The Greylands: Volume IX

By Susan Skylark

A land of shadows, of mystery, of obfuscated Truth. Welcome to the Greylands, that strange world, within the bounds of Time, peopled by mortal men. We cannot see truly, only as through a glass, darkly. There are things that move and have their being completely beyond our ability to perceive them. There are things beyond our mortal ability to comprehend. There are hints and glimmers hidden within the body of revealed Truth, but there is much we do not know, cannot yet understand, and could never dare dream. These stories are mere fancy, with a seed of Truth at their core. They play with the ideas of mortality and Eternity, Time and things beyond it, and of course the epic battle of Good against Evil. Each stands alone, and though there are common themes, threads, names, and concepts, each story is an entity unto itself and should not be seen as occurring in the same world or mistaken for installments of a series. These are random musings, not Gospel Truth, and should not be taken as such. Joy, hope, and encouragement are hopefully a byproduct, but certainly not sound Theology. If you would know more of the true world beyond these Greylands, one must be a careful student of the Scriptures, not of silly stories such as these. Most of the stories in this series are 'novella' length, but this volume contains everything from short vignettes, to short stories, to the more usual tales, enjoy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Skylark
• Release date: Mar 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463815557

Susan Skylark

Once upon a time there was a sensible young lady who pursued a practical career, but finding it far less fulfilling than the proponents of the modern fairytale promulgate, she then married a clergyman, much to everyone’s astonishment, including her own, and in proper fairytale fashion keeps house for the mysterious gentleman in a far away land, spending most of her time in company with a very short, whimsical person who can almost speak English. She enjoys fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure stories and her writing reflects this quaint affectation. She considers Happy Endings (more or less) a requisite to good literature and sanity, though real stories never, truly end.

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Susan Skylark

Copyright 2020 Susan Skylark

Smashwords Edition

Author’s note: each story is unique to itself and not related in any way to any other story, character, or world in this or any other series.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an authorized retailor and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents:

Aunt Irvina

Blood of Grapes

Remedial Education

The Ruins

Back for Dinner

Coming

Dancing

Dealings with Dragons

Ancient Evils

Errand Riders

In or Out of the Story

A Walk in the Woods

Grey Soldiers

Heart of the Forest

More Dancing

Such a Delightful Weakness

Unlikely Hero

Nightwolves

Curse of the Black Oak

Absent

Sword Wielding Maniacs

Pursued

On the Road Again

The Darkling Wood

End of the Age

Thrice Told Tales

The Valley

Wayward Sheep

Wrong Address

Other Books by this Author

Sample Chapters

Aunt Irvina

Aunt Irvina strikes again, winced Bayard as he read through the rather lengthy missive from his Great Aunt.

Why the pained look, my friend? asked Prince Ithril, looking up from his own letters, he grinned wryly, It isn’t as if she expects you to marry any of her foundlings or charity cases?

No, said the young lord with a groan, but she usually escorts and supervises the helpless young things herself until they can manage on their own or she finds someone to marry the poor creatures. This time she’s expecting me to do it! Apparently this flare up of her gout is of such monstrous proportions that she will be confined to her country house for the foreseeable future, and blithely assuming that I have nothing better to do than supervise some penniless farmer’s daughter she hopes to make a duchess.

Maybe you should just marry the girl, laughed the Prince, it would save you quite a bit of headache, I’m sure.

It might at that, said Bayard, far too seriously. When the Prince grimaced at the thought of losing his closest friend and confidant to such a fate, Bayard could no longer control his countenance and at last broke forth in a merry laugh at the Prince’s discomfiture.

Cad! snapped the Prince, though his own lips were twitching mysteriously.

You’re the one who suggested it, smiled the lordling as blandly as he could muster.

Is it even proper? asked the Prince quite seriously, Can’t she find some bored dowager to do it?

You know all these social elites would rather eat a live toad than be caught in public with such an ill bred creature, regardless of her charms, said Bayard, save my dearest Aunt. And no, she doesn’t expect me to escort the girl hither and yon, but rather asks that I keep an eye on her and help as I can in forwarding her social position.

She does have excellent taste, mused the Prince.

I can’t argue with that, agreed Bayard, the last one did end a duchess! His grin became wry indeed, perhaps you should marry this one.

Not unless she is related to someone that might benefit my father politically, sighed the Prince, if I had to choose, I very well might take one of your Aunt’s little experiments over any woman my father picks for political convenience. That is one advantage of the peasantry: they can sometimes marry for love.

I doubt it, said Bayard grimly, I fear, no matter your station, there are far too many other factors involved to allow mere affection to be the cornerstone of matrimony. You’ve read too many stories, Sire.

Me?! smiled the Prince, I thought you were the scholar and fairytale enthusiast in residence.

Yes, said Bayard, but I am not silly enough to take them to heart as you seem to be doing with your notions of romance and happily ever after.

A pity, said the Prince rather dismally, what then is the point of such tales?

Bayard frowned slightly, an excellent question.

The great carriage at last rolled to a stop, Megan swallowed hard, pasted a look of passive indifference on her face, and tried to squelch the panic rising in her heart. This was it, once that door opened the fairy tale would begin in earnest; she just wished she was not so utterly alone. All the other fortunate girls who had caught Great Aunt Irvina’s eye had at least had that dear but eccentric Lady for companion and guide. All Megan had was the Lady’s assurances that her nephew would manage everything quite admirably in her absence. Viciously swatting the gigantic butterflies frolicking in her stomach, she exited the carriage and prepared to face her doom, whatever it be.

There was no one there, at least no one that mattered, only the servants, guards, and various minions required to attend to the great townhouse and her ladyship’s equipage. She smiled wryly at herself, already seeing the servants as somehow less than human, or at least less important than she would have only three days prior, when she was just another farmer’s daughter, rather than the current protégé of one of the social elite: she was already beginning to think like a lady, how horrid! Especially when any of the various servants and menials within view had outranked her less than a week gone. Yes, she must act the part she was now required to play, but she must not thoughtlessly adopt an unworthy way of thinking, especially about her fellow men. She suddenly began to wonder what the nephew was like, hoping he was of as generous a heart as his Aunt.

