Prelude

“Daddy, why can I not marry him?”1

“Because I said so,” Theo’s face was turning a bright shade of red by this time. “You very well know you are promised to someone and that you’ve been promised since not long after your birth. Not to mention you are the princess of your people. Do you really wish to bring shame to your kingdom?”2

“No! Daddy I don’t love Kellis. He is all work and no play, plus we have this certain hate for each other that will never die,”3

“Patience Rayne Starlit, don’t say another word! Kellis is a fine young man, he will bear me a fine grandchild, and anyways there is a very fine line between love and hate. Now be gone with you let me finish my work,”4

Backing away hot tears of anger spilled down Patience’s face. With out another word she slipped through the heavy wooden doors and into the cool stone hallway. Silently she cursed her father, and walked towards the staff’s staircase, which was the shortest route to the kitchen. Mi was standing over a large pot of boiling water, “Miss. Patience, what are you doing here? Normally, you do not grace me with you presence until afternoon.”5

“Normally, I am spending time with my friends, but daddy forbids me to see Vasch.”6

“Poor thing, how about this child, help me with the stew and maybe it will get your mind off things.”7

Patience pulled long black silky hair back into a ribbon, “Of course I’ll help, though I highly doubt it will get my mind off anything,”8

“Well go to the store house, get me two of the best soup bones you can find.”9

The sun was shinning bright and Patience could not help smiling even though she was still upset. The sparkle of Raven’s arrows could be seen from the hill while he practiced for the tournament. She knew he would win seeing the only person in the land that could defeat him was Patience herself, not that it mattered seeing girls could not enter.10

The storehouse was a small stone two-floor building, which Patience loved because it was quiet and the glorious smell helped to clear her mind. Inside she looked around and let her particles slip apart. In moments, she was invisible and gliding up the ladder to the second floor. When she knew she was on a firm piece of floor she, reappeared. She took the two largest soup bones and ran back to the house. 11

All different kinds of herbs and spices were covering the butcher-block table and counters when Patience returned. Mi smiled, “Put the bones in the water and I’ll give a little herb lesson.”12

The first thing Mi pointed to was a small bowl with what looked to be brown peas, “That my dear is lla ecips it’s mainly used for baking things like breads, cookies, etc.”13

Next, Mi pointed at a small pile of green-brown leaves that were the length of Patience’s little finger, “These are good with meats, soups, and stews. Some of the women like to use it when they are pickling something, as well. It is called yab feal.”14

Lying next to the yab feal were long, thin, gray leaves, “What are those?”15

“Nomel sarg and the green-gray leaves next to those are emyht, both of which are good in meats, stews, soups, etc.”16

“Now, your mother wanted to speak to you so off you go,”17

Anita was sitting on the sun porch when Patience found her, “You wanted…”18

Patience cut her words short when her mother’s hand shot up. “Do you see how those geese follow their mother, how they trust her to make the right decision? She may make a mistake every now and then, but they know she knows best.”19

“Yes, ma’am,” Patience watched the goslings in silence for a few moments before she spoke again. “No disrespect, mother, but I do not understand your point.”20

Anita turned to Patience, her grass green eyes showed no emotion, “My daughter, you are your father’s and my gosling. We expect you to understand that we know what is best for you. Patience, you are still young and do not yet understand love.”21

“Ma’am, if you are speaking of the argument daddy and I had. I feel terrible for the things that I said they were childish and foolish. I will marry Kellis. I only ask that you give me a week before anything is said to Kellis and his family.”22

“I must speak with your father but I do not see where that would be a problem. I do how ever ask one thing of you, do not speak with that boy Vasch until after the engagement ball. It will be for the best. Can you do that for me?”23

Patience knelt next to her mother taking her hand, “Mother, I ask that I be allowed to see him one more time, just so I can explain the situation. I think that should be alright. I do not ask much just these two simple things.”24

Anita sighed, “I will grant you what you wish. I will speak to your father; the engagement ball will be in one month’s time. Now go I need to think,”25

Patience stood smiling, “Thank you, mother.”26

A couple days latter Patience sat by Shayten Lake and waited for Vasch to come. Tears stung her eyes as they spilled down her cheeks. Kasandra showed up holding a scroll, “This is from Vasch.”27

Patience looked at Kasandra, “Thank you, you know for bringing this to me and all. If you would not mind, I would rather read this alone. Again thank you.”28

After Kasandra, left Patience broke the wax that held the paper together and read:29

My dearest Patience,30

Please believe me when I say that I am sorry for not delivering this personally. I do not think that I could bear to see the tears that are running down your beautiful face. I have spoken to your father just yesterday and he informed me that you are to marry Kellis, and that it was due to an arrangement made when you were just a child. Your father told me that he in many ways regrets his decision but in order to keep his pride he must keep the agreement made with Kellis’s family. My dear, I wish you all the best in your life. Kellis is a good man from a well-known family. 31

I do not and never will regret the things I have said to you, my love. I do love you, but my dear I am going to let you go. I am planning to marry your best friend Kasandra. I hope that some day you will forgive me. 32

Yours Truly and forever,33

Vasch34

“I will forgive you, Vasch, someday I hope,” Patience whispered; as dust particles seemed to magically kick themselves in the air. “I know you’re here, you don’t have to show yourself. I am sorry that this all had to happen this was. I do love you Vasch, but I guess we’re not meant to be together in this lifetime.”35

The dust danced around Patience’s hair for a few moments and then it was gone Vasch was gone. Without another thought Patience wiped her tears away, put the letter in the pocket of her dress and walked home. Kellis’s family would be notified the next day that Patience was ready to proceed with the ceremonies, which Patience herself dreaded.36