. Rachel was spotted.

She turned her face back to the tree and began to climb swiftly upward. The thing tried to follow, its sharp claws digging into the bark, but it was unable to grasp the branches because it had no thumbs. It began to slide backwards and its quill-like fur caught on the bark, keeping it from falling completely. It smile menacingly and sharp teeth glinted at Rachel.

Rachel knew that there could only be one solution and drew her sword. She turned and used the trunk of the tree support her back. Bracing her legs against a nearby branch, Rachel slashed and cut at the creature. The thing fought back with abnormally large claws. She sliced the thing’s paws with the sword and the bloody claws could hold on no longer. The creature fell backwards off the tree and landed right on its back with a crunch.

Thinking that the thing broke a bone or something, Rachel inched down the tree with the sword ready to strike. She was so anxious about it that ever muscle on her body braced itself. Creeping down slowly, Rachel approached the unmoving creature. Her heart was beating right up in her chest as she was almost close enough to tough the sharp quills.

The thing moved.

Rachel’s sword sliced off the forepaws of the creature that had been about to eat her. Blood squirted from the cuts, but she did not relent. The thing had been waiting for Rachel to get out of the tree and had sat in silence to attack. Using the sword, Rachel whacked off the head of the creature in another gory stroke. A gooey red spread all over, but the thing stopped breathing and collapsed. In a flash of gold light, the body and blood disappeared.

Rachel shuddered to think how close she came to death. She had not even been that close to the land of nightmares and yet she had been attacked by the most horrid thing she had ever seen or encountered. The idea that she had killed it amazed Rachel and made her quite incredulous. Remembering the gore, she walked around to the other side of the tree and threw up. Her stomach felt queasy for the rest of the day.

For indeed it was day by the end of the episode. Rachel had been awoken early morning to fight the thing and now it was time to journey onward. Her body ached from a shortened sleep and an early battle. Similar mornings would greet Rachel before she reached the end of her quest.

***

The gnarled hand pulled quickly back from the crystal ball. His creation was dead and Rachel lived. What had he done wrong? Whatever had happed, he would have to fix it for the plan had failed.

Perhaps he needed more power for the spell? The crystal ball used up too much magic and he would have to stop using it as much. He would wait a while and slowly build up power until he was ready to unleash it on the unknowing girl. A creature would need to be a distraction for Rachel until then and slow her down.

In addition, without the wizard and the ball to guide the thing, the new creature would need to be able to hunt. A spell formed itself in the man’s head and he uttered it under his breath, falling into another deep sleep.

John awoke the next morning with a pounding headache. It felt as if his brain was expanding further than his skull would allow. He knew what he needed to do, but still had a feeling that he should help Rachel. Feeling a pull towards the Forest of Dreams, the Marquis ate, dressed, and strolled towards it. The headache seemed to worsen with each step and John had to turn back.

As the Marquis slowly left Repee and headed for the coast, the pain subsided and the tension left his head. The sorceress must have planted the headache to insure that John would go down the right path, but why did she not want the Marquis to help Rachel?

Questions flooded John’s brain as he wondered if the sorceress was telling the truth about his son. He wanted it to be true with all his heart, but he had given up all hope for happiness when his wife died. It if was true, John was not sure if he could take it. Confusion tore apart his brain as the Marquis rode back towards Menling, the capital. His horse led the way, carrying John onward because his mind was too distracted.

***

Rachel traveled onward as well, working her way in a different direction. On the other side of the land of nightmares was the fairy keep. As much as she would have lied to avoid that section of the forest, it was the only way to arrive at her destination. Rachel wondered what the fairy land would look like because she had been so surprised with what she had seen of the forest thus far.

The noise which had greeted her at the entrance to the forest still followed and surrounded her, but it was fainted and held less interest. Occasionally, Rachel still felt like she was being watched, but then the feeling would fade and her attention would go back to the path ahead of her. After a few hours, the sounds following her seized and an instinct told Rachel to be wary. Something was out there.

The occasional crunch enabled Rachel to approximate how far away the creature was. It was not gaining any distance on Rachel and it seemed to be waiting for something. Whether the thing was hanging back or not, it still posed a threat to Rachel. It might attack her when she went to sleep, or it could catch her off-guard when she ate her meals. With this thought in mind, Rachel realized that she had not eaten the night before.

Unraveling a piece of cheese from her pack, Rachel began to eat and walk at the same time. A sudden picture of Richard eating the cheese and meat at the same time found its way to the front of Rachel’s brain and she smiled. The smile felt so extravagant placed between her two cheeks that she did not dare remove it for fear that it would never come back. Momentarily forgetting her journey and troubles, Rachel evaluated everything she loved and that loved her.

Richard’s grin was near the top of the list and she pictured it in front of her as she placed her feet in front of one another on the path. Everything was forgotten and Rachel strolled blissfully onward. Her step was light and her outlook cheerful. It was a strange transition from her previous attitude. Before, Rachel had been frightened and confused and coated with blood. The blood had vanished with the creature and the clouds had left as well.

Rays of sunlight found their ways through the branches overhead and teased Rachel’s hair. Light glittered back and forth across the golden-brown locks and the path in front of Rachel and she was content. There was not anything to bother her: not even the thing that followed could dampen Rachel’s spirits. The smile remained on Rachel’s lips long after the cheese and the memory of Richard disappeared.

***

Celeste closed the cover of her notebook, smiling as well. It did no one any good to be traveling with a frown on, and certainly not Rachel. She had given her a bit of a moral boost, but Rachel unconsciously helped. Rachel’s position was closer to the gem and so Celeste reached for it through the girl. Somehow, Rachel might just be able to contact the gem and interact with it, but the old sorceress was not sure.

Perhaps it would happen, perhaps not. Rachel was not unusual, but there was something very intriguing about her. Celeste could not put her finger on it, but the girl reminded her of someone. The memory was brief and far back in time, but Celeste was sure that she had met someone like Rachel before. Perhaps it was when she had been a librarian in Menling? Or right before she first entered the forest?

No, it had been before even then. The time dated back before Celeste had learned of the crystal, but the name she could not recall. Somehow, the sorceress could recall neither the name nor the face. It seemed to remain in the back of her mind and would not be called up. Celeste rocked back and forth in her chair, trying to remember the girl who she had known so long ago. Even after almost an hour, nothing had come up.

Celeste’s train of thoughts flowed to the creature Hadsji had created to kill Rachel. She became worried about the young girl, but the feeling was brief. She recalled something that would affect the outcome of the quest and she knew what would happen. Rachel’s safety was still an issue, however, and Rachel knew a way to protect her apprentice. Her idea would require a little help from a friend.

The black cat was sent out to make the necessary communications. He knew that the friend could help protect Rachel, even if the road to get to him was dangerous. The cat was a little afraid, but his task was of great importance. He set off with his tail in the air and his movements full of cautions.

