Sandbox

Again, this is a deep, yet subtle, story.

“Sandbox”

My pants are wet. There is warm pee on my legs and in my socks. I didn’t know I needed to make. Maybe I had too much water? I’m in Patrick’s backyard. Before, we were playing alone on his swing set. Now, Patrick is inside using the bathroom, but Max just came outside. He is watching me.

A squishy puddle of pee is under my butt. My cheeks are hot. I hold the chains and look at my feet. The touch of the soggy pants reminds me of what happened yesterday. It rained yesterday. I was inside. I was standing near the heater, the one in front of the window. I was trying to get warm. I was watching the rain and wearing a dry pair of Patrick’s socks. I love being outside and making sand castles. But when it rains the sand doesn’t stay together. The mot goes into the towers.

I was still by the window when someone came near me. They stopped behind me. They put their large hand on my shoulder. I looked down their jeans were folded up. They had dry Nike sneakers with white laces. I looked at them, and turned to the window. They came close to me. Then, they went on their knees. They were breathing fast, my neck got sweaty.

I should be grateful. I should enjoy it.

The sliding door is opening. Patrick is back outside. I stop thinking about yesterday.

“Wanna play in the sandbox now?” Patrick is yelling while running toward it. My seat is still wet. The puddle has drooled onto the dirt. I slide off of the swing and eat my sleeve. I walk slowly to the sandbox. Patrick is pouring sand into his bucket.

“We’ll make a castle in that corner,” he shouts, not looking at me. I walk to the outdoor tap and fill up a bucket. I bring it back to Patrick. I drip half of it. I sit down and try to help.

“No, not there,” he screams. “We’re making it over there,” he points to the corner. He looks at me. He notices. I feel naked.

“You’re pants are wet.”

“I spilt water,” I mutter. I stare at my dark pants.

He looks away and finishes filling his bucket. He pats down the sand. He flips it upside down and shows me a perfect tower. I start filling my bucket. It takes a while. My sand jumps over the top and falls onto my crossed legs. I don’t brush it way.

I was sitting the same way last Thursday. I was reading and I wasn’t building a sandcastle. My teacher was sick, but they couldn’t find a substitute. My Mom and Dad had to go to work. Patrick’s Mom works at home. His kindergarten teacher wasn’t sick, only mine was.

I was reading on the grass when they sat down across from me. I think they were home for lunch.

“What are you reading?” they asked. I was reading the pictures of fox in socks.

“Fox in socks,” I closed the book and faced the cover towards them. They leaned closer, resting their hands on my ankles.

“What page are you on?” they tilted their head and smiled. They slid their hands up to my knees and drummed their fingers on my kneecaps. I fumbled with the book, looking for my lost page.

“Page 33,” I closed the book again. I looked at the ground, as goose bumps rose up my back.

“Aren’t you bored of reading?” they forced, leaning closer. Their breathe smelt like mint, with a touch of cinnamon. I felt their hand creep up my right leg. I started to shiver. I should be happy, and grateful. I am lucky.

Someone is touching my knee. I jolt my head up.

“Are you ok?”

It is Patrick. His eyebrows are wrinkled around his nose, and his bottom lip is curved down. He has made three sand towers, all perfect, side by side.

“Yah,” I stretch my cheeks toward my eyes and reveal my teeth.

Patrick’s Mom calls us in for lunch. Patrick and I have made a grand fortress. There is even a mot with water in it, though we don’t have a crocodile. We get up and run inside, Max comes in as well. She notices my wet pants and tells Patrick to give me one of his. Once I’m dry we head back to the kitchen. We are having Portobello mushroom wraps and fruit smoothies. I’m not hungry, but I eat.

I go to Patrick’s every Sunday. Mom and Dad need to work. We live two doors down. Patrick is the middle child. His older brother, Max, is cool and goes to college. His younger sister, Anna, doesn’t know how to talk yet, but she’s points and screams.

After lunch Patrick has karate and Anna takes a nap. Patrick’s Mom goes shopping for three hours, alone. I’m not allowed outside. I miss the sandbox. All you need is water and sand, which is dirt, to make anything. Instead I’m kept inside, so I stay under the crawl space. Max stays home too. He used to do homework during this time, but now he stays with me.

He is looking for me. He opens the small door to the crawl space. How does he always find me? He closes the door, and sits down facing me.

“You’re very lucky” he whispers and moves closer. “Say it.”

