6

Dear Raina,

I am extremely relieved that Master Sotur'i has taken it upon himself to train you in the art of defense. Though I confess I hadn't thought he would even consider teaching you something as difficult as the Sword. But perhaps it will come easier to you than it has to me. But can you even pick it up? I would have thought it's weight would be too much for you.
Forgive me. I am certain you possess more strength than shows in your slight frame.
You can be so wholly possessed with fantastical ideas of love that I hardly understand you. I am at Warrior Training for heavens sake! And yet you question me with things like "Who is the apple of your eye?". Oh dear Raina, this is not a summer camp! I am not here to take a fancy to someone and cavort around. This is serious!
But as for others, I fear Kira has gone down in my estimation some. She has apparently gone head over heels for Terk and he for her. But what I cannot understand is how they keep up on their Training. They spend so much time goggling and giggling over each other that it is no less than a miracle that they hear a word of the Warrior Trainers. But somehow they manage to keep up and keep us entertained.
As for your suggestion about Cavalry, I fear you will be disappointed with my choice of going about it. I have taken your advice and I am learning from one of the older Trainees but not quite in the most... legal way.
Benk has become my sort of personal Trainer/Manager and he was determined that I should get some training with Cavalry. I was doing quite well in all other areas and it hurt him so to see me fail so miserably in that area. Well, he applied to Master Gann for specail permission to use the Cavalry Training Grounds and a horse but there is devilry going on behind the scenes here and they refused. Getting ahead here is not an easy thing to do. That is the curse of the King. The people must stay massed together and no one is allowed to become better than another, we must all progress at the same speed.
Well, when we were denied permission, we got together as what you would call the "Amazing Unstoppable Five" and planned a course of action. I cannot explain how truly grateful I am to my good friends. We are all in a postition that anyone of us could plan to become the greatest and the best and leave the others behind, but my dear friends have taken it upon themselves to make me the best. They claim that by training me, they themselves are becoming better and I can't argue that. They are so good to me!
Well, in our planning, we came to the conclusion that we may as well start our rebellious acts now. We discussed how we might do this, steal a horse, lock up the Calvalry Field, assasinate the Cavalry Master, burn the stables in protest, etc. Much to your relief, I am sure, we did none of these. Benk, instead, told us he knew a second year Trainee that would possibly be able to help us out.
We waited a few days while Benk worked out the kinks and this is how I now do my Cavalry Taining:
There is a second year Trainee who's name is Gi, and he was the Calvary Masters Apprentice. With your imaginative mind I am certain you want to know what he looks like, but you will have to be content with knowing that there is not one female in 300 selims that doesn't have a heart race when she sets eyes on Gi.
Gi met Benk a few months past when Benk first came to Warrior Training and Gi had been gracious enough to help clean the stalls when Benk got landed for posting a sign to a horse's butt that said "I smell like Master Junu".
Anyway, Gi has full access to the horses and the Cavalry Field every night after eight because he is breaking in some new horses. Benk talked to him and Gi agreed to train me every night at half past eight. We usually work for an hour or so and then I have to scamper down to the creek and get rid of the horse smell so Master Gann doesn't become suspicious.
At first I could not think why we should train every night, but I know why now. I had always considered myself a fairly competent horsewoman, but Gi has taken it to a new level. I have had to put my body in every imaginable position around the horse and hold onto a sword, knife, or bow at the same time. I ache with the thought of it.
But Gi is relentless. He gives me no rest and for once, I have no qualms about giving up. But now that I have my friends behind me, they wouldn't let me if I begged to. They are just as determined to make me the best Warrior as I am to be it.
Alright, I will now give vent to my feelings and only because you are my sister, I will let you know how I really feel on this training matter.
Gi Medo, is... harmful to my training. He has an uncanny knack for putting me off balance on horse and on foot, and the most annoying part is that he doesn't get it! You keep praising my beauty and saying that any M'an would be happy to train me, but there are times when I feel the discontent in the air and know that Gi would rather be cleaning the stalls than training me. I have even overheard him speaking to Benk about stopping the training but Benk points out that he promised and Gi never backs out on a promise. So, we go on, me stumbling and fumbling and feeling like a complete dolt, and Gi keeping his face impassive but clearly conveying the feeling of discontent and dislike. And what nearly kills me, is when he touches me! That may sound like the silliest thing on this planet, but I get a "shock" every time he touches me. His hand burns me! We keep physically apart as much as possible, but that is not always possible. When he has to show me a position, I cringe with the feeling of his touch and he quickly pulls his hand away. It is the most alarming and disconcerting thing! But every time I mention to Benk that I feel ready to quit the Cavalry training, he disagrees and says that Gi is the best teacher one could have in that area and that I should continue training as long as possible. He won't let me quit! So, I keep going. Every night! Every night I tell myself that I should not care what I look like after a days hard training and every night I can't stop myself from going to the mirror and fixing what I can in a short amount of time.
My only respite is M'ondays. I don't have to see Gi all day and I don't have to train with him at night. If only every day were M'onday! But I must not let this insignificant matter keep me from my goal! It is a sad thing when I think it would not be so very bad to come home and marry G'hast. At least I would be away from people like Gi who stop up my rational thought process. I think I am going crazy.

There. Thank you. I have had my good speel and I now have no reason to think on the silliness again.