The servants soon had her settled in her new abode, which left her to wonder what she was to do with herself in the days to come, certainly no one would come to visit or send an invitation to a no name, upstart peasant without her great benefactor to personally interfere on her behalf. Again her thoughts were drawn to the nephew, who would apparently have all the power of making her stay in the great city something grand and worthwhile or a complete waste of time, a mere farce. But who, besides that dear old lady, would trouble themselves for her sake? If he was anything like most of these noble types, he wouldn’t even consider inconveniencing and demeaning himself for his strange aunt’s fancies. This disquieting thought flitted through her mind as she wandered the house, looking for something, anything to occupy her otherwise frantic mind. She stumbled into what looked to be a well-stocked and comfortable library, unable to contain a smile of pure joy, at least her stay would not be completely without distraction and enjoyment.

They sat awkwardly over tea the next morning, each more embarrassed than the other, neither finding the other to be anything like their presuppositions assumed the other to be. At last Bayard could contain himself no longer and said with a relieved laugh, pardon, milady, but I must laugh or burst. This is all quite ridiculous.

I certainly agree, smiled Megan, happy to see the fellow at least had a sense of humor, your Aunt could not have contrived a more awkward situation for either of us. How are we to continue, it certainly cannot be in this manner?

Dear Aunt Irvina certainly has a large heart, agreed he, but very little idea of how to carry out her grand schemes if not personally involved. Our associating in this manner would not only be highly awkward but quite improper. You cannot continue without a respectable female chaperone. His smile became wry as he added, or a husband.

Is that a proposal? countered the girl without thinking, coloring immediately at her blunder while Bayard’s smile was half scandalized, half amused at her touching upon a subject so recently broached by the Prince.

It would certainly make things less awkward, said he, but no, it would only deepen the scandal, at least amongst the social elite.

Perhaps I should just go home! sighed Megan.

It would quite break my dear Aunt’s tender heart, said Bayard concernedly, besides, we are neither of us dolts; we’ll think of something.

I suppose, said Megan dully, until then I must stay at home alone for the foreseeable future. I am not a city person, at least if I must be idle, let me run wild through wood and fen!

Bayard could not help but laugh, you are a regular dryad, milady. How ever did my Aunt convince you to endure such captivity?

Said she thoughtfully, I am not quite certain, she insisted and I could not resist her, though I was quite aghast at the suggestion from the start.

That’s my Aunt all right, nodded Bayard, she has such a way about her that she can make anyone do just about anything for her without even realizing it until they are quite in the middle of the venture.

So what is to come of this business? asked she rather desperately, I can’t go home, yet neither is it proper for me to venture abroad without a proper escort.

Said he thoughtfully, the Spring Ball is set for tomorrow night, I can get you a dance with the Prince, which should establish your reputation as someone quite special and mysterious. You’ll have plenty of invitations and curiosity seekers flocking about you thereafter. What do you think?

I think I’d rather stay here and read, but your Aunt would be quite distraught at the very idea, said she wistfully, and I do appreciate all your trouble on my behalf. Let’s do it, and if I can’t fend socially for myself successfully thereafter, it is my own fault and I should probably go home and trouble you no more. Would your Aunt be satisfied?

Not unless you manage to catch a noble husband of some stripe, chuckled Bayard, but yes, I think your obligations to her would be fully met thereby and you could go home and marry the scruffiest shepherd you can find.

What a choice! giggled she, Why can’t I just become a meddling patroness like your Aunt?

And inflict more awkwardness and social scandal upon the unsuspecting masses? Have a heart, milady! said he in feigned dismay.

The shepherd it is then, sighed she, ruining the effect with a glorious smile.

Dance with her?! said the Prince later that day when Bayard broached the subject.

Just think of the rumors it will spawn, grinned Bayard, that alone is worth the trouble.

I suppose the speculation it would inspire will be vastly amusing at that, mused the Prince.

Bayard added, and she is quite a fine girl in her own right, Sire, you might even enjoy it and she certainly deserves whatever help we can give her. He laughed, at any rate, she’d rather go home and climb trees than go to such a gala.

So would I, agreed the Prince, adding, very well, it will be great fun to so discomfit all the society mothers and their grasping daughters, not to mention the help it might give so deserving a girl. He arched an eyebrow, are you sure you don’t want to marry her?

Cad, retorted Bayard, with all the blandness he could contrive.

So it was that the nameless farmer’s daughter danced with the Prince, igniting a firestorm of speculation and rumor as to who this mysterious lady might be and why the prince was dancing with her. None guessed the truth however, for none had hearts that could quite fathom such kindness to a veritable non-entity, therefore there must be something in it that they had yet to discover, some ulterior motive or benefit to the Prince or his father. And truly, the Prince had never enjoyed a dance more, for the girl was bright, honest, and had a keen wit, quite a change from the terrified, insipid, or devious maids with whom he usually graced the floor. The dance accomplished, she gave him a glorious smile, the proper courtesies, and then fled the ball with all the haste of one who knew she might well turn into a pumpkin when the clock struck twelve, and happily before the wondering masses could accost her and demand the truth, none daring to ask his Highness the Crown Prince.

Bayard joined his royal friend as he stood beside the punch table, quenching his thirst after the night’s exertions. Grinned the prince, you really should marry the girl, she is certainly a ray of sunshine amidst this dreary noble fog we must endlessly endure. A pity I cannot. Therefore, as my dearest friend, your next assignment shall be to find another such maiden, this one with the necessary political benefits.

As you wish it Sire, said Bayard in a properly toadying manner, I can but hear and obey.

Now if only you could work miracles, added the Prince unhelpfully.

I’m only a man, Sire, said Bayard wistfully. They exchanged a grim smile as the Prince returned to his duty amidst the swirling maelstrom that was somehow supposed to produce romance, happiness, and most importantly, political stability. Too bad real life wasn’t a little more like those fairy tales his friend was always reading.

