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Harald opened the letters and found awoirl looked about seventeen Harald didn't doubt that it was not a true likeness He knew the Seigneur de Maupassant's daughter was a spotty-faced twelve-year-old and he wasn't going to be fooled by an artist's rendering

'Your father wants you to obtain a similar likeness of yourself It is his intention to present it to the seigneur at the signing of the e contract'

'What contract?'

'Your father is anxious that the e take place as soon as possible All the necessary arrangements are in hand If you are unable to make the journey to France, your brother will act as proxy'

It sounded like a replay of his firstGuy Harald's head went into a spin

'Mother, this is ridiculous'

'It is what your father wants'

'I must protest'

'Harald, your father wills it You are his heir only so long as he deems you fit to receive that honour If you wish to disobey him, that is your choice But be mindful that he will strike you from the inheritance and there will be no place for you in this house'

Interlude

Winter passed into spring and arded the festival as an unfortunate relic froan times Others saw it as part of an ancient tradition that had to be defended from killjoys out to stop their fun