I am so very glad you are enjoying your teaching. The children sound wonderful! You are such an angel, I am sure you brighten their day.
Your daydream is a bit disconcerting. It was clearly a fight of Mages, but I have not heard of their existence for many years. I had much rather that it stayed that way. Sages are creepy enough, always knowing everything, but knowing, and having the powers of the elements all in one, yikes! That could be double creepy. But maybe it was just magicians, or wizards or... alright, I have no idea what it was. I am just not good in the interpreting area. But continue to record your daydreams, I enjoy hearing about them and puzzling about them. It keeps my mind off... other things.
I am very curious to know what else Master Sotur'i could be teaching you. Surely it cannot be so great a secret. I myself am learning all the arts of defense and what could be the harm in telling me that you are also learning the Knife or Archery or something of that sort? But I will trust Sotur'i's judgement and not bother you about it.
I have come to the conclusion that Carcon is in love with you. Yes dear girl, that "dazed look" is called love. Sorry sister, but this farm hand you dislike so, is head over heels for you. Be good to the poor kid and talk to him! If you truly don't feel anything akin to liking him, I suggest you talk it over with him and pad the fall of his heart. But don't lead him on and don't be so cruel to him.
Oh dear girl, how I miss you! I wish you were here! Then you could go on and on about your love and I would realize the absurdity of your talk and I would be cured of any desire to do the same. I wish you well in your training. Do not engage yourself to Sotur'i until I am done with my training. That would be rather awkward.
Yes dear girl, I am fully convinced that you are in love with the man with that "true and rich" laugh. If I am entirely mistaken, tell me so and I will still not believe you. I am not such a dolt as to miss the clues you send in your letters. But it is a strange line of coincidences that has brought us to know him and now him to train you.

With all my love and hope for your safety and happpiness,
Itaira

P.S.
Forgive me for having to end on a harsh note, but I must defend my friend's honor. You do not know Benk and I refuse to listen to your suspicions. He is a good and true friend and I will not tolerate your imagining him to be something as horrendous as a Spy for the king. Please do not mention the matter again.

5

Dear I'taira,

Nice to hear that things are going so well for you. Don't be too hard on the M'iller boys. I'm sure they'll grow out of it one of these days. I will try hard not to curse anyone. It isn't right, and everyone will start saying I'm a witch or something. I don't want to be banished from our village. I would have no where to go.

No matter what you say about Benk I still believe he could be a spy. I'm sure the king has a few spy's interspersed through his Warrior Training school. He would be a simpleton if he didn't. But I am glad you have been able to further the work. That is very good that you have the support of your friends. I can just see it now, "The Amazing Unstoppable Five. The king fears their power and fights against them in fear." Strange to think that you could cause this whole entire land such unrest.

I have to tell you about this one daydream I had. I really wanted to remember it and strangely enough, I did. It started on this field that was surrounded by tall trees, whose leaves had changed the seasonal orange yellow. There was two fighters fighting. Both in long black capes. Their hoods up, neither of them falling down, though the wearers were moving so quickly that they should have. They were moving their arms and hands in complex motions. Balls of colored light flew from their finger tips towards their opponent. Then they both pulled swords out and continued the fight. Crowds appeared, or maybe they were there the whole time. I think you were there in the crowd. Though I'm not sure, it was getting fuzzy. And that's when it ended. I have thought long and hard about this. But to no avail. I can't possibly think of what it might mean. Perhaps it's a parable? Or maybe a key to opining a cavern full of the treasure of knowledge? Most likely it was just a day dream.

Forget about it. I was wrong to mention it. I find it very funny that your male friends have caused such a stir among the ladies in the capitol. I hope you are able to keep them under control. I also hope that Kira is right in her choice not to like Terk. I believe that every girl should love, even if it isn't convenient. Maybe I'm a simpleton, and have no idea what the real world is like. I hope I'm not that blind though.

I've been thinking a great deal on what you said about Carcon. I have come to the conclusion to treat him better. I've talked to him a few times. He isn't that interesting. Every time I talk to him he gets this dazed look. It has become very annoying. I have also been thinking about the fact that you are so beautiful and charming in person that it would be impossible for no one to simply not be attracted to you. So in all honesty tell me who it is so that I may know. And I'm sure there's some one who is the apple of your eyes. What is he like? Describe him to me so that I can try to decipher his character in my spare time. Which is more like all the time.

Teaching is still a joy. I love those children dearly. Oh I have to tell you one story. I hope it makes you laugh. This little boy from the Elatale family came up to me and said, "My older brother says that you and your sister are the prettiest girls for miles. And that when your sister returns my brother says she'll make a proper wife for him. So maybe he'll be your sisters sweetheart and I can be yours." I laughed and told him that that was very sweet of him to want to be my sweetheart, but that he should wait a few more years before he tried to court me. He nodded thoughtfully and went back to his seat. It was so sweet. But can you imagine yourself the wife to G'hast Elatale? I can not. He is determined to have that tavern of his built by this winter. You the wife to a tavern owner is too unbelievable. But G'hast also has a few other girls in mind. I heard that he was courting Jina. I hope they marry each other. That would be a proper match.

I just had a brilliant idea. Why don't you have one of the older trainees to train you in Cavalry. I'm sure that any one of the older men would be happy for the opportunity to train such a lovely lady as yourself. That way you could help him get more practice, while at the same time you would be able to learn. What do you think?

