An Element of Magic

By Jan M. Goldie

Fans of magic, mages and mythical creatures will love this epic YA fantasy series. The first gripping read, Dangers of Being Brave & True has been said to transform reluctant readers into keen readers!

An Element of Magic is the second book in The Broken Spell series; an early-young adult epic fantasy adventure fantasy exploring the boundaries of an uncharted world and the friendships that make it magical.

A magnificent announcement
A mysterious call
A magical promise

It’s been three months since Mallevia croaked and Brave is grumpy. True’s taken off, he has no friends and his mom refuses to answer important questions. What’s worse, his elements are misbehaving. Being a prince sucks! So when a shock announcement hurls him back into the spotlight and strange threats arise, he’s forced to call on new friends for help.

True is learning to live with wings and a tail and loves the freedom to fly, but her family doesn’t approve. Desperate to escape their selfish plans, she accepts the royal court’s offer, only to discover an impossible task clouded in secrets. How will she survive the countless dangers of the unknown?

Elsewhere, the country rebuilds in the wake of the fake queen’s dark deeds, and in a hidden corner something nameless and loathsome awakens.

The Broken Spell series:
When unspeakable evil is buried in legend, nobody pays attention to a few mauled bodies. But as the kingdom of Arvalonia discovers, the past can come back to bite you. A reluctant heir to the throne, his shapeshifting friend and an unlikely bunch of young allies are scattered to the far reaches of the continent until they realize their combined elemental magic could be what’s needed to turn the tide of the resistance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jan M. Goldie
• Release date: Feb 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9781738595587

Jan M. Goldie

I’m a New Zealand based author working on a YA fantasy series. First book, The Dangers of Being Brave & True is available now. Book 2 of the Broken Spell series is out in early 2024.I love to write songs, novellas, books and short stories and hope these will transport you to worlds you remember, alongside characters you love.When I'm not writing or staring into space (aka working on what I'll write next), I'm hanging with family, watching movies, reading, listening to music or traveling. Sometimes all at once.More details at jmgoldie.comInstagram: @authorjmgoldieTikTok: @jmgoldie

Book preview

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The Broken Spell series

Book One: The Dangers of Being Brave & True

Book Two: An Element of Magic

Book Three: Coming soon!

Learn more at www.jmgoldie.com

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Dedication

For Bill & Lorna Clarke

Grand Masters of love and care.

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This book belongs to...

This book belongs to:

……………………

Element(s):

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Contents

Wait, how did book one end?

Treadbetter's map

True's map

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Pig-mail

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Pig-mail

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Pig-mail

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Pig-mail

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Epilogue

Song lyrics: Brave in the Air Like He Just Don’t Care

Characters

Glossary of Terms

Thanks for reading

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Praise for The Dangers

Copyright

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Wait, how did book one end?

Welcome back! So excited you enjoyed The Dangers of Being Brave & True enough to read more of the series. Here’s the recap of the final scenes of book one, in a nutshell...

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True’s story:

When last you saw True, Brave had hurled her to the top of Mt Resolution, where she met Essence from the Walker clan, who showed her some disturbing stuff and ordered her to fetch Brave’s uncle. Later, she was offered a role with the royal family, confronted her father about all his lies and traveled to Kingsfort castle with Steadfast and Brave’s mom to meet her sister and track down Brave. There, she changed into horse form, saved Brave from certain death, grabbed his uncle’s sword with her teeth and threw it to him so he could face off against the pretender queen, Mallevia Newcomer. At the last moment, Honor stepped in, seized Brave’s hands and the sword, and thrust the weapon into the old lady, killing her. It was horrendous, gruesome and in True’s eyes, justified.

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Brave’s story:

When last you saw Brave, he’d narrowly escaped Fort Crag’s dungeons and Mallevia Newcomer, with the help of his imprisoned grandfather and his old neighborhood nemesis, Riley. In the process he got a front row view of the inner workings of Mallevia’s mind. Escaping those awful images Brave went to Kingsfort Castle to seek help, only to be captured by the false queen yet again and used as an example of her power and domination over his family – who, in case you missed it, she hated. After True saved him from smashing his noggin, Brave offered the imposter a way out by showing her what he knew of the Web. Unfortunately - surprise! - Mallevia chose evil over Balance and attacked. Just when he thought he was a goner, True as Changel threw him his uncle’s sword and out of nowhere, his mom stepped in and made him murder the false queen. It was gross.

