A/N: hey readers!!!! i've figured out a plan for these next few chappies till the end of the story. thanx so much for the reviews. luv ya! enjoy chapter 17!

Chapter 17

I woke, stretched, and changed into my riding clothes. I quickly braided my hair as I ran down into the kitchens.

I burst through the door and skidded into the counter, knocking a bowl to the floor.

"Really El," Mandy scolded. I swept up the pieces and sat in a chair by the counter, spreading jam onto a piece of toast. "Seems you're feeling better today," she observed. I nodded, my mouth full of breakfast.

"Whi eh ba on I'w ee evyone agn"

"Pardon?" Mandy asked disgustedly. I swallowed.

"With the ball on I'll see everyone again before the wedding!" I cried in delight. Mandy smiled and nodded while stirring up pancakes for Mother (she loved them on Sunday mornings.)

Back in my room the Book had shown me a letter from Jem.

Dear El,

Ayortha is so boring without you. Chris is off in his own little world and the nobles here are no fun. I'm scolded often because I never shut up. Often I think of riding to Frell and demanding a fencing match with you (Chris is no good).

The letter went on for another page and a half and I couldn't stop reading. It made me laugh out loud, attracting funny looks from my chambermaid.

After breakfast I walked out to the menagerie to visit Apple. When I reached the fence I whistled loudly to get his attention.

I wondered if he would let me ride. He came up to the fence and nudged me until I gave him the carrot in my hand. Slowly, I climbed up the fence and swung a leg over his back.

He stood very still, munching the carrot. I kicked his sides lightly, and he walked on. Delighted, I kicked again and he trotted easily. I kicked him into a canter and we rode around the edge of his clearing.

I was so elated, I didn't notice the bird.

A huge raven with the wingspan of an albatross swooped down and cast a shadow across Apple's mane. I looked up quizzically and it's talons met my cheek. I fell off Apple's back, surprised that the bird was so strong. Standing up gingerly, I threw the remaining carrot to Apple, and left to find Mandy. My cheek was stinging like mad. I touched it and my fingers came away dripping with blood.

"Mandy?" I called through the kitchens. "Mandy, are you in here?"

The blood was still running, now sliding down my throat. Mandy came around a corner stirring a bowl full of ingredients.

"What is it, love," she stopped dead. Her face turned flour-white and the bowl slipped through her hands.