“I’m very lucky.”

My legs are shaking. I hold them down with my elbow and concentrate on the floor boards. I don’t want to pee again, he might get mad. I am grateful. I am very lucky.

An Attack on Darkness

This is a short story that I wrote for my creative writing class.
Readers beware, it's not for the faint at heart. Otherwise, enjoy and please tell my what you think. I'm in the process of working on my second one.

***

The floor boards groaned, above them, as they huddled closer, barely breathing. The air froze with fright. After all they had done to escape him, to evade him, to be rid of him, they were still hiding. The footsteps grew closer, lingering above their heads.

***

Katherine’s eyes sprung open. She had fallen asleep on the couch while reading a novel, though she should have been studying chemistry. Why do I enjoy horrors so much, she questioned, picking up her textbook and launching into equilibrium equations.

Distracted, Katherine looked up, hearing noises from the kitchen. Someone was walking around, she could hear them bumping into things. Grabbing her flash light, knuckles turning white, she got up and crept into the dark hallway.

She was babysitting overnight for three children which, as a full time university student, she didn't have the time for. The term was almost over and finals were quickly approaching, her nerves were on fire. After three years of cramming, caffeine had failed her. As her immunity to the brown liquid had increased, so did the pressure to experiment. Her friends had recommended crystal meth, using their positive experiences to confirm its efficiency. It was this, and a botched attempt at eating coffee grinds, that had coerced her. She had finally caved.

And now she was here. Katherine kept walking, swinging her flashlight back and forth along the hallway floor, goose bumps climbing up her arms, approaching the noise in the kitchen. As she turned the corner, a shadowy figure spun around to face her.

“What are you doing?” she gasped. “You scared me half to death.” Riki, age ten, shivered and whispered,

“I was looking for another flashlight.”

Katherine swept one off counter and shoved Riki back to bed, for the fourth time that night.

“Stop messing around,” Katherine snapped. “This is the last time I want to see you out of bed, do you hear?”

“Yes,” Riki squeaked, huddling beneath the covers.

Katherine stormed back to the couch, fuming. Riki’s starting to drive me crazy, she thought. Why won’t she go to sleep? She’s always walking around and freaking me out. I have enough stress as it is. She sighed, unclenching her fists, I need a hit…The world began to spin around her. Just breathe. She closed her eyes, in… out… in… out, good job. You don’t need a hit, you’re in control. You can take this.

“Enough, Kathy, time to start working,” she admonished, collecting herself and opening her chemistry textbook in another attempt to study. But it was no use, chemistry was so boring. Why am I majoring in science? It didn’t help that her eye lids felt like lead and her brain like molasses.

“Just one puff, that’s all I need, really,” she heard herself plead. You can’t smoke on the job! She reprimanded. Try to stick to coffee. But she knew it wouldn’t work.

She started reviewing the night’s events, attempting to distract herself. The power had gone out an hour after she had arrived. She had called the parents. They were out of town on a business meeting, so they wouldn’t be coming back that night, but she wanted to keep them posted. The phone calls had nearly drained her cell phone’s power. Afraid it would die on her, she had put it on ‘Power Save Mode’.

Now she was sitting here. If I can’t study, I might as well entertain myself. Picking the paperback up from the floor, she mused,

“Now this is a lot more interesting.”

“He had warned them, from the beginning, that it was futile to hide.

‘I’ll be there, in the end.’ Now he was.”

Time moved on as she delved into the novel. Slowly, subtly, her weariness took over, her heartbeat steadied, and she started to drift off…

***

The hallway lights were blinking. She could hear tapping on the window.

“I’m ok. Nothing is going to happen to me. It’s just the wind outside,” she repeated to herself. But it was pointless. She knew, somehow, that he was out there, waiting, wanting. No matter where she went, his eyes were always following. She was tired of running, tired of being afraid.

***

Katherine stirred and rolled over. Her skin was clammy.

“I should really stop reading this book,” she thought, pushing it aside and reached for her textbook, but stopped half-way. She heard someone shuffling around in the kitchen again. Her body went stiff. Calm down, it’s probably just Riki. Clutching her flashlight, she tiptoed back to the kitchen.

CRASH!

She froze. She couldn’t move. Sweat collected in her palms, lubricating the flashlight in her hand. She tightened her grip on it.

“Don’t be silly, Kathy, you’re just hearing things” -the floor creaked with the drag of feet – “Pinch yourself, it’s just a dream. Ouch, that hurt,” she gasped, startled.

