In The Castle (Sequel To My Journey)

I was inside my castle again. What had once been a home and sancuary now seemed a dark and dreary prison. It seemed that Dorian had control over everything now, even me. Three guards were to watch me during the day and one at night. Although They were outside my door I always felt as though I was being watched. I had heard little to nothing about the fate of the Assinians, and what I had heard was mindless gossip of servants who would pass by my door. 1

My insides clenched at the the thought of everything, how I had done this, sealed their fate. I tried to convince myself that what I had done did succeed in warning King Harold, that perhaps it would make some difference. However I could not shake the feeling that Dorian might not have gone to war without motive, that perhaps I had acted to quickly, irrationally. Unfortunately I had nothing but time to ponder my mistakes being held captive in my own home. Peasants were already outraged by the Assinians *kidnapping* of me. It was necessary for Dorian to isolate me to prevent the truth from spoiling his new found support of the kingdom. 2

I had no visitors except one. Peri came to see me as soon as he heard of my return to the castle. His long silken robes dragging on the ground was music to my ears. He came into the room and embraced me instantly. His long finger stroking my hair as I pressed hard against his chest. It was at that moment I began to cry in his arms, feeling the build up of guilt and fear not to mention the fact that I had missed Peri deeply. 3

" It is not your fault." He spoke softly into my ear as he read my thoughts. "I know that you blame yourself but this was going to happen no matter what. You are the bravest girl I know." Said Peri smiling at me and making me feel more calm. However no words could comfort the anxious beats of my heart.
" I just feel so awful. What can I do now to help them. It shall be told in stories and ballads the tale of the war started by me, and it will continue to be told even after I am dead and gone. How foolish it was..." I said beginning to cry again.
" There will be a time for crying later Eve. Right now you must be strong for what is to come. I don't know how long it will take but it will come soon and I don't know what to do to stop it." Peri gazed at me his eyes starting to tear. Normally I would scoff at his vagueness but to see Peri in a state that left him tearing up, I had no reason to laugh.
" What is wrong Peri. Surely it is nothing worse then this war? Is it?" I was not sure if I wanted to know the answer.4

Peri released me from his embrace and walked toward the window. I studied him, waiting for a response. The seconds ticked by as he seemed to search the stars for an answer. Or perhaps he was debating whether or not my head was already under to much stress. Either way I sat on my stool, my eyes on his back, waiting. 5

" Eve the stars having been saying much. Alignment with your star and another has occured. This could of course mean several things as I have well taught you. My current... assement however points to a grim fate. It involves Dorian, I believe with all his power in the world also wishes of it that you become his bride." Peri turned to face me his face grim.6

I could not breathe, I felt myself immediately rejecting the thought and though futile I found my denial leaking out into spits of frustration.7

" Wha..... What! Peri you are lying to me. Or the stars are placed wrong. No! No! I will never, I would rather die then become that mans wife! I would dive into a sea of sharks rather then live with him. Please Peri tell me you are wrong! Please!" I was scared, shocked, angry, sad and nervous all at the same time. Especially because it made sense, perfect sense, how could I think that Dorian would settle for anything less than a crown.
" You know I cannot lie to you, Eve, no matter how much I might want to now. He will marry you, I don't know when but we have to think of something." Peri seemed to indicate time was of the essense.
" There is nothing to be done, you see how he has wormed his way into power. I doubt my father would think twice about blessing the marriage. What could be done except...." My thoughts went to a dark place and Peri saw it his head shaking in dissapproval at my most recent plan of action. " Do not protest Peri, it may be the only way. If I kill myself Jarrod becomes next in line to the throne, Maline would be far better off with my cousin as king then to hav-"
" Eve, please do not speak of such darkness. I fear that if Maline or all the realms lost your light, they might all be doomed to fail. Do not destroy your kingdoms last hope of a rightful and just ruler. You must promise me to not resort to such desperation!" Peri pleaded. Streching his arm out to me he grasped my shoulder firm. " You must swear this to me now, no matter what princess... swear it." His gaze forced me to destroy the only plan I had.
" I swear I will not." My voice was small and defeated.
" An answer is always waiting around the corner Eve, it is your job simply to seek it out." His eyes scanned my face to ensure I was understanding. I nodded.8

Had I known what awaited behind my door I would have cherished each second of our grim conversation. Peri then twitched as two guards entered the room both with large axes followed by Dorian. The loud barging in act had occured more than once before as it seemed Dorian had little to no regard for my privacy. Dorians face wrinkled into a distinct frown. With long strides of determination, Dorian tromped to my side pushing Peri away from me.9

