Year 1259 – during the great rule of our 37th Ozma

"Three letters for you, Papa," Notta said as she returned to the breakfast table, passing the relevant envelopes to him, "and," she smiled, "one for you, Del."

I instantly perked up, despite the fact I had got barely any sleep after night school, "really?"

She grinned and carefully placed the letter in front of me – seal up. I screamed.

Papa glared at me. Ianu – who had heard almost as much of my non-stop babbling about it for the past few weeks as Notta – rolled his eyes.

Notta just laughed, "You might want to open it first Del."

I eagerly tore open the envelope, nearly destroying it in the process, and pulled out my long awaited letter. As my eyes skimmed over the paper my smile grew even larger.

Notta watched me, amused, "what does it say?"

"Dear Miss Delva Morrible," I read out loud, "We are delighted to offer you a full scholarship to Shiz University starting next academic year. Enclosed is a form to inform us whether you can accept this place. We hope that you will choose to join us at our fine institution, if so please arrive at Shiz University on Monday the 1st of September 1260 no later than 9 o'clock. Enclosed is a book list…"

"What is this?"

"It's a letter saying I can go to Shiz University Papa!"

He raised his eyebrows, "I believe it is my choice if you can go."

My face fell, "Please, please, please Papa?"

"How did you get into this… Shaz place?"

"Shiz," I corrected automatically, "I sent them an essay I wrote and asked them for a scholarship – and they said yes!"

"And you expect me to pay for you to go there? It's bad enough you insist on going to that night school…"

"But father, I have been offered a scholarship! I can go there for free."

"Including all the things on the book list?"

I hesitated, "Well…"

He scowled, "As I thought, I'm not paying."

"Look Papa, I'll pay," Notta sighed, she'd taken a job helping at the hospital in the large town nearby, when Papa didn't need help on the farm, hoping to become a nurse.

I looked at her, "are you sure?" I knew her wages were pitiful, and she was trying to save enough for a flat in the town so she could live closer to the hospital.

She smiled, "its fine Del, I'll earn more and you're not likely to get a chance like this again."

I hugged her, "oh thank you, thank you, I promise I'll repay you when I become rich!"

"Wait, I haven't said yes yet. Who's to do your chores when you're gone?"

I turned to my father, "but just think Papa, I'll be one fewer mouth to feed and I won't come back – except on holidays – and even then I'll do loads and loads of chores and I'll stay at Ket's instead if I want you too."

This obviously appeased him, but he frowned, "I'm still not sure about this, a woman's place is as a wife, Starina was already getting married at your age and I must say this is a more preferable option even for a girl of your plain looks…"

"But Papa…"

"Oh just let her go," snapped Ianu, "or we'll never hear the end of it."

Father looked at him, clearly surprised at his outburst.

Ianu shrugged, "Come on, if she really wants to go why not let her? Notta and I can take over her chores pretty easily."

Father hesitated, "Well… if you put it that way… fine Delva you can go."

I screamed again.

"Lurline Del, turn the volume down, some people appreciate their eardrums intact." Ianu commented, I simply grinned at him, on another day I would have been annoyed that father listened to him far more than he did to me, but not on the day of my victory. I had done it! I was in! My dreams were coming true! I would finally make something out of myself!

My bags were packed and I was all ready to go within a week, before Notta reminded me – unable to hold back her laughter – that I was still not going for a good few months. Naturally the time had never passed more slowly and father gave me more chores than ever, but for once I didn't care – I was going to Shiz!