Now the time you have been waiting for. I did go training with Master Sotur'i. It was alright.

So when I went into town I saw . . . just kidding. I'll elaborate on the training. I know you'll want to know about it. So where to begin. Hmmm. Well I wasn't sure I was going to go. I wanted to be sure that he was a good man so I asked Kaun. He said that of all the Warriors Sotur'i had to be the best with everything, and the only one with a good character. That settled my fears. I went. I was shaking so badly I thought I was going to pass out with the fear. The very idea of fighting shaking me to the core. When I reached the stream Master Sotur'i was already there. He stood up as I entered the glade and told me to take a seat. I nodded and sat, my voice too shaky to say anything. He eyed me critically for a moment, "I have seen some interesting things from you and from your sister," he said. "I'taira seems like one to cause some trouble. I have therefore decided to teach you how to defend yourself with a sword." I felt like my eyes would pop out of their sockets. Me. Learn how to fight with a sword. When I finally could talk I asked, "Are you sure?" He laughed, I've never heard anyone laugh like that before it was true and rich. "Of course I'm sure," he said, "I know your sister wouldn't want you to walk around undefended all the time as you do now." I nodded. There was some sense to that. So he started the first lesson on how to properly use a sword. Holding it, feet distance apart, cleaning, and a few stances. He started to teach me another subject but asked that I wait until later to tell you. I agreed. I'm sorry. I wish to tell you so much, but it will come in time. I've met him twice now and after I finish this letter I will go again to learn more. He insisted on teaching me this often saying that it would teach me in twice the time that it usually should. He said that he would not be able to train me for very long, but assured me that he would do all in his power to teach me as much as possible. And considering the two things he's teaching me I would be shocked if I learned much at all. I think I might now know the interpretation of my day dream. I will hopefully be able to tell you about it in a few weeks. So be patient please.

I'm glad your progressing so rapidly. It's amazing that you are able to do all the stuff you do. I sort of envy you. But that is somewhat distressing to think on so I don't reflect on it much. I wish Aunt and Uncle would stop being so strange. Well good luck. I hope that you will be able to progress through hard things.
Love,
Raina

4

Dearest Raina,

My dear, darling girl! I do so wish I could rush home to you and protect you from every mean hearted wretch! Those horrid M'iller boys! If they had the smallest bit of courage they would leave off harassing you and try for something more dangerous, like Kaun's old bulldog.
Oh, sorry. I suppose that is not the most flattering comment to yourself. Beg pardon, I only meant to focus on their lack of spine, rather than your lack of... edge.
I cannot say that I am sorry for the curse you bestowed on them, they deserved every bit of it. But you certainly must be more careful in your cursing. Remember the time Aunt Kalesa got mad at Old Bessie and started to beat the poor thing and you were so mad that you cursed her that she would have a great big mole on the tip of her nose and the next morning she had the most gargantuam mole this world has known. You have an uncanny knack for curses.
How amazing that you should meet Master Sotur'i! Of all things! And that you should treat him the way you did. Oh, I apologize, I am certain you were very gracious, if not perfect in your manners. But it seems a very strange coincidence that you should meet him so shortly after I did. I am very grateful to you for your faith in me and conveying that to Master Sotur'i. It would have been a terrible disaster if you had said anything to the effect of me not fulfilling my "punishment" of becoming the best.
Are you going to keep your appointment with him? As a Master, he has a high standard of chivalry and I should not think that should have anything to fear from him and how fascinating that he should want to teach you! I haven't the faintest idea what he would wish to teach you, as I cannot think that he would view you as any sort of apprentice Warrior, but whatever it is, you should be grateful for the honor. Be certain to always put in a good word for me! I have no wish to disappoint such an illustrious Master.
I fear I did an injustice in my descriptions of my dear friends, especially Benk. To be sure, Benk is a bit mysterious at times, but it is terribly unfair of you to place him as a King's Spy. I did mention that Master Gann was anxious to start him training as a Spy, but there is no possiblity of his already being one. He is from the village of Hylanth and he is just recently finished an apprenticeship under a Warrior Master there and this is his first time in the Capitol. And I can vouch for him as to his feelings. I have not been idle in furthering the cause of freedom and Benk is behind the cause more than anyone else. His loyalties lie with the people. He would never stoop so low as to employ himself as a King's Spy. The morning Master Sotur'i showed up, Benk was on the Battlefield. He had stayed behind at training to work with a young Warrior who was having a bit of trouble with the Double Routine. There is no reason why you should be suspicious of him not always being with us.
Your questions are... imaginative, as always. You have the silly habit of jumping to conclusions. I dare say my male friends do not lack in the good looks department, but you are an odd one to think I would do something as silly as take a fancy to one of my fellow training Warriors. We are good friends, too good to care for the silliness of silent fancies. But I dare say you wouldn't hesitate in taking a fancy to one of them. Many of the city girls have already done so. It can be quite annoying to venture anywhere with them. These city girls have no pride and stoop so low as to make the first move and flirt up a storm. And the boys don't necessarily mind it, so I find myself wandering off on my own, anxious to leave behind the gaggle of girls.
Kira and Terk had a bit of a "thing" going on for a bit, but they both soon realized their foolishness and have dropped the whole thing. But I dare say they still don't mind that circumstances throw them together so often. But they take their training seriously and don't cause trouble.
You really should be nice to the farm hand. It is not like you to be cruel to anyone. I am ashamed of you for taking the silent role. You have told me time and again that everyone needs a friend and you should never stoop so low as to ignore someone entirely. They might well disappear. Although I guess that is the point in ignoring them, but I rather think they would find disappearing an entirely unsatifactory thing.
I am so glad that you have been able to teach. The children love you so much! It is just like a child to come to you for a blessing. You always have the right words to say and things to do for the small ones. You are an angel to them!
I only tease you about the king! It is a habit of mine to recall the time he came to Tayna and asked for a kiss from the "Tayna Angel". You must have been just over six and he was near to sixteen. And you were so embarassed that you ran away and wouldn't come back until that last horse disappeared from the horizon. I am truly grateful for you always considering the King in our scheming and planning. If it weren't for you I would dismiss him entirely and that would likely be the death of me. It is wise of you to consider him.
Well, now to my life. I am grateful for your recommending that I learn from my friends, but Benk thought of it before I received your letter. Every S'aturday we have a few hours rest while the older trainees have their mock tournaments and my friends and I go down to the Old Battlefield and train. It is amazing what I can learn from them and I am progressing more rapidly than I had dared to hope. I don't know what I would do without them.
Kira helps me with the Knife, Terk with Hand to Hand, Abe with the Sword and Benk with everything and anything. The only thing lacking has been Cavalry, or fighting on a horse. Benk is a wonderful rider, but a really bad fighter on the horse. And besides that, the horses are off limits to us first year Trainees. We have our weekly lessons on them, but other than that, they are reserved for the older Trainees. The older Trainees have always beat the younger at Cavalry. It is their "thing" and they intend to keep it that way, thus limiting our use of the horses. And because we don't do any tournaments with Cavalry until our second year, the Masters don't think we need to focus on that. But Master Sotur'i told me to be the best and I intend to include Cavalry in that.
As you know, Warrior Training takes two years. But Master Gann has told me that it is possible to finish in one. I intend to. Not only will I be the best, but I will be the youngest!
Forgive my zeal, these thoughts stir my soul and I tend to get carried away.
Life goes on, I have taken to going to Town Square on M'ondays and hanging about. I don't yet know how I will use that extra time. Training is so strict that it throws me off balance to have time to do nothing.
I may sound to you as if I am in heaven, but I am merely trying to leave out the hardships of life. I find that if I focus on the good things, the bad things don't bother me as much. But training is difficult and I admit that there are days I would give anything to come home to you and give up this dream. But a new day is a new hope and somehow I always find a way to keep going. I don't think my pride would let me stop anyway.
Now you be safe, dear, little, sister. Don't go around cursing the world, but curse all you want if those M'iller boys so much as lay a finger on you. Tell Aunt and Uncle that my threat is still in force.
Oh, dear girl, be safe! I wish you well with your appointment with Sotur'i. Be nice!

