Letter Nine

To be placed in the hands of Mirthyane Anthaina, someplace hopefully dry, in Glaukos.

Sent from the Goose Girl

Posted South by Harbormaster Bartholomew on the ship Red Water.

‘I can too write. I told you so! Passed from the Red Water to the Gander by the ship boy.

Docked at Corner Stone, and given to the pander man Steven who is Broke and Poor by the ship Doctor of the Gander.

I've been kidnapped by pirates, someone please save me!!! Steven Poor steven!

Found on rocky shore, what a strange thing to find in a bottle, Anabell, who is 7, and sells seashells on the sea shore. Sent with the Ship the Gander.

‘What’s this letter doing on my ship again’ Captain Corey of the Gander. ‘This isn’t a free delivery service. Maybe I’ll just send it back’

-You don’t know where it came from dear, Corey’s wife Isabel.

-Well fine, alright then. I won’t

We are the fearless pirates of Foxeyes, all you read this fear us! We captured the Gander, look at our prize . . .

-A letter?

-No stupid, paper and Immortalitie!

Captain Corey and Isabel again, recaptured our ship, sent those pirates packing.

- Now why would they care about this letter?

- Maybe I should read it.

- Don’t you dare Corey!

- Yes dear!

Ha! Ha! The WIFE wins in the End!!! :)

234 Ancienia

Mirth, Mirth, Mirth

What a shock when I finally received your letter. I'm so glad for you, to have found someone who will give you what you deserve. Reading your letter has lifted my spirits, at least one of us has found happiness. Hold onto it Mirth, as tightly as you can, lest you lose it forever.
Oh, Mirth I had the most distressing day today, the worst since arriving in Geyona. Everything is so wretched here. Did you know it rains all the time? It's pouring sheets right now. I’m sorry this letter is so wrinkled and wet. I found some stationary in a muddy field and the geese had stepped all over it. I had to steal some ink, I was desperate to write to you.

Before I get too far ahead of myself let me tell you about the arrival in Geyona and my first glimpse of the Harbor City, the only sunny day I’ve seen since arriving.

The landscape had barely changed after our traveling procession left the Black Downs. We rode through dry, empty hills on our way to Geyona's ands. As we reached the end of the Grey Road small cottages appeared along the way, and rutted lanes lead toward the Trade River, which has grown four times its size, and had small docks jutting out like short stub branches. The murky water was full of silt, no longer a pleasant view.

Eventually we approached the end of the Gray Road, we couldn’t yet see the Harbor City until we climbed one last hill. I rode toward the back of our procession. Then my horse Jade got a lame foot. She just suddenly stopped walking and everyone else kept going ahead.

I slid off, and tried to pull at her reigns, urging her forward. Jade's ears pinned back and like a stubborn mule she refused to budge. I checked her feet to see if a stone had caught in her shoe. Finally she began to limp forward. We had not gone more than ten feet when Eiolan returned. He rode straight toward me. I had done my best to ignore him, and he had not touched me or come near me for days. I wasn’t about to let him try anything now. I kept walking, but he dipped and grabbed Jade's reigns.

“Where are you going Princess?” he asked.

My eyes widened. Why did he have to call me that? Even if we were alone, it was still dangerous.

He jumped off his horse and grabbed my arm.

“Let go,” I told him, my voice shaking as I became aware of how very alone we were. There was only an empty cottage several hundred feet back, a few small bushes, grassy hills and the Grey Road.

“Or what will you do Princess?” He leaned closer to me.

I backed away, and accidentally stepped on Jade’s bad foot. She bellowed and jerked away, nearly kicking us. I pulled free from Eiolan and I ran off the road and up the nearest hillside. He came crashing right behind me. I can remember feeling terrified, and clumsy. I slipped on the wet grass and slid part way down. Eiolan caught my ankle. I tried to kick with my free foot, but he grabbed it as well.

“Princess, Princess, you’re getting all dirty.”

