Dyder startles awake as the coach climbs sharply up onto the grey brick, causing his head to bounce against the wooden wall of the coach. Rubbing his head, he looks out the window, watching the autumn-foliaged oak trees that line the approach to Heren Manor as they fall back, shaded behind the south wing.

  Dyder reaches across, gently shaking Ede’s shoulder, waking her and letting her know they have arrived.

  The sun sits just above the central wing as the coach slows and rounds the top of the approach. The large three-floor manor forms a crescent shape around the carriage path; the first floor is a dark cobblestone, which transitions to half-timbered upper floors with a slanted dormer roof.

  The coach stops just before the cobblestone stair leading up to the large, oaken doors; the decorative iron reinforcements and hinges, polished to a mirror sheen, glisten in the early morning light.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  The coachman rings the bell next to him, and the door slowly opens. An older man, of about 50, steps outside and walks to the coach. Both, Dyder and Ede, sick of being confined to to the coach after the 18 hour ride, stand in anticipation as they wait for the door to open; quickly exiting as soon as it does.

  “Der’Dornytter.” The steward bows, then turns to Mina. “Mina bela’Heren, I am quite surprised to see both of you; I figured you would write and inform us of an intent to visit.”

  “I’m sorry, Bal?; it was rather spontaneous.” Says Ede.

  “There have been some—rather shocking—developments, and Gekaryna vela’Herst had originally sent me down, but Mina wished to visit as well.” Dyder adds.

  “Ahhh, yes; it has been quite some time since Mina bela’Heren has been to Sc?dstan, hasn’t it? For what reason did vela’Herst send you to our lovely manor, der’Dornytter?”

  “You will know shortly, but for now I must speak to Alavel ber’Heren.”

  “Hmm.” Bal? nods; he has a decent idea why Dyder has arrived. “Certainly, follow me. I have made sure your luggage is placed in the appropriate rooms; it will be in your bedroom. Mina bela’Heren, as for you, der’Dornytter, please come find me after you have finished your talk with ber’Heren.” He leads them into the Heren Manor.

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