***

While walking along the path, Rachel had the sudden urge to try to use the gem. She was a little unsure of the magic, but she decided that if she knew how to use it, it would be easier to defeat whatever it was that followed her. Now what was it the sorceress had said about using the crystal?

Ah, yes, Rachel was supposed to wish for something very much, but what should she wish for? Her footsteps halted for a moment as Rachel looked around for something to wish for. The sight of a bird reminded her of a childhood wish that she had never believed would ever come true. Rachel had always wanted to fly.

Capturing the longing she had from her younger years, Rachel ran towards the nearest hill. It was fairly shallow and no trees were on the other side. Instead, soft grasses covered the side she aimed for. Once she had cleared the top, she shoot her upper half forward so as to lay flat. The green-yellow plants came close to her face, but she did not hit. Instead, Rachel somehow became standing again.

A taller hill was a few yards before her and Rachel thought that it might be better for practice. Rachel backed up to the foot of the hill before charging forward. She could picture herself flying with the wind under her and the trees passing like small bushes below her. Almost immediately, she was at the top of the second hill, jumping off and falling flat. The wind picked her up and she floated inches above the earth.

Rachel swam through the air and the winds were lie waves, carrying her gently along. She had done it: she was flying. Rachel felt like something was holding her up and carrying her through the air. She soared above the trees much faster than she would have gone by foot. Remembering the thing that had followed her before, Rachel circled back and scanned the trees below.

Something had arrived at the hills Rachel had used for her flying practice. The brown object sniffed the air and had lost her scent. Rachel took a deep breath and sighed. That was the thing that had been following her and she no longer had to worry. It could not find her now. Feeling much safer, Rachel scanned her surroundings to find a place to rest for lunch where she could still get back into the air.

She found it, the perfect place. A tall willow overshadowed part of a clearing and branches would allow Rachel to climb before jumping off. She glided down and landed in the upper branches. Removing some cheese and salted meat, Rachel began to calmly eat and rest her limbs. A smile crossed her face for she knew that with this new skill, reaching the fairies would be easily and take about a fifth less time. It would not be long before Rachel had Anne again and everything would be perfect. She lightly closed her eyes and dreamt of happy times from the past and those that would surely come.

***

Celeste smiled to herself. Her eyes remained shut and she could see the girl gliding above the trees. Rachel had discovered how to use the gem by herself and would no longer need the sorceress to make contact. Celeste was proud of her young apprentice, but Rachel still had plenty to learn. Indeed, the girl had much to learn about responsibility and caution.

Rachel would have to learn that even though the second creature has lost the sent, it would still be able to find her eventually. For one, it most likely knew where she was headed and would continue on her trail. She decided to watch the creature for a moment. It was wandering around, trying to figure out where Rachel had flown to, but was not receiving any direction from Hadsji. There was only one explanation for this: Hadsji was working on some other monster.

Realizing that this new creature would probably attack Rachel that night, Celeste decided to contact her friend personally. That would be the only way to get him there on time so he could save Rachel. As the master, it was Celeste’s job to keep Rachel safe and if it meant leaving the cabin to seek her friend, then that was what she was going to do.

Putting on a cloak, Celeste used the gem to find the Grenich. He was busy chasing around nightmares to the north. Celeste concentrated on the region, closed her eyes, and disappeared in a sparkle of golden light. She appeared by the creature who was munching on some strange nightmare. There was a pause in his crunching when he noticed Celeste. He turned to look her in the eye and nodded.

***

The wrinkled man dipped his pen back into the ink. He pulled in out again to begin to edit his spell. It was near perfect, so he smiled deviously. Dotting the necessary letters, he prepared to read the spell aloud, but a voice calling from inside his head interrupted his concentration.

"What?!" he shouted, nearly spilling all the ink in his aversion.

She got away.

"What do you mean, she got away?! I gave you one of the best tracking systems of any creature in the forest! Doesn’t matter anyway," the man said. "The spell is ready and I’ll have enough power by tonight to take care of her. You’re dismissed." The brown creature which had been tracking Rachel that day disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

"Now what should I do?" the wizard wondered out loud. "Perhaps I will have enough magic left to use the crystal ball? I will have to wait for nightfall, but I guess that would be best anyway." Stroking his beard, he pondered this question. He supposed that he could do it, but could not be sure. He would try anyway, and if something went wrong, the wizard would always be able to send out the leatherwings after Rachel.

Yes, that is what he would do. The wizard would unleash his creation, and if Rachel somehow miraculously defeated it, she would be attack by fifty-some leatherwings. The leatherwings were nightmares, so he would not have to use any magic on them. In addition, the leatherwings loved to hunt large animals in packs. They would single out certain ones who were not prepared to fight off dozens at a time. Yes, there was no way Rachel would escape. All he had to do was to wait for a while after sunset to put his pieces into play.

***

Rachel finished her meal quickly and jumped off the upper branches. She straightened out about five feet above the ground and glided back up towards the sky. The wind teased her hair and Rachel loved the feel of it. She twirled circles mid-air just to get her hair to fly in all directions. She laughed happily even as she passed over the land of nightmares.

Blackened trees lifted their empty branches to the sky and angry-looking creatures relaxed under the covering. Bones littered the ground and Rachel swallowed, glad that she did not have to walk through that field. Passing over more dead trees and several barren fields, Rachel wished that she was back at the clearing with Quacks.

The girl flew higher above the wasteland so as to not be seen by any of its inhabitants. She flew faster as well, hoping to pass the area quickly. The sky was grey, but no storm brewed out of the clouds. The darkness barely dampened the girl’s spirits and she continued on.

Flying drained Rachel of some energy and she realized that night was quickly falling. She was almost to the land of the fairies and she was past the main part belonging to the nightmares. She found a small grouping of green trees that were not quite dead yet and decided that it was as good as any to sleep.

Landing in the upper branches, she began to worry that she might fall out in the middle of the night. As a safeguard against this, Rachel thought it might be a good idea to take some of the fallen leaves that littered the ground and pile them at the bottom of the tree. She did not want to leave the safety of the highest branches and decided to use the gem. She called to it with her wish and it answered almost immediately with a wind which pushed all the leaves into a heap under the tree.

Rachel pulled out the map because she was sure the gem had to be close by. She looked to her left where a great cliff loomed higher than her seat in the tree. It was there that the map claimed the fairy land was situated. The cliff seemed unwelcomingly near and the deep greens and browns did not invite visitors. The brush and vines could hide the nightmares that Rachel had not yet met and she was glad that she could fly.

The map gave a small riddle that Rachel did not understand even after it was translated.

A dnuow ni eht ffilc llahs eb rouy ecnartne.

Rachel pondered how to understand these letters, but nothing came to mind. Taking a deep breath, Rachel decided to ask the gem. Something told her to read the words, but not the sentence, backwards. Thinking for a moment, Rachel formed the words in her head: a wound in the cliff shall be your entrance.

