Forenotes: I actually have nothing to really say. I'm in a decidedly blank mood today, but not unpleasantly – only with the will to write, and nothing else.

Responses:

Nebulia – Lol, it certainly isn't. About denial, that is. Well, here's the update – I hope no one ends up disappointed.

Moonlite Orchid – Lol, thanks. And I won't put up the next chapter. No. I am going to keep it in my computer forever, until I eventually ruin this old computer with my teeming collection of documents, leaving this file into the hands of oblivion. That is precisely what I'll do.

Kadesh – Lol, a rather funny story behind that, too. I've already explained the POV switch to you in another email, if I remember rightly, and have you guessed who the big-eyed girl is? I was so sure it'd be obvious.

Phillippa of the Phoenix – I am rather fond of Yukael myself – not the typical, one-faced side character one finds in stories. He is rather disdainful of Eszti, but then again he is impressed by her skills, sparing her some respect. You will see plenty of him in the future chapters. Ah, I've heard recommendations for the works of Tamora Pierce many times… many times, but right now I'm still lost in the Sevenwaters Trilogy – I bought Part Two: Son of Shadows a few days ago and I just finished it, leaving me thirsty for Part Three: Child of the Prophecy. But don't worry; I'll buy something by Tamora Pierce the next time I see one.

Fireworksinmybackpocket – Thanks, and I don't know about getting it published. Those editors are bloodthirsty, I've heard – and I've got too many story ideas to present this one. I'll write, and write, and write until I produce something presentable for the public, and then I'll make sure I never stop writing. There are plenty of authors that stop writing after making one bestseller, and I will make sure I am not among them.

Rainkisser – Lol, thank you… your support means the world to me, as well as those other readers out there. If I ever stop stressing on this story long enough, I'll be sure to look at some of yours. But for now, I can only hope to get through this story alive.

Vio Memen – Lol, that's all right. The beginning was meant to be slow since it's mostly expository; I am not the kind of writer to launch write into the story without providing any stable information first, unless it's only for effect such as in prologues. And I am not turning the story suddenly into third-person; I made the last bit third person to give it a broader view of her situation. If it had remained first person, how could you exactly see how lost in jealousy Gehedrion was, as Eszti had been sleeping? And I remember no rule about keeping the story in the same perspective all the while; in writing, the only rules are to keep your imagination wide, to write within the boundaries of decency, and to hold yourself to no other restrictions. Some people read to escape the world of rules and limitation, and how can they have that when the world they escape into is still chained? Many great stories can be written any way the author wishes it, first person all the way or no.

The spelling is indeed Eszti, and it is a real name, so it has a real pronounciation, doesn't it? ESS-TEE. (just an amateur's guess) The slithering sound would be enhanced by the 'z', of course, but other than that the name is not too difficult to pronounce, if you think about it deep enough. And about this modern theory of yours… I can see several holes in that. They did not just "allow her" to run off – she did it without anyone's consent, to play a fool and prove she was not scared of the consequences. Her stubbornness can pull her into tight situations, certainly, but it can also bring her out of them, while milder people find it more difficult. And during the era in which she existed (in my fantasy world, that is), it was much easier to just run off and disappear than it is in our present-day reality. No passports to keep track of, no selling your house, no checking papers and dealings such as those. There are also no chances of people trying to ambush her camp, because although the higher class fears them for foolish reasons, they leave them alone, as the Royal Family knows the Gypsies are peaceful; they knew Lieron, for example, and from what he could tell there was no ill intent planned by his people onto the richer folk. As far as the richer folk are concerned, the Gypsies are just dangerous people that come to visit lands one by one, meant to enter and leave without having anything to do with them. If any city resident attempted murder on the Gypsies, they wouldn't be without consequence; according to the government, the Gypsies are people too. Also, Eszti was the only one of her friends foolish and brave enough to carry out the acquiring of the horse, so none of them could be her "guard", and no other camp member was to know of her plans. And knowing her, she'd rather go alone, bringing the horse as proof of her accomplished task.

I know Clement can be flawed, but you look at the wrong reasons. He can be blinded by his emotions and he can expect too much from those who can hardly give, but he is not so terrible a man as to kill Eszti. He laughed at Eszti's small fear of him in wonder that she could actually believe he'd have her killed, since to him the idea is ludicrous. He would defend her to the death, and he expects her to know that. He can be insensitive, but aren't all men? Lol, maybe I could have Eszti do that, just to have her show him that around her, men would do better to walk on eggshells.

