Chapter three: Missing

This is dedicated to my beta, EllaFreak. She is the absolute best beta, reviewer, and reader anyone could ask for. Thankyou sooo much! Also, thanks for all the great title suggestions. Oh, and for betaing it, because otherwise it would have taken my much longer to get posted!

We arrived at the Ayorthan castle yesterday. My men have been called back to Frell, unfortunately. They were not supposed to go back for two weeks, at least, but ogres were spotted and they are the best hunting group. I will miss them greatly.

I was planning on sending home with them the book I found for Cecilia, but decided to read it first. I was always interested in fairy tales as a young child, but as I grew older I had less and less time to read them. I will like to read them once more.

The strange thing is, when I opened the book today, a different set of stories greeted me. I have come to the conclusion that it was made by the fairies. After all, it has to be enchanted.

The men left at dawn today. On other news, I have decided to continue my search for Ella in another way. I will send out messengers to every town. I have had a scribe copy what I want onto several scrolls. They will be sent out tomorrow.

The Ayorthian king raised his eyebrows slightly when I made the request, but agreed. The messengers will leave before dawn on the morrow.

A messenger arrived today asking everyone to meet in the dining room, in the name of the prince. Mandy and I decided that it would be better if I did not attend, so I stayed in the kitchen and washed the remaining dishes for Mandy. We have asked Areida and her family not to mention me. They agreed, confused, but luckily asked no questions.

When Mandy returned to the kitchen, she was as white as a sheet. She collapsed into a chair, and I rushed to get her some water, worried.

When she finally spoke, she said only one word: "Caught"

After a few moments of silence, she explained. "Lady, they are looking for you. They had a picture, a very good picture. He's offering a reward to anyone who finds you. A rather large reward." She frowned slightly. "If you don't want to be caught, we need to leave."

I stuck my chin out defiantly. "No. I won't run away. Not again. I've made a home here, and I'll keep it. I will hide if I need to, but I won't leave!"

I knew Mandy was proud of my decision. "Okay, lady." She told me quietly, and we returned to the dishes, not speaking of it again.

The next morning over breakfast, Areida's father spoke to me. "We will not give you away, if you do not wish it. I believe that the town's folk will tell no one, either. We are glad to have you here, Ella of Frell." I smiled gratefully at him He wouldn't tell anyone. I was thankful.

We got word that Princess Cecilia is coming to Ayortha. It was said she misses Char. I could understand that one. I did too. I was glad he would have company, for he had no one to talk to at the palace. I wish I was there with him.