Perhaps that meant that there was an opening in the cliff itself that would allow her to pass? That was a possibility, and if it was true, than the map lead to that opening. The words by the path would not translate for Rachel, however, and she thought that the gem was trying to get her to sleep rather than look for the entrance at night. With a great sigh, Rachel decided that it would be a good idea and turned over in her blankets in the tree. She kept the pack on her back in case she would need a quick escape.

Rachel dreamt of Richard again, seeing him sit by the great oak and stare out to the forest. She missed him very much, but knew that soon this journey would be over and she could love him back. She wished she could tell him that she was fine, that she would be coming back soon. She wished so hard in her sleep that she was sure the gem heard her. Richard suddenly turned and stared towards Rachel as if he could see through all the trees. He smiled and reached his hand out to take her back and save her from the forest creatures.

Rachel backed away and she shook her head. Her journey was not over yet, but it would be very soon. He shrugged and drew back his hand. Rachel blew him a kiss just as the scene changed to another part of the island, so she did not see Richard’s response. Instead, Rachel’s view shifted to her uncle. He rode onward at a fast pace until he changed horses at Belleis. Rachel did not understand his hurry, but her uncle quickly moved his supplies from the tan mare to the black one.

Rachel woke with a start as if she had been pulled back from where her uncle was. She breathed deeply, trying to catch her breath. She had a funny feeling that something was wrong and calmed down to listen. She heard nothing, which Rachel was sure meant something bad. A high-pitched voice that was neither masculine nor feminine shouted in her ear.

Fly, Rachel, fly!

Rachel jumped off the tree and began to slowly fall from it. A paw tried to claw her face, but it barely scratched it, leaving small trails of blood down her cheek. The magic lifted Rachel up and she flew far from the tree before looking back at the branches. Where she had been before her flight sat a fearsome beast twice her size with glistening white teeth. It was perched on all four fur-covered legs that ended in large claws. It stared at Rachel and the girl as sure this creature had better vision than the last. It was also equipped with better stealth because Rachel had not even heard the thing breathing as it approached.

Rachel wiped the blood from her cheek and shook with fear. She was not sure if she would be able to find the opening before the creature did and if she could not, her quest was doomed. More movement below alerted Rachel of another creature. It did not try to use stealth and chattered with a rain of beeps and sprongs.

Rachel knew she could not face both of these creatures and the one on the ground appeared to be the quickest and strongest. It was twice as large as the other with gigantic hind legs. The creature turned to Rachel with a greeting of clicks and clacks like it knew exactly who she was. Rachel made up her mind and called upon the gem to shoot fire on the second thing. The voice from before replied calmly and coolly.

You don’t want to do that.

Rather than question the magic of the stone, Rachel watched what happened below her. The creature in the tree jumped down to the ground and landed on its feet. The second creature stared blankly for a moment to see what the other would do. The first and smaller circled the larger searching for a weak point. It had immediately recognized it as a threat, but what it might do the thing was not sure.

The second lashed out without warning and consumed the first creature. Rachel was shocked, but remained in flight. She now knew what the second creature was. It was the Grenich that Quacks had told her about, the thing that ate nightmares. With a sigh of relief, Rachel took out her map. There was no way she could get back to sleep that night and she might as well start on her way to find the fairies.

The map was blank for a moment. After several seconds, a picture appeared and it began to move. A wrinkled man looked into a crystal ball thoroughly enraged. He spun the clouds in the ball with several flicks of his wrist and once again the map went blank except for a single word.

A flash of black light from Rachel’s right alerted her that she had visitors. A band of bat-like creatures came after Rachel from a slit in the air. There were approximately fifty of them and the Grenich would be no help with things in the air. Therefore, Rachel dropped out of the sky by the cliff. She ran through trees and brush, trying to find someplace to hide. The creatures were fairly far behind and Rachel was hidden by the trees. They would find her soon, however, so she would have to disappear by then.

Rachel scanned the rocks and tree roots for a hiding place. The bat-like things were heading right for her from above the tree tops. She found an opening in the cliff face which appeared to be a tiny cave. While the creatures flew on the other side of the branches, she dove into the hole. Rachel stayed watching the opening until she was sure the flying creatures had not seen her go inside the cliff, then turned to the back of the cave.

A light shone from the other side and Rachel headed for it. The room grew a bit tight, but she continued on with little trouble. Protruding rocks scratched her, but the cuts were shallow and hardly bled at all. The light from outside grew brighter as Rachel got closer and before long, her head came out of the opening.

Sparkles tantalized Rachel’s eyes and she was sure that she had never seen anything so beautiful. The shimmering colors did not go unnoticed either and they distracted Rachel from her quest for only a moment. She knew what she had come this far for and she was not about to give up. Turning to face the central figure of those gathered before her, Rachel prepared for confrontation.

There were five fairies that had come to meet the invader and each came up no further than Rachel’s shoulders. Curls were piled upon one another and flowers and vines were twisted into the hair of the colorful creatures. Flower petal dress sparkled in the afternoon sun and Rachel took a deep breath.

"Welcome, my dear," said the center fairy before Rachel could speak. "You have a lot to tell us and ask us, so shall we go in? We will have some nourishment before we talk about the magic." The fairy turned and began leading the way to the castle of light.

Rachel was momentarily shocked that the fairies would know why she was there, but then she noticed that the words that were used were so vague as to apply to almost everything.

"I shall join," Rachel replied. "But I do not eat before I do business." Now the fairy was the one to be alarmed and she turned sharply.

"You do not wish to accept our hospitality?" she asked.

"I do, but my stomach is so tumbled that I fear it might explode," Rachel lied. She knew better than to take any food from fairies.

"I’m sorry to hear that you feel that way," the fairy replied. "Perhaps one of our concoctions would help?"

"No, thank you," Rachel said sweetly. "I took some herbs of my own not too long ago." None of the fairies seemed to notice the girl’s lies, but they did sense some distrust. Rachel followed behind the five fairies. She glanced to either side occasionally to see the various shades of green that sparkled on the tree branches. Flowers bloomed all around Rachel and she tried to bring all the colors in without looking like she was overwhelmed. She walked on without a word and made sure to stay alert. She knew how tricky fairies were and she made herself ready for whatever the trick would be.

***

The wrinkled man was furious: his plan had failed. The leatherwings had burst through the trees and run into rocks and tree trunks, but none into Rachel. The girl had disappeared, vanished from Hadji’s sight. She would reappear, though, and when she did the wizard would be ready. He destroyed the leatherwings in a black flame and set to work on his new scheme.

If Rachel had made it to the fairies, which she probably had, Celeste would meet her there. That meant that the girl would be protected. But Celeste could not protect her apprentice forever and when she let the girl go, the wizard would be waiting.

***

Richard stared blankly at the forest branches, amazed at what had passed before his eyes. There had been Rachel, sitting high up in a tree, and she had been looking at him. He reached for her, for she had seemed only a foot away, but she held back. He wondered at this, but knew that it probably meant that Rachel’s journey was not finished yet.