Lol, if I ever need some counsel, I will notify you. Expect it. :-)

Mistyqueen – Thank you :-) I cannot say Lady Asca is completely shrouded in mystery, but I will reveal that she will become a very important characterafter not too long a time.

Poisonmoon – Ah, must you dub it 'boring'? There is no better way to explain her entire situation than to give it its own chapter, and even then there is definitely more to the story. I've noticed the monotony of having nothing but conversations, so I'll try to tone down on the detail – would that be better?

TrudiRose – Well, we'll have to find out for sure if she truly is rich or not – she is a baroness, after all. Lol, and I figured I had to use some sort of excuse for the long, educated responses Gehedrion and Eszti gave.

Mellem – She is very unlucky, and things won't really improve for her – at the moment, at least. There are deeper, darker things on the road ahead. :grim smile: But as they say, obstacles either tear you apart or make you stronger, and only time can tell what fate makes of Eszti.

o…o…o…o…o

Chapter Thirteen: Whitewhey

o…o…o…o…o

"Oh, Clemmie, please, you're being absolutely absurd! You're going on about this all wrong - !"

"What would you have me do then? Leave her to rot? Forgive me if you would, but I cannot be so dishonorable." Aeolus neighed nervously at his master's tone, but otherwise stayed deferentially still. Rough hands - desperate, agitated, tired hands – fastened on his saddle harshly, not giving a care for the horse's own comfort.

Impressively enough, Marguerite would not submit.

"Clement, there are enough troops to go search for her without you having to join them! You don't have to go! You can stay here, with your just-returned parents, with the loyal subjects that need you, with me." At the mention of herself, her crisp blue eyes brightened hopefully.

Clement, his expression one of indescribable anger, looked Marguerite in the eye savagely before straightening the saddle and mounting Aeolus with excess force. "I am sorry, Lady Marguerite, but I cannot just rest in my cozy castle when Lady Rozenta could be anywhere, or perhaps even dead." Although Clement did not believe that at all; she was too headstrong and clever to die. "She is my guest, after all. How would you have me explain her disappearance to her country?"

Marguerite, her face pinched with grief, took a step back and finally gave in, hanging her golden-curled head and giving an overly dramatic sob. "But you might die. Oh, must you go?"

"I don't intend to, Lady. Die, that is. What danger must I so severely fear?"

But his attention was diverted completely when Eder and Elaine came into view, just emerged from within the castle and bringing a terrified Marcella along. Clement stiffened. Uneasy, he tore his gaze from the little girl and stared at Elaine instead.

"Does she remember anything new, Elaine? Anything that may be of aid?"

Elaine's shake of the head was distraught enough to serve as an answer. "Nothing she hasn't reported already. Lady Rozenta out in the courtyard, alone and under a starless firmament, and then captured by four bandits – all in traveler's clothing, but even those with little sense can tell them for who they truly are. Two young men, thin… another in the prime of his maturity, coming close to forty years from what Marcella can tell… and one burly, barrel-chested, and bearded, Sire. I am afraid she can reveal nothing else."

Clement's solemn face – if it could possibly do so any further – fell.

"But -!" piped in little Marcella, her cloudy hazel eyes widening even more and her coffee-colored curls bouncing a little. " I did find this, milord, after she was taken away." And she stretched out her arm, her hand opening to reveal a trampled-upon lily. "Miss Elaine says this was a part of her gown. Is it useful?"

It wasn't. Not in the least. "Of course it is, Marcella," Clement lied hoarsely, taking the precious, dying flower with a careful hold, as if unwilling to damage it further. "I shall take care of it. Thank you."

And the little lass, looking immensely pleased with herself, smiled a small smile, as if she had managed to find one small joy in all this distress. Elaine looked sharply at Clement, for she knew his lie for what it was, but looked upon Marcella with a tender face. "We all thank you so much for bearing witness, Marcella. It's a wonder you aren't hurt. We can only wish the best for Lady Rozenta, can't we? And for the searching troop, and his Highness the Prince."

Marcella allowed herself to be drawn gently away by a harassed-looking Eder, but not before uttering, "She was smart, and pretty. I liked her. She stood up to Lady Marguerite when she was being mean to me again." And then Marcella grew pink in the face as she was sent away, as if she had said too much.