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The end bit: We saw Rat being summoned to a Walker clan meeting at their Inner Heat’s sanctuary by a young woman called Shadow, who was a bit sassy. Shadow said the meeting was about Brave. Rat hid his surprise. So did Humpty Do.

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So, there you have it! You’re all caught up. It’s time to get cracking on book 2 – welcome to An Element of Magic!

May Balance be your guide.

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Prologue

He rose in darkness. Pulling on simple, warm clothes, he made a necklace of his heavy boots and left his bedroom. In the narrow corridor, he tiptoed, fingertipping the cool interior stonework, passing his mother’s rooms quietly.

Dawn was a soft, bruised light through a narrow opening at the end of the hall. Descending three flights of spiral stairs at top speed, he reached ground level, unbolted the exterior door, and winced at the creak as it eased open, only stopping long enough to lace on his boots.

Dew-coated grass surrounded his home on all sides, and the castle’s crenelated heights rose into a bleached-blue, cloudless sky. He raised his hood over mussed golden hair, shoved hands in deep pockets, and headed towards Wordhaven river, its green ribbon snaking all the way from some brutal mountain range beyond Fort Crag.

A screech ripped the morning air, as sharp and sudden as a whip crack. His heart stuttered, mind weaponless as it sent him backwards, arms wheeling, into past pain…

Mallevia’s screams. Broken teeth in a dark mouth. A sharp blade sliding between ancient ribs.

He blinked to clear the memories. Not here. Not now.

It’s only a bird, he said to the river.

The plod of his footsteps across the crafter bridge struck a lonely drumbeat, and entering the emerald tree line felt like walking into the dark green cavity of some arboreal, sleeping beast. The temperature dived; shadows closed in. He pushed through quivering plant life to reach a familiar moss-covered log, sat down, closed his eyes, and listened: a gentle trickle of nearby water, the click and rub of insects, his own thrumming pulse.

A twig snapped. He swung around. Was someone there?

Nothing moved except the dancing grasses, so he focused, threw senses outward, seeking the elements, growth, links and connections between them and him. Searching for the multi-colored beauty and sweet sensation of earth, air, fire, and water and that same glistening, tenuous bond he’d found many months ago.

Beads of sweat journeyed down the back of his neck. His fingers cramped in tight fists, crescent moons slicing into his palms. Shoulders bunched, until he gasped in frustration and hung his head. Nothing. Once again. His connection to the Web had vanished.

Why can’t I do this? Where has it gone? he asked the empty air.

As if in explosive answer, a tree on the edge of the clearing bent double with a crack.

What the…?

It shot pine needles like fresh scented bullets, peppering him.

Hey! he yelled, throwing up his hands.

A breath later, the mossy log burst into flames, and he leapt away, batting his singed legs. A blast of wind knocked him to his knees, and a Hawaii-huge wave rose from the stream, paused to refract the morning’s sun into a rainbow, and crashed over him.

Brave staggered to his feet and shook off the water like a wet dog. The log hissed.

He trod an angry circle, hands on hips. First nothing, then everything? he yelled. What am I supposed to do with that?!

The forest didn’t know.

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Chapter 1

Headmistress Featherfew clapped for silence. The soundwave rippled across the enormous hall, bouncing off the tapestry-lined stone and timber walls, rattling the crossed military dress sabers displayed at intervals and rising to the immense wooden beams high overhead. Fixing an earnest stare on the assembled students, she waited for murmurs and excited giggles to die down as they settled into many lines of bench seats.

Welcome to announcement day! she boomed from the stage. A short, compact woman, the Headmistress’ confident proclamation carried to the back of the room, causing the hairs on Brave’s arms to rise and a familiar sizzle to electrify the air. This is a sensational day! she enthused. For so many years, the announcement ritual has been completed in secrecy or not at all. The muted footsteps of latecomers peeling off soaked layers blended with the rhythmic plod of horses being led out of the worsening weather. Many of our older students are being announced for the first time. A historical moment. She beamed at the gathering.

