Flight of the Five Swans
Epilogue

Dear Ayden,

First of all, I have been asked tothank you (again) for the rhaita you sent for Eurielle last month. I know that I’ve already passed along herthanks in my last three letters, but she still insists that I include it againhere. She practices on it almostconstantly, and has already mastered three new songs in the last weekalone. What’s more, the songs are nowbecoming recognizable to more than just her. I must admit that this is certainly a welcome change for the rest of us—particularlyPetra. On a related note, Petra hasstopped threatening your life under her breath, so I think it is now safe foryou to write to her yourself and apologize for inadvertently disturbing her. After all this, I imagine you’ve well andtruly learned your lesson about giving away musical instruments on a whim. Believe me when I tell you that Eurielle’sjoy isn’t quite worth risking Petra’s wrath.

We are all well here, though some ofus are a little more well-rested than others. Nearly everyone is feeling some sleepless nights, all thanks to thelovely set of lungs that my new nephew has recently learned to use. Eralie and Ty have it the worst of course,seeing as how they are the ones having to get up to appease the baby. Poor Eralie had bags under her eyes all dayyesterday after a particularly bad night. I have taken to watching baby James for a couple hours during the day sothat they can rest, but they never actually do. Too many tasks require their attention ever since Father abdicated, thoughhe does still try to help out where he can. In the meantime, I must admit to immensely enjoying the extra time withmy nephew. He is sitting up on his ownnow, and he always smiles when he sees me—and Thaleia as well, of course.

Allcontinues to go quite well with the transition of kingship. It had been in the works for a while as I’vementioned before, so Eralie and Ty were well prepared for the change, even withthe added responsibility of a newborn on top of it all. Cliodne is sure that another month or twowill be all that is required to get things completely under control. Eurielle and Callia are still quitedisappointed that the coronation was not a larger affair than it was. I am too, to be perfectly honest, though Iunderstand the difficulty a larger event would have raised. I highly doubt our illustrious six-month-oldprince would have appreciated having his naptime disturbed by trumpet fanfare,even if it were for his parents. Still, it is not out of the question that alarger event might come to pass in the near future as a belated celebration,though I will surely let you know by letter long before we send out theofficial invitations.

Iwould not dare to tell anyone but you, but I believe Father thinks that hechose the wrong time to step down. Hehas mentioned feeling guilty for adding to Ty and Eralie’s load, though Isuspect a large part of him simply misses being king—particularly now that thecouncil of kingdoms has finally intervened in Deturus. Again, we thank you and your illustriousparents for your aid in that endeavor. Though I will not pretend to completely understand the strategy myself,Thaleia assures me that your support was invaluable in blockading the Deturianpalace and deposing Soran. Had Fatherstill been king at the time of Soran’s sentencing, I feel certain that he wouldhave advocated a harsher punishment than banishment—and Thaleia and Petra wouldlikely have agreed with him. The rest ofus, however, fully support the decision made by Eralie and Ty on behalf of thecouncil. Callia and Cliodne both thinkthe ruling lenient but necessary; neither hold with Thaleia and Petra’s thoughtthat Soran should have been put to death, and I admit the mere idea of such apunishment still turns my stomach. Surely lifetime banishment from every kingdom in the council will forceSoran far enough from any mischief that he could possibly cause again? Please feel free to tell me if you feel I amnaïve in this, but I choose to be optimistic.

Evenif Soran were to return, Cliodne atleast is determined not to be taken by surprise a second time. She has been spending even more time in thelibrary than Callia lately, searching for any information that she can replaceabout the Faerie realm. She has evenbegun corresponding with magical scholars in some of our ally nations, and hasnow accrued a great number of notes on the topic. I haven’t yet dared ask what she hasdiscovered; I have no desire to toy with such forces again, though I supposeknowing more about the subject might prove useful in recognizing and avoidingpractitioners like Soran. Still, Iprefer to leave the researching to Clio and Callia. My hands still remember the ache of incessantknitting all too well.

AsI mentioned in my last letter, Thaleia has been worrying me lately; she’s beenquiet—almost depressed—about her limitations. But I’m happy to say that the suggestion you made in your last letterhas already improved things in that end; Thaleia was thrilled at your offer ofarranging private sword fighting lessons for her with an Ithcarian master. She has been in awe of your countrymen’sskill with a blade ever since we witnessed it last autumn, and is already eagerto begin. It is good to see herenthusiasm return, so thank you for that as well. You have a sixth sense about exactly whatmakes all of my sisters—and me—smile.

Whichbrings me now to the response I know you are waiting to hear. In answer to the question you asked in yourprevious letter: write to Father. Hisanswer, I am sure, will be yes. As ismine.

Yoursforever and always,

Raia