Terror settled in, she willed herself to breathe. It’s probably just Riki. But there wasn’t anyone in the kitchen. Standing in the doorway she, stopped to listen, hearing nothing. She entertained the idea of being crazy. See, you’re just hearing things, he’s – no one’s- here. Go check the kids, just to make sure.

She crept to their bedrooms. They were all sleeping quietly, with no sign of harm. She walked around the house, scanning the windows and doors, finding no broken glass. She resolved that she really had been hearing things. Settling down on the couch, she took her phone out to check the time. That’s odd, she thought, pressing the power button. BATTERY LOW TURNING OFF, and the phone went dark again.

“Great, that’s just great. Now, if something does hap- STOP, just stop that thought. You’re getting yourself worked up. Nothing is going to happen. This isn’t some horror novel.”

Exhaustion and stress washed over her; the night was taking its toll. She felt the stiff veins in her neck pulsing. She tried to loosen up, rotating her shoulders.

“A ringer would feel great right now,” she muttered, struck by the intensity of her yearning. You’re babysitting! You’re responsible for three children, her reason screamed. But there’s no way you’re going to get any more studying done with out one, her craving whispered innocently. And NO one would know. No one’s awake to smell it, it continued, and, after your peak, you’ll return back to earth and be able to concentrate on chemistry. Convinced, she got up.

She went to the kitchen, where she had left her things, and fished around for her smoke and lighter. Finding it, she went to the bathroom and lit up.

“Much better,” she exhaled in-between puffs. Her stress relief was immediate, with peaceful thoughts of pleasure controlling her mind, as she reached the peak in her high. She stumbled back to the couch, weightless.

***

“You know, you’ll never get away,” he nagged. “Even when you think I’ve gone, I’ll come back, I’ll always be back.”

Fog filled the air, obscuring her vision. She was running. Whatever happens, she must protect the children.

“Why won’t you leave us alone?” She screamed. But he wasn’t listening. His hungry eyes locked on her, he were determined, and he wasn’t going to let her go.

***

Startled, she sat up. Her breathing was raspy, her heart pounding in her ears. Someone was running down the stairs.

“You’re not going to hurt us,” she screamed, leaping off the couch. I must protect the children. Her mind howled. His words circulated through her,

“Even when you think I’ve gone, I’ll come back, I’ll always be back.”

“I’ll be there, in the end.”

She ran blindly toward the stairs, stopping suddenly and pivoting into the kitchen. Moon light shone through the window, catching on the blade of a knife in its holder, glinting off of the metal surface, drawing her attention. She snatched the butcher knife and, suddenly composed, continued toward the stairs. She stalked down them, descending on her unknowing prey.

Reaching the floor, she listened, figuring out where it had fled to. She was blind to reason and heard nothing but his voice inside her heard. Then she heard it.

“He’s in there,” she whispered.

Hearing nothing else, she dashed into the room. He was caught completely by surprise. As he spun around to face her, the knife came down, plunging into his shoulder. She could feel the metal grate against his bone. Blood oozed slowly, her knife still within his flesh. She wrenched it free and made to strike again. This time you won’t come back!

“Please stop!” shrieked a voice outside her mind. Katherine stumbled backward, confused. “I didn’t… mean to…” Her prey pleaded between laboured breathes, “I was… just…playing, trying… to… freak… you.”

“He’s trying to trick you,” she reasoned. But her prey had shocked her back into the here and the now, away from the mist and fog. Her vision came into focus, and she looked down at her victim. The colour had drained from its face. Blood was dripping down the left knee, having soaked the torso, and its bottom lip tremble from shock.

Riki’s glazed eyes looked up at her.

This post was a mistake

Sorry, I still don't have an update. BUT, we are now looking forward to Sarah Rutti's upcoming post. HURRAY!

Still Looking Forward

Unfortunately, I regretted to announce that SEP has fallen ill this past week. Due to the pressure at work and school, her physical immune system has weakened. Please accept out appologies for the lack of posting. Thank you for your consideration and sensitivity.

Feel free to send her a bouquet of flowers ;-)

Looking Forward!

To the new post by SEP! I hope everyone else is too! I'm gripping my seat with excitement!

Secret Discoveries #20

"Time is short," was his answer, "I do not have enough of it to explain everything to you, but I will try my best with what I have." Flugenitus sat against the high back of the arm chair, flexing his fingers around his knees.