" Peri I believe that you have manipulated the kings daughter long enough! Your black magic and evil poisonous advice shall be stopped! You have by the kings command been sentenced to DEATH!" Dorian yelled at Peri.
" No, not this time Dorian! You cannot lie again you know Peri is not of black magic and he has forever shown us loyalty! He has ruled this land in my fathers bad health and everyone in the kingdom would be outraged!" I shouted angrily at Dorian, sure of the validity of my argument.
" The Kingdom not only condone this action but demands it, your majesty." Though he still faced Peri I could feel the sneer in his tone.
" Demands?"
" Peri of course bewitched you into leaving the castles safety, in order to deliver you the hands of our enemy the Assinians." Dorian's claim was well rehearsed. I knew there was no point in arguing against the accusation as Dorian knew just as well as I did the nature of my escape and the falsity of my *kidnapping* or *bewitchment*.
"If you kill him then I shall throw myself from this tower and be dead upon the castle grounds!" I yelled back at Dorian.
" No!" yelled Peri. In his eyes he made me recall my promise, then he continued to speak. " I shall go with you may the axe that chops my head be clean from sin in taking my life." Peri said, I stood in shock not saying a word.10

Dorian smiled smugly and the men took Peri. I still stood there with nothing but a wide open mouth. This would be the last time I would see him, I could f'eel my heart breaking. My tutor, my mentor, my friend... I then yelled out to him " I love you Peri!" He twisted his next to give me a small grin. My heart raced in my chest as Dorian swiftly closed the door behind him, he took him from me, he took Peri, one of two people whom loved me. Dorian was trying to break me, like my father had broken. 11

I then put my head on my pillow and cried. I was trying to block out the chants from outside. The bloodthirsty crowd that screamed for justice. I smothered myself and turned my face from the window. It could not be helped though. From outside I heard the axe drop. I then screamed in pain and cried myself into a death like sleep. If my heart had not been broken before it had now.12

213

My sides hurt with such a great pain. My pillow drenched with my salty tears. I could not stop. At one point a guard came in and asked if I was ok. I threw a book at him and he left in haste. Everything was gone from me it felt, an emptyness crept over me like a shadow of darkness. Even the outside beat down with a heavy rain as if to share my tears for Peri. I was alone, or at least I felt I was alone.14

In the dark storm that raged outside a tiny observer documented my moves. Gilda felt my pain from the window in which she watched me. She had been following me throughout the journey and I had not noticed her. But being a faerie, especially as determined as she was her invisibility was well practiced. She had planned to once again bombard me with questions but in her study of me had come to the realization of the gravity of the situation. 15

I think that I must tell you a little thing about faeries in order for you to maybe understand Gildas actions better in this story. Faeries are woodland creatures, they live in forests and help things grow. Fairies are not Sprites and if you accidentally call them one you will be shunned from their sight and they will never speak to you again. Faeries are about the size of your thumb, they have have delicate little wings that are faster then a hummingbirds. Each Faerie is one colour either Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Gold or Silver. Gilda is Blue I am not sure but I think each colour determines their sort of personality or magic. The Faeries look just like people (except the wings). Faeries love nature and life. Most often they take time to have parties to celebrate life. The Faeries are not accustom to violence. And when Peri was killed Gilda did not understand. They don't know things of hate or revenge or violence they are pure creatures that will only be offended maybe but never hate. Gilda had wandered far from the home she knew and now was subject to not only witnessing the violence of humanity but also witnessing the pain it had left behind.16

So Gilda from my window watched me for a good while, and her curiosity about this Dorian character made her want to investigate further. Flying off Gilda went to see what she could discover in the castle.17

............18

It was hours later when the moon shone down across the meadows, that I heard it a voice. Inside my head I heard him. 19

" I am much Eve. But I am not a fool or a peasant!" The voice said.20

" Peri?" I asked. My eyes heavy from sleep and tears, I jerked my head as if to look for his face.21

" I am not dead Eve, just my body. I shall live on in your life. I am a design of magic and I will be able to come back to you. So dry your tears Eve I am sorry I cannot be there to hold your hand or make you laugh. I will always be here in spirit guiding you, and helping you in this task to help the innocents in this war that is coming. It will take a while but I will come back to you in some form, I will come back." Peri said.22

