Dear Diary,
Well, this is new. I mean, I've written from the window-seat in my room, from under the rose tree in the garden, and recently the council room, but a dungeon? First time for everything, I suppose.
No, we're not taking shelter from the ogres. In fact, if the Dark One is really as faithful to hos deals as people say, the ogres won't be a problem any more. I 'm afraid I can't say the same for my terrible cooking skills.
Remember how I told you what I suggested to Papa, about summoning the Dark One? Well, he wasn't easily persuaded, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and he finally allowed me to send a message for help. God knows he waited long enough. Whenever I close my eyes, I can still see the faces of the dead and dying, and their crying will give me nightmares, even though Papa allowed me to visit the infirmary only once. I sometimes think that even those who have survived the horrors of the war haven't come back quite whole, in mind or body.
And then the bombshell that Avonlea had fallen. I don't think I've ever seen Papa so broken, since Mother's death. He'd lost hope, I could see, he thought it was too late. The Dark One would not answer, and the ogres would slaughter us all.
Some of the books did say that he has a penchant for dramatic appearances, so I tried to reassure him, even though I wasn't sure myself. I would hope no others die at the hands of those beasts.
About dramatic appearances, the books were right. I mean, seriously, the Dark One likes to show off. But he wasn't what I expected in appearance. He's tiny- barely taller than I am, though power radiates from him in waves, and he has an aura and reputation powerful enough for his height not to matter. Even so, he's no hairy monster, despite odd green-gold skin and snake-like eyes.
And 'help, help, we're dying' might have been the gist of the massage, but I spent days trying to decide how to address him. How could he butcher my prose like that?!
But of course, he can do anything he likes. Because, today, I made a deal with the darkest and most feared sorcerer in all the lands to forever be his servant. And I'm afraid. I'm glad it was a price I could pay, because I asked for his help in the first place. But what does he want with me? That is what I have been thinking. Why would he want someone who hasn't cooked in her life to serve him meals?
Maybe it's only an excuse. Maybe I am an amusement, something to hurt when he's angry. But the deal was worth it, and he can never take that away. I will never allow myself bitterness or regret. Whatever he does, my people are safe, the monsters that killed my mother dead, because of this deal.
It is not too high a price.
And Mother always told me, no one is as dark as they knows? In any case I won't have to marry Gaston. so that's another thing to be thankful for.
Tomorrow he tells me my duties.
Wish me luck.
Belle