Letter XV (Foof to Cordy)

Dear Cordy,

My experiment with the mirror is certainly becoming more and more serendipitous, isn’t it? Being able to correspond under any circumstances is completely worth any and all unpleasantness that comes with having a muse (I’m still wiping my mouth). And I am learning a few good spells. I keep telling myself that, anyway. Since the muse hasn’t been summoned for several hundred years, his repertoire is slightly archaic as are his methods, but since they work I won’t complain!

Speaking of the muse, he appeared to have returned sometime in the night. I was allowed to wake up on my own and was delighted to find your missive waiting for me. Finally, I thought, some actual information about the Stones! Ideas and plots and plans on how you might go about sneaking them out of your vault began forming in my brain immediately. Winterfast is right, although I'm not sure what he would think about you stealing the Stones from your own vault. Hopefully he'll never find out even though he did give you the idea, albeit indirectly.

Thinking of ways to help you, even in my remote location, cheered me immensely. When Sean knocked on the door, I was ready for anything.

“Good morning,” he said as he stepped into the wagon. I don't think he expected me to be standing right inside the door when he stepped in and he had to clutch at my shoulders to keep me from falling backwards and to keep himself from falling out of the wagon as we instinctively pushed away from each other. Again, we stared at each other awkwardly (which I hope isn't becoming a habit). He cleared his throat. “I trust you slept well?”

Backing up a few paces, I replied, “Yes I did, thank you.”

He nodded. “Good. Unfortunately, you probably won't sleep as well until we reach the Outskirts. We're leaving the wagon here and walking the rest of the way to the fort. Once there, we'll borrow mounts to take us through the Pass and then we'll be sleeping on thin pads.” He leaned against the doorframe and looked around the room before returning his steady gaze back to me. “Foofri, what do you know about the Pass?”

I shrugged. “That it's dangerous?”

“There are some genuine risks, yes, but all the talk you've heard about it being dangerous is probably because, one, it's frequently used by Trolls, and, two,” he paused for a moment, “and, two, for some reason our magic doesn't work properly there.” He gave a wry smile. “Imperial magii don't like Trolls and they really don't like going without magic.”

I raised my brows. “Going without magic? I certainly wouldn't like going without, would you?”

“No,” he admitted, “but I can handle it for a few days.”

“So what you're telling me is that we won't be casting any spells while we're in the Pass?”

“Not only that, but if you have anything with you that was made by using magic, you'll have to leave it behind.”

It took a moment for that to sink in. “But all of my clothes and most of my personal items were made with magic.”

“Everything?”

“No, not everything,” I blushed, thinking of the undergarments I'd purchased before Father whisked me off to Grandmother's. “Only my dresses, actually.”

“All your dresses? Every one of them?”

“Yes, that's not unusual, is it?”

“No, except that you're going to have to leave them in the wagon and borrow some of my things for a few days.”

“Meaning...trousers?” I asked, incredulous.

“Yes,” he replied matter-of-factly, “which is just as well since you'll be riding. You'll probably be more comfortable.”

“I doubt that very much,” I snorted, “and besides that, I'm willing to risk the consequences of taking my own clothes.”

“Bold words now, but wait until we get in and your magically enhanced stitches fall apart at the seams or worse yet, morph into tiny poisonous snakes that crawl through the fabric and onto your skin before biting you all over.”

“I don't believe that for a minute,” I said, trying not to let my horror show.

“No? Remember our conversation yesterday about how if someone dissolved the stability component of one of your spells, the whole spell would fall apart?”

I nodded reluctantly.

“That would be the ideal scenario because we could prevent it if we knew exactly how the environment in the Pass affects our magic, but we don't. It might pull apart the separate components and put them back together in a different order. It might pull out one part and add new parts randomly. Regardless, it will morph the spell into something else entirely; it's completely unpredictable and that's what makes it so dangerous, especially for those who can't do without magic,” he added. “Better just to not use magic at all.”

I stared at him, still not wanting to believe. “And the Trolls?” I asked, finally.

He shifted uneasily. “Trolls aren't a problem.”

“Why not?”

“They're just not,” he said with finality.

“I see. So, the Shazar Pass is essentially a lovely little vacation spot as long as your best friends are Trolls and you don't accidentally end up with a mustache on your elbow because you tried to enchant your left eyebrow into moving a hair to the left and it morphed into something else.”