Her ladyship’s carriage whisked the mysterious maiden swiftly back to that great Lady’s house, therein to await the inevitable callers of a curious or devious nature, hoping to discover who this peculiar girl was, why the Prince would deign to dance with her, and perhaps how she could be of benefit to themselves. But her first visitor after the infamous ball was far from the cunning, disdainful, toadying, or grasping socialites she expected, in fact, it was a thing completely beyond her experience or comprehension and quite rudely failed to make even the slightest introduction when she found it waiting for her in the deeper shadows of her sitting room, lit only by the dying fire on the hearth.

Well my little minx, hissed the creature, for she could think of no other term to describe it, save perhaps phantom, wraith, specter, or ghoul, but she was not yet ready to descend to such impolite euphemisms unless absolutely necessary, perhaps there was a reasonable explanation, but with such a beginning she highly doubted it, continued her shadowy companion, you had best explain yourself.

Why? asked the girl, You are the one who invaded my sitting room without an invitation and have even failed to properly introduce yourself.

The thing snarled, insolent girl! Know you not that I can unmake you with a thought? Who are you and why did the Prince find it worth his while to pay you such a compliment?

She shook her head, strangely unafraid of the creature, that is none of your business, at least until you tell me what you are and why you care?

It is my business to know all that passes in this pitiful realm, growled the shade, if something or someone attempts to disrupt the carefully laid plans unfolding for this wretched Kingdom, it is my duty to stop it.

There is the why, I suppose, said she with a grim smile, but still no what?

Your worst nightmares come to life, keened the thing in malicious anticipation, do not toy with me, girl!

That grim smile deepened, I am no one you need concern yourself about. Upon the rolls of those that shake Kingdoms and thwart destiny, my name shall certainly never be recorded. I am merely a peasant to whom a great lady has been most gracious. The Prince merely danced with me as a favor to his friend, the nephew of said great lady, in hopes of inspiring interest amongst the social elite. Her smile became wry as she finished, though it seems such speculation has gone far beyond anything we insipid schemers could have dreamed or feared.

Well played, chit, hissed the smoky villain, such skills could be of great use to us, and it would give you the chance to exercise your potential in ways you cannot even begin to imagine, rather than settling for the paltry and pointless affairs that are currently within your grasp.

Us? asked the girl tremulously, feeling suddenly curious and eager at the mysteries barely hinted at but not without a shudder of loathing for this creature, whatever it was, and its hope to involve her in its obviously despicable schemes.

The true power in the universe, whispered the shade, those who make mortal kingdoms crumble or establish empires that never wane, who raise up kings and throw them down, whatever be our wish. Slough off this weak and fickle mortal flesh, use your native cunning for more than mere survival; become the powerful and immortal creature you have the potential to be!

What’s the catch? asked the girl in growing dread, It certainly sounds too good to be true.

You’d rather live out your days in poverty and ignominy and then die? hissed the monster.

Such is the usual wont of we mere mortals, said the girl, that wry smile adorning her face unbidden, only heightening the creature’s ire.

Snarled the fiend, you have wasted my time this evening, wench! For that you must pay, either with your life or your service. Decide now!

She took a step back in terror, I want nothing to do with you or your fell schemes.

Very well, said the shadow, as it loomed hungrily towards the terrified girl, it seems I was vastly mistaken in thinking you possessed of any wit whatsoever. A few minutes later, it slunk from the room as unobtrusively as the shadow it was.

Aunt Irvina? gasped Megan in some astonishment, though after the night she had had, it was surprising that anything could discomfit her in the least henceforth.

Quite, said that great lady.

Megan’s eyes narrowed, I thought you were confined to bed with the gout?

I would think the gout, while certainly a useful excuse at times, would be rather immaterial to folk of our persuasion, said her ladyship with a knowing smile.

It is not the gout that is immaterial, my lady, said the girl dryly, but point taken. She blinked again, as if unsure of the reality of the sights about her, but as she glanced about curiously, the night dark wood, draped in mist, neither wavered nor changed.

It is a little surreal at first, said Aunt Irvina, agreeing to the girl’s unspoken comment, though quite obvious in her face and eyes, but soon it will be second nature.

Could I not rather have married a duke? asked the girl, her humor finally reasserting itself after the disquiet revelations of the night.

Perhaps, said the lady, but adding with an eager smile, it would in nowise be half so interesting.

The girl glanced at her misty, insubstantial hand and asked, I hope this is not what comes of most of your protégés?

Certainly not, chuckled the equally misty lady, those that don’t marry well or find their place in society simply return home, a little wiser about the world and hopefully themselves. You are the first that has ventured down this most intriguing of paths.

So we’re not ghosts? said the girl in relief.

Child, laughed Aunt Irvina outright, do not be ridiculous! We’re soldiers in a war far older than time itself.

I’ve always wanted to gad about the country on some great horse, a sword on my hip upon some perilous quest bent, said the girl eagerly.

You’ve read far too many stories, my dear, said the lady.

Megan glanced again at her hand, rather it seems to me that we are in one.

Certainly, said she with a laugh, every life is a story, lass, yours has just taken a very interesting turn. Are you sure you’d rather be a duchess?

I suppose not, sighed the girl, I just wish I knew what I was.

A girl, said Aunt Irvina, a person, a human, a woman, same as you’ve always been and will ever be. You’ve just passed beyond death and time and acquired a few useful proclivities in the process.

That shadowy thing...? began Megan.

Aunt Irvina’s countenance grew dangerous, causing the girl to take an unwitting step back in fear, but the menace in those eyes was not meant for her, said she, will now have reason to fear you. Megan’s smile suddenly matched that of the predaciously grinning lady.

That was certainly a tedious way to pass an evening, bemoaned the Prince, as they dragged themselves towards their chambers at an obscene hour of the morning, the best part of the whole night was my dance with your little shepherdess. Perhaps you should bring her to court on occasion, just to keep things interesting?

