The Castle

By Alini

The cold, damp touch of a thick morning mist woke Vastella up in one of the most unpleasant ways she could imagine. She had disliked mist in the moors and she should have known it would come on this vast meadow. After all, they had stopped here, in the open, because there wasn't a shelter in sight. And considering the empty nature of the space around them it was most curious why Richelle was running with such determination.

Vastella sat up with a jolt at the realization that Richelle was getting further and further away from their little camp. She quickly picked up the few things they had with them and let her long legs start shortening the distance between them in a graceful sprint. It was not nice of Richelle to disturb her morning routine like this. Very few things remained constant on their travels, just like in the rest of her life, and Vastella felt a need to have something familiar, something she could always take along with her. That something was how she got up in the morning, slowly, not lazily but savouring the beginning of a new day. It involved letting her body warm up before she taxed it and the alluring smell of breakfast, not jumping up and running in the cold on an empty stomach. The unpleasantness of the experience was slowly turning into resentment, so as the chase continued she tried to think of sunlight and wild horses running beside her and she could almost hear the cries of a nearby camp starting its morning activities. But all that was really there was an unknown meadow and mist obscuring Richelle's outline. If she thought shouting after her would make any difference she would have, but Richelle's focus was hard to break - don't mess with a hunting dog and it's quarry. Vastella felt she would not have been quick enough to catch up with Richelle's forceful stride, but for the fact that her friend seemed to change direction all the time rather than running in a straight line. It was like she was avoiding some unseen obstacles or perhaps following the erratic hops of a rabbit. But even after she had come closer, Vastella could not see what her friend was running after. And then Richelle disappeared.

Vastella slowed her pace and finally stopped in front of the steep slope downwards where Richelle had descended. She had not been expecting to find a cave in this terrain, but then she realized that the nature of her surroundings had changed. She was no longer walking on the soft ground of the meadow and the grass was sparser here, though still claiming the area as its own. She was surrounded by rocks and boulders of varying size, rising up in a mound above the opening, but with the mist only weakly dispersed by a feeble sun it was hard to judge how far they stretched. Somehow even with this considerable change of scenery into account, the cave looked out of place and somewhat unstable and any cautious person would wonder what the merits of exploring it are. However, Richelle had gone down there without so much as a backwards glance and whatever happened it was better they faced it together. Not to mention that waiting outside for the unknown outcome of Richelle's explorations would be unbearable. Her hesitation over, Vastella entered the cave carefully and in time to see Richelle going round what could have very well been called a corner. This corner-like nature of certain turns caused her some unease as she went on, deeper into the cave, squinting in the darkness of what lay ahead. The air felt stale and water dripped on her from the stalagmites above. Her cautious walk began to include various hops, as the cold floor that had never seen sunlight nipped at her feet and distant echoes spoke of things Vastella did not want to hear right now. She thought of turning back but as her friend pressed on so did she. Slowly, even the last shred of light was gone and it was in complete darkness that she bumped into someone and heard Richelle's indignant:
- Hey! Is that you Vastella? Where did he go?
Vastella sighed and started patiently:
- For one, I didn't see anyone in that meadow. For two, I couldn't see anyone here unless they were carrying three torches and two oil lamps, it's that dark. For three, I thought chasing men was a bit beneath you?
- For four, it's not funny. He was running. He went right past us while we were sleeping! He looked scared and very strange. He had this outfit on... He was... I'm sure he went here somewhere, I mean he wasn't on the meadow anymore so he had to have gone here. And I wanted to know what's going on.
- You always want to know everything that is going on with everyone in the world.
- Not everyone, but people who run by me are a very important category. What if he had something important to say? What if he needed help or was running from something? Like a huge troll with malevolent tigers by his side.
- In that case you left me for tiger food.
- I saw no tigers.
- And I saw no running person.
- Well I guess you're out of the Eagle Eye Society for good!
- We're in the dark, in a very suspicious cave. I can only hope we're alone.
- Alright, alright, how do we get out of here? I turned a corner over there...
Vastella felt Richelle search for her hand and pull her in a direction that might have been where they came from or might have been any other direction you could care to mention. They did indeed turn a corner, but the only light that was there was not the light of day seeping into the cave. Instead it was light that seemed to form the outline of a door above a set of stairs.
- Richelle?
- Yes?
- Do caves have stairs?
- No. And before you say it, they don't have doors either. Let's see what's behind it.
But before she could reach the door it flew open and an armoured guard with a short spear rushed in. As the two women shielded their eyes from the light that flooded them, the startled guard first gurgled something then rushed off crying
- Intruders! Captain! Intruders
- Well we didn't know it was your cave. - Richelle mumbled and ascended to the well lit hallway showing her customary impatience with things that not go according to her plans. Vastella slowly followed, wondering if they should not avoid places where they are considered intruders. She examined the hallway and it looked fairly normal as hallways go, other than being considerably unlike a cave. Big square blocks, showing signs of wear and tear and with a faded, uniformly bland colouring, formed walls which stretched out as a passage with several doors at either side. It seemed far too big to be part of a house or manor and Vastella assumed it was part of a series of underground tunnels where these people lived, because there most certainly had not been any structures above ground. A backwards glance revealed that the cave was some sort of cellar, with various supplies and Vastella wondered how they had managed to avoid them in the dark and why she could see outlines of walls, but no passage to the cave. Soon, she was too preoccupied with being arrested by the captain of the guard to worry about such things. He was a strong man with a worried look on his face and he escorted them to the prison calmly despite all of Richelle's protests.
- How can you just sit there! Hey you, why are we here! Say something Vastella. Let us out of here this instant! I will not be treated this way! Why aren't you saying anything? What kind of hospitality is this! Where are we? What are we doing here?! We did not know it was a forbidden cave! Vastella...!!!
Vastella knew it was best to let her friend let out at least some steam before talking to her and she was amused to see that the captain of the guard shared her opinion. He seemed to be keeping a watchful eye on them, yet keeping himself busy by instructing numerous soldiers with daily tasks around what was starting to sound like a castle. Apparently the north east tower needed more watch guards but three weren't enough to cover it. The royal guard was to be increased and the cellar was being thoroughly searched after their surprise appearance. There was also mention of some messenger that had just arrived, but she couldn't quite make out the message he had brought. At one point a shrewd looking old man came to take a look at them, but he quickly left. Richelle's rage not having abated yet, Vastella could hardly blame him. Still, if they were in a castle they must have gone in the completely wrong direction when they tried to exit the cave, presumably taking them further along whatever secret passage connected it with the castle cellar. She looked around their small cell which differed very little from the hallway and it was difficult to imagine that they had suddenly ended up in a castle, of all things.