Stop it, I wanted to scream at him, but my voice had disappeared.

“I’m very sorry Princess. You’re very beautiful, I would like ... but I can’t. I have to do this.”

I have no idea what he intended to do to me, I'm just grateful, so grateful that he was thwarted. Even now, remembering it, thinking about what might have happened, my hands shake.

I couldn't move.I squeezed my eyes shut and prayed, for someone to help.
Suddenly out of the middle of nowhere came this awful honking and flapping. Dozens of geese came flying over the hill right down on top of us, dropping feathers everywhere. They tripped over my head, stepped all over me and barreled into Eiolan.

They pushed him down the hill and at the bottom they stopped. They clustered together, ruffled their feathers, still honking back and forth. There were mostly gray geese, some speckled, with white underneath and black feet. I was so shocked. Eiolan tried to brush them aside, and they pecked at his hands. When he became more forceful they did too, poking at his uniform, pulling at his gray and blue guard uniform. I never saw such a strange thing. Eiolan was powerless against them. His face turned bright red and he started swinging his arms at them. He ended up on the ground, rolled in a ball shielding himself from their blows.

I slid down to the bottom of the hill, keeping my distance.

Eiolan saw me moving toward Jade and tried to get back up. “Don’t —” I heard him say, but the minute he moved the geese started nipping at him again, pulling at his blond hair and forced him back on the ground. I never felt so grateful before in my life, and to a gaggle of geese! (But Mirth, don't be fooled by my praise. They’re really not so wonderful as I initially thought.)Bwhahahahahahahahahahahahha! I love this aside.

I caught Jade, who hadn’t gone far. She limped beside me as I hurried to catch Rheamina on foot.

I stopped at the top of the hill. Below was Harbor City. My eyes were drawn outward, across the rooftops and beyond the harbor to where I could see the AEonies Sea.

Mirth, it was so amazing, more so than having geese act as my saviors. The sea was a dark gray blue with white crested waves that turned lighter as they crashed near the rocks and again the harbor docks, and a tall stone seawall. The wind blew from the ocean, bringing a myriad of smells, saltwater and fish. I breathed in deeply and tasted the freshness, the pungent air. Moisture filled me. There was a crackle to air, like clothing left out to dry in the bright sun. Oh so bright, it made the AEonis sparkle like jewels. Nothing prepared me for the sight of the endless sky and water.

Near the harbor was the stone sea wall, ancient and worn. Wave after wave crashed against it, time and time again. The rhythm of it and the sound still moves me. It is so different from the chimes of Winding, but just as beautiful.  I miss the lake.

There were birds soaring with the wind and seagulls landing on the slated roofs nearby.

The Trade River flowed swiftly into the AEonies Sea, the mouth widen even more where the river water and sea water mixed. I could just see another harbor on the other side, metal roofs glinting in the sun and wooden docks. I stood there like a fool, until finally Jade nudged me and I moved on.

We passed by inns, townhouses, and shops that had multiple colored shingled roofs, weathered wood, darkly stained with the painted trim fading. The signs outside the inns rocked in the breeze, paint peeling. One had a bright golden bird, another a gray feather, and the last one I saw had a white nest. Coming around the corner the Castle of Valour Guard loomed before me.

I saw a crowd of people gathered in a courtyard of green and gray stones before three tall arched gates. In the courtyard, above the crowd, were three golden statues: two of men, one holding an ax, the other playing a golden harp, standing on either side of what looked like a giant golden egg sitting on a feather. I left Jade at the edge of the crowd and pushed my way through it.

I got to the front just in time to see a young man swoop Rheamina off of Falada and spin her around. I recognized him from his portrait. Geyona's crown prince. He was dressed in a fine suit of gray-green that fit tightly at the shoulders and waist, with gold buttons all the way up to a short collar. He wore a jeweled belt low on his hips, black breeches and boots that came to his knee. On his caramel-colored head was a golden crown.

