Francesca's Dream

Among the Ashes

"So did you find out anything useful about your friends?" Eric asked. Both Eric and Francesca had once again locked themselves inside the study. Eager to tell him of her findings; she slid a note under his bed room door, asking his to meet her there once everyone had gone to sleep. "They will be free! He said that whoever "they" are is working on a way to get them out!" She said in a half whisper- half squeal of excitement. "This is great news!" Eric replied. He wrapped his hands around her waist, lifting her off the ground in a fierce hug. 

Suddenly the cold ,sleepy fire place awoke in a bright explosion of orange, and red. The flames left as quickly as then came; leaving behind a parchment envelope. Eric quickly set Francesca back on the floor; rushing over to the fire place, its coals still alive, smoldering. He plucked the envelope from the ashes, whipping what remained away revealing a glittering gold seal. Its insignia of The High Court of Oz. Eric sucked in a breath; "What is it?" She asked placing her hand on his shoulder. "Its a letter from The High Court of Oz, It's from her." He looked at Francesca with fear in his eyes; like a deer in the sight of the hunter. He broke open the seal; fiery green letters shot out of the envelope. They projected in sheer thin air. 

Dear, First Sargent Raswood

 I have made plans to visit this established Cur Facility; It is in my understand that you own a rather large estate, in which my court and I may stay. As your queen, I expect to be welcomed in open arms. I shall be arriving by five-O' clock in the eighteenth of this month. 

Sincerely, Your Queen

The fear of the queen discovering they're plan was all to real; Eric's hand shook. "If she finds out of what has become, she could kill us or worse, the whole rebellion." He said with a harsh breath. "She will be here in three days; there is no time to prepare the entire estate in time. We would have to have the staff working around the clock." He said with dis-pare and worry in his eyes. "We could try and take on more staff." Francesca piped up, placing a hand on his back "We don't have time to train them!" Eric said his voice steadily rising. "Shh! Calm down, we will figure this out. We can have the stable boys start working on landscaping, the other maids and I can split each floor, Heather can take her usual spot in the kitchen, and Mr. Ellis can help, where ever help is needed. You could help too just to make sure things go according to plan." Francesca said trying to sound as cheerful as she could muster. 

"Your right, This is my house I should be able to help, and have a say in its up keeping. Collect the rest of the staff at the bottom of the stairs. Its time to get to work. We still have most of the afternoon to get started." Eric said with a bit of encouragement.

The staff was gathered at the bottom of the stairs at Eric's request. It had taken a great deal of effort on her part ,to  get the twins inside without being covered in mud and feces at the hands of Declan. Non the less everyone was there; Eric stood on the top of the stairs dressed in slacks and a T-shirt. "I have gathered everyone here because we have a predicament. I have just received a fire message from our queen, saying that she will be arriving here for a visit on her travels through out Oz. She will be staying here for at least two days, while she is touring this portion of the region. It's all hands on deck until she leaves; so I will need all of your help to prepare and keep the estate in order." He said, his voice projecting loud and proud.

 "You three maids will be in charge of splitting the house up among your selves , and prepping the rooms for her arrival. You boys are in charge of all things outside, this includes landscaping. If I can I will try and get some people from the camp to help you." He said pointing his finger down at them. "Heather you have the whole kitchen to your self as usual. Mr. Ellis, will be in change of keeping everything in order, and over seeing things. I will also be running around helping in anyway I can." He said with pride in his voice. " Now lets get started."