The Oreans

Chapter 41

Chapter 41
Light in the Dark

Girl before a Door ...

That was the title of the painting before her. It had always been the first thing Erin saw in the morning and the last she saw at night. Many times she had pondered who the subject of the picture was, what it meant and who painted it. Once she had asked their elderly chambermaid about it, but she learned nothing at all. She could have easily dropped the matter if not for the fact that it was so much like the dream she had been constantly having: the girl before the door.

Erin had had the dream about the girl again last night. This time, though it seemed to be a little different, the girl had failed to open the door. Basically, however, it was just like all her other dreams.

How many times she had had it, she did not know. It seemed she had been having it since she was very little. Then, she was too young to give it much attention. But now, she could not help but ponder over its significance to her. The recurrence of a dream must mean something.

Lady Enthea had looked as if she knew about the one she had had a month ago, though Erin could not understand how she had learned about it. Erin had had no courage to ask her about it, and even if she had, there had been no opportunity to do so. She had seen her only a few times since that strange night. And in each of them, Princess Roseana and Miel had been with her, too. She had already warned her not to share the dream with anyone else — even with her friends — until the right time came.

But when would the right time come? Oh, if only it could be soon!

A knock on the door broke her reverie, and she went to open it. Miel's smiling face greeted her.

"Good morning, I'm thinking of having a walk in the garden," Miel said. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Where is the princess?"

"Out with queen in the royal graveyard... It's the prince's birth anniversary today, remember?"

"I should like to pay respect, too."

"Unfortunately, they think we're too young for that. Erin, I'm feeling so lonesome by myself, and I am now at your mercy. You can drive me away and let me die in misery, or get your coat and keep me company."

"Okay, I'll just get my coat," she replied with a laugh.

The garden of Leone with its grottoes and fountains and assortment of flowers and ornaments proved to be a pleasant change from the sight of their quarters, much more because Miel was with her and talking to her again. What had happened a month ago was still fresh in her mind. She had been afraid Miel's refusal to speak to her meant the end of their friendship. Erin had been tempted to share everything with her, just so they would make up. It had been a relief therefore when Miel had realized that she had been in the wrong and apologized to her. In this strange land, Miel's presence was her only comfort.

"Hi, young ladies," said a mellow voice from behind them. "I see you're having a walk. Can I join you?"

Erin's heart fluttered a bit as she recognized its owner. She looked around slowly to see Lady Loreine's nephew, Avalco, smiling at them. Miel, being more outgoing than she was, had no problem replying to him, "It will be an honor, sir."

Standing next to Miel, he said, "Drop the sir or any formalities. I told you my name already, right?"

Erin nodded once, her hands a bit clammy. Though he knew their secret through his aunt, he was still a stranger.

"By the way, where is your sister?" he asked with a conspiring smile.

Miel told him.

"Ah yes. I myself shall pay a visit later."