She would come back to him, though, Richard knew that now. He understood at least that and was prepared to wait for as long as it took for Rachel to finish her task. Richard pictured Rachel’s face before him and fingered the item in his pouch. He knew what he would do when Rachel came home and he hoped that he would be able to be patient until then.

Richard thought for a moment, wondering if it was a good idea to be in love with a princess. What chance did he, a pirate, have with royalty? Did she love him, too? Could she love him? These questions ran through Richard’s head, but he did not dare try to answer them. He knew that if he allowed it, thought would break his heart before he even saw Rachel again.

Standing up, Richard blew a kiss back to Rachel, hoping she could see and feel it. He turned to the settlement, wondering if Rachel would stop at Repee on her way back to Menling. If she did, he would be waiting for her.

***

Celeste breathed a deep sigh for she had reached the Grenich in time. She now would have to travel to the fairies to protect Rachel from their tricks. Or maybe, she could give her apprentice a chance to prove herself? That may be a good idea, but it might not. Celeste decided to try it anyway and show up in time to make sure that everything went well. She nodded to herself as if giving herself permission to implement it. She waited a while, just to see what Rachel would do.

The old sorceress had confidence in Rachel and believed that she was able to make a good decision and take care of herself, but the girl did not know very much about life. Her apprentice knew little about the magic she had begun using and even less about the possible consequences. The gem had kept her from making a big mistake, but it would not always be able to. Celeste would be Rachel’s teacher for a year, and after that the girl could be given full command of her powers. Celeste pictured that moment in her mind and waited a while more to give Rachel time to prove her abilities.

***

Rachel did not know of Celeste’s confidence, but she had some of her own. She knew that she could identify a lot of tricks because she had often practiced with Philip. Rachel prepared her brain for checking for tricks as she was seated at a large table. An idea came to mind right as the food was set out on the table and Rachel found herself in the place of honor.

Rachel knew that she would have to eat before anyone else could eat and it would be a very bad idea to not touch the food. Although Rachel knew better than to eat anything given to her by fairies, she had a way to get around that problem. She reached out to the gem and requested an apple on the tray before her. Without any of the fairies noticing, Rachel selected the apple that appeared to eat and took a bite. The ten or so fairies who had gathered to eat with the stranger began to eat as well.

"So, Rachel," began the main fairy who had greeted her. This fairy’s dress was more elaborate than any of the others’. Instead of having one main color of petal, she wore a rainbow of colors. She had also chosen an apple and Rachel thought about it and wished. "You are now bound in servitude to the fairies for the rest of your life." She took a bite of the apple. "You should have known better than to eat something given to you from fairies."

"I do know better," said Rachel with confidence. "And that is why this apple did not come from you." She smiled broadly and fake like the main fairy had. "And neither did the one you ate. You now have to do the next thing I request of you, no matter what it is, and answer truthfully to everything I say." A brief look of shock crossed the fairy’s face, but then she smiled, surely contemplating a way to trick Rachel in return.

Rachel knew that she only got to ask the fairy to do one thing for every bite she had taken. Therefore, the young apprentice would have to be very careful with her choice of words and not accidentally give a command. Taking this into consideration, Rachel pondered what exactly to ask and how to ask it.

"So," Rachel began. "I have been told that the fairies are the caretakers of the Tear of the Moon." The main fairy made no move in reply, but several of the fairies nodded involuntarily.

"We are not in charge of the Tear of the Moon," the fairy said, having worded her reply to be truthful, but misleading.

"I know that, but I know you keep the gem safely hidden somewhere nearby," Rachel answered much to the main fairy’s dissatisfaction. She did not want to be unfair in what she asked the main fairy to do. After all, she might have to deal with them if she was truly meant to follow in Celeste’s footsteps. "How long would you make me work for you in return for the use of the crystal?"

"Three years service." The words burst themselves from the fairy’s mouth without her requesting them. Her lips did not even move to form the sounds and Rachel knew that the spell was working. She did not want to cheat the fairies, but she did not want to work for three years without see her sister or friends. Celeste had said something about training for year, and Rachel did not want distractions when she went through it. Perhaps she could do the service to the fairies and train to be Tear of the Moon at the same time?

"Then let me work for one year in return for use of the gem for a week," Rachel said. The main fairy did not seem too displeased with this statement.

"That sounds fair," a familiar voice said. "For you shall soon be its guardian." Rachel was not surprised that Celeste had come to check on her. The main fairy seemed as if about to protest, but she nodded. The sorceress knew best and was most powerful in the forest.

The fairy turned and Celeste motioned for Rachel to follow. All of the other fairies held back in awe and reverence. Rachel kept her head forward because it seemed appropriate at the time. She took a deep breath, thrilled that she had finished her task. It was done and she could go home for a week. Rachel followed happily with a joy in her step that had been absent for some time.

The circuitous pathway held many twists and turns as it traveled to the cliffs and the others disappeared quickly behind her. The cliff rose quickly before them, covered with a mass of sea green leaves. Rocks jutted their way out of the cliff faces and small caves showed through the brush. A door appeared in the rocks at the end of the path.

Worriedly, Rachel took a step towards it. A human-sized handprint was to the left of the door and the fairy motioned for her to place her hand there. She did as she was expected and placed her hand over the picture. The handprint began to glow gold, but Rachel did not take her hand away.

A piece of the cliff about the size of a door slid into the cliff then moved to the right. No light shone through the opening and Rachel could see nothing in the tunnel. The fairy stepped into the opening and continued walking. It was obvious that she saw nothing as well, but had the steps memorized. Rachel followed closely behind the fairy, which radiated a slight glow. She sensed the rocky walls to either side of her, but saw nothing of them.

They walked on, distances passing with any way to measure them. Rachel knew only that her legs kept moving to match the pace of the fairy in front of her. The floor slanted under her feet downwards for a time, leveled off, and then began to rise slightly. There were few twists and turns and those that did come were gradual and went almost unnoticed. Rachel became immune to the light footsteps that tapped their way down the tunnel. Onward it ran in an almost unending way until finally there was a light other than Rachel’s guide.

Shortly after, the dark sides of the tunnel opened up into a grand cave with a small opening at the top. The ceiling was high and the opening let in very little light. The cave was unusually well lit for such a small hole, but Rachel soon realized that the light was shining from elsewhere. The cavern was nearly empty, housing only echoes and stones. One thing did catch Rachel’s eye, though, and that was the object on a podium in the center of the cave.

The object sparkled and shined dimly, calling Rachel towards it with a gentle pull. She felt strongly attracted to it and did not notice that her steps took her closer. A multitude of colors dashed across its surface and it spoke to her without words. Images appeared in her head and emotions in her heart and Rachel suddenly knew what it was.