As if it needed attention, a boisterous wind fluted around the sturdy castle walls, and Headmistress Featherfew, feeling the sudden chill, pulled her dark blue cloak closer and looked down a long nose, eyeing them from her perch.

While summer seems to have deserted us for the time being, she said, no amount of bad weather will deter this tradition! So, let us all acknowledge the freedom we now enjoy by first singing the royal national anthem of Arvalonia. Please stand.

Students, teachers, and guests heaved to their feet. At the very back of the stage, a jumble of musicians took up horns, a complicated string instrument, and some kind of brightly painted drum to belt out the opening bars.

Squashed in the fifth row with the juniors, Brave tried to remember the words. Something about faith in the mountains? True had attempted to teach him, but it hadn’t sunk in. Fake it until you make it. He moved his lips. Around him, middle schoolers and taller, broader seniors hollered enthusiastically.

He darted a quick look behind. Two rows back, surrounded by her fawning friend group, Mist Harborsfort pinned him with a laser beam stare. A snake in a bed of flowers, True’s big sister’s long blonde hair floated around her narrow face. Brave wondered why he’d once thought the two looked so alike. Where a bright interest shone from True’s oval eyes, Mist radiated strange. The dead-eye zombie stare she gave him now didn’t help. For the hundredth time, he wished True was here. Mist arched a pale eyebrow, and he hurriedly faced the front again.

Headmistress Featherfew hopped forward as the last notes of the anthem echoed around the hall and everyone sank back into their seats. Now, for some housekeeping…

Brave scanned the stage. Seated front and center, Uncle Steadfast slouched into a big earth-crafted chair, legs splayed, hands fidgeting with the intricately braided vines woven in and around the arm rests, small buds sprouting and actual butterflies fluttering among them. In dark tunic and trousers with a dramatic black cloak emblazoned with the Kingsfort family crest over his shoulders, he was a big crow. A crow who’d rather be somewhere else, getting stuff done.

In contrast, Brave’s mother sat upright, attentive, her back straight as a tree trunk against the crafted throne, her mouth held in a hard line. The frizzy hair, yoga clothes, and easy smiles were long gone. She noticed him staring and nodded imperceptibly. Leaning towards her brother, she murmured. Steadfast’s eyes skimmed to Brave. Were they whispering about the fight at breakfast this morning? He cringed.

His mom had wanted him to sit on a throne with them like a prize-winning pie on display. He’d refused. No way! She’d gone on and on about duty and attending to royal tradition and the upcoming Congress meetings. He couldn’t believe how grumpy she always was, ever since…

It’s not about courage, it’s about justice.

She’d declared it as she’d grabbed his hands and thrust the sword into Mallevia’s body. Fine words. For a murderer.

He pushed the memory away.

Steadfast caught his eye and winked. Brave quickly looked to the floor. What had his uncle told him earlier this morning? Everyone wants a good look at the dude who faced off the enemy and won.

Well, that dude’s not me! Mom made me do it. She won against Mallevia, not me.

Instead of shouting it to the ceiling like he wanted to, he hid his unease and bit back the words. He’d stopped himself saying anything for three months—why start now?

Thinking back to breakfast, he remembered when the conversation had gone from bad to worse. He’d been about to eat his toast when he’d blurted out perhaps the worst thing:

"You said Announcement Day wasn’t important. I’m not sitting on that stage. It’s bad enough everyone knows you’re my mother."

Mom’s brows had risen to her hairline.

A lovely way to talk, she’d said.

He’d slammed his knife down a little too loudly and flew to his feet. It felt like they were always angry with each other.

I didn’t mean it like that!

She’d wrapped defensive arms across her chest. This is serious.

They’d faced off against each other, anger simmering across the breakfast spreads until Uncle Steadfast had interrupted, voice neutral. "Announcing an element isn’t a big a deal. Most people have a pretty good idea of what they’ll get, and almost everyone is right. He’d swapped a meaningful look with Brave’s Mom. If students do end up becoming mages, it decides their branch—earth, air, fire, or water. All good!"