The townspeople cheered as the Prince bowed to Rhea still holding her by the hand. Standing just beyond the Prince was the King of Geyona, dressed in a deep green suit with a golden cape. He wore a slightly larger gold crown, and around his neck was a watch on a gold chain. To his side was a very elderly man in a green robe. His white hair fluffed in the wind, he rocked on his feet, watching the activity with merry eyes.

Behind him were the nobles of Geyona each dressed as elaborately as the next. In the crowd I saw Lord Abredy. He hadn’t changed since Winding. He still had bushy eyebrows, a thick beard and his black hair was slicked back with oils. I paled at the sight of him, because he was smiling at Rheamina.

Surely Lord Abredy couldn’t harm Rhea now, not when she was out in the open, with Geyona's prince. But why, why was he smiling? Then I saw a small woman in a wimple and a white pinafore apron carrying a tray with two golden goblets on it.

“A toast to my new and beautiful bride,” the prince cried taking a goblet and handing the other to Rheamina.

No, I panicked, it must be poisoned. That’s why Lord Abredy was smiling. That's how he would kill her, thinking she was me. I ran toward Rhea, my arms stretching out as she lifted the cup to sip. I tripped somehow and fell, sprawling on the ground. But Rheamina saw me, her eyes widened, and she spit out the wine. Is she close enough to hear what The prince says? Because if she's not, you could cut the whole exchange out ( it's not really important except to get Ange into the goose thing...Then have the guards bring her to the King.....)

Everyone looked horrified, the crowd fell to utter silence, the King frowned and the nobles averted their eyes as Rhea wiped off her chin. The Prince didn’t notice, he had his head tipped back as he drained the goblet. I hoped his wine wasn't poisoned too. He looked fine though when he finished. He didn't collapse.  

“What happened?” he asked noticing everyone staring at Rheamina.

“I spilled,” Rhea squeaked.
Lord Abredy had the most horrified look on his face, like he’d swallowed an olive pit and was about to spit it back up.
I stood up brushing off my plain dress, wet with grass stains and I noticed there were feathers in my hair from the geese. I kept my head down, my eyes trained on Rhea, acting like a good servant.

“What cheap cups,” the Prince said, looking with disdain at his goblet. He then examined the front of his jacket before he flung the goblet back to toward the poor serving woman. She also took Rheamina’s and retreated. “Well no matter,” he told Rheamina. “Your dowry arrived weeks ago, so all your clothes are inside. You can change right away.” He held out his arm for Rheamina, and she stepped eagerly to take it, regaining her composure.

Another man, dressed smartly in a short jacket suit, cleared his throat. “Ah, your highness, Prince Callon we haven’t finished the arrival ceremony. There are a few more . . .”

“What?” The Prince buckled and looked between the man and his father. “You expect her to give a speech or something.”

“There are just a few more formalities . . ."

“But she has to get out of her dress before the stain ruins it. That can wait until later.”

The man, Geyona's Chancellor, pursed his lips, and glanced over to the King for direction. You know Mirth, how royal ceremonies can be horribly long and dull, still I always suffered through them when my mother expected it. I didn’t expect the King of Geyona to dismiss the ceremony, that's precisely what he did, with a wave of his hand, like he had more important things to do. I noticed he reached for his watch.

“Of course, as you wish Prince Callon.” The Chancellor stepped back, waving him toward the castle. The Prince beamed, bowed again to the crowds, who started to cheer.

Then suddenly the old man next to the King pointed at me. “What about her?” he asked. Everyone in the courtyard turned, all their eyes focused on me. It seems they’d forgotten about me. The Chancellor looked intrigued. Lord Abredy had this awful scowl and I had the sudden terrified impression he knew I was the real Princess, but how could he?

The Prince looked puzzled, "Who is she?"

“Oh her.” Rhea glanced at me. “I picked the poor thing up on the way, I suppose you should give her something to do, so she doesn’t just sit around.”

“Like what?” the Prince said, baffled. “We have plenty of servants in the castle, more than enough really.”