This stone, this sparkling object before her, is what she had been looking for, what she had spent months in search of. Her quest was over and it was time for the return journey. The object had been discovered and now Anne could be saved. Rachel took a deep breath and took a step forward so that she was right next to the stone. Rachel knew that her pack was still on her back, so she carefully took the Tear of the Moon and placed it into the bag. She tied it to her back and turned to the fairy.

Remember our deal, came the voice in Rachel’s head.

The young sorceress nodded.

The fairy bowed and left through the passageway from which they had come. That was not the way Rachel would be leaving. As the short figure disappeared between the dark walls of the tunnel, Rachel scanned the rocky walls of the cavern. Spying the proper precipice, Rachel climbed up the rocky sides of the cave.

The young sorceress made sure that her pack and the stone was secure before stepping to the edge of the ledge. She jumped and leveled herself off as she had practiced before. The glide was more controlled than any of those previous and Rachel headed for the opening at the top. It was just the right size for her to fly out of without being scratched by the rocks to either side. Clutching the package attached to her back briefly, Rachel turned towards the east. Her quest was complete. Now, after everything, Rachel could go home.

Somewhat familiar fields passed below Rachel as she headed for the Choquette Manor. Her flight had so far lasted only two days for she flew faster than a horse could run. Thus, Rachel’s journey home was much shorted from the trip to the fairies and the forest. The gem kept motionless in the pack in spite of the many jolts from Rachel’s swerves and twists. She imagined that the nearness of the gem was what gave her speed and agility for the flight.

The manor came swiftly into sight and her old familiar house appeared from behind the trees. Servants were tending to the animals and Rachel did not want to frighten them. Instead, she landed in the middle of the woods and walked up to the Choquette house. Few servants noticed as they were involved in their own affairs. Pack in hand and with a determined stride, Rachel entered the building and headed right up to Anne’s room. She found her mother asleep in the chair with a face creased with wrinkles of stress.

Rachel removed the gem from her pouch, wishing that her mother would not awake for awhile and have some much needed rest. The gem must have heard this wish, for the tired eyes remained closed. Setting the gem next to her sister, Rachel waited for something to happen, for her sister to awake, for everything to be okay. Nothing changed and Anne remained asleep with no sign of waking.

The Tear of the Moon turned a light shade of green, almost so pale as to be white. Examining the stone, it appeared ready be used, ready to work, and ready to be ordered and wished on. Rachel suddenly understood: She was supposed to wish her sister to be well. So, placing her left hand on the gem and her right hand on her sister’s head, Rachel wished with all her might that the spell might vanish and that her sister would be healed. Warmth moved across the surface of the stone, spread from Rachel’s left hand to her right, and sent a green glow onto Anne’s forehead.

Concentrating on her dearest wish, Rachel knew not how long she waited and hoped. When a flutter came to Anne’s lashes, the sky was growing dark. Rachel’s lips formed themselves into a smile and she fainted, exhausted. Her mother, Queen Margreete of Teaka and until recently known as Sarah Burns, dreamt on in a peaceful rest, not knowing what was going on but a few feet from her chair. Someone waited at the door, astounded by what had just happed before his very eyes. He had come into see Anne and witnessed almost all of the healing.

The tall blond figure bent to Anne’s side and kissed her cheek. The smile that came to his cheeks pushed the bags under his eyes to look larger than their usual enormous size. Anne smiled back, knowing and caring not for whatever had just happened. All sure knew is that it seemed like months since she had a good night’s sleep and would not be able to think straight until after she rested.

Obeying his fiancé’s wish, the man carried Rachel into a separate room and waited by her side until she recovered. The recovery was fairly quick one, for the gem had remained under the young sorceress’ left hand and gave her strength. When Rachel opened her eyes, she saw the figure of D’artanion waiting by the bedside. She smiled faintly before falling back into a deep sleep.

Richard again sat by the old oak tree, staring out at the forest and thinking of the man who had called himself Rachel’s uncle. He would wait all day and night by the tree, eating only what was brought into its shade. Never turning his back on the branches of the dreaming woods, Richard would keep watch for the one he loved. For indeed he loved her and everything about her. He loved her smile, her laugh, and her voice. Richard loved her so much that he would think of her all day and dream of her when his tired eyes fluttered closed. He would dream that she was still there, that she had never left. But, in the morning when the daylight shone on his weary frame, he knew that it had only been a dream.

Would it always be a dream? Did it have to be a dream? Oh, how Richard wished he would have gone with Rachel and followed her into the unknown. He wished that Rachel had stayed, had kept from her journey. But all of his wishes changed nothing, helped nothing. Yet with this knowledge of his inability to transform the situation, he remained under the tree day after day and night after night.

Rachel pictured herself beside him, gazing down on his sleeping form and knew what she had to do and where she had to go. As soon as Anne’s strength returned, Rachel would go to see Richard. She could not wait to see him, for she missed him so. Strangely, Rachel found that she was very worried about this person who she had only known for several weeks.

What was this feeling she had for him? It was confusing, yet felt like it belonged there, inside her. She did not know what it meant or why it was there, but she could not trace back how far it had been there, only how long ago she had discovered it. It was unlike any feeling she had ever had before, but it was also a mixture of them all.

She shook inwardly, trying to dispel the confused thoughts. What did it matter now? What would thinking about it now solve? Nothing, she told herself. Feeling quite rested, Rachel opened her eyes to see not only D’artanion, but Philip as well. Both gave their warmest greetings and wished her well, Philip adding how much he had missed her. The sight of the brothers together made her smile and Rachel was glad to be home.

D’artanion told her that Anne was much better, had eaten several servings of hot beef and vegetable soup, and was now taking a walk in the woods. Rachel said that would have to go see her sister and make sure that all was well. Getting up, she saw that Philip had a worried look on his face. To comfort him, Rachel smiled and told him that she would was and had slept off her exhaustion.

The young sorceress walked down the steps at a slow and steady pace, pondering all that had happened since Anne and D’artanion had gotten engaged. It seemed like more than had ever happened in her entire life. Her sister and uncle were almost killed and she disobeyed her mother to save Anne. A run-in with pirates and Rachel had met some of the most wonderful people that she had ever known.

Rachel pictured the Forest of Dreams and the amazing creatures that lurked throughout it. She remember Quacks, the violet duck, and most of the other imaginary creatures who had gained reality through the magic of the woods. Visions of the speckled grasses and flying pink bunnies made her smile as she stepped out the back door into the cool night air.

The sun had set several hours ago and a grey tint covered everything in Rachel’s vision. The colors had all but disappeared leaving a dull, dark world behind. Following the twisted path that led through the woods behind the Choquette house brought back many memories. Rachel remembered when she had first seen Anne’s engagement ring and how excited her sister had been.

The stone and gravel meandered slowly, but Rachel did not quicken her pace. She no longer had any need to rush to where she was going or worried about what might be behind her. All that was gone, now, because Anne was well. Thinking of her sister, Rachel paused in her step and sighed. All that she had gone through was for Anne and her sister was fine now.