Elaine sighed, but Clement cut her attempt on relaxation off by saying suddenly, "Elaine, can I speak with you? I… I cannot go on like this without seeking some help from someone, and you are the best confidant right now. If Rozenta were here – " and he cut off as well, looking for all the world confused and helpless.

Goodness. He's the Crown Prince, but right now he looks no stronger than a lost puppy! "What is it, Your Majesty? You fear the Lady's death?"

He surprised her by letting out a dry laugh that certainly did not hold mirth. "Of course not. How can I? She is like a bull; not easy to dispose of. Not at all. Too stubborn to die, and too clever to be stumped in a desperate situation." But he paused, looking horrified, and then muttered in a tone of self-loathing, "Oh, I'm doing it again, all be damned. I'm too selfish. Not serious enough. Not enough to save her."

Cautious of the Prince's inevitable incapability to balance his emotions, Elaine said slowly, as if speaking to a rambling toddler, "Is this… going anywhere, Sire? I do not believe she is dead, but I do not also believe she is immortal. But whatever the case, I hope she is safe, and remains so."

And then Elaine understood why her Prince was acting like this. She had heard from a gossiping noble lady that the Prince was professing his love to Rozenta, but in an angry, hurt way. Elaine couldn't say she approved at all. Having spent more time with the girl, she knew it was vital to try to understood all Rozenta went through, and Clement wasn't bothering to make it any easier. But at least he was regretting it now. That was the first step to improvement: realizing you've done wrong.

His steady, cobalt eyes met Elaine's blue-grey, frosty ones. He could hardly believe that such an empathetic woman could possess orbs like those. They didn't suit her at all. "She got kidnapped… and it's my fault. I chased her away, gave her some reason to go outside. Alone. And then she got kidnapped."

When he isn't being either magnificent or arrogant, Elaine couldn't resist to think, he can be an absolute child. "You own some blame, but not all. She was nervous in that stuffy dining hall, and couldn't refrain from getting some fresh air. And you made things worse." Elaine knew she was stabbing him with every word, but he deserved it. "And if Marcella's story serves true, they'd been waiting for such an opportunity the entire night."

"I'm too selfish for her. I don't deserve her, Elaine. You know that. I thought I did, before, that I had charmed her correctly, but now I know better. You cannot plan out other people's reactions. Things do not work out that way, do they?"

"I think whether or not you're too selfish for her is a judgment only Rozenta can make. And you think you charmed her, do you?" Elaine's lip twitched a little. "You tried, I'll give you that. But in all our talks together, it seems to me that she fell for what you did not intend to show her. Just remember you failed her once, but you were given another chance. You've let your more minor swarm of feelings cloud your judgment, and you exaggerated them to her. She believes it her fault, you know. But if you try to do better… all can be forgiven. Rozenta forgives. I know she's too stubborn sometimes to show it, but she does."

Clement fell into silence, the impact of Elaine's words taking a hold of him. The troop members and Co-captain, Messero, were now looking impatiently at Clement, for noon was approaching quickly – their time of departure. Suddenly realizing she held him up, Elaine changed her tone back to its sharper manner, saying, "I am glad we have had this talk, Your Majesty, but your troop needs you. Noon draws closer, and you must be fully prepared. I pray that you would think over what you can do to redeem yourself, and that you take care on your journey. You cannot rescue Rozenta if you die on the way. You have a selfish side, yes, but it's not so strong that nothing can change it, lessen it. Ride fast."

And with a final nod, Elaine left Clement to awake from his thoughts rather abruptly. She had done what she was sought after to do, said what she needed to say, and hopefully she had done it well. She owed Rozenta that small token, at the very least. As a wave of sadness washed over her again, she decided that she'd look for Eder and Marcella and see if she could persuade them to accompany her. After all, those courtyard bushes would not investigate themselves.

And where on earth were those guards the night she disappeared?

o…o…o…o…o

"Awaken, princess! Awaken! Did you not hear me? You stir, so you must hear me. Stubborn little – " but I was awake, and my anger pulling me from my drowsiness, I was able to sit up. I could not see him, for he was yelling from outside the wagon, but I could hear him well enough.

"Stuff it, Gehedrion," I snarled unceremoniously, rubbing my irritated flesh, which had endured an itchy, uncomfortable night. Was this bear fur? I wouldn't be surprised if it were. These bandits were without sense, I could swear. Deer fur was easier to obtain, and more comfortable. Perhaps this bear fur was at a lower price, considering its apparently low quality.