After a while, the tired protester was finally sulking quietly in a corner and Vastella stood up. She was considered to be a patient person, someone who respects the customs and rules of others, but it was time someone explained why they were here. Luckily, it wasn't long before the captain approached her and smiled through his beard. His voice was pleasant, if tired as he spoke
- I'm very sorry to have to detain you ladies, however these are not peaceful times and we must be wary of strangers rather than hospitable. The court will be gathering soon anyway and you will be seen and heard. Until then, please be patient.
Vastella gave him a smile and sat down as quietly as she had stood up. When the captain had left Richelle mumbled reproachfully
- Well, I still think he should have told us what's going on immediately. And I know I'm being rowdy, but you don't have to worry, I know perfectly well how to behave myself in front of royalty. And you don't have to say anything about me being aggressive. And you don't have to look at me that way.
- I was just wondering if it was the messenger you saw.
- The what?
- A messenger arrived in the castle shortly before we did, perhaps its him you saw running.
- Well the guards here have similar insignia as the guy I saw running. But how do you know a messenger just arrived?
- I have ears.
- So? Are you saying I don't? Are you saying I don't pay enough attention to what is going on around me? Well sometimes you have to be a bit more active, we can't all just sit around patiently until the world changes to our liking. You have to seize the moment and get things done.
- What if you can't, because of circumstances?
- Then you change those circumstances. Most of the time it is people who dictate circumstances and people can be influenced. In fact...
Richelle, lost in thought, never finished her sentenced and the dark skinned Vistani finally had a chance to tend to her long black hair after the excitement of the morning. She carefully arranged it in a way different to the day before and then went over to her friend to tie her hair in a neat braid like she knew Richelle liked things. She didn't have to feel the slight pangs that came with premonitions to know that there was more to come, but her thoughts could not help turning towards the past and her own set of circumstances that she had not been able to change.