Missing you more every day,
I'taira

3

I'taira,

What am I ever going to do with you? You naughty little girl. I can't believe you lied. I would give you an awful scolding if you were here, and teach you better. I laughed right out loud when I read about Warrior Master Sotur'i. Aunt was in the kitchen at that time and looked at me like I was a raving lunatic. So I left the house to finish your letter in peace. Oh how much I miss you. I'm glad however that your punishment wasn't too harsh. I . . .

I hate those M'iller boys! They never give up do they. Ever since you left they follow me every where chanting a silly chant:

Raina's all alone

Raina has a slow tone

If you're not cautious

Raina will make you nauseous

They wouldn't stop singing it all the way from town to our house on W'ednesday. But don't be too mad, yet. As soon as I got past the gate I turned around and I cursed them. You know I never curse anyone but this was too much. I cursed them that their crops would fail,and that they would stink so much that others would puke at being near them. Well they laughed, and I suppose it would look funny. Me a small person telling these two, big, young men that they were cursed. But two days latter I heard that their crops had been destroyed by a small storm, and that they had caught a sickness that made them smell awful . The Medicine man had to plug his nose to even go near them. I laughed when I found out of course. I mean wouldn't you? Though I felt very badly because what if it was my fault? But how could it be though? I'm no magician, I can't see the future and predict what's going to happen. Although I have resolved not to curse someone again, for a long time. Anyways, the reason why I stopped talking was because they're better now and they were just harassing me again and singing their little song. They left a little while ago and I am now writing in my secret place.

I was so happy to hear about your friends. They sound so . . . intriguing. I can't think of a better word. Are any of you male friends good looking? (I was just wondering.) Oh and do you like any of them? I was surprised at how each of your friends is good at something different. But I was wondering about Benk. Why wasn't he there when you went to breakfast, the one morning Master Sotur'i showed up? He seems like a very suspicious person. No one can be that un-unique and not be hiding something. I wonder what he's hiding? Sorry there I go again, but I was just thinking that he could be an actual spy for the King. And he carries information about which Warriors the King would want to enlist. I should probably stop right?

Well the men in black capes are still here. They haunt the village. No one goes near them and I don't think I imagine that they look at me every time I pass, it's like I'm an outlaw or something. And I still don't like the help uncle hired, and it's not just because he's discrepant. He's become quite annoying. He's always talking to me though I refuse to talk back. You may think this heartless but I feel like I have perfect right to treat him however he seems to deserve.

