CHAPTER 1

The message came by catlin from Irth to Earth. The smallblack and white striped feline with bluish-black featheredwings was swift and sworn to its duty. However it wasnot above having a bit of fun in the process of its business.

Banking around Lyndell's castle towers, the catlin dovebetween the posted guards on the upper wall, yowling fiercely.The startled guards cried out in alarm and ducked for cover. Thecatlin then whisked up to the window of Merrick and Krystin'schambers. There it perched on the ledge for a moment, licking itspaw and enjoying its view. Below, the spooked and cursing guardswere shaking their fists, promising revenge.

The catlin stretched lazily, satisfied it had caused a sufficientstir, then leapt through the open window. It landed lightly on thefloor behind the tapestry, which hung over the opening to keepout the cool spring air. Sauntering to the middle of the room, ityowled its greeting and announcement of the arrival of a message.It sat on its haunches, folded back its glossy wings, and waitedto be noticed. The catlin switched its tail impatiently. If it had toyowl again, it might have to demand higher pay.

Presently, Princess Krystin came into the sitting room,yawning and rubbing her still sleepy green eyes. "I thoughtI heard a catlin," she said drowsily. She knelt down, her longgolden-brown braid slipping over her shoulder. She openedthe message tube which was attached to the animal's back by aleather harness. Pulling out a roll of parchment, she stroked thecatlin gently.

"Merrick!" Krystin called toward the bed chambers. "A messagefrom home."

Smiling, her husband, Merrick ambled into the sitting room."Who's it from?" he asked, coming up from behind and puttinghis arms around her.

"I'm not sure," she replied, returning his smile and affection."I've never seen this seal before."

Krystin turned and handed Merrick the rolled message. Heglanced at the green wax seal which held it closed.

"It's the seal of en'Edlia's High Council," Merrick said runninghis hand through his dark hair. "It must be official business,though I can't imagine what it might concern." He tapped oneside of the imprinted waxy glob and it vanished with a "poof."Merrick began to unroll the crisp parchment.

"Official business is boring," Krystin yawned. "I'll go see to thetwins."

Merrick slumped into a soft chair. His brow furrowed as hisdark eyes moved quickly over the words written in a flowingscript. Suddenly he gasped, sitting bolt upright in the chair. "Oh,no," he moaned, dropping his face into his hand.

Krystin came back towing a toddler with each hand. Herhusband sat limply, his face pale. "Merrick! What's the matter?"she cried. She released the children and knelt at Merrick's side,touching him gently.

"I'm being called back home to en'Edlia," Merrick choked out.He looked sadly into his wife's eyes. "My father is dead."

CHAPTER 2

"Krystin is coming! My new sister is coming!"Nizza couldn't stop saying it. "After twelve longyears with just brothers, I'll have a sister livingright here with me!"

Nizza turned a dancing circle, her arms wide and her long,straight, red hair flying out in all directions. "Can she sleep in myroom, Mother?"

"No, dear," Narrian, the high matriarch of en'Edlia replied, asmall smile touching her lips. "She'll be in the high patriarchalchambers with your brother, Merrick."

"Oh." Nizza frowned disappointedly. "I wish I could have goneto their wedding with you and father. Merrick always gets to dofun things."

"I'm sure Merrick will be having much less fun now he ...he ...," Narrian tried to control her emotions. She drew a raggedbreath as the tears came to her eyes yet again. Her unadornedwhite dress, a symbol of her mourning, lay around her like snow.Her dark hair was pinned up away from her face. "How can Iever go on without my dear, strong Brokt?" she muttered. "I'moverwhelmed with funeral preparations, the coronation ceremony,and all the foreign ambassadors and dignitaries coming from allover Irth and off-worlds to pay their respects. He was too youngto leave me so soon."

"Oh, Mother," Nizza ran to sit beside her mother and place aloving arm around her shoulders.

Concentrating on radiating happiness toward her mother,Nizza envisioned a warming, golden glow around them both,easing their sorrow and carrying away the heaviness of heartthey felt.

This was Nizza's birth-gift, a magical power which all peopleof Irth are born with. Each person's gift could be different. Eachmust learn to control and use it to help themselves and others.Nizza thought hers was perfect. She loved giving others happinessand peace, even though she wasn't affected by her own power. Herfamily's grief had been easier for her to bear knowing she couldease some of the harder moments for them, like now.

Nizza particularly liked using her birth-gift for defensivepurposes. It was so satisfying watching her brothers squirm.They loved to tease and pester her, using their own birth-giftsof levitation and controlling insects to play jokes on her or try toanger her. However, Nizza's gift had proven an equal match, forJarrius and Wayen soon found themselves crying with happiness,helpless under her power.

Now as she sat by her lonely, grieving parent, she felt hermother relax as the deep sorrow was lifted by her gift. As shecontinued to comfort the high matriarch, Nizza thought aboutwhat was happening in en'Edlia.