" Peri, I miss you. I cant do this alone, without you." My head was reeling.23

" You are not alone Eve. I will always be with you and so will others. Soon Eve you will find that you have more friends then you think you do. But you must stay strong, it will come and I will also. But now you must go to sleep." Peri's voice was soft and hypnotic. 24

I opened my mouth to speak but instead found myself drifting softly asleep. As if someone were leading me to my bed. Then I was in a deep slumber. Perhaps I had been dreaming the whole time though, I wonder.25

Gilda watched me sleep, her quest to find information had proved succesful. That night Peri and her got better aquainted. The little Faerie now anxious for the next day and a chance to tell me things that would change the fate of many.26

327

My window always faces the sun rise in the morning. Exhausted from all the emotions I had gone through I lay and watch the sun stretch across my room. It touched past the window sill, onto the soft white carpet that lay in front of my mirror. When the sun finally reached me I decided I could no longer sit there. Something needed to be done, having slept in my dress from the previous day I swept through my closet gazing in it only briefly before pulling out a random item. It wasnt until I had (with great difficulty) laced it, that I realized what dress I had chosen. 28

It was the dress from my last birthday, a long blue gown with a chest embroidery of a serpent. I caressed the velvet and smiled slightly. Peri had this dress fashioned for me... Peri. I had no doubt his memory would be everywhere I looked. Luckily I had no more tears to cry, they had all been spent. Going to my mirror I picked up my ivory brush and quickly pulled through the knots. Looking in the mirror I once again looked for the hint of her.... out of habit. I even put a hand to my face to examine each line and birth mark. I couldnt see my mother. 29

Today I would figure something out. I stood up and paced as I thought out my plan. Perhaps if I could get into the war room, or the armory. No doubt heavily guarded but perhaps my only chance of gathering information. Also I needed to know... I needed to know that Marcus was alright. That I hadn't sealed his fate.30

Forgetting my position and all that had come to pass I opened my door.31

" Your Highness, may I escort you somewhere?" The large guard had a severe look and I knew him already to be loyal to Dorian as I had tried to convince him previously to release me.
" Ummm.. maybe in a little while I forgot something." I marched back into my room.32

Falling on the bed I wondered if there was a point to all of this, how could I do anything to stop Dorian with his guards literally breathing down my neck!33

" So what did you forget?" A sharp voice called.34

I sprang upward on my bed startled. There on the window sill, her blue light dim behind the glowing yellow sun, sat the Faerie.35

" You again!" I said hastily.
" Yes me again! You think I would just be sitting in the forest waiting for you to return! Although don't get me wrong I did wait for an awfully long time." Gilda spoke fast and fluid.
" I do apologize you see I-"
" Don't worry, I know all about you Princess Eve." I started to ask but she decided she wasn't finished speaking. " I followed you, not a truly difficult thing to do. It seems like you have gotten yourself into quite a big mess Princess. Although what do you expect a princess running out into the woods to warn a king of an impending attack, whilst getting kidnapped by bandits, rescued by princes, treking across fields, getting kidnapped back to your own castle by a man who is determined to destroy all of human kind and not to mention the fact you seem to be unwillingly engaged to him as well..." She took a deep breath and continued. I merely sat there almost as flabergasted as our first meeting. " Well thats quite a heap of trouble you have gotten yourself into and of course dragging me into it, I mean honestly you didnt think I could follow you around learn all this stuff about you and then just leave? I mean it would be as if walking past a puppy with no food water or owner!"36

She was still standing on my window sill. And it appeared she had finally finished speaking so it felt only fair of me to ask...37

