Pulchra Arcanum

Part III (Final Image)

§Pulchra Arcanum§

Megara sat on the hill watching over the people as they fell back into their daily routines. Since she didnt have a job yet, other than her studies, Megara wasnt doing anything of importance yet. Later she would meet with the council to begin to plan how to protect Domum, but that wasnt for a few hours. Adina and Leopold were off doing whatever they did during the days, Emaline was working with her mother, so Megara was left to her thoughts.

The moon before, Megara had been hiding in a cellar. She spoke to no one, waited anxiously for Merlin to arrive home after a day of doing who knew what. She read her books all day long every day, eating only a few apples for the days worth of meals. Now, she sat overlooking fields and homes and wide open space. She had eaten her fill at breakfast and would eat a modest lunch before meeting with the council of Domum, a collection of people who were powerful and knowing and the protectors of the village. She was revered as a hero. She had a mother who doted on her, making her new dresses and styling her hair in beautiful manners every day. She had friends who loved her. Real friends, not just her animal friend Luter Terram.

As she thought on all of this a smile spread across her mouth. She was becoming proud of who she was. She was not just Merlins secret any more; she now possessed her own beautiful secret, a home which was full of devotion to each other. A beautiful home which she was destined to hide from the rest of the world it was so pure. She remembered how he used to tell her about her higher way of living; she remembered thinking the mouse stealing from the ants was a good example of this. But she realized now she was wrong. A higher way of living was living for someone else, living to protect and serve another person beside yourself. And she was grateful shed learned this now.

As the day progressed Megara found herself walking along the road toward the council house. It wasnt quite time for her lessons, but shed grown bored of sitting on the hill. As she wandered through the villagers who were repairing their stores many of the women offered her beautiful gifts of jewelry and fabrics. She denied them all, insisting theyd need to sell them to the others who had money, but she was glad they were thinking of her.

She was on the street before the council house before she came upon the queen walking with her younger daughter. They smiled at her and the princess walked over and hugged her. Thank you, Megara! she whispered in her ear.

My name is Meggy, she corrected with a smile.

The princess smiled. Mine is Leah.

Megara smiled politely at her then looked to the queen. Hello, she said.

The queen smiled for a moment before it slipped from her face. Her eyes looked sad. Megara, are you happy?

She decided not to correct the queen on her name, but she wouldnt lie to the queen. I am happy to be home. Im happy were all safe.

But youre lonely, she perceived.

Im less lonely than I was! Megara insisted with a grin.

The queen smiled simply. Alright, she said quietly. Get on your way then.

Megara continued down the road and found the council house and the council members entering it. She walked through the door with Ibb. She walked in and sat on the chair theyd left for her in the middle of the room. She sat down as the rest of the council took their seats and looked around, waiting for their meeting to begin. Are you ready to begin? Edith asked Megara once silence filled the room.

I think so, she said.

Megara, a woman near the door said. My name is Gloriana. I shape shift. I hear you can do this as well?