He stepped closer so he could look me in the eye. “It's not as bad as all that,” he said, smiling a bit. “I've traveled through the Pass many times and I've never had a problem. And I think I can guarantee you're not going to get a mustache on your elbow.”

He turned around and left, returning a few minutes later with a bag for any nonmagical items I needed to take--my underclothes, an extra pair of boots, and, thank goodness, my stationary. He also brought a pair of trousers, a shirt, and a long tunic-like vest with a length of cord to tie around my waist.

“Those aren't going to fit,” I protested.

“No, but they won't fall off either.”

“A dress wouldn't fall off of you, but I don't see you jumping up and down with excitement to wear one.”

“If that was my only choice, I just might.”

“And not afraid to admit it. You worry me a little bit.”

Sean raised one brow and gave me a pointed look.

“Fine!” I said, snatching the bundle of clothes out of his arms. “Now if you’ll excuse me!” I spoke as haughtily as I could, but his shoulders were shaking as he closed the door behind him. The trousers weren't too bad once I tied the cord around them and tucked the ends into my boots. The sleeves had to be rolled up, but the shirt smelled clean and was well made. The tunic wasn’t as long as I’d hoped, but it at least covered my hips.

When I emerged a few minutes later, Sean was finishing packing his things and didn’t notice that I had come out. When I coughed, he looked up suddenly.

“I wondered what was taking….” He stopped mid speech as he caught sight of me in his clothes. They covered everything and weren’t too snug, but they revealed more than any of my gowns did. “You look fine,” he said abruptly, “and you’ll be comfortable.”

“Hardly.”

He shrugged, apologetically. “Ready?”

I held up one hand. “I have a question about the Pass.”

“Yes?” He took my bag and cinched it up, knotting the ends around some loops at the bottom so it could sling across my shoulders.

“You say our magic doesn’t work there?” I asked nonchalantly, thinking about the muse who had shrunk himself down to peanut size and was relaxing in my bag. “What about magical creatures such as…oh…say, fairies or...muses. Creatures who are inherently magical.”

“They're fine,” he said, securing the pack across my shoulders. “It’s only human magic that creates problems.” He finished with my pack and turned me around. Eyeing me with curiosity, he began to ask why I wanted to know, but before he could finish, I changed subject.

“I’ve heard so much about Fort Thunderhall! Where is it from here, exactly?”

“If you look right through there,” he pointed to a spot in the forest just beyond the end of the road, “you can see the topmost lookout tower. See, at the base of the mountain?”

“Let’s get going, shall we?” I started off at a brisk pace even though I actually wanted to prolong getting there. Don't get me wrong, ever since I reached a certain age, I've dreamed about going to the fort and meeting all (or any of) the dashing young soldiers training there. But how could it possibly live up to my expectations when I was wearing trousers? Trousers have never figured into my daydreams! Never!

But while I wasn't particularly anxious to arrive, I didn’t want Sean thinking about our little conversation about magical creatures so I hurried forward anyway.

We walked for about an hour on a horse trail through the forest until we came to a barred cave with a little gong on the side of the gate. After ringing it, we waited for a few minutes before a stooping old man in a long gray cloak appeared from within the depths of the cave and shuffled out to the gate.

“Who dares approach?” he rasped slowly, which was not at all what I expected.

Sean stepped forward to address the strange man. “That’s the worst disguise yet, Gavin. Now open up, can’t you see there’s a lady with me?”

The figure stood up and threw back the hood of the robe to reveal a handsome young man with curly brown hair, smiling brown eyes, and who appeared to be about Sean’s age, only shorter. “Forgive me, my Lady. I was only trying to do my job,” he said with a grin as he bowed and began to unlock the gate. “What brings you here, Sean? I thought we wouldn’t see you for a while yet.” Thank goodness he didn’t say anything about my attire, but he was certainly staring. It would have bothered me immensely except I was stunned over the sound of his voice. As he spoke I felt a chill run down my spine. No, Cordy, it couldn’t have been any other voice! That’s three times we’ve heard it now; we heard it once together at the Academy, you heard it while you were locked in a broom closet at the Residence, and now I've met the man himself! I didn't have time at the moment to think about what a guard from the Residence was doing at Fort Thunderhall (or vice versa), because Sean introduced us and I had to smile and nod my head instead of staring at him like he was a bug under glass.