He’d wiped his mouth with a napkin, and Brave had watched bright red jelly soak into the falconite’s wings emblazoned across the fabric. The family crest.

Almost everyone? he asked.

In the old days, the history books tell us children used to get multiple elements, but connection isn’t as common now. Steadfast ran a hand through his hair and sighed. These days, one may have a leaning towards an element but no actual connection. Sometimes students are encouraged to go in another direction.

A claw of anxiety had squeezed Brave’s chest.

What happens if I don’t get any elements announced? he’d said, trying to look as if the answer didn’t matter, picking at the skin peeling around his thumb nail.

Well, hypothetically, you couldn’t be king. A king or queen must have at least one strong element.

Dread and hope had souped together at those words. Maybe he wouldn’t have to go through all this crap?

Well, there’s no chance, is there!? snapped Mom. You’ve already shown a propensity for water and air with weather manipulation, not to mention Go Spells! She’d burst his bubble. Now stop bleating on about it. You can sit with your classmates. I must go—you do too, or you’ll be late!

She’d given him a quick shoulder squeeze and rushed out the door.

Steadfast had shaken his head, newly graying hair tied back in the usual ponytail at the nape of his neck. My sister is a force!

Brute force, Brave had replied.

She loves you more than you know.

He remembered shrugging.

You better get going.

I want to go back to mooching around the castle with nothing to do!

You complained, so now you’re a fully enrolled student. How’s that going for you?

Most of the kids are half my age, and I suck at everything.

The offer stands to have an individual tutor.

No.

His uncle had chuckled. Yeah, it sucks to be you.

Thanks for the encouragement. He’d scraped back his chair.

Hey, take these with you. His uncle had pointed at the dishes with his chin.

But…

Royalty is service, kiddo.

Brought back to the present by a round of loud applause, Brave stole a glance at the other students, wishing his last name wasn’t Kingsfort. He did all the same stuff they did; swept out the stables, helped with chores, ran pointlessly through the forest, learned about lame herbs and idiotic geography. But because he had a fancy title, they’d never accept him.

A giant tapestry of the royal family crest covered the back wall behind the stage. The falconite bird of prey flew across a purple background sprinkled with five stars. Stupid crest! It was everywhere; on uniforms, napkins, bedsheets. He pictured the small tattoo on his chest and swallowed the bitter feeling snaking through his veins. There was no getting away from that bird.

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Chapter 2

The Headmistress’ chirping drew his attention back to the ceremony.

My name is Perseverance Featherfew, and I am a former Southern Grand Mistress; current Assistant Administrator to the air element branch; Chair of the Five Midnighters card game club; botany, math, elemental basics, and history teacher; and, last but not least, Headmistress at Kingsfort Castle’s newly re-established Mage Academy.

Brave sat up straighter.

My friends call me Percy, she continued, and you may call me...Headmistress.

Teachers chuckled. Dotted among the students, their distinctive dark blue uniform stood out amongst the beige tunics worn by the young people.

We welcome the royal family back into our fold. She gestured to Brave’s mom and uncle, throwing a quick smile their way and, for an infinitesimal moment, locking eyes with Brave. With their return, we resume our studies, our traditions, and, in fact, our lives thanks to the vanquishing of our enemy and the return of Balance.

A couple of the teachers and parents burst into spontaneous clapping. A few students joined in, and others cheered. Heads turned his way. Why do they keep banging on about it? His stomach churned with embarrassment and irritation crept beneath his skin. The students nearby jostled in their seats. It was three months ago! Get over it. He lowered his head and pretended to find something incredibly interesting on the back of his hand.

Headmistress Featherfew changed tack again, her expression solemn. The task before me is a hefty responsibility I delight in. To announce each new student’s elemental capacity is a joy and one I’ve trained for. She extended her arms like wings, gesturing to the entire hall. Knowing your elements enables you to find your place in society and realize your potential for the benefit of all! She stroked her snow-white hair, tucking a loose tendril behind a small ear. Angling towards the dais, she gestured towards Brave’s Mom. But first, our queen regent would like to say a few brief words.