She’d love that, Highness, said Bayard with a chuckle, but it would certainly keep Aunt Irvina happy. Not to mention providing a little excitement in the dullest place on earth, happily warding off all chances of us being bored to death in the near future. But I fear it will be quite the scandal, especially if anyone actually learns the truth of the matter. He grinned wryly, not that anyone would believe it if they did. They parted ways as the Prince retired to his chambers and Bayard walked in the direction of his own, silently musing on just what they were to do with Aunt Irvina’s latest project.

This is your fault, hissed something in the deepest shadows of the bed chamber, suddenly drawing Bayard’s wandering thoughts back to the present moment, his hand straying to his sword, though somehow he knew it was a futile gesture, continued the menace in the corner, and now you must help rectify matters, one way or another.

I want no part in your schemes, quavered the boy.

He felt the thing’s evil smile as it loomed out of the shadows, a thing wrought of shadow itself, purred the wraith in eager pleasure, then we’ll have to do this the hard way. He felt suddenly cold, as if Death itself had taken his hand, and then everything was darkness. When he could again feel, think, and see, he wished desperately for the unknowing dark to engulf him permanently, for they were no longer in his comfortable bed chamber, but rather inexplicably in a dripping ruin surrounded by a night dark wood, wherein any number of those shadowy horrors seemed to dance and writhe in a ring about him like so many shadows cast on a wall by a bonfire. Are you sure you want no part in this? hissed the creature, For you shall betray your friend the Prince either way, it would be to your benefit to do it willingly.

No, said the boy staunchly, though his knees were shaking so much he feared they might buckle beneath him.

The monstrosity seemed to shrug and the undulations of the ringing shades increased in intensity and chaos, as if his refusal fed their infernal glee. Suddenly the thing was upon him again, he felt those amorphous claws, cold and hopeless as death, digging ever deeper into his being, though his physical self remained unharmed, he felt the thing ripping and slashing into the very core of his being, into whatever it was that composed his spirit or soul or mind, whatever it was that bound his being to the physical world. He felt shredded to tatters, as if his very heart had been ripped physically from his chest or his brain ejected from his skull, but he could hold on no longer, falling again into darkness even as his body slumped limply to the cracked and overgrown paving stones like a crumpled garment, the eyes glazing and vacant, but the heart beating steadily on and the chest rising and falling with every breath. The shadow keened in triumph before taking up residence in the abandoned mortal coil, while the surrounding fiends writhed in a frenetic and malicious ecstasy.

Bayard blinked awake, for a moment horrified, but then suddenly calm and lucid upon glimpsing the familiar features of the chamber about him. What a horrid dream! But still a dream for all of that. He rose from the bed, still clad in his finery from the night previous, he must have simply collapsed in exhaustion the moment he sat down, no wonder he was subject to such nightmares. He opened the heavy drapes and looked happily out upon the rising day, silently musing how long before everyone else in the castle would be abroad with such a night of revelry from which to recover. Venturing out into the corridors, he saw none but the servants hastening about their business, indifferent to the post-hedonistic ague now afflicting the majority of the castle’s noble residents, causing Bayard to wonder at his own vigor and energy, especially after such an indifferent few hours of sleep.

He wandered out into the gardens, but finding nothing of interest or import there, he ventured into the stables, quite restless but unable to say why; perhaps a brisk ride would help settle his mind. He was soon enough in the saddle and on his way out of the prosperous city, letting the horse have his head as soon as they found an empty sidetrack, unimpeded by the morning traffic en route to the city to be about their daily business. The beast stopped abruptly with a nervous whicker, nearly unseating his heedless rider. Bayard again felt the presence he had convinced himself was but a dream the previous evening, which seemed intent once more to haunt his waking reality.

Another rider, draped all in black cloth so that one could see neither face nor feature, sat his saddle just a few paces away. Who or what are you? whispered the boy, a peculiar feeling suddenly rising in his heart, not fear this time, but something entirely strange and otherworldly, an inexplicable eagerness and courage not born of this world.

He felt the thing’s cruel smile, and as it dropped its hood he gasped, even as it replied mockingly, I am you, fool!

The poor horse could take no more, the gelding reared and flung himself over backwards as the monstrosity revealed itself; the menace in the air was nearly palpable and thrummed in the ears like a nascent migraine. The beast struggled to its feet and fled with all the speed it possessed, leaving its rider ingloriously in the lane, dust covered and rumpled, but seemingly none the worse for wear. Bayard gained his feet to the mocking chorus of the doppelganger’s uproarious laughter, saying as he faced the apparition once more, no, fiend, you are not!

Who is to say that I am not? hissed the creature, All your mortal acquaintance will not know the difference as I wreak havoc in your name!

Think again, monster! said the boy stonily, his sword in hand. The fiend laughed darkly as it spurred its horse forward, a blade black as night clutched in one fist. Bayard held his sword steady as the fell thing tried to trample him where he stood, the shadow-wrought horse screamed in agony and evaporated into dark mist, its fell rider hissed imprecations as it too met the same fate, impaled on that horrid blade, even as Bayard himself dissolved into mist and moonbeams.

He blinked awake again, or at least he hoped he was truly awake this time, bleary eyed and confused, even in the comforting confines of his long familiar room. The sun stood at its midday peak, a more proper hour for rising after the night’s ado than the obscene hour at which he previously thought himself awake. He rolled out of bed once more, wondering what, if anything, it all meant. With a sigh, he tamed his unruly hair, donned fresh clothes, and went to see if the world was mad or if he was. He met the Prince at breakfast, chipper and eager, as was his usual wont, it seemed he at least had found the night’s repose refreshing.

Laughed his Highness, upon sighting his rumpled friend, come Bayard, it was I who did all the hard work last evening, yet it seems you have not slept a wink.

I’m not sure that I have, Sire, said Bayard quietly, I have had the most fantastic dreams.

You must be in love, chuckled the Prince, that or the oysters didn’t agree with you.

I certainly hope it was the latter, sighed the young lord.

