Freddie paused. “Is something wrong?” she asked.
Marigold looked down at her hands and wiped them on her dress. “It’s just that–I feel that I’ve heard that name before. Lousy Farm.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Freddie said proudly, sitting up a little straighter. “Lots of strange, wonderful things grow here, and then, people do talk. We’re not famous, of course, but the name of our farm and the name of our family are both well known.”
“And what is your name? Your full name?”
“Winifred Leister. We’re the Leisters. Sound familiar, too?”
“Vaguely,” Marigold said. “But I can’t place it.”
Freddie looked at her closely.
“You said you were travelling–but where are you from?” she asked.
Marigold opened her mouth, then closed it again.
“I came from the fire kingdom,” she said, “and I’m not sure where I am now.”
Freddie widened her eyes.
“Dragons?” she said.
Marigold nodded.
“I’ve always wanted to go there,” Freddie said with excitement. “Did you know any dragon shifters?”
“Of course,” Marigold said.
“I’d like to see one, one day.”
“Forgive me,” Marigold said, “I don’t want to interrupt your excitement for anything, of course, but could you tell me where I am?”
“You’re in Lanoden.”
“Small kingdom just to the southeast of the water kingdom?”
“Exactly,” Freddie said. “We’ve heard all about the big wars abroad, the fire and water kingdom and their ancient rivalry. But as you probably know, our little section of the world stays neutral, partially because we are so vulnerable. No beasts or magical creatures thrive here. With the exception of a few skilled healers, we don’t host anyone with enhanced powers.” Freddie paused, and smiled. “Something in the soil, perhaps.”
Marigold resumed picking her parsley.
“There was war brewing between those kingdoms when I left–you might have heard.”
“We’re all terrified of the water king,” Freddie said, frowning. “He’s taking over all of the realms remotely within his reach, and we figure it’s only a matter of time before he turns his eye on Lanoden. But we have hope that the fire king will respond before that happens. King Topaz has a good reputation in this part of the country.”
Marigold nodded.
“He deserves his reputation,” she said. “He is a good man.”
“You’ve met him?” Freddie said quickly.
Marigold didn’t know why, but she lied.
“No, of course not. I only know that he has been a good ruler during his tenure. And word in our kingdom is that hewillchallenge the water king. In fact, there’s some of us that believe he has already sent a secret fellowship to stop the water king unawares, to, with stealth, begin hostilities and end that evil reign. Of course, I know nothing for sure,” she added. “This is just talk.”
Freddie sighed.
“I have such a terrible crush on him. Young, dashing, powerful.”