" Who are you?"
" I'm Gilda of the Everglades" She said making a small bow of her head.
" I'm sorry to be so forward but... why are you here?" I asked sheepishly
" It is as I have said before princess that you are in desperate need of help and well... after seeing the lengths this Dorian guy has gone to... no matter though I am here to help you Eve." She fluttered over to join me on the bed.
" I do appreciate the offer but it seems that I have no means of escape nor discovery here." I tried to sound grateful but I doubted that Gilda was going to be able to help me with three guards outside.
" Peri certainly was right about your pessimism." Gilda scoffed.
" What did you say?" My eyes went wide.
" Peri, he told me last night that you would need help with being more optomistic." Gilda began to fly about my room now investigating several items in my jewelry box and books on my shelf.
" You can speak to Peri?" I asked still wide eyed.
" Of course I can, wouldn't be much of a spirit Faerie if I couldn't." I made a confused look and she pointed to herself.
" The blue of course, blue are spirit faeries!" I realized.
" Yes indeed, now what do you say we figure out a plan, Peri said he gave you clues. So lets follow them!"
" What clues?" I asked confused again.
" You dont know the clues? He said he told you." Gilda pressed nervous.
" I dont know what clues you're talking about..." I was honestly baffled.
" Think then Eve, what did Peri say to you last night? He said that last night he told you what to do." Gilda's impatience rang out with each word.
" Peri didn't say anything, just of what the stars showed, and that it wasn't my fault..." I began to choke on my words feeling the pain of what had happened only yesterday.
" But he said something about what to do right?" Gilda prompted.
" No, nothing.... just that....An answer is always waiting around the corner, it is your job simply to seek ... it ... out." Realization splashed across my face.
" What is it? That doesn't seem too helpful a phrase." she said as she flew up to my shoulder.
" Don't you see, it's obvious, he is being literal!" I jumped up in excitment, he had left me a trail.
" What are you talking about Eve?" Gilda hung tightly onto my shoulder not enjoying the fast movement.
" Around the corner from my room. That is where Peri has his study! There must be something there." I ran to the door before pausing. " Shoot the guards." I stamped my foot angrily.
" Well if your highness is not afraid of heights.. I have a suggestion."38

I turned to see a grin light up across Gilda's face.39

440

" That's impossible!" I told Gilda, my body neck stretching out my window.41

I was referring of course to the climb. Outside my window ledge you could see Peri's study window, barely. There was a thin ledge that curved around the tower to the corner window that belonged to the study. I glanced downward, it was not a short drop. My window faces the east and as such does not glance upon the village but instead of the moat which surronds the city and past that the pine forest. I view I had always enjoyed now was frightening.42

" It is not impossible, you just need to make sure you don't fall." Gilda said flying out of the window toward Peri's study.43

My leg swung over the side of the window sill as I took a deep breath. There was no reason not to try, even if it meant my death it would at least save me from marriage to Dorian. I pulled myself up using the window frame. Standing on the ledge a wind blew up pushing my back against the wall. I gasped. Looking to my right I could see the thing wooden ledge that stuck out from the stone. Turning my back to the view of a long fall I shimmied my way across the ledge. My fingers dug into the stone cracks as I inched my way across. Another gust blew strong and I stopped, pinning myself to the wall with all my might. When the gust past I made my final few steps before reaching my arm inside the window. It was easy then to pull myself in. 44

" Told you it wasn't impossible." Gilda laughed.
" Yes not impossible but let us not do that again." I began to search the room as I tried to catch my breath. 45

The study had been my tutoring place as well as Peri's private place of reflection and contemplation. There were several star charts on the wall, and portraits from several ancient paintings, they depicted ancient battles of the Maline kingdom. One even showed my father in the battle against Shrengar, many years before my birth. The shelves were lined with books and Peri's desk was covered in papers, letter and charts. Gilda and I began to sift through them searching for some kind of clue or perhaps message.46

" I don't know what I'm looking for." I said after my second sweep through the piled parchment.
" We will know when we find it." Gilda was scanning the spines of the books.47

After searching each paper for a word or a hint, frustrated I tossed them aside. Then saw that under the papers on the desk was a book. I had looked at the book before but not closely at the cover. This time I made myself look. On the cover of the book was a familiar symbol. I picked up the book and flipped through its pages, it was empty, not one thing written, not a single page bent. I closed the book and examined the cover again my hands tracing the small serpent that decorated it. The same serpent embroidered on my dress. 48

" What are you staring at?" Gilda asked as she flew to my side.
" Nothing, there isnt anything written in the book." I then flipped the pages again to search when Gilda stopped my hand.
" There is something here Eve. You merely cannot see it. The book is bound with magic!" Gilda then began to flip the pages excitedly.
" Well what good is a book if I cannot read it!" I yelled.49

Big mistake. The sound of a guard coming to investigate was loud and clear. Scrambling to find some place to hide Gilda pulled my hair to the window. The footsteps were getting louder closer, I had no choice. I began to climb out the window, reaching back to grab the book I slipped. My short scream was stopped when Gilda covered my mouth. The door in the study had opened. My hands on the ledge I held on tightly. My knuckles began to turn white as they slowly slid off the ledge. Looking down I tried to swing my feet to the next story window. It only made my hands slip more. My heart was pounding insanely as I glanced downward. Clattering was going on in the study, sounding like rumaging, Gilda flew up to my hand trying feebly to pull me back up. One finger at a time slid off the ledge, until my right arm alone held me. Then I heard the guard in the room come to the window. Not having the strength left I let go...50

