Violant strolled through the streets of Kingsborough. The capital retained its typical style and atmosphere even in times of war, although the mood was doubtlessly more sullen. The cold winds of October did only add to the melancholy mood felt everywhere. As for why Violant was in the capital again that she had last visited after her mission in Giudena: She had come to represent the margravial house at the biannual debut ball. Even in wartime the royal family didn’t intermit the tradition, most likely to keep up at least a semblance of normalcy. However, the noble families which were caught up in the war or had the duty of defending the borders as was the case for the marquis houses were officially excused from attending.

Violant was the only Avallach attending this time around. Her foster father Orderic had his hands full with the still continuing war and crisis in the other march, so much in fact that the organization of the margraviate’s territory was completely left to Mortimer and Sybil to handle. This was good chance to increase experience for the future margrave couple. You couldn’t count on Parcie for this kind of matter. Who knows what battlefield he was currently roaming? There was not the slightest doubt that the current situation of Yteland was perfect for a musclehead like him.

Violant had come to attend this debut ball only because it was a special event. Prince Wynkin had turned fifteen earlier this year and would accordingly have his debut as a royal this time around. With this, the youngest prince was now an adult too, although he had had the most imposing stature out of all his siblings for several years already.

Additionally, the house of Avallach was especially indebted to the eighth prince because he had taken his troops and rushed to their aid when Avallach town and castle had been besieged by grand ducal troops from the other march back in August. With the berserk prince’s help it had been possible to repel the otherworldly invaders, albeit temporarily. The reconstruction was still going on and one of the many things that kept Mortimer and Sybil busy.

After his stay in Avallach, Prince Wynkin had furthermore continuously brought to the attention of Prince Edric the matter regarding the flood of refugees from the other march currently swamping the margraviate. Both princes then had informed King Baldwin about the problematic situation. This had led to the crown opening the former duchy of Ealdon (which had almost been spared from war) for the otherworldly refugees. This action not only allowed averting a humanitarian crisis in Avallach but also led to a significant population growth in the duchy that was comparatively short on hands during harvest season. The influx of denizens of the other match changed Ealdon so deeply that it became known as Little Avallach few months afterwards.

All in all the house of Avallach was deeply in Wynkin’s debt and thus decided to give him face by sending one of their family members to attend. The choice fell on Violant in the end, leading to her current presence in the capital.

“Lady Violant, it’s you, isn’t it?” a bell-like voice resounded.

“It’s her for sure, I say.”

“I concur. No doubt about it.” Two almost identical voices chimed in.

Violant turned around in surprise. At the roadside she saw an open tent exuding a mysterious atmosphere, and sitting inside there were three almost identical gorgeous women with spotless snow-white faces, clad in dresses grey like fog, and combing their incredibly long silky hair floating in the air like fog whose color it also resembled. The three women were denizens of the other march. To be exact they were refugees from the other march of the grand duchy whose life Violant had happened to save. The trio of keshalyis, a generally unsettled kind of fairiy beings, afterwards continued to roam Yteland like the travelling people they had been in the other march, and before parting they had promised Violant to read her future should they ever meet again. Only that this event came to pass earlier than any of them had thought.

“Yes, it is indeed me.” the redhead affirmed “I am happy to see that you seem to do well. But it is surprising to meet you again in the capital. Here are not many from over there, after all.”

“But a lot of customers asking to have their future read.” a keshalyi answered and her sisters nodded “Dou you want to have yours read too, Lady Violant? We have promised you, after all.”

“Well, why not?” the young lady affirmed with a shrug. “It won’t hurt to do so.”

Thus she sat down in the tent of the tree fortune tellers. The keshalyis asked her to show them her hand which they studied intricately. Their highly concentrated expressions changed into surprise after some time.

“Your fate is steadily changing. Most of it is obscure. “The first keshalyi declared.

“Only the nearest future is clear. Nobody can know where it will take you from there.” the second added.

“You’re in for a big surprise; and that also quite soon.” the third joined in.

“That’s the only thing that’s clear to see.” the second keshalyi explained.

“But we can’t tell you.” the third added.

“It’s dangerous for us to tell you, not dangerous to you.” the first concluded.

Then the keshalyi trio began to chant jointly:

“A surprise is waiting for you

but nothing dangerous

and if you ask what it might do,

it’s rather fabulous.

But speaking about it too much

is nothing to be done,

for if we should proceed as such

there’s nothing to be won.

If the planner might learn of this

his fun is likely spoiled

and a surprise it isn’t, Miss,

if we were to be boiled.

So for the sake of us three seers

refrain from asking us

and we will send you forth with cheers,

for is it worth the fuss.

Allow us to repeat again

what happens will be fine.

For you courageous, good woman

life isn’t on the line.

Your future changing more than thought

might be indeed the case.

Apart from battles that you fought

you will tread on new ways.

Your happiness you might then find,

we wish you dearly well,

but if we our tongues don’t bind

we’re on the way to hell.

So let us a last time repeat

that we will say no more.

A surprise is what you will meet.

Be eager you therefor.”

After the chant had ended, Violant took her leave from the keshalyis, no wiser than before. All she knew was that a big surprise would await her in the near future, but what it was, the keshalyis obviously weren’t willing to tell her. The trio seemed to fear some power only they could perceive that was connected with this prophecy and that was threatening enough for them to shut their mouths. At least this mysterious surprise brought Violant no danger for life and limb. That was all she had learnt. But the red-haired girl didn’t really care. Whatever her fate might have in store for her in this lifetime, she would take it head on. For now she had to prepare herself for the debut ball event she would visit the day after tomorrow. She could still ponder about the rather questionable prophecy after she had returned to Avallach.