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

Secret Discoveries #17

Part 17, by: SEP



Crystal was exhausted, but not too exhausted to dream it would seem. While the day's activities seemed too much to bear, the dream that came to her as she slept was both comforting and familiar.

Crystal dreamed that she was at a grand ball. The gown she wore was a magnificent blue that shimmered and sparkled in the light of the chandelier, which adorned the grand ballroom of her ancestral castle. Indeed, as she righted herself, perhaps regaining her balance, her head felt heavy, for she was wearing the special mask that had been designed for her eighteenth birthday party. However, most reassuring of all was the face of her cousin, Jonathan, that smiled at her mischievously from under a dark hood. Yet, for some reason, she was surprised and anxious. Now why would that be? She was finally attending her birthday ball! What greater delight could there be?

Jonathan, being the joker that he was, addressed her formally. "Careful Princess. It would not do to injure yourself."

Crystal experienced a layering of emotions. On the one hand, she was overwrought and confused, and yet, she was also joyous and bemused. Jonathan, her first cousin, was always one to make a joke, and even his attire was ridiculous. Here he was, a descendant of the royal family itself, and he had dressed as a thief, for Crystal recognized the strange outfit immediately. Oh the upset it must have caused when he arrived, or had anyone noticed yet?

As though her thoughts were words for another to hear, a small voice spoke within her head. Crystal, is that you?

Crystal was taken aback by the strange question. Time slowed around her. Jonathan stood unmoving before her, the dancers were frozen, poised to take their next step, and the musicians of the orchestra stopped, each ready to play the next note. A small bubble of anxiety arose within Crystal and she answered the query within her mind. Of course it is me. I am I. This is my dream. Whom are you?

Crystal's heart pounded faster, and she heard the excitement and anxiety emanating from the small voice. Crystal! I am Michiko, your sister.

My sister? I have no sister. Now Crystal felt the despair of the other individual, for it was not only a voice that she now discerned. The world around her had stopped, and she became aware of a strange sensation, as though she were not within her own body but that of another. Yes, she saw the ballroom, yes she felt the weight of her dress and mask, but the emotions she felt were not fully hers. No, these sensations were another's, Michiko she had called herself. What is this?!? I demand to know what is going on. Crystal tried to keep the panic from her voice, but knew she had not succeeded.

Crystal was surprised to hear a small giggle. I see you have not changed as much as I had hoped. Listen now, and listen well my sister. Do you remember running through the mist as the sun descended, searching for sanctuary? The vision mentioned seemed to surface within Crystal's mind. Yes, that is what I was referring to. Remember how the mist seemed to pursue you?

Yes, now Crystal could see the memory clearly within her mind. She had just slipped upon the steps leading to the family dining room, due to the fact that she had been staring at the dragon tapestry above the stairway, and she had awoken to find herself in a strange land. The sun was setting and the grass around her seemed to be afire. She had deemed it necessary to find shelter. Yet, even as she had searched frantically for sanctuary, the evening shadows had stalked her, but she had made it to safety in the end, had she not?

No, we did not make it safely to Merlin's humble abode. Somehow, the mist took me, and you were safe to continue your journey while I have been sent from one realm to another. Crystal was about to retort when she was cut short by the voice. No, don't interrupt me. Time is short, I believe you will awake momentarily. Listen to me. Aunt Morgana has explained this to me, and now I explain it to you. I do not know why, I do not know how, but we are sisters. Once one, we are now separate, and yet we fulfill two parts of one journey. We have one destiny, two parts of one whole. I suspect that we can communicate when one, or both, are sleeping. Yet, this is of little import. Hear me well for you must be careful! Think on my words, and I look forward to working with you on our journey.

Crystal felt the small voice fading. In fact, the whole ballroom scene faded before her eyes, even as the world swung back into dizzying motion. The dancers were dancing, the music playing, and she, no, her sister Michiko, curtsied to Jonathan and made a retort that set him laughing. But the scene was fading and all she could think, the only word that came to mind in the form of a question was, Sister?

The word seemed to float about her, and yet, the scene of the ballroom and the strange conversation were clear in her mind as she awoke. Indeed, this was no dream. But the portents of the vision did not bode well, and Crystal felt little comfort in the night's sleep she had so desperately desired and gained.

Part 18

Please hold...

Please hold, your call is important to us...

But unfortunately, we're having some technical difficulties called LIFE. As soon as we get the problem under control, there will be Part # 17 up.

Thank you for your patience...

Secret Dicoveries # 16

Meanwhile, Crystal was slowly approaching Flugentius, the wolf's, fortress...
*****

It had taken longer then Crystal had hoped it would, much longer. When she did reach the entrance, Crystal was using the last of her strength to remain standing, let along moving forward. The entrance was much smaller then she had thought it would be. She had expected the fortress of the a king to be large and grand. But this one proved her wrong. Instead of large steel doors bearing the emblem of the court, Flugentius's entrance was the small opening at the base of a tree.
Strange, thought Crystal, that a tree could be the inhabitance of a wolf, let alone a lord wolf. But Crystal was too fatigued to ask questions, and she knew better, now, then to judge things on the first glance. Was not Merlin's entrance deceiving as well, with a door so small leading to a room so large? Furthermore, wasn't her most recent encounter with Flugentius prof enough that looks are not always as they seem? So, she held her tongue as she followed Flugentius into the darkness.

The small hole in the bottom of the tree was sealed off by a door that resembled the bark of a tree itself. In this way, one could not find the door without knowing that it was already there. The doorway was only 5 feet tall, enough to fit Flugentius through, but Crystal had to bend in order to enter.

