The Simple House of Duffrey

(38) The Sixth Year

My Summer began the moment I had hatched my plan to go and search the family Castle for any object that might be related to the Peverell family. Of course, my friends were telling me it wouldn't matter because it wasn't the item which had cursed generations of this branch of the family. I dare say I didn't want to know what the other two brothers had made. I stepped out into the Castle half expecting to have been rebounded. This meant that in the year or two in which my Fathers distant cousins had lived here they had indeed kept everything in order.

Stephen, it seemed took a long time to appear behind me, though I had clearly stated where I was going. He finally followed through and we were left standing between the two huge staircases on the far side of the entry hall. Nearer to the door of course, would be that portrait of Jeremiah and Natalie where most people as guests entered from.

"Wow" he said looking around at all the grandiosity such as artworks and house banners. He then reached out to a cold exposed wall "It's much older than I expected".

"It's Scotland, everything's old, and damp" I remarked. Phydime meanwhile had found the high ceiling beam and was looking to a skylight apprehensively. An elf noticing this snapped his fingers and it opened. My owl then hooted happily before entering out to the dwindling daylight. Behind us the fireplace roared again and out stepped my sister with askew glasses and cobwebbed hair. 'Hunting' appeared to be a contact sport.

"Anna, what are you..." she began and then Stephen appeared in front of her and extended his hand. She smiled and shook it. Rather Tristine's very extremely beautiful look paled in comparison to a nearly adult Stephen when he needed to charm someone. Luckily, for me she was immune and quickly stepped past him, watching the hustle and bustle of the everyday residents, all under four feet tall.

A young but well clothed elf in a vest and kilt addressed us, "we've gotten the master and mistresses chambers ready for you" he said.

"What we're not..." I tried to say but Stephen seemed utterly amused. Forgetting Mary was there he stepped forward and boasted a little at my expense.

"...but look how excited they all are?" Stephen said wrapping his arm around me. The sight of which caused quite a few more smiles as our meals, sundry items, new clothes and fresh linens were all being dragged about in all directions to their new place. Behind the three of us now, Evelyn popped out of the fireplace and then it went dark.

"Lynnie" squeaked the vested boy elf and he ran to Evelyn giving her a great hug. She however watching the others working, had a fearful look on her face. Still she didn't let go of her hug.

"That's Evelyn's younger brother" Mary told us. "I gave her permission to visit as much as she wants but she's afraid to come too much and he's a castle elf." That made me think of the question I had had about loyalty from the family-free elves. Lynnie came forward with him still hugging her shoulders and apologized.

"I'm sorry young Miss, I think they misunderstood when I brought your things here." I smiled, rather it was fine now that Mary was here to act as a guardian for us and as my excuse for not going home.

"There is no misunderstanding. My mistress is here to fill the castle once again, with Mr. Sayre's help" said the little vested miscreant. Putting aside my gut reaction, I thought it was best to kill with kindness rather than melt into an embarrassed puddle on the floor. Even Stephen looked a bit paler at his words, the joke had gone a bit farther than he had expected.

"May I have your name?" I said reaching out to shake his little hand.

"I am Agarth, ma'am, your most loyal servant" he bowed then shook my hand with both of his, but Evelyn looked a bit apprehensive. She obviously had noticed that Stephen and I were neither of age or married yet, not to mention still had two years of schooling left.