That does sound mean doesn't it. I guess I should be nice to him even though it pains me greatly. But oh well. I have actually started doing my chores to the letter so I can go to town and, you won't believe this, teach! I was able to convince Aunt to let me visit the village for two hours a day to socialize. But instead of socilizing I use that time to teach those dear, sweet, children. I care for them so much even though I know so little about them. I am a little disappointed that we aren't able to have a longer S'chool day. But I suppose its better this way, so that more children can come and still do the necessary things to keep their families functional. This little child named C'esa, the daughter of C'toe and M'ira, is so thoughtful. The other day she came in and gave me a handful of white daisies telling me that I am so beautiful, and that she wished she could be as pretty as me. So she brought me flowers so I could 'bestow' upon her the beauty of the flowers. She was so serious I could not turn her away. I told her that she would always be pretty to me and her parents and that's all that mattered. Her face got bright red and she said, "I knew you'd know how to make me pretty." She then sat on her little bench trying to be as lady like as possible. I just wish she understood that I didn't exactly 'make' her pretty.

So I am very glad to hear you are working hard and are going to strive harder. I was just thinking that maybe you should have your friends help you catch up from missing M'onday lessons. I'm sure that Sotur'i is just going to test you to see if you can wiggle around his agile trap. I believe in you, and know that once you put your mind to something, there is no stopping you. I can't believe you actually asked Master Sotur'i how he was going to punish you. YA'NA! You should have just admitted you were in the wrong and not ask for a punishment. Alas, you must be a better person than I, and able to take the depth of responsibility. Me, I would have tried to find a clever way out. I didn't realize it was so late. I have more to tell you so I'll write tomorrow.

Tomorrow,

You will not believe what happened today, I can scarcely believe it myself. It was so out of the ordinary that it shouldn't have taken place at all. I was sitting in my secret place by the small stream, where we used to go all the time together. I was thinking how it must be for you and imagining your fist fights, when a twig snapped behind me. I flinched and turned around quickly. I saw a man dressed in plain traveling cloths. He looked at me and said, "I beg your pardon if I frightened you. I was just traveling by and wished to visit this old stream. I used to sit and think here all the time. Sorry to disturb you." He turned to leave, but that's just not right to come to a spot you cared for, look at it once and have to leave so I said, "Wait, Sir. You don't have to leave. You may sit on that rock there and I'll stay next to my tree and we can talk if you wish. You must be tired from your long journey." He thought about it for a while then went and sat down. He looked like he could be in his mid-twenties, he wasn't very large in stature, but he had a very pleasant face.

"Where have you journeyed from?" I asked. He answered that he had just been traveling from village to village on his way back from the capitol. "Is it nice in the capitol?" I asked. He said, "Yes, It's very pleasant. Though I have been wondering who you are, I have traveled through this village several times and I don't recognize you. What's your name?" I looked at him trying to decide if he deserved to know my name, I couldn't find anything wrong with him so I said, "My name is Ishraina. But everyone calls me Raina." "Nice to meet you Raina. Do you have any family here?" "Yes, my Aunt and uncle live in Tayna, but my older sister is in Warrior training."

"Really?" He said, "What's her name? I have met several apprentices." "Her name is I'taira. I wish she didn't leave, in truth I envy her. She's so beautiful and brave, and good at everything. She deserves to be there. Me, I spend too much of my time reading and thinking. She's going to be the best Warrior in Warrior training." "Really? How do you know that?" He asked. "Because she won't stop till she is the best. And once she graduates top of her class she will come back here and together we'll move away, into the country side perhaps." I said. He sat there watching me as I went through my narrative and I explained more of what our childhood was like, only because of his insistence of course. After I was done he looked at me thoughtfully and asked if he could meet me here in three days so that we could talk a little bit more. I of course looked at him skeptically and said, "Why should I?" He said he'd like to teach me a few things. "Is that so?" He nodded and stood up and said, "I have dallied quite a bit, but I must say it was enjoyable talking to a normal person." He bowed and started to head out. That was when I realized that I didn't even know his name. "What's you name Sir?" I asked. He turned to look at me and said, "Sotur'i, Master Sotur'i." He then turned and walked away with a wide smile on his face. I'm sure it was from the face I was making. My mouth was wide open and I am sure I stopped breathing, I mean I was actually talking with a Warrior Master just like he was a normal person. Oh YA'NA.
So that was so shocking. Now on with the rest of my letter. I don't have much time to write so I'll be brief. I do not love the king. I am only trying to understand his thinking so that when you make your move we'll be able to know how he'll react, that way parry the attack. And for your own information I'm doing fine. No one is bothering me besides Aunt and Uncle and the M'iller boys. And I think I can deal with them.

Love forever,

Raina.


P.S. Did you know it's supposed to be bad luck to not to end your letter with the 'kings grace, and heaven protect you'. But in so many letters I've read from others they leave out that part and are fine. So I guess I should start leaving it out too, right? Oh and I told Uncle and Aunt your threat and they were so terrified I thought they would die.Well Good luck.