"Firstly, I will explain the shift in my appearance." With this he paused. Seeing that Crystal made not objection, he continued. "When I am inside my fortress, I am at liberty to show my true form, without fear of the enemy seeing. When I exit, however, I must take on the shape of a wolf, the one you are accustom to. This form allows me to conceal myself within the woods and lends me strength to defend myself."

"But why do you need to hide? Who are you fighting? Who is this enemy?" All of Crystal's questions seemed to flow from her. Flugenitus smiled and waited for her to finish.

"I know that you are confused princess, but you must have more patience and allow me the speak, as time is short, I don't have enough of it to explain everything. Please hold back from questioning any further. When I'm finished all should be answered." He waited, Crystal bowed her head and nodded, apologizing for her outbreak and promising not to interrupt again.

"Now, you are in my domain. I am protector of all the land the lies withing the eight green gates. These gates form a hexagon in shape and serve as the watch towers of the land. The fortress that you are in is in the center of this enclosure. We have been under siege for quit some time . The darkness that surrounds us have destroyed everything in their path. They suck the life out of all living beings, like fire, they live on air and leave nothing but ash in their path." Sighing, Flugenitus continued,

"I do not have the time to relay the history of this war to you. All that I will tell you, for now, is that we are presently under attack at the north east tower. It is to there that I must depart in a few hours. I am sorry to leave you so short after your arrival. While I am away, you will start puissance lessons with Lamont. Elvire will over see to everything in my absence, so call on her if you need anything. She may think it necessary to add another lesson on war strategies. I had promised Merlin more but this is all that I can do for now." He stopped and waited to see if Crystal had any other questions.

"Is Elvire not a fox then? She's a woman?" she asked. Flugenitus nodded. "Then why does she keep her animal form while in the castle?"

"She finds it easier to get around as a fox, then as a human." He answered. Crystal grinned, yes indeed, how fast Elvire could run on those four legs! Flugenitus made to get up but, thinking better of it, sat back down and posed another question, "Do you have any more inquiries princess? I have time for one more."

"Where do I fit into all of this?" Crystal whispered, still trying to sort all of the puzzles in her head. She understood the situation of her surroundings, but she couldn't place her involvement within it. Why had she been brought here in the first place? Why hadn't Merlin transported her back home? Who was that Michiko girl from her dream? Had she been killed by the darkness that surrounded this land? Where had she gone?... the questions were endless. It seemed that Flugenitus had only given her new questions, not answered the old ones.

"This you will see in time" Flugenitus said. Crystal looked up and their eyes locked. "You must have patience princess," his voice ran in her thoughts, deep and powerful. She willed him to take away all of her confusion and worries. "In time, Crystal, in time you will see who you are and what you must do. Know that you were chosen, I have been waiting, we have all been waiting. You will answer your questions, in time." He looked away, their connection broke, but she could still hear his words echoing through her mind, 'in time.'

***

Message Board Jan 22, 2008

Let's keep this update short... Ahem.

Thanks for visiting, and please do come again.

- SEP

Secret Discoveries #19

By: SEP

Michiko watched the world swing back into dizzying motion as her sister's voice faded within her mind. Remembering her surroundings, she curtsied to her cousin Jonathan while simultaneously scolding him thoroughly. "While I appreciate your worry on my behalf, I do not believe for an instant that you are concerned for my true welfare, for should I loose my balance, you would laugh at me even as a horrified silence would fill this hall."

Jonathan made an exaggerated face as though to say, Would I ever do such a thing?

"Oh no, do not look at me that way. Anyone who is so tasteless the he dresses as a thief at the masked ball of his cousin, who is a Princess mind you, is certain to laugh at her should she stumble. You rogue! What were you thinking? Mother must have been in a tizzy when she saw you."

Jonathan laughed and bowed again, a strange gleam in his eye. "Actually, I don't think your mother, Aunt Guenevere the Queen, has seen me yet. I made sure to avoid her all night, though I could not resist the urge to offer my thanks to the true hostess for my having been invited to this wonderful masked ball."

Suddenly the thought occurred to Michiko, "But how did you know who I was?" No one else has guessed my costume as of yet."

"Oh, but I know your walk. I have taught you weapons training long enough that I could recognize you in any guise. I just taught you how recognize people by their gait alone. Also, a person's gait and posture can indicate the weapons that hey are wearing. Have you forgotten already?"