Anne would be queen and Rachel the Tear of the Moon. With these thoughts, Rachel breathed deeply, taking in the cool night air. Everything was planned out, then. D’artanion and Anne would marry and rule the land. Rachel, as Tear of the Moon, would be there to protect them. But something was missing, there was a gap in the plan. Rachel could not put her finger on it, but whatever it was pulled her to the west. For a moment, nothing that Rachel could recall was in that direction.

One thought popped into her mind: Richard. She had to go see him, tell him what had happened. Knowing her mother and sister, Rachel would be unable to leave that night. But perhaps, perhaps Rachel could sneak out the next morning. Once she had walked out of sight to the hilly grassland where men hunted geese in the fall, she could fly and no one could catch her.

Yes, that was what Rachel would do. She was leaving the next morning Repee and would tell no one, but leave a note in her room. It she left early enough, it would be hours before anyone found the note. Rachel could reach Richard by late afternoon and everything would be fine. She could see Richard, explain what she could, then tell him she would be back in a year. Rachel nodded to herself. And then she could…

"Hello, Rachel," said a voice interrupting her thoughts. It was Anne and her golden curls framed her unusually pale face. Rachel smiled at hearing the sweet voice for the first time in a while.

"Hello Anne," she said, turning around. She looked her sister up and down, happiness building up in her gut. Anne and her broke out smiling and laughing.

"Oh, my gawd, it’s so wonderful to see you again!" Anne said, all smiling and examining Rachel.

"The same for you," Rachel said, a simple smiling spread across her tired face. So much had happened in the past few months and she was glad to be home, again. Her smile faded a little as she remembered that she had to leave the next morning.

"What’s the matter?" Anne asked. Rachel just shook her head. "Did something happen on your quest?"

"It’s just," Rachel said. "So much happened and I haven’t really realized all of it."

"Can you tell me?"

"I don’t really quite understand it all myself," Rachel answered. "Perhaps when I have it all figured out, I’ll tell you." Anne nodded and rubbed her arms. Rachel touched her arm: it was cold on her fingers.

"Anne, you better go inside and get to bed. Your skin is freezing and you’ve been unwell for the past few months." Anne nodded and turned to leave without argument. Part way down the path, she called back.

"Thank you, Rachel, thanks so very much. I don’t know what I could do to repay you."

"You don’t have to, Anne. You are my sister and I love you. You would have done the same thing for me." Anne nodded. "Now hurry to bed before D’artanion yells at me for keeping you up." Anne giggled and Rachel smiled at hearing that lovely squeak of happiness. She watched her sister disappear ahead of her before heading for home herself.

Rachel meandered slowly down the path. Thinking to herself, but not in words. Feelings contradicted themselves and she was not quite sure what she wanted. As she reached the house, Rachel decided that she did not need to decide for a year. After all, Rachel would spend the next twelve months with the fairies. When her servitude was finished, then she could choose what she wanted.

As Rachel ascended the stairs to her room, she was approached by D’artanion. Unsure what he was going to say, she stopped and waited for him to be near enough to speak. Rachel supposed it would have something to do with thanking her for saving Anne, and forced back a yawn. He stood in silence for awhile, contemplating how to say what he needed to, and Rachel just waited. When he did speak, his voice was in a whisper so not to wake anyone.

"I saw what happened," he said. Rachel, who was ready to say ‘your welcome’ to a sign of gratitude, was stunned. "I entered the room when whatever it was happened and…"

Oh my gawd, thought Rachel, but she did not reply.

"And I saw a glow," continued D’artanion. "It traveled from you to Anne. I thought I was seeing things, and rubbed my eyes. It was still there, stronger than before. After you fell unconscious, it was still surrounding you and Anne."

Rachel still did not reply.

"What happened out there, Rachel?" he asked after a pause.

She shook her head and sighed.

"I can’t say now, D’artanion, but I’ll tell you in the morning," she answered and continued up the stairs. D’artanion nodded as if to say he would wait until then and headed off for his own room.

Rachel entered her bedroom, not too worried about D’artanion. He would know in the morning, they would all know in the morning, but she would be long gone by then. She set out her clothes and supplies, wishing to wake up a few hours prior to dawn.

Her wish was granted, as her wishes usually were, and she rose before the sun and ate a small breakfast. As all her belongings had been packed the night before, all she had to do was gather them up and head down the stairs. Sneaking out the back door, Rachel began her trek westward toward the hills of the plains.

As the last few trees disappeared behind her, the young sorceress readjusted her packs for flying. With the skill and grace she had acquired from practice, Rachel sped off a hill, straighten part-way out, and landed right on her face. A brief, startled look inhabited Rachel’s face before being replaced with one that clearly said: "How could I have been so stupid?"

She stood up and brushed herself off, checking her things to make sure nothing broke. Taking another run off a hill, Rachel remembered to wish this time and sped off with the breeze. Her packs bounced a little, and the young sorceress had to adjust them mid-air. Before long, Rachel was flying over the Teakan plains with the rising sun to her back.

She took a brief lunch break at midday under an oak tree by a lavender-covered hill. Taking in the scent, she launched herself back it the sky, wishing for flight once again. The remainder of the journey took until mid-afternoon and the sun had begun to sink before her eyes. Rachel spotted the oak tree before anything else and landed a few yards behind it. Setting down her packs and concealing them in a small bush, she silently crept up the hill and approached the figure that was in the midst of a restless slumber.

"Hello, Richard," she said quietly into his left ear. The figure shook itself awake and turned to look at her through foggy eyes. The deep brown disks rolled in his head.

"Haven’t I had enough dreams in the night without adding the tortuous visions to the day?" he inquired, not expecting an answer. "Or now you shall tell me you are not a dream, but the real Rachel returned from her quest and on her way to save her sister?"

"Actually, I already got to my sister and have awaken her from her slumber," Rachel replied, curious about the view Richard had taken of her return. Had he dreamt of her the entire time since she left?

"Ah, now this story I haven’t heard yet," Richard said, in a half-interested tone. "Were you carried by a dragon or did a flying horse take you gallantly to the palace?"

"Well, first of all, Anne was at the Choquette manor, not the palace. Secondly, I flew myself and had no need of assistance."

"Well, then. Might I inquire why you returned here?" he asked, lifting his right eyebrow as if this was a game he had played many a time.

"I would like to apologize for having to leave so suddenly and…"

Richard’s hand stopped her mid-sentence.

"I have heard this many times before. You had to save your sister and if I had come to aid you, I would have been killed and that would have broken your heart." He nodded to himself. "Well, I have been told this many times already, and I request, fair vision, that you return from whence you came."

"From where did I come?" Rachel inquired. "Originally, from the east, but I can’t go back there. And it is also from there that I return to you after saving Anne. But, if you really want me to, I will leave."

Not expecting this reply, Richard looked up and blinked away the last of the sleep. He realized that it was a not a dream, but that Rachel had really returned. Quickly, he stood up, trying to recover from the shock. She was there and she had returned. A grin appeared and broadened as it ran across his face.