2

Dear Raina,

You were right in supposing that I could not write you earlier. Training has been so strict that I hardly get time for the essentials, much less the luxury of writing to you. But things have changed a bit and I now have the pleasure of writing to you.
As I am sure you guessed, I arrived in H'Iafa fifty-seven days ago. The city is big but rather boring and I have no intention of describing pointless things, such as my surroundings, to you. You must use your idiosyncratic imagination.
I made my way through the hustle and bustle of a million people, to the Warrior Training HQ. I was near the back of a long line of hopeful men and women. To my utter dismay, when the lad not more than three ahead of me got past the Security Warrior and Enlistment Officer, they announced that they were full up and that we were all free to try next year. There were moanings and groanings but, as you know me, I refused to murmur my fate and do nothing about it. The instant the moaners began to walk away, I made a beeline for the Enlistment Officer.
"Exuse me sir," I said in my best autoritative voice. "I believe you must have made some mistake. You could not possibly be full up this year. I am not in."
The Officer studied me and shook his head. "Sorry miss, we're full up. Maybe next year." He skirted around my tall frame and made for the gate.
"Sir, there must be some misunderstanding." He stopped and I did my best impersonation of Warrior Troy. "Master Sotur'i sent the recommendation form nearly a month ago." At the name of Sotur'i, the Officer perked up and took out his roll, searching on the recommendation list.
"What did you say your name was?"
"I'taira. I'taira of Tayna." You are now shaking your head. I am quite aware that you disapprove of my actions, but I had come 500 selims and I intended to get into Warrior Training. And besides, any well trained liar would know that I picked the best alibi. Master Sotur'i has not been seen for years and last the king heard, he had secluded himself in the Mount G'ahi. But he is one of the most well known and well respected warriors this world has known and anyone who had a recommendation from him was sure to get in. And, Tayna is the nearest village to Mount G'ahi so it could be possible that I had met and trained with Master Sotur'i unbeknownst to the Warrior Council.
You must credit me for my quickness of thought. I had all this planned out in a moment.
"I'm afraid I don't see your name on the list Miss I'taira." My lips pulled into a classic frown of thought and the Officer searched his list again, shaking his head when he could not find it.
"Master Sotur'i assured me he had put in his recommendation. I don't know how I will explain to him that it was somehow lost, especially with his always lecturing me on the order of the House of Warriors. I am afraid he will be terribly disappointed."
I began to walk away, shaking my head and displaying the perfect example of a disappointed child. I was stopped by the expected hand on my arm.
"Oh we must not let Master Sotur'i's expectations of our order be dashed. I am sure one of the apprentices must have misplaced it and he will be duly punished. Please forgive our miscommunication." The Officer was leading me past Security and towards the nearest barracks. "I am sure Master Sotur'i was not misled in your abilities and we are happy to have you with us. You will join Warriors One and Two Barracks. I will notify Master Gann that you will be joining his Warriors. I believe the first Call is in twenty minutes."
And with that, he left me in the sparse room. It would take too much time and paper to tell you of all my experiences here, but I will outline some, to give you a taste of what life is like.
I have met many Warriors, male and female, and quickly become good friends with a female Warrior named Kira and three male Warriors, Terk, Abe, and Benk.
Kira is in my Warrior Group, Warrior One. She has a very blunt personality and I took to her immediately. She is short and stout, the classic example of a female Warrior. Because of our difference in height we do not usually get to compete against each other, but we are both rising in our groups. She is a wizard with the Knife and has kept me from failing in that area.
Terk, Abe and Benk are also in our company. Terk is a gorilla! He has dark black hair, covering much more than his head, and he fights with an animal instinct. He is our example of what a V'iking Warrior must have been like.
Abe is tall, very tall. At first sight, he seems a bit gangly and awkward, but he is champion of the sword. Master Gann thinks he has a shot at the Warrior Cup.
And Benk, well, Benk is... Benk. He is not tall, but neither is he short. He is good, good at all things, but not quite the best in anything. I find it rather hard to try to explain Benk. The only unique feature about Benk is that he has no unique feature. I have heard Master Gann mention that he means to have him trained as a Spy. He blends into a crowd so well that he would have no difficulties in that area.
Well, those are my friends, and I am happy to say that I have no enemies. We work together and we work well.
As for myself, well, I am proud to say that I am top of my class with a bow and arrow and ashamed to say that I am near the bottom with a sword. I also do very well in hand to hand combat. I suppose all those times I had to fight off the M'iller boys really paid off.
There is so much I could tell you of my life at Warrior Training. There are times when I swear I am going to die of exhaustion and others I feel I can fly. I think it is safe to say that Warrior Training is the hardest thing I have ever done.
But I will back up and tell you precisely how my life has changed. It is up to you to judge whether it be bad or good, I still cannot decide.
It was yesterday morning, eight-twenty-two, to be exact. Kira, Abe, Terk and I were on our way to a well deserved breakfast. I was in an unusually bold and excited mood, for I had gotten the best of the top hand to hand combat Warrior in training that morning.
As we walked along, Terk and Abe were praising my fighting and rehearsing every punch and turn. Kira and I were laughing uncontrollably and I was completely surprised when Master Gann tapped me lightly on the shoulder.
We were just outside the dining hall and Terk rushed into the hall without waiting for us. Abe and Kira had stopped, their curiosity aroused by the presence of an unknown Warrior Master with Master Gann. This new Master was tall, but not awkwardly so, he was well muscled and, in short, the absolutely perfect example of an active Warrior Master. He could not have been over thirty and his eyes were bright and alert, giving the impression of a keen and thoughtful mind.
I nearly ruined my life by inquiring who the Master was but luckily, Master Gann was bursting with excitement and he introduced the man to my friends.
"Friends of I'taira, I have the great honor to introduce to you Master Sotur'i." His eyes were sparkling and he spoke quickly, nearly jumping with joy and pleasure as he introduced this great man.
I tell you sister, I nearly fainted. I am sure my eyes went wide and you could hear my heart pounding on the Battlefield three selims away. Master Gann saved me again as he continued to talk, giving me time to compose myself.