Whatever it is, smiled the Prince, I have just the thing to liven things up around here, for both yourself and the palace as a whole. Go get that pretty little farmer of yours, but let’s sneak her in that side gate on the far side of the gardens; I’ll meet you there.

Bayard’s brow rose at the Prince’s audacity, but he could but hear and obey, even such a nonsensical whim as currently seemed to be the Prince’s intent. Leaving his eggs, he hied himself off towards the stable, though the lad who assisted him gave him a rather odd look, he was soon enough in his saddle and off to fetch the lady. He rang the bell at Great Aunt Irvina’s house and was ushered into her posh sitting room, therein to await the current mistress of the house. Bayard was rather taken aback when Great Aunt Irvina herself walked into the room, gaped he, I thought you were indisposed, my lady?!

She chuckled at his discomfiture, I have overcome far worse, sir. I suppose you are come for my little project? It seems you have been quite attentive to my protégé, as I have asked.

He smiled warmly at her approbation, thank you, milady, indeed, the Prince has requested her presence specifically.

She looked rather troubled as she asked, he isn’t falling for the poor girl, is he?

Bayard could not help but laugh, nay lady, he is merely bored and intends some mischief or other to further discomfit the peerage.

She shook her head, as if grieved, but ruined the effect with an ill-concealed smile of amusement, what was I thinking, leaving the girl in your incautious hands, but I suppose there is nothing else to be done; a royal edict is a royal edict. Very well, take her and be gone, cad! Megan was soon fetched, giving the lady a quizzical look as she entered, but made the proper courtesies before looking expectantly at her companions. Said that great lady, very well, my dear, off with you! She looked as if she might balk for a moment to ask a question, but the lady’s raised brow suddenly made her think better of it, prompting a hasty courtesy from them both ere they fled the room, exchanging a mad, gleeful smile as they ducked out of the room, like a pair of children caught in the midst of some trifling mischief or other. The lady wore just such a look herself as she watched their retreat, wondering what their adventure would entail.

The Prince has summoned me! gasped the girl as they stood outside the garden gate, waiting to be let in.

It isn’t what you think, milady, grinned Bayard, he is in no way besotted, but rather intends to wreak further havoc upon the aristocracy’s delicate sensibilities.

Excellent, said she, I never thought that great lady’s offer would be so much fun!

Just then the gate opened and the prince was heard to whisper, can you two keep it down lest half the kingdom be alerted to our little scheme and thereby ruining my most excellent plan? They exchanged an abashed smile and hastened into the palace gardens. Once they were secreted in some overgrown glade, the prince said to the lady, you are very welcome, milady.

She gave the proper courtesy and said with a conspiratorial smile, this shall be great fun, Highness, what then is our scheme?

He nodded happily, even so, my lady, it seems you are quite ready to play the part I intend for you, this is a most excellent beginning indeed. I have arranged quarters for you, befitting a lady of your status of course, but I would also like you to vanish from time to time, perhaps guising yourself as a servant occasionally, to increase the mystery and the rumors surrounding your identity.

How thoroughly delightful, agreed Megan, secretly musing that there was an even easier way to vanish, at least in her peculiar circumstances.

And what is to be the end of all this? asked Bayard with a slight frown, What if someone should take it amiss or harm should befall the lady?

Megan snorted in a most unladylike fashion, I am willing to take the risk, sir.

The Prince shook his head sadly, I never took you for such a stick in the mud, my friend, if there be any political ramifications, they shall fall squarely on my shoulders, the King and the realm need bear none of the guilt or consequences in this matter.

As you say, Highness, replied Bayard, then smiling wryly he added, I am but your humble servant.

The prince nodded succinctly, which is as it should be, before sharing a mad grin with the lady, Bayard could not help but join in with their gleeful conspiracy, his misgivings suddenly forgotten.

While the Prince was soon drawn away on some matter of royal business, Bayard was left to get the lady settled in her quarters and see that she was provided with the necessary disguises: both regal and servile. As he withdrew, he asked cordially, have you need of anything else, madam?

She gave him a glorious smile and said, I think I am thoroughly equipped for the adventure before me.

He bowed himself from the lady’s presence and returned to his own chambers, needing to think and unwind after such a strange day, but his hope was not to be fulfilled, for what he insisted on calling a nightmare intruded itself upon him for a third time that day. A chill ran up his spine as he confronted the shadow once more, at least this time it was a mere shade again, not a thing clad in his flesh. What are you? sighed the boy, What do you want?

The malicious thing smiled patronizingly, you don’t have a clue, do you, wretch? The boy merely looked at the fiend blankly, at a loss for words, prompting a vastly amused chuckle from the villain, how perfectly splendid! Now toddle off and we need not trouble one another further.

I think not, came the voice of Aunt Irvina’s latest project, suddenly appearing in their midst, sword in hand, so startling the pair that they could do nothing but gape in surprise for a moment before the specter evaporated like frost in the sun with a swift stroke of the lady’s sword. She smiled broadly at the mystified Bayard before vanishing utterly once more. The boy rose to his feet and dashed from the room, determined to get to the bottom of this conundrum once and for all. He did not even bother with knocking but charged into the lady’s chambers, figuring if she could ghost in and out of his uninvited, he could do likewise.

She seemed to be expecting him, for she sat primly in a chair and smiled amusedly at him, it took you long enough.

He stared at her blankly, exacerbating her smile, come sir, have you no inkling of what is afoot?

No, said he, collapsing in another chair, I haven’t the foggiest.

She smiled gently at him, all amusement gone from her countenance, perhaps you should speak with your dear aunt.

He gaped at her, what on earth can Aunt Irvina have to do with any of this?

You’d be surprised, said she wryly, but then, this has nothing to do with earth or the things upon it.

The boy groaned, will no one enlighten me? This has been the queerest day of my life!

Sorry lad, came Aunt Irvina’s merry voice, but you’re quite beyond such paltry concerns as time and mortal life.

He slumped back in his chair, resigned to his fate, whatever it be, but no longer agape at the sudden comings and goings of those around him, wondering if anything would ever surprise him after this. Said he at last, it was all real?