"Rachel, I….um…..uh….um…." he started. He stumbled for a bit before finding he words "I wonder if you would like to join me for a stroll through the grove of trees over there."

"I would love to," Rachel replied. He offered her arm, his confidence returning, and Rachel accepted it. They began to chat about what had happened since she left, but Rachel left out the parts about her becoming the next Tear of the Moon.

As they walked along the moss-covered path, the young sorceress knew she had to tell Richard that she was not staying. Finally, when there was a break in the silence, Rachel decided that she was ready to tell him. She took a deep breath.

"There’s something I need to ask you," Richard said first. He fiddled with something in his pocket.

"I really need to tell you something first," Rachel interrupted. "It might answer your question." She saw his hand grab something in the pocket and wrap his fist around it. "I…" She paused, taking a deep breath and mustering the courage to tell Richard she had to leave him again. "I’m going to be the next Tear of the Moon because it’s also a person who takes care of the realm and Celeste is retiring and I need to learn how to fill her position and I’m going to live with the fairies for the next year, but I’ll come back after that and I really need to do this because the kingdom needs me and I’d rather stay here with you but I don’t really have a choice because I needed to save Anne."

"What?" asked Richard.

"She’s going to be gone a year to serve the fairies and train to be the next protector of the realm," Celeste said, appearing beside Rachel who was still breathless from her run-on sentence. The younger sorceress saw Richard’s face drop, as well as what ever had been in his fist. She felt really sorry for him and was sure she would miss him. Rachel wished she did not have to go away from him again.

"Can I visit her? Can I come see her?" asked Richard, a last flicker of hope burning in his eyes. Celeste shook her head and the last remnants of Richard’s grin faded.

"No visits, but I can come here and deliver letters back and forth," Celeste replied. Richard nodded. At least he could write, he thought, it was not like he could not talk to her at all. "Well, we best be off!" Celeste noted. Rachel nodded sadly, then suddenly remembered something.

"You had something to ask, Richard?" she said. He shook his head and kept his hand in his pocket.

"Never mind," he replied as shrugged. "I’ll miss you."

"And I will miss you, too," Rachel told him. Celeste took her hand and they both vanished from sight. Richard turned back towards home, taking something out of his pocket and tossing it up in the air. He continued to toss the item and catch it until he reached home, a glint of gold reflecting from it each time the light from the sunset hit the surface.

***

Celeste left Rachel in a large pink room with a feathered canopy bed and a small white nightstand. Her clothes had been magically put away and there was paper, a quill, and ink sitting out where the young sorceress could find it.

This won’t do, thought Rachel. She knew the gem had been returned to its cave, but she could feel its presence nearby. Closing her eyes, she wished. Opening them again, Rachel went towards her feathery emerald bed in her jade bedroom, thinking of Richard and sitting down to write the first letter.

"Yes, but if they do not go in the front, then the people will think them cowards who will not die for their country. That, too, will keep them from our path," she said, starting on a red flower.

"You are right, now what is this second problem?" Arthur asked.

"You are assuming that the people will elect you king, but many will still want the monarchy line. You will only rule until the princess is seventeen, entitling you very little power," Claudia replied.

"And you would not get any part of the treasury," added Arthur, sitting down to light his pipe.

"Exactly."

"So what is your solution?" he struck a match and brought it to the end on his pipe.

"Kill the princess."

"What?!" Arthur yelled exasperated, inhaling too much smoke and beginning to choke and cough. He stood up in shock.

At that time, a royal messenger entered the room with a startling message.

"The queen is gone!" he told them, panting for breath.

"What?!" Arthur screamed again. He could not stand the trauma and sat back down. It took a while for Arthur to clear his mind before he asked the messenger to explain himself.

"Well, Sir Perry, as you know, the queen has been growing ill ever since her husband died and has only allowed close friends to visit her. Last night a woman came from Greensthorpe to see her Majesty. The guards tried to stop her, but the woman got into the Queen’s bedchamber. As the servants were on their way to get the woman to come out, they heard a scream and the woman came running out. She fainted with a note in her hand. The maids fanned the woman and Ryel Tyuel, captain of the guards, read the note. It was signed by the queen and stated that she had run away. The princess has not yet been informed," said the messenger.

"Thank you, you may leave," Cynthia told the man.

"Could this be true? Is the queen really gone?" Arthur asked once the messenger had departed.

"Fantastic news, isn’t it?" Claudia replied.

"Fantastic news?! What if she was kidnapped?!"

"She is still out of our way, is she not?"

"She’s a living person, isn’t she?! First you tell me to kill the princess and now you tell me that it is a good thing that our queen has possibly been captured and is being tortured?! Have you no heart, no feeling whatsoever?" Arthur yelled in reply.

"You listen to me," Claudia said, in a more dominant tone than she had ever used in front Arthur before, "If you want to be king, this is what has to happen. You organize the armada and I’ll take care of the princess."

"Take care of her?! You mean to kill her!"

"You want to be king," replied Claudia.

"Yes, but I will not be a part of a plot to kill anyone for the throne," said Arthur, "Do not tell me that you are willing to kill to be queen!"

"Of course I am," Claudia answered.

"Well, then I will have no part in it," Arthur voiced, rising to leave.

"You will, too." Claudia and lifted her hand. Arthur shot back into his seat. "I have not been biding my time for so long to accomplish what my father started, to be stopped by a measly, soft-hearted man who what’s a fair fight. There will be a descendent of Hadsji on the throne yet."

"You mean that you are the..." he began.

"The daughter of the wizard who tried to take over Teaka fifty years ago? Yes, I am."

"B...but you told m...me that your father was Sean McTermick and was deceased?" Arthur stammered in reply.

"Sean McTermick was his real name, and I never said that my father was dead. I said that he is gone from this world. That he is, banished by that sassy little girl fifty years ago. If I ever meet her, I’ll kill her!"

"And I won’t have any part in it, just like I will have no part in any scam for the throne that involves murder," Arthur replied, rising once again. Claudia’s hand shot out green flames and threw her husband back into the chair.

"Yes, you will, and you will have the appointments for the navy made by tomorrow morning."

"Yes, I will, and I will have the appointments for the navy made by tomorrow morning," Arthur replied in a trance-like state and green eyes shining.

***

"Well, it’s about time," replied Marquis John d`Fayot. His response to the message was quite different than Sir Perry’s.

"Sir?" asked the messenger, examining the room to avoid looking the Marquis straight in the eye. He stood by the single door to the study. The walls to his right and left were covered with bookshelves and the back wall was lined with windows. In front of the windows was a window seat covered in embroidering of brooks, valleys, prairies, and berries. It was a very pleasant style.

"Well, any young queen whose husband has just passed away would probably fear for her life and would run away. After all, how many people may try to assassinate her in order to reach the throne? Has the princess been told yet?"