"We do not usually make a fuss over those who have been Recommended, so it is probable that you three didn't know your friend I'taira was Recommended by none other than Master Sotur'i." I could feel Master Sotur'i's eyes on me, but I kept my head lowered, hoping it looked as if I were embarassed, rather than terrified.
A new voice interrupted Master Gann's biography of Master Sotur'i's life and brought my head up. "If it would not inconvenience you, Master Gann, I would like a moment alone with I'taira. After all, I did come here to see her, and I am afraid I don't have much time." His eyes turned to me and I could see the teasing in them. I began to breathe a little easier, grateful that I would at least not have to confess my lie here, in front of my friends.
Master Gann was still apologizing for forgetting time as Master Sotur'i and I walked a ways away.
I had gained back a bit of my confidence, now that we were away from Master Gann and I decided to take the lead in my confession.
"Master Sotur'i," I tried to seem as humble as my height would let me. "I fear I have somewhat to explain."
"Indeed." His eyes were filled to the brim with sardonic humor and his lips were pulled into a small smile.
"It is true that I used your name falsely,"
"I never doubted the fact." I stopped and stared at him. "Pray continue."
I eyed him warily and went on. "I used your name falsely and I do not mean to say that such a thing should ever be excused, but I beg to lay before you the fact that by using your name, I was merely doing what every other Warrior here has done before - using every means possible to get in. Surely you cannot blame me for wanting what I am sure you yourself have wanted just as badly." Master Sotur'i was nodding, but he remained silent. I stopped and faced him. "How do you intend to punish me?"
"Punish you?" He was laughing softly. "You think I should punish you then? Well, so be it. Here is your punishment: You are to work harder than you have ever worked before, for you are to become the best Warrior in this school." His finger was punctuating his last words and a bit of the laughter had gone from his eyes. "But that's not all, every M'onday, you will take a day off. I will tell Master Gann that you are not to be allowed to do anything. You are to go into town and amuse yourself in any way you wish. But you are to not fight on M'ondays." His eyes were laughing again. "There, I believe that is a just punishment."
He began to walk away. "I must go, for I really did not come to see you." He stopped and turned back to me, holding out his hand. "But it was a pleasure meeting you I'taira. I hope you will prove that I was not wrong in Recommending you." He grasped my hand in his and then turned away again, leaving me stunned and relieved.
I am certain you think I deserve everything I got and I dare say I do and should have gotten more. But it was terrifying to be surprised like that. If I had had some time to prepare I would have thought of something. But things turned out rather well despite the fact.
The punishment does not seem to be so much of a punishment. To be sure, it will be hard to work harder and even harder to be the best, but I had planned on doing that anyway.
The M'onday thing is strange though. This is my first M'onday since he came and I have rather enjoyed it. But what baffles me is how I am supposed to become the best and still take a day off every week. It will surely put me behind. But, that's my punishment and I must accept it.
So life goes on here and it is certain to get harder, but I cannot say that I do not enjoy it. This is my dream, Raina! This is what we spent hours talking about! And now I'm here! Can you believe it?
But I am sorry that I left you. I know it must be hard and I curse myself for putting you in such a position. You just tell Uncle Derken that if he lays one finger of harm on you, I will come home as quickly as is humanly possible and he won't be able to escape my wrath. That should put some fear into him.
I have not heard any rumors of Shadows. But that is not surprising as I have hardly had time to listen to gossip, but I think the villagers of Tayna are a superstitious lot. They always make a big ado about nothing.
Oh dear Raina, you can be just as supersitious as old Kaun. I am certain your men in capes will turn out to be nothing more than shy Herms and your chills nothing more than a cold shiver. And all these wild happenings across the land have been going on for years, getting bigger with each telling and further from the truth. Dear sister, you must pull yourself away from your imaginings and stop living in your dreams. I have no explanation for your daydreaming or why they continue to grow more strange, but all I can advise is that you write down what you can remember and perhaps that will trigger more. But I confess, your dreams still baffle me and I am not qualified to say how to deal with them.
Your fascination with the king is still helpless. "I wonder how the King is dealing with this?" "How would the King do this?" and so forth. It is a strange thing that as sisters we can differ so much on that subject. I could lecture you time and again on the evils of Kings and you would listen and agree and then go on and on with your wonderings about the king. I have said it before and I will say it again, you must be in love. You will object, but how else can you agree so wholly on the subject of revolution and the abolition of the Rule and then be so fascinated with the King. It is the King himself that you love, as I know you to despise his reign.
But be what it may, I do not know how King Gioto is dealing with these strange occurances that I confess ignorance of, and I dare say I don't care.
This letter may be treasonous, but the king may do what he will, he will soon enough be out of power. I may not be the one to lead the revolution, but by my lance, I will be the one to start it, even if I fight it alone!
Please forgive my zeal. It is unwise of you to mention this cause in a letter, you have no way of stopping my ramblings on paper.
How are you getting on without me to protect you? My dear girl, one of these days you are going to have to either get yourself a man to protect you or you are going to have to agree to learning the art of defense. You are much too attractive to be safe from the world and I would kill myself if any harm came to you because I was not there to protect you.
I hope you are not too hard on this Carcon. Just because you think him discrepant, does not mean he disagrees with anyone or anything else. And I am certain you are thankful for the helping hand. I do not know what Uncle is thinking in letting you continue your work on the farm. No offfense to you, but you are hardly a help at all and you are sorely needed at the school. I wish I could do something to change his mind about you taking the position of schoolmaster. He must realize that there is no one better suited to it than you.
Oh my lance, it is hard for me to not rush home to you and help you out of your problems. But I suppose I must let you grow up someday and you must take on your own trials.
Well, my dear, do not let your imagination get you into any more trouble and be sure to give Uncle my warning, and you can pass that on to Aunt Kalesa as well. I am your guardian now that I have turned nineteen and if they do not take care of you they will lose the pension they are earning.