“I’m escorting this young lady to the Outskirts,” Sean said. “Gavin, may I present Magi Foofri Montphish, of the third skillhouse? Magi Montphish, I am pleased to introduce Lt. Gavin Farnswall of Fort Thunderhall.” Gavin took my hand and led me through the bars.

“I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Magi.”

“Thank you. I am honored to finally visit the famous Fort Thunderhall, Lt.” He was still holding my hand, when Sean bustled in between us to talk.

“What news can you give me of the Pass?” he asked as Lt. Farnswall led us through a long tunnel and then up a spiral staircase lit only by torches. The men continued talking as we trudged up the stairs.

“Not too much, actually,” Gavin replied. There are the usual bands of Trolls and a dragon or two, but they haven’t tried to make contact with anyone. There have been a few rumors of wraith sightings, but they haven’t been verified so the patrol hasn’t been too worried about it.”

Sean and I both stiffened at the mention of wraiths. “Only rumors?” he asked. “Are you sure?”

Gavin stopped and turned around to look down at us from his superior position at the top of the stairs. He frowned. “Yes, Sean. I, myself, was on patrol last week and saw nothing. And you know how quick wraiths are to make themselves known.”

I looked at Sean and thought I saw the fear I was feeling mirrored in his eyes, but it lasted less than an instant. “Yes, I do. That’s why I questioned you. I wouldn’t want to put Magi Montphish in any danger.”

Gavin shook his head. “Of course, but I honestly wouldn’t worry about it. Trust me.” He finished his sibilant sentence with a charming smile and held out his hand to assist me up the last of the steps. “Now, let’s stop frightening Magi Montphish.” He turned to me. “I’m sure you would like to meet some of the other officers and have a little refreshment before old Sean here whisks you off to those Outskirts of his.”

“Sorry,” he said to Gavin. “We’ve got to be going. And, please, don’t trouble yourself to escort us out. I know the way to the stables, I just wanted to get a patrol report.” He smiled, but the smile never reached his eyes.

“Huh. A pity. I’m sure the other men would have appreciated meeting you, Magi.” He almost had to peek around Sean to say this since our conversational space was being neatly blocked. Then he looked up at Sean and smiled mischievously. “And they’d love to see you too, Sean.”

“Thanks,” Sean replied dryly, “Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

“Sure. It was a great pleasure to meet you, Magi,” Lt. Farnswall said with a wink in my direction and then a nod and a handshake to Sean. “Sean. When will you be coming back through?”

“In a few days. Maybe a week. You know how the Pass is.”

Gavin nodded. “I’ll let General Derslot know. He’ll want news from the Outskirts when you come back.” He waved a final farewell and disappeared down one of the stone corridors that lay before us. Bother! Even though I wasn't at my best fashion-wise, I was still keenly disappointed. My lifelong dream squashed by two woolen legs and a button fly. Fate, you can be so cruel sometimes!

Sean turned to me and held out his arm. “Shall we?”

I nodded and took his arm glumly.

“What's wrong now?”

“Nothing, really.” How could I explain? “It’s just that, well, I’ve always dreamed about coming here…and…and...” I sighed before exclaiming, “I’m wearing pants!”

“What?”

I sighed again, long and deep. “Never mind. Only Cordy would understand. Let’s just go,” I grumbled. Sean frowned, but continued to lead me down one of the corridors until we came to another flight of stairs and began to climb. After a few minutes (and greatly fatigued muscles), we came to a set of double doors leading out onto a large, flat area surrounded by caves. I gasped as my brain registered the reason we had gone up so many stairs. The fort was built into the side of the mountain and we had just climbed up within its bowels in order to reach the stables, or, caves, apparently, which housed the many animals that served the fort. I looked around, but couldn’t see any way out of there except the way we had come.

Sean was talking quietly with the officer on duty, but when he finished, I asked, “How do we get out of here?”

“Up,” he replied as he walked to the last row of caves where another soldier was mucking out stalls. I followed, still questioning him.

“How it that accomplished since we can’t use any magic?”

Sean turned to me and grinned. “We ride this.” I turned in the direction he pointed and beheld the strangest creature. It was somewhat like a horse with a long flat-backed trunk, but with longer legs that bent in several places, and large claw-like feet. Its fur was much longer and curlier than a horse’s, but its head was smaller and egg-shaped and actually quite graceful looking at the end of its long horse-like neck. The most startling feature were its eyes, which were a deep black and seemed to regard me with a calculating, intelligent gaze.