“Isn’t she your Handmaiden?” the old man asked.

“No,” Rhea said, her voice a little cold. “I found her on the road. I felt sorry for her. Just give her something to do, I don't care what. Let her watch the geese.”

“Really?” The King looked surprised.

Again I felt the pressure of everyone looking at me. I never liked being presented at Winding’s court, and the for past several weeks I had been a lowly Handmaiden, not a Princess. If they had stared at me any longer I was afraid I would break down.

“Why not? She can be the goose girl,” said the Prince. “Now come inside, my love.” He touched Rheamina by the shoulder and directed her to the castle, followed afterward by the King, the Chancellor, Lord Abredy and the nobles.

As the crowds began to disperse, to my horror, Eiolan reappeared, hurrying as fast as he could toward the castle. He pushed aside some of the townspeople as he came. I was right out in the open!

Then something heavy leaned on my shoulder. “Don’t move,” Falada whispered in my ear. She moved around and shielded me from him. Eiolan didn't see me as he disappeared through one of the arches into the castle. A stable boy came to take Falada away. She went reluctantly.

Soon the only ones left standing in the courtyard was me and the old man. He smiled kindly and waved his wrinkled old hand at me to come over.
“There, there my dear, you’ll be just fine with the geese. I know it. They’re really not as mean as people say. I’ll show you where to go.” He took hold of my hand and lead me away. As we walked I was very surprised to see a white wisp sitting on his head, hiding in the fluffy white hair. I stared at it and it shied away. It was the first wisp I saw in Geyona.

We climbed a long steep path upward along the side of the castle. We walked very, very slowly. The old man leaned heavily on my arm, patting it every now and then. We stopped once to look out across, I could still see the ocean over the rooftops. At the top was a smaller stone arch and a green grassy field beyond it. The old man released me and leaned on the stone arch tapping it with his knuckles.

“Where is that boy?” I heard him say just as a boy about my age appeared. He was dressed in peasants clothes, short pants, leather shoes, a loose gray shirt and a brown cap. He held a white stick, cleaned of bark and whacked it along the ground. He stopped short as he saw me. His eyes scanned me from head to toe with a look of surprise. He had calm blue eyes and just the beginning of a tan. Then he noticed the old man smiling happily at him.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded.

At first I thought he was talking to me. I opened my mouth to tell him off, but the old man reached out and shook his arm.

“Conrad my boy, where are the geese?” The old man looked at Conrad’s feet, as if expecting to see some geese. “Aren’t they with you?”

"No, they flew off and I finally got them back in the fields but they won’t leave and I know I was suppose to —”

“Never mind that, never mind that. I’ve brought you someone to help, her.” He jabbed a finger at me. “Used to work for the Princess, now she’s to be the goose girl. She’ll help you take care of the geese. They aren’t around here, are they?” Again he looked at the boy’s feet expectantly.

“No, I told you, they’re in Aster Fields.”

“Oh are they?” He lifted a hand and squinted at the field. “Well as long as you know where they are, I can’t see them at all, but my eyes aren’t so young anymore, you know. I can’t see very well. Now, make sure you take care of her Conrad.” He patted the boy on the arm and turned to leave.

I thought in horror of the old man walking down the slope by himself. “Do you need help going down?” I asked.

“No, no I can make it on my own.” He waved me off, his white wisp staring at me, holding two clumps of hair as it leaned out.

“You better,” the boy accused. “And don’t you ever come back up here again! Come on.” He turned sharply and when I didn’t followed, he asked. “Are you coming?”

“Oh.” I hurried after him.

Aster Fields stretched out beside the south wall of the castle. There were a few oak trees around the edges and the largest was at least ten feet around, with huge roots, and a high canopy of branches that help shield the rain, a little. The grass was very green, although paths had been worn across from the archway to the oaks and patches of grasses had been eaten by the geese. There were twenty-nine of them, male and female, a few goslings. They were the same geese that had saved me from Eiolan I realized. Conrad wanted to herd them back to the castle, only I couldn't help at all.The geese wouldn’t go where I wanted. Every step I took closer to them made them walk farther away.

