Echoes in Darkness

Chapter 5 - Dahiell

There was something about her. The way she stood, the way she talked. It seemed familiar to me. She was the girl that I locked eyes with in the crowd. I knew somewhere deep down she was special; why? I didn't know.

          "Dahiell, could you go alert the Historian of our new guest. Make sure she is not going to be trouble," my father said.

          I gave a nod of my head, and took off to the library. Since the threat from Hutan, father had been sure to make sure that all visitors were watched closely, and made sure they were legitimate. I burst through the library doors and was welcomed by the Historian. "Well if it isn't my favorite prince. What can I do for you Dahiell?" He leaned over his desk, watching me over his glasses.

          "The Lottery is over, and my father needs information on the girl who won. Her name is Alexandrine Nayana Calantha Bugus," I said.

          "I'll see what I can do." He gave me a wink, then disappeared behind his desk. He came back with a large book, placing it on his desk with a soft thud. He fingered through the first few pages. "Bugus correct?"

          "Yes."

          He began to talk to himself. He tapped the book, and left to find another. He went to a nearby shelf. He pulled a book down, and set it on top of the other book. "Alexandrine Bugus," he said quietly to himself. He flipped through multiple pages. I was beginning to get nervous. "I'm not seeing any Alexandrine Bugus."

          "What?"

          "Not so much as a mention. I have Isiah, Emile, Hadlee, Joel, Nason, Genevieve, Lance, and Maria. Along with Adrian and Ulani, but no Alexandrine. Let me check under her mother."

          He went back to the shelves. "You shouldn't worry Dahiell. We'll find her."

          I glanced at the name of her mother. Her maiden name was Calantha. The Historian set another book on the table. He let out a disbelieving sigh then went back to his shelves to find another book. I was beginning to get nervous. He flipped through more pages of the book before he came to a loose page.

          "Here. Seventeen years ago the Bugus family registered another child into their care. No name was provided only that it was an infant girl. Many families do this. Keep their child's name a secret for privacy. Or no name was decided, and they never alerted us about their name." He was reasoning with the missing name. "Here."

I looked at the document. It had the royal seal, and a signature. The date was seventeen years ago a week before Givings. Just as the Historian had said. No name was given, but there were the parent's signatures, an official signature, and the royal seal.

          My nerves calmed. There would be no need for any extensive search. I gave him a nod and left the library. Even if one document stated she had no name, and adopted. She had won. Still there was no explination for why her name wasn't in the books. How could he be so sure?

I knew there was only one Bugus line. They were once a noble house of Lagranda; the most trust worthy, at that. They were the first noble house when Felix Lagranda had parted from Hutan, and made the kingdom of Lagranda. Crossing Arantxa, and forming the final kingdom in Lux Unla. I had to learn of all these things during my time under the tutors. Early in Lagranda history the House of Bugus was created, and soon removed. Other houses claimed the House of Bugus were conspiring against the throne. Felix removed the house, and a week later he was dead. Assassinated, and people were blaming the House of Bugus. All memory of the house was removed from any new text, and book.

          The halls kept going until I got to my father's study. I knocked once, and opened the door. He was turned and looking out the window. My mother sitting in a chair looking at him. He turned and met my gaze. "What did you find?" he asked.