“Oh! It’s…it’s a larat!” I exclaimed and walked over to stroke the deep brown fur.

“Yes,” Sean replied. “Beautiful, isn’t she?” The larat looked at him and appeared to smile before turning to nuzzle my shoulder. “The stable master here at the fort allows me to keep her here with their patrol larats while I’m visiting the Imperial Kingdom, but she’s always excited to go home after a visit.” He pulled an apple from his pocket and offered it to her. “Aren’t you girl?”

“So we'll be riding these instead of horses?”

“Larats are the best animals for navigating the rough terrain and they don't spook like horses sometimes do. And,” he hesitated slightly, “we’ll both be riding her so do you want the front or back?”

“Wait, I don’t even get my own mount?”

“The others belong to the fort and are needed for patrol. We'll just have to make do with mine.” He took the pack off my shoulders and began attaching our bundles to the large hooks around the edges of the strange saddle. “So which do you want, front or back?

“Which would be better? Or, not better per se,” I stammered, “but you know....”

“Well, I have to hold the reins, so if you ride in back, you’ll have to hold on to me. If you ride in front, I’ll have to put my arms around you. So whichever way is less awkward for you is what we'll do.”

Yet how could I choose without him making assumptions either way?

“Do you have a preference?” I finally asked.

“Yes,” he said.

“And?” I waited for him to go on.

He looked thoughtful and I knew that he didn't want me making assumptions either. “Here, let’s toss a coin,” he said instead, throwing a silver piece into the air. “Emperor side up, you ride in front. Justicum side up, you ride in back, alright?” I nodded and thought I saw a flicker of a smile as the coin landed and the Emperor’s profile graced us from Sean’s palm, but when he met my eyes, there was no trace of it.

“I love traveling through the Pass,” he said suddenly, snapping his fingers shut around the coin, “and it’s been a long time since I took anyone with me. It will be nice to have some company.” He helped me mount the larat and we quickly left the fort behind.

We’ve stopped now, for a rest, and for Sean to hunt. I’m supposed to be building a fire, but since I can’t use magic, I’m writing a letter instead. The larat is looking over my shoulder as I write and seems to be greatly amused. Cheeky.

It is beautiful here and I am enjoying myself so far. Is that strange? I just wish you were with me to enjoy it too, but you have your own adventure.

Which brings me to an idea I had about the Stones. The Emperor’s Anniversary Ball is coming up. We both have been looking forward to it since it would have been my first year attending, but as I can’t go, you’ll be going for both of us. They wouldn't dare prevent you from attending even if you're being kept under lock and key for now. The Demestheln house can't afford to miss out on the biggest political and social event of the year, an event so important not even the funeral of a revered master could delay it. Besides, there couldn’t be a safer place for you than the Emperor’s palace, what with all the warding spells and such.

But here's my idea. Hopefully, you'll be expected to withdraw a set of jewels from your family vault to wear to the ball. If someone escorts you, you'll have to create a diversion in order to swipe the Stones, but if not, you can just remove them when you pick out the jewels!

Surprisingly simple, especially for me, but sometimes simple is the best. Good luck!

I don’t know when I'll have the chance to write again. It all depends on when I have some time alone and on the muse, who has actually been strangely quiet. We did agreed he would stay quiet and out of sight while Sean was around, but I expected him to be his usual loquacious self once Sean left. I think something is bothering him deeply. He keeps looking around in a guilty manner and muttering softly to himself.

I should probably mention that I tried to cheer him up by telling him you wanted a special spell. When he pressed me for details, I blurted out that you wanted a stitchery spell! I'm sorry, I know sewing is your least favorite of the domestic studies! He was just so down and I didn't know what to do and I was afraid he might not deliver my letter, but he couldn't wait to get out of the Pass. Forgive me, but at least I’ve warned you.

As ever, your faithful friend,
Foofri

P.S. You might be able to do a little investigating while you're at the ball. Take advantage of it!
If nothing else, perhaps you could seek out Madame Dorthwany of the Dorthwany Daily and mention to her my literary aspirations. Thank you, dearest! Maybe the muse could deliver the dramatized versions of my journey straight to her if she is agreeable.

P.P.S. I’ve no idea what Father will be doing in the city, but if you see him, give him a hug for me?