“Daddy, daddy, dewe’s a giwl coming!” squealed Mini, running into the tiny cabin Vale’s family shared.

“Any news of the war?” their mother asked, jumping to her feet. Unsure of the outcome of whatever had transpired in the castle, their master had ordered all his serfs to remain in their shelters less leaving for the Temple. Of course, Mini knew not of staying put. It was in the daily prayers of their parents that she learn to control her energy before becoming old enough to work.

“Or our cowardly son?” their father added.

Vale turned to her father, face burning. “Alel ran for his life!”

“Abel ran because he’s a coward. True men face their fears rather than escape.”

“Maybe the men you know,” she muttered. Her brother was a hero in her mind, no matter what her parents said. Mini watched the conflict with big eyes.

‘Mini, darling, why is she here?” Vale asked gently.

“She said she had a wedder fow oo!” Mini smiled, the toddler pleased with herself. “She was widdy pwiddy!”

Vale furrowed her brow. Why would anyone have a letter for her? As an apprentice scribe, education halted given Alel’s recent escape, she could read but was no one of value. She hurried outside, stopping in her track.

The woman before her, black hair wet and left eye covered by a leather patch, was indeed beautiful. Unlike most serfs she was seemed poised and was dressed in wealthy clothing, but unlike most nobles she was slender and strong. Bruised, bleeding, but majestic still, she seemed out of place on the dusty road, surrounded by broken shacks. A horse stood behind her.

“I have a letter for Vale,” the young woman said. “Lucetta’s will.”

“Queen Lucetta is dead?” Vale’s head swirlled. If Lucetta was dead, who was their ruler? And why oh why would she, of all people, be given the will?”

“No,” the woman said, eyes flickering. She shoved the letter into Vale’s hand. “I am not supposed to give you this, but someone begged me.”

“Who?”

“Um...his name is Alel. I really need to go. Just hide this letter, alright? I don’t want you to get into trouble.” She smiled. “Do not worry. We won. Life is going to be much better from here on out.” With that she mounted her horse and galloped away.

“Who was she?” asked her father once she returned to the cabin.

“Just a confused serf,” Vale said hurriedly, brushing past him and climbing to her loft. She waited until her parents had resumed conversation before opening the envelope.

My dearest Vale:

I apologize for the vagueness of this message. I fear that it may be discovered by certain people through some method or another, and want them to be assured you know nothing. You are innocent and helpless.

I don’t have long to live; minutes, maybe. You will never find my body. Do not search. You must follow my instructions carefully for the sake of all you hold dear.

You must go into the fields between us and the other kingdoms and call for the fairies. Tell them you have a desperate message for the Chosen One’s master. I know it sounds ridiculous, but do it. I am not sure who you’ll meet but assure that the Chosen One’s master is told that:

- Evelyn worked for the Labradorite Queens.

-If said master needs proof, all she must do is go to the secret passageway to the caste and walk away from the dungeon, where she will find Lian’s rotting body. If anyone else is reading this, remember that neither Vale nor many others know Lian. She gained no information.

-Lian travelled with her (too well known for me to name) companion.

-Why kill the selfless unless you have something to gain?

It may be daunting, but please do it, for the good of all you know. Your loving brother,

Alel