The hall they were escorted in was not vast, but the small number of people made it feel empty and slightly abandoned. If it had been intended for large celebrations, then it was strange that this is where they were being admitted. There was an abundance of space, yet it seemed that people were huddling together in groups, whispering slightly and looking worried. Despite the captain's firm step and official manner, the atmosphere was not calm and Vastella felt that even the slight jingling of her adornments was disturbing a certain gravity. She was used to not being welcome but it seemed something more was affecting these people. They were brought in front of the king and queen, a surprisingly amiable looking couple flanked by a handsome boy in light armour and two girls between whom the only difference was the colour of the bows in their hair.
-Your highness, these are the intruders. They were found in the cellar by one of my men and now I bring them to you.
With those words the captain stepped slightly away from them. The king addressed them with no hostility in his voice
- We apologize for the suspicious greeting travellers, however we need to hear your explanation of how you got to our cellar without any of the guards noticing you.
Vastella started considering how to explain running after the poor messenger and into the caves, when Richelle started talking in a sophisticated and silky tone she had rarely heard her use before. It seemed Richelle was in her element again, but the way she could change moods and attitudes was more than strange to Vastella.
- Your highness, we most humbly apologize ourselves for this act of desperation.
- Desperation?
The king echoed, not expecting the lady-like manner that came from the boyishly clad woman.
- Yes, desperation. It was already dark when we realized we had no hopes of finding the troupe of entertainers we were travelling with, so we presumptuously took shelter the first place we could.
- The cellar?
- The most fitting place for the two humble women you see before you, your excellency.
Vastella cast a sideways glance at her friend. Richelle could bow as much as she wanted to but Vastella was not about to play the part of a humble servant girl in order to appease these people. They had done nothing wrong and this simple fact should have been self-evident.
- That could not have been comfortable.
- We believed it to be a better choice than ruining the sight of your wonderful castle with the ungainly sight of the makeshift camp of two travellers. We urge you to check your inventory for we have touched nothing there, your highness.
- But how did you get past the guards?
- We saw but one guard, your majesty and he seemed such a busy young lad we could scarcely interrupt his work with the insignificant issue of our comfort.
- Where did you come from?
- The east, through a large meadow. We have been travelling for many days and will continue with our journey with the deepest of apologies for disturbing you, your highness.
The king looked off into the distance and spoke, almost to himself.
- It is true that we are seriously undermanned. We are at war with our neighbour from the west and we just received word he is planning a siege. His army is surrounding us and it is only a matter of days until he attacks, whereas our troops are ten days away. If you are truly travellers then I could not let you continue straight towards his army. However, it has become very difficult to tell these days who is friend and who is foe, thus I ask for all here to give me their council.
The first to break the silence was a scholarly looking man.
- I do not think it wise to let these strangers in. They have appeared under very suspicious circumstances indeed. It is customary to ask for hospitality even if one arrives at inappropriate hours of the night.
This was met with a certain dose of enthusiasm from the handsome blond boy.
- Father, I believe we owe these ladies the same respect as any other guests. It is in tough times that what we are really made of shines through. We have always been a friendly nation and we should extend our friendship to them as well.
He soon fell silent after an inquisitive look from the queen and it seemed very few of the young court ladies agreed with this sentiment. Then came the slow voice of a man Vastella recognized as the one who had silently visited them while imprisoned.
- Since I have been consulted... on this matter.... I have to say... I see no harm in leaving them be sire. Mere entertainers... very little importance. Perhaps a slight burden on our resources. However... I would like to point out... that in these... troublesome times, entertainers... or simply some outside company... can help divert our thoughts.
Vastella was reminded of the way some of the oldest men she had known spoke, as if their mind was too busy reflecting on their vast life experience to be able to respond to any given situation quickly. She could imagine how bored Richelle must feel for she was so full of life, so determined not to let a single moment go to waste. She could understand Richelle's frustration well, but believed it would be a mistake not to listen to the wisdom of the elderly just on account of their speed and this man seemed to be on their side.
- I would advise an escort, but to refuse them hospitality would surely be dangerous for them when threatening armies draw so near.
The calm voice of the captain of the guard seem to throw the last stone on the scale and the matter was decided. Suddenly he added
- Perhaps the prince could show them around, if His Majesty so permits.