"Yukael left food for you. Bread, and mutton, and we have water. No wine, I'm afraid; not ideal for traveling, even with a wealthy Lady in tow."

I chose to ignore him; he was not worth my time. Instead, I found the food he was yelling on about. The same kind of brown bread – a little harder this time – with a wooden dish of dry mutton. They had left out a cup for me – I should thank them for that act of decency, I thought with irrepressible sarcasm – so I could collect water from their jug later on.

As I bit into a bit of bread and mutton simultaneously, I realized for the first time since I had woken up that the wagon was no longer moving. Did we arrive into Whitewhey already? It had seemed like such a small amount of time had passed. But what time was it, truly? Surely it couldn't be long after noon. If it were, then I had slept for so long! I couldn't have been that tired, now could I?

So I waited until I had eaten through two loaves of bread and my serving of mutton until I decided to step out of the wagon for fresh air.

Unexpectedly, a hand shot out to grab my wrist as soon I had brought my second foot out of the wagon and onto the solid floor.

Indignant, I tried to wriggle my hand from Gehedrion's grip, but his fingers only clamped tighter on my skin. I looked up and saw in his eyes a terrible fury, a growing loathing. What is so wrong with him, I thought, that he has to look at me with such hatred? Had I done anything to justly merit it?

"You must be guarded at all times," he grated, his voice not quite as smooth as it had been the night before. "So they say. Your every move in our company will be monitored, and guided, and criticized. And last night the men and I had a short meeting regarding that matter. And well, well, well." His malevolent smirk was enough to make me wary; he looked manic. "It seems I have the pleasure of keeping that strict eye on you; or so Yukael thinks. He volunteered me, and I was forced ultimately into acceptance."

"What!" I exclaimed, forgetting my wrist and searching frantically into his face for any sign of a prank, of a joke. There was nothing in his face but for that mad smile. "Is he insane? How can he set you to such a task, when you despise me so openly? Yes, it's that apparent," I snapped in response to his briefly surprised look.

"Well, then I'd better get started watching you." Saying this, he finally released my wrist and I withdrew it contemptuously. "If you want water, tell me so – "

"No. I am not thirsty."

"No, you are stupidly obstinate. I am to lead you into town to show you Whitewhey, and then I'm to show you the manor where you will stay. We will be riding on horses." For indeed, there were horses further behind him: four; all were tall and strong, but each beautifully different in their own way. One was white speckled with black; another was glossy with a copper-like hue; the tallest, however, was black save for a little diamond on his forehead, and the remaining one was a grayish white with pearly, lustrous hair.

I looked back at him, my eyes shining a bit from looking upon the horses. They were absolutely beautiful. "They're radiant; all of them. Can I pick mine? Please? Where did you obtain such treasures?"

"Let's just say," Gehedrion said wryly, "that our generously wealthy benefactor sent them to us, not long ago. While you were sleeping. He sent five of his men to come here, right through the boundary of Whitewhey: one in a carriage and four riding upon a single horse each. They all retreated into the carriage to return home. He has also lent us his manor, for this brief mission of yours. He won't be staying in it; he's off living somewhere else at the moment. Rich man, he is. Owns plenty of property. Glad to meet him, you'll probably be… to ensorcel yet another prosperous man of reputation under your spells."

If I were just a bit more stupid, I would've slapped him. He spoke of me as though I were a temptress, a master seductress. These accusations, even if they didn't hurt, irritated me immensely. My eyes smoldered.

"Yukael will be accompanying us into Whitewhey; we have passed only through its gates sometime ago. There'll be some valley and country – but a sure road, nonetheless – and then it'll lead into the town. Since you'll be here awhile, you should get acquainted with the surroundings." Yukael, glancing at the two of us, raised a hand in greeting and strode to speak to us. He carried the reins of the speckled horse, which trotted placidly behind him.

"Exactly how long am I expected to stay here? You are aware that I will be missed, of course?"

"As long as the task takes. Lady Asca has recently suffered the loss of her husband, so it will take a while to get into her good books. And then you must draw Huvyl into her good books along with you. Does this sound so easy?" A dark-complexioned youth who seemed younger than myself passed the reins to the copper-colored horse to Gehedrion, who took them firmly. He then handed me the reins to the fair, whiter horse and I took them, tugging them closer to me so I could draw a hand across his mane, my touch full of love and begging for a chance to be trusted.