Once inside, the door opened to a narrow hallway, 6 feet high, leading...off somewhere, the destination unknown. There were little lights, mounted half way up the side of the walls on either side, illuminating the corridor. This place reminded Crystal of Merlin's house. The cold dark pathway that he had left her in before she notice the peep whole in the door. The feelings of loneliness and abandonment that accompanied this memory made her shudder and instinctively wrap her arms around herself. She started walking faster, wanting to stay close to Flugentius, encase he meant to leave her here alone as well.

Too many times, it seemed, had Crystal trusted and been deluded by this trust. She was determined not to be misguided again and she, therefore, tried her best to keep her wits about her. But it was difficult to stay in focus when all she could think of was sleep and how hungry she was.

The hallways seemed to be leading downward for a time, at least that's what Crystal thought, and after many turns it started to rise upward. The lighting quality began to improve and Crystal looked up about her. It was then that she noticed that there were long, thin, windows lining the hallway at the very top. These windows had caused the increase in light.

We must be above ground then, thought Crystal.

At last, Flugentius stopped in front of a large, heavy, oak door. On the door was a small window, 4 1/2 feet up, it met perfectly with Flugentius's face. After standing there for a few minutes, Crystal realized that he must be waiting for something, for he wasn't advancing. Did he not have the key? Why wasn't he moving forward, why weren't there attendants waiting to let their lord in? Puzzled, Crystal held her tongue once again and resolved to stay silent, maybe he would explain later.

Finally, a face appeared in the small window on the door. Flugentius growled at it and the door was flung open. Odd, thought Crystal, this whole place seems very odd. Not only does the lord of the land use the bottom of a tree as the entrance into his fortress, but when he does enter he is not greeted with hoards of servants. He is only received by an oak door. If so, what kind of a lord is this?

Regardless of her puzzling thoughts, Crystal remained silent once again.

Flugentius advanced forward, leading Crystal into the antechamber of his fortress. As Crystal stepped over the threshold, she felt as though she was being transported into the most elegant room that she had ever seen. Crystal gawked and stared. The antechamber she stood in was one that she would expect to find in a castle, not in the middle of a tree. She took another step, looked about, and noticed the detailed painting displayed on the ceiling above. Someone had decided to make it into a canvas and had painted amazing designs on it. Crystal realized that the floor was no longer dirt but marble. The walls were based of gold and bedecked with the finest tapestries Crystal had ever seen. Amazed, she strode toward one of them.

This tapestry was very familiar, but Crystal couldn't place where she had seen it before. It was longer then is was wide, and in the center of was a detailed design of flowers and vines, wrapped intrinsically around each other in an embrace unbreakable to even the strongest man. Running along the border were pictures of men and women, some on horseback, others siting on chairs.

One man caught Crystal’s attention, it was one of a Lord on a horse. Many of the other figures rode such an animal but this animal was different. The horse ridden was an autumn brown, almost chestnut. Her strong tail turned upright at the end giving the impression of superiority. What really made her stand out were her eyes. Her eyes were red; a bright red that held an inner light. With upturned ears and blatant stare, the horse seemed to know all that was around her.There was something about this tapestry, and horse, that reminded Crystal of...oh if only I could remember. But her weary brain and exhausted body refused to assist her with this puzzle. Her memory would not relent the connection.

"Princess," came Flugentius voice, deep and full, bringing Crystal back to her senses and place. She had started to drift, craning her neck as she tried to notice every detail, Flugentius's voice had startled her. Crystal jerked her head down and blushed, embarrassed. She had not acted appropriately. As a guest she should have held her stance and waited for instruction.

"You must be tired and hungry," Flugentius reminded her. At the mention of food Crystal remembered her fatigue and felt the growing need to sit down. "Elvire will show you to your room. There will be food waiting for you. If there is anything you need, let Elvire know and she will bring it to you. Sleep well, I'll call for you in the morning and we'll discuss your situation." Flugentius finished and nodded toward a fox that Crystal had not noticed before.

"Thank you," Crystal replied and bowed deeply toward Flugentius once more.

The fox, named Elvire, smiled at Crystal and started to walk away. Move your legs Crystal, or you'll be left standing here like a fool. Struggling, Crystal started walking after Elvire.

When Crystal caught up to her, Elvire had stopped in front of an open door. "This will be your room Princess," Elvire said as she entered the bedchamber. Crystal's room large. There was a queen size bed in the middle of the room, with a princess canopy flowing over it. The two wide windows on either side of the bed were drawn closed. Next to the bed, under left window, was a washing bowl and basin. On the right side of the bed was a steaming plate of food and a tall mug of something steaming as well. Along the left wall were two doors that looked liked they belonged to a closet, and on right wall was a large desk.

"Sleep well, there is food there waiting for you, as well as clean clothes in the closet. Pull the tassel by your bed if you need me." With that, Elvire bowed, turned, and left.

Crystal entered and closed the door behind her. It was then that she noticed that the only light in the room came from a large candelabra sitting on the desk on the right wall. The flames flickered and cast slim shadows across the room. Crystal approached the left side of the bed, sat down, and ate all the contents in two minutes. Placing the plate back down, Crystal reached for the smoky mug, and sniffed. It smelt like hot chocolate.

Slowly, she sipped the liquid, it went down smoothly and filled her body with warmth. Perfect, she thought. Content, Crystal turned over to the other side of the bed and washed her face, hands, and neck, with the washing basin.

Not wanting to move, Crystal almost feel asleep in her clothes. It was with great effort that she willed herself to rise and search the closet for a nightgown. Thankfully, she found one easily, and was surprised as how well is fit her. Finally she was ready for bed.

Pulling the covers around her, Crystal refused to listen to any of the questions floating in her head. She had been through enough today to last her a life time. All she wanted now was sleep, relaxation. To this, her body did not resist, and Crystal immediately feel into a deep sleep.

Part 17