Eventually Conrad got fed up. “Ah. You're just making it worse, go away, go sit over there!”

I left, feeling even more miserable. I thought of poor Rheamina stuck in the castle with Lord Abredy. Would he try to kill her again? She was all alone in there and I couldn't help. I wished I'd never left Winding. And it started to the rain. I sat there shivering as water dripped on me from above. I tried to keep my dress out of the mud. It was hopeless. Then to my surprise the geese appeared and clustered by my feet. One pecked at my shoes, another lay down beside me shaking off the rainwater. Soon all twenty nine huddle with me out of the rain and Conrad, grumbling all the while, came over and leaned against the tree pulling his cap over his eyes.

I stayed very still watching the geese all around me and the rain drowning Aster fields. As I watched the geese, something even more wonderful happened, dozens and dozens of wisps appeared from underneath their ruffled feathers. The wisps were a light turquoise color and as I sat very still a few ventured near me, touching my arms. It was the first time since leaving Winding that the wisps had approached me and I was so overcome I burst into tears. I cried so hard the wisps fled and that made me cry harder. Several of the geese complained loudly, honking and chattered their beaks at my movement. I tried to stop crying, but the sobs shook my body.

Conrad moved further around the tree mumbling something about crybabies or birds, I couldn't hear exactly.

I finally managed to stop, and ended up getting the hiccups. The geese settled down again and to my luck the wisps returned, turquoise still and a few yellow. I’d forgotten how small and shimmery their bodies looked. My hiccups amused them and several jumped to my shoulder and stayed there.

I spend that night with Falada, as I do every night, she’s very comforting. At first one of the stable boys tried to throw me out, but Falada told him off. Boy was he surprised. No one in Geyona had ever seen a talking horse. The stable boys are all very wary of her now and leave me alone at night.

I haven’t talked to Rheamina since I became a goose girl. I don’t have a chance to see her, except from a distance if she goes out with the Prince. But now I have to find a way to see her.

You see today was the wedding and Rheamina married Prince Callon!

I was completely unprepared for it. I went out as usual, early morning. I got a little bread as breakfast from the kitchen, which was in completely uproar. Then went to find Conrad near the geese pen. He wasn’t there. I found him near the stables and asked why we weren’t taking the geese out. He said, because of the wedding. I must have had a terrified look on my face because he asked what was wrong.

Oh Mirth, I forgot about the wedding! In my panic about Lord Abredy, I forgot about the betrothal, and now Rheamina has married the Prince instead of me. It's all wrong.

I felt so wretched I didn’t watch the ceremony. I tried to stand in a corner, but the chamber was full of so many people. The whole town came, maybe the whole Kingdom. I didn’t see Conrad either, but I’m sure he was there. I saw a glimpse of Rhea wearing the wedding dress, someone had adjusted it and added more pearls. She was still wearing my mother’s ring.

I fled the church before the ceremony started. I spent most of the day with the geese, sitting in their pen, my dress is stained with their droppings. I don’t know what I shall do now Mirth. I have to talk to Rheamina. I’m still afraid for her, but its hard to think about her when I’m so cold and lonely. I don’t know what I’d do without Falada. I guess I’d have to talk to the wisps or the geese, who aren’t very sociable, but they do listen to me.

I find it's very hard to remember or even care that I am really Princess Angevine Ianthea when I am sitting in the straw, writing by a dim light, hiding my feet under Falada so they don’t freeze. The geese took my shoes, and I’m afraid ate them. ha ha ha ha ! They do silly things like that. That’s why someone has to watch them. I don’t feel like a Princess anymore, Mirth, and I don’t look like one, with mud caking my shoes and dress. I don’t act like a Princess. I’m just a goose girl.

Wet and Weary, Ange