His majesty did permit so, with the hint of a smile and a leisurely wave of his hand. Moments later he seemed absorbed talking to the queen, the twin princesses were chasing each other in a most undignified manner, the scholarly looking advisor was asking Vastella where they had been and where specifically they came from whereas the prince had decided to give them the royal tour of the castle. After skilfully evading the scholar Richelle seemed much more interested in the two little girls and their knowledge of mathematics than a tour, which left Vastella alone with the bundle of enthusiasm that was happily going through the castle's vast history. She felt slightly guilty that she could not respond properly to his gestures of friendship but her heart had not yet unthawed from the way she had closed it up because... because of all that had happened, she thought to herself avoiding to think directly about some things. Still, his gay nature managed to cheer her up even in this unfamiliar place and despite herself she started asking questions and looking more carefully at everything she was being shown. The view from the castle walls was particularly striking. The luscious forest... the luscious, green forest that surrounded them...
- Can I see the other side of the castle?
- Yes of course. Here you will see the south west tower and over here, be careful when you look down, milady! There you can see the moat which will be filled first thing tomorrow as part of the preparations. The view is much the same. This forest belongs to my father but he most generously allows passage to anyone with peaceful intentions and this has rarely been a problem, but for our western neighbour who has been attacking us over and over again along the years. Which is why I want to become a capable soldier in order to lead our army to a final victory...
As he rambled on, Vastella tried in vain to catch a glimpse of the meadow they had spent the previous night in. There was but a small meadow surrounding the castle and the small passage towards the west that was not covered in forest was hilly terrain that she was sure to notice in comparison to the flatness she remembered from before. She felt a slight irritation at Richelle for not being there to consult about the whole thing, her thoughts were clearest when laying them out to someone else. Where had the meadow gone? They could not have travelled so far for it not to be in sight unless something was obscuring her view. She looked around again but the forest stretched as far as the meadow had that morning. The confusion that had been haunting her increased a notch, but quickly she made herself relax and filed the information away. She began to seriously doubt the prince's stream of words could last any longer yet on it went virtually making her head swim with information. She appreciated that some people try to cover awkward moments with constant talking, but she wasn't that kind of person. Silence had huge merits especially when on top of a castle in the middle of a beautiful and varied forest, with a soft breeze playing with your hair and ornaments. She let herself lean on the fortification, stretch her body in a light arc and let the wind rush past her as if it was cleaning everything old and unwanted away. She heard the prince stumble in his speech and then bravely carry on.
-Sometimes we have made peace but he has been breaking it, but when we win we won't attack any more! Lately my mother has been opposed to some of the concessions demanded of us, my father thinks it is because of my sister's death. But I really don't see how anyone could be blamed for her illness, it was just the way things were meant to be.
Vastella could very well imagine that he didn't understand the finer nuances of being in a castle. Thanks to Richelle and certain experiences of her own she knew exactly how underhand these places could be. Death lurked not only in the shadows, but in a seemingly friendly smile, a delicious meal or late-night celebration. She preferred the open and direct way of the Vistani where fights were just that and people who broke the rules were conscious of it and bowed to the decisions of the majority. She had done just that, after all, even though at the time she felt she had no other choice but to break the rules. In retrospect she was no longer certain what the right choice would have been, it seemed she had lost either way.
- In any case I am certain we will win this time. We need our armies to come help us from their current campaign this strange attack that was on some villages that were further away. Father says we have to protect the villages too, not just the castle because our people live their and we cannot let them fend for themselves, but we're not sure who attacked us there, just that it was a big army so we had to send troops. You should ask the advisors about that they're pretty smart about strategic stuff. But I am still certain we can win because we have the captain of the guard on our side! You should see him in combat! He looks like he couldn't hurt anyone or anything around the castle, but when fighting he's awesome, there's no stopping him, he'll do anything to win the battle and protect his soldiers. I want to be a captain just like him where I don't stand on the sidelines giving orders but fight in the midst of things....
This description of the captain did not surprise Vastella too much, strength in people was almost as easy for her to see as weakness. However she did not necessarily approve of that kind of strength. She felt capable of protecting those she loved by whatever means necessary but had a huge disliking of large scale wars. Soldiers fighting for the whims of people who happened to be born as royalty, the destruction left behind with ordinary people's lives ruined forever. She slowly descended the stairs in the tower wondering how many times men had run up them to defend the castle, to kill others just like themselves.
- And this is the room my sisters share. Of course they could have separate rooms if they wanted to, but they always seem to go together. Sometimes they're sweet but most of the time they're very brat-... too lively in an disorganised manner. The younger advisor thinks it is because of the food they eat. He has travelled a lot, he wasn't here for many years, studying abroad. He only eats specific things he thinks diet is very important and is trying to convince the king and queen that we should all eat the same thing. But I know that no soldier would be full with the food he offers us, it takes a good meal to have strength to fight. So the captain of the guard always says and I'm inclined to agree. He's a very experienced soldier and he's taught me everything I know.
Richelle looked up from the book she was showing the twins unperturbed by the onlookers but visibly annoyed at the interruption.
- How am I supposed to explain the finer nuances of philosophy with you two rambling on?!
- Aren't they a bit young for philosophy.
- I think you know very well Vastella, that philosophy is everywhere and affects us at any age.
- That's alright, miss, we...
- ... really like it.
- What she's been teaching us...
- ... is much more interesting than what...
- ... the old advisor always goes on about...
- ... country sizes...
-... and economy...
-... and acquisition!
Vastella smiled at the duet of little voices. Richelle would have a field day with such eager students.
- Well we can always go and see where the soldiers train, luckily I don't have guard duty today although I would like to say that I pull my full weight, I do not miss out on any training or duties just because I am the prince and anyway the captain of the guard would never let me get away with such a thing...
Vastella couldn't help smiling a little more as they continued the tour, but wondered if she shouldn't have left this eager young prince to the young court ladies after all. She was used to Richelle and liked travelling with her, but they had certain silent agreements without which extended companionships would never work. She could give Richelle a certain look and that would mean she needed some silence and rest from the bustle of life and people. Being around people could be so draining, they required so much attention and energy. And the people in this castle were strange, the whole place had an odd smell, odd feeling to it that she couldn't place. She let her hand brush against the wall to get a better feel for things. It was cold and smooth to touch, but uneven overall as they walked through numerous hallways and rooms. Occasionally there would be a painting, a soft tapestry, a sharp decorative weapon. She let herself take it all in and still she was confused.

For some reason they got invited to a fancy dinner in the evening, with much the same guest list as had previously decided on their trustworthiness. Vastella was quite glad they were allowed the informality of wearing their own clothes because she cared very little for heavy pieces of cloth designed to obstruct proper breathing. She also feared Richelle's pleasant mood might finally snap when faced with a dress, though even her rage would have been preferable to the constant drone of the mathematics lesson that was being held with the assistance of bread and grapes.
- Let them eat, Richelle, they're only children. And stop playing with your food.
- Mathematics is an essential part of their education. Boys can't be the only ones to be furthered in their ambitions.
Richelle cast a venomous look at the prince and it seemed that the queen was going to drop any pretences and pull someone's hair when the king laughed.
- You are quick to judge, young lady. We do not value men over women, though they often have differing roles. Our eldest son chose the life of a soldier and is moving up in the ranks through his own virtues. Our eldest daughter was wed with the son of our neighbour and was to be queen of both realms had she not been taken ill and passed away. Which makes the behaviour of the neighbouring king that much more regrettable, for we have never meant him harm.
- Or even questioned the circumstances under which our daughter died.
The queen spoke softly and bitterly then promptly turned to the issue of carving transparently thin slices from the pear on her plate. The king continued in a reflective tone of voice.
- I still believe we can have peace one day. We have our older advisor to thanks for any truce periods we have achieved and particularly for the joyous, if short lived wedding of our two kingdoms. It is a shame that each time we are at our weakest our neighbour decides the truce is not worth much to him any more and begins attacking.
The captain of the guard nodded in agreement and he spoke quickly, briefly, in a half breath, as if the words cost him too dearly to say.
- These wars, this one, continuing war has cost us so much. I am starting to believe that no price would be too high just to end it.
The king frowned and seemed to choose his words carefully in reply.
- That is not so easy and not so simple. My neighbour... he is a troubled man. I believe he thinks constantly increasing the size of his kingdom will prove him a powerful and capable king. Perhaps my difficult situation has proven me wrong, but I do not believe in being surrounded by servants rather than friends. He pays his people well, many a man has been tempted by the promise of riches, but there is so much you have to give up... the freedom to speak, to carry on your beliefs. And all those riches are at the expense of ordinary farmers and hunters, common people just trying to earn a living.