" EVE!" The guard shouted. Then a felt the swift grasp of my wrist. Two strong hands pulled me back up to the window and into the study.51

I fell onto the guard and as he pulled me into his chest I recognized the strong embrace. 52

" Marcus!" I squeezed him with all of my might and glanced up to see it was him.
" What are you doing Eve, you could've been killed!" He craddled my head in his shoulder as we both tried to regain a steady heartbeat.
" I'm so glad you are safe. Oh Marcus!" I kissed his cheek and held him tight.
" I am perfectly alright your highness. Although I am glad I happened to look out the window." Marcus said more formally.
" I am glad you did too." I laughed nervously.
" Please don't scare me like that again Eve." He let me go and helped me to my feet.
" You know how I could not come searching here without Dorians guards at my back." I said.
" Yes I know, I came here to see if Peri had anything here, something that would have condemned him.... Eve I am so sorry. I know you and Peri were close friends." He lowered his head respectfully.
" As close as I am with you Marcus, which is why seeing you makes me so glad. I had hoped Dorian would not hurt you too." I pulled in for another hug feeling so relieved to see him again.
" I suspect Dorian was not aware of our friendship. Probably he is also unaware of your skills with a blade. But we must make haste, I doubt Dorian will not check on you soon it is near dusk." Marcus spoke the truth, often at this time Dorian would visit my chambers.53

I grabbed the book off the window sill and Marcus pulled me out of the study door. Pulling out his sword he dragged me down the hall by my wrist. I casually hid the book behind my back as we approached my door.54

" You guards are pitiful. She nearly escaped using her window ledge! Must us captains of the guard do everything!" Marcus shouted at the three men in front of my door.
" Sir we do apologize we hadn't thought-"
" Well obviously you hadn't thought. I have been decorated, fought wars for King Stephan, General Dorian and the Kingdom of Maline, dont let me be picking up after your mistakes again!" Marcus barked at the large guard.
" No Sir never again!" The large guard opened my door and Marcus pulled me in.55

Marcus turned to leave and I quickly whispered in his ear.56

" I have a messenger, a faerie I will send you word through her."57

Marcus nodded and left in his theatrical huff. Back in my room again. I took the book and traced the serpent on the cover with my finger. Opening the pages in search of the words I could not see. It was then that Gilda re-appeared on my desk out of thin air.58

" Well I'm glad Marcus showed up, would have hated to be talking to your spirit right now." She joked.
" You could have said hello you know. Marcus doesn't bite." I laughed as I continued to flip through the book.
" I don't normally talk to living humans, it is new to me." Gilda admitted.
" So Gilda, can you read the book?" I asked flipping through the pages.
Gilda shook her head.
" It is not meant for me to read, they are letters to you." Gilda announced.
" If it is meant for me to read how is it I do not see a word!" My thumbs just kept flipping the pages now back and forth in frustration.
" When the time is right you will see them." She flew across the room to my window.
" You sound like Peri, how he loves to make my mind spin!" My face went sad again, remembering... that this book he was leaving me bread crumbs. I would see them soon! I was determined. However a knock on the door proved that I would have to wait a little longer.59

560

Dorian did not pause between knocking on my door and entering. As I have said previously Dorian had little regard for privacy. I quickly tried to hide the book placing it on my desk casually as if I was just reading it in passing. Dorian noticed this at once though, he slithered his was in my room toward my desk a grin wide across his face.61

" What a pity you should have torn such a beautiful dress, your highness." He glanced down at my skirt, which I hadnt noticed had a large tear in the right knee area.
" Well perhaps if my privacy weren't always invaded upon I would not feel the need to go out on a ledge." I walked in circle with him as to keep as great a distance as possible in the small room.
" Yes I heard about your attempted escape. Seems pretty foolish of you not to mention careless." Dorian spoke to me but his fingers now opened the book, his eyes examining each page as he flicked through it.
" Foolish? Perhaps to some. Although others find people who wage war for no reason to be foolish as well." I made every word hard as if I intended to hit him with them.
" No reason? You truly are Naive." Dorian seemed satisfied that the book held no threat for he turned his gaze to me, his dark eyes piercing. " Everything I do is for the benefit of Maline and those who live within it. Everything I do goes to protecting and ensuring the stability of our kingdom." He spoke forcefully.
" My kingdom Dorian. My fathers kingdom. Perhaps it would be good to remind you of that fact." I tried to stare him down.62

