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There were so many kobolds that it took Charmain a moment to notice that the bubbles from the fireplace were nearly gone.

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Charmain thought he was probably right. "Very well," she said above the yelling. "I'm here. What's the problem?"

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Of course he hasn't run away. I was here when he went. He was very unwell and the elves had to carry him. He would have died if the elves hadn't taken him."

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And I should think you had enough pride to help me do it."

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How kind of you to offer Us your services. In the normal way, We would find the assistance of Our Daughter, the Princess Hilda, sufficient for Our need; but it so happens that the Princess is about to receive Important Visitors and is obliged to forgo her Work in the Library for the duration of the Visit. We therefore gratefully accept your Kind Offer, on a temporary basis. If you would be so Good as to present yourself at the Royal Mansion this coming Wednesday Morning, at around ten-thirty, We shall be happy to receive you in Our Library and instruct you in Our Work.

Your Obliged and Grateful

Adolphus Rex Norlandi Alti

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Charmain gave a cry of outrage and rushed forward to pick them up.

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"So you see it is useful to sit and read a lot!" she announced to the air. By this time, however, she knew she was trying to justify herself to the world—if not to Peter—because she had been rather too impressed with herself for getting a letter from the King. "Oh, well," she said. "Come on, Waif."

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