Vastella wondered at this understanding attitude. Perhaps this kingdom was a small one, one that hadn't had a chance to create a powerful and distant royalty that no longer concerned themselves with their subjects. She had seen this all too often and had very little respect for such rulers. Perhaps this king was indeed a good person, but did that make him a weak leader and would that lead them to danger? Somehow the thought of being trapped in this castle during a siege was far more frightening then meeting a whole army out in the open. She suppressed the need to stand up immediately and run away as far as she could by turning her thoughts to the modest but very pleasant meal before her. Remembering what she had heard from the prince before she threw a glance at the scholars plate and wrinkled her nose slightly at the strange looking collection of items on his plate. They did not look edible. One of the mushrooms look particularly inedible. She shrugged and mentally corrected herself, all mushrooms are edible, but some only once...
- So what do you do for a living?Do you dance?
The scholar decided to question Vastella and she didn't know whether to feel flattered or insulted by the assumption. She was also slightly worried that he had caught her staring at his plate but thankfully he showed no indication of wanting to change her dietary regime. Vastella liked and appreciated good food and believed in eating for merriment, rather than always watching your health. Herbs were for health and she had a full stock with her if they were needed.
- I advise people.
She decided to parry by referring to his own position on the court. Perhaps she shouldn't mention the herbs though, unless someone was sick. She had been accused of witchcraft plenty of times, what with her card readings and all. But her cards were one thing she would not hide from anyone.
- Oh how? And on what issues?
- Anything they ask me really. I consult Taroka cards for others.
The scholar let out a loud huffing noise and curled his lips in a smirk.
- Oh you're a fortune teller. How amusing.
- You don't look like a fortune teller.
The prince blurted out in amazement and soon Vastella's laughter echoed throughout the hall. She gave him a wink and replied.
- Well I hope to live long enough to look my profession, but for now I'll make do with what I have.
- You really shouldn't believe such tricks, young highness.
- They're not tricks, they're as real as science and more fool you if you can't differentiate the real thing from...
- Calm down Richelle.
- Are you saying that the lady Vastella is some... some...
- Young highness I'm just cautioning you...
- Miss Richelle what are...
- ... Taroka cards?
- Well, I would be quite interested and hope you can show us your Taroka reading tomorrow.
The queen's words seemed final and everyone settled down to idle chatter afterwards. Vastella managed to notice that several ladies around them were intrigued by the thought of getting a reading. This pleased her, the Taroka cards, her gift, would loose so much of their meaning if they could not help others. That's what she wanted to use them for, always, no matter how tired it made her feel at the end of the day and no matter how many people thought she was trying to con them. As long as they listened to her advice with at least a piece of their heart she knew they would find some use for the information she had to offer. Then the stories she told were not just stories any more, they held the meaning of life in them, the meaning of each life she encountered. She tried to get more of a feel for the people around her should any of them choose to ask her for advice the following day, however, soon after a coughing fit forced the queen to leave the table, the banquet slowly dispersed.

Eventually, Vastella and Richelle were shown to a comfortable room where they settled down for the night. The light from the last lit candle flickered along the faded tapestries and the two women shared their impressions of the day, the castle and the people in it.
- Strange day, huh Richelle?
- Really strange. And I'm a bit worried about those girls.
- Oh please, I think the king made it abundantly clear that they are being treated fairly and equally. You're just too sensitive about that issue.
- That's not what I meant. Everyone here seems pale and those two girls are so white they could almost disappear.
- Can't disagree with you there. Pale and sick, that's what they all are.
- You think it's a normal kind of pale?
- Ehh.. who knows? But the Vistani have this saying. I'm not sure how it went exactly but it was something along the lines of people in the north don't get enough sun, they live in the damp. Their skin becomes pale and hair hangs. They become ill. And they are ... rotting from the inside from stupidity and evil. All these people talk about is war and dying. That neighbour, he is their blood now and he is attacking them. It's awful.
- That sounds familiar...
- The neighbour attacking them? Everybody keeps repeating it. It's like their lives and history revolve around war.
- No, that saying about people from the north. It's not a saying, it's something a philosopher said. And I don't think he was a Vistani.
- So? We travel everywhere and pick up the best from other cultures. It makes us more than all of them.
- Maybe. But you're right. There's definitely something going on with these people. They worry me so much... those girls. I feel I need to teach them so much more.
- How so? We're not staying here are we?
- You can't mean that! We're not some cold, distant observers. We're in their home, in their lives.
- That doesn't make us one big happy family. We don't know where we are and we don't know who these people are. I certainly did not know you were intending to stay.
- I could help those girls.
- But why get so involved? Look at this castle, it seems that the thickness of its walls is too much for it to bear.
- You mean too much for you to bear.
- Well I'd rather be outside next to a camp fire.
- You can't avoid people forever.
- I'm not avoiding you.
- Other people. You know they matter. You can't really believe their lives are something we should watch and not come close to. You offered to do Taroka readings for them.
- I never deny anyone a Taroka reading.
- There's more to it than that.
- Alright Richelle, draw a card.
- Why?
- You want to help these people. Draw a card.
- ... It's the Spirit card. What does that mean?
- Nothing that makes any sense.
Richelle sighed and threw herself against her pillow.
- How come you never do a full reading for me?
- Look this whole place is off somehow, I need time to think what the Spirit card means in these circumstances. Each card has layers and aspects...
- I know that. I meant just sit down and do a whole spread for me. Like you do for others. Like you did when we met.
- Because... because we're friends.
- Of course we're friends, that's no answer.
- Because I finally know why you are not allowed to read for other Vistani.
- I am not Vistani, it's not something I could catch from you, you know?
- It's the same with anyone that you're connected with. It would be like reading for myself. What is yet to come may become the reason for what happens.
- ... You mean cause and effect would switch places.
- So scientific. I'm not sure. But I can feel it disturbs the balance of things. I don't want to repeat any mistakes.
- We're that connected, huh?
- Don't you think?
- It's nice to know you think so.
Richelle flashed a big smile in Vastella's direction and then snuggled up. She mumbled from the covers.
- Well tomorrow is a new day, who knows what kinds of good things it will bring.
- Any kind will do. Good night Richelle.
- Good night Vastella.