"Shhhh. No one knows about our lessons! Do you want someone to overhear us?" Yet, even as Michiko said these words, she felt a little confused. When had Crystal ever taken secret weapon lessons from her cousin Jonathan?

"Michiko, are you alright?" Michiko almost fell down at the mention of her name. Why had Jonathan not addressed her as Crystal? Worry began to well up within her, but Jonathan could not see the shock on her face which was blessedly covered by her mask. "Of course we need not worry about being overheard! We're in the middle of a masked ball, and the majority of the nobles are almost too drunk to stand at this point. Being that we are quite safe, I will scold you saying that you left sleeve is catching a little on one of your concealed knife. Otherwise you have done a wonderful job of arming yourself without drawing any notice. Anyways, care to dance?"

He bowed with a flourish, offering his hand to her in a manner that left her grinning. Despite her shock, for she realized she was wearing concealed weapons, how could she refuse such a roughish offer to dance? Jonathan took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. Once dancing, there was little time to talk. Michiko had always loved dancing, but it took concentration to dance without falling while wearing thirty pounds worth of skirts, masks, weapons, and jewelry.

The night seemed to blend from one dance to another. While she had danced with Jonathan first, other young nobles, suiters as her mother constantly reminded her, asked for dances, and it would have been rude to refuse. Despite the fact that her face was hidden, she knew her outfit must be one of the most magnificent in the ballroom, it was her birthday after all, and many young men asked her to dance. Consequently, she had not one moment to rest and think on all that had transpired.

Soon enough the music stopped, and King Arthur, her father, stood upon the dais and removed his mask. It was eleven, and the time had come to remove masks and continue the ball. First, the King made a speech praising the virtues of his currently hidden, youngest daughter, and spoke of the high hopes of the King and Queen, that she would grow to make the kingdom proud. Michiko knew this most likely meant that she was expected to secure a good, arranged, marriage with a neighboring kingdom, but she did not like to dwell on that thought much.

The King called her forward, and slowly she walked through the crowd to ascended the dais, all too aware of the eyes that followed her. She could almost hear the thoughts of all present. So there is the princess! I thought that must be her. Look at her beautiful outfit! Does she not look beautiful even in her mask?

Michiko knew what would transpire next. She would ascend the dais, remove her mask, and then all present would do the same and one by one the nobles would be announced, offer her congratulations on her birthday, and then the ball would continue until the wee hours of the night. It would be a boring process, while, of course, Jonathan would laugh at her discomfort from the corner. Sighing at the thought, she plastered a smile upon her face, turned to the throng, and began to remove her mask. Several young men seemed to gasp as she revealed her face, but Michiko was accustomed to such things. Many had noticed Crystal's beauty in her youth, and until recently, Michiko and Crystal had been one.

Without warning, something thudded into the mask which Michiko was still removing from her her face. The force of the impact knocked the mask out of her hand and pushed her sideways. Glancing at her fallen mask, Michiko was shocked to see that the "something" was a black arrow whose shaft had pierced and lodged itself within the mask instead of burrowing into her head. In her shock, time seemed to slow within the ballroom. Courtiers looked confused, still not comprehending what was happening. Her father, King Arthur, looked down at his daughter, and the look of shock and fury slowly rising to his face was almost comical.

Wham. An arrow hit her father in the shoulder. "NO!" screamed Michiko, but her voice was lost in a sudden tumult. Thump. A searing pain in Michikos left leg suddenly drew her attention. Before she could assess the situation, guards swarmed the dais using their bodies as a shield to protect the royalty before them. Some guards fell with arrows protruding from their bodies, but Michiko saw little of the carnage since Jonathan had suddenly appeared, picking her up, and carrying her into one of many hidden rooms that led off the ballroom.

Michiko was breathing fast, irregular, breathes. "Michiko, calm down." The voice belonged to Jonathan, and the goofy grin he had worn hours earlier was gone. "I see that you are wounded." Jonathan gently took both of Michiko's hands and looked her in the eyes. "Michiko, you will be fine, and you will live, but in order to get you out of the castle alive, I need to you to calm down and focus on your training."

Jonathan's words had a strange, calming effect. Michiko found herself breathing slowly, her heart no longer racing as it had been moments before. She took another breath and then stock of the situation. "Jonathan, please go behind a curtain so that I can care for my wound." Even in her state of shock she would not clean a leg wound in front of her male cousin.