Gehedrion saw this. "It is a she; her name is Miadonn. She may look sweet and gentle, but she is the hardest of these horses to manage." At this, I laughed, for Miadonn paused hesitantly at the feel of my hand, but eventually gave in to the womanly stroke; she pushed her nose under my fingers.

When Yukael finally reached us, he was on his mount. "She is a lot like you, actually, Rozenta," he said, with the slightest tilt to one corner of his lips. "Absolutely intolerable."

I drew myself up proudly, actually pleased at his words. Strength of mind and spirit was something I prided myself on, sometimes to even my own undoing. "I've no objection to that." I mounted Miadonn and followed Yukael and Gehedrion through and past the final layer of boundary into Whitewhey.

o…o…o…o…o

Our ride into the town was quick; the ride through the valleys took a quarter less of an hour, and we made it into the busy villages of Whitewhey safely and without trouble. We didn't bother to rest our horses, but we just rode atop our mounts along the streets. Yukael and Gehedrion pointed out how the homes were divided from the shops and guild shelters and the more important buildings. The shops were many, and the streets were busy, and the people were all too occupied to pay mind to one another. Arvette was different; it was not as hectic and the homes were much more plentiful. Whitewhey seemed more like one giant marketplace just as Arvette seemed like one giant neighborhood.

Yukael, Gehedrion, and I made no stops for ourselves. Before we made to depart to this manor they spoke of, we dismounted at the city stables, watered and fed our horses, and then immediately took off. The three of us had no conversation to offer one another – save for Gehedrion and Yukael, I suppose – but generally we spent the riding day silently.

We reached the great iron, vine-entwined gates of their benefactor's manor near sundown. We had no lunch, and were famished by the time we got through the gates.

"See this manor? This is where you will stay, along with myself and Yukael, who has volunteered to make sure I do my job and that you cooperate. Oh, and Huvyl, who is already residing within these walls. This place has three bedchambers, I believe – you will be staying in the master's, which has been cleared for your convenience. Huvyl will have his own room and I am sharing one with Yukael," Gehedrion explained as we dropped off our horses in the stables so we could wash up, eat, and ultimately rest.

As I was escorted to my chambers by a petite, brown-haired servant who seemed a year younger than I, I studied my surroundings, tried to figure what kind of benefactor could live here. The place was immaculate, but there were few servants – three serving maids, a laundress, a cook, and a stable boy, according to the maid, whose name was Corinne. She was pleasant, but terribly shy, and she said little, apparently intimidated by my appearance for some unknown reason. When we reached my quarters, I begged that she'd help me choose a gown from the small pile that had been set onto the great canopy bed. When she closed the door securely, I did what I knew I had to.

I grabbed her shoulders, pushed her against the wall, and clamped a hand over her mouth, staring at her fiercely.

"Look," I explained clearly to the panicked girl. "I am not aiming to hurt you, but I want answers. You know more than you let on; I can see that much. I am not stupid. And you will tell me, or you will suffer a fate worse than any these bandits and your master can threaten you with. I have connections and – but you've probably been told of my story, am I right? I have the government, and the Royal Prince, on my side, so you will swear fealty to me. Is that understood? Is it?"

At her small, terrified, quick nod, I thought of what else I should say to make sure she couldn't worm out of my control. "You will swear it this instant; you will do nothing against me, and you will notify me of all you know. And you will tell no one what I say to you tonight, what I am doing to you right now. Displease me in any way, and I can have your punishment specialized; something slow, painful, torturous. From now on, you are my servant and my ally, and no one else's. Have I made myself clear?"

She nodded again, close to tears. I did not slacken my grip in the least.

"Swear it," I said firmly, taking my hand from her mouth.

"I swear, I swear! I am as good as yours, milady," she said, her voice quavering and cracking. I regretted that I had to be so harsh, but it couldn't be done any other way. This showed her that even without any connections, I could take her out on my own. And I did what I intended to do, so why rue it?