Irvina smiled gently, all of it lad, but don’t worry, though it seems a nightmare, you’ve entered a reality far more wonderful than your dearest dreams.

He smiled weakly, it is all rather a muddle at the moment.

Certainly, chuckled that great lady, most transitions are fraught with confusion and awkwardness, but fear not, you’ll soon enough be master of yourself and ready for any adventure that might beset you.

He looked to the girl hopefully, how long have you been involved in this...adventure?

Irvina laughed heartily, she’s quite the veteran lad, for those horrid shadows set upon her a full three hours before they had their way with you.

He could not help but smile, his sense of irony and amusement soon overcoming his overwrought sensibilities, an old campaigner indeed, milady! His eyes narrowed, and just how long have you known how to efficiently wield a sword?

She grinned widely at him, an entire five minutes, sir.

His laugh was grand indeed, said he when at last he gained control of his mirth, that is about what I had supposed, but you wield it creditably, milady. My dear Aunt must be a masterful teacher indeed!

They all laughed at this, and once the outburst had subsided, Irvina said, her lips still twitching in mirth, that’s the spirit lad, there’s no room for moping in my command. He could not help but grin widely at the thought of his ancient aunt posing as some sort of military leader. Grin all you like lad, smiled she, but it’s still true, strange as it seems. And here you thought me nothing more interesting than a meddling old spinster!

That is perhaps the greatest surprise of the day, madam, said Bayard in astonishment, and it has been a day replete with peculiarities.

Megan added unhelpfully, at least you’ll never get bored.

Hush, child, chuckled the lady, you know nothing as of yet.

She grinned, I know more than him.

Irvina rolled her eyes, as if that means anything!

Bayard asked with a slight frown, just how long have you been at this yourself, madam?

Irvina grinned mysteriously, since I was about your age.

He nodded, but his perplexed look did not lessen, so what does one do in this peculiar service? I doubt we all get to serve as illustrious matchmakers to penniless peasant girls?

A veritable fairy godmother, chuckled Aunt Irvina, but no, anything and everything might be asked of you, child. For now you must content yourselves with warding the Prince from those nefarious shadows and foiling their schemes for the Kingdom.

Will you help us? asked the now anxious young lord.

She smiled at him fondly, but also in vast amusement, I’ll be around lad, should you have need of me, but you’ll know what you must, when you must. Besides, it isn’t for a noble lady to risk soiling her gloves meddling in such affairs, Captain or not. The neophytes exchanged a look, half amused, half scandalized, and when they turned their gaze again upon Aunt Irvina, she was gone.

Bayard blinked, but turned his attention back to Megan, asked he, so what can you tell me about all this, oh experienced one?

Not much, smiled the impish girl, but added as his face fell, but it will certainly be far better than nothing at all, which is your current plight. He now wore such a look of attentive eagerness that she could not help but laugh, at least you shall be a good little pupil.

I but live to serve, madam, he grinned heartily, as any of my tutors would be pleased to tell you.

So it is the Prince himself who is the scamp then? mused she.

Bayard blinked in astonishment but then frowned thoughtfully, now that you mention it, I believe you are quite correct! To think a royal personage could have such an impish streak, it is quite scandalous!

Even more than a farmer’s daughter impersonating a lady of status and renown! giggled she.

Even so! agreed he jovially, but sobering he could not help but ask plaintively, Now what about this other nonsense I’ve found myself embroiled in?

Oh, it’s not nonsense, smiled she, indeed, it is quite the contrary. It is certainly the most wonderful thing in all the world, for it is just a hint of the wondrous things that lurk beyond it.

So we are dead? asked he glumly, prompting another outburst of giggling, quite improper to his thinking, from his vastly amused tutor.

We’re quite beyond death, sir, said she primly, catching his offended look, you need to quit thinking like a mortal man!

That’s the only frame of reference with which I am familiar, said he in growing confusion.

I suppose I am making a horrid hash of this explanation at that, grinned she. Trying to maintain some semblance of sobriety, she began in earnest, yes, that horrid shadow did make a physical end of you, but obviously it wasn’t the final end of you. In fact, you agreed to this, whether you remember it or not, else you’d now find yourself beyond this world rather than lolling about quite at your leisure. He opened his mouth to protest such a representation of his character, but her vast grin silenced him, she knew very well he was not an oafish lout but rather chose to amuse herself with flights of fancy thereupon; he would only distract her again, so he let the matter slide that she might continue, in her own labyrinthine way, to enlighten him as to his current plight. Continued she, fully confident in her ability to disconcert him, we each agreed to this service, forsaking eternity for a time that we yet might be of benefit to the mortal world, countering those enemies against whom mortal men stand defenseless.

Now you sound like some village storyteller! gasped Bayard, You are telling me the legends are true?

A blinding light suddenly flared forth and a book rested in her hands, she smiled widely at his astonished look, but said only, truly sir, you find yourself in the heart of a myth, the very stuff of legend! She handed him the book, open upon a certain page, and was blissfully silent as he read.

He looked at her with wide eyes once he had finished perusing the indicated text, but his lips bore a wondrous smile, it’s true! The tales are indeed true?!

Some of them, smiled the girl, some are truly fiction, but many are true, or at least have a seed of truth within them or hint at greater truths, if not being entirely factual themselves.

He looked at his hand, it appeared no different than it ever had, somehow he thought things must be very different than they had been but the day before, if what the girl said was true, but they were still very much the same. As if reading his disquiet thoughts, Megan replied, you are still very much yourself, as you shall ever be. And things must look the same else awkward questions might result, but it is only on the surface that things remain unchanged; everything else is as much different as a butterfly is from the caterpillar.

He looked again at the book of fantastic stories, still not quite understanding that he was now an entry therein. After a long, thoughtful silence, he queried, who wrote the book then? Do mortal men truly know aught of us?