Jonathan smiled, happy that Michiko was coming back to her senses. She scowled at him in return, and he quickly disappeared behind a tapestry to his left. "Alright, I see the arrow cut my leg deeply, but the head of the arrow is not lodged into my leg," Michiko informed him.

"Good," Jonathan responded from behind the tapestry, the relief in his voice almost palpable. "Staunch the bleeding using some of the material from one of your petticoats and change into a pair of breaches and a tunic which are hidden in the chest against the wall. Also, arm yourself. We need to leave the castle now, because, as is abundantly clear, it is not safe for you to be here tonight."

Michiko was weary, confused, and still in shock. Despite this, she quickly bound the gash in her leg and changed as instructed. While undressing she found two throwing knives strapped to her calves and arms. Also, the sword in the chest seemed to be the perfect length for her to use, while the weight felt proper and comfortable at her side. What is this? Since when do I know how to use throwing knives and swords? The implications of the weapons felt beyond the grasp of her numb mind, but the shocks seemed to be unending.

The last shock came when she turned around and stared at a full length mirror which she had not noticed when they first entered the room. The young woman in the mirror, while just as beautiful as Crystal, looked completely different. Michiko looked sideways to see if another woman was in the room. Her shock was understandable considering that her reflection showed not a fair, blond, curly haired, green eyed maiden, but a tall lean warrior, with straight, jet black hair. Michiko's only resemblance to her old form were her eyes, sparkling green eyes that were similar, if not the same, as those of her sister Crystal. She let out an involuntary squeak, and Jonathan came bounding out from behind the tapestry with a sword fully drawn.

"What is..." His question died as he realized everything was fine and she had finished dressing. He nodded approvingly at her outfit. "Please braid your hair so that we may leave with all haste."

But Michiko could not possibly move. Why has my visage changed to drastically? Why is Jonathan addressing me by my new name? Yet, most importantly, why were people trying to kill me? Indeed, who am I? Turning slowly, brimming with confusion, pain, and panic, Michiko looked Jonathan in the eyes, causing him to step back in alarm. "Jonathan." She said his name in a low, commanding, voice that demanded respect, froze his bones, and made him shiver. The air began to undulate in the room, her upset becoming a physical force, "WHAT IN THE BLAZES IS GOING ON?!?"

*****

Part 20

Secret Discoveries # 18

By: SRS

Not wanting to get up, Crystal remained lying in bed staring at the ceiling. She had been counting on feeling refreshed after a whole night's sleep, but right now she felt more tired then before. So had she slept at all? That was a good question. As of now, she was unsure about what her state of consciousness had been over the past ten or so hours. Since one doesn't usually remember one's dreams in entirety, and since she remembered hers as clearly as day, maybe it hadn't been a dream? But, dreams don't usually make sense, and this one was definitely out of the norm.

Crystal remained in bed for quite some time revolving the arguments in her head, unable to unlock the answers, until a knock on the door interrupted her. Collecting herself, Crystal tried to sound relaxed when she called back, "Who is it?" From the other side of the door came Elvire's voice, "It is Elvire, may I enter?" Covering herself completely with the comforter, Crystal called back, "Yes, you may."

With grace and ease Elvire entered the room and closed the door behind her. Approaching Crystal's bed, Elvire bowed and apologized, "I'm sorry if I have disturbed you princess. Flugentius wanted to wait for you to ring before arousing you; but, as matters have changed since last night, Flugentius must depart again at sundown, and it is already midday. Regardless of the need for his services elsewhere, he did not want to leave with out first speaking with you. It is for this reason that I interrupt you now. If you can be ready in an hour, Flugentius will see you." Despite the calmness in her voice, Crystal could sense the stress and worry that preoccupied Elvire. Something had occurred during the night that was urgent enough to warrant the lord of the land to leave his palace. Though Elvire tried to hide this in her speech, it showed clearly in her eyes now as she looked to Crystal and waited for a response.

"What has happened?" Crystal asked in innocence. Elvire replied shortly, "I will leave it to Flugentius to tell you. Will you be ready in time to speak with him?" Crystal nodded and made to get out of bed. Elvire was already half way out the door when she said over her shoulder, "you will find clothes in the closet, they will fit you." With that, she left Crystal.

