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My anie

I unslunginto the bush and hooking two fingers through the string I pulled it to round

Hurry, my animal whispered

I pulled an end of the string and watched the bow fall away Pushing the rest of the string off, I then peeled back the material, one side at a time A folded piece of parchment waited atop a leather-bound book

My heart surged Exciterinned like an idiot

What is it, a book? my animal asked in confusion

It’s soical

I unfolded the parchment first To maximize anticipation, you should always read the card before opening the present

Dear Finley,

I apologize for how I left I knew if I’d given you the choice, you would’ve made me stay for a few more days My duty forbids it, but I wouldn’t have been able to resist you As it was, I could barely control le with him would’ve woken the whole house Then I would’ve been at your mercy

You have becoreatest weakness

After this correspondence, we can sever all non-urgent ties, co the elixir that nulls the effects of the demon-spawned sickness Before that, however, there are some promises I must keep

1) On the next sheet, I have created a table indicating when it will be safe for you to travel to this field As long as I breathe, I will clear the way for you Certain parts of the hts after a certain hour you will be safe Please pass by the birch so that I know you are in residence, and if I suspect danger is near, I will come to your aid It is my duty as your prince (don’t sass me about it)

2) I will continue to tend this field for your use (I have always tended it for your use) Please see that your village is fully supplied hatever they need

3) Please send me any questions you may have about the everlass plants, and I will supply whatever information I ard, but until then, I am at your service My mother would’ve insisted