Her smile was as feline as a human countenance could contrive, did not your dear Aunt mention that anything and everything might be asked of us? She gets to play fairy godmother, someone else wrote a book of seeming fairytales, who knows what our own stories will be once told!

But there came no reply, for suddenly they were all pricked ears and searching eyes, and hardly knowing what it was he did, Bayard suddenly vanished, at least from anyone’s perception, for he certainly remained in the room. There came a knock at the door, the lady said, ‘come in,’ and a servant bobbed a very proper courtesy and said his Highness the Crown Prince wished for an audience. The lady wanted to grin ear to ear, but heroically schooled her countenance to bland neutrality and said that his Majesty was most welcome to enter.

Ithril entered with the required courtesy and pomp, but once the servant and all prying ears were safely gone, he grinned quite incongruously at the lady, at least for a Prince to a noble lady, but if they were but two children plotting mischief together, it would not be surprising at all. He picked up the book occupying Bayard’s former seat and sat, the storybook open in his lap. He frowned slightly as he perused the tale and then looked askance at the lady, so you are a lover of old tales as well, milady?

Certainly, Highness, said she, but you are not?

He looked a little embarrassed but said boldly, I certainly enjoyed them well enough as a child, but my interest waned with maturity; the duties and responsibilities of my position, you understand, require me to spend my time on less entertaining and far more practical subjects.

She laughed outright, ah Sire, fairytales are certainly practical, though I suppose your tutors are far too enlightened to understand what the dullest child knows innately. Indeed, they are a vital part of a well rounded education.

You tease me, madam, smiled the Prince, though it seemed strained, I am not used to such banter.

No one is bold enough to tease you, smiled she, a pity, no wonder life is so dull for you of late that you must stoop to such hijinks as you wish to involve me in.

Quite, said he, rather embarrassed to be thus found out, but you are correct, it is rather refreshing, if a bit disconcerting, at that. I may have to retain you as my personal jester if this continues, madam, lest I become a proverbial stick in the mud myself. He frowned, where is that incorrigible friend of mine? He is supposed to be deeply involved in our schemes but here I find him quite remiss in his duties! I’ll have his head for this!

As is only proper, Highness, said she as blandly as tepid water, at which they both burst out laughing. Just then there came another knock at the door, and this time Bayard was presented in a properly visible fashion, prompting another descent into ill contained mirth at his expense.

Once all and sundry had again regained some semblance of sanity, Bayard said calmly, what would you have of me, Highness?

None of that! said the Prince, quite scandalized, We are just three nameless plotters of equal import and rank. Propriety is quite improper betwixt the three of us.

Bayard nodded, not bothering to hide his smile at his friend’s blatant impishness, the maiden was certainly having a strange influence upon them all, which was probably not a bad thing, not in the least. He settled into another chair that they might plot, and laugh, in earnest, the Prince quite enjoying himself as he had not in living memory.

The King sat at his great desk, muddling through the paperwork and correspondence required for the Kingdom’s very survival, rather wishing he could be doing anything else, even envying the least of the stable lads their duties. But all thoughts abandoned him as he read the strange missive before him. Very mysterious indeed! Well, why not? He was past due for an adventure, even of such a minor sort as the letter hinted at, and the anonymous writer promised to discuss matters vital to the Kingdom, so it would be business after all. He put away his letters and papers, rose from his chair, and hastily exited the room, eager for this mysterious rendezvous, whatever it was.

He entered the abandoned sitting room and hesitantly closed the door behind him, for there was no light whatsoever in the room and he was suddenly uneasy in the dark, with menace so thick about him he might well don it as a cloak, but it must be his imagination, such things did not happen in real life to grown men. Welcome, Sire, hissed a voice out of the shadows, I am deeply honored by your presence and you will be well rewarded for your trouble for I am a bearer of grim but vital news.

The King stood with his back to the door, his hand still upon the knob, nearly trembling in terror, as all mortals must when confronting such an evil, but staunchly holding his ground, grated he, tell all, sir, tell all.

The shadow hissed in pleasure, certainly Highness. I am quite concerned for your son. I fear he is besotted with a certain lady of mysterious and questionable character and is ready to plunge the crown, if not the kingdom, into disgrace and infamy, if not war and disaster for her sake. Worse, his dearest friend is encouraging the match.

I have heard of this woman, said the King faintly, hardly able to think in the presence of his vile companion, it is a pity certainly, but this romance must be stopped, by whatever means necessary.

Then I have your permission to act as I must, purred the voice eagerly.

Do what you must, said the King, only spare my son’s life and reputation, otherwise do what you must.

Gladly, Highness! whispered the shadow before fleeing the room. The King suddenly knew himself alone, his legs finally gave way beneath him and he slid down the door and slumped on the floor, weeping, but he knew not why.

Later that evening, the grim King called Ithril to him for a private conference, the boy entered the room hesitantly, sensing all was not well with his father, draped in a sense of gloom and foreboding as he was. Said the King heavily to his son, once the boy had dared approach, it is a dark hour for the Kingdom, child. The boy said nothing, but looked attentively to his father, worry and a question creasing his brow, yes, continued the monarch, who felt ten years older in as many hours, a grim hour indeed, and I fear it is of your doing. The Prince was shocked, but ere he said a word the King pressed on, nay lad, I do not think it was intentional, but there is little enough of logic or consideration for aught else in such circumstances, so you must listen to me and do exactly as I say if things are to be set aright.

The boy bowed his head in contrition, wondering of what grievous crime he was guilty and how it was to be rectified. Continued the King, there are certain persons at whose feet can be placed most of the blame. Perhaps they are merely innocent in their intentions, but I fear rather that they are grasping for things not their own or worse, doing what they can to undermine and destroy this Kingdom. Will you do as I ask?

Without question or hesitation, Sire, said the Prince without pause, though there was a rising fear in his heart that his father might very soon ask the impossible of him. No, he was a just and wise King, if there were such scheming villains, surely they must be dealt with, but it would not involve anything dishonorable or ignoble, it couldn’t.

