One day we are invited to tour the royal menagerie. I am intrigued. This doesn’t appear to be something that will allow them to judge our worth, we will simply be looking at animals. Perhaps they are giving us a break. Regardless, I think I will enjoy myself.
I wander through the path, surrounded by plants, stunning birds flying overhead. There are so many exotic animals, brightly colored and beautiful. I meander slowly, until I reach a cold, dark corner of the building. There are cages lining the wall, filled with animals with heavy coats, the kind of animals that you might find in Wenth. I scan the cages briefly, thinking that these are animals that I see every day at home.
Then I see it. In the coldest, darkest corner of the room, there is beast so terrifying and beautiful, it could only be one thing. Is it true? I think to myself. I have only ever heard rumors of their existence.
Yes, I had been told that my great great grandmother had slain one, but I had always assumed it to be fiction.
But here was proof, right before my eyes. I was looking at an Ice Wolf.
How can this be?
I see Prince Tamd out of the corner of my eye, I turn and smile at him, attempting a warm smile, though I am still slightly shocked.
He smiles back, and nods at the beast. “You like this animal?”
“I think so” I say, unsure.
“Tell me, why exactly do you like it?”
“I am in awe of it. In Wenth, Ice Wolves have been known to terrorize villages, but none have been seen in 50 years. I never thought that I would find one here.”
“This one has been here as long as I can remember.” He tells me.
“They are believed to live hundreds of years.” I say.
We are both silent for a while. Finally he says quietly, “I wish I could let it go free. It seems so unfair to keep it locked up here for our amusement. But, of course, I’m not supposed to do that. And then, it’s been here in the palace so long, I don’t know if it even could survive on its own.”
I suppose I shouldn’t be as surprised as I am. He is such a kind person. I agree with everything that he has said.
After a moment he shakes himself and gives a small laugh. “Anyway, I would miss it if it were gone.”
He turns to me fully. “What do you miss most about your home?”
“Of course I miss my family, but to be totally honest with you, it is the children that I tutor whom I miss the most. They are so sweet, and I miss hearing them laugh every day.”
Leaving this blank for your response.
I smile as he takes his leave. With each passing day I am more happy to be here at the palace, but after speaking with Prince Tamd about Myrie and Nol, I miss them even more. I decide to spend the evening writing letters home. |