May we do without the Kings Grace and protect ourselves.
Yours always,
I'taira

P.S.
Dear girl, let's try to not wonder so about our parents, shall we? I cannot explain their disappearance any more now than I could three months ago and it is just another cause of worry. I do not know why Aunt and Uncle remember so little about them but neither can I explain how I remember so little of them. Let's just give it a rest. It will only hurt otherwise.

1

Dearest sister I'taira,

How is life in warrior training? I have not as yet obtained very much information about it from the village story teller. When I asked Kaun about them his eyes went big and faded, even misted as if in a trance, then he bustled me away. How would you react if you were treated like scum? Wait I already know that answer, you would fight them. You've always been special. Have you learned how to fight with a sword, or perhaps a bow? I am dying to talk to you. I wish you had been able to write to me, but I do not see how you could have.

I don't know exactly what to tell you . . . hm. I haven't ever been a person of many words, except for when I'm fighting or debating with you. I miss you so very much. I still wish you could have taken me with you, instead of leaving me here with Uncle Derken and Aunt Kalesa. They leave me alone most of the time. They're afraid of you I think. Though the other night Uncle showed up at two o'clock in the morning drunk more than I've ever seen a man. He was swaying as if he was on a ship caught in a storm, he kept mumbling and cursing. Aunt told me to help him inside. She then went to bed herself. I was so mad. I know she did it on purpose. I've never been able to handle Uncle like you. You have no idea how much I wished you were there. But I came out of it better than usual. I only had a bruised shoulder and a ringing ear drum. Nonetheless all turned out fine in the end. How were you able to handle them?

Farm work is just about the same for me. Uncle hired a new farm hand. He just moved into town a few weeks after you left. He's . . . discrepant. I don't like him much, but I suppose if he's not causing any damage, it will be alright for him to stay. His name is Carcon. Oh I just remembered another really strange thing that happened. The day Carcon showed up in town these two men in dark capes, who constantly wear hood's, as if hiding themselves from all the world, arrived. No one can say where they came from or what their purpose is. I always feel as if they're staring at me every time I go into town. Chills always are running up and down my back. I just ignore it, every one knows that I have a idiosyncratic imagination. You know, I have often wondered why we were so different, even before you changed when you were seven. But I can't help but wondering what our parents are like. Don't you think its strange that Aunt and Uncle's memories seem to have vanished concerning our parents? Who knows, maybe they were fighting against the king when . . . there I go again, sorry.

So here I sit writing to you while Aunt and Uncle carry on a pointless argument. I hate that. But odd things have been happening here at home in Tayna. Uncle's come home drunk a lot more often and Aunt is always jumpy. She isn't quite as prim as she used to be, if anything described her it would be weathered. All the villagers are indoors before the sun sets, it's as if we all sense something. Arrh. I wish my imagination would just give it a rest. I mean I'm sure there is nothing behind this. Though things have been happening all across the land. Have you heard about them? The shadows which some say are magicians, sages, and beasts more wild than any one in our generation has seen before. I wonder how the king is dealing with these events. Do you think that maybe by chance, never mind, but still, maybe we'll have another revolution upon our vast sovereignty. Just like one-hundred years ago. I wonder if that's why the Sage came to you to prepare you. Perhaps to lead a great rebellion.

Oh the heavens of Tryk. I have written for much longer than I had planned. I keep losing focus and drifting off. I hope all is well with you. When do you think you'll be able to visit? Probably not for a while. After all, you just got there a few months ago. I need to tell you of one more thing before I start my chores. I find my self daydreaming more than usual lately. They are getting more queer. Where before they seemed like dreams I controlled, I feel like they are actually happening. Their so frightening. Yet every time I shake my self, trying to get rid of the image, it disappears. I can never remember what it was. I must leave, may the kings grace protect you and the powers of heaven guide you.

Love,
Ishraina, I mean Raina
Daughter to the late Sir I'tone and Lady Ishona,
In the year of his humble Highness everlasting King,
King Gioto the magnificent ruler of I'ikane the vast
Empire to whom Gioto has all rights given him,
In the year one-hundred-fifty of his families reign.