As soon as the door closed behind Elivre, Crystal heard a creek and saw a hidden door open in the wall next to the closet. Startled, Crystal jumped back and was about to ring for Elvire when a young girl appeared in the middle of the doorway. "Do not be alarmed," came the small voice of the child, "I have been sent to help you dress. Did not Elvire tell you that I would come?" Still frightened and unsure Crystal asked, "Then why were you not here last night to help me undress? Why do you come only this morning?" Restraining a giggle, the child replied, "Why you surely are from another land, I should have believed them when they told me. Forgive my rudeness princess, there are many habits of this land that you are clearly not accustomed to." With a slight curtsy the child inclined her head and said, "pardon my rudeness twice my lady, how might I help you this morning?"

Remaining suspicious, Crystal pointed to the closet and muttered, "I'd like to get dressed quickly please." With another bow the child opened the closet doors and chose one of the dresses for Crystal. It was emerald green, with an 'A' line cut from the waist, and a high collar. Running up the left side of the dress, from the hem to collar, was a dark vine with lush leaves. The sleeves were long but simply cut. It fit Crystal perfectly. Standing back from the mirror, Crystal smiled. It felt good to be properly dressed for a change.

In no time her hair was done. Thanking the child, Crystal pulled the tassel by her bed and waited for someone to show her to the breakfast hall. "You are welcome princess," came the girl's soft reply as she disappeared behind the hidden door.

Soon someone knocked on Crystal's door. Opening it, Crystal found Elvire waiting again with anxious eyes. "This way please, I will show you to the breakfast hall," she said. Before Crystal could ask about the child, Elvire was racing ahead of Crystal. Must she run? came Crystal's thoughts, what could have happened last night to keep her at wits end?

Crystal was worried and afraid. She had thought that her journey was reaching its end, and that the stress and questions would soon be answered with her meeting Flugentius. Now she wondered if he'd have time to answer her questions at all. Merlin had evaded her questions by throwing her into this challenging situation. Was anyone ever going to explain to her what was going on?

At the speed that Elvire was twisting and turning through the maze of corridors it seemed that fire was chasing them. What ever could have happened?

Finally Elvire stopped in front of a large oak door. "Within you will find help and hand to serve you. Call for me as soon as you're satisfied." With another bow Elvire left Crystal again, dashing into the corridors that they had just emerged from, soon consumed in the shadows of the torch light.

Despite the lush eloquent banquet displayed on the tables before her, Crystal ate little. She was too nervous and anxious to eat. After ten minutes of forcing herself to consume food, she brushed aside the servants and called for Elvire. In no time the fox was before Crystal, ready to lead the way again.

This time Elvire lead Crystal up an endless flight of stairs. Spiraling skyward, they ran at top speed. When they reached the top, Crystal was breathless, and had to pause. Thankfully, Elvire noticed and waited until Crystal was ready to continue. While she waited, Elvire apologized, "I'm sorry to make you run Princess, but time is short."

Again they were dashing through a long narrow corridor, but this time the journey was brief. Stopping short in front of a wall, Elvire explained, "Flugentius's office is within this hidden doorway," and she tapped a small nob on the floor. The wall swung inward in the shape of a seven foot door. "Thank you for all of your help," Crystal whispered as she entered the doorway.

As soon as Crystal was within the threshold, the door closed softly behind her. Puzzled, Crystal stepped forward and waited for her eyes to adjust to the light of the room. It was dimly lit, with one candle at each corner of the room. Lining all of the walls were tall bookshelves that reached the ceiling, all of them were filled. In the center were two high-backed armchairs, each facing each other. Between them was a small round table. The closer armchair had its back to Crystal. Tense, Crystal started forward, assuming that she was supposed to sit in one of the chairs and wait for Flugentius.

"Approach Crystal," came a deep voice that she recognized as Flugentius. Swiftly, Crystal reached the armchair facing her and began to sit down; however, what she saw in the armchair across from her made her stop, stiff.

It was not Flugentius.

Sitting in the opposite armchair was a young man, bedecked in robes of royalty. Judging by the height of his knees, he looked to be over six foot tall. Peppering his chin was a closely trimmed beard. He features were prominent. Furthermore, there were two circular scars on each temple. Lastly, dangling from his neck was a tooth necklace.

"Do not be alarmed" came his voice. She felt it, like she had when Flugentius had first spoken to her in the woods. His voice chimed through her and rang in her bones, leaving her with a pleasant feeling of serenity. "Flugentius?" she felt herself saying, "But how can that be, you are a wolf, not a man?"

*****

Part 19