Third born and only daughter of High Patriarch Brokt and HighMatriarch Narrian, Nizza had watched the palace, and the realmalike, tumble into political upheaval. Her oldest brother, CrownPatriarch Merrick, was to claim the throne at the death of theirfather. He was coming home after five years on the portal worldof Earth with an off-world wife and two-year-old twin daughters.There had never been an off-worlder in the high patriarchal familyline in the history of en'Edlia. Never.

The High Council feared rebellion from the Xens. Xens werepurists believing only those of Irth should be allowed into thehigh patriarchal family. Guardwatch on the ruling family hadbeen increased. The city council was doing all it could to calm thecitizens of en'Edlia in the midst of this turmoil.

So many events were happening and each inspiring differentemotions for Nizza. She felt joy at Merrick's return, and theprospect of having a sister close. She felt deep sorrow at herbeloved father's death. There was hope for relief of en'Edlia'sbuilding tension and the return to peace as the new high patriarchwas accepted and gained control.

Nizza would have to be careful to choose wisely when andwhere to use her birth-gift. Overuse of one's gift could cause totalexhaustion, unconsciousness, mind-sickness or even death. Nizzadidn't actually know anyone who had died, but the history bookshad recorded proper warnings of those who had.

For now, all those feelings were slinking off into the murkybackground of her mind as the happiness she generated began tosoak in and her mother began to smile again.

"Mother, when will I get to meet my new sister?" Nizza askedanxiously, her excitement about Merrick's return surfacing again.

"His catlin message said they would be here tomorrowmorning, dear," Narrian replied. "And thank you." She gave Nizzaa squeeze. "Just don't wear yourself out. We will get through thistogether."

"I know we will," Nizza replied quietly. "I just want to help. Ihate feeling useless."

"Well, then," her mother said rising. "Let's go see what wecan be doing instead of just sitting here." She led Nizza out of thebedchamber and down the hall toward the kitchens.

CHAPTER 3

Smich sat on the wall dangling his legs as he held twowaterblimps carefully concealed under his coat. He wassupposed to meet his cousin, Wayen, here so they couldwatch the arrival of Crown Prince Merrick, but Smich was early.He couldn't wait to get away from his grieving family. It was all sogloomy. He would be glad when the funeral was over. He hatedthings like that. He sighed as he thought of his mother, her eyesred from crying. He had to get away. He couldn't stand to see herthat way.

Looking off into the distance, Smich remembered a time hehad had with his Uncle Brokt. It had been his uncle who had shownhim just how to dry the bloat fish skin to a delicate crispness, andthen fill it with water. It was his uncle who had taken him up onone of the palace tower walks and, with several waterblimps inhand, they had bombarded a group of unsuspecting guards.

Smich chuckled. He couldn't wait to see Wayen's face whenhe showed him the bulging waterblimps! What a perfect tributeto good old Uncle Brokt! He and Wayen would have to seriouslydiscuss who should be the receivers of such wonderful presents.Smich smiled mischievously. It was going to be an exciting day.

* * *

Nizza lay sleeping deeply in her bed which was suspended bythick ropes from the lofty ceiling. It was like a giant swing whichrocked her gently to sleep each night. However, she had lainawake into the single hours of the watch, not able to sleep for herexcitement at the return of her brother and his family. After shedid finally drift off, she had a strange dream ...

The towers of en'Edlia's palace were before her as shelooked up. Suddenly a new tower rose up, beautiful, yetstrange and different from all the other towers. Nizzaadmired the new tower's graceful lines, its uniquedesign. It seemed to have an inner strength. It was trulywonderful.

Just as suddenly as the tower had risen up, greatblack clouds gathered overhead and thunder rumbledmenacingly. Nizza felt fear without knowing why. Shehad never feared storms before. The clouds continuedto gather as the thunder's booming began to growmore intense. A flash of lightning lit the sky. Nizza wasmomentarily blinded as she cowered before the angrystorm. She felt the new tower was in great danger. Itmade no sense, but she ran toward the palace screamingwords of warning to the beautiful tower.

Lightning arched down from the sky, striking the towerwith terrifying force. Nizza opened her mouth to screambut the roaring thunder and crackling lightning drownedout her voice. Again and again the bolts struck the tower,chipping away at its beauty as it created black scarsand broken stones. Nizza watched the falling debrisas the storm seemed bent on the tower's destruction.She wanted to protect it, to shelter it somehow, but thetower was surrounded by all the other towers. It wasunreachable and the storm was so huge. She felt verysmall and helpless. She looked for someone to help her.She finally noticed her brother, Merrick inside the irongate which opened in the high walls which surroundedthe palace towers. She called out to him, pointing at thestorm, but he shut the gate tightly. Then he turned hisback to her and vanished. She frantically called andlooked for others to help. There was no one.

