9
The Sisters
When I wake up the fabric of the bed I lie on is stiff with starch and smells of medicinal herbs and spices used by the elves.
“I think she is waking up, Father!” a familiar voice says eagerly.
“Are you awake Shauna?” Father asks, but something is missing from his usual greeting.
“Mentally or physically?” I ask with a smile as I sit up against the pillows. Neither of them smiles.
After a very long pause, Father asks slowly, “Did you know there was a chance you could be the Fritual before last night?”
I shake my head hard feeling childlike as I did so.
“Okay, first Shauna; I cannot continue our conversation without first telling you that you will not see Philippe for a while.”
I feel my face drain of color “why what happened? Is he okay?”
Father raises a hand halting