Honor rose gracefully and drifted center stage. Lifting hands, palms skyward, in a gesture of welcome, she paused regally. The silver crown, once worn by Mallevia, shimmered at her brow, the amber star-shaped gems glowing. A flowing violet gown made her taller, grander, more formal. She didn’t look like his mom at all.

Welcome, she said, smiling warmly. It is my supreme pleasure to officially reinstate this important ceremony. I wish you all a fruitful day and ask you to keep in mind what is important. She lifted her chin. The three pillars of elemental learning should be kept at the forefront of your minds today and going forward. Calm. Connect. Create. We are given these elements as a gift by the Web, and we are responsible for how we wield them. Remember, you are bestowed with this talent for a reason. Turn your knowledge into wisdom and use it with kindness. All the best!

Brave fidgeted. Nice speech, he thought. For a killer.

Nodding thanks, Featherfew returned. Shall we begin? Senior teachers, please assemble your students to be announced; the middle school and juniors will follow.

Bustled into an untidy line, seniors of varying ages filed to the front of the hall, leaving over-excited middle schoolers and juniors to chat and wait impatiently in the bench seats. Brave watched enviously as a short boy showed off his water element skills. Against all the rules, he sent a spray across the seniors in line, causing furious glares from those who’d fixed their hair for the occasion. In reply, a senior boy waved his hand in a little spiral and said something in a whisper. Seconds later the magnified message carried to where Brave sat. Get lost squints! Heads turned and some raised their hands to retaliate, but before it could go any further, a teacher intervened.

No practicing in the main hall, or there will be serious consequences involving laundry or outhouse duties!

With a strobe light flash, lightning splintered the gloomy corners of the room, and everyone oohed and ahhed. The pitter-patter of rain intensified as the summer storm took a turn for the worse and distant thunder rumbled. Servants hustled to start a fire in one of two enormous fireplaces, setting kindling alight and fussing as a cloud of smoke caused a brief kerfuffle. Others ignited ready-made torches, ensconced in rounded alcoves. Soon, flames cast warm, trembling pools of light across the eager faces of the audience.

Brave wasn’t one of them. With every flash, his stomach somersaulted, and a feeling of panic threatened to suffocate him. What if everyone discovered how useless he was? What if they found out he couldn’t connect? What if he made a complete fool of himself?

Why do the seniors get to go first? hissed his neighbor. Twig twirled a finger around a thick chunk of long brown hair. She pulled her legs onto the seat and frowned. For her sake, Brave smiled. One of the few kids around the castle who wasn’t afraid to talk to him, she was only ten years old.

The seniors will be quick.

It’s not fair.

I know.

It’s stupid.

I agree.

Brave and Twig watched the gangly teenagers approach the headmistress, one at a time, their expressions solemn. She rested gnarled hands on the shoulders of each, often having to reach up to do so, and closed her eyes. Pausing no more than a few seconds, she proclaimed the student’s dominant elemental strength.

Hope Endmeadow, water! she warbled.

Critter Betterson, earth!

Following instructions, the announced student then agreed by thumping their chest and swooping low in a ceremonial bow. They filed past the queen regent to shake hands and hover in front of Uncle Steadfast, who pinned a tiny metal badge to their uniform, congratulating each with a few words.

Sweet suffering Arvalonia, moaned Twig. This is going to take forever.

Air and...a minor in earth!

The hall broke out in applause as a senior boy claimed two elements.

Oh, my! Twig forgot to complain and joined in.

Brave glanced around in surprise. Being allocated two elements was apparently big news.

The line snailed forward, with announced students moving off to a corner of the hall. The top left was designated to the air element. For fire element-strong, the top right corner nearest one of the blazing hearths, its namesake now roaring to life. Earth and water took the rear corners. High above the student’s heads, giant colorful tapestries displayed an elemental symbol; waves, flames, trees, and a spiraling tornado.

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Chapter 3

Mist stood in line, only two away from Featherfew. She tapped a fine leather boot. Chin high, hands on hips, impatient. Brave couldn’t believe she was the same girl who’d escaped Mallevia’s clutches. The second her parents agreed to let her stay at the castle, she’d transformed, flung herself into schoolwork and gathered suck-ups like a dog attracting fleas. Zero to mean-girl in three months. Whenever she drew near, he broke out in a sweat. There was something odd about the way she looked at him, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. Nearly everybody else thought of her as a big celebrity—the girl who’d saved the south.

