Huntress in the Castle: Chapter Four (special preview)

One morning I woke and there was a desk by the window of my room, and on it some parchment and a quill and ink. And outside my window a carrier pigeon! It had been a month already.

I tried to think on what I should write to my family. The longer I thought, the harder it became for my to write. It was almost painful. I had been away from them for a month, and yet it didn’t seem like it. Thinking on them just made that all the more real.

“Dear Niall, D’Arcy, Peadar, Finn, Craig, and Granny

I am fine and safe and warm. I have been enjoying myself in the castle and getting to know Vered and Nadine. I don’t want you worrying about me. They take wonderful care of me. Despite appearances and first impressions, they are gentle and kind people. I miss all of you extremely and I am ever so lonely without you around. It is hard, going from six people in my arms, to just barely two. I want Finn and Craig to know I do not blame them, everything that happened was my decision, and my fault. I used them and they were the ones who ended up hurt. I know it must have been hell for them to admit what had happened at the castle, and that‘s what kills me most. Niall, I am ever so sorry. But just ask Granny, I am where I need to be. I am at least happy as I can be and enjoying my time with Vered. He has become a good friend and I treasure that friendship dearly.

Love, Fianna”

I opened up the window and the little pigeon hopped into my hand. I tied the letter to him and sent him off. I wish I could of said more. But what could I say? Next month, it will be easier, I tell myself.

I dress quickly and head down to the library. But when I reach it, Vered is nowhere to be found.

“He’s gone out hunting.”

I have only slightly gotten used to Nadine seemingly appear from thin air. I look at her and she bows her head towards me.

“He goes out once a month.” She explained with a slight bob of her head.

“I see.” I murmur, lowering my eyes. I wonder how I am supposed to get through the day. I have been getting closer and closer to Vered each day. How am I supposed to spend these lonely days without him? I would ask Nadine, but I barely see her at all except for at meals and every so often when she needed Vered.

“Why don’t you come with me?” Nadine asked.

I meets her cool black eyes inquisitively.

“It would be nice,” her voice a slight whisper, “to have some company.”

“You’re right.” I say and walk beside her. Perhaps now would be the right time to ask about the castle and the magic I have been noticing day after day. It didn’t seem like the kind of thing that would offend Nadine.

“I have been wondering too,” Nadine said suddenly. “Why have you not asked about the castle.”

I open my mouth slightly and she smiles at me.

“You’ve noticed, but you haven’t said a word.”

I shook my head. “I was…worried it might offend if I asked.”

She shook her head. “You are a polite girl, Fianna.” She said. “But it is true. There is magic here.” She said waving her hand out as we came into the foyer. “But, it isn’t the best of magic I am afraid.”

“Is it evil?” I ask.

She stares up at the wide, stained glass window that allows most of the light into the foyer. “No. It isn’t exactly evil either.”

“A curse?” I ask, thinking on the stories that Vered has been reading to me from the large tome.