Chapter 36
Fernland
Electra sat at the edge of her bed looking for signs of approaching dawn out the window. She heard a rooster crowing in the courtyard and decided she had waited long enough. She dressed in the dark room and lit a candle at the table that served as a desk.
She dipped a feathered quill into a bottle of ink and smoothed a strip of paper. Even though she had stayed awake worrying most of the night, she still could not think of a good reason to keep Prince Oswald from visiting Helsop. She could tell her parents the truth but the terrible truth was, Dagon had undertaken a dangerous mission from which he might not return.
She tried to imagine what her father's reaction might be. King Geoffrey would not want to leave Helsop vulnerable to being taken over by Prince Blackwell of Henge. Nor would he think Electra capable of executing the duties of Headman. In this she would agree—she had no experience leading a militia. King Geoffrey would certainly station a squadron of Fernland's royal guardsmen there.
Electra shook her head. She could not allow that. Not yet. Not as long as there was a chance Dagon would return. She dipped her pen into the ink once more and began to write.
Dorian,
If you are reading this you have acted as I have hoped and have not given away the fact that our Headman is gone on a dangerous journey. I am attempting to keep a persistent visitor away from Helsop. Pretend to take this message to Dagon, and send King Geoffrey's messenger back to Fernland. Then, if it would not be asking too much, could you make the trip down here to Fernland with an assortment of weapons? I feel it is imperative that we do not allow this Prince Oswald to visit, nor should we admit to my father that Dagon is absent from Helsop. I believe Dagon made a mistake leaving me in charge, but this is the best subterfuge I have devised at present. If you are unable to come yourself, please appoint someone you trust to come in your place and bring along the message I have written below as a reply.
With gratitude for your help,
Electra
My Dear Electra,
Some person or persons have made an attempt to break into our supply of the white powder. For the time being we are allowing no strangers into the village. You may tell Prince Oswald that I will send a man along with this message and a selection of the weapons we have for sale. If he wishes to put in an order, we will do our best to supply it.
I hope you will be returning soon.
With affection,
Dagon
Princess Electra Book 4 School of Medicine Page 37