Dorian moved slowly across the room closing the space between us as he spoke.63

" Of course everything I do is under the direct orders of your father Eve, you seem to suggest that I control this kingdom. I have no rule here it is your fathers commands that I merely facilitate." He sneered as he came stopped a few feet from me. My back against the wall I did not back down.
" You are nothing but a serpent who has slithered his way into my fathers head. Everyone knows you bend my fathers emotions and twist his sanity." I didn't look away from his dark eyes even as he came closer, his face inches from mine. I held my ground determined not to be afraid or at least not to let him know I was afraid.
" It seems though that you enjoy serpents." He said as his finger touched my chest, tracing the serpent emblem. " Perhaps you wouldn't mind if I were to slither into your head." He leaned down his lips at my ears. " Another time though my dear... I must attend to some other business." Dorian's whisper couldnt help but make me shiver. 64

He smirked at me before briskly leaving the room. I slid down the wall slowly. I didn't want to be afraid. But I was...65

" I do not like that man." Gilda said shaking her head in dissapproval.
" I do not think he cares about whether or not he is liked." I sat there for a moment before standing and reaching for the book.66

The cover was a deep green colour, like the moss of a tree. The emblem in the center was a silver serpent identical to the one on my dress. It swerved across in several directions, not circular, it was as though the snake wished to slither right off the cover. Gilda remained silent as I began to pace the room. holding the book and studying the cover intently. A part of me believed that if I could imagine the pages full of my tutors ink stained notes it would materialize. However every time I opened the cover it remained blank. I tossed the book on my bed and went to my mirror. Looking intently. Why is it I could never see! I couldn't see my mother, I couldn't see Peri's letters, I couldnt see anything! 67

Gilda had given up before I did, she had fallen asleep in a small tin dish I kept on my bookshelf. The sky was now dark except for the few stars that shone out through the clouds. I hung out my window and let the cool air run through my hair. Looking up I saw in northeast... my star. It was true that it seemed to be on a set course, toward another star. I wondered to myself silently if the fates had conspired and that my dark future was set in stone. On that thought I slipped into my nightgown and crawled into my bed. I was about to blow out my candle when I saw the book beside me. One last time I said to myself.68

I flipped open the dark green cover to find once again a blank page staring at me. I sighed and began to close the book when I noticed something. My eyes widened as I stared at the page which seemed to be writing me a letter. The familiar hand writing of Peri scrawled out magically across the page on word at a time as if being written at that very moment. The black ink materialized along the page displaying the first message from Peri:69

" My most admirable pupil,
Much of my life I have spent in pursuit of obtaining knowledge. This one trick should appear quite useful as I am certain that upon your return my journey in this life will end. I am not saddened by this thought nor should you be. The fact that I have left you with my teachings and with the knowledge of your kind heart and loving soul, I feel truly blessed.
I knew that your sharpness would eventually lead you to this book and for that you must be proud. I apologize that it must be kept in such secrecy but as you are aware what I will say must be kept out of the knowledge of Dorian and all those who serve him.
Eve you have done so much already it feels demanding to ask for more, however I believe you are more than capable of the tasks I will set before you, and none are easy. Perhaps it is in watching you grow but I believe your skills to be reaching a potential most would find unnatural in a female. You are strong and will endure this so long as you have hope. I know there is much to fear but it is most important that you remain trusting. No matter how dark the night is we must remember the stars still shine to guide us.
I will be here to guide you Eve. Through this book I will help you on your quest to save our home. Maline is a kingdom that could easily fall into evil hands and both you and I know of the good people who deserve a fair and honorable ruler who craves not power.
Your quest must now take you far from the home you know well. In my suspicions of Dorian I have kept in contact with your cousin Jarrod. Although his kingdom is far North I suspect that he may be your only ally. Harold suspects you to be part of the trickery and unfortunately it might mean his undoing. Go seek Jarrod so that his army might align with you. I will unvail more at another time. Once you have broken free of your captivity and seen Jarrod look again to this book. You must no it pains me to ask so much of you but I fear you are Malines and this realms only hope.70

Be cautious,
Peri "71

My mind raced and I grew sad as I saw my friends scrawl begin to fade. A lot would have to be done, and unfortunately time was of the essence. There would be no sleeping for me tonight. 72

" Gilda! Wake up, I need you to deliver a message!"73

...................................................................74

TO BE CONTINUED!