Castle Idyll You stand in the entrance of a great hall. To your left a black iron grate safeguards a neatly swept hearth at the base of the wall. Tongues of flame lick the remnants of a charred log, as the fire gives an impressive roar before settling down to crackle merrily. The focus of the room is on a pair of velvet plum armchairs beside a low, burnished royal oak table; the whole arrangement resting on a deep burgundy carpet. Your astounded gaze slowly travels up the sturdy grey-stone walls, which proudly display colossal banners of royal red, imperial purple and majestic blue; the colors of the House of Idyl. Ancient and rusty swords are mounted above the height of ten men, next to murals depicting battles of long ago and heroes long dead. You tilt your head up and receive a full view of the vast dome ceiling, painted a misty blue to resemble the sky.

An echo thrums from somewhere off and you turn to face whomever is approaching. The faint footfalls, hardly making a whisper on the white-marble floor, gradually become louder. Then a tall, graceful figure rounds the corner and pauses just a moment for the full effect to take place. Though heavily veiled, there is no doubt in your mind that she is the lovliest creature you have ever seen. "Good day," she greets you, taking your hand warmly. "The Princess extends her welcome and will be with you very shortly." The Princess? you wonder. She lifts her veil and smiles at you, beaming. It is only then you notice that she is but a girl, perhaps a little over sixteen.

"Yes, yes, the Princess, you mumble. "And if I may inquire...?"

I am among the Princess's many maids. I am often the one sent to formally greet visitors, as she is unable to do so herself. Right this way, I shall take you to her tower." She leads you by the hand out of the great hall and through many tastefully and richly decorated rooms, festooned in the crown colors. She stops to unlock and -chain an old wooden door that wouldn't remonstrate a good oiling. You proceed up a tightly spiraling staircase and feel the bare, grey walls closing in on
this intruder. After what seems like ages you finally reach the top and step over the threshold and into the tower.

"Thank you, Mala. That will do." At the gentle command the girl politely steps out, and firmly shuts the protesting door behind her.

"Hello?" you call. After a moment's consideration, you decided that 'hiya' is not they way you're supposed to address royalty. "Your majesty?"

"Please sit down," requests a light and airy voice. You make yourself as comfortable as you can in the hard, high-backed wooden chair. "Greetings and welcome to my humble abode. I am Princess Jessica of the Idyllic, though have in my life been named many names. And as to answer your unasked question, the answer is yes. I am a Princess of long ago, left by my lonesome in this castle when my father, brothers, uncles and cousins so galliantly headed off to war. Thus they freed our kingdom and Castle Idyl,but never did return. In his rage the defeated Lord had his mages curse me. The curse was such that I have never been allowed to leave my tower in life or in death [you can read an exaggerated version of my story in the castle library]. That is why you can hear me but cannot see me. Although I have since perished my spirit doth remain, and I still rightfully govern this kingdom. I shall describe to you the way I looked in my youth, for this is the way I prefer to be remembered. I have angelic blue eyes tinged magnificent green and fabulously soft, docile russet hair.

I retain the innocence of childhood yet possess the wisdom of age. Never has an un- or half-truth left my lips, my council led astray, or lo! my friends depart for lack of understanding. But enough of myself ~ I am truly the most enthralled by visitors such as yourself, if you don't mind my putting it so bluntly. I'm afraid that I am known for my forwardness. Please do tell of your adventures and do not be modest; I am sure the life of a traveler such as yourself must be much more exciting than spending your days knitting, secure in an enchanted castle age after age. Alas there is no time for that now. But if you inscribe your story in my guestbook for future reading I would be much obliged. Now," she said, after a pause, "I have given orders for our honored guest to roam the castle freely and at will."

You look behind you, confused.

She gives a soft, tinkling laugh like pretty wind chimes in the breeze. This was followed by a very un-feminine snort. "My dear, it is you! You are the honored guest. Now I have only one request of you, and that is that you do not enter my chambers again. Even spirits grow weary and I must rest now. Do enjoy your stay at Castle Idyl, although I am sure we will
keep company again at a later course! Fare thee well!"

Mala, who seems to have been waiting for her cue, reaches out and takes your arm, gently guiding you through the door and depositing you at the foot of the staircase. She leaves you in the midst of the imposing Castle Idyl. Princess Jessica of the Idyllic has given permission for you to roam the castle freely and at will? Hmmm, you wonder. Where shall you go from here?





| Credits