Very well, said the King, pleased by his son’s swift obedience, you will soon have dealings with a rather mysterious and dreadful character. Do as he suggests and all will be well. The boy frowned and the King added, I know neither his face nor his name, but there will be no mistaking his presence when he comes. He has promised to see matters swiftly rectified and you will do everything in your power to aid him. Am I understood?

The Prince bowed his head, sheer terror rising in his heart, but he said, yes, Sire.

Said the King in dismissal, let this be your first lesson in what it means to be King. We cannot always act as we wish and sometimes those dearest to us must suffer for the greater good. Sometimes we ourselves must suffer for the same reason. The boy sighed heavily, made the proper courtesies and hied himself swiftly from the room, wishing he could flee the Kingdom likewise.

He froze in a dark corridor as a voice hissed, your father has apprised you of the situation?

The boy shivered, saying in a hushed whisper, yes, I am to do as you command.

Excellent, hissed the voice that seemed to come from everywhere or nowhere, this then is what you shall do... The boy paled as the plot unfolded, but he had promised his father he would obey and he would not break his vow. The moment the creature finished speaking, Ithril turned on his heel and fled, hoping to reach the safety of solitude before the tears burst forth.

Said a second shadowy figure to the first once the boy was gone, do you think he’ll go through with it?

I believe he will, smiled the first maliciously.

The second frowned, it would be far easier just to kill the wretch.

Easier, certainly, said the first, but far less satisfying. Why kill when you can corrupt? Despair is a far finer vintage than death ever is. Who knows? Perhaps he may soon join us. The pair shared a vile laugh before melting away like shadows in the midday sun.

Of course I’ll go for a ride with you, Sire, said Bayard the next morning, but you seem in a rather grim mood this morning.

Precisely why I need this little outing, said the Prince in dismay.

But why bring the lady? asked Bayard as they waited in the courtyard for Megan to accompany them, Will this not just breed rumors that one or the other of us is intrigued by the mysterious maiden?

Strangely, sighed the Prince, I believe this little adventure will lay all such rumors firmly to rest.

As you say, Highness, said Bayard cautiously, as you say. Just then Megan joined them and all chance of further conversation was lost in the fetching of horses and preparations for the ride.

Once they were outside the city, Megan asked of the grimly silent Prince, what is it Sire? You are grim as death this morning, and on such a beautiful day too!

I am truly sorry, said the Prince quietly as he sharply drew rein, but for the sake of the Kingdom, it was deemed necessary. Farewell, my friends! He turned his horse and galloped back the way they had come, leaving Megan and Bayard to deal with the seedy bunch of rogues that had materialized out of the shrubbery and had surrounded the astonished pair.

I don’t understand? said Megan, brandishing her sword warningly at the glaring and sneering ring of fiends, Why go to all this trouble to kill us?

Bayard nodded grimly, I don’t think it is us they are concerned about, rather imagine what such an act will do to the Prince’s emotional and mental wellbeing.

It will crush him utterly, said Megan in horror.

Ours was perhaps the easier doom, sighed Bayard, hefting his own sword as the banditti closed in, but it was rather pointless, for his blade was useless against mortal men. They closed in and made short work of the pair, as they were being well paid to do, their work finished, they hied off with the horses and valuables, leaving their unfortunate victims lying in the road. The grisly scene was soon discovered and reported back to the King and all concerned parties. The guards were sent after the rogues while the deceased were given into the keeping of Aunt Irvina, she being the closest thing to kin that either of the victims possessed, and no more time or tears were wasted upon the loss of such trifling persons, save to gossip and speculate upon the matter.

What of the Prince? asked Bayard grimly of Aunt Irvina when they were quite alone and she could safely rouse the dead, Such betrayal might well destroy him.

Which is exactly what those shades are hoping, said the elder lady. She frowned, how is it they coerced him into acting so; I did not think your friend possessed of such ignoble sensibilities?

They probably went to the King, who demanded a promise of his son’s cooperation in the undisclosed scheme, said Bayard thoughtfully, he would then be trapped between betraying us or his father, and we are obviously the lesser evil in the matter. They trapped him quite thoroughly.

But can we not help him? demanded Megan anxiously.

Irvina and Bayard exchanged a wry look, as Bayard said quietly, we are supposed to be dead, remember?

We are at that, said the girl in astonishment, I quite forgot!

Barely a day in this service and already you’ve forgotten the mortal perspective, laughed that dear lady, but perhaps I can be of use amidst the Prince’s grief?

Bayard’s eyes widened, you think to importune the Prince?!

Certainly, said she with a chuckle, what else are meddling Aunts for? But I suppose you might as well come as not, there’s no sense in idling about here. Come along! Her junior associates exchanged an eager smile and suddenly vanished from sight, following their uncanny captain out into the bustling streets like a pestiferous breeze, determined to muss up an intricate coif.

As they approached the castle, Bayard whispered, the Prince is probably to be found in the wooded corner of the gardens, that’s where he always flees when troubled or uneasy.

Excellent, said Irvina, then I don’t have to harass the servants or start even more rumors. She was easily admitted to the castle and headed directly for the gardens and the woodsy nook therein, tensing immediately as she entered the shade thereof as she sensed several shades in the copse, no doubt making the Prince’s misery even more bitter with their whispers of shame and despair.

He looked up with horrified eyes, red with weeping, an angry sneer suddenly marring his face, what do you want?

What do you need? asked she gently.

The Prince was agape, do you not know that it was I who betrayed your nephew and protégé to their deaths?

You are the one who is suffering for it, said she quietly, you and your father were tricked into this reprehensible situation, your friends were merely a means to an end, it is you the villains want to destroy, and the Kingdom with you.

Those terrible voices? pled the boy, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

The same, said she, vile servants of evil, wholly devoted to death and destruction, corruption and misery and chaos.

Enough hag! spat the shadow, stepping out of the concealing gloom, You walk a dangerous path, woman. Leave well enough alone and you need not regret it for all eternity!

Ithril was on his feet, sword bared, growled he, leave us, fiend!

"Murderers and traitors are my