The Oreans

Chapter 9

Chapter 9
Red and Gold

Alen never felt more thrilled in his life. First, of course, he passed the test, and the commander seemed pleased at his performance. He introduced him at once to the other Oreans in the camp, who in turn seemed to like him on the spot. Even Troydes was smiling although Alen sensed there was something nasty about it.

The most exciting thing of all happened after Adrien's short conversation with the commander: Lord Melvil himself invited him to come with him to the mansion. The commander said it was Miel's request. He could finally talk with Miel!

The mansion was full of people when they arrived. It seemed as if Lord Melvil had thrown a party and everybody important in the kingdom decided to show up. Alen was overwhelmed by the elegant crowd who gathered to meet the commander at the hall. He therefore felt grateful when Nashe came to him.

"She's in her room," Miel's attendant informed them.

"Take him to her," the commander said.

Alen followed her to a side door, up a circular staircase, and along a wide corridor, lined by paintings and sculptures. He stared at the masterpieces around him as he walked after Nashe, marveling who created them when...

"Alen, I'm here."

Miel was standing by an open door, which had been closed when Alen passed.

"I'll leave you, now," Nashe told them.

"Yes, thank you," Alen said at her retreating form.

"Come," Miel said, going into the room. Alen followed her. It was not her bedroom but an anteroom. There was a staircase that went round and round to a small trapdoor above. "You go first."

Alen climbed the stairs, not knowing what he would see. He was expecting that the trapdoor would open to the roof, and when he emerged from it he thought that it indeed was since the light blue autumn sky greeted him. When he looked more closely however, he realized that he was just in a chamber-a glass chamber. He turned around. The domed roof and the two sides were indeed made of glass. One side had a grotto with an artificial spring and lined with ornamental plants. The other side overlooked the courtyard and was lined with a railing and trimmed flower bushes. There was a round table surrounded by four high-backed cushioned armchairs and two rocking chairs.

"My den... This is my father's and my favorite place," said Miel as she emerged from the trapdoor. "Do you like it?"

"Yes," Alen said. "It's very beautiful."

Miel closed the trapdoor, drew a deep breath and, to Alen's surprise, did a pirouette.

"Oh, I'm so happy, Alen!" she burst out. "I thought yesterday morning that I'd never be. But I'm so happy right now."

"I am happy, too," he said, and told her the good news.

"Wow, that's great!" she exclaimed, wringing his hands. "When are you going to start?"

"Two days from now. They told me trainees don't come to camp on weekends."

"Then, that means we can see each other more often now?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Oh, I'm so glad for you!" She released his hands and began to walk to and fro in front of him. "If I could only join, too..."

"Why don't you ask your father?" he asked, watching her.

"Ask Father?" She stopped in her tracts. "Are you joking? Girls are not allowed..."