The new day dawned weakly through the displeasingly small windows and the cries that echoed through the castle told Vastella immediately that her suspicions were quite right, it had not brought anything good with it. She let her body wake up slowly, like it wanted, like it had been denied yesterday. Perhaps all the confusion could be blamed on that, a rough morning, feeling a bit disoriented in the mist. Though Richelle kept hurrying her along she kept a steady pace and tried to prepare herself for another long day. As soon as they exited their room they were rushed into the hall where the relatively warm atmosphere from the previous day had completely dispersed and was replaced by intensely hostile looks. The queen seemed to have lost all of her composure and her frail build was suffering from the sobs that were shaking her body. A voice hissed at them
- Where are they? What did you do to them, you treacherous snakes?
Slowly the attention of the entire hall turned to them. The prince objected loudly in their defence
- We cannot say they did it! We do not know!
- That one spent all day with them yesterday! Went to their room. And the other saw the entire castle, all the passages.
- But she was with me all day!
- Was she with you all night too?
- N, no... of course not...
- Then you don't know what she could've done! They are strangers. They just came here. Do you really think it could have been someone else?
- You have no proof and are way out of line councillor!
But the impression that they were the only suspects for this unknown crime remained. Vastella looked at the king worriedly holding onto his queen waiting for Richelle to protest and only after a while did she finally turn around to see why the protest never came. Her friend had turned very pale and was moving her lips slowly. Vastella finally heard a low whisper and instantly understood its meaning.
- The girls, the girls, I don't see them...
She had not felt this and she couldn't explain to herself why. Her mind and heart probed everything around her and again and again she reached that wall of mist around her that seemed never to have lifted since that morning on the meadow. Could her dislike of this enclosed space have disturbed her so much? Could that trip in the dark made her loose her orientation so badly? Had the things going on inside her clouded her vision once and for all? Her heart was beating wildly and a huge sense of loss was looming right over her and it was getting closer...
- Vastella? Vastella!
Suddenly Richelle was standing in front of her, calm, collected and calling her back to reality. Nothing else was truly real around her, just Richelle, her best friend, the only person she wasn't afraid to touch right now. Richelle took her by the hand and spoke slowly
- The girls are gone and they think we have kidnapped them. The king has received a threatening note demanding his full surrender to the western king or they will be killed.
Slowly breathing was less of an effort and her limbs would obey her will once more. Vastella clenched one hand and felt the piercing strength of her nails against skin. She was there, she could get through this and she was not alone. This was so important to remember.
- Stop pretending you don't know what is going on. - hissed the old councillor, but surprisingly he was countered by the scholar.
- Calm down dear colleague, these times are stressful enough without emotional accusations being thrown about. However you need to tell us everything you know!
This seemed to cause quite a few comments to be thrown back and forth, but the queen out voiced them all. She was wildly veering between furious and pleading and approached them step by step.
- What have you done to them? My girls, where are my girls? How could you do this, we invited you to our home! Please, don't harm my girls, ask for anything. You have to give them back, you have to! You will be hung! You will be tortured! You can have anything you want just please give me back my girls!
Finally she threw herself at Richelle's feet and cried uncontrollably. Richelle was clam, but obviously did not know what to say, so Vastella took only the blink of an eye to put her lingering doubts aside. Fate had not been gentle with her so far, but it had always shared its secrets. There was no reason to assume it would not whisper in her ear this time as well.
- I can do a Taroka reading for you... your highness.
- A Taroka reading? You must be joking! Of all the pitiful ways for someone to try and avoid the obvious guilt..
- I must agree with my senior colleagues opinion here, fortune telling is hardly the answer to..
- Yes, anything! - cried the queen, once more silencing all opposition.
- Darling are you sure, we don't know anything...
- Fetch me that table and there will be complete silence in this hall.
It was obvious that even a highly unreasonable queen, her hair dropped down from the tight and proper look of the evening meal, her cheeks a natural red with all the make up streaming away, a queen that had just dropped to her knees before strangers commanded a great deal of authority. What was it that gave people such authority? What drove others to obey them? What drove those men to rush over to a table and bring it over when they could break that woman in half if they wanted to? Vastella slowly seated herself at the table and carefully studied the pale and worn out woman facing her. Loosing someone close could both give you strength and take it all away. She wanted to help this woman. She wanted to see exactly where her daughters are, she wanted to see their bows bouncing along. The cards could not fail her, they could not refuse her request and she had never demanded anything of them, just asked.
- Please cut the cards, your highness.
The slow shuffling of the cards was truly uninterrupted by human noise. The hall, the whole castle had become frozen in time. Perhaps if they were in the forest they would find no living thing could move, though most likely life moved on regardless. She wanted to look around and try to judge what everyone was thinking, there just was no time for that. So much seemed to hang on this reading. But as soon as she turned over the first cards Vastella was not afraid any more. They still spoke to her, their story was plainly laid out for her to see, she could reach out her hand and touch the things they were showing her. But it was a bitter victory, for her relief was soon far outweighed by the darkness of what the cards told her. It was difficult to look the queen in the eyes but it had to be said, for their sake as much as hers.
- They're in the moat near the north east tower.
- The moat? That's being filled with...
The queen shrieked and collapsed on the floor, while the king gave the order to empty the moat.
- This better not be a joke.
- They're just playing for time, your highness, there is no way they could know! - cried the old councillor, closely followed by the scholar.
- It may be just for time. That's not something mere cards could tell. But perhaps we should check, for our conscience to be clear.
Everyone seemed to grimly agree, while the prince seemed dumbfounded at what had happened. Vastella could hardly blame him, even when people feared the worst they always hoped for the best. But her hope for the two girls was gone, the images she had seen were vivid past any possible confusion. Her gaze searched for Richelle and found her close behind, a frown frozen on her face and her hands clenched.

