Lady Talis enters the room where we have all been conversing easily. I daresay that every member of our little group has become fast friends. Darius and I are not used to having many people close to our own age around. Though it is a sad event that brought most of us together, I take comfort in my new found acquaintances, Megara, Prince Kamiros, and now Nikoloas. Talis catches my eye and respectfully motions for me to go to her. I excuse myself from my brother and my friends.

"Queen Ranae, I have this which is addressed to you." She hands me a small scroll. "It fell out of the larger, unopened scroll that the General left for your Lady Mother that I had moved while straightening her room. I hope she will not be angry with me for seeing that you receive it."

"I cannot imagine she would be. She probably does not even know of its existence if, as you say, her scroll remains unread. Thank you for bringing it to me. Has my mother returned?"

"Yes, she has. Lady Varilla and Lady Mari are with her now," she says and then moves towards the others.

I stare at the parchment in my hand, while I hear Talis inform Nikolaos that his room is prepared for him and that this evening's reception will be in his honor. Even at a time like this, my mother is not one to forget her social duties. I marvel at her fortitude. I take a deep breath and open the scroll.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dearest Ranae,

I have but a few moments before I must leave Crete with General Agrafiotis. As the chronicler of his life, it is my duty to accompany him wherever he goes. I hope you will forgive me for not having the opportunity to say goodbye to you as I would so wish. We will return one day soon. Until that time, you will always be on my mind.

Con

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wonder why they had to leave so suddenly. I also wonder why my mother has not yet read her own message from the General. Did something pass between them that caused a rift? Whatever has occurred, at least Con did leave me word and believed that they would return in time. Kamiros approaches as I close up the small message to me.

"Is everything alright?" he asks kindly.

With all the questions running through my mind, I still manage a small smile for him.

"Yes, I think so. I hope we are not boring you to death as we just sit around and talk. With the weather being so gloomy outside, perhaps we should see if there are any games to be found here at the villa. Darius and I have not been here in quite some time, so I do not know if there are any, but we may try. What do you think?"