Then suddenly Nizza was surrounded by crowds ofpeople and her heart leaped with hope the tower couldnow be saved. She turned to see who had come to help,and as she looked, the faces in the crowd grew angryand dark as the storm. They rushed forward and beganhurling rocks at the tower, yelling mean, hurtful things.Nizza tried to stop them. She tried to tell them about thetower's beauty. No one listened. No one stopped. Nizzawas pushed and shoved aside as tears streamed downher face. "No!" she cried as she fell to the ground. "No!No! Nooooo...."

* * *

Wayen fidgeted as his man-servant, Heatham, fussed over hisformal clothes, tucking in his shirt yet again. Heatham adjustedhis jacket and gold sash which designated him as an heir in theruling family. Wayen hated all the formal occasions and this wasno exception. He didn't mind his brother, Merrick, coming home;he just minded having to dress up for it. He was the youngest andwas somewhat spoiled, but that suited him fine.

"Enough, Heatham!" Wayen stepped back out of reach. "Iam old enough to fix my own clothes now. I'll be ten at the nextseason, you know."

"As you wish, young master," Heatham bowed, frowning. "Butif the high matriarch docks my wages because you are unkempt,I shall require compensation from your pocket, sir." Heathamstraightened his own clothes, turned smartly on his heel, andstrode briskly out of the room.

Wayen was glad to be rid of him. He was stuffy and old andsmelled like a rainbow eel. Come to think of it, Heatham kind oflooks like one too. Wayen grinned. It would be worth losing a fewcoins to see less of Heatham.

Wayen frowned as he suddenly found his father's wordsdrifting through his thoughts. "Son, you must treat others withkindness no matter their station or position. It will mark you as atruly great leader. Even though you are my youngest, you will havemany opportunities to lead and even rule. Never abuse those whoserve you."

Sighing, Wayen flopped down on a chair. Why did you haveto leave me now, Father, he thought. I need you. He felt lost andmiserable as he let his thoughts wander.

Moments later, he stomped his foot. He might be the baby ofthe family, but he didn't want to be seen acting like one. He usedhis anger to push away his tender feelings. He needed to be onwith his own plans for the morning.

He had to make an appearance with the family, of course. Thenhe could sneak away to find his cousin, Smich for the welcomingprocession. From a box deep in his clothes cupboard, he pulledout the last things he needed and stuffed them into his pockets.This might turn out to be a good day after all.

* * *

The morning sun was veiled through the bedchamberwindow's sheer fabric. The sky was clear. A gentle breeze blewin from the sea. The sea birds shrieked in the distance as theyfought over breakfast. Nizza gasped and sat up, pushing her waydreamily out of sleep. She was moist with sweat and could feelher heart pounding in her chest. She lay back, closing her eyesagain. Her strange dream, so real a moment ago, was quicklyfading from her memory. She helped it go by trying to think ofmore pleasant things.

Abruptly, her eyes flew open again. This was the day! Merrickwould be here today!

Nizza threw back the covers, suddenly too warm, and rolledout of bed nearly crashing to the floor in her haste. What timecould it be? As if knowing her need, one of the hour-men walkedpast her chambers calling out, "Eight and a quarter bells! Eightand a quarter bells!"

"Oh, no!" Nizza gasped. "I'm late!" She threw open one ofher large wooden trunks and began digging through her clothes."What should I wear?" she cried.

She ran to her clothes cupboard, then scurried back to herbedside and pulled twice on the long, gold cord which rang a bellcalling her maids.

In minutes she was surrounded by three women bustlingabout. Murm had brought breakfast on a tray. It was steamedsquirting sea plums with sweetwater and fresh muffybread. Boolieswept into the room with Nizza's emerald-green satin and lacedress and clean underclothes. Nizza loved the dress even thoughWayen told her it looked like it was made of seaweed.

And finally Leesel, Nizza's favorite maid, set down the pitcherof washing water and began brushing out her hair. "Oh, pleasecan you braid it, Leesel?" Nizza begged. "But no ribbons! I want tolook more grown-up today."

"As you wish, young mistress," Leesel replied warmly. Shebegan tugging on Nizza's hair with strong, skilled fingers, braidingher long, red tresses.

Leesel called Nizza "young mistress" whenever she wished tosound formal, but it was meant to tease her. Nizza consideredLeesel her auntie, though there was no blood relation betweenthem. She knew she could always depend on her faithful maidfor anything, like keeping secrets, sneaking in a piece of cake atbedtime or covering for her if she was absent without her parents'knowledge. Those days were coming to an end as Nizza was twelvenow. In only two years she would be at an age to begin a courtship.Nizza sighed at the thought, then shrieked as Boolie doused herwith warm water for her washing.

After gulping down breakfast and wrestling into her clothes,Nizza was off down the hall with her maid still running behindher finishing the last of her long braid. Finally, just as Nizzareached the stairs, Leesel grabbed her braid bringing her to ahowling halt.

"What did you do that for?" cried Nizza, rubbing her head.

"Because you have to stand still for this part," Leesel replied.

"Oh ... very well."

(Continues...)