Ella looked around her room-or, more accurately, her prison. Located on the fifth floor of the castle, it was extremely dark. There was only one window to let light through, looking out into the field. A canopy bed was situated adjacent to the window, covered in black fabric. There was a desk in one corner of the room, a chamber pot in the other. There were heavy bolts on the door-the outside of the door.

Before Sir Bowen had left, he had issued one command- don't leave.

Even though Ella had been freed from her curse, escape seemed improbable. The window was too far up to jump, unless she was in a suicidal mood. The door wouldn't budge, no matter how much strength she invested into pushing it. If only she could get Mandy. Mandy was a fairy. Opening a door, surely, wouldn't hurt anyone…

Wait! That's it! Why didn't she think of it before? Too distracted from the kidnapping and all. Ella called softly, to avoid being heard, "Lucinda, come to my aid!"

She then waited expectantly for the air shimmer that would precede Lucinda's arrival. But it never came. Instead, a very far away, soft voice, said, "Ella? Is that you?"

Ella looked around. "Lucinda? Lucinda, where are you? I need you to send a message to Mandy!"

"Child, I can't come to you. Something is keeping me away. Where are you?"

"I was kidnapped by Sir Bowen. It's a long story. Anyway, he took me to this secret invisible castle protected by fairy magic…"

"Oh, dear. Only dark fairy magic would make such a spell. That must be what's keeping me out. Do you know where it is?"

Only that it's about a five-day journey from the palace. Just, get Mandy and Char. They'll help you. Bowen still thinks I have the curse, so I may be able to escape yet. But- please, just let them know I'm all right."

Of course, my dear. I must go now. Good luck!" Lucinda's voice faded away.

So. That enhanced her chances slightly. Still, Ella had to rely on her wits if she had any hope of escaping this.



Char reined in his horse at the entrance to the inn. He'd been here before. When he stepped inside, the dark haired girl's face lit up when she realized whom the caller was.

"Char!"

"Areida."

She looked at him questioningly. "What is the matter?"

Char told her the whole story, from Sir Peter's visit to the palace, to Ella's kidnapping, to the gnome's prophecy.

Areida listened to the tale silently, her worry evident in her face. When Char finished, she sat there for a moment before saying, "So, you believe I hold a clue to finding Ella?"

"I only know I will find a clue everywhere I go. You are the only Ayorthian who knew her. Do you think you would know anything, anything at all that would lead to her?"

A faraway look entered Areida's eyes for a moment. "I can't believe this happened to Ella. Ella was so strong at finishing school. Nothing could touch her. Not bullies, not mean mistresses. She gave as much grief as she got, and more. No one could defeat her." The faraway look left her eyes. "And I don't believe Sir Bowen will either. If anyone can prevail, it's Ella. But I'm sorry, I don't have another clue for you."

Char sighed and stood up. Areida did the same. "Thank you anyway, Areida. I hope I can visit you again soon, under better circumstances and with Ella." He mounted his horse and left. Areida watched as he rode into the distance. She thought over her conversation with the prince, reaffirming her words in her mind; "If anyone can prevail, it's Ella."