She crossed pale arms like a barrier over her heart and sashayed towards Featherfew. A breath later, her voice rang out across the hall.

Headmistress, I’m so delighted you agree I have many strong elements!

Her voice could wake a small, hard of hearing creature buried far beneath the dunes of the Inner Heat.

Two. Air and water, said Featherfew, ever patient. Congratulations.

Her exclamation cut off the applause. I’m so excited air is the best of them!

Because you’re an airhead? whispered Twig.

Brave tried not to laugh. He should be happy for her. Mist had had a hard life. Being covered in enchanted molten silver since she was small had to mess with her head, right? Truth was, he simply didn't like her. He hated the way she could turn on the charm act when needed and be a sulky pain in the butt the rest of the time. Nothing like her sister.

The girl who saved the south shook hands, bowed, and received her badges, swiveling to aim an unsmiling wave directly at him from the stage. Slumping down, he tried to hide, but everyone turned to stare again.

Coma girl likes you, whispered Twig.

Shut it.

Twig raised her chin. She’s a bit old for you, isn’t she?

He threw her a scathing look. Coma girl? How do you know that word?

She rolled her eyes. You called her that.

I definitely did not.

You must have been talking to yourself. She grinned.

Mist strutted to the air corner, joining some of her groupies, who squealed and air kissed and examined each other’s badges in delight. It was obvious by now air was the most announced element.

Brave watched her beam and chat with confusion twisting his gut. How did coma girl get a whole lot of friends and he barely had one? Envy ate at him. He stayed low in his seat, trying to block it all out.

Slowly, three corners filled with excited students. The fire corner remained empty. Teachers milled, offering congratulations in low voices, and smiled. Rain pelted the roof and spat through the narrow slits high in the main hall walls. The same servants who lit the hearth fire ignited lanterns.

Twig yawned. When is it my turn?

Soon.

She yanked her hair back in frustration, revealing a fine scar snaking behind an ear and down the back of her deep brown neck. Brave pretended not to notice. Mom had told him Twig’s parents had been killed by enchanted green guards. Twig and the rest of her family had made their way south from an alpine village in the Minington region in the hopes of avoiding more conflict.

What do you think your element will be? he whispered.

Fire.

So certain? I thought fire was rare.

She answered by poking his arm with a burning hot fingertip.

Ow!

She giggled.

Congratulations to the senior students! We now move on to middle school.

Twig groaned so loudly a teacher shushed her.

Far more excitable, the middle school students beamed and giggled, but Brave zoned out until he woke to Twig clapping enthusiastically beside him.

My brother got fire!

He craned his neck to see Twig’s big brother, but his view was blocked by the large, barrel-chest of his least favorite teacher gesturing madly at a bunch of senior boys. They’d managed to get an entire row of senior girls’ hair to stand on end, as if they were hanging upside down, sending the boys into fits of laughter.

Keep this behavior up, and you’ll be covered in the stink of the tannery tonight instead of attending the celebration! Master Crisp barked.

The angry teacher rapped one of the older students over the head with his knuckles and growled, causing the others to snigger until he sent them a wild boar stare worthy of the Hulk.

Pipe down!

The announcements dragged on. Featherfew finally made it to the last boy in line, who let out a yelp.

What do you mean no element?! I know I have water!

She made soothing gestures. It doesn’t mean you don’t have an elemental strength, young man, simply not quite enough for a full career as a mage. The boy’s face fell. Your strength no doubt lies in a profession involving some specialty with water essential to life here. Perhaps as a waterwender, or something to do with the hot springs?

I am not going to be some boring pool attendant!

Oh. Twig slapped a hand over her mouth.

The Headmistress stiffened as if she might reprimand, but as she took a breath, Brave’s mom floated forward to smile and touch his shoulder.

Pip, I knew your parents and mourn their loss. Her voice carried, kind and firm. All eyes turned to the front.

Pip bowed, shy in front of a royal.

You are a good student.

He forced a smile.

"Although I recognize you’re disappointed, please think about it. We are all a crucial part of making