Finally someone realized they couldn't wait there for the time it took to empty the moat and they were escorted to their, now somewhat familiar, prison cell. But this time the captain of the guard had no comforting words for them. The look on his face was difficult to read and he left without a word. Richelle leaned against the bars engrossed in her own thoughts, so when Vastella pulled her deeper into the cell she seemed rather shocked.
- What? What's the matter?
- The reading... it told me more.
- Like what? Oh... did it tell you who did it? Because you have to tell me! I'm going to kill him! I'll challenge him to a duel! I will strangle him!
- That's the problem. I could find out.
- How is that a problem? Why didn't you? Why don't you? Who do you think it is?
- It's a man with authority.
- That could be a number of people. Both councillors, the king, the captain of the guard...
- If they each draw a card, I will know for sure.
- Well let's do it. When they find.. when they find the... after this they will have to believe you.
- It's not that simple, these people... their fate is sealed.
- What do you mean? The girls are gone, I understand that, you've never been wrong, but we have to catch their killer.
- It was the spirit card again... I could not see it before because it's so vast, it speaks of so many people. These people will die in the war.
- All of them?!
- All of them.
- What can we do? Can we warn them? How will they die?
- There is nothing we can do, that much I know.
- There has to be something we can change!
- There is, but...
- What is it? Anything is better than just standing by!
- If I discover the murderer...
- Yes, what then?
- They will perish sooner.
- WHAT?! That... that makes no sense. Are you sure?
- As sure as I can be.
Richelle sank to the bed behind her and let her head drop in her hands. Her voice wavered, perhaps because she was holding back tears of frustration, perhaps because she had given up. Perhaps because it's too painful to think about people you've seen and touched and talked to disappearing. Vastella felt this was no time to lecture her friend on getting involved. Or to try and explain how personally involving each Taroka reading was anyway, thrusting her into the midst of the most difficult situation of a persons life.
- How can that be?
Vastella looked out of an even smaller window. The sky was perfectly clear, it did not reflect the moods of humans. Perhaps it was a mirror for something bigger, unconcerned with two lost children and a senseless war.
- Revealing the murderer is like disturbing a balance. I don't think we should do it. But you're closer to these people, Richelle. I will follow your wishes.
Richelle looked up towards her, with tears in her eyes. Perhaps it wasn't fair to ask her to make such a choice, such a grim decision. But behind all the sadness Richelle had already made up her mind.
- He has to be revealed. Or their spirits will not rest in peace. They all want to know. I want to know.
- So be it.
And Vastella went over to comfort her sobbing friend.

It was a very old looking captain of the guard that came for them. He just whispered
- They found them. - then he silently led the way. The walk when they had been considered intruders didn't seem half this long. The hall was eerily quiet and the queen was no longer crying. A long, ornamentally carved table was placed in the middle, laid out with the finest cloth and bearing two bundles covered with red velvet. People were no longer in groups, they all seemed consumed in their thoughts, each on their own, no one speaking. It seemed to Vastella that if anyone spoke a thousand questions would come forth and as many accusations. But even those who were fidgeting did not speak, so neither did Vastella and even the shuffling of the cards seemed quieter, unwilling to disturb the ghosts of two little girls. The king jerked away when she approached him with the deck of Taroka cards but eventually drew one. As did the scholar, the old councillor and the captain of the guard when she approached them in turn. Maybe they felt her gift was not something they could fight, something they hadn't counted on that changed everything. She put the cards away and spread her hands upon which they slowly turned their cards for all to see. And all looked, but none could understand what the strange cards meant. None but Vastella who lifted her arm and pointed.