"Oh, my," I sighed, stepping back and smoothing my rumpled, dirty gown angrily. "I let myself go there; I am sorry. That was cruel of me. But you understand, don't you?" I added, a vicious glint in my eyes. She nodded, still looking frightened. "Good, then. One job done. You will help me choose a gown and you will let me wash up, and then I shall prod some answers from you. There is much that those accursed bandits have left unsaid."

o…o…o…o…o

A half-hour later, Corinne and I had fallen into friendly discussion, while she brushed my wet, fragrant hair as I sat on the room's vanity. I had spoke pleasantly to her until she felt sure that I wouldn't try bullying her again, until she was sure that I was an overall congenial woman.

"This vanity… it is set with the tokens of a lady. Does your master have a wife?" I inquired, examining some expensive-looking fragrance bottles and a white brush with a handle made of ivory. The ivory comb that matched it was what Corinne was currently using.

The brush strokes paused slightly, as though she knew she shouldn't be answering that question, but I'm sure she had my threat in her mind, for she said firmly, "I heard he had taken a bride in the land where he traveled. I am not so sure, for he hadn't appeared in our manor since he left for other lands. These trinkets were bought recently, when it was decided that she'd move in when they returned from the wedding."

So he was out traveling, then? Perhaps that was the reason for his absence. "Hmm. What land did he travel to, exactly?"

"Buenntè."

I knew no one of importance from that land, so this bit of information helped me not. I sighed impatiently. "That is not helpful. I know no one from that place. No one who could possibly be his bride."

"I have not met her, milady."

I quirked a smile. "You are aware that I am an imposter, aren't you?"

Through the looking glass, I could see Corinne nod respectfully. "Yes, I am, but I am your lady-in-waiting and that is reason enough for me to address you with respect."

"You needn't. I wonder that you bother to, considering how I treated you earlier. Really, you needn't."

"Oh, but it is my duty to, milady. I do not mind."

After she chose a dark blue frock for me – plain and simple, for a change – she brushed my hair once again and pulled a silver circlet atop my head. "Master Yukael ordered I have you wear this, as you have to look convincing when you visit Lady Asca tonight."

I turned sharply, my look furious. "Tonight? Now? I have not yet eaten!"

Corinne looked meek again. "They say you are to be fed when you return. I am sorry, but I cannot reveal to them I am loyal to you only, now. You'd be in trouble, madam."

"But I am to meet Lady Asca tonight? What ever for?"

"To pay condolences for the recent death of His Lord Baron Ozril, who was her husband. He was a good man. His death brought much sorrow."

I paused, playing with a question in my mind. "The baroness… she is rich, yes?"

Corinne looked startled. "Of course. Well, only because she was wife to the baron, who was indeed worth a fortune. The Lady herself is not rich; noblewomen nowadays don't inherit unless they're an only child. If she had never married the baron, or anyone at all, she would be poor. Women in the noble society do not possess much," she added bitterly. I could not blame her for her anger. I too felt affronted at how poorly women were treated.

"But the baron's money… where does it go?"

"To his baroness, of course. They have no children, no sons between them, so she will now inherit his fortune."

So. She wasn't rich, not yet, but she would be. And if this Huvyl got to marry her…

Everything was about money, I thought with fury. Gold had some role in everything that went on. Everything.

There were a few knocks at my door, and with a nod of approval from me, Corinne pulled it open. It was Gehedrion, and another bandit, one who looked older than him by possibly two years, accompanied him. The older bandit wore a vest of black silk over a nobleman's attire, with a feathered hat and a lantern. Gehedrion tossed me a black silk cloak, jerking his head towards the door.

"As Corinne should've explained to you, you're coming with us to the residence of Lady Asca. To display our sympathy. Remember, you will be Lady Evetti of Kione, cousin of Lord Huvyl, my companion here, both relatives of a wealthy count." Huvyl threw me a half-smile. "We are leaving now. You will eat when you return."

I took the cloak and the lantern with all the grace of a noblewoman, already putting up my 'Lady of Elysia' mask. "Very well. It would be best to make haste, then. Are we to walk? Hmm. We should manage."

Nodding farewell to Corinne, I led Huvyl out of the bedroom, leaving him laughing at my credible behavior.

o…o…o…o…o

"I am terribly sorry, milady, but the Lady is indisposed at the moment. You cannot see her. She remains in bed," said a manservant, eyeing Huvyl and myself carefully as we stood on the baroness's doorstep. Her manor was quite grand, quite impressive, but there was no use visiting it if I couldn't see the baroness. Indignant, I turned and gave Huvyl the best glare I could. He only shrugged and left me to do the talking.