"No, sir, but that is where I am to head once I have finished here," the messenger replied.

"What is your name?"

"Richard Choquette, sir."

"Richard, could you do something for me?" the Marquis asked as he fingered something around his neck.

"I believe so, sir," replied the messenger, not sure what the something would be. His anxiety increased when the Marquis removed the object from around his neck. "What is it?"

"Please tell her that this is from an uncle who will love her always. It is a locket with a picture of my late wife and the princess’ mother. They were twins, you know, so the princess is my niece. They were identical and hardly anyone could tell them apart. I could, my heart told me, the very heart that loved my late wife, dear sweet Isabel," replied the Marquis.

"I'm so sorry," Richard replied.

"It is sad indeed," the Marquis replied, "I loved my dear wife and love her still, though she has been gone since the fall. And now it is spring." The Marquis turned to gaze out of the window. Outside it was a pleasant spring afternoon and the sun shone sweetly upon brilliant green grass. "It was not quite winter without her, nor is it spring. I doubt that there will be a change in the summer, unless... Is there any chance that she may be allowed to stay with me? I am her uncle after all." He turned from the window.

"No," Richard sadly responded. "The advisors have agreed that the princess will be safest at the palace." Marquis John d`Fayot knew that the princess would certainly be safer at his manor than at the palace. There were conspirators at the palace, but he knew that the queen would save her, she was not dumb nor one of the women that can not fend for themselves. His late wife and Margreete had always been determined and able to do anything that they set their minds to.

"Oh well," the Marquis told the messenger as turned back to the window. "Isn’t it a wonderful day outside? My wife and I used to ride through the meadows on warm afternoons like this with the wind in our faces..."

"I really must be going now," Richard said quietly, thinking of his sons at home who were counting on him to be back in the morning. If Richard did not finish soon, he would have to start later the next morning than he had been planning to. He inched out the door.

"And we'd picnic by the streams and eat ripe berries. Strawberries were, as I recall, her favorite..."

***

Richard knocked on the door to the princess' nursery. A small window in the door was opened and a woman's voice sounded.

"Who is it?" she asked. It was obviously the princess' nursemaid who was with the child as the queen had left.

"Richard Choquette with several messages for Princess Cynthianna Eleanor," Richard answered. He felt terrible to have to be the one who had to tell the princess that her mother had left. After all, Cynthianna was just over a year younger than his youngest son, Philip, and she had already lost a father. Now, with the queen gone as well, Cynthianna would have to rule by herself at only six years of age.

Richard's thoughts were interrupted as the nursemaid opened the door after looking him over. Inside was what appeared to be a playroom with shelves and boxes of toys, many of which seemed to be rarely played with. There was a door on every wall; one that Richard had come through and three that most likely led to the princess' room, a privy, and the nursemaid's quarters. A young girl sat on the floor with a doll in her lap. Her golden curls were held back by a pink ribbon which matched the flowers on her dress. The doll was dressed the same way and Cynthianna was reading a story to it. Richard guessed that the princess was either making the story up or that she had memorized it because the book was up-side down.

"Your highness," the nursemaid said to the child, "There are several messages for you." The girl stood, straightened her dress and turned around.

"Yes," she said turning towards the messenger, "I am ready to receive them." Richard swallowed, not knowing how the princess would respond.

"Yes," Richard began, clearing his throat, "The first is that your mother, Her Majesty, has disappeared. She left a note that stated that she has run away." He paused, looking for her reaction. The only one he found was on the nursemaid who looked absolutely astonished.

"I see, and the second one?" the princess asked. Cynthianna believed that the others were overreacting; her mother had only left to visit a friend and would come back for her.

"Well, the second is from your uncle, the Marquis John d`Fayot," Richard said, removing the locket from his pocket. "He offers his condolences and sends you this. The pictures inside are of your mother and your late aunt. The Marquis also said that he loves you and wants you to always remember that." He handed the locket to Cynthianna, bowing.

"What is my uncle like?" Cynthianna asked. She had never met her uncle before.

"Well," Richard said, thinking, "He's about my height with golden-brown hair and brown eyes. He's quite handsome except for a scar across his right cheek when he fought against the pirates when he was younger."

"Thank you. You may leave." Richard bowed and left. The sun had set, so Richard went to an inn. In the morning, Richard would set off home to help his two sons with archery. He fell asleep smiling, not knowing the part he would have to play in Claudia's evil scheme.

***

Sir Arthur Perry sat behind stacks of papers piled on his desk. Behind him was a table covered with maps and sketches of battle plans. A window on his left showed nothing except a dim reflection of the room. A bookshelf to his right was covered in dusty titles.

It was near midnight and he still could not find the person to lead the special mission he had planned. It must be someone who was loyal to the crown, yet not a noble. Arthur searched through the pile on his left. The one on his right was the nobles who had been assigned to the first wave of attacks. Arthur began to read over the resume of one of the Royal Messengers and skimmed his qualifications. It appeared that this one was perfect. Years of loyalty and in a little over a year, the man would become a Royal Proclamationer.

Arthur wrote down the name, Richard Choquette, on the list and began assigning the officers on the ship. In the morning, these would be notified by a Royal Proclamationer, as well as those in the first line of attack. Arthur set to work on the people who would be in the second wave of attacks, hoping that Claudia would be proud of all the work he had done.

A young lad of about eight years entered the room to speak to is father. The black-haired boy was so happy because he had been selected to compete in the city-wide spelling contest. Wishing to tell his father, the short Faral approached Sir Perry. He saw his father’s green eyes intent on his work. Strange, thought Faral, I was sure Father’s eyes were blue. Oh, well.

"Father?" he asked. Faral knew that Sir Perry would be proud of his son and Arthur would offer congratulations.

"What?" Arthur rudely asked. Faral was surprised as his father had never turned on him in anger or thought that his work was more important than his son.

"I just wanted to tell you that I was selected to participate in the spelling contest," he offered when he had partially overcome his shock.

"Well isn’t that just wonderful for you. Now will you please just leave me alone?" Faral’s father asked.

"Yes, Father," Faral said. He did not know what had come over his father. He started to leave, but turned around.

"Father?" he asked again.

"What is it now?"

"Can’t I have a good-night kiss?"

"Can’t you see that I am too busy to be giving good-night kisses?" Arthur asked. Faral stepped back, hurt, and then turned with tears running down his cheeks. He went to sleep, still lamenting the loss of his father.

Down stairs, Arthur continued with his work, hoping that Claudia would be happy of all he had done. The stacks on his right kept grow and the ones on his left diminished. He sent out notices with the night-time messengers and prepared the letters that would be sent out the next day.

The sun had been down for hours, but Arthur's was not the only lamp lit. Claudia sat in her sitting room, planning and perfecting. She was sure that the princess did not have a chance. The guards would not be able to tell that Claudia was the conspirator. She had even made certain that her own husband would not be sure who the conspirator was. Yes, Claudia’s plan was almost foolproof.