It was the captain of the guard who searched his quarters uncovering all the evidence anyone needed to be convinced and the king who gave the order for his execution. The scholar could do very little but gasp in horror at the thought of his colleague being capable of such an act. Vastella and Richelle looked at the body of the old councillor hung by the tallest tower with no regret and no satisfaction. A strong wind started to blow and night crept towards the castle, yet they still stood there. It seemed there was nothing else they could say or do, so they just tried to stay out of everyone's way. Only when the first sounds of the attack reached them did Richelle suddenly speak.
- Well of course! If he was on their side, his death must have been a sort of signal.
- What kind of person would make his own death a signal...
- Oh it wasn't anything planned. They simply had nothing else to wait for and that's why the attack came earlier rather than later. Their army was waiting to see if the king would back down voluntarily. I wonder if he would have.
Vastella shrugged her shoulders, letting them drop down in a single move that shook her whole body. She heard the light clang of her adornments and then their continued song mixed with the movement of the wind. It was comforting knowing they could still sing.
- It doesn't really matter.
- I know, very little does any more. Why he did it, how he did it, what if we had come earlier...
- We matter.
- If we live. So we should probably get out of here.
- How? Back through the cave?
- The cave isn't there.
- It's not?
- No. While with... while with the girls we visited the cellar and it's just an ordinary cellar.
- Ordinary?
- Yes. Four walls, no cave. We have to get out of here in a different way, but as far as I can see the castle is surrounded.
So they continued to stand there. Vastella realized they should be looking for a way to escape, there was no point in dying along these people in a war that didn't concern them, but it was difficult to feel anything. Her whole body felt numb and her willpower seemed as distant as the stars. Perhaps they did belong here after all, the mists had finally engulfed them completely and their bodies would lie next to those that had lived here all their life, those that were a part of this castle as much as any building stone that held it up. Her thoughts wandered along those lines when the determined step of the prince approaching them told her there was no time for self-pity. They had done their part and if they had truly belonged here, it had been only for a short while, almost like an illusion, a memory of the past. She took in the sigh of the young man who was completely clad in armour and spoke with a fierceness that set him miles apart from the boy that had been trying to impress her the previous day.
- This fight has nothing to do with you. You have already done us a great service and have allowed my sisters to rest in peace. I will be leading a counter-attack on the south side during which you can leave to the north. We cannot offer you much and we cannot guarantee your further safety, but I swear I will fight with my dying breath to give you enough time to escape. We attack at dawn.
His eyes widened as Vastella took his hand in hers and lightly brushed it against her cheek, but he said nothing and with a small nod to both of them he was gone.
- Should we let him do this Vastella? The odds are more than against him, he's not coming out of that battle alive.
- He is indebting us.
- But we can't repay him in any way.
- We can but remember.

It was surprisingly easy to leave the castle, considering the number of soldiers locked in a life and death battle so nearby. Richelle tried to explain something about military tactics, confidence in position, messengers not being able to get help from anywhere, but Vastella thought otherwise. It was a difference in perception, when people no longer consider themselves or anyone else an individual. Everyone and particularly the enemy is one big mass of identical people, half-people even, whose lives do not matter. That's why two slender shadows did not make any difference to those blinded like that. They were too busy driving their swords through the flesh of those they thought so unimportant. Vastella wished she could have seen the prince in battle. Was he the clumsy boy that didn't know what to say? Was he the naive young man that thought by winning a war you could have peace? Or had he become a fierce warrior under the burden of danger and death, like so many before him? She did not look back.

The two women ran through the mists of dawn with all their might. They were leaving behind a castle full of people who would soon die, the pain for people that were already gone, the sounds of a battle they could not prevent and they were running forwards and forwards towards a future that held the rest of their lives. Soon even the last echoes of war were drowned out and once again they were on a meadow, with no idea where they were or what lay ahead. Vastella looked around and could not catch even a glimpse of the forest that surrounded the castle. Then Richelle let out a small cry as she tripped on something. Vastella quickly knelt down to help her up and saw the remains of their old camp. Somehow it didn't seem that old considering two days had passed, it was in the same disarray she remembered leaving it that morning, untouched by the wind that had made the flames around the castle burn so high, undisturbed by any army that may have passed. In silent agreement they both headed in the direction Richelle had ran the other day as if they had nowhere else to go. The day had begun and the vast meadow was fully lit by the time they reached the mound and cave entrance. Now the boulders could be clearly identified as castle blocks and a peek in the cave showed them collapsed walls and a crumbling structure. The wind had turned into a breeze, soft and gentle, carrying the smell of flowers instead of ashes and the peaceful silence of an area that had long forgotten the humans that had lived there. Vastella slowly dropped to her knees and ran her hand across the grass that had overgrown the sad remains. Then they were on their way.