"We wish only to stay for a little, to pay our condolences for her recent loss. We expect no great exertion of strength on her behalf, but only to say what must be said. Surely we can accomplish this?"

But the manservant would not be swayed so easily. "No, madam. She is ill, possibly from a fever. Maybe even the same fever that proved to be the baron's demise, God be kind upon his soul. So you see, it would be dangerous for her to come out."

And with that I could not argue. I nodded in understanding and turned to leave when another man, stunningly handsome, stepped out from the door, looking for all the world attractively pleased to see us. He seemed to hold some sort of power over the manservant, for he said in rich tones, "Oh, Elberto, do let them in. It is a cold night tonight, and they are guests. They can send their commiseration through me," and the manservant obeyed.

Once inside, Elberto offered us hot tea and biscuits, to which I happily agreed, crankily ravenous as I was. Huvyl declined and looked at the handsome man inquiringly.

"I understand she is unwell, sir, but may I see her anyway? It would mean so much if I could speak to her. I am deeply concerned," Huvyl pleaded tenderly, to which the handsome man cordially consented. This left me alone with the good-looking man, and I fought the hard impulse to stare.

He was tall, and lean, and broad-shouldered, and he walked and spoke with a grace I could only call polished. He impressed with merely a stare with those dark, infinite eyes, and his white smile was so full of secrets that I could only be amazed. I felt the more girlish part of me force my cheeks to redden.

"Welcome, welcome. You are most honored within these halls," he said courteously, confidently. He reminded me of Clement a little, but he was much more serious. "I am Lord Donte, older brother of Lady Asca. You send your sympathies?"

I forced myself to put on a grave, solemn frown, to ignore the sort of way this man's appearance affected me. I was, after all, sixteen; one couldn't blame me for feeling slightly giddy.

"When she requests for my identity, let her know I am Lady Evetti of Kione. And yes, I do. But apparently, I cannot give them to her at the moment, so I have no other purpose here. Really, I should be going now. My cousin, Lord Huvyl, may stay here if he wishes, but I would rather be going. I have business elsewhere," I said boldly, looking up at Lord Donte and trying not to weaken.

"You should stay. There is no hurry, milady."

"No, milord. I am just tired, and in need of a decent rest. In my own home, that is, where it is most appropriate. Traveling is indeed difficult, you know."

"Ah, but stay nonetheless." He came to sit beside me – a bit close, I thought, the back of my neck heating up. "You should visit more often. You set the room alight with your very presence."

I wasn't moved. I stood, saying, "I should be going. I insist. I cannot stay for long."

He looked mildly surprised, but stood too, and held the door for me when I took the lantern and left. "Let my companion know that I, unlike him, have no business here. I thank you kindly for the hospitality, however. I must be going."

"But do return," he said charmingly, his hand slightly brushing mine as he held the door until I had passed through. A shiver ran through me, but I ignored it, forcing myself to think of Clement, a topic that I fought from my mind often. He would be the only man for me. And I hoped, distantly, that somewhere out there he'd have men searching for me, if he couldn't go out himself.

I emerged into the evening completely and pulled up my hood, so that a shadow hid my features.

"I will take mind to, Lord Donte."

"You will be most certainly welcome." And he closed the door, leaving me alone on the doorstep. Huvyl would be angry that I wormed my way out of my task, but I cared not. This small mystery was unraveling itself quite nicely, but I needed a few more answers. And I would certainly find some.

With this lantern that I now called mine, I traveled hurriedly, managing to make my hike look like a run, along the road. If I remembered rightly there was a tavern not three minutes west of the manor, and there were only about two minutes between there and Lady Asca's residence. I would pass the manor where I was staying, but I would move fast enough to remain uncaught.

I focused on finding the tavern, and speaking to the Whitewhey citizens, praying that they would know something useful about Lady Asca and the bandits. It would be unsafe to be so persistent for answers, but I was too willful to die.

o…o…o…o…o

Afterthoughts: The end is rough and stressed – since I am actually being timed right now – and I have had another very bad day. The writing here is very strained and I had to actually force myself to continue writing, as I believe I am starting to hit a Writer's Block. How unfortunate. The story is long, and the writing is barely smooth at all, but I just had to make sure everything that I needed to bring about did happen. If you are clever enough, you could see a little pattern here. But I pray that you study each character carefully, both old and new, both insignificant and immense.